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Thursday 4 August 2016
Carlsbad Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Mia Coy Campbell, 33, of Carlsbad, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to violating the federal firearms laws by unlawfully possessing a firearm. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Campbell will be sentenced to 60 months in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Campbell was arrested on Sept. 24, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with unlawfully possessing a firearm on July 30 and 31, 2015, in Eddy and Chaves Counties, N.M. According to the complaint, law enforcement officers found an assault rifle, which Campbell allegedly used to shoot at an occupied residence in Carlsbad, when they executed a search warrant at a residence in Roswell, N.M.
Campbell was indicted in Oct. 2015, and charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm in Eddy County on Aug. 4, 2015. The indictment was superseded in Feb. 2016, to charge Campbell with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm based on his possession of firearms on July 31, 2015 and Aug. 4, 2015, and one count of unlawfully possessing a machinegun on July 31, 2015. Campbell was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior felony convictions for possession of methamphetamine and escape of a prisoner.
During today’s proceedings, Campbell entered a guilty plea to the superseding indictment. In entering the guilty plea, Campbell admitted that on July 30 and 31, 2015, he possessed an assault rifle, which is considered a machinegun under federal law. Campbell also admitted that on Aug. 4, 2015, he unlawfully possessed a pistol. Campbell acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his status as a convicted felon.
Campbell remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Campbell also is awaiting sentencing in another federal case in which a federal jury convicted him in March 2016, of being a felon in possession of a firearm. In that case, the jury found Campbell guilty of unlawfully possessing a firearm in Eddy County on Sept. 24, 2015. Campbell faces a statutory maximum penalty of ten years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Roswell office of the FBI and the Carlsbad Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy M. Castellano and John A. Balla of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
Caribou Man Sentenced to 28 Months for Bath Salts Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Dustin Giles, 31, of Caribou, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. for conspiring to distribute bath salts to 28 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant pled guilty to the charge on January 12, 2016.
According to court records, between about January 2012 and June 2014, Giles conspired with others in Aroostook County to obtain bath salts overseas via the internet and distribute it. Specifically, Giles was supplied with bath salts by another member of the conspiracy and distributed it to multiple customers.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Bowie Man Sentenced for Illegally Removing Artifacts from Prehistoric Native American SiteRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. - David James Ioli, 69, of Bowie, Ariz., was sentenced today by U.S. Magistrate Judge D. Thomas Ferraro to five years of probation and ordered to pay over $8,000 to the Bureau of Land Management after previously pleading guilty to unlawfully removing ancient Native American artifacts from an archaeological site on public land.
On multiple occasions in April and May 2012, Ioli visited the Nine Mile Archaeological Site, which is owned and managed by the BLM, near Bowie. Archaeologists date the site to the late Mogollon to early Salado period, which would make it between a thousand and eight hundred years old. During his visits, Ioli excavated and removed numerous artifacts, including pottery, arrowheads, and grinding stones known as manos and metates. Judge Ferraro ordered the repayment of $8,707 to compensate the BLM for both the restoration and repair of the site and the loss of scientific knowledge caused by the removal of the artifacts from their archaeological context. As an additional condition of probation, Ioli is not permitted to enter lands owned by the BLM, the National Park Service, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Ioli was also required to turn over to the BLM all the artifacts he took and all the tools he used to remove them.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Land Management. The prosecution was handled by Brian R. Decker, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-336-TUC-CKJ(DTF)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-058_Ioli
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Alleged Associates of La Cosa Nostra Charged with Extortion and LoansharkingRead the Press Release
Five alleged associates of the Genovese La Cosa Nostra (LCN) crime family were charged today with extortion by threat of physical violence, making extortionate extensions of credit and collection on an extension of credit by extortionate means.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz of the District of Massachusetts; Hampden County, Massachusetts, District Attorney Anthony Gulluni; Special Agent in Charge Harold H. Shaw of the FBI’s Boston Division; and Colonel Richard D. McKeon of the Massachusetts State Police announced.
Ralph Santaniello, 49, of Longmeadow, Massachusetts; Giovanni Calabrese, aka John Calabrese, 53, of Longmeadow; Gerald Daniele, 51, of Longmeadow; Francesco Depergola, 60, of Springfield, Massachusetts; and Richard Valentini, 51, of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, were each charged with one count of collecting on an extension of credit by extortionate means. In addition, Santaniello, Calabrese and Depergola were each charged with one count of extortion by threat of physical violence; and Daniele was charged with two counts of making extortionate extensions of credit and one count of collecting on an extension of credit by extortionate means.
According to the indictment, the defendants were associates of the Genovese LCN crime family in New York and committed various criminal activities in Springfield, including loansharking (e.g., the making of unlawful loans and extortionate extensions of credit); extortion from persons who were involved in legitimate and illegitimate businesses, including illegal gambling businesses; and the collection of unlawful debts. In conducting their illegal activities, the defendants allegedly used violence and, exploiting their relationship with the LCN, implied threats of murder and physical violence to instill fear in their victims.
The indictment alleges that in 2013, Santaniello, Calabrese, Depergola and Valentini attempted to extort money from a Springfield businessman. Santaniello allegedly assaulted the victim and threatened to cut off his head and bury his body if he did not comply. Over a period of four months, the victim paid $20,000 to Santaniello, Calabrese, Depergola and Valentini to protect himself and his business.
Additionally, according to the indictment, during a six-month period in 2015, Daniele allegedly extended two extortionate and usurious loans to an individual, and then, with the assistance of Santaniello and Calabrese, threatened the individual if he did not make payments on the loan.
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Individuals who believe they may have been victimized by the defendants should contact the FBI at (413) 732-0159.
The FBI Springfield Division’s Organized Crime Unit and the Massachusetts State Police’s Police Detective Unit assigned to District Attorney Gulluni’s Office and State Police Special Services Unit investigated the case. Chief Kevin O’Regan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Massachusetts’ Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case.
Alleged Associates of La Cosa Nostra Charged with Extortion and LoansharkingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Five alleged associates of the Genovese La Cosa Nostra (LCN) crime family were arrested today on extortion related charges.
Ralph Santaniello, 49, Giovanni Calabrese, aka John Calabrese, 53, and Gerald Daniele, 51, all of Longmeadow, Mass.; Francesco Depergola, 60, of Springfield, Mass.; and Richard Valentini, 51, of East Longmeadow, Mass., were each charged with federal crimes related to extortion. Santaniello, Calabrese, Depergola and Valentini were charged with conspiracy and interference with commerce by threats and violence. Santaniello, Calabrese and Daniele were charged with conspiracy and the use of extortionate means to collect extensions of credit. Daniele was charged with two counts of making extortionate extensions of credit.
According to the indictment, the defendants were associates of the Genovese LCN crime family in New York and committed various criminal activities in Springfield, including loansharking and extortion from legitimate and illegitimate businesses, including illegal gambling businesses and the collection of unlawful debts. The defendants allegedly used violence, exploited their relationship with the LCN and implied threats of murder and physical violence to instill fear in their victims.
In 2013, Santaniello, Calabrese, Depergola and Valentini allegedly attempted to extort money from a Springfield businessman. Santaniello allegedly assaulted the businessman and threatened to cut off his head and bury his body if he did not comply. Over a period of four months, the businessman paid $20,000 to Santaniello, Calabrese, Depergola and Valentini to protect himself and his business.
Additionally, according to the indictment, during a six-month period in 2015, Daniele extended two extortionate and usurious loans to an individual, and then, with the assistance of Santaniello and Calabrese, threatened the individual if he did not make payments on the loans.
The changing statutes each provide for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and forfeiture. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz of the District of Massachusetts; Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. The case was investigated by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to District Attorney Gulluni’s office, the Massachusetts State Police Special Services Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Springfield. Kevin O’Regan, Chief of Ortiz’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case.
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Albuquerque Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Heroin Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ramon Phillip Baca, 44, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his heroin trafficking conviction.
Baca was indicted on Dec. 1, 2015, and charged with distributing heroin on May 20, 2015 and June 16, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M.
On May 3, 2016, Baca pled guilty to distributing heroin, and admitted that on June 16, 2015, he met with an individual who, unbeknownst to him was working with the FBI, with the intention of selling him two ounces of heroin in exchange for $1,300.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the New Mexico Corrections Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shana B. Long prosecuted the case as part of the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative.
The HOPE Initiative was launched in January 2015 by the UNM Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in response to the national opioid epidemic, which has had a disproportionately devastating impact on New Mexico. Opioid addiction has taken a toll on public safety, public health and the economic viability of our communities. Working in partnership with the DEA, the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative, Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC), the Albuquerque Public Schools and other community stakeholders, HOPE’s principal goals are to protect our communities from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers and reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in New Mexico.
The HOPE Initiative is comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. HOPE’s law enforcement component is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative. Learn more about the New Mexico HOPE Initiative at http://www.HopeInitiativeNM.org.
Wednesday 3 August 2016
York Man Indicted for Distribution of Heroin and Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg has indicted Christian Hogan, age 35, for distribution of heroin and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the West Manchester Police Department allegedly observed Hogan selling heroin on September 22, 2015. Subsequent further investigation, including a search warrant resulting in the alleged seizure of handguns and evidence of additional alleged sales of heroin by Hogan in February 2016.
The matter was investigated by the West Manchester and York Police Departments, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford.
This case was brought as part of two district wide initiatives to combatting the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office; (1) the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies; and (2) the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty for these offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wisconsin man charged with fraud and obstruction after falsely claiming to be Navy SEAL wounded four times in VietnamRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging a Wisconsin man for crimes related to his false claims that he was a Navy SEAL wounded four times in Vietnam, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Kenneth E. Jozwiak, 67, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, was charged with unlawfully exhibiting a military discharge certificate, theft of government money, making false statements to federal agents, and attempting to obstruct an official proceeding.
“This defendant’s lies about his service are an affront to those who saw combat and those wounded fighting on behalf of our nation,” Rendon said. “This defendant did neither, and falsely inflated his service record in an effort to get additional benefits.”
“This indictment reflects the VA OIG’s commitment to vigorously pursue those individuals that falsify military service records and defraud the VA,” said Gavin McClaren, Resident Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Cleveland office.
Jozwiak on September 4, 2014, exhibited a DD-214 (military discharge certificate) that claimed, in part, that Jozwiak was a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran, that he was a four-time recipient of the Purple Heart, and that he was a Navy SEAL -- all entries Jozwiak knew were totally false, according to the indictment.
Additionally, Jozwiak defrauded the Department of Veterans Affairs of $2,289 through veteran’s entitlements he received between August and December 2014. In January 2015, Jozwiak made several false statements to federal agents about his fraudulent activities and his military service, and that he attempted to obstruct an official proceeding by tampering with a material witness, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the court after consideration of the federal sentencing guidelines which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benedict S. Gullo. The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General—Criminal Investigative Division.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Watuga, TX Man Sentenced to Federal Prison in Connection with an Alien Smuggling SchemeRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, 34-year-old Drew Christopher Potter of Watuga, TX, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in an undocumented alien smuggling conspiracy announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden.
On September 18, 2015, Frio County Sheriff’s deputies along with U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Cotulla Border Patrol Station responded to a 911 call from someone who witnessed multiple subjects exiting a semi-tractor trailer parked at a local convenience store along Interstate 35 South. At the scene, authorities encountered the driver, Potter, and 39 undocumented aliens including 28 adult males, 7 adult females and four minors from Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico.
On April 21, 2016, Potter pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit transport undocumented aliens for financial gain. According to the factual basis filed in this case, Potter admitted that he was paid $800 to drive the semi-tractor trailer containing the undocumented aliens from Laredo to San Antonio.
This case was investigated by HSI, U.S. Border Patrol and the Frio County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Lathrop prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Waterbury Tax Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing Hundreds of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARCUS FOX, 42, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for preparing and filing hundreds of false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, FOX prepared tax returns for individuals in his community, many of whom were associated with a church he attended. From approximately 2009 through 2012, FOX prepared and filed more than 900 tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service on behalf of clients. A number of tax returns that FOX prepared contained false information, including false childcare credits, education credits, American opportunity credits, itemized deductions, education expenses, charitable contributions, unreimbursed employee business expenses, hobby expenses, and childcare costs. The false returns resulted in clients receiving substantial refunds to which they were not entitled. FOX typically received payment of between $200 and $350 for his tax preparation services.
In addition, beginning in approximately 2011, FOX falsified a number of returns in a manner that allowed FOX to secure a greater payout for himself without his clients' knowledge. FOX would prepare a client tax return with significant falsified credits or expense deductions, which resulted in a fraudulent claim for a substantial refund. The tax return would be e-filed with the IRS with instructions to split payment of the large refund between the client and FOX, with FOX receiving a substantial portion of the payment. FOX would also prepare a second tax return, which he never filed, but instead provided to his client to hide the ongoing scheme.
The government suffered a tax loss of more than $2.2 million as a result of this scheme.
On March 31, 2016, FOX pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Virginia Man Arrested for Attempting to Support ISILRead the Press Release
Nicholas Young, 36, of Fairfax, Virginia, was arrested today on charges of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Young is employed by the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) as a law enforcement officer.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente of the Eastern District of Virginia and Assistant Director in Charge Paul M. Abbate of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement. Young’s initial appearance is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Theresa C. Buchanan of the Eastern District of Virginia.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Young has been employed as an MTPD officer since 2003. Law enforcement first interviewed Young in September 2010 in connection with his acquaintance, Zachary Chesser, who had been arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Over the next several years, Young allegedly had numerous interactions with undercover law enforcement personnel and an FBI confidential human source (CHS) regarding his knowledge of and interest in terrorism-related activity. Many of these interactions were recorded. Law enforcement also interviewed Young’s family and co-workers. In 2011, Young met with an undercover law enforcement officer, and several of these meetings included another of Young’s acquaintances, Amine El Khalifi, who later pleaded guilty to charges relating to his plan to conduct a suicide bombing at the U.S. Capitol Building in 2012.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, in 2011, Young traveled to Libya once and attempted to travel there a second time. Young told FBI agents that he had been with rebels attempting to overthrow the Muammar Qaddafi regime. Baggage searches revealed that Young traveled with body armor, a kevlar helmet and several other military-style items, according to the allegations.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, on about 20 separate occasions in 2014, Young met with the CHS, who posed as a U.S. military reservist of Middle Eastern descent who wanted to travel overseas to join ISIL. During these conversations, Young allegedly advised the CHS on how to evade law enforcement detection by utilizing specific travel methods and advised the CHS to watch out for informants and not discuss his plans with others.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, also in 2014, the CHS led Young to believe that he had successfully left the United States and joined ISIL. In reality, the CHS had no further contact with Young. All further communications between Young and the CHS’s email account were actually communications between Young and FBI undercover personnel posing as the CHS. In June 2015, Young emailed the CHS asking for advice from the CHS’s commanders on how to send money to ISIL. Young said, “[u]nfortunately I have enough flags on my name that I can’t even buy a plane ticket without little alerts ending up in someone’s hands, so I imagine banking transactions are automatically monitored and will flag depending on what is going on.”
In December 2015, the FBI interviewed Young, ostensibly in connection with an investigation into the whereabouts of the CHS, according to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint. Young allegedly said that the CHS had left the United States to go on a vacation tour in Turkey approximately one year ago. In addition, according to the allegations in the complaint, Young said that he knew of no one in the United States or overseas who helped the CHS cross the Turkish border into Syria.
On July 18, 2016, Young allegedly communicated with a person who he believed to be the CHS regarding purchasing gift cards for mobile-messaging accounts that ISIL purportedly uses in recruiting others to join the terrorist organization. According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, on July 28, 2016, Young sent 22 gift card codes to the FBI undercover officer posing as the CHS with a message that stated: “Respond to verify receipt . . . may not answer depending on when as this device will be destroyed after all are sent to prevent the data being possibly seen on this end in the case of something unfortunate.” The codes were ultimately redeemed by the FBI for $245, according to court documents.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted, Young faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The MTPD initiated this investigation and continues to work collaboratively with the FBI Washington Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force on the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gordon D. Kromberg and John T. Gibbs of the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney David P. Cora of the National Security Division.
Two Southern Illinois Men and Arizona Man Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Kedly G. Newlin, 57, of Lawrenceville, IL, Kelly W. Cessna, 46, of Bridgeport, IL, and Lorenzo Molina, 50, of Phoenix, AZ, were indicted on July 19, 2016, on methamphetamine related charges in a four count Indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Count 1 charges that from November 2015, until June 18, 2016, in Crawford, Lawrence, and Richland Counties, within the Southern District of Illinois, and elsewhere, Newlin, Cessna, and Molina conspired to distribute methamphetamine in violation of federal law. The total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was fifty (50) grams or more of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), or five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
Count 2 charges that on February 17, 2016, in Crawford County, Newlin knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Count 3 charges that in mid to late May 2016, in Richland County, Molina knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine. The amount of methamphetamine involved was five (5) grams or more of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), or fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance methamphetamine.2
Count 4 charges that on June 9, 2016, in Lawrence County, Cessna knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The total amount of methamphetamine involved was fifty (50) grams or more of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), or five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, all three defendants face a minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 5 years
With respect to Count 2, Newlin faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 3 years.
With respect to Count 3, Molina faces 5-40 years’ imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 4 years.
With respect to Count 4, Cessna faces a minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 5 years
An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Robinson, Illinois Police Department, the Bridgeport, Illinois Police Department, the Lawrenceville County Sheriff’s Office, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Two Michigan Men Indicted for Operating A $2.1 Million Nationwide Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that two Michigan men were indicted by a grand jury in Harrisburg on multiple charges arising out of a nation-wide investment fraud scheme.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Dennis Tubbergen, age 53 , and Christopher Ostrowski, age 53, both of Michigan, were charged with allegedly defrauding investors from California to Pennsylvania between 2010 and 2013. The grand jury found that Tubbergen and Ostrowski used a company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan named GTBK Marketing to sell an investment program called Immediate Legacy (ILP). The United States mail and the internet and email were used to market the investment program nationwide. A material part of their representation to investors was that ILP was being used by hospitals, charities, colleges and universities and that each investor who purchased the program was guaranteed at least 14 pre-contacted customers who were waiting to buy the product.
The investigation established that these alleged material representations were false and that as a result investors lost a total of approximately $2.1 million dollars. Ostrowski is also separately charged with having made false statements and representations to both the FBI and the federal grand jury in Harrisburg when interviewed and questioned in 2013 about his involvement in selling the ILP to potential investors.
The government is also seeking forfeiture of the approximately $2.1 million obtained in connection with the scheme and property by the defendants from the proceeds.
This case was investigated by the Harrisburg Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe has been assigned the prosecution of this case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The maximum penalty under federal law on each of the wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud counts is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000.00 fine. The obstruction of the grand jury charge is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000.00 fine, while the charges of providing false information to law enforcement and to the federal grand jury are each punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000.00 fine. The Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Toledo men indicted for beating African-American stranger they saw on the streetRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Charles Butler, 33, and Robert Paschalis, 25, both of Toledo, with a federal hate crime today for beating an African-American stranger they saw on the street.
The indictment was announced by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Vanita Gupta, U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon of the Northern District of Ohio, Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division, Toledo Police Chief George Kral and Lucas County Prosecutor Julie Bates.
The men are accused of beating the victim, A.W., because he is black. On May 18, 2016, Butler and Paschalis drove past A.W. on the street while A.W. was unloading items from his truck. The two men circled back, got out of their own truck and began attacking A.W. while yelling racial slurs. Butler grabbed a broom from the back of A.W.’s truck and struck A.W. with it multiple times, according to court documents.
The beating stopped only when two off-duty Ohio state police officers happened on the scene and pulled Butler and Paschalis away. A.W. suffered an orbital fracture and damage to his right eye. Butler later posted to Facebook that the attack was “in the name of the White Race,” according to court documents.
“These defendants launched an unprovoked attack on an African-American man based solely on his race,” Rendon said. “There is no place for racial violence in our society and these two men will be held accountable.”
“These individuals engaged in a violent assault against another person based on his race and now will be held accountable,” Anthony said. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure hate crimes are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law.”
Kral said: “The Toledo Police Department is committed to protecting all citizens from those who chose to pray on them. Whenever a crime is motivated simply because of the victim’s race it makes the crime all the worse. I commend the United States Attorney’s Office for the charging of this person as they see fit. I want to let the citizens of Toledo know that we will work tirelessly to protect their interest at the local, state and federal level.”
An indictment is only a charge and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Freeman of the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section following an investigation by the FBI’s Toledo Resident Agency, in cooperation with Toledo Police Department and Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office.
Three Individuals Plead Guilty in Oxycodone CaseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that WALLACE STOGNER, age 61, of Bogalusa; DANIELLE MEISNER, age 31, of Mandeville; and KAREN SMITH, age 57, of Slidell, pled guilty today to charges relating to illegal distribution of oxycodone pills. Oxycodone is a prescription-only Schedule II controlled substance and a highly addictive and abused opioid drug.
STOGNER pled guilty to two counts of illegal distribution of oxycodone, as charged in an Indictment filed last year, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. MEISNER and SMITH each pled guilty to a Superseding Bill of Information charging conspiracy to obtain controlled substances through misrepresentation and subterfuge, a crime which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 4 years. All three defendants are scheduled for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt on November 9, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Michael B. Redmann is in charge of the prosecution.
Texas Nurse Sentenced to Prison for Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A 55-year-old Denton County, Texas, nurse, has been sentenced to federal prison for health care fraud violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.
Florence Kroma, a/k/a Florence Kamara, a/k/a Florence Koroma, a/k/a Florence Bangura, 55, of Denton, Texas, was found guilty by a jury of nine counts of health care fraud following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone in December, 2015. She was sentenced today to 97 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $775,099.09 to Medicare.
According to information presented in court, Kroma, a registered nurse, owned and operated Mt. Zion Home Health Agency in Denton, Texas. From April 2008 to October 2013, Kroma carried out a scheme to defraud Medicare through the submission of false and fraudulent claims for skilled nursing services which were not provided and which were not authorized by the patients’ physicians. At times, Kroma submitted claims for services which she allegedly provided when she was out of state. At other times, Kroma submitted claims for services which she allegedly provided to patients who testified that they did not know her and had never heard of her company. Kroma was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2015.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of State.
Any individuals with knowledge of these or other health care fraud violations are encouraged to contact the Department of Health and Human Services’ fraud hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (447-8477)
Tennessee Tax Return Preparer Incarcerated After Being Held in Civil Contempt for Violating a Federal Court OrderRead the Press Release
Court Ordered Jailing of Return Preparer for Failure to Obey Court Orders
Today, Kevin Williams, a former tax return preparer, voluntarily surrendered to the U.S. Marshal’s Service. On July 21, a federal district court in Memphis, Tennessee, issued the warrant for the arrest of Williams for his civil contempt in failing to follow the court’s earlier orders regarding his tax return preparation activities.
On April 4, the U.S. District Court for the District of Tennessee barred Williams, his wife, Stephanie Edmond, and their businesses, the Tax Firm and the Tax Factory, from preparing tax returns. At that time, the court also ordered Williams and Edmond to turn over to the United States all of the fees they received from preparing returns since Jan. 15. On July 21, the court determined that Williams not only failed to turn over the fees collected by the Tax Firm to the United States but instead spent funds on a down payment for a Lexus, gambling and new home furnishings. In addition to these expenditures, the court found that Williams continued to pay his return preparers, including his step-daughter to whom he gave more than $33,000. Based upon these findings, the court found Williams in civil contempt and ordered him to be incarcerated until he paid $25,000 to the United States.
In its July 21 order, the district court found Edmond in civil contempt but also determined that she currently lacked the financial resources to pay the United States. The court ordered that she be jailed if she failed to obtain employment within 90 days and begin to pay the government $25,000 in monthly installments of $500.
Return preparer fraud is one of the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2016. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a tax preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Preparing and Filing False Tax Returns with the IRSRead the Press Release
A Guilford County, North Carolina, resident pleaded guilty today to four counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Ripley Rand of the Middle District of North Carolina.
Marvin Flythe, 53, admitted that he ran a tax preparation business in Greensboro, North Carolina, called “TAXHOVA.” Between January 2012 and January 2015, Flythe admitted preparing and filing numerous individual income tax returns for clients on which he reported false business losses and false unreimbursed employee business expenses. Flythe maintained a YouTube video channel on which he advertised TAXHOVA. Flythe admitted to filing at least 36 false returns for clients, for which $130,949 in fraudulent refunds were paid. Flythe also admitted to filing false personal returns for himself for tax years 2011, 2012 and 2013 and to failing to file his 2014 return.
Flythe is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 14. He faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, as well as a term of supervised release and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Rand commended special agents of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Trial Attorney Robert J. Boudreau of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anand Ramaswamy of the Middle District of North Carolina, who are prosecuting this case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.
Steelton Man Indicted for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a federal grand jury in Harrisburg has indicted a Steelton man on criminal charges of fraudulently obtaining Social Security benefits.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Mohammed Rizk, age 53, Steelton, was charged with theft and Social Security fraud. The charges stem from Rizk obtaining approximately $67,000 in benefits under the Social Security Administration’s Retirement and Survivor’s Insurance (RSI) Program between 2014 and 2016 by falsely representing that the minor children of his deceased spouse were living with him when in fact they were living elsewhere. Allegedly, Rizk, as representative payee, took the funds that the children were entitled to and converted them to his own use. The government is also seeking forfeiture of the funds obtained through the fraud.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe. Rizk is also facing related charges brought against him by the District Attorney’s Office for insurance fraud.
An indictment is only an allegation. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Son Who Threatened Police Officers on Facebook and His Father Arrested on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Two Dallas residents, a son who made threats against police officers on Facebook, and his father have been arrested by officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Dallas Police Department on firearms charges outlined in a federal criminal complaint, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Lance Alvin Coubry, (JR), 32, and his father, Lancelot Alvin Coubry, a/k/a “Lance Alvin Coubry (SR),” 62, were arrested yesterday on the federal charges, and both made their initial appearance in federal court this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renée Harris Toliver. Both are convicted felons, and both were detained pending detention hearings set for Wednesday, August 10, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the complaint, Coubry’s public Facebook page shows him in possession of numerous firearms and illegal narcotics. Coubry also made numerous references on Facebook about committing robberies and made statements regarding murdering police officers.
“No doubt this office takes federal firearms offenses, especially those committed by convicted felons, very seriously, but when coupled with outrageous public threats against law enforcement, this office won’t hesitate to take swift and vigorous action,” said U.S. Attorney Parker.
Law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Coubry’s residence; both Coubry and his father were present at the residence. Law enforcement located and seized four firearms from Coubry’s bedroom and two firearms from his father’s bedroom.
A federal criminal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged, and must be made under oath before a magistrate judge. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The U.S. Attorney’s office has 30 days to present the matter to a grand jury for indictment. The maximum statutory penalty for the charged offense, possession of a firearm by a felon, is 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being led by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl is in charge of the prosecution.
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Schenectady Woman Admits to Participating in Jamaican Lottery ScamRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kimberly Powell, age 37, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to mail fraud charges arising out of a Jamaica-based lottery scam that mainly targeted elderly victims.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
As part of her plea, Powell admitted to working with her husband Jeragh Powell, a co-defendant, and others, to mail false lottery prize notifications to mostly elderly individuals located throughout the United States. The fraudulent prize notifications letters congratulated the victims on winning a recent drawing and instructed them to pay tens of thousands of dollars in “fees and taxes,” and “shipping and handling,” in order to receive their purported prize money and cars. Members of the conspiracy located in Jamaica also communicated with the victims by telephone, directing them to make payments to specific individuals in the United States.
Kimberly Powell and her husband Jeragh, age 25, of Schenectady, received more than $67,000 from victims of the scheme, and forwarded a large portion of the proceeds to Jeragh Powell’s associates in Jamaica. Jeragh Powell pled guilty to mail fraud charges on August 1.
Jeragh and Kimberly Powell each face up to 20 years in prison, 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a $250,000 fine when they are sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Jeragh Powell’s sentencing is scheduled for November 29, Kimberly Powell’s for December 2. 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 Postal Inspection Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman.
Roswell Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Joseph Vallejos, 23, of Roswell, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to methamphetamine trafficking charges.
Vallejos and co-defendant Renee Rodriguez, 32, also of Roswell, were charged in a criminal complaint filed in Sept. 2015, with conspiracy, distribution of methamphetamine, and firearms offenses in Chaves County, N.M. According to the criminal complaint, Vallejos and Rodriguez sold an aggregate of 157.7 grams of methamphetamine to undercover law enforcement officers during nine separate transactions between July 2015 and Sept. 2015. The complaint further charged Rodriguez with brandishing a handgun during a methamphetamine transaction on July 8, 2015, and Vallejos with brandishing a handgun during a methamphetamine transaction on Sept. 16, 2015.
Vallejos and Rodriguez subsequently were charged in a nine-count indictment that was filed on Dec. 17, 2015. The indictment charged Vallejos and Rodriguez with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from July 1, 2015 through July 30, 2015. It also charged Rodriguez with distributing methamphetamine on three occasions in July 2015, and Vallejos and Rodriguez with distributing methamphetamine on four occasions in July 2015. Rodriguez also was charged with brandishing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime on July 8, 2015. According to the indictment, Vallejos and Rodriguez committed the nine crimes in Chaves County.
During today’s proceedings, Vallejos pled guilty to a conspiracy charge and four methamphetamine distribution charges. At sentencing, Vallejos faces a statutory minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison followed by not less than four years of supervised release. Vallejos also will be ordered to pay $750.00 in restitution to the United States, which represents the proceeds he derived from the drug trafficking offenses to which he pleaded guilty. Vallejos remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Rodriguez has entered a not guilty plea to the complaint and indictment. She remains detained pending trial, which is currently scheduled to begin on Aug. 15, 2016. Charges in criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy M. Castellano of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Rochester Man Arrested, Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Scott Wilbert, 41, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography. The charge carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force identified the defendant accessing child pornography online. Officers executed a search warrant at Wilbert’s residence and seized a laptop computer. A forensic examination of that computer recovered sexually explicit photographs of prepubescent children, some as young as toddlers.
Wilbert made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Feldman. He is due back in federal court for a status hearing on October 6, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.
The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Craig Hanesworth and Special Agents of Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen. The task force includes the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, and the Greece Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Reggie Rucker sentenced to prison for stealing donations and using the money to pay gambling debts, personal expensesRead the Press Release
Former Cleveland Browns star Reggie Rucker was sentenced to nearly two years in prison today for stealing more than $110,000 in charitable donations to anti-violence groups he led and using the money to pay his gambling debts and personal expenses, law enforcement officials said.
Rucker, 68, of Warrensville Heights, pleaded guilty to earlier this year to one count of one count of wire fraud and one count of making false statements to law enforcement.
U.S. District Judge Dan Polster ordered Rucker to pay $110,841 in restitution and sentenced Rucker to 21 months in prison.
“Mr. Rucker treated a non-profit bank account like his personal slush fund and stole more than $110,000 in charitable donations intended to keep the streets of Cleveland safe,” said U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon. “The victims in this case are the employees who did not get paid while Rucker spent their paychecks, the business leaders seduced with poignant guilt trips about civic responsibility and the at-risk youths forced to watch their potential role model revealed as a fraud.”
“Mr. Rucker used his position of trust to help fund his gambling habits and personal expenses, and ultimately, he betrayed those that supported his work in the community,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to identify and hold accountable those who chose to commit such fraud.”
Rucker played wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns from 1975 through 1981, then worked as a broadcaster, stockbroker and financial analyst. Rucker served as executive director of Amer-I-Can Cleveland (Amer-I-Can), a nonprofit organization located in Shaker Heights. He also served as president of the Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance (CPA), a collaboration of community organizations that employed outreach workers to resolve conflicts in Cleveland. Rucker solicited charitable contributions and deposited them into Amer-I-Can’s bank account, according to court documents.
From 2011 through February 11, 2015, Rucker diverted funds intended to support Amer-I-Can and CPA for his personal use and in excess of any compensation he was entitled to receive. Rucker wrote checks to himself and made withdrawals from the Amer-I-Can bank account in amounts and frequencies unrelated to the work he performed, but rather dictated by his own personal financial needs, including to pay his mortgage, entertainment, meals, travel, groceries, and dry cleaning, according to court documents.
In furtherance of his scheme, Rucker falsely told current and prospective donors that Amer-I-Can had an independent board of directors to provide oversight when it did not. Rucker also filed documents under the penalties of perjury with the Internal Revenue Service that significantly understated the amount of money he took from the Amer-I-Can bank account. He also falsely claimed to certain actual and prospective donors, “I do not have a salary with Amer-I-Can,” and “We don’t have any contracts that pay me…”, according to court documents.
Rucker withdrew approximately $48,000 at casino ATMs in Tampa, Las Vegas, and Cleveland, from the Amer-I-Can bank account from 2011 to 2015, including over $35,000 in 2014 alone. He also paid multiple gambling debts he incurred at a Las Vegas casino totaling $65,000 using money donated to Amer-I-Can and CPA for charitable purposes, according to court documents.
In January 2013, when an employee of a Cleveland-area foundation (identified in the charges as Foundation 1) informed Rucker that “The Board (of Foundation 1) has awarded $150,000…for Peacemakers Alliance. Congrats!!!”, Rucker forwarded the email to a Las Vegas casino that he owed $20,000, stating “this is my non profit and they were a little behind getting me my money. I will not actually have this in my hands for 10 days, maybe 14 . . . I like to keep communication open so that I don’t get into any trouble. Can they work with me on this?” On March 5, 2013, Amer-I-Can received $58,751.52 of Foundation 1’s charitable funds, and on March 12, 2013, Rucker wrote a check for $20,000, funded in part by Foundation 1’s donation to Amer-I-Can, to the Las Vegas Casino to pay his gambling debt, according to court documents.
In January 2014, after receiving $47,500 from a donor identified in the information as Foundation 2, Rucker wrote himself two checks totaling $40,000 from the Amer-I-Can bank account, and used a portion of this money to pay an outstanding gambling debt of $25,000 to a Las Vegas casino, according to court documents.
In September 2014, Rucker incurred a $20,000 debt at a Las Vegas casino. Between November 18 and December 1, 2014, Rucker wrote himself checks totaling approximately $21,200 from the Amer-I-Can bank account and paid the Las Vegas casino $15,000 of his debt. In January 2015, after Amer-I-Can received $47,500 from Foundation 2, Rucker wrote himself a check for $10,000 and paid the remaining $5,000 he owed the Las Vegas casino, according to court documents.
Rucker repeatedly solicited grants and donations from foundations, corporations and executives, but failed to disclose his diversion of charitable funds. For example, on November 19, 2014, Amer-I-Can received $10,000 from an entity identified as Foundation 4. The next day, Rucker wrote himself a check for $10,000, but later submitted a report to Foundation 4 that stated: “We appreciated the bridge support granted to us by [Foundation 4], it was helpful in being able to assist high risk and gang affiliated youth. The continued support of [Foundation 4] will be instrumental…,” according to court documents.
Rucker also repeatedly cited CPA outreach workers’ lack of pay to justify his requests for additional funds, but did not disclose his personal use of charitable funds. For example, Rucker solicited funds from Foundation 1, which provided approximately $2.45 million to CPA between 2011 and 2015, by claiming that CPA workers “believe they are being disrespected and taken advantage of . . . I can’t hold them together much longer. We have come too far, put too much into this . . . None of us has money!”, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Hollingsworth following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
President Obama Grants CommutationsRead the Press Release
Today, the President made grants of commutation of sentences to the following 214 individuals:
· Timothy Adams – Hartsville, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 2, 1995)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Asher Adkins – Columbia City, IN
Offense: Distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting (two counts); distribution of methamphetamine (three counts); use or carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime (two counts); distribution of more than 100 grams of methamphetamine (two counts); Northern District of Indiana
Sentence: 624 months’ imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 3, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jamonte L. Allison – Carbondale, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of "crack cocaine"; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $500 fine (September 6, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Joe Alvarado – Ogden, UT
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted a felon; District of Utah
Sentence: Life imprisonment (October 13, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Tyrell L. Anthony – Kershaw, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine); willfully failing to appear; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 28, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Reinaldo A. Arocho – Lake Station, IN
Offense: Drug conspiracy; maintaining a drug house; distribution of crack cocaine; carrying a firearm during drug trafficking; attempting to corruptly persuade a witness; Northern District of Indiana
Sentence: 387 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 19, 2000); amended to 300 months' imprisonment (January 18, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jose Carlos Arras, Jr. – Albuquerque, NM
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to import; conspiracy to wit: possession with intent to
distribute 100 kilograms and more of marijuana; District of New Mexico
2. Supervised release violation (Importation of a quantity of marijuana); Western District of Texas
Sentence: 1. 262 months' imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (November 4, 2002)
2. 10 months' imprisonment (consecutive) (November 4, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Sidney J. Ball – Lenox, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 12.04 kilograms of cocaine; Southern District of Texas
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 30, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Lloyd Battles – Columbia, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; Southern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 6, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· David Bell – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (three counts); Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 12, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Pauline K. Blake – West Valley City, UT
Offense: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; conspiracy or attempt to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); establishment of a manufacture operation; possession of a listed chemical (two counts); District of Utah
Sentence: 210 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $2,000 restitution (January 7, 2002); amended to 292 months' imprisonment (January 27, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Deborah Lucille Blue – Alcoa, TN
Offense: 1. Distribution of cocaine base (two counts); possession with intent to
distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
2. Supervised release violation (distribution of cocaine hydrochloride);
Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 1. 292 months' imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (February
23, 2007); amended to 234 months’ imprisonment (May 16, 2014)
2. 3 months' imprisonment (consecutive) (February 23, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Marston Edward Blue – District Heights, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin and cocaine; felon in possession of firearm; possess with intent to distribute heroin, aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 25, 2002 (on remand))
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Lucius Boswell – Madison, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 5, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Joshua Boyer – Tampa, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; possession of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 288 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 27, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Debra R. Brown – Nashville, TN
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base to a person under 21; Middle District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 18, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Eddie Lee Brown – Brunswick, GA
Offense: Distribution of cocaine hydrochloride (two counts); Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; six years' supervised release (June 12, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Patrick A. Brown – Alexandria, VA
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm, aiding and abetting (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; three years' supervised release (August 8, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Timothy Aaron Brown – Warren, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 3, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jose Luis Buenrostro – Stockton, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; Eastern District of California
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 8, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
· Barry Charles Butler – Shelby, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 30, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
· Charles Bynum – Torrance, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 27, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Annette Maria Canania – DeSoto, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to possess pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (December 22, 2006); amended to 210 months' imprisonment (April 27, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jose Manuel Candelario – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute Schedule II (crack cocaine) controlled substance; possess with intent to distribute Schedule II (crack cocaine) controlled substance; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 21, 1994); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (May 17, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Ralph Casas – North Miami Beach, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 9,445 kilograms of cocaine; District of Puerto Rico
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 19, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 292 months' imprisonment.
· Willie Chester – Waco, TX
Offense: Possession of a firearm by felon; false statement in acquisition of firearm; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 264 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $3,000 fine (March 26, 1992)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Donyelle Childs – Clearwater, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 12, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
· Kenneth Choice – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver narcotics; possession with intent to deliver narcotics; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 24, 1999); amended to life imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (June 9, 2004); amended to 324 months’ imprisonment (February 1, 2016)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Osvaldo Cisneros-Gutierrez – Earlimart, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of methamphetamine; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 292 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (October 13, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 228 months' imprisonment.
· Mark Anthony Clark – Rockford, IL
Offense: Conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute amphetamine; possession of a firearm by a felon/fugitive from justice and aiding and abetting; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; six years' supervised release (September 1, 1995)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
· Antonio Cobb – Bloomington, IL
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 28, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months’ imprisonment.
· Jimmie Clyde Collins – Joshua, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute; possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and aiding and abetting; using a drug involved premises and aiding and abetting; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 370 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 11, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Dewayne L. Comer – Syracuse, NY
Offense: Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (two counts); possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of New York
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 8, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jason Andrew Comer – Weyers Cave, VA
Offense: Aid and abet in the possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 23, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Delaria Antwan Conway – Laurens, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine and a quantity of cocaine (two counts); District of South Carolina
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (December 17, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Eugene Ross Cousins – Greenville, VA
Offense: Distribution of methamphetamine (two counts); possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (two counts); drug user in possession of firearm (two counts); Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 406 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (August 8, 2007); amended to 397 months' imprisonment (April 4, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Lavon A. Crockett – Kansas City, KS
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base ("crack cocaine"); District of Kansas
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (December 6, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Darnell Crookshank – West Covina, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture phencyclidine; manufacture with intent to distribute phencyclidine, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute phencyclidine; Central District of California
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 17, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Dawan Croskery – Buffalo, NY
Offense: Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; money laundering; Western District of New York
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 16, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Andrew Crumbly – Fort Myers, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine base, crack cocaine (three counts); Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; six years' supervised release (February 14, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· Morris Dabbs – Trenton, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 29, 2000); amended to 291 months’ imprisonment (August 2, 2011); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (October 6, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Ricky Darden – Kinston, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 16, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Lenwood Davies – Wabasso, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 15, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Richard Lawrence Davis – St. Louis, MO
Offense: 1. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of
Missouri
2. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 1. 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 15, 2004)
2. 93 months' imprisonment (concurrent) (March 4, 2005); amended to 75 months' imprisonment (November 18, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Terry Davis – Monroe, LA
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base; Western District of Arkansas
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 8, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Christopher M. Dees – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (September 1, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jose Del Valle – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and aiding and abetting; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 7, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Maynard Dennis – Liverpool, NY
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Northern District of New York
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (September 7, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Bobbie Jo Diers – Romeoville, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base ("crack"); possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base ("crack"); Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 12, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· James J. Dino – Upper Tumon, GU
Offense: 1. Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; District of
Guam
2. Supervised release violation (possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine); District of Guam
Sentence: 1. 240 months' imprisonment;10 years’ supervised release (October 19, 2006)
2. 60 months' imprisonment (concurrent) (October 19, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 193 months’ imprisonment.
· Scottie Ladon Dixon – Atmore, AL
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; 2. Violation of supervised release (conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine); 1. Southern District of Alabama; 2. Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: 1. Life imprisonment; 2. 33 months' imprisonment (concurent); 1. 10 years' supervised release (1. & 2. May 18, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 221 months' imprisonment.
· Thomas Duncan – Columbia, TN
Offense: Possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; felon in possession of a firearm; possession of five grams or more of cocaine base with intent to distribute; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 352 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (September 23, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Vincent Duval – Bradenton, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (October 28, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· William Ennis – El Paso, TX
Offense: Conspiring to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, to wit: cocaine more than five kilograms; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, to wit: cocaine more than five kilograms; using a communication device to facilitate the commission of a felony; Western District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (July 17, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Kenneth Evans – Fort Worth, TX
Offense: Conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base and aiding and abetting; use and carry firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment plus 60 months; five years' supervised release (August 20, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Ronald Evans – Norfolk, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and a mixture containing cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute heroin (three counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine base (two counts); Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 30, 1993); amended to 360 months' imprisonment (March 16, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Ronald Evans – New York, NY
Offense: 1. Possession with intent to distribute in excess of five grams of cocaine
base; District of Maine
2. Supervised release violation (possession with intent to distribute cocaine base); District of Maine
Sentence: 1. 270 months' imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 13, 2003)
2. 12 months' imprisonment (concurrent) (August 13, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· James Oliver Fambro – Decatur, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release, $500 fine (April 5, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· J. B. Farris, Jr. – Atlanta, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 26, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Corey Ferguson – Bowling Green, KY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; distribution of cocaine, aiding and abetting; Western District of Kentucky
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (May 5, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 202 months' imprisonment.
· Alejandro Flores – Mission, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; traveling in interstate commerce to facilitate a criminal activity; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 10, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Raul Camargo Flores – Lubbock, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 292 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 7, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Felix Monroe Fort – Birmingham, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (November 18, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
· Raymond Fox – New York, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Southern District of New York
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 2, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Charles Franklin – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); possession with the intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 7, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Cleveland R. Franklin, Jr. – Indianapolis, IN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing cocaine base; carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (November 17, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Michael L. Franklin – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 3, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Toddrick Onterio Franklin – St. Petersburg, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm in and affecting interstate commerce; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 120 months' supervised release (March 21, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· William Anthony Freeman – Detroit, MI
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 14, 1990)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Thomas R. Fuller – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; aiding and abetting to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 7, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· John Nicholas Gargano – Folcroft, PA
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to distribute methylenedioxymethamphetamine and
ketamine; distributing and possessing with intent to distribute
methamphetamine; distributing and possessing with intent to distribute ecstasy; Southern District of New York
2. Conspiracy to commit identification fraud and credit card fraud; unauthorized use of access devices; Southern District of New York
3. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine; District of New Jersey
Sentence: 1. 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 30, 2004)
2. 10 years' imprisonment (concurrent); three years’ supervised release; $212,379.38 restitution (November 30, 2004)
3. 100 months' imprisonment (concurrent); five years' supervised release (September 8, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Enrique Garza – Zolfo Springs, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; attempt to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 17, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jesse James Gentry – Grand Prairie, TX
Offense: Possession of more than 50 grams of crack cocaine with intent to distribute; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 3, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Bernard Gibson, Sr. – Temple Hills, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled drug substances: heroin and cocaine; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 15, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Steve P. Gillespie – Greeneville, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (August 16, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Derrick Glass – Youngstown, OH
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 14, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Fred M. Glover – Washington, DC
Offense: Unlawful distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base; unlawful distribution of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school (three counts); unlawful distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (two counts); District of Columbia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 17, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Will A. Goines, Jr. – Chicago, IL
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base ("crack") (three counts); Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 14, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment.
· Michael Goldsby – Cleveland, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 5.88 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 383 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (November 19, 1997); amended to 360 months' imprisonment (August 31, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Ramon Gonzalez – San Juan, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute 4506.65, kilograms of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute 4506.65 kilograms of marijuana; Southern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; life term supervised release (January 20, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Edgar Gonzalez-Valentin – Mayagüez, PR
Offense: Conspiracy to import cocaine, aiding and abetting; importation of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of firearm in relation to drug trafficking crime (two counts); District of Puerto Rico
Sentence: 595 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 10, 1992); amended to 511 months' imprisonment (August 19, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Christopher Green – Waycross, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine hydrochloride and crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine (two counts); Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 23, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· Randy P. Green – Sikeston, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 7, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Samuel Grooms – Clinton Township, MI
Offense: Conspiracy with intent to distribute heroin; attempted possession with intent to distribute heroin; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 23, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Steven C. Hall – Gonzales, LA
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; distribution
of cocaine base; Middle District of Louisiana
2. Supervised release violation (conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base); Middle District of Louisiana
Sentence: 1. 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 22, 2005)
2. 45 months' imprisonment (consecutive) (February 16, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Stephen Ramont Hardridge – Tulsa, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of cocaine and 50 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; Northern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 292 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $10,000 fine (November 25, 2002 (on remand)); amended to 240 months' imprisonment (June 10, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and unpaid balance of the $10,000 fine remitted.
· Steven R. Hardy – Tampa, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 14, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Donella Marie Harriel – Stuart, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 264 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 17, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment and 10-year term of supervised release commuted to a four-year term of supervised release.
· Benjamin Harris – Dallas, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute MDMA, cocaine and 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Louisiana
Sentence: 226 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 23, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
· Christopher J. Heath – Ridgway, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $500 fine (February 24, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Wilson Henderson – Hollywood, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (incorrectly listed on the judgment as cocaine); use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 20, 1992)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· John A. Hill – Cleveland, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: Life imprisonment (July 16, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· Robert Hill – Washington, DC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base (three counts); Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 20, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Marcell Hogans – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 168 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (August 21, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Kenneth Bronson Hughes – Charlotte Court House, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 334 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (September 3, 2003); amended to 272 months’ imprisonment (September 2, 2008); amended to 218 months’ imprisonment (March 4, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Deangelo Hunt – Richmond, VA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 1, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Courtney D. Hurt – Tamms, IL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (July 25, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, and unpaid balance of $1,000 fine remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Alfonzo Ingram – Rowlett, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (June 16, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
· Anthonial Irick – Cameron, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine; possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 18, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Albert Jackson – Mount Vernon, IL
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; distribution of cocaine; 2. Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 1. 262 months' imprisonment; 2. 480 months' imprisonment (consecutive); 1. 10 years' supervised release; 2. eight years' supervised release (1. August 19, 1991; 2. November 7, 1994)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Dickey Joe Jackson – Boyd, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); felon in possession of a firearm; possession of an unregistered firearm (two counts); Northern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 17, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Elmer Jackson – Bushnell, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (four counts); Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 19, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Eugene Ernst Jackson – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; distribution and possession with narcotics, aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 19, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Tommy Merrel Jackson – Boyd, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 17, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Tyrand James – Youngstown, OH
Offense: Distribution of cocaine (two counts); distribution of cocaine base; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 16, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Bernard Jennings – Vero Beach, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (three counts); Southern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 12, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Douglas George Jensen – Whitefish, MT
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; District of Montana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 24, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Derrick Anthony Johnson – Richmond, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; as principle or aider and abettor, possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 17, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Frederico Johnson – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (July 23, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.
· Matthew Troy Johnson – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (November 12, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Walter Lee Johnson – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 14, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Arnold Ray Jones – Lubbock, TX
Offense: Distribution of less than 50 grams of cocaine base and aiding and abetting; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (November 22, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jeffrey Lynn Jones – Eugene, OR
Offense: Manufacturing methamphetamine; conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; District of Oregon
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 3, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Vernon Jones – Evansville, IN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base (mixture); distribution of cocaine base (mixture) (two counts); Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 9, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Albert J. Josey, Jr. – Sayreville, NJ
Offense: Possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine base with intent to distribute; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (October 3, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and unpaid balance of the $1,000 fine remitted.
· Keldren Joshua – Los Angeles, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; Central District of California
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 21, 2006); amended to 168 months' imprisonment (November 10, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Cory Baker Kamerud – Aberdeen, SD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 7, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Charceil Kellam – Berryville, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; distribute more than 5 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 24, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 160 months' imprisonment.
· Kenneth Lee Kelley – Westville, OK
Offense: Felon in possession of firearm after former conviction (two counts); possession of stolen firearm; attempt to manufacture methamphetamine (three counts); possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine; possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of methamphetamine; possesssion of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (April 27, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Milton Kemp – Jewell, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute crack cocaine; distribution of crack cocaine; Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: 280 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 19, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Joseph Willie Kennedy – Randallstown, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 14, 1992)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· Delinege King – Houston, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 27, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Vince Cordell King – Detroit, MI
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); using or carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: Life plus five years' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (May 21, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Kent Edward Kiser – Manassas, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 270 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (March 10, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
· James LaRon Knight – Jonesboro, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: 292 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 23, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Derrick Tyrone Lamb – Fort Pierce, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 3, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months' imprisonment.
· Charlie Lawuary – Springfield, IL
Offense: Possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (July 27, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Josephine Ledezma – Rialto, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance (cocaine); being aided and abetted by others, did unlawfully, knowingly, and intentionally possess and cause to be possessed, with intent to distribute, a Schedule II controlled substance (cocaine); Western District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment (October 30, 1992)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· James Allen Ledford – Auburndale, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 16, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months' imprisonment.
· Eric L. Lemon – St. Petersburg, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 6, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Gregory Allen Liningham – Los Angeles, CA
Offense: Possession of more than 50 grams of "crack" cocaine with intent to distribute; Western District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $3,000 fine (December 1, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Antonio Lopez – Grand Prairie, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 26, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jeffrey Lundin – Livingston, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States; conspiracy to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine while aboard a United States vessel; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 15, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Edwin M. Mack – Fort Myers, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, "crack cocaine"; distribution of a quantity of cocaine base, "crack cocaine" (two counts); possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base, "crack cocaine"; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of an unregistered firearm (incorrectly listed on the judgment as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon); Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 1, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Alonzo Mackins, Jr. – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine, cocaine base, heroin, and marijuana; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 8, 1999); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (August 14, 2006); amended to life imprisonment (September 2, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Alberto Maisonet – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base (two counts); distribution of cocaine (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine; illegal use of a communication facility (four counts); Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (February 23, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Sheldon Paul Mangiapane – Hot Springs, AR
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 13, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Tommy M. Martinez – Sparta, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; distribution of crack cocaine; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $4,000 fine (April 7, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and unpaid balance of the $4,000 fine remitted.
· Robert L. Matthews – Memphis, TN
Offense: 1. Distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine
base; Northern District of Mississippi
2. Supervised release violation (possession with intent to distribute cocaine base); Western District of Tennessee
Sentence: 1. 280 months' imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (June 13, 1997)
2. 15 months' imprisonment (consecutive) (September 30, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· James A. McGee – Chidester, AR
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of chemicals with intent to manufacture methamphetamine (three counts); Southern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 4, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Artis Sangria McGraw – Saluda, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; use of fiream during and in relation to a crime of violence; felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm with obliterated serial numbers; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 270 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 30, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Reba L. McIntyre – Hayti, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (June 26, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Torey A. McKay – Wesley Chapel, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute and distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (two counts); possession with intent to distribute and distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 29, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Rudolph McKinnon, Jr. – Fort Walton Beach, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (October 26, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· John Anthony Mickens – Louisa, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 211 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 25, 2007); amended to 181 months’ imprisonment (October 21, 2008); amended to 180 months’ imprisonment (October 14, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· David Dean Millard – Grimes, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; use of communication facility to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 10, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Titus Jerrard Mobley – Groveland, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 210 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 23, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Tyrone Montgomery – Lexington, KY
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of Kentucky
Sentence: 288 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 27, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 209 months' imprisonment.
· Ronald Perry Moon – Commerce, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (February 10, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and unpaid balance of $2,000 fine remitted.
· Martin Brandon Moore – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base and more than 5 kilograms of a mixture and substance containing cocaine; principal to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 30, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
· Michael L. Moore – Mount Vernon, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine; distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 5, 1998); amended to 292 months' imprisonment (October 27, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Amir Morgan – Evansville, IN
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine (mixture); Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 19, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 1, 2017.
· Lucille Mae Morse – Billings, MT
Offense: Distribution/possession with intent to distribute heroin/methamphetamine (two counts); possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (six counts); District of Montana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 29, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Luciano Murga – Houston, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $800 fine (January 25, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Robert Earl Nettles – Fort Pierce, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 22, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Linton C. Nichols – Cleveland, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Nothern District of Ohio
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 15, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Robert Lee Nickles – Mobile, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 27, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Hilario Nieto, III – San Antonio, TX
Offense: 1. Possession with intent to distribute heroin; Western District of Texas
2. Distribution of a controlled substance, heroin; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 1. 188 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Feburary 5, 2004)
2. 188 months’ imprisonment (60 months’ consecutive to above offense, the remainder concurrent); three years' supervised release (August 9, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Francisco Olivera – Modesto, CA
Offense: 1. Use of a communication facility in the commission of a drug offense;
Eastern District of California
2. Conspiracy to manufacture and to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute; attempted manufacture of methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; possession of a listed chemical knowing that it will be used to manufacture methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; Eastern District of California
Sentence: 1. 48 months' imprisonment; 12 months’ supervised release (March 16, 1998)
2. 324 months' imprisonment (consecutive); 36 months' supervised release (November 3, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 288 months' imprisonment.
· Kenyatta O'Neil – San Antonio, TX
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base (two counts); Western District of Texas
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 30, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Candido Ortiz-Martinez – Pagedale, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking crime (two counts); distribution of cocaine; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 592 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 12, 1991); amended to 535 months' imprisonment (March 30, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Lonnie Dwayne Payne – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; interstate transportation of a firearm by a felon; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 25, 2003); amended to 240 months' imprisonment (April 21, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jeremy Payton – Winnfield , LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 8, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Erenio C. Perez – Colorado Springs, CO
Offense: Conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the manufacture in excess of one kilogram of methamphetamine; possession and aiding and abetting the possession of ephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); possession and aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (two counts); District of Colorado
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 19, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Sharon Price – Nacogdoches, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release; $20,000 fine (June 6, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and unpaid balance of the $20,000 fine remitted.
· Thomas Jefferson Price, III – Kernersville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy: possess with intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine; possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (three counts); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 330 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 24, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jack Dewhan Randolph – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting the same (two counts); Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (November 29, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Evans Ray, Jr. – Fort Washington, MD
Offense: Distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine, aiding and abetting; felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 7, 2007); amended to life imprisonment (May 15, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Keith Ray – Minneapolis, MN
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: 263 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $2,500 fine (April 17, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Richard D. Reid – Wilmington, DE
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition (five counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of a cocaine base (crack); possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession of crack cocaine; possession of marijuana; District of Delaware
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 4, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Ricardo Renteria – Irving, TX
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine; Western
District of Texas
2. Conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: 1. 235 months' imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (August 22, 2007); amended to 188 months’ imprisonment (August 24, 2015)
2. 135 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 8, 2008); amended to 108 months' imprisonment (November 13, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
· Richard L. Reser – Sedgwick, KS
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of firearm while trafficking in drugs (two counts); possession of a firearm by a felon; distribution of methamphetamine; conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; District of Kansas
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (December 20, 1989)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Samuel Reyes – Coral Springs, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute detectable amount of cocaine; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 210 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 24, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Broderick Richardson – Louisville, KY
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of Kentucky
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 27, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· William C. Robertson, Sr. – New Orleans, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (November 8, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Derwlyn Rosborough – Lake View Terrace, CA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; District of Wyoming
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release, $2,000 fine (December 5, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Thomas R. Ross – Fairfield, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; conspiracy to distribute pseudoephedrine with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that it would be used to manufacture a controlled substance; distribution of pseudoephedrine with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe it would be used to manufacture a controlled substance and aiding and abetting; Eastern District of California
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 26, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on September 2, 2016.
· Jerome Rowser – Birmingham, AL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of firearms; Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 19, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Alphonso P. Rubalcava – Rock Island, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 19, 2002); amended to 327 months' imprisonment (June 22, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Breon Montez Sanders – Wilmington, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack) and five kilograms of cocaine; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 295 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 17, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Michael Sandmeyer – Rockford, IA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) after having previously been convicted of a felony drug offense; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 22, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Kelvin Jerome Shears, Jr. – Rock Island, IL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (April 23, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Andrew Simmons, III – Lake Charles, LA
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 14, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Martin Ruiz Singh – Marshalltown, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine (three counts); felon in possession of a firearm ; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 12, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Kenneth H. Smith – Nashville, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine); convicted felon in possession of firearms; false written statement to licensed firearm dealer; Middle District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 29, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Kenneth Junior Smith – Brooklyn, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base, aid and abet (three counts); felon in possession of a firearm; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 14, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Noriel K. Snider – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 196 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (June 8, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Martin Souza – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 15, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· Christopher Stanton – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Possession of firearm by a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (July 25, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Sandy Steen, Jr. – San Antonio, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base; Western District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 3, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Cedric DeWayne Stephens – Waco, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 120 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $2,000 fine; $2,000,000 forefeiture (July 15, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and obligation and payment of forfeiture remitted.
· Terry Storeby – Waverly, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 29, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment.
· Minnie Pearl Thomas – Allentown, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 20, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Vincent Thomas – Gonzales, LA
Offense: Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act (two counts); Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 26, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Derrick Anthony Timmons – Herndon, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 1, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· John L. Tolliver – Holly, MI
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $250 fine (June 23, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and 10-year term of supervised release commuted to five-year term of supervised release.
· Terrence Upshaw – Yonkers, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; Northern District of New York
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 29, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· Ronald Wade – Daytona Beach, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (April 5, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, and unpaid balance of the $25,000 fine remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jimmy L. Walden, Jr. – Morristown, TN
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment (May 19, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Rodney Edward Wall – Rockingham, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a protected area; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 7, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Clarence Ward – Hollywood, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (four counts); felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 20, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
· Richard Douglas Warrick – Englewood, NJ
Offense: Drug conspiracy: controlled substance, sell, distribute or dispense mixture of cocaine base; controlled substance, sell, distribute or dispense mixture cocaine base (two counts); Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $500 fine (January 10, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jamel Washington – Austin, TX
Offense: Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute; felon in possession of a firearm; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (December 1, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Dennis Merrimon Waters – Hendersonville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 1, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Dennis L. Webb – Washington, DC
Offense: Unlawful distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base (two counts); unlawful distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (incorrectly listed on the judgment as cocaine); unlawful possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; District of Columbia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 13, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Billy Whitehead – North Little Rock, AR
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; aiding and abetting the distribution of less than five grams of cocaine base (two counts); distribution of more than five grams of cocaine base (two counts); aiding and abetting the distribution of more than five grams of cocaine base (two counts); Eastern District of Arkansas
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 21, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Patricia Widener – Glade Spring, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $10,950 restitution (November 13, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months’ imprisonment, and unpaid balance of restitution obligation remitted.
· Ralph K. Williams – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; District of Maryland
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $6 million forfeiture (February 25, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment and obligation and payment of forfeiture remitted.
· Byron Willis – Knoxville, TN
Offense: Distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (March 7, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Damion M. Wilson – Caruthersville, MO
Offense: Distribution of five grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 19, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· David Dejuan Wise – Montgomery, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and aiding and abetting; possession of cocaine base; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (July 13, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Karen Denise Witherspoon – Lenoir, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 10, 2007); amended to 262 months' imprisonment (November 19, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Ervin Darnell Worthy – Akron, OH
Offense: 1. Felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm with an altered serial number; Northern District of Ohio
2. Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 1. Life imprisonment (February 7, 1996)
2. Life imprisonment (February 7, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· James Wright – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 4, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
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16-896
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007
______________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DAG
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016 (202) 514-2007
WWW.JUSTICE.GOV TTY (866) 544-5309
PRESIDENT OBAMA GRANTS COMMUTATIONS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the President made grants of commutation of sentences to the following 214 individuals:
· Timothy Adams – Hartsville, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 2, 1995)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Asher Adkins – Columbia City, IN
Offense: Distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting (two counts); distribution of methamphetamine (three counts); use or carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime (two counts); distribution of more than 100 grams of methamphetamine (two counts); Northern District of Indiana
Sentence: 624 months’ imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 3, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jamonte L. Allison – Carbondale, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of "crack cocaine"; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $500 fine (September 6, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Joe Alvarado – Ogden, UT
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted a felon; District of Utah
Sentence: Life imprisonment (October 13, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Tyrell L. Anthony – Kershaw, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine); willfully failing to appear; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 28, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Reinaldo A. Arocho – Lake Station, IN
Offense: Drug conspiracy; maintaining a drug house; distribution of crack cocaine; carrying a firearm during drug trafficking; attempting to corruptly persuade a witness; Northern District of Indiana
Sentence: 387 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 19, 2000); amended to 300 months' imprisonment (January 18, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jose Carlos Arras, Jr. – Albuquerque, NM
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to import; conspiracy to wit: possession with intent to
distribute 100 kilograms and more of marijuana; District of New Mexico
2. Supervised release violation (Importation of a quantity of marijuana); Western District of Texas
Sentence: 1. 262 months' imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (November 4, 2002)
2. 10 months' imprisonment (consecutive) (November 4, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Sidney J. Ball – Lenox, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 12.04 kilograms of cocaine; Southern District of Texas
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 30, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Lloyd Battles – Columbia, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; Southern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 6, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· David Bell – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (three counts); Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 12, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Pauline K. Blake – West Valley City, UT
Offense: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; conspiracy or attempt to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); establishment of a manufacture operation; possession of a listed chemical (two counts); District of Utah
Sentence: 210 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $2,000 restitution (January 7, 2002); amended to 292 months' imprisonment (January 27, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Deborah Lucille Blue – Alcoa, TN
Offense: 1. Distribution of cocaine base (two counts); possession with intent to
distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
2. Supervised release violation (distribution of cocaine hydrochloride);
Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 1. 292 months' imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (February
23, 2007); amended to 234 months’ imprisonment (May 16, 2014)
2. 3 months' imprisonment (consecutive) (February 23, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Marston Edward Blue – District Heights, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin and cocaine; felon in possession of firearm; possess with intent to distribute heroin, aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 25, 2002 (on remand))
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Lucius Boswell – Madison, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 5, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Joshua Boyer – Tampa, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; possession of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 288 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 27, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Debra R. Brown – Nashville, TN
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base to a person under 21; Middle District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 18, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Eddie Lee Brown – Brunswick, GA
Offense: Distribution of cocaine hydrochloride (two counts); Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; six years' supervised release (June 12, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Patrick A. Brown – Alexandria, VA
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm, aiding and abetting (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; three years' supervised release (August 8, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Timothy Aaron Brown – Warren, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 3, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jose Luis Buenrostro – Stockton, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; Eastern District of California
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 8, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
· Barry Charles Butler – Shelby, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 30, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
· Charles Bynum – Torrance, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 27, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Annette Maria Canania – DeSoto, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to possess pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (December 22, 2006); amended to 210 months' imprisonment (April 27, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jose Manuel Candelario – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute Schedule II (crack cocaine) controlled substance; possess with intent to distribute Schedule II (crack cocaine) controlled substance; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 21, 1994); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (May 17, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Ralph Casas – North Miami Beach, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 9,445 kilograms of cocaine; District of Puerto Rico
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 19, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 292 months' imprisonment.
· Willie Chester – Waco, TX
Offense: Possession of a firearm by felon; false statement in acquisition of firearm; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 264 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $3,000 fine (March 26, 1992)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Donyelle Childs – Clearwater, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 12, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
· Kenneth Choice – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver narcotics; possession with intent to deliver narcotics; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 24, 1999); amended to life imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (June 9, 2004); amended to 324 months’ imprisonment (February 1, 2016)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Osvaldo Cisneros-Gutierrez – Earlimart, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of methamphetamine; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 292 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (October 13, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 228 months' imprisonment.
· Mark Anthony Clark – Rockford, IL
Offense: Conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute amphetamine; possession of a firearm by a felon/fugitive from justice and aiding and abetting; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; six years' supervised release (September 1, 1995)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
· Antonio Cobb – Bloomington, IL
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 28, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months’ imprisonment.
· Jimmie Clyde Collins – Joshua, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute; possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and aiding and abetting; using a drug involved premises and aiding and abetting; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 370 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 11, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Dewayne L. Comer – Syracuse, NY
Offense: Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (two counts); possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of New York
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 8, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jason Andrew Comer – Weyers Cave, VA
Offense: Aid and abet in the possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 23, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Delaria Antwan Conway – Laurens, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine and a quantity of cocaine (two counts); District of South Carolina
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (December 17, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Eugene Ross Cousins – Greenville, VA
Offense: Distribution of methamphetamine (two counts); possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (two counts); drug user in possession of firearm (two counts); Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 406 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (August 8, 2007); amended to 397 months' imprisonment (April 4, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Lavon A. Crockett – Kansas City, KS
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base ("crack cocaine"); District of Kansas
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (December 6, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Darnell Crookshank – West Covina, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture phencyclidine; manufacture with intent to distribute phencyclidine, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute phencyclidine; Central District of California
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 17, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Dawan Croskery – Buffalo, NY
Offense: Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; money laundering; Western District of New York
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 16, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Andrew Crumbly – Fort Myers, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine base, crack cocaine (three counts); Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; six years' supervised release (February 14, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· Morris Dabbs – Trenton, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 29, 2000); amended to 291 months’ imprisonment (August 2, 2011); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (October 6, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Ricky Darden – Kinston, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 16, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Lenwood Davies – Wabasso, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 15, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Richard Lawrence Davis – St. Louis, MO
Offense: 1. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of
Missouri
2. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 1. 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 15, 2004)
2. 93 months' imprisonment (concurrent) (March 4, 2005); amended to 75 months' imprisonment (November 18, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Terry Davis – Monroe, LA
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base; Western District of Arkansas
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 8, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Christopher M. Dees – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (September 1, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jose Del Valle – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and aiding and abetting; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 7, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Maynard Dennis – Liverpool, NY
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Northern District of New York
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (September 7, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Bobbie Jo Diers – Romeoville, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base ("crack"); possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base ("crack"); Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 12, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· James J. Dino – Upper Tumon, GU
Offense: 1. Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; District of
Guam
2. Supervised release violation (possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine); District of Guam
Sentence: 1. 240 months' imprisonment;10 years’ supervised release (October 19, 2006)
2. 60 months' imprisonment (concurrent) (October 19, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 193 months’ imprisonment.
· Scottie Ladon Dixon – Atmore, AL
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; 2. Violation of supervised release (conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine); 1. Southern District of Alabama; 2. Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: 1. Life imprisonment; 2. 33 months' imprisonment (concurent); 1. 10 years' supervised release (1. & 2. May 18, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 221 months' imprisonment.
· Thomas Duncan – Columbia, TN
Offense: Possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; felon in possession of a firearm; possession of five grams or more of cocaine base with intent to distribute; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 352 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (September 23, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Vincent Duval – Bradenton, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (October 28, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· William Ennis – El Paso, TX
Offense: Conspiring to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, to wit: cocaine more than five kilograms; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, to wit: cocaine more than five kilograms; using a communication device to facilitate the commission of a felony; Western District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (July 17, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Kenneth Evans – Fort Worth, TX
Offense: Conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base and aiding and abetting; use and carry firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment plus 60 months; five years' supervised release (August 20, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Ronald Evans – Norfolk, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and a mixture containing cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute heroin (three counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine base (two counts); Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 30, 1993); amended to 360 months' imprisonment (March 16, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Ronald Evans – New York, NY
Offense: 1. Possession with intent to distribute in excess of five grams of cocaine
base; District of Maine
2. Supervised release violation (possession with intent to distribute cocaine base); District of Maine
Sentence: 1. 270 months' imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 13, 2003)
2. 12 months' imprisonment (concurrent) (August 13, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· James Oliver Fambro – Decatur, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release, $500 fine (April 5, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· J. B. Farris, Jr. – Atlanta, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 26, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Corey Ferguson – Bowling Green, KY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; distribution of cocaine, aiding and abetting; Western District of Kentucky
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (May 5, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 202 months' imprisonment.
· Alejandro Flores – Mission, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; traveling in interstate commerce to facilitate a criminal activity; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 10, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Raul Camargo Flores – Lubbock, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 292 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 7, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Felix Monroe Fort – Birmingham, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (November 18, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
· Raymond Fox – New York, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Southern District of New York
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 2, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Charles Franklin – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); possession with the intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 7, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Cleveland R. Franklin, Jr. – Indianapolis, IN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing cocaine base; carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (November 17, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Michael L. Franklin – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 3, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Toddrick Onterio Franklin – St. Petersburg, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm in and affecting interstate commerce; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 120 months' supervised release (March 21, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· William Anthony Freeman – Detroit, MI
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 14, 1990)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Thomas R. Fuller – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; aiding and abetting to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 7, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· John Nicholas Gargano – Folcroft, PA
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to distribute methylenedioxymethamphetamine and
ketamine; distributing and possessing with intent to distribute
methamphetamine; distributing and possessing with intent to distribute ecstasy; Southern District of New York
2. Conspiracy to commit identification fraud and credit card fraud; unauthorized use of access devices; Southern District of New York
3. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine; District of New Jersey
Sentence: 1. 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 30, 2004)
2. 10 years' imprisonment (concurrent); three years’ supervised release; $212,379.38 restitution (November 30, 2004)
3. 100 months' imprisonment (concurrent); five years' supervised release (September 8, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Enrique Garza – Zolfo Springs, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; attempt to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 17, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jesse James Gentry – Grand Prairie, TX
Offense: Possession of more than 50 grams of crack cocaine with intent to distribute; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 3, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Bernard Gibson, Sr. – Temple Hills, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled drug substances: heroin and cocaine; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 15, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Steve P. Gillespie – Greeneville, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (August 16, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Derrick Glass – Youngstown, OH
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 14, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Fred M. Glover – Washington, DC
Offense: Unlawful distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base; unlawful distribution of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school (three counts); unlawful distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (two counts); District of Columbia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 17, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Will A. Goines, Jr. – Chicago, IL
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base ("crack") (three counts); Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 14, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment.
· Michael Goldsby – Cleveland, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 5.88 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 383 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (November 19, 1997); amended to 360 months' imprisonment (August 31, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Ramon Gonzalez – San Juan, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute 4506.65, kilograms of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute 4506.65 kilograms of marijuana; Southern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; life term supervised release (January 20, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Edgar Gonzalez-Valentin – Mayagüez, PR
Offense: Conspiracy to import cocaine, aiding and abetting; importation of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of firearm in relation to drug trafficking crime (two counts); District of Puerto Rico
Sentence: 595 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 10, 1992); amended to 511 months' imprisonment (August 19, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Christopher Green – Waycross, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine hydrochloride and crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine (two counts); Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 23, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· Randy P. Green – Sikeston, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 7, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Samuel Grooms – Clinton Township, MI
Offense: Conspiracy with intent to distribute heroin; attempted possession with intent to distribute heroin; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 23, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Steven C. Hall – Gonzales, LA
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; distribution
of cocaine base; Middle District of Louisiana
2. Supervised release violation (conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base); Middle District of Louisiana
Sentence: 1. 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 22, 2005)
2. 45 months' imprisonment (consecutive) (February 16, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Stephen Ramont Hardridge – Tulsa, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of cocaine and 50 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; Northern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 292 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $10,000 fine (November 25, 2002 (on remand)); amended to 240 months' imprisonment (June 10, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and unpaid balance of the $10,000 fine remitted.
· Steven R. Hardy – Tampa, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 14, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Donella Marie Harriel – Stuart, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 264 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 17, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment and 10-year term of supervised release commuted to a four-year term of supervised release.
· Benjamin Harris – Dallas, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute MDMA, cocaine and 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Louisiana
Sentence: 226 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 23, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
· Christopher J. Heath – Ridgway, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $500 fine (February 24, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Wilson Henderson – Hollywood, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (incorrectly listed on the judgment as cocaine); use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 20, 1992)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· John A. Hill – Cleveland, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: Life imprisonment (July 16, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· Robert Hill – Washington, DC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base (three counts); Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 20, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Marcell Hogans – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 168 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (August 21, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Kenneth Bronson Hughes – Charlotte Court House, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 334 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (September 3, 2003); amended to 272 months’ imprisonment (September 2, 2008); amended to 218 months’ imprisonment (March 4, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Deangelo Hunt – Richmond, VA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 1, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Courtney D. Hurt – Tamms, IL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (July 25, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, and unpaid balance of $1,000 fine remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Alfonzo Ingram – Rowlett, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (June 16, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
· Anthonial Irick – Cameron, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine; possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 18, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Albert Jackson – Mount Vernon, IL
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; distribution of cocaine; 2. Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 1. 262 months' imprisonment; 2. 480 months' imprisonment (consecutive); 1. 10 years' supervised release; 2. eight years' supervised release (1. August 19, 1991; 2. November 7, 1994)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Dickey Joe Jackson – Boyd, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); felon in possession of a firearm; possession of an unregistered firearm (two counts); Northern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 17, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Elmer Jackson – Bushnell, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (four counts); Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 19, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Eugene Ernst Jackson – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; distribution and possession with narcotics, aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 19, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Tommy Merrel Jackson – Boyd, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 17, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Tyrand James – Youngstown, OH
Offense: Distribution of cocaine (two counts); distribution of cocaine base; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 16, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Bernard Jennings – Vero Beach, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (three counts); Southern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 12, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Douglas George Jensen – Whitefish, MT
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; District of Montana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 24, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Derrick Anthony Johnson – Richmond, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; as principle or aider and abettor, possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 17, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Frederico Johnson – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (July 23, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.
· Matthew Troy Johnson – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (November 12, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Walter Lee Johnson – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 14, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Arnold Ray Jones – Lubbock, TX
Offense: Distribution of less than 50 grams of cocaine base and aiding and abetting; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (November 22, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jeffrey Lynn Jones – Eugene, OR
Offense: Manufacturing methamphetamine; conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; District of Oregon
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 3, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Vernon Jones – Evansville, IN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base (mixture); distribution of cocaine base (mixture) (two counts); Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 9, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Albert J. Josey, Jr. – Sayreville, NJ
Offense: Possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine base with intent to distribute; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (October 3, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and unpaid balance of the $1,000 fine remitted.
· Keldren Joshua – Los Angeles, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; Central District of California
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 21, 2006); amended to 168 months' imprisonment (November 10, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Cory Baker Kamerud – Aberdeen, SD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 7, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Charceil Kellam – Berryville, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; distribute more than 5 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 24, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 160 months' imprisonment.
· Kenneth Lee Kelley – Westville, OK
Offense: Felon in possession of firearm after former conviction (two counts); possession of stolen firearm; attempt to manufacture methamphetamine (three counts); possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine; possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of methamphetamine; possesssion of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (April 27, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Milton Kemp – Jewell, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute crack cocaine; distribution of crack cocaine; Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: 280 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 19, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Joseph Willie Kennedy – Randallstown, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 14, 1992)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· Delinege King – Houston, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 27, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Vince Cordell King – Detroit, MI
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); using or carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: Life plus five years' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (May 21, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Kent Edward Kiser – Manassas, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 270 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (March 10, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
· James LaRon Knight – Jonesboro, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: 292 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 23, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Derrick Tyrone Lamb – Fort Pierce, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 3, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months' imprisonment.
· Charlie Lawuary – Springfield, IL
Offense: Possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (July 27, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Josephine Ledezma – Rialto, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance (cocaine); being aided and abetted by others, did unlawfully, knowingly, and intentionally possess and cause to be possessed, with intent to distribute, a Schedule II controlled substance (cocaine); Western District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment (October 30, 1992)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· James Allen Ledford – Auburndale, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 16, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months' imprisonment.
· Eric L. Lemon – St. Petersburg, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 6, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Gregory Allen Liningham – Los Angeles, CA
Offense: Possession of more than 50 grams of "crack" cocaine with intent to distribute; Western District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $3,000 fine (December 1, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Antonio Lopez – Grand Prairie, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 26, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jeffrey Lundin – Livingston, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States; conspiracy to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine while aboard a United States vessel; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 15, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Edwin M. Mack – Fort Myers, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, "crack cocaine"; distribution of a quantity of cocaine base, "crack cocaine" (two counts); possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base, "crack cocaine"; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of an unregistered firearm (incorrectly listed on the judgment as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon); Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 1, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Alonzo Mackins, Jr. – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine, cocaine base, heroin, and marijuana; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 8, 1999); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (August 14, 2006); amended to life imprisonment (September 2, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Alberto Maisonet – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base (two counts); distribution of cocaine (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine; illegal use of a communication facility (four counts); Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (February 23, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Sheldon Paul Mangiapane – Hot Springs, AR
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 13, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Tommy M. Martinez – Sparta, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; distribution of crack cocaine; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $4,000 fine (April 7, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and unpaid balance of the $4,000 fine remitted.
· Robert L. Matthews – Memphis, TN
Offense: 1. Distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine
base; Northern District of Mississippi
2. Supervised release violation (possession with intent to distribute cocaine base); Western District of Tennessee
Sentence: 1. 280 months' imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (June 13, 1997)
2. 15 months' imprisonment (consecutive) (September 30, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· James A. McGee – Chidester, AR
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of chemicals with intent to manufacture methamphetamine (three counts); Southern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 4, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Artis Sangria McGraw – Saluda, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; use of fiream during and in relation to a crime of violence; felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm with obliterated serial numbers; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 270 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 30, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Reba L. McIntyre – Hayti, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (June 26, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Torey A. McKay – Wesley Chapel, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute and distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (two counts); possession with intent to distribute and distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of cocaine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 29, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Rudolph McKinnon, Jr. – Fort Walton Beach, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (October 26, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· John Anthony Mickens – Louisa, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 211 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 25, 2007); amended to 181 months’ imprisonment (October 21, 2008); amended to 180 months’ imprisonment (October 14, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· David Dean Millard – Grimes, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; use of communication facility to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 10, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Titus Jerrard Mobley – Groveland, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 210 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 23, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Tyrone Montgomery – Lexington, KY
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of Kentucky
Sentence: 288 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 27, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 209 months' imprisonment.
· Ronald Perry Moon – Commerce, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (February 10, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and unpaid balance of $2,000 fine remitted.
· Martin Brandon Moore – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base and more than 5 kilograms of a mixture and substance containing cocaine; principal to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 30, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
· Michael L. Moore – Mount Vernon, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine; distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 5, 1998); amended to 292 months' imprisonment (October 27, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Amir Morgan – Evansville, IN
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine (mixture); Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 19, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 1, 2017.
· Lucille Mae Morse – Billings, MT
Offense: Distribution/possession with intent to distribute heroin/methamphetamine (two counts); possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (six counts); District of Montana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 29, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Luciano Murga – Houston, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $800 fine (January 25, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Robert Earl Nettles – Fort Pierce, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 22, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Linton C. Nichols – Cleveland, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Nothern District of Ohio
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 15, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Robert Lee Nickles – Mobile, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 27, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Hilario Nieto, III – San Antonio, TX
Offense: 1. Possession with intent to distribute heroin; Western District of Texas
2. Distribution of a controlled substance, heroin; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 1. 188 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (Feburary 5, 2004)
2. 188 months’ imprisonment (60 months’ consecutive to above offense, the remainder concurrent); three years' supervised release (August 9, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Francisco Olivera – Modesto, CA
Offense: 1. Use of a communication facility in the commission of a drug offense;
Eastern District of California
2. Conspiracy to manufacture and to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute; attempted manufacture of methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; possession of a listed chemical knowing that it will be used to manufacture methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; Eastern District of California
Sentence: 1. 48 months' imprisonment; 12 months’ supervised release (March 16, 1998)
2. 324 months' imprisonment (consecutive); 36 months' supervised release (November 3, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 288 months' imprisonment.
· Kenyatta O'Neil – San Antonio, TX
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base (two counts); Western District of Texas
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 30, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Candido Ortiz-Martinez – Pagedale, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking crime (two counts); distribution of cocaine; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 592 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 12, 1991); amended to 535 months' imprisonment (March 30, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Lonnie Dwayne Payne – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; interstate transportation of a firearm by a felon; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 25, 2003); amended to 240 months' imprisonment (April 21, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jeremy Payton – Winnfield , LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 8, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Erenio C. Perez – Colorado Springs, CO
Offense: Conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the manufacture in excess of one kilogram of methamphetamine; possession and aiding and abetting the possession of ephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); possession and aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (two counts); District of Colorado
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 19, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Sharon Price – Nacogdoches, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release; $20,000 fine (June 6, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and unpaid balance of the $20,000 fine remitted.
· Thomas Jefferson Price, III – Kernersville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy: possess with intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine; possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (three counts); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 330 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 24, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jack Dewhan Randolph – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting the same (two counts); Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (November 29, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Evans Ray, Jr. – Fort Washington, MD
Offense: Distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine, aiding and abetting; felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 7, 2007); amended to life imprisonment (May 15, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Keith Ray – Minneapolis, MN
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: 263 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $2,500 fine (April 17, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Richard D. Reid – Wilmington, DE
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition (five counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of a cocaine base (crack); possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession of crack cocaine; possession of marijuana; District of Delaware
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 4, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Ricardo Renteria – Irving, TX
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine; Western
District of Texas
2. Conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: 1. 235 months' imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (August 22, 2007); amended to 188 months’ imprisonment (August 24, 2015)
2. 135 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 8, 2008); amended to 108 months' imprisonment (November 13, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
· Richard L. Reser – Sedgwick, KS
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of firearm while trafficking in drugs (two counts); possession of a firearm by a felon; distribution of methamphetamine; conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; District of Kansas
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (December 20, 1989)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Samuel Reyes – Coral Springs, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute detectable amount of cocaine; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 210 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 24, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Broderick Richardson – Louisville, KY
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of Kentucky
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 27, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· William C. Robertson, Sr. – New Orleans, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (November 8, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Derwlyn Rosborough – Lake View Terrace, CA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; District of Wyoming
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release, $2,000 fine (December 5, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Thomas R. Ross – Fairfield, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; conspiracy to distribute pseudoephedrine with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that it would be used to manufacture a controlled substance; distribution of pseudoephedrine with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe it would be used to manufacture a controlled substance and aiding and abetting; Eastern District of California
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 26, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on September 2, 2016.
· Jerome Rowser – Birmingham, AL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of firearms; Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 19, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Alphonso P. Rubalcava – Rock Island, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 19, 2002); amended to 327 months' imprisonment (June 22, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Breon Montez Sanders – Wilmington, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack) and five kilograms of cocaine; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 295 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 17, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Michael Sandmeyer – Rockford, IA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) after having previously been convicted of a felony drug offense; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 22, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Kelvin Jerome Shears, Jr. – Rock Island, IL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (April 23, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Andrew Simmons, III – Lake Charles, LA
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 14, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Martin Ruiz Singh – Marshalltown, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine (three counts); felon in possession of a firearm ; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 12, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Kenneth H. Smith – Nashville, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine); convicted felon in possession of firearms; false written statement to licensed firearm dealer; Middle District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 29, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Kenneth Junior Smith – Brooklyn, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base, aid and abet (three counts); felon in possession of a firearm; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 14, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Noriel K. Snider – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 196 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (June 8, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Martin Souza – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 15, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· Christopher Stanton – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Possession of firearm by a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (July 25, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Sandy Steen, Jr. – San Antonio, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base; Western District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 3, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Cedric DeWayne Stephens – Waco, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 120 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $2,000 fine; $2,000,000 forefeiture (July 15, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and obligation and payment of forfeiture remitted.
· Terry Storeby – Waverly, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 29, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment.
· Minnie Pearl Thomas – Allentown, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 20, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Vincent Thomas – Gonzales, LA
Offense: Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act (two counts); Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 26, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Derrick Anthony Timmons – Herndon, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 1, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· John L. Tolliver – Holly, MI
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $250 fine (June 23, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016, and 10-year term of supervised release commuted to five-year term of supervised release.
· Terrence Upshaw – Yonkers, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; Northern District of New York
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 29, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· Ronald Wade – Daytona Beach, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (April 5, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, and unpaid balance of the $25,000 fine remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jimmy L. Walden, Jr. – Morristown, TN
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment (May 19, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Rodney Edward Wall – Rockingham, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a protected area; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 7, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Clarence Ward – Hollywood, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (four counts); felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 20, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
· Richard Douglas Warrick – Englewood, NJ
Offense: Drug conspiracy: controlled substance, sell, distribute or dispense mixture of cocaine base; controlled substance, sell, distribute or dispense mixture cocaine base (two counts); Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $500 fine (January 10, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Jamel Washington – Austin, TX
Offense: Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute; felon in possession of a firearm; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (December 1, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Dennis Merrimon Waters – Hendersonville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 1, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Dennis L. Webb – Washington, DC
Offense: Unlawful distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base (two counts); unlawful distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (incorrectly listed on the judgment as cocaine); unlawful possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; District of Columbia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 13, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Billy Whitehead – North Little Rock, AR
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; aiding and abetting the distribution of less than five grams of cocaine base (two counts); distribution of more than five grams of cocaine base (two counts); aiding and abetting the distribution of more than five grams of cocaine base (two counts); Eastern District of Arkansas
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 21, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Patricia Widener – Glade Spring, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $10,950 restitution (November 13, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months’ imprisonment, and unpaid balance of restitution obligation remitted.
· Ralph K. Williams – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; District of Maryland
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $6 million forfeiture (February 25, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment and obligation and payment of forfeiture remitted.
· Byron Willis – Knoxville, TN
Offense: Distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (March 7, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Damion M. Wilson – Caruthersville, MO
Offense: Distribution of five grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 19, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· David Dejuan Wise – Montgomery, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and aiding and abetting; possession of cocaine base; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (July 13, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
· Karen Denise Witherspoon – Lenoir, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 10, 2007); amended to 262 months' imprisonment (November 19, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Ervin Darnell Worthy – Akron, OH
Offense: 1. Felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm with an altered serial number; Northern District of Ohio
2. Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 1. Life imprisonment (February 7, 1996)
2. Life imprisonment (February 7, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 3, 2017.
· James Wright – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 4, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 1, 2016.
Plattsburgh Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 71 MonthsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – John V. Brown, age 45, of New York City, was sentenced yesterday to serve 71 months in prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, for supplying heroin in the Plattsburgh area.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The sentence followed Brown’s October 21, 2015 guilty plea. Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. sentenced Brown, also known as “Football,” for supplying at least half a kilogram of heroin to the Plattsburgh area between July and December of 2014.
This case was investigated by the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Pair Sentenced for Roles in Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
DANVILLE, VIRGINIA – A pair of men who previously pled guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and possess firearms while doing so, were sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Danville, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Osman Roverto Castellanos, 33, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Yesterday in District Court, he was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison.
In a separate hearing yesterday, Virginio Aguirre Jimenez, who previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison.
“We remain committed to prosecuting those who traffic large quantities of illegal drugs into our communities,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “I am thankful to our partners in law enforcement for continuing work with us to make our neighborhoods safer.”
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Danville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley B. Neese prosecuted the case for the United States.
New York Man Sentenced to 10 Months for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Contact: Halsey B. Frank
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Thomas P. Cortez, 58, of College Point, New York and Portland was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to 10 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender. Cortez pleaded guilty on April 5, 2016.
According to court documents, Cortez was convicted in Maine in 1989 of unlawful sexual contact with a minor under 14 years old. As a result, Cortez is required to register as a sex offender for life. In 1996, Cortez was living in New York when it instituted a sex offender registry. Between about 1996 and about March of 2003, Cortez was registered in New York. In 2003, Cortez gave New York notice that he was moving back to Maine. Between 2006 and 2015, Cortez registered in Maine. After March 2015, Cortez moved to College Point, New York, where he lived with his father and stepmother. He did not inform Maine that he had moved to New York and he did not register in New York. In December of 2015, Cortez was arrested in New York and told arresting officers, among other things, that he had been living in New York for about eight months.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Levy explained that he did not believe that Mr. Cortez did not understand that he had to register, that the purposes of the sentence were to protect the public, to promote respect for law, and to deter Mr. Cortez from reoffending.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, the Maine Sex Offender Registry, the New York Sex Offender Registry, and the Portland Police Department.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Brandishing a Firearm during a Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LONDON CARTER, age 24, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, specifically a bank robbery.
According to court documents, CARTER guarded the door of a Capital One Bank in Metairie during a robbery on August 26, 2011, and pointed a semi-automatic pistol at various customers.
CARTER faces a mandatory minimum of 7 years imprisonment and a maximum term of life imprisonment, along with a $250,000 fine and up to 5 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for December 7, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera, Maria Carboni and Marquest Meeks were in charge of the prosecution.
New Kensington Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Cocaine and Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Westmoreland County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Michael Jones, 25, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between January 2011, and September 2013, Jones conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. In addition, the court was advised that on Feb. 26, 2014, Jones, having previously been convicted of a felony offense, was in possession of five firearms, two of which were stolen, and one of which had an obliterated serial number.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Nov. 8, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine A. King and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
A task force led by the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case. The task force also included several other federal, state, and local agencies from multiple states, including the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Monroeville Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Mescalero Apache Man Pleads Guilty to Escape and Failing to Update his Sex Offender RegistrationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Tyree Brent Mariano, 26, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Nation residing in Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty this morning in federal court to escape and violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
SORNA, also known as the Adam Walsh Protection and Safety Act, requires that a convicted sex offender register in each jurisdiction where the offender resides, where the offender is employed, or where the offender is a student, and that the sex offender maintain current registrations.
Mariano was arrested on May 21, 2016, on an indictment charging him with violating SORNA by failing to update his sex offender registration and escaping from a half-way house where he was confined following his conviction on a child sexual abuse charge. According to the indictment Mariano failed to update his registration between July 8, 2015 and March 8, 2016, in Bernalillo County, N.M.
During today’s proceedings, Mariano pled guilty to the indictment. In entering the guilty plea, Mariano admitted that he was a sex offender as a result of his child sexual abuse conviction on April 19, 2012. On June 11, 2015, Mariano registered as a sex offender with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and was residing in a halfway house in Albuquerque as a condition of his supervised release following his release from prison. Mariano admitted that on June 27, 2015, he left the halfway house without permission and did not return. He further admitted that he did not notify the Sheriff’s Office of his change of residence as required under SORNA when he absconded from the halfway house.
At sentencing, Mariano faces a maximum statutory penalty of ten years in federal prison followed by not less than five years of supervised release. Mariano will be required to register as a sex offender when he completes his prison sentence. Mariano remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander B. Shapiro of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Marion man charged with bank robberyRead the Press Release
An indictment was filed charging Ronald R. Myles, Jr., 34, of Marion, for the June 17 robbery of the Commercial Savings Bank branch in Marion.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Marion office. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mansfield man faces child pornography indictmentRead the Press Release
Lee D. Switzer, 25, of Mansfield, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment charges that from on or about February 20, 2016, through on or about April 17, 2016, Switzer knowingly received and distributed, using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, numerous computer files, which files contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and which files had been shipped and transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce. The indictment also charges that on July 6, 2016, Switzer possessed a computer which contained child pornography.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan. The case was investigated by the Mansfield and Canton Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canton Police Department.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Manchester Resident Pleads Guilty to Selling Stolen Government PropertyRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – A 25-year-old resident of Manchester, New Hampshire, Kristopher White, has pleaded guilty to fifteen counts of unlawfully converting government property, announced United States Attorney Emily Gray Rice.
From June 8 to June 19, 2015, three barrels that contained government-owned scrap metal and 25 government-owned tools were stolen from a maintenance building at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Manchester. On June 9, 10 and 19, 2015, White knowingly sold the stolen scrap metal to a recycling business in Manchester, and on June 19 he knowingly sold 12 of the stolen tools to a pawn shop in Manchester.
The crimes to which White pleaded guilty are felonies because the aggregate cost price or market value of the stolen items is more than $1,000.
The maximum period of imprisonment for each offense is 10 years. The maximum fine for the offense is $250,000. White will be sentenced by United State District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty on November 18, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Judge McCafferty will sentence White after she has had the opportunity to review a presentence investigation report prepared by the United States Probation & Pretrial Services office.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigation Division and the VA Police Services at the Manchester VA Medical Center. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Robert M. Kinsella.
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Man Who Absconded While Under Indictment in “Swatting” Case, is Arrested, Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced to Serve 84 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Jeffrey Lynn Daniels, 43, was sentenced on Monday by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay to serve a total of 84 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in March 2016 to federal charges filed in 2011 in the Northern District of Texas regarding a “swatting conspiracy” and a federal charge filed in the Northern District of Georgia stemming from his resisting arrest in Conyers, Georgia, in early February 2015. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
“Swatting” refers to falsely reporting an emergency to a police department to cause a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) response to a physical address, or making a false report to elicit an emergency response by other first responders to a specific physical address.
According to documents filed in the case, Daniels created software specifically designed for business teleconferencing and entertainment chat lines. His system offered a suite of services from which Daniels benefitted financially. Daniels knew that members of a swatting conspiracy used the system for many things, legal and illegal, and on more than one occasion, they used the teleconferencing aspect to group themselves together, use three-way calling, bridge someone into the conference with them, and in turn, harass the person or persons bridged. Daniels admitted he turned a blind eye to these activities. He could have ended some of their illegal or criminal activities on his system, but he didn’t, nor did he report it to the proper authorities.
Daniels further admitted that on several occasions he gave advice to co-conspirator Matthew Weigman[i] about swatting and how it was done. In fact, Daniels is aware that Weigman, relying on his advice, made swatting calls directed at a location in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2006.
Daniels also admitted that he tried to conceal electronic data on a cell phone belonging to another co-conspirator, Chad Ward,[ii] from Ward’s residence in New York, with the intent to impair the integrity and availability of the items in an FBI investigation.
In Spring 2012, Daniels, while under indictment in the Northern District of Texas for his role in the above-referenced swatting conspiracy, fled to Georgia. On February 1, 2015, Daniels was located at a residence in Georgia. An FBI tactical team entered and re-apprehended Daniels. During the tactical team’s entry, Daniel appeared and displayed a weapon. Daniels waived venue, and pleaded guilty in the NDTX to one count of forcible assault of or interference with a federal officer.
Jason Allen Neff, 35, Daniels’ co-defendant who also pleaded guilty to his role in the swatting case, was sentenced by Judge Lindsay in January 2015 to 60 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $79,440 in restitution.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney C.S. Heath prosecuted.
[i] Weigman pleaded guilty and was sentenced in June 2009 to 135 months in federal prison.
[ii] Ward pleaded guilty and was sentenced in May 2008 to 60 months in federal prison.
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Judge Sentences Mexican Citizen for Illegally Re-entering United StatesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A citizen of Mexico has been sentenced in federal court to time served to be followed by one year supervised release on his conviction of illegal reentry after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Benjamin Juarez-Luna, 36, a citizen of Mexico.
According to information presented to the court, Juarez-Luna, an alien, who was previously removed from the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Sept. 8, 2014, Jan. 31, 2015, Feb. 22, 2015, and July 1, 2015, was taken into custody on May 11, 2016, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Juarez-Luna.
January 2016: Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month EventsRead the Press Release
In December 2015, President Barack Obama proclaimed January 2016 as “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month,” and called to rededicate ourselves to assisting victims of human trafficking and to combating it in all its forms.
In January 2016, the Governor of Guam and the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) proclaimed the month of January as “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month,” and the CNMI Senate presented a legislative resolution -- all calling for the protection of human rights and encouraging our community to be vigilant, and compassionate to victims and their families.
The Guam HTTF and NMI HTIC organized and held events during National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month: a proclamation signing in Guam and Saipan, NMI; a community wave by Skinner Plaza in Hagatna, the capital of Guam; and a human trafficking awareness workshop for employees at the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services; and outreaches held at high schools in Saipan, NMI.
In March 2016, U.S. Attorney Alicia Limtiaco and members of the Guam Human Trafficking Task Force (HTTF) and the NMI Human Trafficking Intervention Coalition (HTIC) attended the 13th Hawaii International Summit: Preventing Assessing & Treating Trauma Across the Lifespan, where U.S. Attorney Limtiaco was a speaker and facilitator at the Human Trafficking Track Pre-Summit 2016 Pacific Train the Trainer Course. The goal of the course was to support the creation of a network of professionals in the Pacific region working to build peace within our communities. This course will be used to establish a Pacific Speakers Bureau for a range of justice, human rights and other topics relevant to Pacific Island peoples.
In April 2016, U.S. Attorney Limtiaco was invited to American Samoa to participate in a series of meetings with the American Samoa Human Trafficking Task Force, Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG), American Samoa Pacific Women Indigenous Network (PacWIN), American Samoa Attorney General’s Office, American Samoa Department of Homeland Security, American Samoa Department of Health and Human Services, American Samoa Domestic Violence Shelter, and American Samoa Legal Services. She also conducted trainings with the American Samoa Attorney General’s Office, the American Samoa Legal Services, and the principals of the American Samoa School System.
In May 2016, U.S. Attorney Limtiaco was a keynote speaker at the 2016 kNOw MORE Conference, Celebrating Diversity in Micronesia: Empowering and Developing Communities Together, held at the Westin Hotel in Tumon, Guam.
U.S. Attorney Limtiaco spoke on the topic of “Preventing Human Trafficking in the Pacific Region,” and shared information on the Pacific Regional Response to Combat Human Trafficking initiative, which is a collaborative effort among the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Districts of Guam and the NMI, the U.S. Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Guam HTTF, the NMI HTIC, and other community partners. U.S. Attorney Limtiaco also discussed the intersection and relationship between human trafficking, sexual assault, child abuse and domestic and family violence, and prevention and enforcement efforts in the Pacific region.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in collaboration with federal and local partners, Guam HTTF and NMI HTIC, continue to work collaboratively on the Pacific Regional Response to Combat Human Trafficking initiative. The Pacific Regional Response to Combat Human Trafficking initiative employs a multidisciplinary model, including participation, coordination, and collaboration among law enforcement; prosecution; victim service providers; social services; medical, mental and public health professionals; faith based organizations; educational institutions; Consulates; and other community stakeholders. The response calls for the establishment and provision of victim services, investigation and prosecution of human trafficking, training opportunities, community outreach/ public awareness and prevention programs, and creation of human trafficking task forces and coalitions in the Pacific region island communities. Providing fundamental training in human trafficking, including victimization, investigation and prosecution, prevention efforts, and other related topics, to law enforcement; prosecution; victim service providers; social services; medical, mental and public health professionals; faith based organizations; educational institutions; Consulates; and other community stakeholders, in our Pacific region island communities, is critical to effective prevention and enforcement efforts in the region.
The Guam HTTF and the CNMI HTIC, and other community partners, continue to respond to the needs of human trafficking victims and their families, and to hold offenders accountable.
Photos taken at the various events.
Acting Governor of Guam, Raymond Tenorio, taken at the Proclamation Signing held at the Government House CNMI Human Trafficking Intervention Coalition members at the Governor’s Office for the Proclamation Signing in Saipan, NMI U.S. Attorney Alicia Limtiaco and First Assistant Shawn Anderson at the Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Wave in Guam Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Wave in Guam U.S. Attorney Alicia Limtiaco was invited to train nurses and staff at the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services U.S. Attorney Alicia Limtiaco at the 2016 kNOw MORE Conference: Celebrating Diversity in Micronesia: Empowering and Developing Communities Together U.S. Attorney Limtiaco meeting with members of the American Samoa Pacific Women Indigenous Network (PacWIN) U.S. Attorney Limtiaco meeting with staff from the American Samoa Attorney General’s Office U.S. Attorney Alicia Limtiaco meeting with Director Fainu’ulelei Ala’ilima-Utu and his staff from the American Samoa Legal Services, in American Samoa U.S. Attorney Alicia Limtiaco meeting with Suzanna Tiapula, Distinguished Fellow at IVAT and Utuali’i luniasolua Tului Savusa, Director, Department of Homeland Security and Chair of the Human Trafficking Task Force, in American SamoaJackson Man to Serve 221 Months in Prison for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Lindsey Johnson, 28, of Jackson, was sentenced on August 2, 2016, by Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour, to serve a total of 221 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for armed carjacking, felon in possession of a firearm, and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. He was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine. Johnson was found guilty by a jury on May 19, 2016 after a three day trial before U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour.
The crime took place on August 2, 2015 at the Northwood Village Apartments in Jackson. The victim had been visiting relatives in the apartment complex when Lindsey Johnson approached him with a .38 caliber revolver. Johnson demanded that the victim get out of the car and give him any money that he had on his person. Johnson then left the apartments in the victim’s Lexus automobile and was later spotted by Jackson Police officers. He led JPD officers on a high speed chase through the city of Jackson where they were able to safely apprehend him. JPD officers and federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives recovered two weapons from the vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. and Deputy Criminal Chief Darren LaMarca.International Narcotics Distributor Pleads Guilty to Multiple Narcotics and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, Salvador Jimenez Uribe, also known as “Salvador Uribe Jimenez,” pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Raymond J. Dearie in the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, to a four-count superseding indictment for his involvement in an international cocaine importation conspiracy and international narcotics importation, distribution, and money laundering conspiracies. When sentenced, Jimenez faces up to life in prison.
The guilty plea was announced by Robert L. Capers, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division. The investigation was led by the DEA New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force.
According to court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, between approximately July 1, 2007 and February 26, 2008, Jimenez and his co-conspirators imported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, as well as more than five kilograms of heroin, and more than a thousand kilograms of marijuana, from Mexico into the United States and distributed those narcotics in the New York area, including in the Eastern District of New York. Jimenez, a Mexican citizen, also worked with others during that time period to transport millions of dollars of proceeds from the sale of those narcotics back to Mexico, in a way that concealed the true source of the proceeds and avoided financial transaction reporting requirements. Between Approximately May 1, 2012 and March 15, 2015, Jimenez again conspired with others to import more than five kilograms of cocaine.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Hiral D. Mehta and Craig R. Heeren are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
SALVADOR JIMENEZ URIBE
Age: 50
Residence: Guadalajara, MexicoEDNY Docket No. 12-CR-603 (RJD)
Indictment and Arrest of Four Individuals for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. - On August 2nd, 2016 a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a 16-count indictment charging one doctor, Americo Oms-Rivera, his secretary Mayte González Muñoz, and Francisco Cabrera Alvarado, a former Social Security Administration (SSA) employee, for fraud in the application process for SSA disability insurance benefits in Puerto Rico, announced United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez.
Defendants are also facing charges for wire fraud, false statement or representation to SSA, dispensing controlled substances by a practitioner (diversion), health care fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
The SSA is responsible for the implementation of the Disability Insurance Benefits Program. The SSA provides monetary benefits to workers with severe, long-term disabilities, who have worked in SSA covered employment for a required length of time. Spouses and dependent children of disabled workers may also be eligible to receive benefits.
Pursuant to SSA regulations, a claimant must prove to SSA that he or she is disabled by furnishing medical and other evidence with the application. The application and supporting evidence is then evaluated by SSA to determine the individual’s medical impairments and determine the effect of the impairment on the claimant’s ability to work on a sustained basis.
The indictment alleges that on or about September 24, 2013, Person A was introduced to Oms-Rivera to discuss his intentions of applying for disability insurance benefits. During said meeting, Oms-Rivera informed Person A that he/she needed to seek treatment for a period of five (5) to six (6) months before the paperwork was submitted to the SSA. Oms-Rivera told Person A that once Person A’s disability benefits were approved he would take a percentage of the check as payment. The scheme involved, among others, the following acts alleged in the indictment:
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On or about January 14, 2014, Person A had the first medical appointment with Oms-Rivera. During this visit, Person A informed the doctor that he/she was interested in obtaining SSA disability insurance benefits. Person A reported that his/her medical conditions were high blood pressure and migraines from time to time. In response, Oms-Rivera prescribed Prozac, a non-controlled narcotic, used for depression and panic disorders and Restoril, a Scheduled IV narcotic used to treat insomnia symptoms.
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Person A made additional visits to Oms-Rivera for purported medical treatment. During these visits Oms-Rivera and Person A discussed the disability application process and Oms-Rivera prescribed Prozac, a non-controlled narcotic, used for depression and panic disorders; Restoril, a Scheduled IV narcotic, used to treat insomnia symptoms; Ambien, a Scheduled IV narcotic, used to treat insomnia; and Xanax, a Scheduled IV narcotic, used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
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Oms-Rivera and defendant González-Muñoz referred Person A to Cabrera, a former SSA employee who worked as a non-attorney representative. Cabrera assisted Person A in his application for SSA disability insurance benefits.
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On May 21, 2014, Cabrera met with Person A in order to assist him/her to fill out the Adult Function Report, SSA Form 3373. During said meeting Cabrera coached Person A as to what to write in the form in order to get Person A’s disability benefits approved.
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On June 10, 2014, González charged Person A $600.00 for the Psychiatric Medical Report and $1,440.00 for backdating his/her medical file and creating 24 fictitious medical appointments.
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On or about October 22, 2015, the Psychiatric Medical Report signed by Oms-Rivera was submitted to the SSA indicating that Person A was totally disabled to return to work as of that date or in the near future. In the Psychiatric Medical Report Oms-Rivera falsely represented to the SSA that Person A’s first medical visit was on October 15, 2013. Oms-Rivera further reported a total of approximately eleven (11) fictitious appointments that never took place. This was done to create the appearance of a longer history of medical treatment.
The government is seeking the forfeiture of the medical license of Oms-Rivera since he used it to facilitate the commission of controlled substances offenses when he prescribed or dispensed controlled substances outside the scope of his medical practice. The defendants are facing a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison for the conspiracy to defraud the United States; up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud; up to 5 years in prison for providing false statements to the SSA; up to 20 years for dispensing controlled substances by a practitioner (diversion); 10 years for health care fraud; and a statutory term of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for the aggravated identity theft charges.
Beneficiary Julio Rodríguez Ríos was charged in a separate indictment with theft of government property and false statement or representation to SSA. That second indictment alleges that Rodríguez-Ríos provided false statements to the SSA, during a “Continuing Disability Review,” indicating that he had not worked since July 5, 2009, when in fact he had worked after said date. Rodríguez Ríos is facing a forfeiture allegation of $25,316.00 in United States currency.
“This is another Social Security Disability Benefits Fraud case where shameless individuals illegally facilitated and obtained the benefits provided by the Federal Government. This is not a victimless crime, but rather an unacceptable act that deprives those who truly need assistance from receiving it,” said United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “The Department of Justice is committed to investigate and prosecute those who engage in fraudulent schemes.”SSA-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge John Grasso said: “The Social Security Disability Insurance program is intended to support individuals truly in need of this important and earned benefit. The program relies on the truthfulness of disability applicants, as well as other professionals involved in the application process, to include physicians, attorneys, and non-attorney representatives. It is particularly disturbing when people in positions of trust engage in criminal activity that undermines Social Security’s programs and their own professional responsibility. I am very grateful for the efforts of all of our law enforcement partners involved in this investigation, and for the continued commitment from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to aggressively pursue these important cases. I strongly encourage the public to report suspected instances of Social Security fraud to the OIG’s Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or https://oig.ssa.gov/report.”
The case was investigated by the Social Security-OIG with the collaboration of the FBI, DEA, Health and Human Services, and the Puerto Rico Police Department. The case was indicted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Vanessa D. Bonano-Rodríguez.
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Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to 39 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TODD JOINER, also known as “Whitez,” 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 39 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
This matter stems from a joint investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s North End. JOINER and others targeted during the investigation were affiliated with groups and gangs who have been involved in acts of violence. JOINER has been identified as a member of Nelton Court Posse, one of several geographically-based gangs operating in the North End of Hartford. During the investigation, undercover officers conducted multiple purchases of narcotics from various dealers, including JOINER.
On September 15, 2015, JOINER was arrested when he was found in possession of approximately seven grams of crack cocaine that he intended to sell to an undercover officer.
On May 9, 2016, JOINER pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
JOINER’s criminal history includes several drug-related felony convictions.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Hagerstown Woman Sentenced to Almost 6 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Erica Lee Buffolino, age 25, of Hagerstown, Maryland late on August 2, 2016, to 71 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore; and Hagerstown Police Chief Victor V. Brito.
“This investigation and case represents the dangers of heroin use, possession, and distribution, not only in Metropolitan areas like Baltimore, but also in more rural areas like Hagerstown and Western Maryland” stated Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert. “People need to be aware of the fact that heroin kills. If you distribute heroin to someone and that person dies as a result of using the heroin, you are complicit in their death, it is as simple as that. Given the fact that the heroin on the street today is much more potent than it was 10, or even 5 years ago, and that it can be “cut” with fentanyl or other unknown ingredients, heroin use is a death waiting to happen.”
According to Buffolino’s plea agreement, early on April 13, 2015 Buffolino met the victim, a 19-year old woman from Clear Spring, Maryland, at a residence in Hagerstown. Buffolino was a long-time heroin addict and the victim was a recovering heroin addict who had recently been released from jail. While at the residence, the victim asked Buffolino to give her heroin. Buffolino initially refused, but sometime after 1:30 a.m., she agreed to share her “morning stash” of heroin with the victim, who injected the heroin and became high.
Buffolino later called co-defendant Cory Kline to obtain more heroin. Cory Kline and another co-defendant arrived at the residence sometime after 3:00 a.m. and the victim purchased half a gram of heroin to repay Buffolino for the “morning stash” of heroin that she had shared earlier. According to Buffolino, the victim again asked for some of the heroin and Buffolino initially resisted. Eventually, Buffolino relented and provided some heroin to the victim. After injecting the heroin, the victim became very high and reported feeling ill and wanting to lie down. The victim fell asleep in Buffolino’s bed, but Buffolino woke her up when she noticed the victim was having difficulty breathing. Kline left the residence sometime before 6:00 a.m. Buffolino and the victim got into an argument and the victim left the residence in her car at about 6:15 a.m. The victim spoke to another individual on her cell phone from that time until approximately 7:06 a.m. on April 13. According to this individual, the victim stated she was very high and did not feel right, and the individual could hear the victim throwing up. The victim reported driving to a convenience store parking lot, and then to a nearby church. Toward the end of the call, the victim began nodding off and then stopped speaking. The victim’s body was discovered the following day in her car in a church parking lot in Hagerstown. The medical examiner reported that the cause of death was heroin intoxication. There were no drugs or drug paraphernalia found inside the vehicle, nor does the victim’s cell phone reflect any completed calls or outgoing messages after 7:06 a.m. on April 13.
Cory Allen Kline, age 32, of Hagerstown, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and was sentenced to eight years in prison.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the DEA and Washington County Narcotics Task Force for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christina Hoffman and Robert R. Harding, who prosecuted the case.
Grand Jury Indicts Two on Conspiracy, Carjacking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A federal grand jury returned a six-count superseding indictment yesterday charging two men, Joshua Puckett, 30, and Tyler Woodard, 22, with various violent offenses stemming from their armed carjacking spree in late 2015, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Yesterday’s indictment supersedes the February 2016 indictment by adding a conspiracy count as well as additional carjacking and firearms offenses. The indictment charges Puckett and Woodard each with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking. Puckett is also charged with two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Puckett is also charged with three, and Woodard with two counts of carjacking.
The indictment alleges that from approximately November 2, 2015, to December 9, 2015, Puckett and Woodard conspired together, and with others, to commit seven carjackings. They selected the motor vehicles to be carjacked, the time and location of each carjacking and the role each would play in the carjacking. They also chose the weapons to be used in the carjacking as well as what force and violence they would use.
On November 2, 2015, Puckett and Woodard, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm, took a 2003 Lexus IS300 from an individual, D.T., by force, violence and intimidation by approaching D.T. and Puckett pointing a gun at D.T.
On November 10, 2015, after S.W. took Puckett to an ATM, Puckett, with intent to cause death and serious bodily harm, took a 2013 BMW M3 from S.W., by force, violence and intimidation by pistol-whipping S.W. and choking him.
On December 5, 2015, Puckett and others, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm, took a 2011 BMW M3 from J.C.R., by force, violence and intimidation by pointing a pistol at J.C.R. and shooting him.
On December 7, 2015, Puckett, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm, attempted to take a 2014 Audi A4 from H.C., by force, violence and intimidation, by pointing a pistol at H.C. while he was seated in his vehicle and demanding the keys from him.
After H.C. told Puckett he didn’t have the keys, Puckett, on December 7, 2015, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm, took a 2013 Toyota Rav 4, from S.G., by force, violence and intimidation, by pointing a pistol at S.G. and striking her with it.
On December 7, 2015, Puckett, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm, attempted to take a 2011 BMW 335i from Z.M., by force, violence and intimidation, by pointing a pistol at Z.M. and shooting him.
On December 7, 2015, Puckett, after attempting to carjack Z.M., returned to the vehicle he was driving and followed Z.M. until Z.M. sped away to escape harm.
On December 9, 2015, officers with the Dallas Police Department saw Puckett driving the Toyota Rav 4 he had carjacked from S.G. in a motel parking lot. In an attempt to avoid apprehension, Puckett evaded the police first in the vehicle and then on foot. He eventually ran into the Toyota of Dallas dealership where, with intent to cause death and serious bodily harm, Puckett took a 2010 Toyota Highlander from M.A., by force, violence and intimidation, by pointing a pistol at M.A. as he attempted to stop Puckett from taking the vehicle. Puckett, driving the Toyota Highlander he had carjacked, evaded police for a while, and then evaded them on foot, before dropping the pistol just before police apprehended him.
An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. A trial date of February 13, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade is currently set for the defendants. If convicted, the conspiracy count carries a maximum statutory penalty of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Each of the carjacking counts carries a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Puckett faces a statutory penalty of not less than 32 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted on the firearm offenses.
The FBI and the Dallas, Houston, Plano and Frisco Police Departments are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachael Jones is in charge of the prosecution.
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Fort Hall Woman Sentenced for Assault on an OfficerRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Somber March, 30, of Fort Hall, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday to time served – approximately six months of combined federal and tribal time – for assault on an officer, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered that March serve three years of supervised release. March pleaded guilty on May 24, 2016.
On or about September 19, 2014, Officer Riley Degnan of the Fort Hall Police Department was dispatched to the intersection of War Bonnet Road and Eagle Road on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation to contact a person identified as Somber March, who had a warrant for her arrest from Fort Hall Tribal Court. Officer Degnan contacted March on War Bonnet Road and found her to be incoherent. He believed her to be under the influence of a controlled substance and attempted to take her into custody on the Tribal Court warrant. As he began to handcuff her, she turned and hit him in the face, knocking Officer Degnan’s sunglasses off. She again tried to grab Officer Degnan and, with the assistance of another officer, was taken to the ground and handcuffed. March was later interviewed and admitted hitting the officer in the face. Under the specific federal law that March pleaded guilty to violating, Fort Hall police officers are considered “federal officers.”
The case was investigated by the Fort Hall Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Former Tampa-Area Hospital Employee Sentenced for Stealing Patient Information and Filing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Shanakia Benton to three years in federal prison for wrongful disclosure of individual identifiable health information and wire fraud. As part of her sentence, the Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $77,239, the proceeds of the wire fraud. Benton pleaded guilty on May 2, 2016.
According to court documents, Benton was an employee at Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and had access to the personal health information of thousands of patients. She regularly received training regarding the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which prevents the unauthorized disclosure of personal health information. Despite her training, between June 2011 and December 2012, Benton illegally accessed the personal information of more than 600 TGH patients. Benton and her accomplices then used that information to file at least 29 false tax returns seeking refunds totaling $226,000.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Timothy Loper.
Former Southwest Airlines Baggage Handler Pleads Guilty to Violating Airport Security Requirements for the Purpose of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Former Southwest Airlines baggage handler Michael Herb Videau pleaded guilty in federal court today to entering an airport area in violation of security requirements and distribution of marijuana, announced United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Batdorf.
In pleading guilty, Videau, 29, of Oakland, admitted that he conspired with other former Southwest Airlines baggage handlers to violate airport security requirements for the purpose of narcotics trafficking. Videau specifically admitted that on eight occasions in 2013 he used his access to the Oakland International Airport as a baggage handler for Southwest Airlines to smuggle luggage containing kilograms of marijuana around the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint to outbound passengers who had already cleared the TSA security checkpoint. These passengers then flew to their destinations with unscreened luggage containing marijuana that was then sold in destination cities throughout the United States. Videau also admitted that, as a baggage handler for Southwest Airlines, he abused a position of public and private trust in a manner that significantly facilitated the commission and concealment of his crimes.
Videau was indicted along with 12 co-defendants by a federal grand jury on May 28, 2015. He was charged with one count of conspiracy to enter an airport area in violation of security requirements and to defraud the United States, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371; one count of conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846; one count of distribution, and possession with intent to distribute, marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); and one count of entering an airport area in violation of security requirements, in violation of 49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a), 46314(b)(2). Under his plea agreement, Videau pleaded guilty to one count of entering an airport area in violation of security requirements and one count of distributing marijuana.
Videau is currently free on pretrial release on a $150,000 bond.
Videau’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on November 9, 2016, before the Honorable Phyllis J. Hamilton, Chief U.S. District Judge, in Oakland. The maximum statutory penalty for a violation of 49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a), 46314(b)(2) is ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. The maximum statutory penalty for a violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(D) is five years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Hire is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Melissa Dorton. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a focused multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force investigating and prosecuting the most significant drug trafficking organizations throughout the United States by leveraging the combined expertise of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Former Roxse Homes Worker Sentenced for Taking BribesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former maintenance technician for Roxse Homes, a subsidized housing development in Boston, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Boston for his role in a scheme to rent apartments at the housing development to individuals who were not qualified, in exchange for cash bribes.
Ismael Morales, 36, of Jamaica Plain, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to two years in prison and two years of supervised release. In May 2016, Morales pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and seven counts of corrupt receipt of payments by a federally funded organization. His co-defendant, Mathis Lemons, 42, of Brockton, also pleaded guilty to the same charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 20, 2016.
Lemons was the assistant property manager and Morales worked as a maintenance technician for Roxse Homes, a subsidized housing development on Tremont Street in Roxbury. At Roxse Homes, eligible low-income families and individuals can obtain rental housing for a subsidized rate with Section 8 housing benefits from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 2014, there was a shortage of federally subsidized Section 8 housing in Massachusetts, and Roxse Homes maintained a long waitlist of applicants desiring apartments in the complex. The Roxse Homes waitlist had been closed to external applicants since 2009.
From September 2014 to February 2015, Lemons and Morales conspired to rent apartments to individuals who were not eligible for subsidized Roxse Homes apartments because they were not on the waitlist. Morales solicited and accepted money from individuals, and provided those individuals with blank rental applications. Morales also instructed some of the individuals not to date their applications, or to date their applications in 2006 or 2009, when in fact the applications were actually completed in 2014. Lemons then added the unqualified individuals to the Roxse Homes computerized waitlist, and falsely inputted their application dates as 2006 or 2009.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, New York Regional Office; Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Glenn A. Cunha, Inspector General of Massachusetts; and Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina E. Barclay and Eugenia M. Carris of Ortiz’s Public Corruption Unit.
Former Richmond Resident Sentenced to a Year and a Day for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Contact: Craig M. Wolff
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Howard Hoffman, 53, formerly of Richmond, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to one year and one day in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for bank fraud. Hoffman pleaded guilty on April 15, 2016.
According to court records, in March 2007, Hoffman’s childhood friend died while in Costa Rica. Over a year later, Hoffman used his deceased friend’s personal identifying information to gain access to the friend’s bank account and change the address on the account to his residence in Richmond. Over the next few weeks, Hoffman caused two checks, totaling approximately $80,000, to be issued from his friend’s account. Hoffman deposited the checks into a bank account of a company he controlled. Hoffman did not have authority to access the account or cause the bank to issue the two checks.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service.
Federal and State Authorities Arrest Eight in El Paso Area RoundupRead the Press Release
Today, federal, state and local authorities arrested seven individuals in the El Paso area based on federal drug trafficking and weapons charges. An eighth defendant was arrested back in June 2016. That announcement was made today by United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Douglas E. Lindquist, and Socorro Police Chief Carlos Maldonado.
Those arrested today include:
Manuel Almanzar
Age: 44
Residence: San Elizario, TXOralia Almanzar
Age: 43
Residence: San ElizarioAdrian Garcia (aka “Nanis”)
Age: 45
Residence: SocorroJesus Manuel Garcia (aka “Chumel”)
Age: 42
Residence: Clint, TXBaudelio Marmolejo (aka “Barbie”)
Age: 39
Residence: SocorroOfelia Marmolejo
Age: 68
Residence: SocorroNoel Salcido (aka “Tata”)
Age: 25
Residence: San ElizarioA three-count federal grand jury indictment, returned on July 20, 2016, and unsealed this afternoon in El Paso, charges the above-named defendants, as well as an eighth defendant--35-year-old Luis Armando Baylon of Socorro--with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. The indictment also charges Baylon with one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and, Ofelia Marmolejo with one count of maintaining a residence for the manufacturing, storing, distribution and using cocaine.
During this investigation, Baylon turned himself in to authorities on June 28, 2016, based on a federal criminal complaint alleging distribution of a controlled substance. That criminal complaint has now been replaced by the federal grand jury indictment.
The indictment alleges that from August 2014 to June 2016, the defendants conspired to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. The indictment also alleges that on June 22, 2016, Baylon was in possession of a dozen firearms in furtherance of the cocaine distribution conspiracy. The indictment also seeks the criminal forfeiture of Ofelia Marmolejo’s residence in the 11000 block of Philip Dr. in Socorro, TX, allegedly used to promote the drug distribution operation.
In June, federal, state and local authorities executed multiple search warrants as part of this investigation where they recovered a total of one kilogram of cocaine, 26 firearms and approximately $63,000 in U.S. Currency.
“Today’s arrests demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to work with the Socorro Police Department and our other great federal, state and local partners, to make El Paso and the surrounding areas, like Socorro, safer for our citizens,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas E. Lindquist.
Upon conviction of the drug conspiracy charge, the defendants face between five and 40 years in federal prison. Baylon faces between five years and life in federal prison upon conviction of the firearms charge. Ofelia Marmolejo faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the maintaining a residence charge.
All of the defendants, with the exception of Baylon, remain in federal custody at this time. Jesus Manuel Garcia had his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon. The remaining seven defendants are scheduled to have their initial appearances tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Miguel A. Torres in El Paso. Detention hearings are expected to occur next week. Baylon is currently out on a $20,000 bond.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Socorro Police Department with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, El Paso Police Department, and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Federal Indictment Charges Montgomery County Man with Second Count of Distribution of Acetyl Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment today charging Justin Larson, age 30, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, with one count of distribution of acetyl fentanyl, which resulted in death; five counts of possession or attempted possession of a controlled substance and controlled substance analogue with intent to distribute; and one count of possession and distribution of a controlled substance. The superseding indictment also includes the charges from the original indictment of distribution of acetyl fentanyl, which resulted in death, and conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
The superseding indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
According to the nine count superseding indictment, from May 2014 through March 17, 2016, Larson participated in a conspiracy to distribute acetyl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl, a controlled substance analogue. The superseding indictment alleges that on May 9, 2014, and October 14, 2015, Larson distributed acetyl fentanyl to individuals, resulting in the death of those individuals.
Larson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison for each of the two counts of distribution of acetyl fentanyl with death resulting; and a maximum of 20 years in prison for each of the six possession and distribution counts, and for the narcotics conspiracy. An initial appearance has been scheduled for August 9, 2016, at 3:30 p.m. in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland. Larson remains detained.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised HSI Baltimore, the Montgomery County Police Department, and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly O’Connell Hayes and Erin Pulice, who are prosecuting the case.