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23 September 2016
El Dorado Hills Woman Pleads Guilty in Bogus Tax Refund Scheme Involving More Than $1.8 Million in Illegitimate RefundsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sherry Taggart, 56, of El Dorado Hills, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to file false claims and filing false claims, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Taggart and her co-conspirator, Barbara Antonucci, an unlicensed tax preparer, prepared tax returns for clients seeking to maximize their refunds from the Internal Revenue Service. In 2008, Antonucci began a scheme to obtain false refunds by preparing and filing false claims on behalf of clients with the IRS. After May 2010, Taggart joined Antonucci’s scheme and together the two conspired to prepare and file hundreds of false claims with the IRS between June 2012 and March 2014, seeking refunds totaling approximately $1.4 million. As a result of the conspiracy, the IRS issued more than $757,000 in illegitimate refunds. In total, including the period in which Antonucci operated the scheme by herself, the IRS issued more than $1.8 million in illegitimate refunds from more than $2.5 million illegitimate claims filed during the scheme. On August 19, 2016, Antonucci pleaded guilty to conspiracy to file false claims and filing false claims.
The fraudulent returns Taggart and Antonucci prepared and caused to be filed reported false wages and dependents for their clients and, in many cases, qualified the clients for the refundable Earned Income Credit (“EIC”) when the client’s true wages or family situation would have qualified the client for no credit or a lower credit. Most of the fraudulent returns listed wages associated with self-employment not documented by a Form W-2, such as “housekeeper.” The defendants obtained the names, social security numbers, and other personal identifying information of minors and falsely listed those minors as dependents on tax returns for clients who were unrelated to those minors. Taggart and Antonucci also filed false claims on their own behalf. They filed the false federal tax returns with the IRS through the mail and via the internet from Sacramento, Yuba and Placer Counties.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney André M. Espinosa is prosecuting the case.
Taggart is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. on December 9, 2016. Antonucci is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Burrell on December 2, 2016. Taggart and Antonucci face a maximum statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to file false claims. The maximum penalty for filing false claims is up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
DeShawn C. Carlisle, 20, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced in federal district court on September 22, 2016, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to 21 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $250 fine, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Court proceedings revealed that on December 18, 2015, Carlisle ran from police officers at the Roosevelt Housing complex in East St. Louis, Illinois, after officers attempted to question him. Carlisle had previously been banned from the complex. While running from the officers, Carlisle threw a 9mm semi-automatic weapon into a wooded area. Carlisle was arrested by the officers, and the weapon was then recovered.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
District Man Sentenced to 9 1/2-Year Prison Term for Armed Home InvasionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jeffery Wood, 20, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a prison term of 9 ½-years on charges stemming from an armed home invasion that took place earlier this year in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Wood pled guilty in June 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to charges of first-degree burglary and assault with a dangerous weapon. He was sentenced by the Honorable Zoe Bush. Upon completion of his prison term, he will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, the victim and her 11-month-old son were at her boyfriend’s apartment in the 5000 block of Jay Street NE at about 2:05 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2016. While her boyfriend was gone, the victim heard a knock on the bedroom door. When she opened the door, she was confronted by three men, each dressed in black, wearing a black mask, and armed with a black firearm. She recognized Woods as one of the assailants. He ordered her and her son to enter and remain in the bathroom, as one of the other men stood guard at gunpoint. During the 20-minute ordeal, this man pointed his firearm at the child’s head, leading the victim to place him in the bathtub and close a shower curtain to protect him. The three men finally left. A flat-screen television, shoes, and a Sony PlayStation4 were then determined to be missing from the apartment.
Wood was arrested on March 10, 2016, still in possession of a black mask. He has remained in custody ever since. No one else has been arrested in the case.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Sixth District of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Allen and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ahmed M. Baset and Alicia Long, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Shooting Former Girlfriend, and Another Man, Wounding Her and Killing HimRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tavon Moore, 27, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for a domestic violence incident in which he shot his former girlfriend and another man, wounding her and killing him, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Moore pled guilty in July 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to charges of voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. The plea agreement, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a sentence of 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The Honorable Lynn Leibovitz accepted the plea today and sentenced Moore accordingly. At the hearing today, Judge Leibovitz noted that the shooting was the culmination of a lengthy history of domestic violence.
According to the government’s evidence on March 4, 2016, just before 3 p.m., Moore’s ex-girlfriend and a friend, Noel Rezene, 26, drove to Moore’s apartment in the 3300 block of 23rd Street SE. Also in the car was the 2-year-old child of the ex-girlfriend and Moore. Shortly after arriving, Moore’s ex-girlfriend brought their child to the apartment. She then came across Moore outside the apartment building, and the two argued. During the course of the argument, Mr. Rezene displayed a firearm and asked Moore to stop speaking in a disrespectful manner. The ex-girlfriend then went to retrieve the child from the apartment. Moore also proceeded to return to his apartment. Mr. Rezene followed them both into the building.
The ex-girlfriend then retrieved the child and fled with her to her car, which was parked in a nearby parking lot. Mr. Rezene then began shooting through the door of Moore’s apartment and into the apartment that was then occupied by the defendant and his family.
Moore retrieved a firearm from within the apartment and began shooting back through the door at Mr. Rezene, striking him at least once. Mr. Rezene fled towards the car, which by then was occupied by Moore’s ex-girlfriend and the child. As Mr. Rezene neared the car, Moore shot him again, causing Mr. Rezene to stumble and drop his firearm. Mr. Rezene got into the car and Moore’s ex-girlfriend backed the vehicle away, trying to flee. Moore chased after the car, firing multiple shots into it, striking both Mr. Rezene and the ex-girlfriend. At least one shot went through the front windshield on the driver’s side. The child was not struck by any gunfire.
Moore’s ex-girlfriend drove to a nearby hospital, where Mr. Rezene was pronounced dead from the gunshot wounds inflicted by the defendant. She received treatment for multiple gunshot wounds to her right arm and the right side of her torso.
During his plea, Moore acknowledged that he was not acting in self-defense when shooting his ex-girlfriend, and even if his actions against Mr. Rezene were taken in self-defense, by following him outside and continuing to shoot, he used excessive force.
Moore has been convicted of multiple prior domestic violence assaults against his ex-girlfriend, and was on probation for one of those assaults at the time of the shooting. That probation has since been revoked.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of the detectives of the Criminal Investigations Division Homicide Branch, crime scene officers, and the Seventh Police District of the Metropolitan Police Department. He also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Marcia Rinker of the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit; Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Siegerist; Criminal Investigator John Marsh, and Intern Anthony Jankowski. He also commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Bruckmann and Akhi Johnson, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Cuban Native Sentenced to Prison for Transporting Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Yunier Hurtado-de-Armas, 30, a resident of Houston and native of Cuba, was sentenced on Monday, September 19, 2016, to 13 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for transportation of six illegal aliens, U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today. Hurtado was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
The case was investigated by United States Customs and Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Chicago Businessman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Grant Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Springfield, Ill. – A Chicago businessman has been ordered to serve 24 months in prison for a fraud scheme that resulted in two state agencies awarding separate, but nearly identical, grants to his not-for-profit entity in September 2008. U.S. District Court Judge Sue E. Myerscough sentenced George E. Smith, 66, and ordered that Smith pay restitution of nearly $500,000 to the state. Judge Myerscough allowed Smith to self-report as directed by the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his prison sentence. Smith waived indictment and pled guilty in March 2016, to two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering.
In rendering today’s sentence, Judge Myerscough noted that Smith exploited his personal relationship with a former director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services related to a grant in the amount of $450,000 awarded by the agency on Sept. 2, 2008, under the Students at Risk Program. On Sept. 8, 2008, the Illinois Board of Education awarded Smith’s not-for-profit a similar grant in the amount of $342,000. According to the terms of the grants, both provided for similar services to be provided to the same at-risk population in the Chicago area during fiscal year 2009. The populations served, sources of referral, services to be provided, and the goals for each grant were essentially identical. Neither DCFS nor ISBE were aware of the issuance of an identical grant by the other state agency. Smith then converted the duplicate funding to his personal and business use.
Both grants were awarded to Diversified Behavioral Comprehensive Care, a not-for-profit entity owned and operated by Smith. In addition, Smith owned and operated three for-profit entities: Diversified Behavioral Services, Inc., Management Planning Institute, Inc., and the Institute for Positive Child and Family Development. From 2005 through 2011, Smith, through both his not-for-profit and for-profit entities, received millions of dollars in funding from agencies of the state of Illinois, including DCFS, ISBE, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Smith further admitted that in February 2009, he caused Illinois DHS to award a third grant of $200,000 to DBCC to provide community services relating to the prevention, intervention, treatment and rehabilitation of alcohol and other drug abuse and dependency. In fact, Smith admitted that he submitted and caused to be submitted false and fraudulent documentation to DHS falsely representing the amount of community services DBCC actually provided under the DHS grant and fraudulently caused DHS to pay DBCC a total of $138,901.
Smith was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $342,000 to the Illinois State Board of Education and $138,901 to the Illinois Department of Human Services – Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Bass prosecuted the case on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) with the assistance and cooperation of the Office of Inspector General, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services; the Illinois Attorney General; the Illinois Board of Education, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Cheko’s Crew/7th Street Gang Member Sentenced on Rico Charge for His Role in Two MurdersRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051Buffalo, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Jordan Hildalgo, 25, who was convicted of Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, was sentenced to 262 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was also sentenced to 240 months for assaulting a federal officer while in custody. The sentences will be served concurrently.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was a member of the Cheko’s Crew/7th Street Gang which was responsible for multiple acts of violence and the distribution of illegal narcotics on the West Side of Buffalo between 2000 and 2012. The narcotics included heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, and marijuana. Hildalgo was involved in the murders of two people:
• On November 6, 2008, Hidalgo and co-defendant Ritchie Juarbe went to Raquan Lloyd’s house where Hidalgo shot and killed Lloyd. After the murder, Juarbe discarded the murder weapon, throwing it into the Niagara River.
• On August 11, 2009, Hidalgo participated in the murder of Eric Morrow, a rival 10th Street Gang member, who was shot and killed at the corner of West and Auburn Avenues in Buffalo. Following the murder, Hidalgo got into a getaway vehicle driven by co-defendant Ritchie Juarbe.A total of 18 defendants have been charged and convicted in the 7th Street case.
On September 17, 2013, the defendant was being held at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, NY. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who handled that case, stated that on that day two deputy United States Marshals went to the facility to transfer Hidalgo to another facility. The defendant refused to leave his jail cell and began cursing and threatening the deputies. As the deputies went inside the jail cell to remove Hidalgo, the defendant punched one of the deputies multiple times in the head causing several cuts and a broken nose.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Michael Cerretto, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson.
Cheektowaga Man Arrested and Charged with Enticing A Minor for SexRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Andrew Reiner, 28, of Cheektowaga, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with enticing a minor for sexual activity. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, a maximum of life in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
“This case is yet another example of why it is so important for parents and guardians to monitor the technology used by their children,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “This is key in the battle against predators lurking online.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott S. Allen, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in September 2016, the mother and grandparents of a 15 year old girl alerted the Federal bureau of Investigation that their daughter and granddaughter was possibly enticed online by the defendant into sexual activity.
The family turned over the victim’s cellular telephone and tablet to special agents. A search of the devices found that beginning in June 2016, Reiner communicated with the victim via cellphone applications Kik and Skout. After learning the victim’s age, the defendant texted the victim messages of a sexual nature in order to entice her into sexual activity. Through communications via the cellphone applications and email, Reiner convinced the victim to sneak out of her home late at night to meet him for sexual activity on more than one occasion. The defendant also attempted to entice the victim to ask her friends to participate in sexual activity. After the victim’s cellular service was turned off, Reiner continued to attempt to contact the victim through early September.
If any members of the public have any information regarding this defendant, please call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 716-856-7800 and ask for a member of the Child Exploitation Task Force.
Reiner made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being held pending a detention hearing on September 27, 2016.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Violent Crimes Against Children program.
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.
Career Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Queenstown Diamond StoreRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Roy Lee Tolbert, age 43, of Washington, D.C., today to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for the armed robbery of a diamond store in Queenstown, Maryland.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Queen Anne’s County Sheriff Gary Hofmann; and Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney Lance G. Richardson.
According to the facts agreed to at the plea hearing, on May 19, 2013, Roy Lee Tolbert, entered a diamond store in Queenstown wearing a ball cap, wig, fake beard, sunglasses, an oversized suit jacket, jeans, and dark colored shoes. Tolbert went to the back of the store, removed a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at employees of the store, demanding the diamonds that were in the display case. An employee complied with his demands and Tolbert stole approximately 59 engagement-style diamond rings worth an estimated $362,000, placing them into a gray backpack that he was wearing over his stomach.
The robbery was witnessed by an off-duty Maryland State Police sergeant, who provided Tolbert’s description to a 9-1-1 operator, then followed Tolbert as he left the store. The State Police sergeant saw Tolbert run behind a building to a waiting motorcycle. Tolbert removed his disguise and placed it into the backpack, then put on a black and neon motorcycle helmet and a black and neon motorcycle jacket. The State Police sergeant continued to follow Tolbert and saw him flee onto a section of Nesbit Road in Grasonville, Maryland, that is a dead-end street. The State Police Sergeant blocked the road until uniformed troopers arrived on the scene. They located Tolbert running through a nearby open field. Tolbert was able to reach the wood line in the area and escape capture. Found hidden on the property of a nearby residence was the motorcycle, the motorcycle helmet and jacket, and the disguise worn by Tolbert in the robbery.
Tolbert’s DNA was recovered from the fake beard and helmet. The owner of the motorcycle, which had been reported stolen in 2010, was Tolbert’s girlfriend. In July 2013, she had filed a request for a protection order, in which she mentioned that Tolbert had a gun, and further described him in a confrontation “pacing the lot with something silver in his hand”. This matches the description of the weapon used during the robbery, which was a semi-automatic handgun with a silver slide.
Tolbert told another person that he committed the robbery, and showed this individual the diamonds. Tolbert also offered to sell diamonds to a co-worker.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Maryland State Police, Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office, and Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bonnie S. Greenberg, who prosecuted the case.
Camden County, New Jersey, Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Illegal Sale of 16 GunsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Pennsauken, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 71 months in prison for illegally selling 16 guns, including firearms with high-capacity magazines and obliterated serial numbers, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Ammie Steward, a/k/a “Beav,” a/k/a “B,” 41, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to an information charging him with one count of dealing firearms without a license and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Judge Bumb imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between May 2012 and Aug. 15, 2012, Steward sold 16 firearms on nine separate occasions for profit and without a license. The 16 firearms included 12 pistols and two rifles. Steward also admitted to using a power tool to obliterate the serial numbers on 14 of the 16 guns.
Steward sold them near Canal’s Liquors at 5360 Route 38 in Pennsauken to a witness who was cooperating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Seven of the guns were sold along with high-capacity magazines. On at least one occasion, Steward sold a Kel Tec PLR-16 .223 caliber pistol along with a 30-round magazine and a box of ammunition. Steward also sold a Romarm/Cugir, WASR 10/63 .762 caliber rifle with two high-capacity magazines and a bayonet. All 16 weapons are now in the custody of law enforcement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Bumb sentenced Steward to serve three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the ATF, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George P. Belsky, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Pennsauken Police Department for their important role.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Smith of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Maggie Moy Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden
Breaux Bridge woman pleads guilty to stealing more than $64,000 from a New Iberia companyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Breaux Bridge woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing more than $64,000 from a New Iberia company.
Joan C. Edgar, 66, of Breaux Bridge, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna to one count of wire fraud. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell. According to the guilty plea, Edgar worked as an office manager for a New Iberia company. The company’s sole stockholder began negotiating with Edgar for her to buy the company in 2011, and while still working for the company, she stole $64,860. She concealed her actions by altering company records.
Edgar faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date was not set.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger is prosecuting the case.
Bay St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Russell Gene Clack, 35, of Bay St. Louis, pled guilty on September 20, 2016 to possession of firearms by a convicted felon in a case involving the undercover purchase of four firearms, U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.
Clack will be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. on December 13, 2016 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams is prosecuting the case.
Bailey Boys Gang Member Pleads Guilty for His Role in Two MurdersRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Tyrone Brown, 24, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to RICO Conspiracy in connection with two deadly shootings before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who is handling the prosecution of this case, Brown was a member of the Bailey Boys Gang, a violent criminal gang which operates in an area of the City of Buffalo bounded by Winspear Avenue, the Kensington Expressway, Eggert Road and Main Street.
• On January 11, 2011, the defendant shot and killed Harold McCain inside a store on Genesee Street in Buffalo.
• On June 14, 2011, Brown shot and killed Kevin Wilkins in a drive by shooting on Minnesota Avenue in Buffalo.
• On November 9, 2011, the defendant, co-defendant Eddie Allen, and other members of the Bailey Boys Gang robbed several people at a house party on Rounds Avenue in Buffalo. During the course of these robberies, Brown participated in the attempted murder of Omego Stafford who was shot and wounded.
• On June 28, 2011, Brown and other co-defendants went to Shirley Avenue in Buffalo and opened fire on rival gang members. One person was shot and wounded.
• Between 2004 and April 23, 2013, the defendant and other members of the Bailey boys Gang distributed cocaine in the territory controlled by the gang.
As a result of the ongoing investigation into the Bailey Boys Gang, members now stand accused of four murders, 14 attempted murders, including four drive-by shootings. The attempted murders include a shooting that occurred during a neighborhood party with numerous children present and a shooting that occurred during a robbery. A total of 11 were arrested and to date, eight defendants have been convicted. 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.Today’s plea is the result of an ongoing investigation on the part of the United States Attorney’s Office in close cooperation with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Acting District Attorney Michael Flaherty, the Buffalo Police Department, under direction of Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, under the Direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy B. Howard, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Delano A. Reid, New York Field Division. The Safe Streets Task Force includes the Amherst Police Department, the Buffalo Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, the Hamburg Police Department, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police, the New York State Police, Town of Tonawanda Police Department, the U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Enforcement & Removal Operations.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Skretney.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch to Deliver Remarks at Violence Reduction Network Fall Summit Opening CeremonyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON—Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch will deliver opening remarks on the Violence Reduction Network (VRN) and the Justice Department’s work to address violent crime at the VRN Summit in Little Rock, Arkansas, on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, AT 8:30 A.M. CDT. Assistant Attorney General Karol V. Mason of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs and U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Thyer of the Eastern District of Arkansas will also participate in the VRN Summit.
Background on the Violence Reduction Network (VRN):
The VRN, launched in 2014, is an effort through the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs and Bureau of Justice Assistance to leverage lessons learned, existing government resources, and an all-hands approach to deliver strategic, intensive training and technical assistance to reduce violence. The VRN is specifically designed to complement existing local antiviolence efforts. The sites considered for VRN have violence levels that exceed national averages. They also represent jurisdictions with unique law enforcement and local government structures, enabling implementation and assessment of VRN in distinctly different organizational contexts to help the department create a model for delivery of training and technical assistance.
WHAT: The Justice Department’s 2016 Violence Reduction Network Summit
WHO: Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch
Asst. Attorney General Karol V. Mason of the Office of Justice Programs
U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Thyer of the Eastern District of Arkansas
Little Rock Police Chief Kenton Buckner
WHEN: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2016
8:30 a.m. CDT
WHERE: Statehouse Convention Center
3rd Floor, Wally Allen Ballroom D
1 Statehouse Plaza
Little Rock, AR 72201
OPEN PRESS (Media Access: 7:30 a.m. CDT / Preset By: 8:15 a.m. CDT)
NOTE: The summit’s opening session is open to the media. All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. Please note that media may begin arriving at 7:30 a.m. CDT, and all cameras must be pre-set by 8:15 a.m. For inquiries related to on-site media logistics, contact [email protected] or 202-307-6873.
Alabama Pill Mill Doctor Charged with Illegal Prescribing and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Federal prosecutors on Thursday charged a former north Alabama physician, who was the nation’s highest Medicare prescriber of opioid painkillers at the height of his practice, with illegally prescribing controlled substances and with a health care fraud involving $9.5 million in unneeded and unused urine tests, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance for the Northern District of Alabama and Special Agent in Charge Roger C. Stanton for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
In a two-count information filed in U.S. District Court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama charged Shelinder Aggarwal, 48, of Huntsville, Alabama, with one count of distributing a controlled substance outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose in July 2012 and with one count of conspiring to execute a health care fraud scheme against Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama between Jan. 1, 2011, and March 31, 2013.
Prosecutors also filed a plea agreement with Aggarwal in which he agrees that he will plead guilty to the charges and forfeit his former clinic on Turner Street Southwest in Huntsville, along with $6.7 million. Aggarwal earlier repaid $2.8 million to Medicare and $45,843 to Blue Cross following audits, according to his plea agreement. The agreement stipulates a 15-year prison sentence. A federal judge must accept the terms of the agreement before it is final.
Aggarwal surrendered his Alabama medical license in 2013, along with his Alabama and federal Drug Enforcement Administration certificates to prescribe controlled substances, after the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners initiated an investigation.
“Shelinder Aggarwal treated his medical license like a license to deal opiate drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Vance. “He also defrauded Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of more than $9 million dollars by performing drug tests he never used to treat his patients. Thanks to this prosecution, Aggarwal is no longer a drug dealer masquerading as a doctor. His pill mill is closed, he must repay the money he stole from health insurers and he will serve time for his crimes. I am grateful to our prosecutors and the investigators who brought this individual to justice.”
“Aggarwal was trusted with resources to care for others and used that access to defraud the health care system, thus costing tax payers millions of dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Stanton. “In addition, he directly contributed to the opioid drug epidemic which is plaguing our nation, and potentially endangered the lives of his patients. I applaud the work of my agents and our partners to shut down Aggarwal’s pill mill and hold him accountable for his actions.”
Aggarwal was a pain management doctor who operated Chronic Pain Care Services in Huntsville. His medical practice was a pill mill, according to the charges and plea agreement. The documents state that in 2012, about 80 to 145 patients a day visited Aggarwal’s clinic, with Aggarwal seeing the majority of the patients and writing all prescriptions. Initial patient visits typically lasted five minutes or less, and follow-ups two minutes or less. The documents state that Aggarwal did not obtain prior medical records for his patients, did not treat patients with anything other than controlled substances, often asked patients what medications they wanted and filled their requests, prescribed controlled substances to patients who he knew were using illegal drugs and did not take appropriate measures to ensure that patients did not divert or abuse controlled substances. The plea agreement summarizes an interaction with a patient, which was captured on video. In it, Aggarwal notes that the DEA viewed him as the “biggest pill-pusher in North Alabama” and that many of his patients were “dropping like flies, they are all dying.”
The documents cite the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) for Alabama, which tracks the dispensing of controlled substances, as well as Medicare data, to document Aggarwal’s prescribing practices.
According to the PDMP, Alabama pharmacies filled about 110,013 of Aggarwal’s prescriptions for controlled substances in 2012. That would equal about 423 prescriptions per day if he worked five days a week, and resulted in about 12.3 million pills. The PDMP rated Aggarwal as the highest prescriber of controlled substances filled in Alabama in 2012, with the next highest prescriber writing a third as many prescriptions.
Medicare data shows Aggarwal was the highest prescriber in the United States of Schedule II controlled substances under Medicare in 2012. Schedule II substances include the opioid painkillers oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone and morphine.
As to Aggarwal’s health care fraud scheme, he is charged with requiring patients to undergo unreasonable and unnecessary urine drug tests that he did not need or use in their treatment. According to the documents, the tests he ran depended not on patients’ treatment, but on how much he could bill for tests. Aggarwal often ignored urine test results showing patients were using illegal drugs, the documents state.
Between January 2011 and March 2013, urine drug tests accounted for about 80 percent of paid claims Aggarwal submitted to Medicare and Blue Cross, for a total reimbursement of $9.5 million. According to his charges and plea agreement, “Aggarwal’s primary motivation for testing patients’ urine specimens, and submitting those claims for payment, was financial gain.”
The FBI investigated the case, based partly on an investigation conducted by the ABME. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chinelo Dike-Minor and Russell Penfield are prosecuting.
Acting U.S. Attorney: No Overstatement to Call Opioids and Heroin a National EpidemicRead the Press Release
If you do not have a family member, friend or co-worker who suffers from a prescription opioid or heroin addiction problem, consider yourself lucky. A growing number of your fellow Kansans, on the other hand, are feeling the painful effects of America’s newest and most frightening drug epidemic.
The National Heroin Task Force’s Final Report published in December 2015 outlined the problems that law enforcement officers and public health workers in Kansas and across the nation are facing every day:
-- More than 1.9 million people in America had a prescription opioid use disorder in 2014, and nearly 600,000 had a heroin use disorder.
-- More than 27,000 overdose deaths in this country in 2014 involved prescription opioid medications or heroin. That is one death every 20 minutes.
-- Heroin is more accessible and less costly than prescription opioids. In fact, nearly 80 percent of new heroin users reported that they started through the nonmedical misuse of prescription opioid pain medicines.
-- The United States leads the world in the consumption of prescription opioid medications.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas is prioritizing prosecution of drug traffickers who deal in heroin, especially those who can be tied to fatal drug overdoses. High purity heroin presents a deadly threat of overdose to young people and individuals suffering from chronic pain. In Kansas, we have seen heroin packaged as “buttons” made of heroin whipped with lactose that caused massive overdoses immediately after ingestion. Our office has prosecuted cases involving overdose deaths of adults and teenage victims in Wyandotte, Johnson and Leavenworth counties. We are working with the Kansas Narcotics Officers Association and other organizations to educate law enforcement officers about the heroin and opioid epidemic.
We are prosecuting criminal pill mill operators, too. Two dozen defendants went to federal prison last year, for instance, when our office prosecuted a Lenexa doctor who unlawfully prescribed prescription pain medicines to a network of users and distributors on the streets of metropolitan Kansas City. Such prosecutions are aimed not only at taking specific offenders off the streets but also at sending a message that will deter others from doing the same.
Tough law enforcement alone, however, will not make this problem go away. The opioid crisis is fundamentally a public health problem. We all need to work together, including law enforcement, public health officials and medical professionals, youth leaders, parents, faith-based organizations, social service providers and educational institutions. Our goals should include slowing the flow of opioids into the community, reducing the number of overdose deaths, educating young people on the dangers of nonmedical opioid use, increasing access to treatment and recovery services and educating practitioners on safe and appropriate prescribing.
We have done some good things in Kansas already. K-TRACS, the state’s prescription monitoring system, is providing physicians and pharmacists with valuable information to help them manage their patients who are prescribed controlled substances. Drug Take Back Day events allowing consumers to safely dispose of prescription medications that might otherwise be diverted onto the streets are catching on in communities across the state. We need to build on those initiatives. Kansas should continue to be a leader in the nation’s fight against heroin and opioid abuse.
Tom Beall is the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas.
Acting U.S. Attorney Announces Results of Ongoing Efforts to Reduce Herion Trafficking in Southwestern OhioRead the Press Release
KETTERING, Ohio – In the past year, federal, state and local law enforcement partnerships in the southwestern Ohio have seized more than 35 kilograms of heroin and ten kilograms of fentanyl, and charged 96 people federally in 47 cases with trafficking heroin, including charging two people with providing the heroin that killed someone.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Division,Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Detroit Field Division, and members of the Montgomery County Drug Free Coalition announced the results today.
“We’ve opened a new federal case involving heroin trafficking roughly once every eight days,” Glassman said. “Unfortunately we’re still seeing a fatal heroin overdose in the region roughly once every two days. So we’re not announcing victory, but a reaffirmation of our commitment to continuing to fight the opioid problem in southwestern Ohio through enforcement, treatment and prevention.”
Investigators received almost $250,000 from the National Heroin Initiative in October 2015 to support officers and technology to investigate heroin and opiate trafficking crimes. Most of the cases are still working their way through the courts, but so far, 38 people have been convicted of heroin or opioid trafficking crimes during that period. Charges are pending against the remainder. Twenty-one have been sentenced to date with sentences ranging from one to five years. Trafficking heroin is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Two people face federal charges of providing a heroin/fentanyl mixture that resulted in the death of the victim, a crime punishable by at least 20 years and up to life in prison, if convicted.
“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to attempt to eradicate the supply of harmful drugs,” stated FBI Cincinnati Division Special Agent in Charge Angela L. Byers. “We must also work with the community to try to prevent more people from becoming addicted to these substances. The Chasing the Dragon documentary is one good tool that can be used to better educate people about the dangers of heroin and other opiates.”
“A critical component to reducing the opiate and heroin abuse epidemic in this country is to continue to find effective ways to communicate the dangers of drug use. The ‘Chasing the Dragon’ documentary provides an up close look at the perils of abusing prescription painkillers and heroin, and should serve as a wakeup call for people to understand the danger and potential lethality of that behavior.”
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch designated the week of September 19-23 as National Heroin and Opioid Awareness Week. Glassman made the announcement after a panel discussion with students at Fairmont High School in Kettering who had viewed the documentary “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict.”
“Because of the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin use among our young people in every community and every neighborhood across the U.S., we here in Kettering feel that it is imperative that schools step up and actively partner with law enforcement agencies and prevention and recovery agencies to educate our students about the dangers and life-changing consequences of opioid addiction,” said Scott Inskeep, Superintendent of Schools for the Kettering School District.
The FBI and DEA produced the video which is available for viewing at the FBI website, https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/newss-chasing-the-dragon-the-life-of-an-opiate-addict/view, the DEA website, https://www.dea.gov/media/chasing-dragon.shtml, or on YouTube.
22 September 2016
Winchester Therapist Agrees to Pay $110,000 to Resolve False Medicare Billing AllegationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office reached a $110,000 settlement today with David Margolis, a clinical social worker with an office in Winchester, to resolve allegations that he submitted false claims to Medicare.
“This settlement is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to fight Medicare fraud, whether on a large or small scale,” said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz. “Providers who bill for services they never rendered is fraud, plain and simple.”
“Health care providers who try to make a quick buck by billing taxpayers for services never provided will be held accountable for their greedy behavior,” said Special Agent in Charge Phillip M. Coyne of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our agency is dedicated to protecting government health care programs.”
The government’s investigation revealed evidence that Margolis billed Medicare for therapy sessions that he knew never took place, either because he never actually scheduled the sessions or because his clients cancelled or missed the appointments. Margolis did not deny the government’s allegations of fraudulent billing and admitted that the government could prove its case at trial.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office initiated the investigation after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, received a complaint from a Medicare beneficiary who had ceased receiving treatment from Margolis but noticed that the billing continued.
U.S. Attorney Ortiz and HHS-OIG SAC Coyne made the announcement today. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deana K. El-Mallawany and Lisa Asiaf Schlatz.
Vero Beach Couple Pleads Guilty to Importing Controlled Substances, “Bath Salts” and “Molly,” from ChinaRead the Press Release
This week, a Vero Beach husband and wife pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import controlled substances, commonly referred to as “bath salts” and “molly,” from China into the United States.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Antonio J. Gomez, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, and Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, made the announcement.
On September 19, 2016, Julius Andrew Reason, III, 32, from Vero Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to import a controlled substance- Dibutylone HCI, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, §§ 952(a) and 963; and conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute a controlled substance- Dibutylone HCI, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, §§ 846 and 841(a)(1).
On September 21, 2016, Julius Reason’s wife, Venteria Leanet Reason, 28, also from Vero Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to import a controlled substance- Dibutylone HCI, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, §§ 952(a) and 963.
On March 28, 2016, codefendant Nathasha Thames, 28, also from Vero Beach, pled guilty to conspiracy to import a controlled substance- Dibutylone HCI, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, §§ 952(a) and 963; and conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute a controlled substance- Dibutylone HCI, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, §§ 846 and 841(a)(1); and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance- Dibutylone HCI, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, § 841(a)(1).
The defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of twenty years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2016, before U.S. District Court Judge Robin L. Rosenberg.
According to Court records, in January of 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers conducted a border search of an international mail parcel shipped from Shanghai, China, destined for a U.S. Post Office (P.O.) Box located in Vero Beach, Florida, and found the parcel to contain approximately one kilogram of Dibutylone HCI, a synthetic cathinone, a/k/a “bath salts,” a schedule I controlled substance. USPIS records showed that Thames had applied and paid for the P.O. Box. On January 14, 2016, Julius Reason contacted the Vero Beach Post Office, inquiring about the whereabouts of two parcels. On January 15, 2016, Julius Reason was notified that his packages were ready for pickup. Thames then visited the post office and picked up the packages, before meeting Julius Reason and turning over the parcels. When Julius Reason saw law enforcement he fled from the scene, throwing both parcels.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized items including, a loaded 9mm firearm from Julius Reason’s vehicle and electronic devices, wire transfer records, Chinese chemical company business cards, and $10,168.00 in U.S. currency from his residences.
The investigation further revealed that between June 2014 and January 2016, Julius reason and his wife Venteria Reason sent wire transfers to China exceeding $59,000. Julius Reason, Venteria Reason, and Thames, exchanged communications with Chinese chemical company representatives discussing prices and ordering synthetic cathinones, including Dibutylone and Ethylone, Schedule I controlled substances. The defendants also communicated by text message regarding the local delivery and sales of another controlled substance, commonly referred to as “molly.”
Between June 2014, and January 18, 2016, at least 20 parcels were shipped from China to U.S. P.O. Boxes and addresses linked to Reason and Venteria Reason, in the Southern District of Florida. Five of those parcels were seized by law enforcement and thirteen parcels were delivered.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI, the USPIS and DEA. Mr. Ferrer also thanked the Indian River Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Lineberger.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
United States Attorney’s Office Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Heroin and Opioid Abuse AwarenessRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia partnered with Dismas Charities, Savannah to host a roundtable discussion on heroin and opioid abuse. This event was part of the Department of Justice’s inaugural National Heroin and Opioid Awareness Week, taking place September 19-23, 2016. In attendance were representatives of Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, Memorial Health University, Recovery Place, Inc., Assisted Recovery Center of Georgia, the DEA and Chatham County Counter Narcotics Team.
Heroin overdoses nationally have risen 224 percent between 2007 and 2013. On an average day, 78 people will die from an opioid-related death. Dr. Jay Goldstein, the chief ER physician at Memorial University Health Center, spoke of the significant surge in opioid dependency that emergency room doctors are encountering on the front lines. The heroin and opioid crisis is hitting close to home. Diane Diver, Clinical Director of Recovery Place, shared that between 2012 and 2014, Chatham County experienced a higher percentage of opioid related overdoes than metro Atlanta.
United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver said, “There has been a significant spike in heroin abuse as a result of prescription opioid addiction. Some people are legitimate patients with a valid prescription and others simply get the drugs illegally from friends, family members and dealers. The Department of Justice is focusing on a threefold approach to combat this epidemic head on: preventing further tragedies by raising awareness, focusing on enforcement priorities by highlighting best practices and improving resources for treatment.”
Community partners, medical professionals and local and federal law enforcement agencies are working together to implement tangible solutions in Chatham County. The goal of this roundtable was to bring community awareness to the dangers of the drug abuse that is devastating families here and across the country. For more information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.
U.S. Postal Employee Charged with Viewing Child Pornography on Work ComputersRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A United States Postal Service employee was charged today in U.S. District Court in Worcester in connection with viewing child pornography on USPS computers.
Stephen Mantha, 62, of Spencer, was charged in a complaint with possession of child pornography and accessing with intent to view child pornography. Mantha was arrested yesterday and detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Sept. 27, 2016.
As alleged in court documents, beginning in August 2015, USPS Office of Inspector General investigators were alerted to suspicious Internet searches being conducted by Mantha on a computer at the Shrewsbury processing and distribution center where he worked as an electronic technician. A subsequent investigation revealed that Mantha was utilizing the USPS computer to search for, and view, images of child pornography on the Internet.
On Sept. 21, 2016, a search warrant executed at Mantha’s residence recovered computers, DVDs/CDs, an external hard drive, and over a dozen thumb drives. A preliminary, on-scene, forensic review of three of the thumb drives revealed images of child pornography.
The charging statutes provide for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. 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.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Eileen Neff, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; David Darrin, Chief of the Spencer Police Department, and James Hester, Jr., Chief of the Shrewsbury Police Department, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Mark Grady of Ortiz’s Worcester Branch Office.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
U.S. Attorney's Office and One Safe Place Hold Smart on Crime Conference in Arlington, TexasRead the Press Release
DALLAS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and the Safe City Commission, which provides programing and services as One Safe Place in Fort Worth, Texas, is hosting a Smart on Crime-Connecting Resources Conference today in Arlington, Texas, at the Mac Bernd Professional Development Center, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker, of the Northern District of Texas.
Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Lewis, of the Northern District of Texas, and Ken Shetter, President of One Safe Place, opened this conference this morning. Other presenters at the conference included experts from various agencies and organizations who spoke on various aspects of the five principles of Smart on Crime.
At the direction of the Attorney General in 2013, the Justice Department launched a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system to identify reforms that would ensure laws are more fairy enforced and – in an era of reduced budgets – more efficiently. Smart on Crime is a series of directives to U.S. Attorney Offices across the nation designed to redirect efforts and assets toward more measure, individualized examinations of both the crime and the criminal.
The five principles of Smart on Crime are: 1) prioritize prosecutions to focus on most serious cases; 2) reform sentencing to eliminate unfair disparities and reduce overburdened prisons; 3) pursue alternatives to incarceration for low-level, non-violent crimes; 4) improve reentry to curb repeat offenses and re-victimizations; and 5) improve reentry to curb repeat offenses and re-victimization.
This Smart on Crime conference brought together representatives from multiple federal, state, and local agencies who are involved in the fight against violent crime so they may develop strong relationships and engage in robust information sharing so that common goals can be achieved.
For more information about Smart on Crime, go to https://www.justice.gov/ag/attorney-generals-smart-crime-initiative
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U.S. Attorney's Heroin and Opioid Task Force recognized with Attorney General's AwardRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force will be honored later this year with the Attorney General’s Award, the highest honor given by the Justice Department.
The Task Force will receive the Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety. This award recognizes outstanding achievement in the development and support of community partnerships designed to address public safety within a community. The award recognizes the significant contributions of citizens and organizations that have assisted the Department in the accomplishment of these programs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force was established in 2013 to address the region’s expanding epidemic. The group brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including law enforcement, the medical community, people in recovery, treatment professionals, judges, public health professionals, educators and others. It focuses on solutions from four perspectives: law enforcement; education and prevention; healthcare policy; and treatment.
Successes to which members of the group have contributed include: working to make Narcan more readily available; presentations to tens of thousands of parents, students and other members of the community at hundreds of town hall meetings and schools; increased training for doctors and other medical professionals about the dangers of opioids; the creation of a heroin-involved death investigation team that treats overdoses as crime scenes, with the goal of filing enhanced criminal charges for dealers when appropriate; and working to increase the availability of drug treatment, among others.
“It is easy to become discouraged about the wave of death and pain that opioids and heroin bring to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Carole Rendon, who chairs the Task Force. “But I know the incredible efforts of all the members of this team make a difference on a daily basis. This approach has become a national model and I know, through hard work, dedication and persistence, we will eventually overcome this threat.”
This comprehensive approach has served as a model and is being replicated by several U.S. Attorney’s Offices around the country.
Members of the Task Force include the Cleveland Clinic, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, the Ohio Attorney General, Orca House, WKYC Channel 3, the Cleveland Division of Police, the DEA, the FBI, the Ohio State Medical Board, the Ohio State Pharmacy Board, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner, University Hospitals, the ADAMHS Board and others.
While scores of people have made significant contributions to this effort, the number of people who can be individually honored is capped at 15. Those people are:
- Philip Angelo, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department
- Vincent Caraffi, Cuyahoga County Board of Health
- Todd DeKatch, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Dr. Thomas Gilson, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner
- Gary Gingell, Commander, Cleveland Division of Police
- Dr. Jason Jerry, Cleveland Clinic
- Aaron Marks, member of the recovery community
- Keith Martin, Resident Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration
- Judge David Matia, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
- Dr. Joan Papp, MetroHealth Medical Center
- Joseph M. Pinjuh, U.S. Attorney’s Office
- Hugh Shannon, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office
- Judge Joan Synenberg, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
- Craig A. Tame, U.S. Attorney’s Office
- Mike Tobin, U.S. Attorney’s Office
The Attorney General’s Award Ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. at DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20006.
U.S. Attorney Parker to Participate in Keller Coalition Symposium to Raise Awareness, Change in Opiate EpidemicRead the Press Release
DALLAS – U.S. Attorney John Parker, of the Northern District of Texas, will participate in a symposium tomorrow, September 22, 2016, entitled, “When the Prescription Becomes the Problem: A Community Response to the Opiate Epidemic,” which is intended to mobilize community leaders and stakeholders to reduce opiate misuse and abuse in North Texas. Keller Stay on Track Coalition is hosting the symposium that is being held at the Hurst Conference Center, 1601 Campus Drive, in Hurst, Texas, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
National experts, including award-winning journalist Sam Quinones, author of Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic, will address the heroin and opioid overdose death crisis in the U.S. Other experts include, Dr. Don Teater, Medical Advisor for the National Safety Council; Leonard Campanello, Chief of the Gloucester, Massachusetts Police Department; and Dr. Kelly J. Clark, President Elect of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and Chief Medical Officer of Cleanslate Centers. Others participating in the symposium will include federal and state representatives who will discuss medical, prevention, and treatment perspectives
Of particular note, at noon tomorrow, U.S. Attorney John Parker will introduce Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict, which is being featured as a lunchtime video documentary. The film, a joint production by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, chronicles the ways drug abuse devastates the lives of users and their families.
Throughout the day, additional resources will be available from various sponsors including JP Health Systems, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, MHMR Tarrant County, Enterhealth Ranch, Mesa Spring/Innovations, Starlite Recovery and Safe Communities America - Fort Worth.
Prescription drug abuse has long been a priority of the administration, and last week, President Obama proclaimed September 18-24, 2016, as Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. Throughout the week, officials with the Department of Justice throughout the country are participating in hundreds of events highlighting the importance of prevention, enforcement and treatment.
The Keller Stay on Track Coalition, a program of Challenge of Tarrant County, brings Keller community leaders and stakeholders together to address substance abuse prevention priorities, including prescription drug misuse and abuse in adolescents and young adults, underage drinking and binge drinking.
For more information about tomorrow’s symposium, go to http://challengetc.org/
Two Men Indicted for Series of Armed Robberies and Brandishing a Short-Barreled ShotgunRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that two men were indicted by a federal grand jury in Anchorage for multiple armed robberies including the armed robbery of Wells Fargo Bank on Aug. 18, 2016.
Kaleem Tikori Fredericks, 23, of Anchorage, and Calel Calvis Alexis Crofford, 23, of Dallas, Texas, were charged in an eight-count indictment that includes charges of armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by robbery, and interference with commerce by robbery, together with three forfeiture allegations.
According to the indictment, Fredericks and Crofford were armed with a short-barreled shotgun and a BB gun, which they used to intimidate bank personnel and customers, and obtained over $25,000 in bank funds during the robbery of Wells Fargo Bank on Aug. 18, 2016. In the week prior, Fredericks and Crofford had conspired to commit a series of armed robberies in Anchorage to include several liquor stores, a gas station, and on the morning of Aug. 18, they also robbed a jewelry store. Fredericks’ phone revealed internet searches for “mountain view robbery,” “how to rob banks,” “how to sell diamonds for cash,” and “anchorage for sale ‘guns.’”
The series of robberies as alleged in the indictment are as follows:
- Aug. 11, 2016 – Fredericks and Crofford robbed the Captain Sparrow Liquor Store located at 1100 W. Benson Boulevard, using a short-barreled shotgun;
- Aug. 14, 2016 – Fredericks and Crofford robbed the Brown Jug Liquor Store located at 525 W. Fireweed Lane, using a short-barreled shotgun;
- Aug. 15, 2016 – Fredericks and Crofford robbed the Tesoro Gas Station located at 545 Muldoon Road, using a short-barreled shotgun;
- Aug. 15. 2016 – Fredericks and Crofford robbed the Brown Jug Liquor Store located at 119 Klevin Street, using a short-barreled shotgun;
- Aug. 18, 2016 – Fredericks and Crofford robbed the Jewelry World kiosk at the Dimond Center Mall; and
- Aug. 18, 2016 – Fredericks and Crofford robbed Wells Fargo Bank, using a short-barreled shotgun and a BB gun.
The investigation revealed that on Aug. 18, Fredericks and Crofford drove to Girdwood, Alaska, and disposed of the short-barreled shotgun, a backpack, and some of the clothes worn during the armed robberies. On that same day, they had purchased airline tickets and traveled to the Ted Stevens International Airport together in order to flee to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Yvonne Lamoureux, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that the law provides for a maximum sentence for the armed bank robbery of up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, plus an additional 35 years on the gun charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
U.S. Attorney Loeffler commended the FBI, ATF, and APD, who conducted the investigation, as well as the Anchorage Airport Police for their assistance, leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two Jackson Residents Face Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Rodney Nelson a/k/a Rodney Davis, 38, of Jackson, and Bennie Evans, 32, of Jackson, have been charged in a federal indictment with certain controlled substances violations, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux of the DEA Jackson District Office. The indictment is the result of a two-year investigation by the federal Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) in this district.
Rodney Nelson is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride cocaine base, a/k/a "crack", two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, four counts of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, a/k/a "crack", one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute PCP, and one count of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 305 years in prison and over $30 million in fines.
Bennie Evans is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute PCP, and one count of possession with intent to distribute PCP. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine.
The case is scheduled for trial before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan on November 8, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Pearl Police Department, Flowood Police Department, Bureau of Customs and Border Patrol, and the DEA Houston Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerry L. Rushing.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Two Eagle Butte Women Charged with Possession and Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that two Eagle Butte, South Dakota, women have been indicted by a federal grand jury for nine counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Aiding and Abetting.
Marla Cook, a/k/a Marlarae Danielle Iron Lightning, age 39, and Merlina Rose Marrowbone, age 31, were indicted on July 19, 2016. Both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years and up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between March and June of 2016, Cook knowingly and intentionally possessed and distributed methamphetamine, a Scheduled II controlled substance, on six different occasions. The Indictment further alleges that between September of 2015 and June of 2016, Marrowbone knowingly and intentionally possessed and distributed methamphetamine on four different occasions.
The charges are merely accusations and Cook and Marrowbone are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Narcotics Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan is prosecuting the case.
Cook and Marrowbone were released on bond pending trial. Trial has been set for November 8, 2016.
Tijuana Man Indicted for Smuggling Almost 6,000 Pills Containing Ultra-Deadly Fentanyl; Officials Troubled by TrendRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Kevin Mokhtari (619) 546-8402 Sherri Hobson (619) 961-0287
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 22, 2016
SAN DIEGO – A Tijuana man was arraigned this morning in federal court on charges that he smuggled into the United States almost 6,000 pills containing the ultra-deadly drug fentanyl in a case that signals an alarming trend.
In recent weeks, law enforcement officials have become increasingly concerned over the number of fentanyl seizures at the Ports of Entry by Customs and Border Protection Officers and at the United States Border Patrol checkpoints. When fentanyl, a Schedule II synthetic opioid painkiller, is produced in clandestine laboratories, it can be 100 times more potent than morphine. Exposure to even a trace amount of fentanyl through inhalation or absorption through the skin can be fatal.
In federal court in San Diego today, defendant Jose Arturo Acevedo, 35, of Tijuana, Mexico, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge William V. Gallo. Acevedo was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday on multiple counts related to the smuggling of 5,857 pills containing fentanyl, 55 pounds of methamphetamine, 24 pounds of cocaine, and 12 pounds of heroin. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 24, 2016 at 2 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant.
The blue pills had markings and the physical dimension of oxycodone, but the Drug Enforcement Administration lab determined that they contained fentanyl. Acevedo was charged with four counts of importation of a controlled substance, in violation of 21, United States Code, Section 952 and 960. According to the complaint originally filed in the case, Acevedo entered the San Ysidro Port of Entry on July 19, 2016, in his vehicle that contained 24 packages of drugs concealed in a speaker box lying on the floor of the vehicle behind the front seats near the passenger door.
In the last two weeks, there have been three additional law enforcement seizures of fentanyl in powder form by Border officials.
On September 9, 2016, defendant Philip Randolph Lilien, 64, a Denver resident living temporarily in Mexico at the time of the offense, was charged with smuggling 19 pounds of fentanyl and 20 pounds of heroin through the San Ysidro Port of Entry. He was apprehended by Customs and Border Protection Officers. According to charging documents, the CBP officers found 11 packages of drugs which were concealed in a spare tire located inside the cargo area of Lilien’s vehicle. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on September 22, 2016, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bernard Skomal. Lilien is currently charged with importation of controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952 and 960.
On September 12, 2016, defendant David Martinez-Carrillo, age 26, of Mexico, was arrested at the United States Border Patrol checkpoint in Pine Valley after agents found 18 pounds of fentanyl and eight pounds of methamphetamine in his vehicle. Martinez-Carrillo has been charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). He is set for a preliminary hearing on October 11, 2016 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill L. Burkhardt.
And most recently, on September 16, 2016, Arturo Torres-Carballo, 28, from El Centro, California, and Erik Alejandro Dominguez, 23, of Mexico, were arrested near the United States Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 86. According to charging documents, Border Patrol Agents found 33 pounds of fentanyl concealed in 13 packages located in a secret compartment under the rear speaker area of the vehicle. On September 19, 2016, the defendants appeared in court for arraignment on a felony charge of possession with intent to distribute, in violation of 21 United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). They are set for a preliminary hearing on September 29, 2016 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter C. Lewis in El Centro, California.
“We are extremely troubled by the number of fentanyl seizures we’ve seen recently,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy. “Drug users, listen up! This is life or death. If you are buying painkillers on the street and not the pharmacy, your drugs might contain fentanyl, and even miniscule amounts of fentanyl can have devastating consequences for those who abuse it or literally even touch it. The extreme danger of fentanyl cannot be overstated.”
“Drug users seeking illicit prescription pills on the street can no longer be sure that they are getting a pharmaceutical product and may be getting fentanyl instead,” said DEA San Diego Special Agent in Charge William Sherman. “Fentanyl is not a better high, it is a potential death sentence.”
“Fentanyl has clearly become a growing epidemic,” said Chief Patrol Agent Richard A. Barlow, of the U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector. “The hazard that it poses is deeply concerning and for that reason, it must be aggressively addressed by the law enforcement community.”
“Fentanyl has increasingly infiltrated our community, imposing a serious and harmful threat as it becomes more common and easily accessible,” said Dave Shaw, special agent in charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “Our agents are working closely with local law enforcement partners to identify the criminals responsible and cut off the channels that support this arising threat.”
Last year, the Drug Enforcement Administration released a nationwide public health alert on fentanyl. Fentanyl is anywhere from 25 to 50 times more potent than heroin. The drug and its analogues are being produced to a large extent in China. DEA investigations reveal that the Mexican drug cartels, including Sinaloa, are purchasing fentanyl directly from China and producing fentanyl from precursors sourced from China.
In some parts of the country, heroin is being spiked with fentanyl or being replaced by fentanyl. There are a number of reasons why, but it mainly comes down to economics. Fentanyl generates greater profits than heroin.
DEFENDANTS
Jose Arturo Acevedo Age 35 Mexico Criminal Case No. 16CR2167
Philip Randolph Lilien Age 64 Denver, CO Criminal Case No. 16MJ2825
David Martinez-Carrillo Age 26 Mexico Criminal Case No. 16MJ2857
Arturo Torres-Carballo Age 28 El Centro, CA Criminal Case No. 16MJ8788
Erik Alejandro Dominguez Age 23 Mexico Criminal Case No. 16MJ8788
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1)
Importation of Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. 952 and 960)
Maximum penalty: 20 years’ imprisonment and $500,000 fine
AGENCY
Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Border Patrol
Drug Enforcement Administration
Homeland Security Investigations
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three Charged in Multi-Count Federal Drug IndictmentRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Teofila Sanchez-Chavez, 30, of Houston, Texas, Jose Christian Nunez-Belmonte, 32, of Byram, and Marcus Shelby, 34, of Jackson, have been charged in a federal indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam of the DEA New Orleans Field Division. The indictment is the result of a two-year investigation by the federal Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) in this district.
Teofila Sanchez-Chavez, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride.
Jose Christian Nunez-Belmonte, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride.
Marcus Shelby, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride.
The case is scheduled for trial before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan on November 8, 2016. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a
$5 million fine per count.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Customs and Border Patrol, DEA Houston Field Division, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Pearl Police Department, and the Flowood Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerry L. Rushing.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Tennessee Corporation and Employees Sentenced for BriberyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced that Herschell Becker, John Becker a/k/a Jack Becker, and ADA Station Communication, Inc. were sentenced in federal court yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, for bribing a public official.
Herschell Becker, 49, of Grandview, Tennessee, was sentenced to four years in prison, three years supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $150,000. Jack Becker, 54, of Crossville, Tennessee, was sentenced to two years in prison, three years supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $30,000. ADA Station Communication, Inc. was sentenced to five years’ probation with a special condition that the company fund and implement an Ethics and Compliance Program including hiring an independent third-party auditor, and ordered to pay a fine of $1 million.
On Aug. 27, 2015, ADA Station Communication, Inc. and Herschell Becker pled guilty to three counts of bribing a public official, and on Sept. 3, 2015, a federal jury convicted Jack Becker of the same conduct. The offenses occurred in June and August 2014.
ADA Station Communication, Inc. is a telecommunications company based in Crossville, Tennessee, which specializes in providing turnkey structured cabling infrastructures including analysis, design, engineering, installation, and maintenance of voice, video and data networks. Herschell Becker has been the Vice President and 50 percent owner of ADA Station Communication since 1995. Jack Becker, Herschell Becker’s brother, has been an employee of ADA Station Communication since approximately 2003.
According to court documents and trial testimony, ADA Station Communication was awarded subcontracts to install and upgrade fiber optic cables on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER) during 2014 and 2015. On June 18, 2014, Herschell Becker and Jack Becker offered a United States Air Force official $10,000 to accept their deficient work as complete. The Air Force official promptly reported the bribe to law enforcement. Between Aug. 22 and 28, 2014, the Beckers offered and ultimately delivered a $5,000 bribe to the Air Force official to accept their most recent round of deficient work. On Aug. 28, 2014, Herschell Becker texted the Air Force official that if he could help them win the bid for the upcoming work next year, it would be well worth his while. The court concluded that the loss intended to be caused by the bribery was $850,000.
In sentencing the defendants, Judge Gleason pointed out the need to deter others from committing bribery. Judge Gleason noted that when things go wrong, “you don’t try to bribe officials.”
U.S. Attorney Loeffler commended the actions of the Air Force official and investigators. She noted that “corruption in public contracting and public works will not be tolerated at any level.” This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yvonne Lamoureux.
Stonington Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Arson of a Lobster BoatRead the Press Release
Contact: James M. Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jeremy Eaton, 39, of Stonington, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to seven years in prison and three years of supervised release for arson of a lobster boat. He pled guilty to the charge on March 11, 2016.
Court records reveal that on the evening of April 16, 2014, Eaton walked to Stonington Harbor, removed gasoline cans from a skiff docked in the harbor and then used a small boat to transport himself and the gas cans to a fiberglass lobster boat which was moored in the harbor. Eaton then emptied the cans of gasoline into the lobster boat and started a fire which destroyed the boat. Eaton later admitted to others that he had burned the boat.
In imposing the seven-year sentence, Judge Woodcock remarked, “To destroy a lobsterman’s boat is to destroy his livelihood.”
The investigation was conducted by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Sterling Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Weapons to BoliviaRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Joan Manuel Ramirez Lema, 40, of Sterling, pleaded guilty today to charges related to smuggling guns from the United States to Bolivia.
According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, from Jan. 2010 to Aug. 2015, Ramirez Lema smuggled more than 80 firearms from the United States to Bolivia. Ramirez Lema, a U.S. citizen, shipped used vehicles with multiple firearms hidden in door panels. In a statement to Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents, Ramirez Lema said he shipped merchandise and cars to Bolivia via freight forwarding companies in Baltimore, Maryland and Newark, New Jersey. He stated that he usually purchased between two and three guns a month and bought most of the guns in Leesburg and Sterling.
Ramirez Lema faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on Jan. 6, 2017. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Michael Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Washington Field Division, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis, III. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Walutes, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:16-cr-206.
St. Francis Man Charged with Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Craig Edward Valandra, age 34, was indicted on July 19, 2016. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 19, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about June 20, 2016, at St. Francis, Valandra, having previously been convicted of a felony, knowingly possessed a firearm.
The charge is merely an accusation and Valandra is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk W. Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Valandra was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. Trial has been set for November 15, 2016.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Jeffery Robinson, 40, of Springfield, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 22, 2016, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 6 years in prison by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for possession of child pornography. After serving his prison term, Robinson will be on supervised release for 5 years and must register as a sex offender.
On March 3, 2015, while reviewing data for Peer-to-Peer investigations, an Investigator with the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office observed an IP address making known child pornography files available for sharing. On March 25, 2015, the Investigator’s computer made a direct connection with this same IP address and downloaded several digital files. The Investigator viewed these files and found that one video file depicted a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Further investigation determined the physical location of the internet service to be in Springfield, Sarpy County, Nebraska, and the subscriber as Jeffery Robinson.
On May 4, 2015, a search warrant was executed at Robinson’s home. Investigators performed an on-scene preview of one of Robinson’s computers. The examination revealed multiple child pornography images and videos, and the IP address matched-up with what the Investigator had earlier observed through his online investigation. Seized from the location were two (2) computers, two (2) flash drives, one (1) SanDisk micro SD card, two external (2) hard drives, twenty-one (21) CD/DVDs, and one (1) Kindle Fire. A forensic examination was completed on the seized computer equipment. More than 31,000 “files of interest” related to past child pornography investigations were found on the computer equipment, including files which depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained 12 years of age.
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.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
Six Individuals Charged for Their Roles in International Money Laundering and Drug Trafficking ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and John S. Comer, Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced today an Indictment charging ALEJANDRO JAVIER RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ, JESUS RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ, ELOY CARDENAS-MORENO, SERGIO URBINA, LEOBARDO TAMEZ, and MARCO CORONADO with conspiring to commit money laundering. ALEJANDRO JAVIER RORDIGUEZ-JIMENEZ, JESUS RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ, ELOY CARDENAS-MORENO, and MARCO CORONADO were also charged with conspiring to distribute narcotics. ALEJANDRO JAVIER RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ, JESUS RODRIUGUEZ-JIMENEZ, and MARCO CORONADO were further charged with substantive money laundering counts. JESUS RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ, SERGIO URBINA, LEOBARDO TAMEZ, and MARCO CORONADO were all previously arrested on criminal complaints in, respectively, Las Vegas; Orlando; McAllen, Texas; and Houston, Texas. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Katherine B. Forrest.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As alleged, these defendants established a shadow banking system, with stash houses in a number of American cities where co-conspirators received proceeds of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and heroin, and then laundered them through accounts in North and Central America, Europe, and Asia. This Office, along with all of our federal partners, is committed to stanching the flow of illegal drugs into the United States and shutting down the financial networks that fuel the trade.”
DEA SAC John S. Comer said, “The complexity and scale of operations allegedly consummated by this money laundering organization are immense – hundreds of millions of drug dollars remitted across six continents on behalf of the World’s most violent drug cartels. The investigation led by our office in Las Vegas reflects DEA’s resolve and reach; working with our international, state and local partners, we will cripple these global organizations no matter where they’re based.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment[1], the previously filed criminal complaints against the defendants, and statements made in Court:
The Investigation
Since July 2013, the DEA has been investigating an international drug trafficking and money laundering organization (the “Organization”) involved in trafficking hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and heroin, among other narcotics, and laundering narcotics proceeds through a variety of methods including through one or more seemingly “legitimate” corporations under their control. The Organization has ties to Panama, Mexico, Italy, Spain, and the United States, among other locations, and its members are believed to include each of the defendants.
This prosecution is connected to the prosecution of Roberto Ponce-Rocha, a large-scale international narcotics trafficker based in Central and South America, who used various methods, including commercial shipments, drivers, and couriers to move narcotics around the world, and to import narcotics into the United States. Ponce-Rocha is among four individuals charged in a superseding indictment captioned United States v. Ponce-Rocha, 16 Cr. 30 (JMF) unsealed in the Southern District of New York on May 25, 2016.
ALEJANDRO JAVIER RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ ran a number of business in Las Vegas, Nevada, including a LED screens business that he used as a front to facilitate money laundering transactions and to ship narcotics in connection with Ponce-Rocha. Together with his brother, JESUS RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ, who was based in Monterrey, Mexico, ALEJANDRO JAVIER RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ directed their associates, including ELOY CARDENAS-MORENO, to set up stash houses in various cities throughout the United States, including Atlanta and Philadelphia, in order to receive drug proceeds from criminal clients who wanted those proceeds funneled into the international banking system. MARCO CORONADO, SERGIO URBINA, and LEOBARDO TAMEZ each participated in cash money pick-ups in, among other places, New York City and Atlanta, receiving cash from narcotics traffickers and, as directed by the RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ brothers, bringing that cash to co-conspirators with directions to wire it to shell accounts in Mexico, Hong Kong, and Italy, among other places.
In this way, the Organization laundered hundreds of millions of dollars through the international banking system, and facilitated the distribution of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and heroin, among other narcotics.
* * *
A chart containing the charges and maximum penalties for the defendants is attached.
Mr. Bharara praised the DEA and the Las Vegas Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Bharara also expressed his appreciation to La Comisión Nacional de Seguridad – Policía Federal, and La Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera, Mexican law enforcement agencies who assisted in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew C. Adams and Noah Falk are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States v. Rodriguez-Jimenez, Et al.
COUNT(S)
CHARGE
DEFENDANT(S)
MAXIMUM PENALTIES[2]
ONE
Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering
Alejandro Javier Rodriguez-Jimenez,
Jesus Rodriguez-Jimenez,
Eloy Cardenas-Moreno,
Sergio Urbina,
Leonardo Tamez,
Marco Coronado
20 years in prison; fine of the greatest of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction
TWO
Conspiracy to Distribute Narcotics
Alejandro Javier Rodriguez-Jimenez,
Jesus Rodriguez-Jimenez,
Eloy Cardenas-Moreno,
Marco Coronado
Life in prison; with a ten-year mandatory minimum prison sentence; $10,000,000 fine
THREE AND FOUR
Money Laundering
Alejandro Javier Rodriguez-Jimenez,
Jesus Rodriguez-Jimenez,
Marco Coronado
20 years in prison; fine of the greatest of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction
FIVE THROUGH SEVEN
Money Laundering
Jesus Rodriguez-Jimenez, Marco Coronado
20 years in prison; fine of the greatest of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
[2] The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by the Court.
Six Indicted on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Six individuals have been indicted on federal drug conspiracy charges, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam of the DEA New Orleans Field Division. The indictment is the result of a two- year investigation by the federal Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) in this district.
Patrick Holiday, 38, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
Antwaine Rhodes, 30, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and more than 280 grams of cocaine base, three counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, a/k/a "crack". If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
Merwyn Bankston, 44, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and more than 280 grams of cocaine base, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
Quincy King, 40, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, a/k/a "crack". If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine per count.
Zaria Franco, 27, of Houston, Texas, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
Jose Christian Nunez-Belemontes, 32, of Byram, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
The case is scheduled for trial before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan on November 8, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau ofInvestigation,Customs and Border Patrol, DEA Houston Field Division, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Pearl Police Department,and the Flowood Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerry L. Rushing.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sex Offender Indicted for Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on September 21, a federal grand jury charged a Harrisburg man with failure to register as a sex offender.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Kirk Daniel White, age 31, formerly of Lycoming County and more recently of Havre de Grace, Maryland, was charged in a one-count Indictment with failing to update his registration as a convicted sex offender as required by law.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for failure to register as a sex offender 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.
# # #
Seven Indicted on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Seven individuals have been charged in a multi-count federal drug indictment charging conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, commonly known as cocaine "powder", and cocaine base, commonly known as "crack", announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam of the DEA New Orleans Field Division. The indictment is the result of a two-year investigation by the federal Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) in this district.
Leon Brown, 50, of Canton, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.
Shredewrick Anderson, 41, of Richland, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.
Timothy Perkins, 53, of Sealy, Texas, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.
Charlie Lee Martin, 53, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.
Peter Gregory, 39, of Utica, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.
Antwaine Rhodes, 31, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Rudolph Walker, 55, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.
The case is scheduled for trial before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III, on November 8, 2016. If convicted on all offenses:
• Leon Brown, Timothy Perkins, and Charlie Lee Martin each face a maximum sentence of 120 years in prison and $15 million fine;
• Shredewrick Anderson, Peter Gregory, and Rudolph Walker each face a maximum sentence of 80 years in prison and a $10 million fine; and
• Antwaine Rhodes faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and over $15 million in fines.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Customs and Border Patrol, DEA Houston Field Division, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Pearl Police Department, and the Flowood Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerry L. Rushing.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
September Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 11 indictments charging 15 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Jesus Bueno-Hernandez, a/k/a Picho, a/k/a Jesus Bueno-Sicairo, age 39, of Grand Island; Alejandro Heras-Real, a/k/a Baboso, age 26; and Karla Marrufo, age 24, of Grand Island are charged in a 7-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges Heras-Real with distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about July 25, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Bueno-Hernandez and Heras-Real with distribution of 50 grams of more of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about August 3, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges Bueno-Hernandez with distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about August 11, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges Marrufo with distribution of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about August 11, 2016. The maximum possibility penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Counts V and VI of the Indictment charge Bueno-Hernandez with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about August 18, 2016. The maximum possibility penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count VII of the Indictment charges Marrufo with possession with intent to distribute a mixture of methamphetamine on or about August 18, 2016. The maximum possibility penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Timothy Caruso, a/k/a Timothy Edwards, age 40, of Omaha, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Moises Figueroa Garcia, age 39, of Council Bluffs and Jose Arreola-Saucedo, age 30, of Compton, California are charged in a 6-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges Garcia and Arreola-Saucedo with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about February 4, 2016, and continuing to on or about April 22, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Arreola-Saucedo with possession with intent to distribution 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about April 22, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges Arreola-Saucedo with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of mixture containing heroin on or about April 22, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges Garcia with attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about April 22, 2016. The maximum possibility penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count V of the Indictment charges Garcia with attempted possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture containing heroin on or about April 22, 2016. The maximum possibility penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count VI of the Indictment charges Garcia with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 22, 2016. The maximum possibility penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Aaron Garcia, age 26, of Elgrove, Illinois, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about July 12, 2016. The maximum possibility penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Gabino Huerta-Navarrete, age 51, of Carter Lake, Iowa, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation after a felony conviction on or about September 7, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Aaron Jensen, age 29, of Sioux City, Iowa, is charged with Domestic Assault by Habitual Offender in Indian County on or about September 1, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Marco Jimenez Fernandez, age 31, and Margarita Robles-Aguirre, age 40 are charged with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine on or about June 1, 2016. The maximum possibility penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Jill Little, age 43, of Omaha is charged in a four-count Indictment. Counts I-IV of the Indictment charge Little with distribution of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about March 28, 2016, on or about April 15, 2016, on or about April 28, 2016 and on or about May 23, 2016. The maximum possibility penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Deyvi Eden Martinez Yos, age 23, of Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about September 1, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* German Omar Palma Elvir, age 48, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation after 3 or more misdemeanor convictions on or about January 27, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* John H. Todd, age 64, is charged with influencing a federal official by threat on or about August 4, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Scrap Metal Business Owner Indicted for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that the owner of a scrap metal business in Kansas City, Mo., that primarily operated on a cash bases has been indicted by a federal grand jury for tax evasion.
Joseph Lee Scott Deardorff, 31, of Kansas City, was charged in a four-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016. That indictment was unsealed and made public upon Deardorff’s arrest and initial court appearance.
Deardorff owns and operates Total Recovery and Recycling, LLC, which is in the business of buying and selling scrap metal and scrap vehicles. The indictment alleges that Deardorff took a series of steps to willfully and intentionally evade payment of taxes and to hide assets from the Internal Revenue Service.
During the calendar years 2010 to 2012, the indictment says, Deardorff, received $497,543 in taxable income from 2010 to 2012. Deardorff owed $172,574 in taxes on that income, but willfully and knowingly failed to file accurate tax returns.
Deardorff allegedly attempted to conceal his assets from the Internal Revenue Service. Deardorff cashed approximately $740,547 of the $743,225 worth of checks he received from the sale of scrap vehicles and scrap metal in calendar year 2010, the indictment says. Deardorff cashed the $740,547 checks at multiple gas stations and check cashers throughout the metro area. In 2011 Deardorff allegedly cashed $731,656 of the $736,070 worth of checks received from sales, and in 2012 he allegedly cashed $452,663 of the $453,625 worth of checks he received. All total, for the years 2010 through 2012, Deardorff cashed checks for $1,924,867 of the $1,932,919 of his total receipts.
According to the indictments, when Deardorff sold scrap vehicles and metal, he requested the checks he received be under $1,500 so they would be easier to cash at multiple gas stations and check cashing businesses. Approximately 99 percent of checks made payable to Deardorff or his business from the scrap metal companies were in dollar amounts of $1,500 or less. Deardorff did not deposit into a bank account, the indictment says, but cashed approximately 90 percent of the checks from the scrap metal businesses.
Deardorff allegedly purchased, with cash, all of the scrap vehicles and scrap metal he processed for sale from 2010 through 2012. Deardorff allegedly cashed the checks he received from the sale of scrap vehicles and scrap metal then purchased, with cash, additional scrap vehicles and scrap metal in an effort to hide the money he received from the sale of vehicles and metal from the Internal Revenue Service.
Deardorff also used cash from the sale of scrap vehicles and scrap metal to purchase multiple properties for business and investment purposes, the indictment says, multiple Corvettes for investment purposes, and high-end GPS units, speakers, CD players, and DVD players for his tow trucks.
According to the indictment, Deardorff paid all of his employees in cash from 2010 to 2012. Deardorff allegedly failed to file Forms W2 for any of his employees from 2010 to 2012. The contract labor costs in this matter which were unreported were approximately $172,800.
The federal indictment charges Deardorff with one count of attempting to interfere with the administration of internal revenue laws and three counts of tax evasion.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Gregg R. Coonrod. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Savannah Gang Leader Sentenced to 262 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Shavar Spence, a/k/a “Veezy,” 32, of Savannah, Georgia, was sentenced earlier this week by Chief U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to serve 262 months in federal prison for trafficking drugs and unlawfully possessing firearms. After Spence completes his nearly 22-year prison term, he will be supervised by the United States Probation Office for an additional five years. Parole has been abolished in the federal system.
According to the evidence presented at sentencing, Spence was the leader of the “Clock Gang Muzik Group 12:30” (CGMG), an armed drug trafficking organization that operated in two locations within the Cuyler Brownsville neighborhood in Savannah. The CGMG was organized, worn CGMG gang clothing, and was armed with firearms during drug transactions. After conducting undercover purchases of drugs from members of CGMG, law enforcement executed search warrants at the locations where CGMG operated in Cuyler Brownsville. Law enforcement seized crack cocaine, marijuana, MDMA, ammunition, military ballistic vests and five firearms, including a Kel-Tec, Model Sub 2000, .40 caliber semiautomatic rifle. Disturbing evidence presented at sentencing indicated that a toddler was allowed to handle a firearm that appeared to be the Kel-Tec, semiautomatic rifle. At sentencing, the Court noted that Spence was the leader of a dangerous and highly organized gang that was attempting to train a new generation.
U.S. Attorney Edward Tarver said, “It is deeply troubling that in 2016 this defendant led an organization that taught African American children how to engage in violent crime and criminal drug activity. There should be no doubt that if you’re involved in criminal gang activity, pushing poison in our streets, or illegally possessing and using firearms, you should expect to serve a very long sentence in a federal prison. We will continue to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to end gang violence and criminal drug sales in Savannah.”
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted Spence and other members of the CGMG as part of Project Ceasefire, a joint federal, state and local initiative to combat gun violence and ensure that repeat offenders are subjected to stiff federal prison sentences.
Assistant United States Attorney Tania D. Groover prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.
San Francisco Residents Sentenced for Robbery and Assault with A Dangerous Weapon in the PresidioRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Tiffany Smith was sentenced today to 60 months in prison and ordered to pay $8,946 in restitution for robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon, announced United States Attorney Brian Stretch and United States Park Police Chief Robert MacLean. Smith’s co-defendant, Daron McClinton of San Francisco, was sentenced one week ago to 63 months in prison and also ordered to pay $8,946 in restitution for the same crimes. The sentences, imposed by the Honorable William H. Orrick, U.S. District Judge, followed guilty pleas entered by the defendants earlier this year.
According to the plea agreements, Smith and McClinton admitted that on Saturday October 3, 2015, they were at the Palace of Fine Arts when they spotted their victim, a professional photographer, and followed him to the Presidio. The defendants confronted the photographer after he parked his car and began unloading his equipment. Smith pointed what appeared to be a gun at the victim and demanded the victim’s property. When the victim did not comply, both Smith and McClinton repeatedly struck the victim in his head with dangerous weapons until he relinquished the equipment. The defendants then fled with the property.
The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on October 29, 2015. They were charged with robbery on federal land, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2111; conspiracy to commit robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371; and assault with a dangerous weapon on federal land, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 113(a)(3). Smith pleaded guilty to the charges on July 7, 2016, and McClinton pleaded guilty to the charges on May 5, 2016.
In addition to the prison terms and restitution, Judge Orrick sentenced Smith and McClinton each to three-year terms of supervised release. The defendants were both immediately remanded to custody after sentencing.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Edelman prosecuted the case with the assistance of Patricia Mahoney. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Park Police.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Simple AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man charged with Simple Assault pled guilty and was sentenced on September 16, 2016, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
James Edward Brasure, age 42, was sentenced to seven days in custody, and a $10 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from an incident that took place on February 4, 2016, when Brasure assaulted his wife by grabbing her by the shoulder, hitting her head on the closet door, and hitting her in the mouth. The responding officer observed swelling on the victim’s forehead and blood on her lip.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie G. Sanderson.
Brasure was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Minor PresentRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Minor Present in the Motor Vehicle was sentenced on September 16, 2016, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Colton Poorman, age 36, was sentenced to 1 year in custody, 1 year of supervised release, and a special assessment of $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Poorman was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 15, 2016. He pled guilty on July 22, 2016.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on the morning of October 11, 2015. Poorman was drinking alcoholic beverages and at approximately 10:00 AM, he told his girlfriend to ride with him in a vehicle. Poorman also wanted to take his child, age 2, with him in the vehicle. His girlfriend advised him not to drink alcohol and not to drive after drinking. Nonetheless, Poorman’s girlfriend and the child went with him in the vehicle. His girlfriend held the child while Poorman drove from Mission to Rosebud, and he picked up three additional passengers. He drove to the All Stop Gas Station in Rosebud, where he parked the vehicle. At no time was his child placed in a child safety restraint.
An officer with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services arrested Poorman at the All Stop for driving while intoxicated, and he was taken to the Adult Correctional Facility in Rosebud.
At the time of his arrest, Poorman was on federal supervised release for a non-related felony conviction.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie G. Sanderson prosecuted the case.
Poorman was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Romanian National Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Role in Computer Hacking SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Romanian citizen was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for orchestrating an international hacking scheme targeting retailers, security companies, medical offices and individuals in the United States, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Mircea-Ilie Ispasoiu, 31, of Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to Count One and Count Seven of an indictment charging him with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Judge McNulty imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From August 2011 through February 2014, Ispasoiu was employed as computer systems administrator at a large financial institution in Romania. Ispasoiu’s scheme involved hacking networks belonging to retailers, security companies, medical offices and individuals in order to steal user names and passwords, personal identifiers and credit and debit card data. Ispasoiu also gained access to a computer at a large security company that ran background checks on job applicants. Ispasoiu stole the applicants’ personal identifying information, including their fingerprints.
In addition to the prison term, Judge McNulty sentenced Ispasoiu to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $907,204.88.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt, with the investigation leading to today’s sentence. U.S. Attorney Fishman also thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs in Washington, as well as the Prosecutor’s Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice in Romania and its law enforcement partners, for their support.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Shapiro of the Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Section of the Office’s Economic Crimes Unit.
Defense counsel: Kevin Carlucci Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
Rockland Woman Sentenced to over Nine Years for Crack Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jackie Madore, 46, of Rockland was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 110 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.”
According to court records, between January 2010 and August 2013, the defendant conspired to distribute almost a kilogram of crack in Penobscot County and elsewhere. She sold half-gram bags for $50 and gram bags for $100. She transferred the proceeds of her sales to her source of supply in the New Haven, Connecticut area and got cash and crack in exchange. The crack was transported from Connecticut to the Bangor area by other conspirators. Members of the conspiracy from New Haven included members of the Red Side Guerilla Brims, a violent street gang affiliated with the Almighty Blood Nation, a national street gang.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the New Haven, Connecticut Office of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the City of New Haven Department of Police Services.
Rockford Man Sentenced to over 15 Years for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man was sentenced in federal court by U.S. District Court Judge Philip G. Reinhard for his role in a conspiracy to receive, possess, conceal, store, sell, and dispose of stolen firearms and ammunition, and other firearms offenses.
TEOVANNI CUNNINGHAM, 31, was sentenced Tuesday to a total of 188 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Cunningham also was ordered to pay restitution to victims of the conspiracy.
Cunningham pleaded guilty on May 31, 2016, to conspiring to receive, possess, conceal, store, sell, and dispose of stolen firearms and ammunition; receiving, possessing, concealing, and storing stolen firearms and ammunition; and illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon. In a written plea agreement, Cunningham admitted that he conspired with codefendants, MICHAEL SCHAFFER, 34, and MICHAEL TAPIA, 25, of Belvidere, Ill., to receive, possess, conceal, store, sell, and dispose of stolen firearms and ammunition. Cunningham admitted that, on Dec. 31, 2012, he and Tapia broke into a residence in Rockton, Ill., and stole over 21 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from the residence. The plea agreement states that Cunningham learned about the firearm collection from Schaffer, who showed Cunningham where the residence was located and informed Cunningham when the residents would be away from home. Cunningham admitted that he and Tapia later sold or disposed of stolen firearms and ammunition to individuals in northern Illinois. Cunningham also admitted that he transferred four of the stolen firearms to codefendant DARRELL REED, 28, of Byron, Ill., and he gave firearms to Schaffer for Schaffer’s part in the conspiracy.
Schaffer pleaded guilty on June 3, 2016, to conspiring to receive, possess, conceal, store, sell, and dispose of stolen firearms and ammunition, and Reed pleaded guilty on June 15, 2016, to receiving, possessing, concealing, storing, selling, and disposing of stolen firearms. Tapia was found guilty by a federal jury on August 25, 2016, of conspiracy to receive, possess, conceal, store, sell, and dispose of stolen firearms and ammunition, and other firearms offenses. Sentencing is scheduled for Reed on Oct. 14, 2016, at 9:30 a.m., and for Tapia on Dec. 14, 2016, at 9:00 a.m.
The sentencing was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Jeffery A. Magee, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, Rockton Police Department and Rockford Police Department assisted in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Talia Bucci and Michael D. Love.
Real Estate Investor Charged in 14-Count Indictment Alleging Bank and Mail Fraud, Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A real estate investor has been charged in a 14-count indictment that alleges he defrauded three banks and a mortgage lending business. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, Thomas L. Boyd, 43, of Memphis, Tennessee, owned a real estate agency, Wonderful Properties, LLC. Between April 2006 and September 2014, Boyd, aided and abetted by others, allegedly engaged in a scheme to defraud Regions Bank, Bank of America, First Tennessee Bank, and Oak Tree Funding.
Boyd allegedly made false statements in connection with mortgage loan applications for persons who were financing the purchase of properties from his company. In many instances, the defendant failed to disclose to lenders on HUD-1 settlement sheets that he was paying a portion of the loan proceeds to the borrowers.
Boyd's alleged scheme caused the lenders to disburse approximately $653,000 in loan proceeds.
On Thursday, September 22, Boyd was arrested and had his initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tu M. Pham.
Boyd is being charged with eight counts of bank fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and four counts of money laundering. Each count of bank fraud carries a penalty of up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million; each count of mail fraud carries a penalty of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000; and each count of money laundering carries a penalty of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Federal Housing Finance Agency - Office of Inspector General; Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. Andre III is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Prior Felon from Valencia County Sentenced to Prison for Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Johnny Sanchez, 39, of Los Lunas, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 72 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Sanchez was arrested on Sept. 9, 2014, on a federal indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. The indictment alleged that the crimes took place on May 29, 2013, in Valencia County, N.M.
On June 22, 2016, Sanchez pled guilty to the felon in possession of a firearm charge. In entering the guilty plea, Sanchez admitted that he was prohibited from possessing firearms on May 29, 2013, because of his previous felony convictions for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sanchez remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Los Lunas Police Department with assistance from the 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rumaldo R. Armijo prosecuted the case.
Previously Deported Alien Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on September 21, a federal grand jury in Harrisburg charged Jose Miguel Francisco with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien. Francisco, age 30, was previously deported from the United States in 2011.
This matter was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is two 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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