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31 August 2016
Bangor Woman Pleads Guilty to Failure to Present at a Border CrossingRead the Press Release
Contact: Jody Mullis
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Deidre Smith, a/k/a Deidre Fowler, 43, of Bangor, Maine, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to unlawfully entering the United States without presenting herself at a border crossing point. Smith is currently unemployed and is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.
According to court records, on August 5, 2016, U.S. Border Patrol agents saw Smith walking on a road in Hodgdon, Maine near the border between Canada and the United States. Smith later admitted that she crossed into the United States on foot from Canada and that she knowingly failed to enter the United States through a border crossing point.
Smith faces up to one year in prison, a $5,000 fine, and up to one year of supervised release. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol.
30 August 2016
York Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possessing Ammunition as A FelonRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jermaine Johnson, age 42, of York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane to seven years in federal prison for possessing ammunition as a felon.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Judge Kane noted at sentencing that Johnson had a long history with the criminal justice system, including multiple convictions for drug trafficking and possession of a firearm. The judge noted that for this case, Johnson deserved a sentence in the middle of the sentencing guidelines.
On October 24, 2013, York City Police engaged in a traffic stop of a car Johnson was driving. After he gave the police a false name, Johnson was arrested and his car was searched. Police found in the car a magazine clip containing .40 caliber ammunition. Weeks before this Johnson was shot and taken to the hospital. When authorities sought his cooperation in that shooting, he refused and gave the police a false name.
As a part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Southside initiative, this case was adopted for federal prosecution and Johnson was indicted on September 17, 2014. On October 5, 2015, Johnson entered a guilty plea to possession of ammunition as a felon.
The case was investigated by the York City Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Consiglio.
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Two Women Plead Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Elizabeth Gallardo, 37, a U.S. citizen living in Mexico and Yuriria Anahid Ramirez-Moreno, 33, of a legal Mexican alien, pled guilty yesterday afternoon in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to methamphetamine trafficking charges.
Gallardo and Ramirez-Moreno were arrested on May 13, 2016, on a criminal complaint charging them with conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. According to the criminal complaint, an officer of the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) arrested the women after finding them in possession of methamphetamine; Gallardo possessed 100.6 grams of methamphetamine and Ramirez-Moreno possessed 108.5 grams of methamphetamine.
Gallardo and Ramirez-Moreno were subsequently indicted on July 20, 2016, and charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on May 12, 2016, in Doña Ana County, N.M.
During yesterday’s change of plea hearings, Gallardo and Ramirez-Moreno both entered guilty pleas to felony informations charging them with conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In entering her guilty plea, Gallardo admitted that on April 29, 2016, she delivered 54.7 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover agent. Ramirez-Moreno admitted that on May 5, 2016, she delivered 56 grams of methamphetamine to the undercover agent. Both women admitted that they intended to deliver the 209 grams of methamphetamine seized from them on May 12, 2016, to the same undercover agent.
At sentencing, Gallardo and Ramirez-Moreno each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release. Both women remain in custody pending sentencing hearings which have yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the DEA and the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Saltman of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Two Women Arrested on Charges Related to Their Operation of a Brothel in DallasRead the Press Release
DALLAS — As part of an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, Metroplex, on Friday, August 26, 2016, members of the North Texas Trafficking Taskforce arrested two women on federal charges outlined in a just-unsealed superseding indictment, returned by a grand jury last week, related to their operation of the Doll House massage parlor in Dallas, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
During Friday’s operation, defendant Connie Su Moser, a/k/a “Vivian” and “Song Ye Hong,” 63, was arrested at her home in Lewisville, Texas. Defendant Kum Shugars, 67, was arrested at the Doll House. Moser is the owner of the Doll House; Shugars is one of the managers. In addition to the arrests, the Taskforce seized approximately $420,000 from Moser’s home, approximately $70,000 in her bank accounts, and her 2015 Lexus automobile. Moser and Shugars made their initial appearance in federal court yesterday afternoon. Moser was detained, and Shugars has a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney on Thursday afternoon, September 1, 2016.
The other defendant charged in the case, Allen Nash, a/k/a “A-1,” 29, also of Dallas, is charged with one count each of sex trafficking of children; transportation of a minor to engage in commercial sex acts; felon in possession of ammunition; and sex trafficking through force, fraud or coercion. Nash and Moser are also each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Moser and Shugars are also charged with one count of use of a facility of interstate commerce in aid of a racketeering enterprise.
The indictment alleges that from approximately April 1, 2014 through January 1, 2015, Nash recruited, enticed, harbored and transported an adult victim knowing and in reckless regard that force, threats of force, fraud and/or coercion would be used to cause that adult victim to engage in a commercial sex act.
The indictment further alleges that from approximately October 4, 2014 through October 7, 2014, Nash recruited, enticed, harbored and transported victim Jane Doe, who, as Nash knew, was under the age of 18, to engage in a commercial sex act. During that time, Nash knowingly transported victim Jane Doe from Texas to Louisiana to engage in a commercial sex act, and during that time, Nash, a convicted felon, also illegally possessed ammunition.
Nash and Moser allegedly conspired, from approximately April l1, 2014 through December 9, 2014, to commit sex trafficking of an adult victim.
The indictment further alleges that from approximately June 1, 2012 through March 1, 2015, Moser and Shugars used facilities of interstate commerce, to include cell phones and the Internet, to promote, manage, establish, carry on and facilitate a prostitution enterprise.
An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury, and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, however, the maximum statutory penalty for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking is life in prison. The statutory penalty for each count of sex trafficking of children and transportation of a minor to engage in commercial sex acts is not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison. The statutory penalty for sex trafficking through force, fraud or coercion is not less than 15 years and up to life in federal prison. The felon in possession of ammunition count carries a statutory sentence of not less than 15 years. The maximum statutory penalty for use of a facility of interstate commerce in aid of a racketeering enterprise is five years. Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000 fine.
The Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, Dallas Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office – all members of the North Texas Trafficking Taskforce – are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cara Foos Pierce is in charge of the prosecution.
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Troy Felon Admits Possessing a Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gregory L. Clark, age 26, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, Troy Police Chief John F. Tedesco, and Delano A. Reid, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New York Field Division.
Clark, who has 3 prior felony convictions, admitted that on April 2, 2016, he possessed a loaded Ruger .357 caliber revolver. He admitted that Troy Police Officers who were investigating a report of a man with a gun found Clark hiding in a closet in a Lansingburgh apartment and that his loaded Ruger .357 caliber revolver was also in that closet.
Clark faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced on December 12, 2016 by Senior U.S. District Judge Gary L. Sharpe. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the Troy Police Department and ATF, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett with assistance from the Rensselaer County District Attorney's Office.
Trainer Man Charged with Internet StalkingRead the Press Release
Matthew Handy, 24, of Trainer, PA, was charged today by indictment with stalking another person via the Internet, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Handy is charged with cyberstalking, two counts of interstate use of telecommunications device to willfully convey a threat, and two counts of false statements.
According to the indictment, Handy was involved in a romantic relationship with the victim that ended on January 17, 2014. From that date until February 24, 2014, Handy allegedly sent anonymous electronic mail messages to law enforcement agencies falsely claiming that the victim was engaging in child exploitation and molestation, was using drugs, was building pipe bombs, and a family member was supplying fertilizer and metal pipes to make the explosives, and the victim intended to use the explosives, all of which he knew was false. For example, on February 10, 2014, Handy allegedly sent an anonymous email to the Atlantic County (NJ) Prosecutor’s Office “Crime Stoppers” website claiming the victim and another individual intended to attack a middle school in New Jersey with guns and a pipe bomb on the morning of February 10, 2014, which he knew was false. As a result of the threat, the school of 393 students and 58 faculty had to be evacuated while the school was searched by the New Jersey State Police’s K-9 Unit and Bomb Squad. On February 9, 2014, Handy allegedly sent an anonymous email to the Department of Homeland Security alleging that the victim and the victim’s immediate family were obtaining materials to make explosives, one of the family members was supplying the bomb making materials, and that the victim was going to use the explosives against individuals, all of which he knew was false.
On January 28, 2014, Handy allegedly sent an anonymous email to the Department of Homeland Security alleging that the victim was selling drugs and explosives to people, threatened to use explosives at undisclosed locations, kept explosives somewhere in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and threatened to use an explosive at an unidentified mall in New Jersey, which Handy knew was false. On January 27, 2014, Handy allegedly sent an anonymous email to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness stating that the victim intended to use explosive devices against the Salvation Army in Chester, Pennsylvania and the Chester (PA) Police Headquarters, which he knew was false.
If convicted of all charges, Handy faces a possible advisory sentencing guideline range of 63 to 78 months in prison with a statutory maximum 38 years, a $500 special assessment and up to three years of supervised release. He could also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim for any physical, psychiatric or psychological care, and possible fines.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New Jersey State Police, and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Eve.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Toledo man incarcerated for stealing $121,000 in veteran's benefitsRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was sentenced to five months incarceration and ordered to pay $121,156 in restitution for theft of government property, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Antonio Estrada, 66, took veterans pension benefits to which he was not entitled, according to court documents.
“Those who defraud the taxpayers and steal from fellow veterans will be held accountable,” said Gavin McClaren, United States Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, Resident Agent in Charge, Cleveland.
The investigating agency in this case is the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Cleveland, Ohio. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Hood.
Thibodaux Man Pleads Guilty to Extensive Computer Hacking Scheme Involving Nearly 50 VictimsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that BRADER YELVERTON, age 24, of Thibodaux, pled guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with unauthorized access of a protected computer.
According to court documents, between about 2013 and December 2015, YELVERTON accessed the personal online accounts, including email, educational, social media, and “cloud” storage accounts of at least 49 individuals without their knowledge or authorization. All of the individuals whose accounts YELVERTON accessed without authorization were individuals he knew. The vast majority of the victims were females, as well as several of their significant others.
YELVERTON obtained access to an account by using publicly accessible information, or information he knew about the victim, to isolate the password for one of the accounts, usually his/her social media account. YELVERTON then used the information contained in the social media account to obtain the password to other accounts of the victim. Once he obtained access to the accounts, YELVERTON changed the passwords so that he could continue to access them. After YELVERTON obtained access to the accounts, he searched through them and obtained personal information of the victims, including, in some cases, sensitive photographs of the victims.
In the case of one victim, YELVERTON viewed not more than 380 pictures stored on her various online accounts. After saving some of the pictures to his personal computer, YELVERTON uploaded at least two private, sensitive photographs of the victim that he obtained from her private accounts onto an online anonymous image trading board that provides for state-specific and city-specific fora for individuals to upload, view, download, and trade images. During the upload process, YELVERTON entitled the images using the first name and last initial of the victim, so that other visitors to the website could readily identify the victim.
If convicted, YELVERTON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey set sentencing for November 26, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Swanville Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearms LawRead the Press Release
Contact: Jim Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that John T. Hines, 50, of Swanville, Maine pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to unlawfully possessing four firearms.
According to court records and evidence adduced at a trial in April 2013, two Waldo County Sheriff’s deputies went to the defendant’s residence to investigate a neighbor’s complaint of hearing gunfire coming from the property and found Hines in possession of a loaded .357 Ruger revolver, two rifles and a shotgun. Hines was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearms because he had previously been convicted of domestic violence assault, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Hines faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office.Swanville Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearms LawRead the Press Release
Contact: Jim Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that John T. Hines, 50, of Swanville, Maine pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to unlawfully possessing four firearms.
According to court records and evidence adduced at a trial in April 2013, two Waldo County Sheriff’s deputies went to the defendant’s residence to investigate a neighbor’s complaint of hearing gunfire coming from the property and found Hines in possession of a loaded .357 Ruger revolver, two rifles and a shotgun. Hines was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearms because he had previously been convicted of domestic violence assault, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Hines faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office.St. Joseph Man Sentenced for Child PornRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a St. Joseph, Mo., man with a prior murder conviction was sentenced in federal court today on charges related to child pornography.
Robert W. Knorr, Jr., 47, of St. Joseph, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to eight years and one month in federal prison without parole.
On Feb. 4, 2016, Knorr pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing child pornography over the Internet, one count of receiving child pornography over the Internet and one count of possessing child pornography.
On March 11, 2014, an FBI Child Exploitation Task Force officer used peer-to-peer file-sharing software to connect to Knorr’s computer and download a 23-minute video of child pornography that depicts a pubescent female approximately 12 to 13 years of age. The officer downloaded a second video on May 19, 2014, that depicts the sexual assault of a 13-to-15-year-old female.
Investigators discovered evidence on Knorr’s computer of numerous Internet and peer-to-peer network searches for child pornography, including images of children as young as three years of age, and evidence showing the downloading of thousands of files. Knorr distributed and possessed videos that depict the graphic depiction of the rape and sodomy of pubescent and prepubescent girls as young as six years old by adult men and women.
In making a sentencing recommendation, the government referred to Knorr’s prior convictions for murder (for which he was sentenced to 15 years in prison) and accessory to murder after the fact (for which he was sentenced to three years in prison) to demonstrate the extreme danger he poses to the public.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Social Security Administrative Law Judge Charged with Accepting Sexual Gratuity, Obstruction & Stealing SSA RecordsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – Federal prosecutors today charged a former administrative law judge for the Social Security Administration for engaging in a sex act with, and other activities related to a Social Security beneficiary, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, SSA-Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Margaret Jackson and FBI Special Agent in Charge Roger Stanton.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a three-count information in U.S. District Court charging PAUL STRIBLING CONGER JR., 73, of Akron, Ala., with obstructing justice, accepting a gratuity for an official act of a public official and stealing government property. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also filed a plea agreement with Conger in which he acknowledges the charges and agrees he will plead guilty to them. Conger is scheduled for arraignment Sept. 15.
Conger served as an administrative law judge for the Social Security Administration from May 1999 to April 2014, presiding over hearings to determine whether someone who applied for disability or other SSA benefits qualified to receive them. Conger’s judicial chambers were in the federal courthouse in Tuscaloosa.
According to the charges and Congers’ plea agreement:
In July 2013, Conger presided over the claims hearing of a woman identified in court documents as T.M., who subsequently was approved for SSI benefits, including future monthly payments and retroactive benefits. In November 2013, T.M. discussed Conger with a mutual acquaintance of theirs and was given information that led her to approach the judge about receiving her retroactive SSI benefits in a lump sum of about $10,000.
On Nov. 19, 2013, T.M. met Conger in his chambers at the Tuscaloosa federal courthouse, seeking the lump sum benefits payment. There, the two engaged in sexual activity. Over ensuing weeks, they remained in contact through phone calls and text messages.
Conger is charged with illegal receipt of a gratuity for his conduct with T.M.
He is charged with theft of government property for using T.M.’s records from the SSA database to learn more about her. The information included medical records and identifiers such as her Social Security number.
Conger is charged with obstruction for attempting to obtain T.M.’s cell phone and destroy it after learning that he was the subject of a workplace complaint and an OIG investigation. According to the court records, Conger paid someone, “Individual B,” to obtain the phone and provided the individual with material from T.M.’s SSA file to help that person find her.
As further alleged, Conger falsely told federal agents that he never had any physical or sexual contact with a claimant, including T.M., even after being notified that he was the target of a federal grand jury investigation.
The maximum penalty for obstruction is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for the gratuity charge is two years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and the maximum penalty for the theft of government property charge is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
SSA-OIG and FBI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamarra Matthews Johnson is prosecuting.
Six Additional Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters Union Members ChargedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David A. Capp, announced that six additional members of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters were each charged by Information with one count of health care theft.
According to the documents filed in this case, members of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters illegally gained assets from the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund, a union health care benefit program. The defendants requested reimbursement of medical expenses by submitting to the carpenter’s welfare fund a fraudulent claim form and a copy of an un-negotiated personal check for reimbursement. These documents gave the appearance that the defendants had paid a reimbursable health care expense. Claims were processed from the union welfare fund reimbursing the defendants for these health care expenses that were never actually incurred. Those who have been charged are as follows:
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Ryan Cundiff, 40, of Crown Point, Indiana
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Brian Ellis, 46, of Hobart, Indiana
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Christopher LeBell, 36, of Cedar Lake, Indiana
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Aaron Merkel, 36, of Valparaiso, Indiana
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Eric Murray, 37, of Williamsburg, Ohio
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Daniel Rehfeldt, 49, of Hobart, Indiana
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General and the Employee Benefits Security Administration. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Gary T. Bell.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Information is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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San Francisco Man Sentenced to 366 Months for A String of Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Darius Gilbert was sentenced today to over 30 years in prison, and ordered to pay over $148,000 in restitution for a series of nine bank robberies, announced United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.
Gilbert, 49, of San Francisco, pleaded guilty on May 10, 2016, to five counts of armed bank robbery, three counts of unarmed bank robbery, escape, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to the plea agreement, Gilbert admitted that he had escaped on March 26, 2015, while transferring to a halfway house after serving a prior sentence in federal prison for bank robbery. Shortly after his escape, Gilbert robbed eight banks in the Bay Area and one in Elk Grove, Calif., between March and June 2015. During three of the robberies, Gilbert pointed a gun at tellers and bank managers. He brandished a knife during two of the robberies, and verbally threatened tellers in four of the robberies. In total, Gilbert took $148,090 from the nine banks.
Gilbert was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 18, 2015. He was charged with five counts of armed bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2113(a) and (d); three counts of unarmed bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a); escape, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 751(a); two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1); and three counts of using, possessing, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). Pursuant to his plea agreement, Gilbert pleaded guilty to all the charges except for one of the § 922(g) counts and two of the § 924(c) counts.
The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Vince Chhabria. Judge Chhabria also sentenced the defendant to a five-year period of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, and ordered Gilbert to pay $148,090 in restitution. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita F. Lin is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk and Theresa Benitez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Saint Paul Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Dealing Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced the sentencing of EITAN BENJAMIN FELDMAN, 30, to 18 months in prison for illegally dealing in firearms without a license. The defendant pleaded guilty on April 29, 2016, and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in United States District Court in Minneapolis, Minn.
“Feldman’s actions in this case put firearms in the hands of criminals in the Twin Cities, and jeopardized public safety,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge of the St. Paul Field Division James C. Modzelewski. “Today’s sentence should send a message to our community that ATF is committed to working with local police and prosecutors to identify illegal sources of firearms, and hold them accountable. If we’re going to impact gun violence in our communities, we all need to work together to prevent criminals from getting guns.”
“Stemming the flow of illicit firearm sales is an important priority for law enforcement,” said Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Bejar. “Engaging in the business of unlicensed firearms sales is a serious crime that circumvents the critical background check routinely performed by legitimate licensed firearms dealers to prevent those persons who cannot legally possess firearms from acquiring them.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, between January 2014 and January 2016, FELDMAN regularly dealt firearms without a license by repeatedly purchasing firearms and offering them for resale within days of getting them. FELDMAN routinely purchased firearms offered by out-of-state Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) through websites such as gunbroker.com, an online firearms auction site. He arranged to have the firearms transferred to L.E. Gun Sales, a FFL in Minnesota, where he got the guns after completing and signing the appropriate documentation.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, during the same time period, FELDMAN regularly listed and offered the same firearms for sale – often at a higher price than what he paid – on armslist.com. On average, FELDMAN made a potential $90 profit on each firearm he resold. Of the 41 guns FELDMAN purchased and re-sold during this time, the average time he actually possessed a gun before offering it for resale was only nine days.
In July 2015, an ATF Special Agent told FELDMAN that some of the firearms he had received at L.E. Gun Sales, and subsequently sold, had been linked to crime scenes within days of FELDMAN taking possession of and selling the guns.
Despite being informed by ATF Agents that some of the firearms he had purchased and resold had been linked to crime scenes within days of his illicit transactions, the defendant continued to willfully engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. Most egregiously, even after ATF Agents served the defendant with a written warning notice and explained that his actions were almost certainly in violation of federal law, the defendant continued his unlicensed and illegal dealing in firearms.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Minneapolis Police Department, the Saint Paul Police Department and the Bloomington Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
EITAN BENJAMIN FELDMAN, 30
Saint Paul, Minn.
Convicted:
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Willfully engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, 1 count
Sentenced:
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18 months in prison
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2 years’ supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
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Roanoke Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced the guilty plea today of a Roanoke man to a federal drug charge.
Terrance Donald Jackson, 29, of Roanoke, Virginia, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke to one count of distribution of a measurable quantity of cocaine.
“We will continue to work with our partners on the federal, state and local levels to rid our communities of drugs, working to make our communities safer,” United States Attorney Fishwick said.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Roanoke City Police Department and the agencies of the Roanoke HIDTA. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.
Prior Felon from Deming Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Elias David Parra, 29, of Deming, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 21 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for violating the federal firearms laws.
Parra was arrested in Oct. 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to the complaint, officers of the Las Cruces Police Department arrested Parra after finding him in possession of a firearm and ammunition on Oct. 14, 2015, during a traffic stop in Doña Ana County, N.M. At the time, Parra was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of a drug trafficking felony in a Texas state court. Parra was indicted on Jan. 20, 2016.
On May 24, 2016, Parra pled guilty to the indictment, and admitted that he unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition on Oct. 14, 2015. Parra acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition as a result of his prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department and the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office prosecuted the case.
President Obama Grants CommutationsRead the Press Release
Today, the President granted commutation of sentence to the following 111 individuals:
· Malik Abuhamid Ibm Wakil Abdunafi – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine, at least 50 grams of cocaine base (crack), heroin, and marijuana; distribution of cocaine and cocaine base (crack); distribution of heroin; possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, at least five grams of cocaine base (crack), heroin, and marijuana; Middle District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $100,000 forfeiture (August 31, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016, and obligation and payment of forfeiture remitted.
· Quentin C. Adams – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); distribution of cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (June 15, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
· Sly Stallone Aikens – Hickory Grove, SC
Offense: Knowingly using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing the firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime (two counts); District of South Carolina
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 29, 2005); amended to 235 months' imprisonment (September 28, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
· Michael Alexander – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 23, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Alfonso Allen – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and marijuana; possession of a short barreled shotgun in furtherance of a felony drug offense; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of an unregistered short barreled shotgun; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: Life plus 10 years’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 25, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Brian Allen Altman – New Berlin, WI
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (two counts); Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 23, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
· Maurice D. Ball –Kansas City, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (June 22, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· John Franklin Banks – Lynchburg, VA
Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $250 fine (January 14, 2000 (on remand))Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 292 months' imprisonment.
· Mancer L. Barrington, III – Norfolk, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 7, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
· Tyrie Bell – Sauk Village, IL
Offense: Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release; $500 restitution (January 19, 2000)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Ronald Owen Bilbrey, Jr. – Winter Haven, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to traffic in controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine (three counts); possession of ephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 25, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Tremayne Kendrick Blackwell – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 18, 2009); amended to 240 months' imprisonment (November 3, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
· Corey Lyndell Blount – Houston, TX
Offense: Use of a communication facility in facilitating the commission of felonies under the Controlled Substance Act; continuing criminal enterprise; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 27, 1999)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Ronald Lee Blount, Jr. – Houston, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; use of a communication facility in facilitating the commission of felonies under the Controlled Substance Act; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 9, 1999)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Jerome Lee Borders – Statesville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 6, 2002 )Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Brad Bradley Bradford – Tampa, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (November 6, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Charles Lee Brandon – Bay City, MI
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (December 22, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months' imprisonment.
· Walter Breland – Statesville, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine base; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: 420 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (February 12, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Eugene Kenneth Brinson – Newark, NJ
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride & heroin; possess with intent to distribute marijuana; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 8, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Roosevelt Brockington – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Offense: Distribution in excess of five grams of cocaine base; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 15, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
· Derrick Lewis Bynum – Hyattsville, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; use of a communications device to facilitate narcotics trafficking (three counts); possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (two counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; District of Maryland
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 19, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Juan Benito Calbo-Gomez – Corpus Christi, TX
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaineand cocaine base (crack) and marijuana; Eastern District of Texas
2. Supervised release violation (possession with intent to distribute marijuana); Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: 1. 210 months' imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 17, 2006); amended to 168 months’ imprisonment (November 1, 2014)
2. 18 months' imprisonment (February 15, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Joseph J. Campbell – Summerville, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and cocaine base; unlawful use of communication facility to facilitate drug trafficking activity; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 14, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Eugene Carlton – Decatur, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 1, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Shannon Cave – Bronx, NY
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 13, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
· Fred Charles, Jr. – Stopover, KY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of cocaine; use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 248 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $500 fine (April 4, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Duane Clasen – Evansville, WI
Offense: 1. Distribution of approximately 6.85 grams of methamphetamine (mixture), after having previously been convicted of one or more felony drug offenses; Northern District of Iowa
2. Supervised release violation (distribution of amphetamine); Northern District of Iolwa
Sentence: 1. 200 months' imprisonment (July 25, 2003)
2. 36 months' imprisonment (consecutive); six years’ supervised release; $6,142.75 restitution (October 29, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 15, 2017, and unpaid balance of restitution obligation remitted.
· Clarence Douglas Coakley – Dermott, AR
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (two counts); Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life plus 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 9, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Merlin Coleman – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; use of a communication facility to facilitate the commission of the distribution of a controlled substance (three counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 9, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Barry Renfold Cooley – Los Angeles, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute narcotics; District of Nebraska
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 29, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Travis Dwaine Corley – Blackville, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 23, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Warren Dean Cornett – Houston, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine and in excess of 50 grams cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of cocaine; possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 27, 1998)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Bobby Richard Cotton, Jr. – Tampa, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 3, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Jessee Dane Cox – Crumpler, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess methamphetamine; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 26, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Aubrey Jermaine Cummings – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base and at least five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 8, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Eddie James Davis – Bedford, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 28, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Henry Deleon – Corpus Christi, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute approximately 2.22 kilograms of a mixture or a substance containing methamphetamine; aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute approximately 2.22 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine; Southern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 15, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· James Dillehay – Akron, OH
Offense: Conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: Life imprisonment (September 10, 1993)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· William R. Downs – Daytona Beach, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 260 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 2, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Jarrett Dunn – Cleveland, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess more than 50 grams cocaine base; conspiracy to distribute and possess more than five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride; possession with intent to distribute more than five grams cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 19, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
· Robert Anthony Eberhart – Garner, NC
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base; possession of a firearm during drug trafficking; Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 468 months’ imprisonment, five years’ supervised release (February 1, 2005); amended to 420 months' imprisonment (November 28, 2012)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Darryl Dewayne Edwards – Port Arthur, TX
Offense: Attempt to manufacture 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a felon; Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 19, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Darryl Ellis – Fort Pierce, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; aiding and abetting; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 26, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Mark Foster – Waterford Works, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; carrying or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 12, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Craig William Frazier – Great Falls, MT
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute marijuana; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; District of Montana
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (December 14, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Ricardo Gallardo – Rockford, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine and one kilogram or more of heroin; distribution of 2,006 grams of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute 6.02 kilograms of cocaine and 996.9 grams of heroin; money laundering; engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $500 fine (December 16, 2005); amended to 292 months' imprisonment (November 1, 2014)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Jason Gardner – Fort Worth, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 27, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Ricky Lamont Garrett – Waco, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of "crack" cocaine; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 224 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (March 28, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016, and unpaid balance of $1,000 fine remitted.
· Orfil Javier Garza – Pacoima, CA
Offense: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; District of Utah
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 13, 2010)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Antonio Jevon Gayden – Chicago, IL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute, and/or aid and abet the possession with intent to distribute five grams or more but less than 50 grams of cocaine base after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 16, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months' imprisonment.
· Mark Francis Glidden – Clear Lake, IA
Offense: Manufacture and attempt to manufacture five grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) after a prior conviction for a felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (October 22, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Quincy Allen Goins – Madison, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment (March 14, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2017.
· David Gonzalez – Houston, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; aiding and abetting the distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base; aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Texas
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 26, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 31, 2017.
· Elliott Gray – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (August 24, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Randolph S. Gustave – Albuquerque, NM
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; conspiracy to launder monetary instruments (two counts); Western District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 21, 2001); amended to 262 months' imprisonment (November 1, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 1, 2017.
· Ali Reno Harden – Dublin, GA
Offense: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of a firearm having an obliterated serial number; possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine base; possession of a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking crime; possession of marijuana; Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (February 19, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016, and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted.
· Ronnie Lorenzo Hardy – Chipley, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; principal to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; unlawful possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm during a felony drug offense; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life plus 60 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (September 19, 2000)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 270 months' imprisonment.
· Charles Harrison – Natchez, MS
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Mississippi
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $1,500 fine (October 25, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jason Thomas Haslip – Las Vegas, NV
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute in excess of 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDA or Ecstasy); aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute 87 capsules and 1,419 tablets of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDA or Ecstasy); aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute 27 grams of methamphetamine; District of Minnesota
Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 17, 2004); amended to 262 months' imprisonment (November 1, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Monroe Herring – Greensboro, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 26, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Emmanuel Herron – Stella, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 56.63 grams of crack cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 22, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Marvin K. Holloway – District Heights, MD
Offense: Unlawful possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of Columbia
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 21, 2000)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Cory Lamonte Huddleston – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 20, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Kevin Huff – New Orleans, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 26, 2001); amended to 275 months' imprisonment (November 3, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Jose Jasso, Jr. – Progreso, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Southern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $10,000 fine (June 27, 1997)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016, and unpaid balance of $10,000 fine remitted.
· Isaac Simmons Johnson – Macclenny, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (May 27, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Samuel Latrell Johnson – Odessa, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; Western District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 17, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Theodore Johnson – Rock Island, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (May 19, 2000)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016, and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted.
· Walter Johnson – Tampa, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; distributing 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 30, 2000)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Tony Lamont Jones – Portsmouth, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 29, 1998); amended to 360 months' imprisonment (August 28, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· James Howard Jones – Cartersville, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; aided and abetted possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 5, 1997); amended to 324 months' imprisonment (November 2, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Dirk Ladson – Bronx, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing cocaine and cocaine base; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 328 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 12, 1995)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Mark Lanzilotti – Sewell, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; manufacture of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 4, 2002); amended to 360 months' imprisonment (August 7, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
· Michael Freeman Lattimore – Lawndale, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 30, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Gary L. Lynch – Rocky Mount, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack) and cocaine; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,200 restitution (April 30, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Emmanuel Obi Maduka – Detroit, MI
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin; conspiracy to import heroin; Southern District of New York
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 11, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Larry Martin – Chicago, IL
Offense: Drug conspiracy; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 12, 1993)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
· Rudy Martinez – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy; continuing criminal enterprise; drug distribution (two counts); use of a communication facility in commission of a crime (three counts); interstate travel in aid of racketeering enterprises; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 23, 1992)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Victor Eugene Mason – Washington, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 11, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Rodney R. McCain – Suitland, MD
Offense: Distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; District of Maryland
Sentence: 200 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 14, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Kenneth Russell McCoy – Council Bluffs, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 216 months' imprisonment; seven years' supervised release (September 24, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· London Archie McRae – West End, NC
Offense: Possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 280 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (May 29, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Danielle Bernard Metz – New Orleans, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine; continuing criminal enterprise; possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; laundering of monetary instruments; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 15, 1993)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Hal Q. Mincy – Cleveland, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 15, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Joseph Newton – Savannah, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; use of a communication facility; Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 19, 1992); amended to 360 months' imprisonment (November 1, 2014)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· James Clinton Patterson, Jr. – Concord, NC
Offense: Possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (February 12, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Raeanna Mae Paxton – Casper, WY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (July 10, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Leon Perry – Metter, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute a quantity of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride; Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $2,500 fine (December 10, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, and unpaid balance of $2,500 fine remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Michael D. Points – Louisville, KY
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Kentucky
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (December 5, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Albert Randolph – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 160 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (July 1, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Gregory Augusta Ransom, II – Panama City, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base and cocaine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 6, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Darryl Lamar Reed – San Leandro, CA
Offense: Manufacture and possession with intent to distribute crack and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting; Northern District of California
Sentence: 420 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $50,000 fine (January 29, 1990)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Tommy Rice – Spartanburg, SC
Offense: Aiding and abetting in the commission of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment, 10 years’ supervised release (January 6, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Daxtrell D. Robinson – Champaign, IL
Offense: Possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 25, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Uriah Alfred Rose – Miami, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (June 7, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Calvin Dwayne Sangster – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (November 30, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Martez Lamont Sherrod – Greenville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base and more than 500 grams of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 12, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a expire on December 28, 2016.
· George E. Smith – Riviera Beach, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute less than five grams of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; 12 years' supervised release (December 8, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Lue Gene Swarn – Dallas, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; use of a communication facility to facilitate the commission of a drug felony; Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 4, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· John Western Thomas – Albion, MI
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Michigan
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 22, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Timothy L. Tyler – St. Petersburg, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to deliver LSD; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute LSD; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment (July 19, 1994)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Norman Eugene Van Zee – Highmore, SD
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; District of South Dakota
Sentence: 292 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 20, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Gracie Walker – Granbury, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 290 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 27, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Derrick Waller – St. Louis, MO
Offense: 1. Supervised release violation (possession of an unregistered firearm and distribution of cocaine); Eastern District of Missouri
2. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 1. 36 months' imprisonment (July 17, 2007)
2. 188 months' imprisonment (concurrent to the unserved part of the 36-month sentence); four years' supervised release (November 2, 2007)
45 months' imprisonment (consecutive) (February 16, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Patrick Willard – Greensboro, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Kentucky
Sentence: 327 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 8, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Christopher White – Anderson, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; distribution and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute; aiding and abetting; District of Maryland
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $1 fine (July 30, 1999); amended to 289 months' imprisonment (November 1, 2014)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Daniel Williams – Schenectady, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Northern District of New York
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 2, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Jonathan Carnell Williams – Washington, DC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (crack); District of Maryland
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (May 6, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 28, 2016.
· Levi Wilson – Denver, CO
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine base and to use a place where cocaine base is manufactured, distributed and used; District of Wyoming
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 3, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
· Richard Van Winrow – Los Angeles, CA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a narcotic drug controlled substance; felon in possession of a firearm; Central District of California
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 6, 1989)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 30, 2017.
· Raul S. Zavala – Spokane, WA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; use of a communication facility to facilitate the commission of a felony; Eastern District of Washington
Sentence: Life imprisonment (April 18, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
Philadelphia Bar Owner and Former Investment Advisor Plead Guilty to Defrauding Clients of over $400,000 in Order to Purchase A South Street BarRead the Press Release
William Joseph Boyle, 53, of Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, pled guilty today to five counts of mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud, one count of securities fraud, and one count of investment adviser fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
As part of his guilty plea, Boyle admitted that he defrauded clients, most of whom were elderly, out of over $400,000, convincing them to invest with him and utilize his services as a financial adviser by holding himself out as an investment adviser and promising to invest their money in stocks, Pennsylvania municipal bonds, interest bearing investments, and real estate, while in reality Boyle spent almost all of their money on himself, including giving client money to his wife and ex-wife, paying his children’s Catholic school tuition; and purchasing a liquor license for, and purchasing, renovating, and operate a bar called "The Blarney South Bar and Grille," which Boyle renamed "The Boyler Room," located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Boyle admitted that he continued to hold himself out as a stock broker and investment adviser and defraud clients even after his licenses were suspended and after he was permanently barred by FINRA from working as a stock broker or otherwise associating with a firm that sold securities to the public, and failed to disclosing to his clients that he had been barred and his licenses suspended.
Sentencing has been set for November 30, 2016. Boyle faces a maximum sentence of 185 years’ imprisonment, a five-year period of supervised release, a $7,010,000 fine, and a $1,000 special assessment, and a likely advisory sentencing guideline range of 41 – 51 months’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. Lowe.
Permanent Resident in Mission Heads to Federal Prison for Meth and Marijuana SmugglingRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A Mexican national and lawful permanent resident from Mission has been ordered to federal prison following his convictions of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Felipe Rivera-Paredes, 55, pleaded guilty March 31, 2016.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez sentenced Rivera-Paredes to 210 months in custody on both counts to run concurrently. He is expected to face deportation proceedings following his release from prison. As part of the sentence, Judge Alvarez found Rivera-Paredes was a leader-organizer of a drug trafficking group of five or more people.
Rivera-Paredes was arrested Oct. 22, 2015, after negotiating the sale of approximately 485 grams of methamphetamine with an undercover agent.
He initially began communicating with the agent in July 2014 and soon began discussions regarding marijuana smuggling. He coordinated the transportation of marijuana on multiple occasions from September to October 2014. Each of those instances resulted in the arrest of the individuals who later took possession of the marijuana. In total, Rivera-Paredes turned over approximately 842 total kilograms of marijuana.
He also negotiated the sale of 485 grams of methamphetamine with an undercover agent in September 2015, culminating in his arrest.
Rivera-Paredes and remains in custody pending his transfer to the Bureau of Prisons.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the joint investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Leonard is prosecuting the case.
Pensacola Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Daniel Leroy Ard, 33, a registered sex offender in Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced today to 180 months in federal prison, after pleading guilty in June 2016 to receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During an online investigation, federal agents discovered that on numerous occasions, between June 14, 2014, and May 26, 2015, Ard received or attempted to receive child pornography images and videos. A forensic review of Ard’s laptop computer and numerous hard drives recovered approximately 87 videos and 4,257 images containing child pornography.
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Pensacola Police Department, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
For more information, contact: Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, [email protected]Pediatric Dentist Pays $1.3 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen, and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, today announced that JESUS VILLEGAS, DDS, and his two pediatric dental clinics located in Milford and West Haven have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which they will pay $1,367,466 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.
The allegations arise out of the taking of pediatric dental x-rays at FAIRFIELD PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, LLC (“FAIRFIELD”) in Milford and HAVEN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, LLC (“HAVEN”) in West Haven. Under Connecticut law, a licensed dentist may delegate to dental assistants the taking of dental x-rays if the dental assistant can demonstrate successful completion of the dental radiography portion of an examination prescribed by the Dental Assisting National Board (“DANB”). The certification provided by the DANB examination is important to ensure dental assistants are appropriately trained in the use of x-ray procedures and to ensure the x-rays are performed safely.
The federal and state governments allege that the majority of x-rays taken at DR. VILLEGAS’ dental clinics were taken by dental assistants who were not DANB certified. X-rays taken by uncertified dental assistants are not payable by the Medicaid program.
To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, VILLEGAS, FAIRFIELD and HAVEN have agreed to pay $1,367,466, which covers conduct occurring from June 1, 2010 through and including March 17, 2014.
As part of the settlement, VILLEGAS, FAIRFIELD and HAVEN have entered into a three-year billing Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is designed to ensure future compliance with the requirements of federal healthcare programs.
“Health care providers must utilize properly certified individuals to treat patients, and the failure to ensure such proper care for patients will have serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “The U.S. Attorney’s office is committed to vigorously pursuing health care providers who submit false or fraudulent claims to federal health care programs.”
“Dentists must ensure that only certified staff provide services to their patients,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Coyne. “Cutting corners could jeopardize the safety of patients and the integrity of the Medicaid program. Working with our law enforcement partners, our agency is dedicated to protecting patients and the government health care programs designed to serve them.”
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and Auditor Kevin Saunders, and by Assistants Attorney General Karen S. Haabestad and Natasha Freismuth of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
Patterson man sentenced to 60 months in prison for scheme with Morgan City woman to commit tax fraudRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Patterson man was sentenced to 60 months in prison Monday for his role in a scheme to use stolen identities to file false tax returns and pocket refunds.
Louis W. Carbins Jr., 37, of Patterson, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, seven counts of theft of government money and one count of aggravated identity theft. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $43,045.31 to the IRS and $2,196.71 to Patterson State Bank in restitution. Carbins was found guilty on all charges after a three-day trial that ended on May 25, 2016.
According to evidence submitted at trial, from February 2013 to August 2013, Carbins and co-defendant Laphrida T. Watts, 40, from Morgan City, La., but who currently resides in Palmdale, Calif., knew and allowed individuals from overseas to use stolen identities to file tax returns. The overseas individuals then directed the IRS to deposit the refunds into Carbins’ bank accounts. Carbins and Watts would then wire some of the money overseas and keep the rest. The IRS issued more than $815,000 in refunds to Carbins’ accounts. Carbins and Watts spent $45,681.22 of the funds.
Watts pleaded guilty on January 13, 2016 to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of aggravated identity theft. She faces up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for the conspiracy count and an additional two years in prison for the identity theft count. Watts is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2016.
The IRS conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly P. Uebinger and Robert F. Moore are prosecuting the case.
Parkville Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Ruben Uy Lim, age 53, of Parkville, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to receipt of child pornography. Lim also admitted taking hundreds of videos of underage girls at swim meets, using a filter that allowed the camera to see through certain fabrics, including bathing suits.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.
According to his plea agreement, on November 17, 2015, Baltimore County Police detectives executed a search warrant at Lim’s residence and recovered electronic devices, including a hard drive. A subsequent forensic examination of the hard drive revealed images and video files depicting prepubescent girls engaged in sexual acts, which had been received over the internet.
In addition, law enforcement recovered six video cameras and computer discs which contained hundreds of homemade videos dating back to 2004, which were taken at swim meets, on beaches and at water parks. Lim took the videos using a filter that attached to the camera’s lens and allowed the camera to see through certain fabrics, including bathing suits. Lim filmed middle and high school aged girls in such a way that their breasts and vaginal areas were visible in the recordings. In the majority of the videos, Lim focused on the pubic area of the female swimmers. Lim admitted that he traveled to swim meets around the country for the sole purpose of recording children using the special camera lens, which Lim referred to as the “X-Ray lens.”
As part of his plea agreement, Lim must register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
Lim and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Lim will be sentenced to at least 10 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III has scheduled sentencing for December 9, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended HSI Baltimore, the FBI, Baltimore County Policed Department and the Baltimore County State’s Attorney for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Perry, who is prosecuting the federal case.
Novato Landscaper Pleads Guilty to Filing A False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Marina Zuk pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return announced United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Batdorf.
According to the plea agreement, during 2008 through 2010, Zuk, 57, of Novato, Calif., owned and operated Growing Works, a landscaping and yard maintenance business. For those years, Zuk admitted that she filed false federal income tax returns with the IRS by willfully underreporting the gross receipts she received from the operation of her business. She also did not report interest income that she received from a nominee bank account she maintained in the name of her deceased grandmother. For the years 2008, 2009 and 2010, Zuk underreported gross receipts from Growing Works in the amounts of $350,861.51, $409,976.19 and $287,073.40, respectively.
Zuk was charged on April 7, 2015, with three counts of filing a false tax return. Zuk is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2017, before the Honorable Thelton E. Henderson, U.S. District Judge.
The maximum sentence for filing a false tax return, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1), is three years in prison and a fine of $250,000. However, any sentence following conviction will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney José A. Olivera is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
New York Man Involved in $2.5 Million Jewelry Theft Sentenced to 40 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON GATTO, 34, of Gardiner, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for burglarizing a Connecticut residence and stealing approximately $2.5 million in jewelry.
According to court documents and statements made in court, GATTO was a member of a group of friends who referred to themselves as the “Jedi Knights” and committed hundreds of residential burglaries in Connecticut and other states along the eastern seaboard, stealing money, jewelry and firearms.
In February 2012, GATTO and Michael Simpson of Montgomery, New York, burglarized a residence in Salisbury, Connecticut, and stole approximately 250 pieces of jewelry valued at more than $2.5 million. Believing that many of the stolen pieces were not valuable, GATTO discarded them from his car window as he and Simpson drove from the scene. Later, Simpson showed some of the remaining stolen jewelry to his girlfriend, Martha Dahl, who identified the items as being valuable. GATTO, Simpson and Dahl then traveled with the jewelry to North Carolina. On the way, they contacted Miguel Mead and bought him an airline ticket, which he used to immediately fly to North Carolina. In North Carolina, the jewelry was distributed among the group to sell. Members of the group then sold pieces of the stolen jewelry to businesses in North Carolina, California, and elsewhere.
After the burglary, the Connecticut State Police recovered some of the stolen jewelry along the side of Route 41 in Salisbury.
Judge Meyer ordered GATTO to pay $1.5 million in restitution.
GATTO was arrested on January 6, 2016. On March 7, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property.
Simpson, Dahl and Mead also pleaded guilty. On February 16, 2016, Mead, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment. Simpson and Dahl await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
New Charge against MS-13 Leaders and MembersRead the Press Release
BOSTON – As part of an ongoing investigation into the criminal activities of leaders, members, and associates of the criminal organization “La Mara Salvatrucha,” or “MS-13,” a federal grand jury has handed down a fourth superseding indictment adding allegations that six members of MS-13 murdered a 16-year-old in July 2015.
Oscar Noe Recinos-Garcia, a/k/a “Psycho;” German Hernandez-Escobar, a/k/a “Terible;” Noe Salvador Perez-Vasquez, a/k/a “Crazy;” Jose Rene Andrade, a/k/a “Triste,” a/k/a “Inocente;” Josue Alexis De Paz, a/k/a “Gato;” and Manuel Diaz-Granados, a/k/a “Perverso,” are charged with federal racketeering conspiracy, the object of which included the murder of Jose Aguilar-Villanueva, a/k/a “Fantasma”, age 16, who was stabbed to death in O’Connell Park in Lawrence on July 5, 2015. Four of these six individuals -- Recinos-Garcia, Hernandez-Escobar, Perez-Vasquez, and Andrade -- were previously charged with racketeering conspiracy. De Paz and Diaz-Granados are newly charged. In documents previously filed with the Court, Hernandez-Escobar and Perez-Vasquez are identified as leaders of MS-13’s Everett Loco Salvatrucha (ELS) clique.
The superseding indictment alleges that on July 5, 2015, the defendants stabbed Aguilar-Villanueva to death in O’Connell Park in Lawrence. Including the murder of Aguilar-Villanueva, the fourth superseding indictment now alleges that a total of 17 members of MS-13 are responsible for six murders from October 2014 to January 2016 in Chelsea, East Boston, and Lawrence, as well as the attempted murders of at least 15 people. Two MS-13 members -- Edwin Gonzalez, a/k/a “Sangriento;” and Noe Perez-Vasquez, a/k/a “Crazy,” are named as participants in two of the RICO murders. The fourth superseding indictment re-alleges that more than fifty leaders, members, and associates of MS-13 conspired to commit murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking. Various other defendants are also charged with drug trafficking, firearm violations, immigration offenses, and fraudulent document charges.
The charge of RICO conspiracy provides a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, or life if the violation is based on racketeering activity for which the maximum penalty includes life imprisonment; three years of supervised release; and a fine of $250,000.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Jonathan Blodgett, Essex County District Attorney; 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; Chief James X. Fitzpatrick of the Lawrence Police Department; Commissioner Thomas Turco of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Sheriff Frank G. Cousins, Jr. of the Essex County Sheriff Department; Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department; Daniel F. Conley, Suffolk County District Attorney; Marian T. Ryan, Middlesex County District Attorney; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chief Brian A. Kyes of the Chelsea Police Department; Chief Steven A. Mazzie of the Everett Police Department; Chief Kevin Coppinger of the Lynn Police Department; Chief Joseph Cafarelli of the Revere Police Department; and Chief David Fallon of the Somerville Police Department, made the announcement today.
The details contained in the indictments are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
**********
The following defendants are charged with racketeering influenced corrupt organization (RICO) conspiracy, the object of which included the murder of Jose Aguilar-Villanueva:
Previously charged:
1. Oscar Noe Recinos-Garcia, a/k/a “Psycho,” 22, of Somerville
3. German Hernandez-Escobar, a/k/a “Terible,” 28, of Medford
4. Noe Salvador Perez-Vasquez, a/k/a “Crazy,” 25, of Somerville
19. Jose Rene Andrade, a/k/a “Triste, a/k/a “Innocente,” 24, of Somerville
Newly added:
60. Jose Alexis De Paz, a/k/a “Gato,” age 19, of Lawrence
61. Manuel Diaz-Granados, a/k/a “Perverso,” age 19, of Somerville (deported)
Naperville Man Charged with Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted a Naperville man on child pornography charges for allegedly recording minor boys having sexual acts performed on them.
DOUGLAS A. WILLIS, 53, is charged with one count of conspiracy to produce child pornography, and one count of producing child pornography. He pleaded not guilty today during an arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary M. Rowland in Chicago.
According to the indictment, Willis and an unindicted co-conspirator agreed that the co-conspirator would recruit boys under the age of 18 to engage in sex acts and pose for nude photos and videos in exchange for money. The co-conspirator, who is identified in the indictment as Individual A, brought the boys to Willis’ residence, where the boys were given controlled substances and alcohol to gain their compliance and reduce their inhibitions, the indictment states.
Willis took photographs and videos of the boys displaying their genitals and having sex acts performed on them by Individual A, according to the indictment. On occasion, Individual A took photographs and videos of the boys having sex acts performed on them by Willis, the indictment states.
Willis paid the boys, and Individual A kept copies of the recordings, according to the indictment.
The conduct charged in the indictment began in September 1993 and continued until at least August 2001. Federal authorities pursued the charges after recently discovering evidence in the case.
The indictment was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; James M. Gibbons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and Dennis A. Wichern, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Each count of the indictment carries a minimum prison sentence of ten years, and a maximum of 20 years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney April M. Perry.
If you believe you were a victim of sexual exploitation in this case, you are encouraged to call Homeland Security Investigations’ Chicago Child Exploitation Tip Line at (630) 574-2700.
Indictment
Mother and Son Plead Guilty to Orchestrating $16 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme at Two Miami PharmaciesRead the Press Release
A mother and son based in Miami each pleaded guilty today to fraud charges for their roles in a $16 million Medicare fraud scheme.
U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office made the announcement.
Niurka Fernandez, 54, and Roberto Alvarez, 29, both of Miami, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud before U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno of the Southern District of Florida. The sentencings have been scheduled for Nov. 8, 2016, before Judge Moreno.
As part of her guilty plea, Fernandez admitted that she was an owner of Calan Pharmacy & Discount Service LLC (Calan Pharmacy) and Bertyann Corp., doing business as Best Pharmacy, two pharmacies located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Fernandez was an organizer and leader of a Medicare fraud scheme that paid Medicare beneficiaries and patient recruiters for prescriptions that were medically unnecessary, according to the plea agreement. Fernandez also admitted that she and her co-conspirators at Calan Pharmacy and Best Pharmacy billed Medicare for many prescription medications that they never even dispensed to the beneficiaries.
In connection with his guilty plea, Alvarez admitted that he was involved in the Medicare fraud scheme at Best Pharmacy. Alvarez purported to work at Best Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician, but in fact facilitated kickback payments to Medicare beneficiaries, according to the plea agreement. While at Best Pharmacy, Alvarez wrote checks to money launderers in order to obtain cash to pay the kickbacks to the Medicare beneficiaries, he admitted.
Medicare made more than $16 million in overpayments to Calan Pharmacy and Best Pharmacy as a result of the health care fraud scheme, according to admissions made in connection with today’s pleas.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida. Fraud Section Trial Attorneys L. Rush Atkinson and Lisa H. Miller are prosecuting the case.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged nearly 2,900 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $10 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
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.
Mother and Son Plead Guilty to Orchestrating $16 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme at Two Miami PharmaciesRead the Press Release
A mother and son based in Miami each pleaded guilty today to fraud charges for their roles in a $16 million Medicare fraud scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office made the announcement.
Niurka Fernandez, 54, and Roberto Alvarez, 29, both of Miami, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud before U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno of the Southern District of Florida. The sentencings have been scheduled for Nov. 8, 2016, before Judge Moreno.
As part of her guilty plea, Fernandez admitted that she was an owner of Calan Pharmacy & Discount Service LLC (Calan Pharmacy) and Bertyann Corp., doing business as Best Pharmacy, two pharmacies located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Fernandez was an organizer and leader of a Medicare fraud scheme that paid Medicare beneficiaries and patient recruiters for prescriptions that were medically unnecessary, according to the plea agreement. Fernandez also admitted that she and her co-conspirators at Calan Pharmacy and Best Pharmacy billed Medicare for many prescription medications that they never even dispensed to the beneficiaries.
In connection with his guilty plea, Alvarez admitted that he was involved in the Medicare fraud scheme at Best Pharmacy. Alvarez purported to work at Best Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician, but in fact facilitated kickback payments to Medicare beneficiaries, according to the plea agreement. While at Best Pharmacy, Alvarez wrote checks to money launderers in order to obtain cash to pay the kickbacks to the Medicare beneficiaries, he admitted.
Medicare made more than $16 million in overpayments to Calan Pharmacy and Best Pharmacy as a result of the health care fraud scheme, according to admissions made in connection with today’s pleas.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida. Fraud Section Trial Attorneys L. Rush Atkinson and Lisa H. Miller are prosecuting the case.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged nearly 2,900 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $10 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Mexican Businessowner Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Estimated $3 Million Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
In El Paso today, 44-year-old Elizabeth “Betty” Garcia de Nieto of Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison and ordered to pay $3,009,999.80 restitution to the Government for her role in an income tax return scheme that resulted in fraudulent refunds being issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge William Cotter.
“Garcia filed false and fraudulent tax returns to steal millions from the IRS, and ultimately, from American taxpayers. If she thought she was beyond the reach of U.S. justice, today’s sentence proves she thought wrong. U.S. prosecutors and IRS investigators will not stop at the border in their efforts to bring tax cheats to justice,” said United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr.
On March 23, 2016, a jury convicted Garcia (aka “Elizabeth Jurado”) of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States; five counts of mail fraud; three counts of aiding and abetting aggravated identity theft; and, one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to claims.
Evidence presented during trial revealed that from January 2010 to February 2015, Garcia used stolen identities to create fraudulent U.S. tax returns. Each return claimed an approximate $5,000 refund from the IRS. Garcia gave some of the IRS refund checks to individuals to bring into the United States to be cashed at money service businesses in El Paso. She mailed others to individuals residing in the U.S. (namely El Paso, Chaparral, NM, and Oklahoma City, OK) to be converted to U.S. currency. All monies derived from the scheme, minus agreed-to-fees retained by co-defendants, were wired back to Garcia.
Trial testimony also revealed that in September 2014, U.S. Customs agents at the Paso del Norte Port of Entry seized ten fraudulent tax returns from an employee of Garcia.
“Elizabeth Garcia de Nieto’s sentencing today reflects the hard work and dedication of the Internal Revenue Service in fulfilling its mission by enforcing the law and helping to restore integrity to the tax system,” said Special Agent in Charge William Cotter, IRS-CI San Antonio Field Office. “Criminal Investigators will continue to disrupt and dismantle organizations, such as Garcia’s, that seek to rob taxpayers through dishonest and fraudulent means. Today’s sentencing speaks loud and clear to everyone that no matter where the fraud is perpetrated, IRS-CI will pursue and bring to justice those that defraud the tax system.”
Prior to jury selection, 39-year-old co-defendants Christina Perez Altamirano of Oklahoma City, OK, and 35-year-old Alberto Altamirano Armendarie of Montgomery, AL, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Last week, U.S. District Judge Philip R. Martinez sentenced Christina to imprisonment for one year; Alberto, to time served (approximately seven months of incarceration).
A fourth defendant in this case--43-year-old Rodolfo Ramirez-Estrada of El Paso--also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. He is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow morning by Judge Martinez. He faces up to five years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by special agents with the IRS-CI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Department of State—Diplomatic Security Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Jose Luis Gonzalez, Adrian E. Gallegos and Anna Arreola are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Methamphetamine Conspirator SentencedRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – Another member of a methamphetamine conspiracy that trafficked large quantities of the drug from Atlanta to Southwest, Virginia, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Franklin Dee Rose, 38, of Bristol, Tennessee, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Rose was sentenced to 169 months in federal prison.
“We will continue to work to put an end to conspiracies like this one, and others like it, that bring methamphetamine into our communities and destroy lives,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary, Rose was part of a methamphetamine conspiracy that transported and distributed multiple pounds of crystal methamphetamine between Atlanta, Georgia, Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bristol, Virginia Police Department, the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department, the Abingdon Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee prosecuted the case for the United States.
Mescalero Apache Man Sentenced for Assaulting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ryan Joseph Chavez, 40, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Nation who resides in Mescalero, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to eight months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for assaulting a federal officer.
Chavez was arrested on Oct. 16, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with assaulting a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) officer on May 6, 2015, in Otero County, N.M. According to the complaint, Chavez assaulted the officer while the officer was attempting to place Chavez under arrest.
On Feb. 9, 2016, Chavez pled guilty to a felony information charging him with assaulting a federal officer who was engaged in the performance of his official duties. The guilty plea was entered without the benefit of a plea agreement.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and the Mescalero Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Mescalero Apache Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Sexual Abuse ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Michael Bow Smith, 31, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Nation who resides in Mescalero, N.M., pled guilty yesterday afternoon in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to sexually abusing a minor.
Smith was arrested on May 7, 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with sexually abusing a minor in Otero County, N.M., on March 8, 2016.
During yesterday’s proceedings, Smith pled guilty to a felony information charging him with sexually abusing a minor. In entering the guilty plea, Smith admitted that he was 30 years old when he engaged in a sexual act with the victim who was 15 years old at the time. Smith further admitted that the abuse took place on the Mescalero Apache reservation in Otero County.
At sentencing, Smith faces a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. He will be required to register as a sex offender after he completes his prison sentence. Smith remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Mescalero Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Mercer County Doctor, Practice Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Dr. John P. Balko and John Balko & Associates, Inc., doing business as Senior Healthcare Associates (SHA), have agreed to pay the United States $930,000.00 to settle False Claims Act allegations, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The settlement resolves allegations that Dr. Balko and SHA violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payment to the Medicare program. Specifically, the United States alleged that Dr. Balko and SHA submitted claims for services provided to nursing home residents—including earwax removal procedures, podiatry, and certain evaluation and management services—which were not medically necessary, not authorized or requested by patients, not supported by patient medical records, or were provided in reliance upon improper standing orders.
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant United States Attorneys Colin J. Callahan and David Lew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Heyer of the Northern District of Ohio handled this matter on behalf of the United States.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Men Sentenced for Three Violent Hobbs Act Robberies and Firearm Offenses in Fayetteville & LumbertonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced SMITH MERINORD, 23, of Dunn to 865 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release and CORTESE TRAMAND DAVIS, 26, of Henderson to 528 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
MERINORD and DAVIS were named in a 12-count Superseding Indictment filed on September 9, 2015. On June 7, 2016, DAVIS pled guilty to 4-counts and MERINORD was found guilty of 6-counts in the Superseding Indictment on June 8, 2016. Both entered the Advance Auto Parts Store on Owen Drive in Fayetteville on November 2, 2013 and MERINORD was armed with a small Uzi and DAVIS was armed with mace. They threatened the employees with the firearm during the robbery and MERINORD raped and sexually assaulted a female employee before fleeing with cash. Prior to departing, DAVIS sprayed the employees with mace. Later that day, MERINORD and DAVIS robbed another Advanced Auto on Roberts Avenue in Lumberton. MERINORD again threatened store employees with the Uzi and they fled with cash and a .22 caliber revolver from one of the victims.
On November 8, 2013, DAVIS was arrested and provided an unprotected statement wherein he denied participation in the rape and claimed to not know the name of his accomplice. He acknowledged his participation in the robberies.
On November 16, 2013, MERINORD and another accomplice entered the Red Lobster located on McPherson Church Road in Fayetteville and held the manager at gunpoint and stole cash before fleeing. Off duty officers and other law enforcement apprehended MERINORD and his accomplice in the CarMax parking lot located near the Red Lobster. MERINORD had a small Uzi in his waistband.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Fayetteville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Bradsher and Peggah Wilson represented the government.
Massachusetts Man Convicted of Role in Long-Term Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On Aug. 29, 2016, following a one-day bench trial in U.S. District Court on April 20, 2016, Thomas Lee Newman, Sr., a.k.a. Tree, 37, of Pittsfield, Mass., was convicted by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, U.S. District Court Judge, of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, 280 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base (“crack”); two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”); and one count of distribution of cocaine base (“crack”).
Sentencing is set for 1:30 p.m., Nov. 14, 2016. Because of his extensive criminal record, Newman faces a mandatory term of life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Over the course of several years, Newman, and numerous others participated in a massive conspiracy which was responsible for the distribution of multi-kilogram quantities of crack cocaine throughout Johnson City. To accomplish this, Newman and others procured both powder cocaine and crack cocaine from sources of supply in New York, North Carolina, and elsewhere. The drugs were then transported to Tennessee, where countless facilitators, couriers, and distributors collaborated to sell the contraband throughout upper east Tennessee. Newman himself served as both a source of supply for his coconspirators, as well as a recipient and distributor through others.
During the trial, investigators provided overwhelming evidence of Newman’s involvement in the instant conspiracy, including one controlled drug purchase, one traffic stop, and one search warrant, all of which yielded crack cocaine. In addition, two coconspirators provided damning testimony of Newman’s conduct, outlining his drug dealing in exorbitant drug quantities.
This multiyear-long investigation is the product of a partnership between the Narcotics Unit of the Johnson City, Tennessee Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Regalia represented the United States.
In total, 21 individuals have been charged as part of this ongoing investigation. Those previously sentenced include:
- Antione Leroy Bishop, 33, of Spartanburg, S.C., 57 months;
- Nickerson Jean-Baptiste, 28, of Kingsport, Tenn., 70 months;
- Rashad El-Amin Feggans, 39, of Jonesborough, Tenn., 156 months;
- John Robert Lovitt, II, 32, of Ayden, N.C., 135 months;
- Narvell Kentez McDermott, 30, of Johnson City, Tenn., 34 months;
- Brandon Gustavious Porter; 33, of Charlotte, N.C.; 37 months;
- Arlando Carroll Story, 28, of Johnson City, Tenn., 108 months;
- Ernest Brandon Weaver, 29, of Johnson City, Tenn., 42 months; and
- David Keith Workman, 37, of Johnson City, Tenn., 120 months.
The remaining individuals who were charged are either awaiting sentencing or pending trial.
The investigation is a result of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
This case was also brought as part of the Safe Streets Violent Crimes Initiative, a program which combines the efforts of federal, state, and local agencies in order to stop violent felons from endangering our communities.
This case was further brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a comprehensive national strategy that creates local partnerships with law enforcement agencies to effectively enforce existing gun laws. It provides more options to prosecutors, allowing them to utilize local, state, and federal laws to ensure that criminals who commit gun crime face tough sentences. PSN gives each federal district the flexibility it needs to focus on individual challenges that a specific community face
Marion Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A Southwest Virginia resident, who previously pled guilty to charges related to the manufacturing of methamphetamine, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia at Abingdon, Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. and Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced.
Travis Michael Felty, 35, of Marion, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine, one count of creating a substantial risk of harm to human life while illegally manufacturing or attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, and one count of manufacturing or attempting to manufacture methamphetamine where a minor resided or was present. Felty was sentenced today in District Court to serve 84 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Restitution of $834 was also imposed for the cleanup of the hazardous materials from a methamphetamine laboratory found at Felty’s apartment.
Felty pled guilty to conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine over a nine month period, from August 9, 2014, through on or about May 27, 2015. Approximately 68 grams of methamphetamine were involved in this conspiracy. Evidence presented during today’s sentencing hearing included photographs of Felty’s apartment, where a search warrant was executed on May 27, 2015. The search warrant revealed evidence of a recent methamphetamine laboratory, which included dangerous equipment and chemicals, methamphetamine, and multiple drug paraphernalia items, such as smoking devices and a used syringe. The methamphetamine laboratory equipment and materials were located in close proximity to Felty’s two-year old child’s bedroom. Actual methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and other dangerous items were located on top of the child’s toy table, just outside the child’s bedroom. Felty’s child was present when the search warrant was executed.
“Manufacturing methamphetamine puts those nearby in tremendous harm. When that involves a minor, we take it very serious and hold those responsible accountable, as today’s sentence shows” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “This case demonstrates the lengths that drug dealers will go to manufacture this drug, to include manufacturing where a two-year old child resides. Exposing a young child to methamphetamine and the dangerous chemicals used during the manufacturing process is incomprehensive and repugnant. We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to slow the spread of this deadly drug throughout Virginia, put those who manufacture and traffic it in jail, and lend support to those struggling with addiction.”
Attorney General Mark Herring added his appreciation to the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation and echoed the need to aggressively prosecute those who manufacture methamphetamine. “Manufacturing methamphetamine is inherently dangerous and presents a serious risk of harm to the community. Our office takes all cases involving the manufacture of methamphetamine very seriously, particularly those where a child is exposed to this very dangerous drug and the manufacturing process. We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who manufacture and traffic methamphetamine and work to keep this dangerous drug out of our communities. Public safety is our highest priority,” stated Attorney General Mark Herring.
Agencies involved in this investigation included the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Abingdon Police Department, Bristol Virginia Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant United States Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, prosecuted the case for the United States.
Man from Mexico arrested in Acadia Parish sentenced for reentering the United States illegallyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a man from Mexico was sentenced Monday to eight months in prison for reentering the United States illegally.
Alex Trigo-Hinojosa, 39, of Arcabuz, Tamaulipas, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. According to the April 19, 2016 guilty plea, state police troopers arrested the defendant on July 23, 2015 in Acadia Parish for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Upon further investigation, it was learned that Trigo-Hinojosa had been previously deported in August of 2013.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore prosecuted the case.
Man Convicted of Distrubuting Child Pornography Sentenced to 210 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Demian Pina, 35, of Dayton, Ohio, was sentenced to 210 months in prison for distributing child pornography in 2012 while he was under federal investigation for sharing child pornography dating back to 2010.
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, and members of the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose.
A jury convicted Pina following a four-day trial in June 2015 of five counts of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. Testimony and evidence presented by the government during the trial showed that Pina was making child pornography images and videos available through a peer-to-peer file sharing program. Many of the images and video files depicted graphic child sex abuse.
“The victims in these matters are children, who lack the ability, power and strength to protect themselves from harm,” Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “They are often abused by people they trust the most: a parent, a family member, a trusted friend. People who distribute child pornography ensure their abuse lives on by trading the images of the worst moments of their young lives.”
Law enforcement began investigating Pina in 2010, searched his home and seized computer items in 2011. While that investigation was underway, Pina bought more computers and continued distributing child pornography.
After he completes his prison sentence, Pina will be under court supervision for 20 years. During that time, he will be required to register as a sex offender anywhere he lives, works or goes to school.
Agents arrested Pina after a grand jury indicted him in February 2014. He has been in custody since his arrest.
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI and agencies in the Ohio ICAC, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Christy Muncy and Alex R. Sistla, who represented the United States.
Loganville Man Sentenced for Naturalization Fraud in Connection with Past as a Concentration Camp Prison Guard During Bosnian WarRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Mladen Mitrovic has been sentenced to four years, nine months, in prison after being convicted earlier this year of naturalization fraud. The evidence at his trial showed that Mitrovic provided false and fraudulent information in his naturalization application to hide his work as a prison guard in a concentration camp that was part of the infamous “ethnic cleansing” that occurred during the Bosnian War in 1992.
“Mitrovic believed he could bury his past and the horrific human rights violations he committed during the Bosnian War,” said U. S. Attorney John Horn. “Our immigration system endeavors to flag those who have committed human rights violations, especially for those who seek refugee status from persecution. Mitrovic’s application turned this humanitarian process on its head. It’s incredibly fitting that he ultimately was discovered by a refugee from Mitrovic’s own abuses.”
“The defendant tried to game our country’s immigration process to conceal his record of flagrant human rights violations,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. “Together with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and HSI, however, the Criminal Division was able to ensure that both his immigration crimes and his human rights abuses saw the light of day. Cases like this demonstrate how we ensure that the United States does not become a safe haven for human rights violators.”
“Human rights violators who think they can conceal their past to escape accountability in the United States are sorely mistaken,” said Nick S. Annan, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta. “This individual tried to cheat our nation's immigration system by lying about his actions during the Bosnian Civil War. Today's result shows that HSI is firmly committed to investigating and identifying criminals who seek to exploit our nation's welcoming policy toward legitimate war refugees.”
According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the charges and other information presented in court: In 1996, Mitrovic was permitted to immigrate to the United States based on his statements in his refugee application that he feared persecution if he remained in Bosnia. In 2002, he naturalized as an American citizen. The evidence presented at trial also demonstrated that on his naturalization application, Mitrovic stated, among other things, that he had never persecuted anyone because of their race, religion or membership in a social group; he had never committed a criminal offense for which he had not been arrested; and he had never provided any false or misleading information to obtain an immigration benefit, such as refugee status.
In reality, as the trial evidence established, during the Bosnian War, Mitrovic had been a guard in one of the prison camps that the Bosnian Serb Army (VRS) opened in May 1992 to “ethnically cleanse” northwest Bosnia of non-Serb minorities. At trial, one victim testified that Mitrovic had used a sharp military knife to carve a Christian cross into his chest, saying from that moment on, he “was going to be a Serb.” Others testified that Mitrovic and other soldiers beat non-Serb prisoners into unconsciousness or threatened to kill them with automatic rifles. Bosnian government documents also showed that in February 1996, Mitrovic applied for and was later awarded veterans’ benefits for his military service in the VRS during the Bosnian War. Trial evidence showed that Mitrovic failed to disclose any of this conduct or military service on his refugee and naturalization applications.
U.S. authorities began investigating based on information provided by a former prisoner from the prison camp where Mitrovic had served. That individual, who also came to the United States as a refugee, thought that Mitrovic had died during the war. But in 2011, he learned that Mitrovic was living in the Atlanta area and he contacted U.S. immigration authorities. At the sentencing hearing, that prisoner and another former prisoner, also a refugee in the United States, addressed the court. One said that he would never forget how people looked after Mitrovic and other soldiers had beaten and tortured them. At trial, the other prisoner testified how shocked and frightened he had been when Mitrovic, a friend before the war, threatened to kill him with an automatic rifle.
Mladen Mitrovic, 55, of Loganville, Georgia, was found guilty by a jury on May 26, 2016. He has been sentenced to four years and nine months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The court also granted a motion to revoke Mitrovic’s citizenship, but the revocation order will not go into effect until after a federal court of appeals reviews Mitrovic’s conviction and sentence. The Department of Homeland Security will initiate administrative proceedings for the purpose of removing Mitrovic from the United States after his appeal is completed.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Traynor and Jessica Morris, and Christina Giffin, Assistant Deputy Chief of the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section of the Justice Department, prosecuted the case.
If you have information about individuals suspected of engaging in human rights abuses or war crimes, please call the ICE HSI tip line at 866-DHS-2-ICE, or complete its online tip form, https://www.ice.gov/webform/hsi-tip-form#wcm-survey-target-id. Information may also be provided to the U.S. Department of Justice, Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section by sending an email to [email protected] or calling 1-800-813-5863. Tips may be reported anonymously.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Lecompte man sentenced to 12 months and 1 day for stealing more than $125,000 in Social Security benefitsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lecompte man was sentenced Monday to one year and one day in prison for taking more than $125,000.
Glen Wayne Williams, 56, of Lecompte, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of theft of government property. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $125,456.18 restitution. According to evidence presented at the May 20, 2016 guilty plea, Williams applied for and received Social Security Income (SSI) based on a disability beginning in November of 1995. However, Williams also received disability payments from his employer which he did not disclose to the Social Security Administration as required. The private disability income made Williams ineligible for the SSI he was paid from 1995 through 2014. Williams unlawfully received a total of $125,456.18 from the Social Security Administration.
The Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara prosecuted the case.
Law Enforcement Hosts Second Faith-Based Security SummitRead the Press Release
DALLAS — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the FBI’s Dallas Division and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas hosted their second Faith-Based Security Summit today for area faith-based leaders.
“Our goal is to provide places of worship in north Texas with the tools necessary to achieve that delicate balance between maintaining an open and welcoming environment and a secure one,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “While barring the door is not an option, increased vigilance and self-awareness as a community are absolutely essential.”
Approximately 100 leaders from faith-based communities throughout north Texas attended today’s summit that was held in the auditorium at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas.
The first Summit, held at the FBI’s Dallas Field Office on February 9, 2016, focused on providing general information and tools to assist faith-based leaders in developing security programs, protocols and emergency action plans.
Today’s summit built on that foundation to provide attendees with specific tools and information to critically evaluate and if necessary, revise, their emergency protocols or Emergency Action Plan. Following an overview from an expert from the Department of Homeland Security, most of the Summit was led by FBI experts who used a “tabletop exercise” to demonstrate various security threat scenarios and advised responses at three different houses of worship.
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Las Cruces Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Narcotics Trafficking and Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ronald Lee Gore, 31, of Las Cruces, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to 63 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for his conviction on methamphetamine trafficking and firearms charges.
Gore and his co-defendant Marcus Dupre, 29, of Phoenix, Ariz., were charged in a criminal complaint on Oct. 6, 2014, with methamphetamine trafficking and firearms offenses. The two men, together with Jose Miramontes, 36, and Ramona Baca, 31, both of Las Cruces, N.M., were subsequently indicted on Dec. 10, 2014, and the indictment was superseded in Feb. 2015.
The superseding indictment charged Gore with participating in three methamphetamine trafficking conspiracies, distribution of methamphetamine, conspiracy to possess a fully automatic machinegun, possession of a machinegun, and being a felon in possession of firearms. At the time, Gore was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of theft in the first degree and burglary in the second degree. According to the superseding indictment, Gore committed the crimes between April 22, 2014 and Oct. 2, 2014, in Doña Ana County, N.M. Gore pled guilty to the superseding indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement on April 27, 2015.
Co-defendant Dupre pled guilty on Jan. 20, 2015, to methamphetamine trafficking charges, and admitted that on Oct. 2, 2014, he conspired with Gore to sell methamphetamine to an undercover federal agent in exchange for a fully automatic machinegun. Dupre was sentenced on Sept. 14, 2015, to 34 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Co-defendant Baca pled guilty on May 12, 2015, to distributing methamphetamine and admitted that on June 23, 2014, she hand-delivered 24.3 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover federal agent in exchange for cash. Baca was sentenced on March 1, 2016, to a year and a day in prison followed by two years of supervised release.
Co-defendant Miramontes pled guilty on Dec. 15, 2015, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and admitted that on April 23, 2014, he conspired to distribute 4.2 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover agent. Miramontes further admitted that on Dec. 15, 2014, he possessed a firearm ammunition even though he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior felony conviction of residential burglary. Miramontes was sentenced on July 26, 2016, to 27 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces offices of the FBI and DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Saltman of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
Las Cruces Man Arrested on Federal Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ignacio Salcido Jr., 38, of Las Cruces, N.M., made his initial appearance in federal court yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with transportation of a minor in interstate commerce with intent to engage in sexual activity. Salcido remains in custody pending a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing scheduled on Sept. 1, 2016.
Salcido was arrested on Aug. 26, 2016, by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on a criminal complaint alleging that he transported a child under the age of 18 years in interstate commence on Aug. 22 and 23, 2016, with the intention of engaging in sexual activity. According to the criminal complaint, Salcido traveled with the victim from Phoenix, Ariz., to Juarez, Mexico, then to Las Cruces, and engaged in sexual activity with the victim during that time.
According to the criminal complaint, Salcido picked up the victim on the side of the road in Phoenix on Aug. 22, 2016, while traveling with two other individuals (witnesses) from San Diego, Calif. The complaint further alleges that the witnesses observed Salcido attempt to sexually abuse the victim on several occasions during the trip while the victim was sleeping in the vehicle. Later that day, Salcido drove the victim and the witnesses into Juarez, where he again attempted to sexually abuse the victim while the witnesses were not in the vehicle.
After returning to the United States, Salcido drove the victim and the witnesses to his residence in Las Cruces. At his residence, Salcido allegedly forced the victim to engage in sexual activity. The investigation into Salcido began the next day, Aug. 23, 2016, when one of the witnesses reported the alleged sexual assault to school officials in Las Cruces.
If convicted of the charge against him, Salcido faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum of life in prison. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations and Salcido is presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of HSI and the Las Cruces Police Department with assistance from the 3rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and Alexander B. Shapiro of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Lafayette man sentenced to 18 months in prison for drug smuggling using the Silk Road websiteRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette man was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison for buying drugs overseas and shipping them to himself.
Michael Munro Jr., 37, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of smuggling controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV narcotics. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the March 15, 2016 guilty plea, Munro was arrested in November of 2014 and July of 2015 for buying illegal narcotics online overseas and having them delivered to U.S. Post Offices and FedEx locations in Lafayette and surrounding areas. Munro told agents that in March of 2014 he began ordering pills via the internet using the now defunct Silk Road website. Munro admitted to ordering Xanax, Alprazolam and OxyContin at various times.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Lafayette Metro Narcotics. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert F. Moore and John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
Lafayette business owner sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding investors out of $2 millionRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette woman was sentenced Monday to 120 months in prison for defrauding investors out of more than $2 million.
Catherine Doucet Romero, 53, of Lafayette, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee Drell on one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,043,007 in restitution. According to the August 31, 2015 guilty plea, from March 2007 to July 2009, Romero convinced victims to invest by telling them that their money was going to be used to purchase a manufacturing facility and tannery for exotic skin products, to include alligator and stingray. Instead, Romero used the money to pay personal bills and expenses of an unrelated business. The amount stolen in the scheme is $2,043,007.
As noted by the Court at sentencing, Romero began the scheme shortly after being released from jail as a result of both a state and federal conviction for engaging in a different scheme to defraud in the early 1990s.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
KC Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Meth, FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing methamphetamine and firearms.
Michael Knight, 36, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
On April 4, 2016, Knight pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug-trafficking crime.
Knight was arrested on Jan. 26, 2015, when the vehicle he was driving was stopped after leaving a residence that was under surveillance. Knight had approximately 1.41 grams of methamphetamine in his front pants pocket. Police officers searched Knight’s vehicle and found a loaded Taurus .44-caliber revolver under the front passenger seat, a Ziploc bag containing approximately 232 grams of methamphetamine, a folded paper containing .1 gram of heroin, a digital scale and two cell phones.
Officers also searched Knight’s hotel room and found a Wesson Arms .44-caliber magnum revolver lying on the bed and ammunition in the nightstand. Investigators found photos of Knight holding the firearms on his cell phone.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce E. Clark. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Justice Department Settles Housing Discrimination Lawsuit Involving Seven Michigan Apartment ComplexesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices of the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan today announced an agreement with the owners and operators of seven Michigan apartment complexes to resolve allegations that they discriminated against families with children in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit was filed on Nov. 19, 2015, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The lawsuit alleged that the defendants, including the rental manager Sudi Hopper, as well as the corporate entities that own the complexes, Parkside East Inc., Holt Manor Inc. and Kelly Manor Inc., discriminated against families with children by prohibiting them from renting one-bedroom units in the defendants’ apartment complexes. The allegations were based on evidence generated by the Fair Housing Center of Southeastern Michigan, which had testers posing as prospective residents contact the defendants and ask to rent one-bedroom apartments. Testers who said that they wanted to rent an apartment with their child were told that children were not allowed in one-bedroom units. The Fair Housing Center filed a lawsuit, which was resolved separately.
Under the terms of the consent decree, which still must be approved by the court, the defendants will establish a settlement fund of $20,000 to compensate victims of their discriminatory practices. The defendants will also pay $5,000 in civil penalties to the United States. In addition, the defendants will eliminate the restrictions on children that they previously imposed at the seven complexes that they own and operate. Those complexes are: Parkside East Apartments in East Lansing, Michigan; Holt Manor Apartments and C and H Apartments in Holt, Michigan; Kelly Manor Apartments in Owosso, Michigan; Camelot Apartments in Lansing, Michigan; Pine Cove Apartments in DeWitt, Michigan; and Park Place Apartments in Williamston, Michigan. The agreement also requires that defendants inform tenants of their new nondiscriminatory policies and provide training on the Fair Housing Act to their staff and agents.
“Housing provides a critical foundation for economic security and opportunity,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Families with children deserve access to housing that meets their needs without facing unlawful discrimination. The Justice Department will continue to enforce the Fair Housing Act to ensure that families with children have the same rights to housing within their price range as people without children.”
“The law prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to people with children,” said U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade of the Eastern District of Michigan. “We commend the defendants in this case for agreeing to change their policies and pay damages to victims for their past discriminatory practices. This settlement will further the goal of the Fair Housing Act to protect families from discrimination because they have children.”
“Adequate housing is a fundamental need for families and equal access to that housing must be protected,” said U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Miles Jr. of the Western District of Michigan. “Our ongoing actions to enforce the Fair Housing Act provide that protection.”
This case was handled jointly by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices of the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected] or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. Residents of the Eastern District of Michigan can also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Michigan’s Civil Rights Hotline at 313-226-9151 or [email protected]. Residents of the Western District of Michigan can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Michigan’s Civil Rights Hotline at 616-808-2004 or [email protected].
Parkside East Consent Decree
Jay Man Sentenced to a Year and a Day for Federal Program FraudRead the Press Release
Contact: Donald E. Clark
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Timothy P. Gallagher, 47, of Jay, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to a year and a day in prison and three years of supervised release for federal program fraud. He was also ordered to pay $79,639 in restitution. He pled guilty on April 14, 2016.
According to court records, between May and November 2014, the defendant embezzled $79,639 from Stanford Management LLC (“Stanford”), a property management company specializing in affordable housing that received millions of dollars in federal benefits each year under programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). While employed as a full-time construction manager at Stanford, Gallagher set up a competing construction company and paid it to hire subcontractors to perform work on Stanford properties, the job he was being paid a wage to perform. He also concealed his ownership of the competing construction company from Stanford and the federal agencies.
The case was investigated by HUD, Office of Inspector General and the USDA, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Jay Police Department.