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Thursday 11 February 2016
Mexican Nationals Arrested in New Mexico on Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Four Mexican nationals made their initial appearances this morning in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., on a criminal complaint charging them with methamphetamine trafficking offenses. All four remain in federal custody pending preliminary hearings and detention hearings which have yet to be scheduled.
Jobel Irai Fontes-Nieto, 29, Antonio Ignacio Villa-Garcia, 30, Jesus Manuel Rodela-Castillo, 22, and Manuel Carreon-Chavira, 25, all of Chihuahua, Mexico, were arrested on Feb. 5, 2016, in Sunland Park, N.M., after law enforcement agents recovered five sealed bundles containing approximately 5.46 pounds of methamphetamine from the four men during an undercover operation.
If convicted of the charges in the criminal complaint, all four defendants face a statutory mandatory minimum of ten years and maximum of life in federal prison and will be deported following their incarceration. Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and the HIDTA Regional Interagency Drug Task Force/Metro Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Balla and Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
The HIDTA Regional Interagency Drug Task Force/Metro Narcotics Task Force is comprised of officers from the Las Cruces Police Department, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, HSI and the New Mexico State Police. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
Mexican National Sentenced for Violations of the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JUAN ALBERTO SANCHEZ-ROMERO, age 25, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.
U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced SANCHEZ-ROMERO to time served followed by one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. SANCHEZ-ROMERO will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to the court documents, on or about August 20, 2015, SANCHEZ-ROMERO, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González was in charge of the prosecution.
Meriden Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that TED HAKEY, JR., 48, of Meriden, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to a federal hate crime offense stemming from his firing shots into the Baitul Aman Mosque in Meriden.
“A core mission of the Justice Department is to protect every person against racially, religiously and ethnically motivated violence and intimidation,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Individuals who commit hateful, divisive and violent acts against others in violation of federal law will be prosecuted. All of us have a right to worship freely and without fear of violence. I thank the FBI, ATF, Connecticut State Police and Meriden Police Department for their superb investigative efforts. We hope that the swift resolution of this case and the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility bring some solace to the Baitul Aman Mosque community.”
“Today’s guilty plea affirms that law enforcement and our criminal justice system are clear, that intolerance will not prevail,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of November 14, 2015, officers from the Meriden Police Department responded to citizen complaints about shots being fired around the area of 410 Main Street in Meriden, the location of the Baitul Aman Mosque. On Sunday, November 15, 2015, a family who entered the Mosque to worship noticed damage to the interior walls and the drop ceiling of the Mosque and called the police. Investigators determined that approximately three rounds shot from a high-powered rifle had penetrated the building, and another had hit an exterior area. A preliminary analysis of the trajectory of the bullets indicated that they likely came from a high-powered rifle shot from the area of 380 Main Street, the house located closest to the Mosque, which is HAKEY’s residence.
In subsequent interviews with authorities, HAKEY admitted that he had shot a Springfield M1A rifle at the Mosque on November 14, 2015.
The investigation revealed that after HAKEY had learned about terrorist attacks that had occurred in Paris on November 13, 2015, he posted the following status to his Facebook account: “What is gonna be the breaking point to go “weapons free” against Islam?”
“Weapons free” is a military command to shoot at will.
HAKEY also sent a Facebook friend a private message saying: “I hate ISLAM!.”
HAKEY’s Facebook account also contained other evidence of animus toward Muslims and Islam. For example, earlier in 2015, HAKEY had told a Facebook friend that he has “a mosque right next door” and that he had “observe[d] them with [his] binos [binoculars].” In the same conversation, he said “All Muslims must die!!! I hate them all.” In July 2015, he posted to Facebook: “If we all kill just 1 Muslim each tonight it will make a dent!.”
HAKEY was arrested on December 17, 2015.
HAKEY pleaded guilty to one count of intentionally damaging religious property through use of a dangerous weapon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for May 10, 2016.
HAKEY is released on a $400,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Connecticut State Police and the Meriden Police Department.
Member of Robbery Crew Exiled to over 16 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Donnell Williamson, a/k/a “Anthony Thomas,” age 25, of Landover, Maryland, today to 198 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division (ATF); and Interim Chief Henry P. Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, between September 2013 and October 29, 2013, Williamson conspired with Ted Duckett and others to rob certain drug dealers operating in Maryland, and conspired to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
On October 10, 2013, Duckett met an ATF undercover agent (UC) posing as a disgruntled drug courier to discuss robbing a drug stash house. During this meeting, the UC explained how he would be transporting 2 to 3 kilograms of cocaine from a narcotics “stash house,” which would contain approximately 12 to 15 kilograms of cocaine. The UC further explained that he planned to rob the cocaine stash house, which was protected by armed guards, and would split the stolen cocaine (12 to 15 kilograms) with whoever helped him commit the robbery. Duckett agreed to commit the robbery and discussed how he and his crew planned to execute the robbery and obtain the cocaine. Duckett assured the UC that he had the equipment necessary to rob a stash house protected by armed guards. Duckett also told the UC that he would bring his robbery crew to future meetings with the UC. While Duckett was meeting with the UC, Williamson was waiting for Duckett in a car parked nearby.
On October 23, 2013, Duckett and Williamson met the UC at a location in Maryland. During this meeting, Williamson advised the UC that the robbery crew would execute the robbery inside the stash house. Williamson then asked the UC “do you want it to be clean? Do you want them to stay alive?” When the UC indicated it doesn’t matter, Williamson replied “enough said, enough said.” During the conversation, Williamson confirmed the particulars of the robbery by repeating the quantity of cocaine that would be located in the stash house and that two guards would be protecting the drugs. Williamson assured the UC that the robbery crew would remove the firearm from the armed guard stationed at the entrance of the stash house. All of the meetings with the UC were audio and video recorded.
On October 29, 2013, the UC and Duckett spoke on the telephone and Duckett confirmed that they were ready to commit the robbery. Duckett and Williamson drove together and met the UC in Laurel, Maryland. The UC told Ducket that the rental car which they were going to use to commit the robbery was at a nearby location. The UC asked Williamson and Duckett if they wanted to put their “straps,” which is code for firearms, in the UC’s vehicle before driving to the rental car location. Williamson removed a duffel bag from his vehicle, and placed it in the trunk of the UC’s vehicle. Duckett and Williamson then followed the UC in their own vehicle to the location where the conspirators believed they would pick up the rental car and receive the location of the cocaine stash house. Shortly after they arrived at the location, the law enforcement arrest team placed Williamson and Duckett under arrest.
A search of the duffel bag that Williamson had placed in the UC’s vehicle revealed three firearms and ammunition and clear plastic gloves. From the conspirators and their vehicle, officers recovered black skull caps, a black balaclava, and a black ski mask.
Ted Duckett, age 31, of Landover, pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16, 2016, at 9:00 a.m.
Duckett and Williamson have been detained since their arrest.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan and Leah J. Bressack, who prosecuted the case.
Louisville man faces child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
A one-count indictment was filed charging Christopher Allen Figueroa, 33, of Louisville, Ohio, with possessing child pornography, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough following an investigation by the FBI Cleveland Field Office, Canton Resident Agency.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.
Lebanon Resident Sentenced for Role in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today the sentencing of a local man who was previously convicted of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The defendant was sentenced this afternoon in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon.
Timothy Joseph Fields, 60, of Lebanon, Virginia, pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Fields was sentenced to 108 months of federal incarceration.
“We must be vigilant in the continued enforcement of our nation’s drug laws,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “I am thankful to our partners in the law enforcement community who worked to bring about this conviction.”
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bristol Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Bristol Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Virginia State Police, the Sheriff's Offices of Washington County, Russell County, Tazewell County, and Smyth County, the Commonwealth's Attorney's Offices of Russell County and Tazewell County and the police departments of Abingdon and Lebanon. Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne prosecuted the case for the United States.
Leader of Drug Ring Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr. ordered Mateo Meraz, 42, of Rockford, Illinois and leader of a drug ring responsible for trafficking cocaine to the Charlotte area to serve 97 months in prison and three years of supervised release, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Meraz pleaded guilty in November 2015 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Mateo Meraz’s conspirators, Sarah Christine Lapp, 38, of Jonesville, Wisconsin, and his son, Hector Meraz, 23, also of Rockford, have each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and are currently awaiting sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Rose is joined in making today’s announcement by Daniel R. Salter, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office, Steven M. Watkins, Director of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles License and Theft Bureau (NC DMV L&T), and Chief Kerr Putney of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Mateo Meraz was the leader of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) responsible for trafficking cocaine from Chicago, Illinois to the Charlotte area. Court records show that in October 2015, Mateo Meraz, Hector Meraz and Sarah Lapp travelled to Charlotte to deliver approximately nine kilograms of cocaine with a street value of $476,145. According to court records, the cocaine had been packaged in eighteen (18) bundles and was prepared and ready for sale. To avoid detection, the conspirators transported the cocaine hidden in a secret compartment under the rear seat of the vehicle. Law enforcement arrested the three defendants shortly after the drug delivery had been made.
In announcing the sentence, Judge Conrad noted that “The defendant is an illegal alien that continues to return to the United States and traffic drugs. A 97-month prison sentence will adequately protect the community.”
Mateo Meraz has been in custody since October 2014 and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole. Mateo Meraz is an undocumented alien and will be deported to Mexico upon completion of his sentence.
The case was investigated by DEA, NCDMV&T and CMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sanjeev Bhasker of the U.S. Attorney’s office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that John Nielsen, 44, of Las Vegas, Nevada, who was convicted of wire fraud, was sentenced to 15 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell T. Ippolito, Jr. and Elizabeth R. Moellering, who handled the case, stated that the defendant was involved in an investment loan scheme which resulted in $175,000 dollars in financial losses to an investment company, Preston Waters Corp., located in the Western District of New York. Nielsen represented to the company that he could obtain a standby letter of credit from banks outside the United States. The defendant assured representatives that he could monetize the stand by letter of credit which would provide the investment company with $100 million dollars in loans. As part of the scheme, Nielsen required the investment company to provide him with $175,000 which would purportedly cover the costs associated with the financial transaction. The investment company provided the funds but instead of using the money to obtain financing, the defendant, and his co-conspirator, used the funds for their own purposes.
The plea was the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen.
Lancaster Resident Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Rumualdo Diaz-Ramirez, a/k/a “Ricardo Ochoa Guzman,” 42, of Lancaster, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The Indictment alleges that on or about January 14, 2016, Diaz-Ramirez, an alien, and native and citizen of Mexico, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about April 30, 2003 and September 24, 2005.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of two years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Albert S. Glenn.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
KC Crips Gang Member Who Murdered Five People Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead 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 a controlled substance and firearms. Court documents and testimony from law enforcement officers during today’s sentencing hearing also connected him to the murders of five individuals, including a mother and her 3-year-old daughter.
Rashawn Long, 35, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 30 years in federal prison without parole, which was an upward departure from the federal sentencing guidelines.
Long was found guilty at trial on Aug. 21, 2014, of possessing Buphedrone (also known as bath salts, a controlled substance similar to methamphetamine) with the intent to distribute and of being a felon in possession of firearms. According to court documents and evidence presented at today’s sentencing hearing, Long carried out the murders of at least five individuals in a relatively short time frame – at least one in 2001 for which he was convicted in state court, and at least four during the summer of 2013, the year he was released from prison for his 2001 murder conviction.
Testimony at today’s hearing established Long’s longtime gang affiliation with the 51st Street Crips.
Long shot and killed Michael Birks on Feb. 1, 2001, in the middle of a public street in Kansas City, Mo. Related to that murder, Long attempted to kill Marlon Brown on March 5, 2001, in Overland Park, Kan. Though he survived, Brown was paralyzed from the incident.
According to court documents, Long was also responsible for the execution-style shooting murders of Myeisha J. Turner and her 3-year-old daughter on Aug. 23, 2013, in Kansas City, Mo., inside of the victims’ home.
Additionally, a federal agent testified today regarding Long’s shooting murder of Kevin “Flip” Jones on Sept. 20, 2013, in Kansas City, Mo., in the driveway of the victim’s home.
Long was also involved in the drive-by murder of Raymon K. Thomas with an automatic AK 47-style assault rifle on July 14, 2013, according to testimony from law enforcement at today’s hearing.
The investigation into this case began when Kansas City, Mo., police officers responded to a call about a suspicious person on Oct. 26, 2013. Officers contacted a homeowner, who stated that a man she didn’t know had been knocking on her door. She also told officers that he parked his 2013 Dodge Avenger in her back yard area and left. She had no idea who the vehicle belonged to or why it was parked in her back yard.
Officers noticed that the vehicle had a strong brake pad odor, which was consistent with it having been recently driven at a high rate of speed with the brakes repeatedly engaged. One of the officers requested a tow truck to come pick up the vehicle. When the resident went to move her own vehicle so that the tow truck could get into her back yard, she found a note from Long, but addressed to another person, thanking that person for letting him park the vehicle in her yard.
A few minutes later, Long came running up the hill, waving his arms and yelling at the officers. He told the officers that he knew the owner of the residence and that he parked vehicles there before. Long also told officers that he was trying to hide his car from his fiancé while he visited another woman who lived down the block, and did not want anyone to see him. Long, who had two active arrest warrants, was taken into custody.
When officers searched Long’s vehicle, they found a backpack that contained a stun gun, a can of pepper spray, a digital scale with residue, a digital video camera and a Coke can. Inside the Coke can was a false compartment that contained 5.67 grams of Buphedrone.
When officers reviewed the contents of the digital video camera, they found at least two images in which Long flashed a Glock semi-automatic handgun.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Long has prior felony convictions for second degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and trafficking drugs.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Marquez and Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Irondequoit Woman Pleads Guilty to Production and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that a Megan McDonald, 36, of Irondequoit, NY, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Lee, who is handling the case, stated that in March 2015, law enforcement officers interviewed Jason Cortese who advised that he had received images of child pornography from McDonald. A forensic review of images from Cortese’s iPhone recovered sexually explicit images of two prepubescent minors.Cortese has been convicted of enticement of a minor and is awaiting sentencing. Cortese used the internet and a smart phone to persuade a 12 year old minor to engage in sexually explicit activity.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Adam S. Cohen. The task force includes the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations.
Hunting Show Host Imprisoned in Noatak National Preserve Poaching InvestigationRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a cable TV hunting show host was sentenced in Anchorage United States District Court to 16 months imprisonment for his role as a leader and guide in a multi-year poaching operation on the Noatak National Preserve.
On Feb. 11, 2016, Syndicate TV hunting show host Clark Dixon, 41, of Hazlehurst, Mississippi, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline, for two felony violations of the Lacey Act. As part of his plea agreement with the United States, Clark Dixon admitted to large scale violations of federal and state hunting laws including hunting and taking game same day airborne, hunting big game as a nonresident without a guide, hunting without the proper non-resident tags and permits, and the illegal transporting and outfitting of non-resident hunters in the illegal pursuit and take of game on the Noatak Preserve from 2008 through 2013.
As part of the plea agreement and sentence, Judge Beistline ordered that Clark Dixon pay a fine of $75,000, and forfeit 17 animals killed and turned into trophies while falsely claiming to be a resident of the state of Alaska. These included a grizzly bear, Dall sheep, moose and caribou, along with bows and several rifles used in the illegal take of game.
As part of his plea of guilty, Clark Dixon agreed that in 2010 he assisted Clarence Michael Osborne in the illegal take of a grizzly bear, by hunting same day airborne, without a guide or proper permits. The agreement also states that Clark Dixon falsified a hunt record claiming the bear was killed by his father, Charles Dixon. The plea agreement also covers the allegation that at the time the violations were committed, Clark Dixon illegally claimed Alaska residency status while being a resident of the state of Mississippi. The charges against Clark Dixon reflect that he lied about his residency status in order to take advantage of Alaska resident hunting privileges, thus nullifying all of his Alaska hunts which resulted in the forfeiture of the 17 trophies and firearms. Clark Dixon also agreed to the forfeiture of a STOL Quest SQ-4 aircraft used by his father, Charles Dixon, which was instrumental in assisting Clark Dixon in transporting and outfitting non-resident hunters in the illegal take of game. That aircraft has since been forfeited to the United States.
In November 2015, Charles Dixon, 70, also pleaded guilty to two violations of the Lacey Act for illegally flying a non-resident hunter, Clarence Michael Osborne, into their camp on the Noatak National Preserve to hunt grizzly bear, caribou and moose. During the hunt, Osborne killed a grizzly bear without a guide and without the appropriate non-resident permits. After the hunt, Charles Dixon claimed to have killed Osborne’s bear as his own on state hunt records. As part of his plea and sentence imposed by the court, Charles Dixon was sentenced to pay a fine of $15,000 and to pay $10,000 in restitution to the Noatak Preserve with those funds directed toward the removal of their illegal camp materials from the Preserve. In addition, Charles Dixon forfeited his STOL Quest SQ-4 aircraft, valued at $200,000, as the aircraft served as the primary means of unlawfully transporting hunters, and illegally taken game, in and out of the Preserve.
In other related cases, and on Nov. 13, 2015, Clarence Michael Osborne, 53, of Madison, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to a violation of the Lacey Act for killing a grizzly bear in the Preserve while hunting with Clark Dixon. Osborne killed the grizzly bear without a guide as required by Alaska law, and without the proper permits, or tags, and the same day he was airborne. Osborne also pleaded guilty to killing a bull moose without a permit from the Preserve. As part of his plea and sentence, Osborne was sentenced to five years of probation, with a condition that he not hunt anywhere in the world. Osborne was sentenced by Judge Beistline under a plea agreement and was sentenced to pay a fine of $65,000, and to pay restitution to the Noatak Preserve for the illegally taken game in the amount of $19,500. Osborne was also required to forfeit a grizzly bear mount, bull moose mount, three caribou mounts and a .375 H&H rifle and scope used to commit the crimes.
Fulton Wold, 41, of Nashville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty and was sentenced pursuant to a plea agreement on November 13, 2015. As part of this agreement and sentence, Wold agreed to plead guilty to the illegal take of a caribou on a hunt orchestrated by Clark Dixon in September 2009 in which Wold did not have the proper permits or non-resident tags. As part of his sentence, Wold was placed on two years of probation, paid a fine of $7,500, and was ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution to the Noatak Preserve. Wold was also required to forfeit a bull moose and caribou mount as both were killed illegally.
On Nov. 6, 2015, Terry Goza, 71, of Hazlehurst, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to taking a Dall sheep ram, same day airborne, in the Noatak preserve while hunting with Clark Dixon and others. Goza was sentenced to a term of probation and the payment of a $5,000 fine. Footage from Osborne, Wold’s and Goza’s hunts were shown on Clark Dixon’s cable TV hunting show “The Syndicate.”
Defendant Shannon Dale Hooks, 54, of Mendenhall, Mississippi, and Lance David Walker, 37, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, plead guilty and were sentenced by Judge Beistline on Dec. 3, 2015. Hooks was sentenced to three years probation and Walker was sentenced to four years probation, both with a worldwide hunting prohibition. Hooks and Walker were also ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 and restitution in the amount of $10,000 for the unlawfully taken wildlife
Defendant Randolph Goza, 48, of Wasilla, Alaska, pleaded guilty to assisting in the same day airborne take of a Dall sheep. Goza was sentenced on Dec. 28, 2015, by Judge Beistline. As part of his plea agreement, Goza was sentenced to a term of five years probation that carried a worldwide hunting prohibition as a condition. Goza was ordered to pay a fine of $25,000 and restitution in the amount of $12,000 for the unlawfully taken Dall sheep.
Robert Viner, 49, of Ridgeland, Mississippi, was cited by investigators for the illegal transport of an unlawfully taken brown bear. Viner has admitted guilt in connection with the charges, and has paid a $3,250 fine.
The National Park Service cited The Outdoor Syndicate, LLC, in Reno, Nevada, its owner Michael P. Dianda, and a production company, Zap Lab, Ltd, in Reno, Nevada, for commercial filming on the Preserve without a permit. Clark Dixon and another professional videographer acquired footage of hunts which were aired on The Syndicate. These groups have all paid their fines in connection with this case.
In summary, the joint U.S. Fish and Wildlife Office of Law Enforcement and National Park Service’s Operation Syndicate resulted in nine federal convictions, with total fines imposed in the amount of $208,250.00. Restitution to the Noatak Preserve for the animals illegally killed by Clark Dixon and his associates was ordered by the court in the amount of $62,500.00. Charles Dixon’s STOL Quest SQ-4 aircraft, valued at $200,000, was forfeited to the United States under the Lacey Act, and 28 illegally killed wildlife trophies along with various firearms used in the offense were also forfeited to the government.
“You were leading some of these people you hunted with in the wrong direction,” said Judge Beistline. “You were a skilled hunter, who knew the rules and regulations and you violated the law on television; you’ve been hunting illegally for eight years and claimed to be an Alaska resident when you weren’t.”
Ms. Loeffler commends the work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the National Park Service who jointly investigated this case in Alaska and elsewhere.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DOMINGO HERRERA-VEGA, a/k/a Herrera Domingo, age 38, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal reentry of removed alien.
U.S. District Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced HERRERA-VEGA to time served to be followed by one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. HERRERA-VEGA will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, on or about October 20, 2015, HERRERA-VEGA was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about May 1, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González was in charge of the prosecution.
Hazleton Resident Charged with Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on February 9, 2016, a federal grand jury in Scranton indicted a 55-year-old Dominican national who resides in Hazleton for distributing heroin on two occasions between December 2015 and January 2016.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the two-count indictment alleges that Juan Elvis Monsanto, who used the street name “Elvi,” distributed heroin on December 15, 2015, and January 28, 2016.
The indictment was unsealed yesterday following Monsanto’s arrest. He was arraigned late yesterday by U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick in Scranton and was ordered to be detained in prison pending trial in the case.
The charges against Monsanto resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Hazleton Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
Monsanto faces up to 20 years in prison for each charge.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Gunsmoke Gun Shop Owner and Former Discovery Channel Star Indicted and Arrested for Conspiracy, Dealing in Firearms without a License and Tax Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Richard Wyatt, 52, of Evergreen, Colorado, surrendered to authorities today on charges of conspiracy, dealing in firearms without a license and tax related charges, U.S. Attorney John Walsh for the District of Colorado, Special Agent in Charge Stephen Boyd for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Criminal Investigations (CI) Denver Division and Special Agent in Charge Ken Croke for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Denver Field Division announced. Wyatt will make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix today, where he will be advised of his rights and the charges pending against him. Wyatt was the subject of a 13-count federal grand jury indictment in Denver, Colorado, returned on Feb. 9, 2016.
According to the indictment, Wyatt allegedly illegally sold firearms and he also failed to report over $1.1 million in income. Wyatt operated Gunsmoke, a store in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, that displayed firearm and firearm accessories for sale. Wyatt was the principal decision maker for the store and controlled the store’s bank account. In addition to holding itself out as a business that bought and sold firearms, Gunsmoke provided gunsmithing services. Wyatt aggressively publicized his business by posting videos on YouTube and by appearing in a reality television series that appeared on the Discovery Channel. The reality TV show aired from 2011 through 2012, showing a total of 26 episodes.
On Feb. 17, 2012, Wyatt conspired with others known to the grand jury but not named, to deal in firearms without a license. In April 2012, the defendant surrendered his Federal Firearms License (FFL) due to his violations of federal laws and regulations. After Gunsmoke surrendered its FFL, Gunsmoke changed the address of a store known as Triggers Firearms LLC (Triggers), a federal firearms license, to the Gunsmoke address, although they did not play any role in managing the store or receive any profits. Thereafter, Wyatt continued to operate Gunsmoke as a retail firearms store that also offered gunsmithing services, but never held an ownership interest in Triggers or assumed management of Triggers. Wyatt and other conspirators submitted false paperwork to the ATF to hide that Triggers was acting as a straw licensee for Gunsmoke.
After losing his FFL, the defendant did not apply for or obtain a license to sell firearms from the Gunsmoke premises. Wyatt held a meeting the day before losing his license with his employees to describe how he wanted the business to continue to run. During April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2015, no other person was licensed to engage in the business of dealing in firearms at Gunsmoke, Wyatt directed Gunsmoke employees to enter firearm sales in Gunsmoke’s computer point of sales software system as “miscellaneous” sales rather than firearm sales. Customers who shopped at Gunsmoke were able to look at numerous firearms that were displayed throughout the store. Customers were able to speak with Gunsmoke employees, including Wyatt, about the features of particular firearms. Finally, customers selected and purchased firearms from Gunsmoke and were able to have gunsmithing services performed on firearms at the Gunsmoke premises. After receiving payment for any firearms, Gunsmoke employees directed the customers to another firearm store which had a valid federal firearms license, where the customer filled out the background check paperwork and the customers took possession of the firearm(s) they had purchased at Gunsmoke. Customers who wanted gunsmithing services left their firearms with Gunsmoke. After the gunsmiths at Gunsmoke completed their work, they returned the firearms to the customers. The customers paid Gunsmoke directly for this service. Wyatt, without the FFL license, continued to order new guns for sale to keep the business going.
In addition to the alleged firearms violations, Wyatt failed to pay personal income tax in years 2009, when he made approximately $290,000, in 2010, when he made approximately $123,000, and in 2012, when he made approximately $689,000. Further, in 2010, 2011 and 2012, Wyatt failed to pay corporate taxes. In 2012, Wyatt willfully filed a tax return he knew to be false, stating that he lost money, when in fact he made at least $184,000 that he failed to disclose. The defendant also faces an asset forfeiture count, including but not limited to the forfeiture of firearms and ammunition involved in the commission of the alleged crimes.
Wyatt faces two counts of conspiracy, with each count carrying a penalty of not more than five years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine. He faces three counts of dealing in firearms without a license, with each count carrying a penalty of not more than five years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The defendant faces one count of filing a false tax return, which carries a penalty of not more than three years in federal prison and up to a $100,000 fine. Lastly, Wyatt faces seven counts of failure to file a tax return, each count of which carries a penalty of not more than one year in federal prison and up to a $25,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the IRS-CI and the ATF. The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Suneeta Hazra and Anna Edgar, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tonya Andrews assisting on the asset forfeiture.
The charges contained in this indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Gunsmoke Gun Shop Owner Richard Wyatt Indicted and Arrested for Conspiracy, Dealing in Firearms Without a License, and Tax Related ChargesRead the Press Release
DENVER – Richard Wyatt, age 52, of Evergreen, Colorado, surrendered to authorities this morning on charges of conspiracy, dealing in firearms without a license, and tax related charges, U.S. Attorney John Walsh, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Criminal Investigations (CI) Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Stephen Boyd and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Denver Field Division Special Agent in Charge Ken Croke announced. Wyatt will make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix at 2:00 p.m. today, where he will be advised of his rights and the charges pending against him. Wyatt was the subject of a 13-count federal grand jury indictment in Denver, returned on February 9, 2016.
According to the indictment, Wyatt allegedly illegally sold firearms, and he also failed to report over $1.1 million in income to the IRS. Wyatt operated Gunsmoke, a store in Wheat Ridge, Colorado that displayed firearm and firearm accessories for sale. Wyatt was the principal decision maker for the store and controlled the store’s bank account. In addition to holding itself out as a business that bought and sold firearms, Gunsmoke provided gunsmithing services. Wyatt aggressively publicized his business by posting videos on YouTube and by appearing in a reality television series that appeared on the Discovery Channel. The reality TV show aired from 2011 through 2012, showing a total of 26 episodes.
On February 17, 2012, Wyatt conspired with others known to the grand jury but not named, to deal in firearms without a license. In April 2012, the defendant surrendered his Federal Firearms License (FFL) due to his violations of federal laws and regulations. After Gunsmoke surrendered its FFL, Gunsmoke changed the address of a store known as Triggers Firearms, LLC (“Triggers”), a federal firearms license, to the Gunsmoke address, although they did not play any role in managing the store or receive any profits. Thereafter, Wyatt continued to operate Gunsmoke as a retail firearms store that also offered gunsmithing services, but never held an ownership interest in Triggers or assumed management of Triggers. Wyatt and other conspirators submitted false paperwork to the ATF to hide that Triggers was acting as a straw licensee for Gunsmoke.
After losing his FFL, the defendant did not apply for or obtain a license to sell firearms from the Gunsmoke premises. Wyatt held a meeting the day before losing his license with his employees to describe how he wanted the business to continue to run. During April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2015, no other person was licensed to engage in the business of dealing in firearms at Gunsmoke, Wyatt directed Gunsmoke employees to enter firearm sales in Gunsmoke’s computer point of sales software system as “miscellaneous” sales rather than firearm sales. Customers who shopped at Gunsmoke were able to look at numerous firearms that were displayed throughout the store. Customers were able to speak with Gunsmoke employees, including Wyatt, about the features of particular firearms. Finally, customers selected and purchased firearms from Gunsmoke, and were able to have gunsmithing services performed on firearms at the Gunsmoke premises. After receiving payment for any firearms, Gunsmoke employees directed the customers to another firearm store which had a valid federal firearms license, where the customer filled out the background check paperwork and the customers took possession of the firearm(s) they had purchased at Gunsmoke. Customers who wanted gunsmithing services left their firearms with Gunsmoke. After the gunsmiths at Gunsmoke completed their work, they returned the firearms to the customers. The customers paid Gunsmoke directly for this service. Wyatt, without the FFL license, continued to order new guns for sale to keep the business going.
In addition to the alleged firearms violations, Wyatt failed to pay personal income tax in years 2009, when he made approximately $290,000, in 2010 when he made approximately $123,000, and in 2012, when he made approximately $689,000. Further, in 2010, 2011, and 2012, Wyatt failed to pay corporate taxes. In 2012, Wyatt willfully filed a tax return he knew to be false, stating that he lost money, when in fact he made at least $184,000 that he failed to disclose. The defendant also faces an asset forfeiture count, including but not limited to the forfeiture of firearms and ammunition involved in the commission of the alleged crimes.
Wyatt faces two counts of conspiracy, with each count carrying a penalty of not more than 5 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine. He faces three counts of dealing in firearms without a license, with each count carrying a penalty of not more than 5 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine. The defendant faces one count of filing a false tax return, which carries a penalty of not more than 3 years in federal prison, and up to a $100,000 fine. Lastly, Wyatt faces seven counts of failure to file a tax return, each count of which carries a penalty of not more than 1 year in federal prison, and up to a $25,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the IRS-CI and the ATF. The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Suneeta Hazra and Anna Edgar, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tonya Andrews assisting on the asset forfeiture.
The charges contained in this indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Graham Co. Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – On Thursday, February 11, 2016 U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger sentenced Mark Alan Tygart, of Robbinsville, N.C. to 76 months in prison on possession of child pornography charges, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
U.S. Attorney Rose is joined in making today’s announcement by John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, Alan K. Flora Special Agent in Charge of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Computer Crimes Unit, and Sheriff Danny Milsaps of the Graham County Sheriff’s Office.
In October 2015, Tygart pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2014, an undercover officer discovered Tygart posting links to child pornography in an online chat room where Tygart went by the name “twerk.” In December 2014, a search warrant was executed at Tygart’s residence in a joint operation with the FBI, SBI, and Graham County Sheriff’s Office detectives. Computer forensic analysis of seized devices revealed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.
The defendant will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Further Corruption Involving Georgia Department of Corrections Guards ExposedRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – More than 45 current and former Georgia Department of Corrections officers and contract correctional officers have been charged in seven separate federal indictments with smuggling contraband into prisons and with accepting bribe payments in exchange for providing protection for drug deals that were part of a federal undercover operation.
“It’s troubling that so many officers from state correctional institutions across Georgia were willing to sell their badges for personal payoffs from purported drug dealers,” said U. S. Attorney John Horn. “They not only betrayed the institutions they were sworn to protect, but they also betrayed the ideals that thousands of honest, hard-working correctional officers uphold every day.”
“While the vast majority of those working within Georgia’s correctional facilities are dedicated and loyal officers and employees, today’s FBI led an operation focused on the apprehension of those who strayed. These arrests represent an extensive FBI Atlanta and Georgia Department of Corrections’ investigation which initially focused on inmate criminal activities but also revealed a significant public corruption problem within eleven of the 35 Georgia Department of Corrections facilities,” said J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office.
“We truly appreciate the swift response to our request for assistance from our partners at the FBI,” said GDOC Commissioner Homer Bryson. “We stand committed in our continuing efforts to bring to justice to those who pose a threat to the safety of the public and to the operations of our facilities. Shedding light on individuals involved in this type of corruption will remain our focus, and we will seek prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the indictments, and other information presented in court: The Georgia Department of Corrections (“GA DOC”) is the agency responsible for overseeing the operations of the Georgia state prison system and its more than 50,000 inmates. During a federal investigation of GA DOC employees and inmates, the Federal Bureau of Investigation uncovered that correctional officers were smuggling contraband (liquor, tobacco, cell phones) into state prisons. Many of those contraband cell phones were then used by inmates to commit wire fraud, money laundering, identity theft and drug trafficking.
The operation also revealed that numerous GA DOC officers were willing to use their law enforcement credentials to protect what they believed were drug deals involving multiple kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine. In a series of undercover operations, more than 45 correctional officers used their law enforcement status to protect drug deals in exchange for thousands of dollars in cash bribe payments. During the undercover deals, the correctional officers generally wore their GA DOC uniforms or had their GA DOC badges in an effort to avoid law enforcement scrutiny.
In connection with this most recent phase of the operation, a federal grand jury has returned multiple indictments charging the following individuals:
- Ashley Jenee Barnes, 21, of Sparta, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Riverbend Correctional Facility, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Selena Black, 22, of Oglethorpe, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Macon State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Michael Bostic, 32, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to smuggle contraband into a prison, with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions, and with attempted drug trafficking.
- William Dale Bragg, 25, of Warner Robins, Georgia, a GA DOC inmate, has been charged with conspiring to commit money laundering.
- Crystal Sasha Brooks, 22, of Tennille, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to smuggle contraband into a prison, with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions, and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Jessica Brown, 30, of Milledgeville, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Baldwin State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Christopher Clayton, 28, of Americus, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Macon State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Chasity Coleman, 22, of Cordele, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Dooly State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Patrick Coleman, 43, of Tucker, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to smuggle contraband into a prison, with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions, and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Angela Dinkins, 25, of Morrow, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Dooly State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Quardarrius Duhart, 29, of Tennille, Georgia, has been charged with attempted drug trafficking.
- Travonne Ferrell, 22, of Milledgeville, Georgia, a Correctional Officer on the GA DOC tactical unit or COBRA Squad, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with drug trafficking.
- Benjamin Floyd, 23, of Hawkinsville, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Dooly State Prison and a jailor at Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Dantavis Fluellen, 26, of Milledgeville, Georgia, a Correctional Officer on the COBRA Squad, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Jeremy Fluellen, 26, of Sparta, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Tacowan Fluellen, 24, of Milledgeville, Georgia, a Correctional Officer on the COBRA Squad, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Justin Gennings, 29, of Port Royal, South Carolina, formerly a Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to smuggle contraband into a prison.
- Charisma Glenn, 22, of Milledgeville, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Riverbend Correctional Facility, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Jaleel Green, 23, of Oglethorpe, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Dooly State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Kenny Grover, 28, of Fort Valley, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Macon State Prison prior to his arrest, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Kierria Harvey, 23, of Milledgeville, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Riverbend Correctional Facility, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Cortavius Henderson, 23, of Cordele, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Dooly State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Pierre Hill, 33, of Warrenton, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Joshua Johnson, 20, of Kingsland, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Macon State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Marvin Johnson, 33, of Rochelle, Georgia, has been charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
- Tamika Johnson, 34, of Forsyth, Georgia, a Correctional Officer on the COBRA Squad, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Winfred Johnson, 25, of Sandersville, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Riverbend Correctional Facility, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Ethan Kilgore, 24, of Dublin, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Dodge State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Kewanda Love, 26, of Cochran, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Pulaski State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Chelsey Mayweather, 24, of Milledgeville, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Baldwin State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Tiawanna McDonald, 24, of Centerville, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Dooly State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Jarratt Ken Melvin, 23, of Thomaston, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Pulaski State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Phoenicia Minor, 30, of Bonaire, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Pulaski State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Shameka Mobley, 27, of Warner Robins, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Pulaski State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Brandon Mullino, 34, of Hawkinsville, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Dooly State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Trevon Newsome, 22, of Warner Robins, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Macon State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Angelique Pate, 25, of Montezuma, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Macon State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Ebony Scott, 26, of Tennille, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Riverbend Correctional Facility, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Anthony Shoffner, 23, of Kathleen, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Macon State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Sarne Sylvester, 28, of Albany, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Autry State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to smuggle contraband into a prison.
- Tavia Trammer, 34, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Phillips State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Tramaine Tucker, 27, of Milledgeville, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Riverbend Correctional Facility, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Brandon Watkins, 24, of Warner Robins, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Dooly State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- James Julius Watkins, Jr., 26, of Sparta, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Alice Whitfield, 24, of Unadilla, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Dooly State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Branden Wiley, 24, of Cordele, Georgia, a Correctional Officer at Dooly State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Christopher Tate Williams, 25, of Sparta, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Hancock State Prison, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Tonia Williams, 25, of Warner Robins, Georgia, a Correctional Officer on the COBRA Squad, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
- Keyerra Winkfield, 24, of Milledgeville, Georgia, formerly a Correctional Officer at Riverbend Correctional Facility, has been charged with accepting bribe payments to protect drug transactions and with attempted drug trafficking.
Previously, numerous others have been charged as part of the overall investigation of the GA DOC. In particular:
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On January 21, 2016, more than 50 Georgia Department of Corrections employees, inmates, and non-incarcerated co-conspirators were charged federally with conspiring to commit wire fraud, conspiring to commit money laundering, and accepting bribes to smuggle contraband into prisons. Many of the alleged criminal activities were committed inside Georgia state prisons.
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On January 13, 2016, three GA DOC inmates and 14 others were charged federally with participating in a wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy that operated within several state prisons.Using contraband cellular telephones inside of prison, and employing a network of brokers, distributers, and runners outside of prison, GDOC inmates controlled and managed the distribution of illegal narcotics throughout the Atlanta-metropolitan area and the southeast region of the United States.
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On September 24, 2015, 12 prison employees, inmates, and others were charged federally in a wide-ranging conspiracy that involved drug trafficking, identity theft, and credit card fraud. Many of the alleged criminal activities were committed inside Georgia state prisons.
In total, this extensive operation has resulted in charges against approximately 130 prison employees, inmates, and non-incarcerated co-conspirators.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictments only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
These cases are being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Georgia Department of Corrections Office of Professional Standards.
First Assistant United States Attorney Kurt R. Erskine and Assistant United States Attorneys Brent A. Gray, John S. Ghose, Trevor Wilmot, Brian Pearce, Jennifer Whitfield, and Jeffrey W. Davis are prosecuting the cases.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.com.
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.
Fourth Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to ISILRead the Press Release
Five Co-Defendants Expected to Go to Trial in May 2016
Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame, 20, of Egan, Minnesota, pleaded guilty today to an information charging him with conspiracy to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization. The defendant pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael J. Davis of the District of Minnesota.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger of the District of Minnesota and Special Agent in Charge Richard T. Thornton of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division made the announcement.
“With his guilty plea, Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame has admitted to conspiring to provide material support to ISIL,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Warsame was part of a group of individuals who sought to travel to Syria to fight with the designated foreign terrorist organization. The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism, and we will continue to work to stem the flow of foreign fighters abroad and hold accountable those who conspire to provide material support to terrorists.”
“ISIL recruiting in Minnesota is an ongoing problem,” said U.S. Attorney Luger. “Federal law enforcement and our local partners remain dedicated to ending terror recruitment in our state. One of the important factors we believe will help stop the recruiting pipeline is for those who have been charged to take responsibility for their crimes. I am encouraged that today Mr. Warsame is doing just that. He has now taken the first step to help himself begin the process of rehabilitation and help our entire community begin to heal.”
“Preventing terrorism in the United States or against U.S. interests remain the FBI’s top priority,” said Special Agent in Charge Thornton. “This includes identifying individuals who aspire to travel overseas to fight on behalf of foreign terrorist organizations such as ISIL. Every person we stop from joining ISIL is one less person ISIL has to conduct acts of terror and the atrocities they are known for. This Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation which culminated in today’s guilty plea was the result of collaboration with our state, local, and federal partners.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, throughout early 2014, Warsame participated in several meetings with a group of individuals who wished to travel to Syria to join ISIL. Warsame and his co-conspirators discussed means of funding travel to Syria and potential routes from Minnesota to Syria that would best elude law enforcement. In April 2014, Warsame applied for an expedited passport with the intent of using the passport to travel overseas to join ISIL and in that same month, provided approximately $200 to co-conspirator Adnan Farah for fees associated with Farah’s expedited passport application. Warsame knew Farah planned to use the passport to travel to Syria to join ISIL.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, during a May 2014 meeting between Warsame and his co-conspirators, Warsame accepted the position of “emir,” or leader, of the group. Guled Ali Omar had previously been “emir,” but was at that time planning to depart for Syria to join ISIL.
According to the plea, in June 2014, Warsame obtained a phone number for H.K., who at the time was an ISIL fighter, and Warsame passed the contact information along to Y.J., who was then attempting to travel from Turkey to Syria to join ISIL.
In April 2015, according to his guilty plea, Warsame participated in a series of meetings with co-conspirators Omar, Abdirahman Daud, Mohamed Farah and Adnan Farah. At one of the meetings, Warsame repeatedly encouraged Omar to travel to Syria to join ISIL.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Winter and John Docherty of the District of Minnesota with assistance provided by the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Four defendants sentenced for Federal drug crimes in BeckleyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Four defendants were sentenced today in federal court for drug charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Jason Treadway, 33, of Beckley, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison for using a telephone to facilitate a drug deal. Treadway previously pleaded guilty in October 2015 to the federal drug crime. Treadway admitted that on March 12, 2015, and on May 6, 2015, he used a telephone to arrange heroin deals with a confidential informant. In both instances after arranging the drug deals, Treadway met with the confidential informant and distributed heroin.
Shawn Haines, 43, of Beckley, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for distributing oxycodone. Haines previously pleaded guilty in October 2015 to the federal drug charge. Haines admitted that on October 28, 2014, he distributed oxycodone to a confidential informant cooperating with law enforcement. The drug deal took place on Christopher Drive in Beckley.
Jamal Johnson, 25, of Beckley, was sentenced to a year and two months in federal prison for distributing cocaine. Johnson previously pleaded guilty in October 2015 to the federal drug crime. Johnson admitted that on June 22, 2015, he sold cocaine to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place on Industrial Drive in Beckley.
Ron Perdue, 54, of Mt. Hope, was sentenced to four years of probation for distributing oxycodone. Perdue previously pleaded guilty in October 2015 to the federal drug charge. Perdue admitted that on October 22, 2014, he distributed oxycodone to a confidential informant on Ewart Avenue in Beckley.
These cases were investigated by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. The sentences were imposed by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
These prosecutions were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Fort Meade Man Convicted for Enticing a Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury today convicted Pedro Antonio Del Granado, age 49, of Fort Meade, Maryland, for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. After the jury returned its verdict, U.S. District Judge George L. Russell ordered that the defendant be immediately taken into custody and detained pending sentencing.
The conviction 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); and Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to the evidence presented at his four day trial, from October 23 through October 30, 2014,Del Granado used email messages to attempt to entice a person whom he believed to be a 13 year old girl to engage in sexual activity. In fact, Del Granado was communicating with an undercover Baltimore County Police detective posing as a 13 year old girl. Witnesses testified that Del Granado responded to an advertisement the undercover detective placed on an internet website. The undercover detective and Del Granado continued communicating over the next several days. During their conversations, the undercover detective posing as a 13 year old girl mentioned several times that she was 13 years old. Despite that, Del Granado asked about meeting the 13 year old girl and discussed what they would do at that time, including having oral sex.
On October 30, 2014, Del Granado and the undercover detective agreed to meet and the undercover detective provided a location. Del Granado advised the undercover detective that he would be driving a black SUV. Members of the Baltimore County Police Department set up surveillance at the address. When Del Granado arrived at the location he was arrested. A cellular phone containing most of the emails between the Del Granado and the undercover detective was found in his vehicle. Del Granado told law enforcement officers that he was there to meet a 20-year old woman even though the emails from the undercover detective said the girl was 13 years old.
Del Granado faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. Judge Russell has scheduled sentencing for May 13, 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 the FBI, HSI Baltimore, and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ayn B. Ducao and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Tang, who prosecuted the case.
Former UTSA Projects Manager Sentenced to Federal Prison for his Role in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, 43-year-old former University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) project manager James Paul Council was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a bribery scheme announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs of the FBI’s San Antonio Division.
On January 14, 2014, Council, a former project manager in the Facilities Department at UTSA, pleaded guilty to one count of bribery. By pleading guilty, Council admitted to accepting $1,000 in U.S. Currency from individuals seeking to secure UTSA construction contracts worth more than $200,000.
Council’s co-defendants—50-year-old Alfredo Romero Gonzalez, owner of Power Source Electric, an electrical construction and repair business in San Antonio; 63-year-old Power Source Electric chief estimator and project manager Magin Villalon (a.k.a. “Buddy”); and, Villalon’s wife, 59-year-old Sarah Anne Luna—have all pleaded guilty to paying a bribe to Council in order to secure UTSA contracts. In addition to sentencing Council this morning, United States District Judge Orlando Garcia sentenced: Gonzalez to 22 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release; Villalon, to 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release; and, Luna to two years probation. Judge Garcia also ordered that Council, Villalon and Gonzalez jointly and severally pay restitution to UTSA in the amount of $71,000. Luna was ordered to pay $9,838.21 restitution to UTSA.
This case was investigated by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation together with the San Antonio Police Department, UTSA Police Department, and UTSA auditors. Assistant United States Attorney James Blankinship prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Former Prison Guard Sentenced to Four Years for Smuggling ContrabandRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – George Kindle, 29, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for delivering contraband to an inmate at The House of Corrections (HOC), in Philadelphia, where he worked at the time. On October 11, 2013, and then again on November 15, 2013, Kindle smuggled past prison security at the HOC a cellular telephone and 100 pills, represented to contain OxyContin, in exchange for $1,000. Kindle pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted extortion under color of official right and two counts of attempted distribution of controlled substances on November 20, 2015.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge John R. Padova ordered a $2,000 fine, three years of supervised release, 100 hours of community service, a $2,000 forfeiture money judgment, and a $400 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Philadelphia Department of Corrections. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin R. Brenner.
Former Postal Carrier Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Drug Distribution, and Delay of MailRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Briana Fugate, 26, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty to bribery, distribution of marijuana, and delay of mail before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.“Our efforts to root out public corruption continue with this second conviction of a postal employee in as many weeks,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “We are not going to allow postal routes to become narcotics delivery services.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who is handling the case, stated that Fugate accepted bribes to help deliver what she believed to be drug shipments from the West Coast. As the defendant learned to recognize packages containing narcotics, Fugate opened some of the packages and sold the drugs.
The defendant was a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service working out of the Central Park Station Post Office in an area covering the East Side of Buffalo for over a year. Fugate’s actions were uncovered during an undercover operation when she distributed a vacuum-sealed pound of marijuana out of her mail truck while working her postal route. After law enforcement agents arrested Fugate, they discovered over 1,500 pieces of mail in her car that had not been delivered. At the time, the defendant was on probation for a larceny conviction in Cheektowaga Town Court. Fugate admitted that some of the proceeds from marijuana sales went to pay her court-ordered restitution in that case.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen, the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Shelly Binkowski, the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Monica Weyler, Eastern Area Field Office, Philadelphia, PA, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.Sentencing is scheduled for May 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
Former Omaha Man Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Adam Mwanza, age 44 of Miami, Florida, was sentenced today by the Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon. On May 8, 2015, a federal jury convicted Mwanza of 13 counts of tax fraud for his involvement in assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Mwanza was sentenced to one year and a day in federal prison and ordered to pay a $1,300.00 special assessment. He was also ordered to serve a one year term of supervised release after his release from prison with one of the terms of his supervision being that he pay $297,556.00 in restitution.
Mr. Mwanza was a tax preparer. In tax years 2007 and 2008 Mwanza was servicing a primarily immigrant client base. He would electronically file fraudulent returns falsely claiming rental deductions for what people were paying for their monthly rent expense and would fabricate Adjusted Gross Income amounts. The effect of the fraud was to inflate the amount of the refunds the taxpayers received. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the importance of selecting a reputable tax preparer,” stated Karl Stiften, IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis Field Office. “Ultimately, the taxpayer is responsible for the accuracy of their return, not the preparer. Don’t be tempted by a refund that is too good to be true.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations unit.
Former Member of Croatian Defense Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina Sentenced for Fraudulently Obtaining Green Card and Consents to Removal from United StatesRead the Press Release
A Forrest Lake, Minnesota, man was sentenced today for failing to disclose, during his immigration to the United States, multiple crimes committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina before and during the Bosnian Conflict in the 1990s, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger of the District of Minnesota.
Zdenko Jakiša, 47, stipulated to an order of judicial removal from the United States, in which he agreed that he is not lawfully admissible in the United States and on Feb. 16, 2016, will self-surrender to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for removal. Jakiša was sentenced to time served by U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson of the District of Minnesota.
According to the plea agreement, Jakiša is a Bosnian citizen and between July 1990 and October 1997, he was convicted of various crimes and charged with others in Bosnia, including a conviction for shooting and killing his neighbor through her bedroom window in September 1993. While some of these charges remained pending in Bosnia, Jakiša fled to the United States where, he now admits, he lied about his criminal history on his legal permanent resident applications and was granted lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
The ICE Homeland Security Investigations St. Paul, Minnesota, Office investigated the case with support from the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office. ICE’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center provided the lead in this investigation. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and their counterparts at the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina provided valuable assistance.
Trial Attorney Ann Marie Ursini of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan P. Petterson of the District of Minnesota prosecuted the case.
Former Lawrence Hall of Science Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft and FraudRead the Press Release
OAKLAND - DeSondra Michell Ward pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing from and defrauding the University of California, Berkeley, announced Acting United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge David J. Johnson. In the plea agreement filed late yesterday, Ward admitted she stole $389,948.57 while working at U.C. Berkeley from 2008 through 2014.
Ward, 44, formerly from Pinole, Calif., worked at U.C. Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science, first as an administrative assistant with the Full Option Science System (“FOSS”) program and later as a financial analyst with budget and finance responsibilities over FOSS. Ward admitted she used the university’s travel systems to arrange personal air travel for herself, her family, and her friends. She also admitted she purchased tickets that she sold to individuals for her own benefit. In addition, she used her university-issued procurement card for personal transactions and processed vouchers to generate payments to herself, her family, and her friends. In an information filed November 16, 2015, Ward was charged with five counts of theft from programs receiving federal funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(A). About one quarter of the Lawrence Hall of Science’s annual budget is comprised of federal funding. Under the plea agreement, Ward pleaded guilty to all five counts. Ward also agreed to pay restitution and forfeiture pursuant to the agreement.
Ward is currently on release on bond.
Ward’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 21, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. before the Honorable Jeffrey S. White, U.S. District Court Judge, in Oakland. The maximum statutory penalty for each count in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(A) is 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense. In addition, forfeiture, restitution and additional terms of supervised release may be imposed. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Huang is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Vanessa Quant and Stephanie Mitchell. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, with significant assistance from the University of California Police Department and U.C. Berkeley’s Audit and Advisory Services.
Former Goodwill Employee Charged in Scheme to Steal VA Grant MoneyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A former employee of Goodwill Industries of Houston Inc. and another person have been taken into custody following the return of a 15-count indictment involving a wire fraud conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
Darrell Demond Arline, 36, of Pearland, and Aaron Matthew Pierce, 36, of Houston, were taken into custody today. They are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson at 2:00 p.m.
Arline worked for Goodwill and served as program director for two Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grants for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), according to the indictment. The SSVF grants were intended to provide supportive services to very low-income military veteran families who were residing in permanent housing, were homeless and scheduled to become residents of permanent housing within 90 days and, after exiting permanent housing, were seeking other housing that was responsive to such very low-income military veteran family’s needs.
The indictment alleges that between Jan. 3, 2013, and Aug. 28, 2014, Arline submitted fraudulent purchase orders resulting in the theft of SSVF grant monies. Arline allegedly recruited Pierce to use his name and a sham real estate business to cash the fraudulently-acquired SSVF grant checks.
Both men are charged in the conspiracy. Arline faces 14 substantive counts of wire fraud, while Pierce is charged with three.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine on each count of conviction.
The indictment was the result of an investigation conducted by VA - Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.
Former Freedom owner headed to prison for role in chemical spillRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former owner of Freedom Industries was sentenced today to 30 days in federal prison, six months of supervised release, and a $20,000 fine for environmental crimes connected to the 2014 Elk River chemical spill, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Dennis P. Farrell, of Charleston, previously pleaded guilty in August 2015 to unlawfully discharging refuse matter and violating an environmental permit by failing to have a pollution prevention plan. Farrell is one of six former officials of Freedom Industries, in addition to Freedom Industries itself as a corporation, to be prosecuted for federal crimes associated with the chemical spill.
On January 9, 2014, a major chemical leak was discovered in Charleston at the above-ground storage tank area owned and operated by Freedom Industries (Freedom) on the Elk River. Freedom used these storage tanks to keep and process chemicals, and the leak consisted primarily of 4-methylcyclohexane methanol (MCHM), a chemical used in the coal mining industry as a cleansing agent. A significant amount of MCHM leaked into the Elk River, flowed into a water treatment plant, and contaminated the water supply of Charleston and the surrounding areas for several days. Freedom did not have a permit required by law that would have allowed the company to discharge MCHM into the Elk River.
Farrell, along with co-defendants Charles E. Herzing and William E. Tis, owned Freedom until December 2013, when they sold their shares to a Pennsylvania corporation. From 2001 until the 2013 sale, Farrell served as the president of Freedom. After the sale, Farrell continued to work at Freedom’s facility on the Elk River and continued to describe himself as president of the company. In his role as a corporate officer, Farrell had the responsibility and the authority to ensure that Freedom and its facility on the Elk River complied with the law.
Freedom had a permit issued by West Virginia’s Department of Environmental Protection that allowed for the discharge of storm water and groundwater subject to monitoring and reporting requirements. However, this permit did not allow for the discharge of MCHM, and required the development and implementation of a storm water plan and a groundwater plan. Generally, storm water and groundwater plans identify potential sources of pollution and outline steps to prevent, contain, and reduce pollutants.
Farrell admitted that he was aware of the permit and knew that Freedom was required to have a storm water plan. He further admitted that he had the responsibility to ensure that Freedom complied with the permit by having a storm water and groundwater plan in place. During Farrell’s tenure as a corporate officer, Freedom never developed or implemented a storm water or groundwater plan, which was a proximate and contributing cause of the chemical spill.
Farrell is one of six defendants that have been sentenced as part of the investigation into the chemical spill. Robert J. Reynolds, of Apex, North Carolina, who worked as an environmental consultant with Freedom, was sentenced on February 1, 2016, for negligently discharging a pollutant. Charles E. Herzing, of McMurray, Pennsylvania, a former owner and vice president of Freedom, was sentenced on February 2, 2016, for unlawfully discharging refuse matter. Freedom, as a corporation, was sentenced on February 4, 2016, for negligently discharging a pollutant, unlawfully discharging refuse matter, and knowingly violating an environmental permit. Michael E. Burdette, of Dunbar, a former plant manager for Freedom’s facility on the Elk River, was sentenced on February 4, 2016, for negligently discharging a pollutant. William E. Tis, of Verona, Pennsylvania, a former owner and secretary of Freedom, was sentenced on Monday for unlawfully discharging refuse matter.
Gary Southern, of Marco Island, Florida, the president of Freedom at the time of the spill, pleaded guilty in August 2015 to negligently discharging a pollutant, unlawfully discharging refuse matter, and negligently violating a permit by failing to have a pollution prevention plan. Southern is scheduled to be sentenced on February 17, 2016.
The investigation of the chemical spill was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Philip H. Wright, Larry R. Ellis, and Eric P. Bacaj, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Perry D. McDaniel, are handling the prosecutions. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence, and will preside over the remaining sentencing hearing associated with the chemical spill.
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Five convicted in cigarette smuggling operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Five individuals pled guilty in federal court to unlawful cigarette smuggling, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Mohamed Abdo Elbarati, 30, of Winchester, Virginia, Farouk Mohamed Aldaylam, 29, of Queens Village, New York, Fahd Hamood Aljahaf, 38, of Bronx, New York, Galal Hameed Kassim, 30, and Muneer Kaid Khaled, 26, both of Brooklyn, New York, collaborated to facilitate a trafficking network designed profit from the unlawful sale of contraband cigarettes. The defendants transported large quantities of cigarettes across state lines for redistribution and sale. The cigarettes were acquired in Virginia, where the tax rate for cigarettes is one of the lowest in the nation, and sold in New York, which has one of the nation’s highest tax rates. The cigarettes were possessed and transported in West Virginia.
Each of the five defendants pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Traffic in Contraband Cigarettes.” Each of the defendants faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Stein and Shawn Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations, the Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia Office of Attorney General, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the West Virginia State Police, the New York Department of Taxation and Finance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Final Two Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison in Stockton Gun and Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Melissa Torres, 29, and Sally Evans, 28, both of Stockton, were sentenced today by United States District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. for their involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine and firearms from a residence in Stockton, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
Torres was sentenced to nine years in prison for distribution of methamphetamine and dealing firearms without a license. Evans was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine.
“Criminals who traffic illegal drugs often possess firearms as a part of their unlawful enterprise. Targeting armed narcotic traffickers remains a top priority for ATF,” said Special Agent in Charge Jill A. Snyder.
According to court documents, in January, February, and March of 2014, Melissa Torres met with an undercover agent on eight separate occasions. During each of those meetings, Torres either sold or assisted in the sale of methamphetamine or firearms to the undercover agent. In total, Torres was involved in selling more than a half pound of methamphetamine and eight firearms to the undercover agent. The firearms included four pistols, a handgun, two rifles, and a shotgun. During that same time frame, Evans was involved in the sale of more than one pound of methamphetamine to the undercover agent. Co-defendant Jorge Magana supplied much of the methamphetamine sold by Torres and Evans. Co-defendants Donovan Torres and Johnny Torres supplied several of the firearms sold by Melissa Torres. Donovan Torres and Johnny Torres also sold the undercover ATF agent several firearms.
Melissa Torres and Sally Evans are the final defendants sentenced in this case. Three co-defendants have already been sentenced in this case – Jorge Magana, Johnny Torres, and Donovan Torres. On October 8, 2015, Jorge Magana was sentenced to eight years and one month in prison. On March 26, 2015, Johnny Torres was sentenced to two years in prison. On April 9, 2015, Donovan Torres was sentenced to 10 months in prison.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Stockton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Christiaan Highsmith prosecuted the case.
Fernandina Beach Man Indicted for Making Multiple Hoax Bomb ThreatsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return of an indictment charging David Anthony Moody (26, Fernandina Beach) with six counts of making hoax bomb threats. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison on each count.
According to the indictment, Moody left notes at various public places in Fernandina Beach between January 30 and February 2, 2016. Each of the six notes stated, in substance, that a bomb was going to explode in the downtown Fernandina Beach area.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Fernandina Beach Police Department, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Coast Guard Explosives Detection Team, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations – Jacksonville Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Federal Jury Convicts Smith County Man of Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A 23-year-old Tyler, Texas man has been convicted of drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Jose Maldonado Barragan was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 10, 2016, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm while illegally in the United States, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The jury deliberated less than two hours before reaching a verdict following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider.
According to information presented in court, the Defendant supplied methamphetamine for several months in the spring of 2014. An eight ounce seizure occurred in Palestine, Texas on Mar. 31, 2014 which was later tied to the Defendant. Additionally, a four pound seizure occurred on May 12, 2014 in Tyler, Texas. The Defendant’s fingerprints were later found on the packaging. Barragan was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 28, 2015.
Barragan faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress and is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Ann Cozby and Ryan Locker.
Federal Jury Convicts Milwaukee Man of Transporting a Minor to Illinois from Wisconsin to Engage in ProstitutionRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Milwaukee man was convicted in federal court today of transporting an underage girl to the Chicago area from Wisconsin to engage in prostitution.
DAJUAN KEY, 32, brought the girl to the Chicago area from Madison, Wisc., in September 2013. At the time, the victim was 15 years old. Once in the Chicago area, Key forced the girl to engage in commercial sex acts, with Key keeping all of the money.
After a three-day trial in federal court in Chicago, the jury convicted Key on one count of knowingly transporting a minor from Wisconsin to Illinois to engage in prostitution. The conviction is punishable by a mandatory minimum of ten years and a maximum of life in prison.
U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 23, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.
Evidence at Key’s trial revealed that Key encountered a minor online and travelled to Madison to pick her up and bring her to southwest suburban Romeoville. Key took photographs of the girl, provided her with lingerie to wear, and posted advertisements on the website Backpage.com. Key rented multiple hotel rooms that were used for encounters with individuals who responded to the advertisements. Key then collected all of the money earned by the minor victim.
The victim was rescued by officers of the Romeoville Police Department on Sept. 10, 2013, and Key was arrested.
The conviction was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Romeoville Police Department provided assistance.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. The CETF is part of a nationwide effort known as the Innocence Lost National Initiative targeting the commercial sexual exploitation of children in the United States. In Chicago, the CETF is composed of FBI special agents and investigators from the Chicago Police Department, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine Sawyer and Christopher V. Parente.
Federal Inmate who Orchestrated Stolen Check Scheme from Prison Sentenced to Another 9+ Years in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former Las Vegas resident who was incarcerated in the federal prison in Victorville while he oversaw a scheme to obtain and cash stolen checks has been sentenced to another 110 months in prison for conspiring to commit bank fraud.
Kingsley Osemwengie, 30, was sentenced Monday by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner for orchestrating a fraud ring that attempted to negotiate millions of dollars in Los Angeles County warrants – which are essentially checks issued by the municipality – that had been stolen by a corrupt postal employee.
The corrupt postal employee – Sabrina Pittman, 44, a resident of Watts – pleaded guilty on Monday before Judge Klausner to conspiring to commit bank fraud.
Osemwengie pleaded guilty in November in relation to an indictment that also charged his brother, Nelson Osemwengie, and two other defendants. The other three defendants have pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing before Judge Klausner.
Members of the conspiracy recruited dozens of bank customers who were willing to provide their ATM cards and access to their accounts in exchange for a share of the proceeds. The warrants were altered to change the name of payees to the names of the recruited account holders. The warrants were deposited into the bank accounts, and members of the conspiracy withdrew as much money as they could before the banks learned the warrants had been fraudulently deposited.
When Osemwengie pleaded guilty, he specifically admitted that a stolen Los Angeles County warrant for $729,340 was deposited into an account at Bank of America in 2014. Other federally-insured financial institutions that suffered losses included Chase Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union and Wells Fargo Bank.
“This scheme sought to victimize county taxpayers and banks insured by the United States," said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. "This crime warranted extending the term of imprisonment by more than nine years.”
The court found that Osemwengie’s scheme attempted to cause losses of more than $1.5 million, which represents the face value of the checks that were fraudulently deposited. However, authorities are continuing to assemble information related to losses in this case. Judge Klausner scheduled a restitution hearing for April 11, at which time he will determine the victims’ actual losses, and Osemwengie will be ordered to repay victims.
The investigation in this case also revealed that co-conspirators attempted to use a drone to smuggle a cell phone into the prison yard at the Federal Correctional Institute in Victorville. The attempt was unsuccessful.
While incarcerated at FCI Victorville, Osemwengie was serving a 172-year sentence for trafficking in prescription narcotics.
Pittman is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Klausner on May 9.
The bank fraud case against Osemwengie was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. The Henderson (Nevada) Police Department, the Los Angeles Office of County Investigations, the United States Bureau of Prisons and the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General provided substantial assistance.
Federal Gun Charge Brought Against Burlington Man with History of Violating Abuse Prevention OrdersRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Mark Caron, 52, of Burlington, with possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense, in this case six felony offenses. The indictment charges that three of the defendant’s six prior felony offenses were violations of state abuse prevention orders.
According to the Government’s allegations, on September 7, 2015, Caron went to the Swanton, Vermont residence of a friend of Caron’s ex-girl-friend’s and accused the friend of having contact with Caron’s ex-girlfriend. The Government alleges that Caron then threatened to shoot this man while Caron was brandishing a firearm.
Caron has pled not guilty to the offense. Magistrate-Judge John Conroy granted the Government’s motion for detention on the grounds that Caron presented a danger to the community. Accordingly, Caron is now in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and being held without bail.
U.S. Attorney Eric Miller noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s renewed commitment to assist state law enforcement authorities in pursuing federal charges, when appropriate, against individuals that pose a risk of domestic violence.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If he is convicted, Caron faces a maximum possible term of imprisonment of ten years.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Swanton Police Department. The United States is represented by Joe Perella and Caron is represented by Steven Barth, Esq. of the Federal Public Defender’s Office.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Robbery, Carjacking, & Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that in federal court yesterday, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard, sentenced JAMAAL EUGENE EVANS, 23, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, to 216 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
On November 19, 2015, EVANS pled guilty to robbery of a business engaged in interstate commerce, carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
On July 31, 2013, EVANS telephoned a friend and asked for a ride. EVANS instructed the driver to proceed to a vacant church parking lot, which was a different location from where EVANS initially requested to go. EVANS displayed a firearm and told the victim to exit the vehicle. The victim complied with the defendant’s instructions. EVANS then shot the victim in each leg and fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. The victim, who suffered a fracture to his left femur, crawled to a road to flag down assistance. He was later transported to the hospital for emergency medical treatment.
According to the investigation, on January 14, 2014, EVANS robbed the RJ Tobacco Store in Fayetteville, North Carolina at gun point. He took $475.00 in currency and merchandise.
During the robbery, EVANS did not wear gloves or a mask, and was caught on video. Officers from the Fayetteville Police Department responded to the scene and collected a water bottle that EVANS had brought to the counter. Subsequently, an expert was able to identify a latent print from the water bottle as EVANS’ print.
The criminal investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fayetteville Police Department, and the Cumberland County Sheriif’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine Burnette and Carrie Randa handled the prosecution on behalf of the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Elk Grove Man Arrested, Charged for Adult Adoption Scheme to Defraud Undocumented ImmigrantsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Helaman Hansen, 63, of Elk Grove, was arrested today after a federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, 11 counts of mail fraud, and one count of wire fraud for operating a fraudulent adult-adoption program that targeted undocumented aliens, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, between October 2012 and January 2016, Hansen and others used various entities such as Americans Helping America (AHA) to sell members of immigrant communities memberships in what he called a “Migration Program.” A central feature of the program was the fraudulent claim that immigrant adults could achieve U.S. citizenship by being legally adopted by an American citizen and completing a list of additional tasks. At first, memberships were sold for annual fees of $150, but that fee gradually grew and eventually was as high as $10,000.
According to the indictment, although some victims completed the adoption stage of the “Migration Program,” not one person obtained citizenship. As early as October 2012, Hansen had been informed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that aliens adopted after their sixteenth birthdays could not obtain citizenship in the manner Hansen was promoting. Despite that notification, Hansen and his co-conspirators induced approximately 500 victims to pay more than $500,000 to join the fraudulent program.
“The indictment returned today alleges a particularly predatory and manipulative type of fraud that takes advantage of the hopes and dreams of undocumented immigrants to extract fees based on false promises,” stated U.S. Attorney Wagner. “The adoption of adult aliens is not a legitimate path to U.S. citizenship. While the charges against this defendant are only allegations at this point, no one should pay fees to anyone making false promises of citizenship through adult adoption.”
“This alleged crime victimized vulnerable, would-be immigrants seeking a legitimate pathway to U.S. citizenship. The victims trusted an individual who misrepresented the success of adult adoption in such matters,” said Special Agent in Charge Monica M. Miller of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Sacramento field office. “The Federal Bureau of Investigation is committed to work with its law enforcement partners to investigate and disrupt fraudulent schemes that exploit vulnerable people for financial gain.”
“It is very unfortunate that some in our communities would choose to misrepresent the American immigration system to deceive and hurt those who are trying only to make a better life for themselves and their families,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge for HSI San Francisco. “It is our entrusted duty to hold these criminals accountable for their actions – and so we shall.”
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney André M. Espinosa is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Hansen faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Victims are encouraged to call the FBI at 916-977-2479.
Domestic Violence Offender from Alamogordo Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Orlando G. Lucero, III, 44, of Alamogordo, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to three years of probation including eight months of home detention with location monitoring for violating the federal firearms laws.
Lucero was arrested on March 25, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition on Feb. 17, 2015 in Otero County, N.M. The criminal complaint alleged that Lucero was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his conviction on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge.
Lucero was subsequently indicted on June 24, 2015. According to the indictment, Lucero was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, battery against a household member and aggravated assault against a household member with a deadly weapon, in the 12th Judicial District Court in Otero County.
On Aug. 21, 2015, Lucero pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that on Feb. 17, 2015, he was in possession of a firearm and approximately 167 rounds of ammunition. Lucero further admitted that at the time he was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of his prior convictions on domestic violence offenses.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Probation and Parole Division of the New Mexico Corrections Department and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo prosecuted the case.
Doctor Charged with Accepting Thousands of Dollars in Cash Bribes for Referrals to Lab CompaniesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A doctor with offices in Toms River, New Jersey, was indicted today for accepting thousands of dollars in cash bribes in exchange for referring his patients to two lab companies that performed blood and DNA testing, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Vincent Destasio, 54, of Toms River, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Newark on one count of conspiracy to accept cash bribes and two substantive counts of accepting cash bribes. The indictment was unsealed today. Destasio will be arraigned on a date to be determined.
According to the indictment and statements made in court:
Destasio, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, was paid cash kickbacks by two sales representatives (Daniel Gilman and Kenneth Robberson) who were partners operating PROMED, which was a marketing and sales company specializing in blood testing laboratories and DNA laboratory testing companies. Gilman and Robberson have both pleaded guilty to an information charging them with conspiracy to bribe a physician and are awaiting sentencing.
From March 2014 through May 2015, Gilman and Robberson solicited Destasio by paying him cash bribes for referring patient lab work to two separate laboratories for which Gilman and Robberson provided marketing and sales. One company (Company 1) was a blood testing laboratory company and the other was a DNA laboratory testing company (Company 2). Neither Company 1 nor Company 2 had any knowledge of or involvement in the kickback scheme.
Gilman and Robberson received monthly commission checks from the two companies for referrals, for 10 percent of the reimbursements paid to the companies by various payors, including Medicare. After receiving the commission checks from the two companies, Gilman and Robberson would identify the number of patients Destasio had referred and pay him a cash kickback based on those patients. Destasio was paid a total of approximately $25,000 in cash bribes for his referrals.
Destasio faces a statutory maximum prison sentence of five years on each count in the indictment and a maximum fine equal to the greatest of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. He will also forfeit $25,000, if convicted.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Campi in Newark, and special agents of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert, with the investigation leading to today’s indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael H. Robertson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care and Government Fraud Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Fishman reorganized the health care fraud practice shortly after taking office, creating a stand-alone Health Care and Government Fraud Unit to handle both criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of health care fraud offenses. Since 2010, the office has recovered more than $635 million in health care fraud and government fraud settlements, judgments, fines, restitution and forfeiture under the False Claims Act, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and other statutes.
Defense counsel: John J. Bruno Jr., Esq., Rutherford, New Jersey
Dentist Pleads Guilty to Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that an Independence, Mo., dentist who formerly practiced at clinics in Springfield, Mo., and Mountain Grove, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to collect more than $167,000 in fraudulent Medicaid payments for child patients of the clinics.
James R. Dye, 66, of Independence, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges him with health care fraud.
In his plea, Dye admitted to conspiring with two others, who operated clinics under the name All About Smiles and contracted with Dye to work at the All About Smiles dental clinics in Springfield and Mountain Grove. All About Smiles, which has now closed all of its clinics, also paid for the services of three other dentists; they are neither charged nor identified in court documents.
By pleading guilty today, Dye admitted that he and his co-conspirators purchased orthodontic appliances, known as Ortho-Tain, for approximately $50 each. The Ortho-Tain device, which Dye prescribed to child patients, was an orthodontic appliance designed to straighten teeth without braces. However, Dye and his co-conspirators billed each appliance to Medicaid as a speech aid prosthesis for approximately $695 (the maximum allowed).
Over a nearly five-year period, from Oct. 6, 2010, to Aug. 19, 2015, Dye and his co-conspirators submitted 241 claims, for which they received reimbursement of $675 to $695 per claim, for a total of $167,090. Dye was the performing provider on 218 claims totaling $151,105. The other dentists were responsible for the remaining amounts.
The Ortho-Tain orthodontic appliance is not a speech aid prosthesis, according to today’s plea agreement, and therefore should have been pre-certified by Medicaid and billed using a different orthodontic code. (A speech aid prosthesis was a maxillofacial prosthetic used to replace a missing part of a patient’s palate, or hole in the roof of the mouth, such as with a patient having a cleft palate. Medicaid did not require providers to obtain prior authorization for speech aid prostheses provided to eligible beneficiaries.)
Dye knew his patients did not qualify for and thus had not received prior authorization for orthodontic treatment, so he knew the Ortho-Tain products were not being billed and paid as orthodontic devices. Had officials administering Medicaid known the conspirators submitted claims for payment for orthodontic appliances that were represented to be speech aid prostheses, Medicaid would not have paid the conspirators’ claims.
Dye admitted that he and his co-conspirators knew Medicaid did not cover orthodontic services unless the Medicaid program’s requirements were met and they received pre-certification, which required review by a dentist/orthodontist employed by Medicaid. For that reason, the conspirators decided to bill the Ortho-Tain appliances as speech aid prostheses in order to bypass the pre-certification requirement.
The vast majority of the orthodontic appliances that Dye and co-conspirators billed as speech aid prostheses were Ortho-Tain orthodontic appliances, but they also billed other orthodontic appliances, such as retainers, as speech aid prostheses.
Under federal statutes, Dye is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Dye must forfeit $167,090, which was derived from the proceeds of the health care fraud scheme, to the government. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven M. Mohlhenrich and Cindi Woolery. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Deming Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Flavio Loya Moncada, 53, of Deming, N.M., pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to methamphetamine trafficking charges.
Moncada was arrested on March 11, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on March 6, 2015, in Doña Ana County, N.M., after Moncada attempted to sell approximately 235.1 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent.
Moncada was subsequently charged in a four-count indictment with distributing methamphetamine on Jan. 10, 2015, Jan. 30, 2015, Feb. 14, 2015, and March 6, 2015. The crimes charged in the indictment took place in Doña Ana County. The indictment also included forfeiture allegations requiring Moncada to forfeit $10,600.00 to the United States.
During yesterday’s proceedings, Moncada pled guilty to the indictment and admitted selling a total of 450.4 grams of pure methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent during four separate drug deals. More specifically, Moncada admitted selling the following quantities of methamphetamine to the undercover agent: 52 grams on Jan. 10, 2015; 92 grams on Jan. 30, 2015; 165 grams on Feb. 14, 2015; and 140 grams on March 6, 2015.
At sentencing, Moncada faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison followed by not less than four years of supervised release. Moncada remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and the HIDTA Regional Interagency Drug Task Force/Metro Narcotics Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
The HIDTA Regional Interagency Drug Task Force/Metro Narcotics Task Force is comprised of officers from the Las Cruces Police Department, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, HSI and the New Mexico State Police. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
Convicted felon sentenced to 39 months in prison for possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Shreveport man was sentenced to 39 months in prison for possessing a shotgun after he was previously convicted of a felony.
Jonathan Paul Bailey, 37, of Shreveport, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the July 22, 2015 guilty plea, agents with Louisiana Probation and Parole were attempting to execute an arrest warrant for another person at Bailey’s residence in Shreveport on March 24, 2015. Agents found a sawed-off 12 gauge shotgun and shells that belonged to Bailey. It was unlawful for Bailey to possess the firearm and ammunition because of his conviction in June of 2000 in the First Judicial District Court in Caddo Parish for armed robbery in which a shotgun was used to rob three people in a restaurant.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm and to promote firearm safety.
The ATF and Louisiana Probation and Parole investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie prosecuted the case.
Columbiana County woman accused of stealing $600,000 from her employerRead the Press Release
A Columbiana County woman was named in a 25-count indictment, accused of defrauding her employer out of more than $600,000 over seven years, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Sharon Ceasar, also known as Sharon Kay Miller, 48, of Hanoverton, was indicted on 25 counts of wire fraud.
Ceasar was working as the office manager for Foster Trucking & Leasing. In that capacity, she submitted the hours worked by employees, as well as miscellaneous expenses, to a payroll company that issued paychecks. Ceaser, without her employer’s knowledge, falsely stated the amount of overtime she worked, reporting as many 80 hours of overtime a week. She also falsely submitted for reimbursements from the company for expenses she never incurred, according to the indictment.
Ceasar defrauded the company of more than $600,000 from 2006 to 2013 as a result of this fraudulent scheme, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa L. Riley following an investigation by the United States Secret Service and the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Department.
Chicago Woman Arrested on Federal Weapons Charges for Giving a Loaded Gun to a Minor for Use in a MurderRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal indictment unsealed today charges a Chicago woman with giving a loaded .38 Special revolver to a minor, knowing that the minor would use it to commit a violent crime.
VANDETTA REDWOOD, 34, is charged with one count of transferring a firearm to a juvenile while knowing that the juvenile intended to use it in a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school zone.
Special agents with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and officers from the Chicago Police Department arrested Redwood this morning. She pleaded not guilty during her arraignment today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez. Redwood was ordered held in federal custody until a detention hearing on Feb. 16, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Amy J. St. Eve.
The indictment was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Jeffery Magee, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division of ATF; and Chicago Police Interim Superintendent John Escalante.
“Prosecuting federal weapons laws is a top priority of our office,” said Mr. Fardon. “We will not hesitate to use every available federal tool to charge those responsible for furthering the cycle of violence in Chicago.”
“The circumstances of this case are tragic,” said Special Agent Magee. “ATF is committed to investigating firearms-related violent crime and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”
“The Chicago Police Department is relentlessly focused on targeting guns and the offenders that use them to victimize our communities,” said Chicago Police Interim Superintendent John Escalante. “We will continue to use the full weight of our state and federal partners to send a very clear message that gun violence is not going to be tolerated on the streets of Chicago.”
According to the indictment, Redwood gave the loaded revolver to the minor on April 28, 2014. The indictment contends that Redwood knew the minor intended to use the gun to commit a crime of violence, namely first-degree murder and other firearm-related offenses. Redwood possessed the gun within 1,000 feet of two elementary schools on Chicago’s West Side – Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School and Visitation Catholic School, according to the indictment.
The charge of transferring a gun to a minor for use in a crime of violence carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. Possessing a gun within 1,000 feet of a school is punishable by up to five years.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and 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. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Nasser.
Indictment
Charges Allege Quakertown Business Owner Exploited the USDOT Disadvantaged Business ProgramRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Rajat K. Verma, 66, of Quakertown, PA, was charged by information with conspiracy in a fraud scheme involving the USDOT Disadvantaged Business Program and work performed on the federally funded George C. Platt Memorial Bridge Project, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
Verma is the president and sole owner of Vertech, a corporation in Quakertown that is currently certified as a Disadvantaged Business. In April 2011, PENNDOT awarded an approximately $42.7 million contract to perform structural steel painting and repairs on the George C. Platt Memorial Bridge in Philadelphia. The contract was awarded to a joint venture - “DE JV” – which is composed of Company D and Company E, neither of which is a certified disadvantaged business. During the bid process in March 2011, the DE JV submitted a commitment to PENNDOT to subcontract approximately $3.1 million in Disadvantaged Business work to Vertech to supply paint materials for that project. The DE JV, Company D, and Company E negotiated contracts for and ordered materials for the Platt Bridge Project directly with suppliers that were not Disadvantaged Businesses, and without the knowledge or involvement of Vertech. Vertech did not perform any commercially useful function, but allegedly acted as a mere pass-through or front, to give the appearance that disadvantaged business enterprise requirements had been met on the Platt Bridge Project. PENNDOT awarded approximately $1.97M in Disadvantaged Business credit to the DE JV during the course of the Platt Bridge Project based on Disadvantaged Business work allegedly performed by Vertech. It is alleged that DE JV paid Vertech 1.75% of the face value of the invoices processed by Vertech to act as a pass-through.
If convicted, Verma faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a possible fine, supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, the FBI, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and IRS Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Shapiro.
An information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Charges Allege New Jersey Woman Exploited the USDOT Disadvantaged Business ProgramRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Joyce Abrams, 75, of Willingboro, NJ, was charged by Information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a scheme involving the USDOT Disadvantaged Business Program and work performed on the federally funded Girard Point Bridge project and at the federally funded 30th Street Station, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
Abrams was the president and sole owner of Markias, a now-defunct certified Disadvantage Business. The alleged scheme involved a joint venture, referred to in the charging information as the “AB JV,” composed of Company A and Company B, both of which are bridge painting contractors but neither of which are certified Disadvantaged Businesses in Pennsylvania.
In September 2009, PENNDOT awarded a contract for approximately $70.3M to a triventure that included the AB JV to perform structural steel painting and repairs, and concrete repairs, on the Girard Point Bridge in Philadelphia. As part of that award, the triventure made a commitment to PENNDOT to subcontract approximately $4.7M in Disadvantaged Business work to Markias to supply materials to be used in performing the contract. Under governing law, AB JV and the triventure were only entitled to Disadvantaged Business credit for worked performed by a Disadvantaged Business that was performing a commercially useful function. Instead, according to the information, the AB JV and Employee No. 1 ordered materials needed for their work on the Girard Point Project directly from suppliers that were not Disadvantaged Businesses, and used Markias as a mere pass-through or front, to give the appearance that disadvantaged business enterprise requirements had been met on the Girard Point Project when those requirements had in fact not been met. Markias did not perform a commercially useful function. PENNDOT awarded approximately $3.26M in Disadvantaged Business credit to Company A, Company B, and Company C during the course of the Girard Point Project based on Disadvantaged Business work allegedly performed by Markias.
In December 2010, PENNDOT awarded contract for approximately $50.8 million to a joint venture of Company C and Company F to perform structural steel painting and repairs and roadway reconstruction beneath and around AMTRAK’s 30th Street Train Station in Philadelphia. Company C and Company F entered into a subcontract, for approximately $15 million, for the AB JV to perform the structural steel painting beneath 30th Street Station. As part of the bid process, Company C and Company F committed to subcontract approximately $1.7M in Disadvantaged Business work to Markias to supply paint materials for the 30th Street Project. Instead, according to the information, the AB JV and Employee No. 1 ordered materials needed for their work on the 30th Station Project directly from suppliers that were not Disadvantaged Businesses, and used Markias as a mere pass-through or front, to give the appearance that disadvantaged business enterprise requirements had been met on the 30th Station Project when those requirements had in fact not been met. Markias did not perform a commercially useful function.
In addition, the information alleges that the AB JV and Employees No. 1 No. 2 ordered materials to be delivered to and used on out-of-state projects while directing that the purchase invoices be sent to Markias in New Jersey. Then, allegedly at the direction of AB JV and Employee No. 1, Joyce Abrams issued invoices that made it falsely appear that those supplies had been used on the 30th Street Project in Pennsylvania. The AB JV allegedly caused Company C and Company F to falsely report to PENNDOT that the supplies delivered to and used on the out-of-state projects qualified for Disadvantaged Business credit in Pennsylvania when those purchases did not so qualify. PENNDOT awarded approximately $1.275 million in Disadvantaged Business credit to Company C and Company F during the course of the 30th Street Station Project based on Disadvantaged Business work supposedly performed by disadvantaged business (Markias). AB JV paid Markias 2.25% of the face value of the invoices processed by Markias allegedly to act as a pass-through.
If convicted the defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a possible fine, supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, the FBI, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and IRS Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Shapiro.
An information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Chambers County Woman Guilty of Federal Income Tax ViolationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 43-year-old Hankamer, Texas woman has pleaded guilty to federal income tax violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Holly D. Kirkwood pleaded guilty to filing a false income tax return today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin.
According to information presented in court, beginning around January 2008 and continuing to 2011, Kirkwood was the office manager and bookkeeper for Rustbusters, a painting and sandblasting corporation, based in Humble, Texas. As part of her job responsibilities Kirkwood submitted forms to Employers One Source Group (EOSG), an employee staff leasing and payroll company, for reimbursement of expenses incurred by employees of Rustbusters. EOSG prepared and issued reimbursement checks to employees for expenses incurred by the employees of Rustbusters. In 2008, Kirkwood began submitting reimbursement forms to EOSG for the purchase of sand and grit purportedly made by her and used by the company in its operations, when in fact no such purchases had been made. This fraudulent reimbursement scheme continued through early 2011during which she received numerous reimbursement checks totaling $567,332.00 in 2008, $713,474.00 in 2009, and $671,014.00 in 2010. Because of the large increase in Rustbuster’s business during peak oil drilling years the excess reimbursements were not discovered until a forensic audit was conducted by a CPA firm. Kirkwood failed to report on her individual income tax returns for 2008 -2010 the additional unauthorized reimbursements monies received during those years instead reporting only her normal W-2 wages. Her tax returns were prepared in Orange, Texas. The additional tax due and owing for the 2008-2010 years is $209,831 in 2008, $249,766 in 2009, $219,971 in 2010, and $4,796 in 2011, totaling $684,364.
Kirkwood agreed to pay criminal restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and remains civilly liable for all penalties and interest. Under federal statutes, Kirkwood faces up to three years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress and is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Rawls.
Carlsbad Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Narcotics Trafficking and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Johnny Joe Crowley, 50, of Carlsbad, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to violating federal narcotics trafficking and firearms laws. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Crowley will be sentenced within the range of 84 to 96 months in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Crowley was arrested on July 28, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm in Eddy County, N.M., on March 10, 2015. On that day, the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force (PVDTF) executed a search warrant at Crowley’s residence and seized approximately $3,248.00 in cash, a loaded handgun, ammunition and approximately 13.75 grams of methamphetamine.
Crowley was subsequently indicted on Dec. 9, 2015, and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. At the time, Crowley was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of numerous felony offenses including aggravated assault, receiving stolen property, distribution of methamphetamine, criminal damage to property, failure to appear, felon in possession of a firearm, escape from custody of a peace officer and conspiracy.
During today’s change of plea hearing, Crowley pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that on March 10, 2015, he possessed 14 grams of methamphetamine and a handgun. Crowley acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his status as a convicted felon.
Crowley remains in federal custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy M. Castellano is prosecuting the case.
The Pecos Valley Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Carlsbad Police Department and Artesia Police Department and is part of the HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking Charge in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Edgar Rodriguez, 26, of San Diego, Calif., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a methamphetamine trafficking charge. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Rodriguez will be sentenced to 54 months in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Rodriguez was arrested in May 2015, and charged in a criminal complaint with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on May 15, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M. According to the criminal complaint, on May 15, 2015, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents executed a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Rodriguez on Interstate 40. While searching Rodriguez’s vehicle, the agents found approximately 11 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the vehicle. Rodriguez was indicted on the same charge on May 28, 2015.
During today’s proceedings, Rodriguez pled guilty to a felony information charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In his plea agreement, Rodriguez admitted that on May 15, 2015, he consented to a search of his car during a traffic stop and that the officer conducting the search found the methamphetamine in the car.
Rodriguez remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of HSI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec.