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Tuesday 2 February 2016
Former Davis, Ill. Resident Sentenced to 26 Months in Federal Prison for Failure to Register as a Convicted Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A former Davis, Ill. resident was sentenced in federal court today by U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Kapala for failure to register under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”). MARK STEPHEN CURTIS, 29, was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Curtis pleaded guilty to the charge on Oct. 26, 2015. In the written plea agreement, Curtis admitted that he was a sex offender required to register in Illinois under SORNA. Curtis moved from North Carolina to Davis, Ill. during September 2014, and remained a resident in Davis, Ill. until at least Oct. 19, 2014. Curtis admitted that he did not register as a sex offender as required, despite knowing that he needed to register within three days of moving to a new state.
The sentencing was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Edward Gilmore, United States Marshal for the Northern District of Illinois.
The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Love.
Former Aurora Resident Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for $4.8 Million International Timeshare FraudRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An Aurora native who operated several fraudulent Mexican real estate businesses was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for his role in a $4.8 million swindle of timeshare owners.
GILBERT BRETT FREEMAN, 44, led a scheme to defraud more than 1,400 owners by falsely promising that he would sell their Mexican timeshares to corporate buyers. Freeman and others collected payments from the owners for fictitious fees and taxes that he claimed were required to complete Mexican real estate deals, and that he promised would be refunded upon closing. In reality, Freeman had no intention of selling the timeshares or reimbursing the owners.
Freeman instead used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle that included a penthouse apartment in an oceanfront resort, Rolex watches, numerous vacations, and the rental of a Lamborghini in Las Vegas for $1,399 per day. Some of his victims resided in the Chicago area.
Freeman, a native of Aurora who most recently resided in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, pleaded guilty in 2014 to five counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo imposed the 240-month sentence in federal court in Chicago.
“The defendant’s actions had a devastating impact on countless victims,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Stetler argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Rather than using his victims’ money to fund timeshare sales, the defendant chose to use that money to bankroll an extravagant lifestyle.”
Authorities arrested Freeman in July 2012 in Las Vegas. According to his plea declaration, Freeman was involved with various Mexican-based companies, including International Resorts Resale, Resort Closing Services, Timeshare Consolidators, Timeshare Liquidators, and Transfer My Timeshare. At Freeman’s direction, “lead generators” contacted the timeshare owners and explained that the companies could coordinate the sale of their properties. When an owner expressed interest, company employees known as “liners” followed up to arrange the first payment, which the liners claimed would be refundable even though it wasn’t.
“Closers” from the companies were then brought in to convince the owners to make additional payments to cover the bogus fees and taxes that were purportedly needed to complete the deal, according to the charges. Closers and liners received commissions for each payment collected from the timeshare owners.
The final step involved purported “escrow employees,” who claimed to represent independent businesses and who assured the owners that their money would be securely held until reimbursement. In reality, there were no such escrow agreements, and the so-called escrow representatives were actually working for one of Freeman’s companies, according to the charges.
In all, eleven defendants have been charged in the scheme, which began in 2008 and continued in various forms until January 2015. Four defendants, including Freeman, have pleaded guilty, while the others have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.
The sentencing of Freeman was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and C. Steven Baker, Director of the Midwest Region of the Federal Trade Commission. The government is being represented by Mr. Stetler.
Final Defendant in Shoplifting Ring Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The final defendant in a shoplifting ring that stole over $2.5 million in retail goods and resold them on eBay was sentenced today to three years in prison, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
Jason Nathaniel Reed, 36, of Aspen, Colorado, previously of Vacaville, California, is the seventh defendant sentenced to prison in this case. Jason Schroeder, 36, of Sacramento, was previously sentenced to seven years in prison, Kirk Arthell Sanderson, 37, of Walnut Creek, was previously sentenced to four years in prison; John Judah Young, 34, of Sacramento, was sentence to two and a half years in prison; and David Reed, 29, of Vacaville, was sentenced to one year in prison. Two others, Andrea Lynn Turner, 34, of Roseville, and Joshua Roy Payne, 30, of Vacaville, were each sentenced to two months in prison.
On June 16, 2015, Schroeder pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. According to the plea agreement, in October 2012, a sporting goods company with retail stores in Sacramento called the FBI stating that an eBay account was listing items for sale it suspected were stolen. Follow-up investigation revealed that the account was controlled by co-defendant Schroeder using co-defendant Young’s name, and since 2009, it listed more than 17,000 items for sale, including sporting goods, household items, recreational equipment and pet care products. Most of the items were listed as new or with tags. Virtually all of the items sold on the account were stolen by Reed or others, and were sold at a discount to buyers across the country.
According to the plea agreement, Jason Reed and Jason Schroeder took a road trip across the country to Miami to attend the Super Bowl. On that trip, Schroeder and Reed were stealing items on a daily basis, listing the items for sale on eBay in the evenings, and shipping the items out via FedEx.
Wiretaps and surveillance also revealed the specific roles of other members of the conspiracy. According to court documents, David Reed assisted Schroeder with the packaging and shipment of the stolen merchandise. Sanderson assisted in moving items away from Schroeder’s residence when he learned of the federal investigation. Turner and Payne provided false statements to federal agents upon being interviewed regarding their assistance to Schroeder.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Jeremey J. Kelley are prosecuting the case.
Federal Jury in Fresno Finds Former Fresno National Guard Recruiter Guilty of Recruiting FraudRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On Monday, February 1, 2016, after a seven-day trial, a federal jury found Joaquin Cuenca, 38, of San Diego, guilty of three counts of wire fraud in a scheme to fraudulently obtain bonuses in a recruitment program for the California National Guard, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to evidence produced at trial, Cuenca was a full-time recruiter for the California National Guard in Fresno and defrauded a military recruiting program out of thousands of dollars. The program, the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP), offered a financial incentive to members of the National Guard and others (called Recruiting Assistants, or RAs) who nominated new soldiers. If an RA referred a potential Guard member to a recruiting office and that person ultimately enlisted, the RA was typically eligible to receive $1,000 when a nominee enlisted and $1,000 more when the nominee left for basic training. Because the point of the program was to encourage other soldiers to join in the recruiting effort, G‑RAP incentives were not available for soldiers employed by the Guard as recruiters. Ultimately, G-RAP was discontinued following the discovery of widespread fraud.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Cuenca, was a recruiter and not eligible for bonuses through G-Rap. However, he fed information about new recruits to soldiers who were eligible for G-RAP. Those soldiers (or Cuenca himself) then would enter the information about the new solder online and claim a bonus even though the RA had not in fact referred the new soldier at all. Cuenca would often receive a portion of the bonuses.
“Cuenca joins the ranks of others who have been brought to justice for defrauding G‑RAP and the Army National Guard,” said U.S. Attorney Wagner. “Cuenca and his co-schemers discovered a natural flaw in the program and exploited it. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to uncover and prosecute fraud and abuse of taxpayer money.”
“Joaquin Cuenca's greed and criminal activity permanently tarnished his military career and disrespected the sacrifice of the many men and women who serve our country with honor,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Monica Miller of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Sacramento field office. “We thank Army Criminal Investigative Command for their continued partnership, ensuring criminals face justice when they allow greed to eclipse their duty to fellow serve members and the American people.”
Chris Hendrickson, Special Agent in Charge of the Western Field Office, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, said: “Corruption strikes at the heart of good government and erodes public trust. The investigation of these offenses is a top priority for the DCIS, its investigative partners, and the U.S. Attorney's Office. Today's verdict demonstrates that there is zero tolerance for this type of shameful misconduct.”
"When individuals fail to live up to the values of the U.S. Armed Forces, they should be held accountable," said Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, California's Adjutant General. "We applaud the U.S. Attorney's Office and the law enforcement community in helping us keep the Cal Guard a force of which our communities can be proud."
Cuenca is the second person to be convicted in this district in the last 10 days in connection with fraud with G-RAP. On January 22, 2016, Richard Sihner, 54, of Elk Grove was convicted by a jury in Sacramento of 18 counts of wire fraud and making false statements.
Cuenca is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Dale A. Drozd on May 16, 2016. Cuenca faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of wire fraud. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is the product of an ongoing investigation by the Army Criminal Investigative Command Major Procurement Fraud Unit, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Tierney and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Alexis Loeb are prosecuting the case.
Other National Guard members and recruiters have been charged in similar recruiting‑fraud schemes in the Eastern District of California. The following defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
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2:14-cr-153 TLN — Brian Kaps, 42, of Chico, pleaded guilty on November 21, 2014, to one count of wire fraud. Sentencing is set for February 4, 2016.
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2:14-cr-152 TLN — Sarah Nattress, 28, of Paradise, pleaded guilty on October 23, 2014, to one count of wire fraud. A status conference for sentencing is set for February 4, 2016.
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1:14-cr-107 DAD — Leonardo Pesta, 47, of Mountain View, pleaded guilty on July 27, 2015, to one count of wire fraud. Sentencing is set for April 26, 2016.
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1:14-cr-108-LJO — Nicholas Huerta, 33, of Fresno, pleaded guilty on September 14, 2015 to one count of wire fraud. Sentencing is set for November 14, 2016.
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2:14-cr-151 JAM — Richard C. Sihner, 54, of Elk Grove, was found guilty of 18 counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements. Sentencing is set for May 3, 2016.
Charges are pending against the following (the charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt):
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2:15-cr-005 TLN — Steel A. Davis, 43, of Paradise, was charged with eight counts of wire fraud on January 8, 2015. A status conference is set for February 4, 2016.
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1:14-cr-109 LJO — Jimmy Maldonado, 35, a recruiter, and his wife Mayra Garcia Maldonado, 29, a recruiting assistant, both of Fresno, are allegedly responsible for causing $40,000 in fraudulent bonuses. Trial is scheduled for May 3, 2016.
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Federal Election Fraud Fact SheetRead the Press Release
Most issues concerning the administration and conduct of elections are governed and regulated by state law and are best addressed by state and local election officials. Federal law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities have jurisdiction to investigate and, when appropriate, prosecute election fraud in the following circumstances:
I. Federal Criminal Jurisdiction
Federal criminal jurisdiction over the activities described below can generally be obtained when those activities take place:
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In elections where a federal candidate’s name is on the ballot.
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In any election (federal or nonfederal), when the fraud involves the necessary participation of an election official acting “under color of law.”
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In connection with voter registration. The fact that voter registration is “unitary” in all 50 States (a citizen registers once to become eligible to vote for both federal and nonfederal candidates) confers federal jurisdiction regardless of the type of election.
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In connection with the misuse, or unauthorized trespass, involving a computer system used in connection with an election, to the extent that the misuse or trespass is conducted “under color of law.”
II. Conduct Actionable as Federal Election Fraud, Intimidation, or Suppression
The following activities provide a basis for federal prosecution under the statutes referenced in each category:
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Paying voters to register to vote, or to vote in elections where a federal candidate’s name is on the ballot (52 U.S.C. § 10307, 18 U.S.C. § 597), or through the use of the mails in those States where vote buying is a “bribery” offense (18 U.S.C. § 1952), or in federal elections in those States where purchased votes or registrations are voidable under state law (52 U.S.C. § 20511).
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Multiple voting in a federal election, voting for individuals in a federal election who do not personally participate in the voting act attributed to them, or impersonating voters (52 U.S.C. §§ 10307, 20511).
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Intimidating voters through physical duress in any election (18 U.S.C. § 245(b)(1)(A)); or through physical or economic intimidation in connection with registration to vote or voting in a federal election (52 U.S.C. § 20511, 18 U.S.C. § 594).If the victim is a federal employee, intimidation in connection with all elections is prohibited (18 U.S.C. § 610).
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Malfeasance by election officials, acting “under color of law,” such as diluting valid ballots with invalid ones (so-called “ballot box stuffing”), rendering false vote tabulations, or preventing valid voter registrations or votes from being given effect in any election (18 U.S.C. §§ 241, 242), as well as in elections where federal candidates are on the ballot (52 U.S.C. §§ 10307, 20511).
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Qualifying fictitious individuals to vote in federal elections by placing fictitious names on voter registration rolls (52 U.S.C. §§ 10307, 20511); or through “color of law” in any election (18 U.S.C. §§ 241, 242).
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Preventing or impeding qualified voters from participating in an election where a federal candidate’s name is on the ballot through such tactics as disseminating false information as to the date, timing, or location of federal voting activity (18 U.S.C. §§ 241, 242).
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Registering to vote, or voting in a federal election, by persons who are not entitled to vote under applicable state law, most notably persons who have committed serious crimes, and persons who are not United States citizens (18 U.S.C. §§ 1015(f), 611, and 52 U.S.C. § 20511).
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Falsely claiming United States citizenship in connection with registering to vote or voting in any election (18 U.S.C. §§ 911, 1015(f)).
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Voting in a federal election by anyone who is not a United States citizen in those States where citizenship is a requisite for the franchise (currently all 50 States) (18 U.S.C. § 611).
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Providing false information concerning a voter’s name, address, or period of residence in order to register to vote, or to vote in a federal election (52 U.S.C. §§ 10307, 20511).
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Causing the submission of voter registrations in any election, or of ballots in federal elections, that are materially defective under applicable state law (52 U.S.C. § 20511).
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Ordering, keeping, or having under one’s control any troops or armed men at any polling place in a general or special election, if one is a civil or military officer or employee of the United States government (18 U.S.C. § 592).
To report federal election fraud, intimidation, or suppression contact the United States Attorney’s Office Election Day Hotline at (603) 230-2503. Inquiries and complaints may also be submitted through the United States Attorney’s website at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nh by clicking on the “email us” link.
Complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, D.C. at 1-800-253-3931 or by TTY at 1-877-267-8971.
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Father and Son Indicted for Armed Bank RobberyRead 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 a grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging Brandon Loyd, 19, and his father, Duane Loyd, 44, both of Buffalo, NY, with bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during the bank robbery. The bank robbery charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The firearm charge carries a mandatory penalty of at least seven years prison up to life in prison, consecutive to any prison term imposed for the bank robbery and a $250,000 fine. Duane Loyd was also charged with possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank T. Pimentel, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on December 7, 2015 at approximately 11:40 a.m., Brandon Loyd walked into the Key Bank located at 4248 Delaware Avenue in Tonawanda, NY, put a painter’s respirator mask over his face, approached the tellers, and demanded money. As he was demanding money, the defendant displayed a firearm and issued orders causing the customers in the bank to raise their hands in the air. Brandon Loyd subsequently fled the bank with and entered a vehicle driven by his father, Duane Loyd.
A police chase ensued which resulted in the getaway vehicle and a City of Tonawanda Police cruiser colliding. Both Duane Loyd and Brandon Loyd fled the getaway vehicle but were captured shortly thereafter. Police recovered a disassembled pistol with a magazine containing 12 rounds of ammunition.
The two will be arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hugh B. Scott at a later date.The indictment is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen; the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Jerome C. Uschold, III; the City of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Strassburg; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Eight Mississippi Residents Arrested on Distribution of Methamphetamine and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
OXFORD, Miss. - United States Attorney Felicia C. Adams and Daniel Comeaux, Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Mississippi, announced today that eight individuals were arrested on warrants stemming from an indictment returned by the federal grand jury for the Northern District of Mississippi which charged conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering. A copy of the Indictment is attached.
The following individuals were arrested:
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Jennifer Criddle, Houston, MS
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Deanta Ewing, Vardaman, MS
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Robert Bailey, Ecru, MS
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Trent Montgomery, Ecru, MS
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Paul Marcus Jackson, Cedarbluff, MS
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Contessa Gates, Eupora, MS
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Christopher McKinney, Pheba, MS
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Terry Lynn McKinney, Vardaman, MS
Others previously arrested for similar or related charges include:
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Christopher Graham, Una, MS
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Morickus Davidson, Una, MS
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George Fields, Una, MS
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Akida Williams, Fresno, CA
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Other law enforcement agencies who provided assistance include the U. S. Marshal Service, Sheriff’s Department in Clay, Chickasaw, Calhoun, Webster and Pontotoc Counties, Houston Police Department, Pontotoc Police Department and Calhoun City Police Department.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt and that each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Disbarred Attorney Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Scheme to Defraud Clients of More Than $841,000Read the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced former attorney Saundra Lucille White, a/k/a Lucille Parrish-White and six variations of those names, age 57, of Lothian, Maryland, today to 11 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to defraud clients of $841,908.57. Judge Grimm also entered an order requiring White to pay restitution of $841,908.57, and to forfeit that same amount, along with property and several vehicles.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Robert Geary of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; and Interim Chief Henry P. Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to the evidence presented at White’s seven day trial, in March 2010, White agreed to assist Victim H to obtain guardianship for a relative (Victim M) who had been incapacitated by a stroke. At White’s request Victim H provided White with an accounting of Victim M’s assets. With White’s assistance, Victim H obtained guardianship of Victim M a short time later. Victim M died on January 7, 2011. White was disbarred from the practice of law in the District of Columbia on January 20, 2011 and disbarred in Maryland on September 9, 2011. White did not inform Victim H of her pending disbarment, nor did she tell Victim H that she was no longer a licensed attorney.
According to trial evidence, from March 2010 through May 2013, White created fraudulent tax notices that purported to be from the Internal Revenue Service, and demanded payment of taxes purportedly owed by Victim M and by a deceased relative of Victim M. The notices required that payments be sent to an entity called Intel Realty Financial Services (IRFS) at a mailbox in Annapolis, Maryland, controlled by White. White then mailed and faxed the fraudulent tax notices to Victim H, advising Victim H that in her role as legal guardian of Victim M, she was required to remit payments for these taxes to the address in the notice. Once White obtained the checks sent by Victim H in response to the fraudulent tax notices, totaling $750,000, she deposited them in the bank accounts she opened in the names of IRFS and Victim M. White withdrew the funds from the bank accounts, forging Victim M’s signature on checks made out to White, other entities controlled by White, a family member, or otherwise for White’s benefit. White also obtained debit cards in Victim M’s name and attempted to obtain a Maryland driver’s license in the name of Victim M, but bearing White’s photograph. White used some of the money to purchase luxury items, including a $20,500 check used as a down payment for a 2011 Silver Volvo C70 hard-top convertible.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended TIGTA, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James I. Pearce of the U.S. Department of Justice, who prosecuted the case.
Deputy County Attorney Quick Honored for Role in Veterans CourtRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – Deputy Cascade County Attorney Jennifer Quick was honored today for her work on the Cascade County Veterans Court. Quick was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana at the February 2nd Veterans Court graduation by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeff Starnes and Joe Cik, acting on behalf of Montana U.S. Attorney Mike Cotter.
The Cascade County Veterans Court was established in 2013. In March of 2015, because of a collaborative agreement between Montana’s Eighth Judicial District Court, the Montana Federal District Court, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Veterans Court began accepting qualifying veterans charged with federal crimes. The Veterans Court serves as an alternative to prison for qualifying veterans. Participants are required to engage in intensive multi-stage professional counseling and treatment for substance abuse, mental health, disability, and other issues including but not limited to those related to their military service. They are also required to abide by strict conditions, follow rigorous treatment plans, and attend scheduled hearings before a judge.
Quick served as the founding prosecutor of the Cascade County Veterans Court from 2013 to 2015. “Jennifer is personally and professionally passionate about veterans’ issues,” said Judge Greg Pinski of the Eighth Judicial District, who oversees the Veterans Court. “She went above and beyond by engaging in outreach efforts to expand enrollment and educate other Montana prosecutors on the benefits of the Veterans Court. Without her support and hard work, the Cascade County Veterans Court would not exist.”
“Jennifer Quick and Judge Pinski are to be commended for their instrumental roles as catalysts for the Cascade County Veteran’s Court, and we look forward to a continuing state and federal collaboration,” said Montana U.S. Attorney Mike Cotter. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the forum they have created to give veterans charged with federal crimes an opportunity to obtain structured treatment that will allow them to return to their lives, families, and communities in Montana.”
Quick’s recognition followed a graduation ceremony honoring three new Veterans Court graduates. Since its inception in 2013, twenty-four veterans have participated in the Cascade County Veterans Court. Today’s graduates bring the number of program graduates to eleven. Twelve participants, including one federal probationer, are currently enrolled in the program.
Department of Justice, EPA and the State of Utah Reach Agreement with Salt Lake County to Reduce Polluted Runoff and Protect Water QualityRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Utah have reached an agreement with Salt Lake County to resolve alleged Clean Water Act violations associated with the County’s stormwater management program. This agreement, lodged as a consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah today, requires the county to take specific measures to reduce illegal stormwater and non-stormwater discharges to Jordan River Valley surface waters by thoroughly implementing the requirements of its municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit. The county will also pay a civil penalty of $280,000.
“This agreement is good news for water quality in Salt Lake County and the people and wildlife that depend on it,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The settlement today is the result of a joint enforcement action by the State of Utah and the United States that will protect the area’s precious water resources from contaminated runoff for many years to come.”
“Protecting the water quality in Salt Lake County is a priority for all of us,” said U.S. Attorney John W. Huber for the District of Utah. “Salt Lake County, working together with the State of Utah, the EPA, and the Department of Justice, has agreed to take several measures that will help protect the Jordan River watershed going forward.”
“Preventing and managing polluted runoff in urban areas is essential to protecting water quality,” said Director Suzanne Bohan for EPA’s Enforcement Program in Denver, Colorado. “The rivers and streams in the Jordan River watershed support growing populations and provide significant economic and recreational benefits in Salt Lake County’s communities. EPA will continue to take steps to ensure that municipalities have viable stormwater programs in place to reduce polluted runoff and protect water resources.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Salt Lake County will secure adequate resources to fully maintain and implement its stormwater program, including training and maintaining full-time staff. The county will also take measures to remedy several identified deficiencies, including procedures to review construction site stormwater control plans, inspect sites with active construction or industrial activity and enforce sediment and erosion control requirements. In addition, the county will ensure structural controls are properly installed and maintained and will improve efforts to identify and eliminate illegal discharges to stormwater infrastructure.
The volume of annual runoff in the Jordan River Valley is estimated at 190 million cubic meters per year, a figure that underscores the importance of local efforts to manage stormwater so it does not become contaminated before reaching surface waters. The Jordan River watershed supports fish, migratory bird species and wildlife and provides water for recreation, irrigation and public supply.
Stormwater runoff from rain and snowmelt events can pick up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils and sediment as it flows over land and impervious surfaces, such as industrial storage areas, paved streets and parking lots. These pollutants can damage the health of a watershed and cause changes in the water quality, resulting in impaired drinking water sources, habitat modification and loss, increased flooding, decreased aquatic biological diversity and increased sedimentation and erosion. Stormwater controls—also known as best management practices—filter out pollutants and prevent pollution by controlling it at its source.
The Clean Water Act uses a permitting process to manage stormwater discharges from three types of sources: municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), construction activities, and industrial activities. These permits are designed to prevent runoff from rain and snowmelt events from washing harmful pollutants into local surface waters. MS4s are systems of conveyances for storm water that include infrastructure such as storm drains, pipes, ditches and roads. MS4 permits are designed to reduce the release of contaminated runoff into MS4s and the waters into which they discharge. EPA and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality inspected the County’s MS4 in 2012 and identified numerous violations of the County’s MS4 permit.
The consent decree agreement requires the county to pay a one-time civil penalty of $280,000, including $140,000 to the United States and $140,000 to the State of Utah, with an opportunity to offset a portion of the state amount through the completion of supplemental environmental projects.
The settlement, lodged today is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. The settlement will be available for viewing at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html
For more information on EPA’s NPDES stormwater program visit: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program
Department of Justice, EPA and the State of Utah Reach Agreement with Salt Lake County to Reduce Polluted Runoff and Protect Water QualityRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Utah have reached an agreement with Salt Lake County to resolve alleged Clean Water Act violations associated with the County’s stormwater management program. This agreement, lodged as a consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah today, requires the county to take specific measures to reduce illegal stormwater and non-stormwater discharges to Jordan River Valley surface waters by thoroughly implementing the requirements of its municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit. The county will also pay a civil penalty of $280,000.
“This agreement is good news for water quality in Salt Lake County and the people and wildlife that depend on it,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The settlement today is the result of a joint enforcement action by the State of Utah and the United States that will protect the area’s precious water resources from contaminated runoff for many years to come.”
“Protecting the water quality in Salt Lake County is a priority for all of us,” said U.S. Attorney John W. Huber for the District of Utah. “Salt Lake County, working together with the State of Utah, the EPA, and the Department of Justice, has agreed to take several measures that will help protect the Jordan River watershed going forward.”
“Preventing and managing polluted runoff in urban areas is essential to protecting water quality,” said Director Suzanne Bohan for EPA’s Enforcement Program in Denver, Colorado. “The rivers and streams in the Jordan River watershed support growing populations and provide significant economic and recreational benefits in Salt Lake County’s communities. EPA will continue to take steps to ensure that municipalities have viable stormwater programs in place to reduce polluted runoff and protect water resources.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Salt Lake County will secure adequate resources to fully maintain and implement its stormwater program, including training and maintaining full-time staff. The county will also take measures to remedy several identified deficiencies, including procedures to review construction site stormwater control plans, inspect sites with active construction or industrial activity and enforce sediment and erosion control requirements. In addition, the county will ensure structural controls are properly installed and maintained and will improve efforts to identify and eliminate illegal discharges to stormwater infrastructure.
The volume of annual runoff in the Jordan River Valley is estimated at 190 million cubic meters per year, a figure that underscores the importance of local efforts to manage stormwater so it does not become contaminated before reaching surface waters. The Jordan River watershed supports fish, migratory bird species and wildlife and provides water for recreation, irrigation and public supply.
Stormwater runoff from rain and snowmelt events can pick up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils and sediment as it flows over land and impervious surfaces, such as industrial storage areas, paved streets and parking lots. These pollutants can damage the health of a watershed and cause changes in the water quality, resulting in impaired drinking water sources, habitat modification and loss, increased flooding, decreased aquatic biological diversity and increased sedimentation and erosion. Stormwater controls—also known as best management practices—filter out pollutants and prevent pollution by controlling it at its source.
The Clean Water Act uses a permitting process to manage stormwater discharges from three types of sources: municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), construction activities, and industrial activities. These permits are designed to prevent runoff from rain and snowmelt events from washing harmful pollutants into local surface waters. MS4s are systems of conveyances for storm water that include infrastructure such as storm drains, pipes, ditches and roads. MS4 permits are designed to reduce the release of contaminated runoff into MS4s and the waters into which they discharge. EPA and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality inspected the County’s MS4 in 2012 and identified numerous violations of the County’s MS4 permit.
The consent decree agreement requires the county to pay a one-time civil penalty of $280,000, including $140,000 to the United States and $140,000 to the State of Utah, with an opportunity to offset a portion of the state amount through the completion of supplemental environmental projects.
The settlement, lodged today is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. The settlement will be available for viewing at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html
For more information on EPA’s NPDES stormwater program visit: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program
Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Disability BenefitsRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On January 29, 2016, James Clayton Bailey, 67, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 15 months in prison for theft of government property, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Bailey was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund. Bailey was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $52,441.20 to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Bailey pleaded guilty to theft of government property on October 26, 2015. According to the plea agreement, Bailey began receiving Social Security Disability benefits in 2003. On October 29, 2009, Bailey was incarcerated in the Iowa Department of Corrections for a sexual abuse conviction. He was released from prison on May 9, 2014. During his incarceration, Bailey failed to notify SSA he was incarcerated and continued to receive his disability payments, knowing he was not qualified to receive such benefits. Bailey received over $52,000.00 in benefits while he was in prison.
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Columbus Tax Preparers Plead Guilty to Identity Theft and Income Tax FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, IIII announced that Michelle Simmons, age 37, of Columbus, and LaRae Townsend, age 36, of Orlando, Florida each pled guilty today, February 2, 2016 to one count of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of filing false and fictitious claims in front of the Honorable Clay D. Land, Chief U.S. District Judge, in Columbus, Georgia.
According the facts stipulated in the plea agreement, from about January 1, 2011, to March 1, 2014, Ms. Simmons was employed as a tax preparer for a “Gatison & Associates,” located on Miller Road in Columbus, Georgia, and “C&C Bill Pay and Tax Services” in Phenix City, Alabama. Ms. Townsend provided names and social security numbers, obtained from a variety of sources, to Ms. Simmons. Ms. Simmons then submitted approximately 557 fraudulent income tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) using an Electronic Filing Identification Number from IRS. Ms. Simmons and Ms. Townsend split the resulting refunds. False claims were filed with the IRS in the total amount of $924,123 in this manner. Due to the fact that some of the returns filed by Ms. Simmons were rejected, the actual loss to the government was $419,139.
Ms. Simmons and Ms. Townsend each face a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both on the wire fraud charges and up to five years and a $250,000 fine as to the false statement charges. Each also faces a mandatory consecutive two year sentence of incarceration on the aggravated identity theft charges. Sentencing will be in approximately sixty (60) days.
“Crimes of this nature produce two separate groups of victims. First are those whose identities are stolen and who are then forced to go through the embarrassment and inconvenience of trying to straighten out all the attendant problems this causes in their lives. The second set of victims are the citizens of the United States, who stood to lose almost $1,000,000 had this scheme not been uncovered through the fine investigative work of the IRS and the Harris County Sheriff’s Department,” said United States Attorney Peterman.
“IRS Criminal Investigation will remain proactive in the investigation of individuals who engage in stealing the identities of innocent people,” said Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge. “We will continue to utilize every tool available to investigate those who victimize members of our community and innocent taxpayers for their own personal gain.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Collin County Woman Guilty in University Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A 42-year-old McKinney, Texas woman has pleaded guilty to federal crimes in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Heather Elizabeth Mercado pleaded guilty to theft today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine A. Nowak.
According to information presented in court, from December 2014 to April 13, 2015, Mercado was employed by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas as Director Talent Acquisition in the Human Resources Department. Mercado also controlled and operated a company, Alliance Consulting Partners (ACP), purportedly in the business of hospital staffing. Mercado devised and executed a scheme in which she represented to UT Southwestern Medical Center that ACP recruited nurses and other personnel to work at UT Southwestern Medical Center thereby causing fraudulent invoices to be generated causing UT Southwestern Medical Center to pay ACP more than $483,000. UT Southwestern officials identified the fraudulent activities and reported it to authorities. Mercado was indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 13, 2016.
Mercado faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. 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 date has not been set.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and University of Texas Southwestern and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Eason.
Colfax County Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal EmployeeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Cody Martinez, 29, of Raton, N.M., who is charged with assaulting a federal employee, was ordered detained pending trial during a hearing earlier today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M. The federal charge against Martinez and the order of detention was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, 8th Judicial District Attorney Donald Gallegos, and Inspector in Charge Keith Fixel of the Phoenix Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Cody Martinez was arrested on Jan. 29, 2016, on the federal criminal complaint for allegedly assaulting a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier on Jan. 20, 2016. According to the criminal complaint, Martinez allegedly struck the victim in the back of the head with a brick while the victim was delivering mail in Colfax County, N.M., on Jan. 20, 2016. Martinez was apprehended shortly thereafter as he allegedly attempted to flee from law enforcement officers. The victim allegedly sustained serious injuries as a result of the assault.
Martinez was arrested on Jan. 20, 2016 on local charges filed by the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Those charges were dismissed in favor of federal prosecution.
If convicted on the federal assault charge, Martinez faces a statutory maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Raton Police Department, with assistance from the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez is prosecuting the case.
Charlotte County Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Daniel Edward Palmer (38, Port Charlotte) to 15 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography, to be followed by a life term of supervision. The Court also ordered him to forfeit his computer and hard drive, which had been used to commit the offense. Palmer pleaded guilty on September 14, 2015.
According to court documents, between March 31, 2014, and July 8, 2014, an undercover FBI task force agent was able to download several child pornography files from Palmer’s computer using a file sharing program. During the execution of a federal search warrant at Palmer’s residence, agents located Palmer in his bedroom with his computer running. He admitted to the agents that he was the only person in the home who had used the computer. Forensic analyses of the computer revealed hundreds of videos depicting child pornography.
This case was investigated by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
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 United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to 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.
Charleston man pleads guilty in federal court to heroin crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Thomas Jarrell, 20, entered his guilty plea in federal court to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Jarrell admitted that on October 1, 2015, at his Georges Creek residence in Malden, he possessed heroin that he intended to distribute. Agents of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team seized the drugs during the execution of a search warrant at Jarrell’s home.
Jarrell faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on May 4, 2016.
The investigation of Jarrell was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution. The hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case is being prosecuted 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.
Chaka Fattah, Jr., Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Fraud and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Chaka Fattah, Jr., 33, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for 22 counts that included fraud and tax charges. On November 5, 2015, a federal jury found Fattah, Jr., guilty of bank fraud; making false statements to banks to obtain loans; making false statements to banks and the Small Business Administration to settle loans for less than what was owed; filing false federal income tax returns for tax years 2005, 2006, and 2008; failing to pay federal income tax; wire fraud; and theft from a program receiving federal funds. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Harvey Bartle III ordered restitution in the amount of $1,172,175, five years of supervised release, and a $2,125 special assessment.
Fattah, Jr., obtained numerous business lines of credit through false and fraudulent statements to local banks and used the funds primarily for personal expenses, rather than business expenses as the loan terms required. These false statements involved fictitious earnings information that Fattah, Jr., and an associate supplied for entrepreneurial companies which Fattah and the associate claimed they operated, including 259 Strategies, LLC (“259 Strategies”) and Chaka Fattah, Jr. & Associates.
In 2011, Fattah, Jr., received a loan from United Bank for $50,000 intended for "working capital to support business operations." Instead, he used the funds to make car payments, to pay down more than $40,000 in personal debt, including gambling debts.
Fattah, Jr., defaulted on several lines of credit and provided false information to two banks, to the United States Small Business Administration, which had insured the bank loans, and to a Small Business Administration investigator, to attempt to settle the debts for less than what was owed. Fattah, Jr., falsely claimed that 259 Strategies was out of business at the time he was attempting to settle his debts in 2010, and that he was earning only $2,500 per month. In fact, during 2010, Fattah, Jr.’s 259 Strategies, LLC was intact and he was earning between $6,250 per month and approximately $37,500 per month.
Fattah, Jr. filed false federal income tax returns and failed to pay federal taxes for tax years 2005, 2006, and 2008, and failed to timely pay taxes owed on his 2010 earnings, for a total loss to the IRS of more than $92,000.
Fattah, Jr., also stole funds supplied by the federal government to the Philadelphia School District. Fattah, while the Chief Operating Officer of Delaware Valley High School, a for-profit vendor which provided alternative educational services to the school district, provided false and fictitious expense information and inflated salary figures on budgets submitted to the school district. The school district made payments to Delaware Valley consistent with the budgets, and thus were defrauded of approximately $940,000 during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years. Some of those funds were paid through a false budget entry which concealed the true recipient of the payments, Fattah.
The case was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Education, with the cooperation of the Philadelphia School District’s Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul L. Gray of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Eric Gibson of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
Chaka Fattah Jr. Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Fraud and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
Chaka Fattah Jr., 33, of Philadelphia, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for fraud and tax charges in connection with a scheme to defraud banks, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Philadelphia School District, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
On Nov. 5, 2015, a federal jury found Fattah Jr. guilty of 22 counts, including bank fraud; making false statements to banks to obtain loans; making false statements to banks and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to settle loans for less than what was owed; filing false federal income tax returns for tax years 2005, 2006 and 2008; failing to pay federal income tax; wire fraud; and theft from a program receiving federal funds. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Harvey Bartle III of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ordered Fattah Jr. to pay $1,172,157 in restitution.
According to the evidence presented at trial, in 2005, Fattah Jr. and an associate supplied fictitious earnings for companies that they claimed to operate, including 259 Strategies LLC and Chaka Fattah Jr. & Associates, to local banks in order to obtain numerous business lines of credit. Rather than using the lines for credit for business expenses as the loan terms required, however, Fattah Jr. used them primarily for personal expenses. For example, in 2011, Fattah Jr. received a $50,000 loan from United Bank intended for “working capital to support business operations,” which he instead used to make car payments and to pay down more than $40,000 in personal debt, including gambling debts.
The evidence further demonstrated that in 2010, Fattah Jr. had previously defaulted on several lines of credit and, in an attempt to settle the debts for less than what was owed, provided false information to two banks, to the SBA, which had insured the bank loans, and to an SBA investigator. Fattah Jr. falsely claimed that 259 Strategies was out of business, which it was not, and that he was earning only $2,500 per month, when his real income was between $6,250 and approximately $37,500 per month.
Additionally, for tax years 2005, 2006 and 2008, trial evidence showed that Fattah Jr. filed false federal income tax returns, and in 2010, failed to pay on a timely basis federal income tax of approximately $51,141 on more than $150,000 in reported income.
The evidence further demonstrated that in during the 2010 through 2011 and 2011 through 2012 school years, while Fattah Jr. was serving as the chief operating officer of Delaware Valley High School, a for-profit vendor which provided alternative educational services through contracts with the school district, he submitted false expense information and inflated salary figures resulting in approximately $940,000 of fraudulently obtained payments from the school district. Some of the funds were paid through a false budget entry that concealed Fattah Jr. as the true recipient.
The FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Department of Education investigated the case with the cooperation of the Philadelphia School District’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul L. Gray of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Eric Gibson of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
California Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Heroin and Methamphetamine Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Graciela Meraz, 39, of Chula Vista, Calif., was sentenced this morning in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 60 months in prison for her conviction on heroin and methamphetamine trafficking charges. She will be on supervised release for four years after completing her prison sentence.
Meraz was arrested on Feb. 4, 2015, and was charged in a criminal complaint with possession of heroin and methamphetamine with intent to distribute. According to the complaint, Meraz was arrested by the DEA at the Greyhound Bus Station in Albuquerque after a consensual search of her baggage revealed that she was carrying more than a kilogram of heroin and more than four kilograms of methamphetamine. Meraz was subsequently indicted on those same charges on Feb. 25, 2015.
On July 22, 2015, Meraz pled guilty to a two-count felony information charging her with possession of methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute. In entering her guilty plea, Meraz admitted that when she was arrested by the DEA on Feb. 4, 2015, she was transporting approximately 9.24 pounds of methamphetamine and 2.53 pounds of heroin from Los Angeles, Calif. to Oklahoma City, Okla. Meraz acknowledged that she was being paid to transport the drugs.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
This case is being prosecuted pursuant to the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center that is partnering with the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative with the overriding goal of reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in the District of New Mexico. The HOPE Initiative comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. The law enforcement component of the HOPE Initiative is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative.
Brothers Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JIMMY ESTEVEZ, 25, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and his brother, MIGUEL ESTEVEZ, also known as “Domi,” 27, of the Bronx, N.Y., were each sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2013, the DEA New Haven Task Force began investigating a heroin trafficking organization headed by members of the Estevez family who lived in New York and the Dominican Republic. The Estevez organization, including JIMMY and MIGUEL ESTEVEZ, and their cousin, Carlos Gabriel Estevez, supplied wholesale quantities of heroin to customers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
In November 2013, investigators arranged a controlled purchase of approximately 50 grams of heroin from JIMMY and MIGUEL ESTEVEZ. On November 25, 2013, the brothers travelled from New York to a location in Trumbull, Connecticut, to complete the transaction. Thereafter, investigators intercepted numerous calls and text messages that established that JIMMY and MIGUEL ESTEVEZ were obtaining large quantities of heroin from multiple sources of supply, and used multiple vehicles to transport the drug to purchasers in Connecticut
JIMMY and MIGUEL ESTEVEZ have been detained since September 3, 2014. On September 17, 2014, a federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging them, Carlos Gabriel Estevez and five others with heroin trafficking and money laundering offenses. JIMMY and MIGUEL subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
On December 8, 2015, a jury found Carlos Gabriel Estevez guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, one kilogram or more of heroin. He awaits sentencing.
Robinson Crucetts, also known as “Robi,” 50, of Hartford, purchased large quantities of heroin from JIMMY, MIGUEL and Carlos Gabriel Estevez. He pleaded guilty and, on January 19, 2016, was sentenced to 66 months of imprisonment.
Four other co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, with the assistance of the DEA Hartford Task Force and the DEA in New York. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone and Brian P. Leaming.
Another Shenandoah Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 27-year-old Shenandoah resident connected to a large-scale heroin trafficking ring that operated in Schuylkill County during 2012 through September 2015, pleaded guilty yesterday before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Nicolai Varga pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Varga admitted to distributing heroin and transporting other drug traffickers to New York, Patterson, New Jersey, and Hazleton to obtain large quantities of heroin on multiple occasions. Varga was involved in transporting and distributing between 400 grams and 700 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to between than 13,000 and 23,000 retail bags of heroin.
Varga was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in September 2015, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County.
Judge Munley ordered a presentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for April 28, 2016. Varga faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
Three co-defendants—Rhashean Strange, Carlos Correa, and Paul Jadus—have also pleaded guilty to participating in the drug conspiracy. Four other co-defendants are awaiting trial in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the cases.
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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Albuquerque Man Sentenced for Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Charlie Ray Turnbow, 40, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced this morning in federal court to eleven months of imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release for his conviction for assaulting federal officers.
Turnbow was arrested in Aug. 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with assaulting two officers of the Federal Protective Service of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Aug. 6, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M. The assault occurred in Albuquerque outside of the offices of the Social Security Administration located at 500 Lead Avenue SW when Turnbow shot at the two officers with an airsoft weapon. The officers were not injured.
On Oct. 7, 2015, Turnbow pled guilty to a misdemeanor information charging him with assaulting federal officers with an airsoft revolver.
This case was investigated by the Federal Protective Service of the U.S. Department of Homeland and the FBI’s Albuquerque Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec prosecuted the case.
Albany Man Indicted for Synthetic CannabinoidsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Shukri Abdullah, age 43, of Albany, New York, was arraigned yesterday on an indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids with brand names like Scooby Snax, Geeked Up, and Green Giant.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple, Sr.
The indictment alleges that on August 20, 2015, Shukri, a co-owner of a deli in Albany, New York, possessed with the intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids — also known as “Spice” and “K2” — are substances designed to mimic the effects of cannabis, and are often sold as a smokable drug.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Abdullah faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine, if convicted. A sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Abdullah, who was indicted on December 23, 2015, was arraigned on February 2, 2016 before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel. He was detained pending trial before United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albany County Sherriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Wayne A. Myers.
Acting United States Attorney Announces Crackdown on Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Earlier today, three individuals were indicted in three separate cases for bankruptcy fraud, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced. These indictments are part of an effort to crackdown on those who commit fraud during the course of bankruptcy proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
"Our federal bankruptcy laws allow people who have overwhelming debt to obtain a fresh start," Acting United States Attorney Porter explained. "Before their debts are eliminated, however, individuals who file bankruptcy are asked to be truthful about their assets and other matters that affect the bankruptcy case. When people conceal their assets and otherwise lie in bankruptcy proceedings, they are cheating their creditors and subverting the bankruptcy process. People who engage in this type of activity can expect to be prosecuted by my office no less than those persons who would use force to steal."
The individuals indicted today are:
SCOTT L. THOMPSON
Scott L. Thompson, 44, of Sesser, IL, was charged with one count of concealing assets and three counts of fraudulently withholding records in a bankruptcy case. The indictment charges that Thompson concealed from the Bankruptcy Court a $28,129.55 settlement he received for a worker’s compensation claim. In addition, it is alleged that Thompson withheld copies of his federal and state tax returns, despite being ordered to turn them over by the Bankruptcy Court. Under federal law, tax refunds in amounts above certain thresholds must be paid to the Bankruptcy Court and used to pay back the bankruptcy’s creditors. Thompson filed his chapter 13 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Benton, Illinois.
JENNY L. PARKS-SMITH
Jenny L. Parks-Smith, 41, of Carterville, IL, was charged with two counts of concealing assets and one count of fraudulently withholding records in a bankruptcy case. Parks-Smith’s chapter 13 bankruptcy was filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Benton. The indictment alleges that Parks-Smith concealed from the Bankruptcy Court a $17,000 settlement she received for a worker’s compensation claim. In addition, the indictment charges that Parks-Smith concealed a $2,478 federal tax refund that she received for the 2011 tax year. Parks-Smith is also charged with fraudulently withholding her 2011 tax returns.
MARK A. MCFARLAND
Mark A. McFarland, 58, of Jacksonville, IL, was charged with two counts of making false statements under penalty of perjury, one count of falsifying records, and two counts of making false statements under oath. The bankruptcy case that is the subject of the indictment was filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois in East St. Louis, IL. Prior to filing that case, McFarland had filed 10 separate bankruptcy cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of Illinois in Springfield. All but one of those cases had been dismissed due to McFarland’s failure to comply with the Bankruptcy Court’s orders. In the last case, the Bankruptcy Court barred McFarland from filing any more bankruptcy cases in the Central District of Illinois for 180 days. On October 6, 2014, McFarland filed a chapter 13 bankruptcy on behalf of his business, Second Chance of Springfield, Inc., in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment charges that McFarland: (1) lied on his bankruptcy petition by claiming that his business was located in the Southern District of Illinois; (2) lied on an amended bankruptcy petition when he said that his business had an address in Alton, IL; (3) provided a lease to the Bankruptcy Court that was fraudulently backdated to September 25, 2014; (4) falsely testified under oath that he had signed that lease on September 25, 2014; and (5) falsely testified under oath that he had reached an oral agreement with the landlord for the rental of the Alton property in September 2014.
"I am grateful to Acting U.S. Attorney Porter and the members of the Southern Illinois Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group for their strong commitment to combating bankruptcy fraud," stated Nancy J. Gargula, the U.S. Trustee for Southern Illinois, Central Illinois and Indiana (Region 10). "Today’s charges will go a long way toward protecting the integrity of the bankruptcy system." The charges resulted, in part, from a referral by the U.S. Trustee. Assistance with the investigation was provided by members of the Southern Illinois Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee. The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. Region 10 is headquartered in Indianapolis, with additional offices in South Bend, IN and Peoria, IL.
Each count of bankruptcy fraud is punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment, and/or a $250,000 fine, not more than three years of supervised release, and restitution.
The investigations are being conducted by agents from the Springfield Division, Fairview Heights Resident Agency, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"). The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, that charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Monday 1 February 2016
Worcester Nurse Sentenced for Stealing Oxycodone from PatientsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A nurse was sentenced on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in U.S. District Court in Worcester for stealing pain medication from patients in a nursing care facility in Worcester.
Joanna Dacri, 34, of Auburn, Mass., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to three years of probation, the first six months of which is to be served in home detention. In Novebmer 2015, Dacri pleaded guilty to one count of acquiring and obtaining Oxycodone by deception.
“Healthcare professionals stealing opioids to feed an addiction pose a compound threat to patients,” said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz. “Not only are they denying patients of necessary pain management, but they are often ‘caring’ for patients while under the influence of narcotics.”
From February to June 2014, Dacri was a nurse at a Worcester nursing care facility. During that period, she stole numerous Oxycodone tablets prescribed to three patients, and surreptitiously substituted other, similar-looking tablets, specifically Loratadine (antihistamine) tablets and Mirtazapine (antidepressant) tablets, in place of the Oxycodone tablets.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the federal response to the growing opioid epidemic in Massachusetts. National health data reveals that two-thirds of heroin addicts start their opioid addition with the unlawful use of prescription painkillers such as oxycodone.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Spencer Morrison, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Commissioner Monica Bharel, M.D., M.P.H, of Massachusetts Department of Health, made the announcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Young Paik of Ortiz’s Health Care Fraud Unit.
Winthrop Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Jody Mullis
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Chad Goucher, 38, of Winthrop, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of an unregistered sawed-off shotgun.
According to court records, on March 6, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Goucher’s residence in Winthrop. Officers recovered heroin, drug paraphernalia, and three firearms, including a .12 gauge Iver Johnson sawed-off shotgun. Goucher had a prior felony conviction from the State of Maine which prohibited him from possessing firearms. Goucher admitted to law officers that he intended to distribute some of the heroin and he also admitted that he knew that he was not permitted to possess firearms.
Goucher faces up to 20 years in prison on the heroin charge, a $1,000,000 fine, and between three years and life on supervised release. He faces up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine for each of the firearms charges. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Winthrop Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Virginia Man Arrested at Jacksonville Airport for Assault on Flight CrewRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the filing of a federal criminal complaint charging Joseph Michael Sharkey (36, Reston, VA) with assault or intimidation of a flight crew. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the criminal complaint, on Sunday, January 31, 2016, Sharkey was a passenger on Jet Blue Flight 715 from Reagan International Airport in Washington, DC to Jacksonville International Airport (JIA). During the flight, Sharkey verbally assaulted another passenger and then placed that passenger in a headlock. When ordered by a flight attendant to return to his seat, Sharkey at first complied but then assaulted the flight attendant and made an effort exit the airplane through an exit door. Sharkey was stopped by another flight attendant, but then fought with him, kneeing him in the groin. The flight attendants enlisted the help of volunteers and subdued Sharkey, placing him in flex cuffs for the remainder of the flight. The airplane landed safely at JIA and Sharkey was removed from the flight by airport police.
Sharkey made his initial appearance in Jacksonville earlier today. He was temporarily ordered detained until his formal detention hearing, which has been scheduled for February 3, 2016.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority Police Department and the Jacksonville Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dale Campion.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Arrest Detroit Man Attempting to Smuggle Marijuana to the Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Deonte Bailey, 24, made his initial appearance on January 31, 2016, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being charged in a Complaint with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Virgin Islands Area Port Director Louis Harrigan announced. Bailey was detained pending preliminary and detention hearings set for Tuesday, February 2, 2016.
According to the Complaint, on Saturday, January 30, 2016, at the Cyril E. King Airport’s baggage claim area, a CBP K-9 detected narcotics in a checked bag belonging to Bailey, who had arrived on a Delta Airlines flight from New York. Bailey was taken to secondary inspection where CBP officers discovered a baggage claim ticket for a second bag. The CBP officers went to the Delta Airlines baggage claim area where a second bag belonging to Bailey was recovered. CBP
Field Operations Officers seized a total of 46 pounds (21.1 kilos) of marijuana from Bailey’s bags.“CBP officers remain vigilant to detect and seize illegal contraband being illegally brought into our islands,” stated Port Director Harrigan.
Under federal law if convicted of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, Bailey faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nelson L. Jones.
United States Attorney Sharpe reminds the public that a Complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente Appointed to Attorney General’s Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced today the appointment of U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente of the Eastern District of Virginia to the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC), effective Feb. 1, 2016.
“Dana Boente embodies the vision and leadership we need to empower our communities and strengthen our nation, and I am pleased to welcome him to the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee,” said Attorney General Lynch. “Throughout his career – as a Trial Attorney in the Department of Justice’s Tax Division, as a federal prosecutor dedicated to rooting out fraud, and as a U.S. Attorney in Louisiana and Virginia – he has demonstrated his perseverance, his dedication and his wisdom. I have no doubt that he will be an outstanding addition to the Committee, and I look forward to receiving the benefit of his experience as we continue to work towards a safer, more just future for all Americans.”
Boente will fill the seat vacated by former U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin of the Southern District of West Virginia, who resigned on Dec. 31, 2015.
Boente was appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate on Dec. 15, 2015 as the U.S. Attorney of the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA). Boente is a 31-year veteran of the Department of Justice, joining the department in 1984 at the conclusion of a clerkship with a U.S. District Court Judge. From 1984 to 1999, Boente was a Trial Attorney with the department’s Tax Division. In January 2000, Boente became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Fraud Unit in EDVA. In August 2005, Boente was detailed back to the Tax Division to serve as the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General. He returned to EDVA in May 2007, when he was selected as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney. In December 2012, Boente went to serve as the U.S. Attorney of the Eastern District of Louisiana. He returned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in EDVA in September 2013.
The AGAC was created in 1973 to serve as the voice of the U.S. Attorneys and to advise the Attorney General on policy, management and operational issues impacting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Federal Charges for Role in Fargo Liquor Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Jan. 29, 2016, Andrew Jerome Ford, and Carlos Henry Bethel, both 28, pled guilty before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to Interference with the Commerce by Threats and Violence-Hobbs Act Robbery and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
On September 28, 2015, Bottle Barn Wine and Liquor, 2515 South University Dr., and The Spirit Shop Liquor Store, 1404 33rd St. S., were robbed within an hour of each other. Bethel pled guilty to robbing Bottle Barn while brandishing a firearm and threatening the cashier to hand over money. Ford has agreed to plead guilty to robbing The Spirit Shop through violence or threat of violence and did knowingly possess a firearm in furtherance of the crime of violence.
As part of the plea agreement Ford and Bethel also agreed that they participated or aided and abetted the following crimes:
(a) A home invasion on June 24, 2015, in Hillsboro, North Dakota, where currency was stolen;
(b) A burglary resulting in a stolen firearm in Hillsboro in or about July through September 2015;
(c) A burglary of a vehicle in Fargo, North Dakota, in which monetary instruments were stolen on or about August 24, 2015, and on or about September 24, 2015;
(d) A burglary of a residence in Fargo, resulting in the theft of five firearms on or about September 24, 2015;
(e) Setting fire to four dumpsters in Fargo in an effort to determine law enforcement response time on or about September 28, 2015, as well as robbery of The Spirit Shop Liquor Store in Fargo;
(f) The pistol whipping assault of a victim resulting in serious bodily injury including unconsciousness on or about September 19, 2015 in Fargo; and,
(g) Conspiracy to distribute marijuana in North Dakota.
Judge Erickson has set sentencing for Ford to be held on April 19, 2016, and Bethel’s sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2016, in the U. S. District Court, Fargo, ND.
This case is being investigated by the Fargo Police Department and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATFE).
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers is prosecuting the case
Two Convicted Felons Sentenced to More than 115 Years Each in Federal Prison Following Federal Jury Convictions on Hobbs Act and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Two convicted felons from the Dallas area who were convicted by a federal jury at trial in July 2015 on an array of federal charges stemming from their armed robberies of several fast-food restaurants in the Dallas area in early 2014, were each sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey to more than 115 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Jesse Lee Bell, 33, of Duncanville, Texas, and Deundrae Lyndell Miller, 24, of Mesquite, Texas, were each sentenced to serve a total of 1384 months in federal prison and pay more than $8000 in restitution. Each was convicted on four counts of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of attempted interference with commerce by robbery; five counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The defendants committed the following armed robberies in North Texas:
June 2, 2014 Whataburger, 501 E. Highway 67, Duncanville
June 4, 2014 Whataburger, 961 W. Beltline Rd., DeSoto
June 7, 2014 Whataburger, 3200 N. Town East Blvd., Mesquite
June 19, 2014 Jack-In-The-Box, 1020 W. Davis, Dallas
June 24, 2014 Whataburger, 2943 N. Galloway Avenue, Mesquite
In addition, the defendants, both convicted felons, each possessed a firearm on June 24, 2014.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Duncanville, DeSoto, Mesquite and Dallas Police Departments investigated.
Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Miller and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Wirmani and John Kull prosecuted.
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Three men sentenced in Federal court for roles in heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Three men who conspired to distributed heroin in 2014 and 2015 were sentenced today in federal court, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Cordell Lopasker McCarrall, Jr., 22, of Detroit, was sentenced to three years and a month in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin. Roger Lee Black, 34, of Barboursville, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Alan R. Nolan, 36, of Chesapeake, Ohio, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for distribution of heroin.
From November 2014 to April 2015, McCarrall, Black, and Nolan conspired to distribute heroin in the Huntington area. McCarrall frequently supplied heroin to Black during this time period. Black would distribute the heroin with the assistance of Nolan. On February 26, 2015, a confidential informant working at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) contacted Black to arrange the purchase of heroin. Black met the informant and drove the informant to Black’s residence located at 21 Vincent Street in Barboursville. Inside the residence, Black distributed approximately 10 grams of heroin to the informant in exchange for $1,200.
On March 3, 2015, a confidential informant again contacted Black to arrange another drug deal. Black and Nolan met the informant in the parking lot of a car dealership near Hal Greer Boulevard in Huntington, where Nolan distributed approximately 10 grams of heroin to the informant in exchange for $1,200.
On April 2, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence located at 2017 9th Avenue in Huntington. During the execution of the warrant, McCarrall ran from the residence and was quickly caught. As a result of the search, law enforcement discovered approximately 90 grams of heroin, $6,700 in cash, paraphernalia used to distribute heroin, and a magnetic concealment box commonly used to transport heroin. McCarrall admitted that he possessed and intended to sell the heroin seized from the residence.
All three men admitted that they were responsible for distributing up to 700 grams of heroin during the conspiracy. Black also admitted that he possessed multiple firearms during the conspiracy.
The DEA Task Force and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.
This case was prosecuted 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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Tampa Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years for Tax Fraud and Identity Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Bobby Muhammad to seven years and ten months in federal prison for theft of government property and identity theft stemming from his involvement in a stolen identity refund fraud (SIRF) conspiracy. The Court also ordered him to pay $650,631 in restitution to the U.S. Treasury, jointly and severally with his co-conspirator, Tiffani Pye Williams. Muhammad pleaded guilty on October 26, 2015.
According to court documents, from December 2011 through October 2015, Muhammad participated in a scheme to defraud the IRS. He, along with others, electronically filed fraudulent federal income tax returns using stolen identities. The fraudulently obtained tax refunds were wired from the IRS to reloadable debit cards. Muhammad and others then used these debit cards at various ATMs.
Investigators determined that Muhammad and his conspirators had filed fraudulent federal income tax returns using the stolen identities of more than 400 individuals to make claims for refunds totaling approximately $3,089,219, and had received approximately $650,631 in fraudulently obtained refunds.
Williams previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced for her role in this scheme.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigative and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mandy Riedel.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Khanjar Ahmad Dandache (59, Tampa) today pleaded guilty to money laundering. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, in June and July 2015, Dandache met repeatedly with a DEA confidential source (CS) and agreed to launder what he believed were heroin proceeds. Dandache had planned to receive funds from the CS, deposit them into numerous bank accounts in the United States, and then purchase vehicles with the funds. He had planned to ship the vehicles from Florida to Lebanon for re-sale and eventually transfer the funds to the heroin sources of supply. Dandache met with the CS and an undercover DEA agent on July 8, 2015, accepted $150,000 in purported heroin proceeds, and was subsequently arrested.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Operating Unsafe Interstate Van ServiceRead the Press Release
BOSTON –Wilking A. Mateo Santana, 36, of Springfield, pleaded guilty on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, to 12 counts of illegally operating a transportation service in violation of federal motor carrier safety laws. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for May 4, 2016.
Santana operated a van service between Springfield and New York City under the names of Santana Xpress, Inc. and Santana Busline. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ordered Santana to stop operating the transportation service after inspections uncovered numerous safety violations; however, Santana continued to operate the van service.
The charge provides a sentence of no greater than one year in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $25,000 on each count. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Todd A. Damiani, Special Agent in Charge of the New England Region of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Goodwin of Ortiz’s Springfield Branch Office.
Soddy Daisy Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Jason Collins, 37, of Soddy Daisy, Tenn., was sentenced by the Honorable Harry S. Mattice, Jr., U.S. District Judge, to serve 85 months in prison, followed by a 15-year term of supervised release. Collins pleaded guilty in August 2015, to receipt of child pornography. Restitution was also ordered to some of his victims.
The indictment and subsequent conviction of Collins was the result of a year-long investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bradley County Sheriff’s Department, and Harriman Police Department. The investigation began when a Harriman Police detective was able to download images and videos from a Peer-to-Peer internet account belonging to Collins on three different dates over the course of three months. These images and videos were of minors engaging in sexual activity. The FBI, along with an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Officer from the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department, discovered that Collins had more than 80,000 images and 300 videos on his computer and other electronic storage media. The images and videos were compared with those from known victims through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) database. The NCMEC database found that the images belonged to 222 known victim series and the videos belonged to 90 known victim series.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Saint Louis Man Sentenced for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on Friday, January 29, 2016, Ronald Terry, of Saint Louis, Missouri, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Michael J. Reagan to 57 months in federal prison for three counts of heroin distribution. Following his prison sentence, Terry will be on federal supervised release for 3 years. Terry was also ordered to pay a fine of $300 and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, Terry was arrested on July 16, 2015, after law enforcement officials conducted a series of controlled drug purchases from him in the parking lot of the St. Clair Square shopping mall in Fairview Heights, Illinois.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Illinois State Police Southern Illinois Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Shane Kelbley and Vanessa Lu.
Reading's Former City Council President Sentenced to 24 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Francisco Acosta, 40, of Reading, PA, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for accepting a bribe in order to repeal an ethics law. At the time of the offense, Acosta was the President of Reading’s City Council. He pleaded guilty on August 5, 2015 to conspiracy to commit the bribery offenses of honest services wire fraud and Travel Act bribery. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Juan R. Sanchez ordered a fine of $1,800, three years of supervised release, 200 hours of community service, and a $100 special assessment.
In the spring of 2015, Acosta conspired with a person identified as “Public Official #1” to repeal these restrictions before the May 19, 2015 primary election through a bribery scheme, in violation of federal criminal law. Public Official #1 was a Reading public official who had the power to sign into law ordinances that had been passed by City Council. Public Official #1 was also a candidate in the Democratic Party’s primary election, scheduled for May 19, 2015. Public Official #1 decided to offer Acosta an $1,800 “loan” to the campaign committee of Acosta’s ally ( “Public Official #2”), which would be “forgiven” upon Acosta successfully orchestrating a repeal of certain restrictions codified in Sections 1012 and 1006(H) of Reading’s Code of Ethics. Acosta accepted the payment on April 10, 2015 and, three days later, introduced legislation to eliminate those restrictions in accordance with Public Official #1’s wishes (“the repeal bill”). As agreed to by Public Official #1 and Acosta, the repeal bill would have repealed Section 1012 in its entirety, thereby eliminating the restrictions on campaign contributions and nullifying Section 1006(H)’s prohibition on awarding “no-bid contracts” to certain donors. When Acosta took possession of the bribe check, he agreed that neither he nor Public Official #2 would deposit the bribe check until a later date.
Acosta attempted to persuade other members of City Council to pass the repeal bill before the primary election by falsely asserting that he was motivated solely by the best financial interests of Reading and by concealing that he had received the bribe check. Acosta then made materially false statements to FBI agents who were investigating the bribery scheme. The next day, Acosta took affirmative steps to withdraw from the conspiracy, all without alerting other members of the conspiracy of the FBI’s inquiry into this matter. The repeal bill was unanimously defeated by Reading’s City Council.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joe Khan and Nancy Beam Winter.
Rapid City Man Convicted for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that Patrick Harding, 58, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was found guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Stolen Firearm at the conclusion of a three-day federal jury trial in Rapid City. The verdict was returned on January 28, 2016.
The maximum penalty is 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from Harding, a previously convicted felon, knowingly possessing a stolen Glock, model 23C, .40 caliber pistol in Rapid City.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Peabody Man Sentenced for Trafficking Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Jorge Delgado, a/k/a Antonio Martinez, a/k/a Elisaul Martinez Santana, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2015, Delgado pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl and three counts of distribution of heroin.
Delgado was the leader of a drug ring responsible for distributing heroin and fentanyl in the Salem and Peabody area. Delgado received orders for heroin from customers via cellphone and often sent couriers, two of whom were charged as co-defendants, to distribute drugs for him. Delgado’s drug ring not only distributed heroin but also distributed fentanyl in place of heroin on numerous occasions.
Delgado’s co-defendants, Juanel Pena and Thomas Martinez-Ortiz, pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 21 months and time served of 53 days in prison, respectively.
This case was brought as part of the federal response to the growing opioid abuse epidemic in Massachusetts and other New England states. A recent surge in overdose deaths has been attributed in part to the addition of fentanyl to heroin, creating a toxic mixture substantially more potent, and more dangerous, than heroin alone.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Salem Police Chief Mary Butler; and Peabody Police Chief Thomas M. Griffin, made the announcement today. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Young Paik of Ortiz’s Criminal Division.
Pakistani Man Makes Appearance in U.S. District Court in Denver Following Indictment and Arrest for Sale and Distribution of New, Misbranded and Counterfeit Prescription DrugsRead the Press Release
DENVER – Junaid Qadir, age 33, of Karachi, Pakistan, appeared in U.S. District Court in Denver late last week on multiple charges of illegal importation and sale of misbranded and unapproved drugs, some of which are further alleged to have been counterfeit or controlled substances, and all of which were manufactured overseas and shipped to the United States, U.S. Attorney John Walsh, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) Special Agent in Charge David Thompson, Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations’ Kansas City Field Office Special Agent in Charge Catherine Hermsen and U.S. Postal Service Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division Craig Goldberg announced.
Qadir was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on August 22, 2012. A superseding indictment was obtained on June 25, 2015. He was arrested last Spring in Germany, a country with U.S. extradition laws after he traveled there from Pakistan. Qadir fought extradition, which resulted in his incarceration in Germany until a court order was obtained mandating is extradition. He first appeared in federal court in Denver on January 25, 2016, where he was read his rights and advised of the charges pending against him. He again appeared on January 28, 2016 for arraignment, where he entered a pro-forma not guilty plea, and was ordered held in custody without bond pending a resolution of his case by a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
According to court documents, Qadir and his brother, Shehzad, who is not in custody, are principals of a family owned and operated business in Karachi, Pakistan known as JNS Impex. This company held itself out to be, among other things, a leading and long-standing exporter of branded and generic pharmaceutical drugs and surgical products. They wrongly claimed it had access to and could supply most brand name pharmaceutical products; that it was affiliated with many multinational pharmaceutical manufacturers; and that it was licensed to distribute and export over-the-counter, prescription and narcotic pharmaceutical drugs. At no time were they associated or registered with the DEA to import controlled substances into the U.S. or to distribute controlled substances in the United States
It was part of the conspiracy that Junaid Qadir, acting in concert with his brother and others known and unknown, used advertisements on internet websites on behalf of their prescription drug distribution company JNS Impex and through business-to-business internet website platforms, to solicit orders for a variety of brand name and generic pharmaceutical prescription, mostly in commercial and wholesale quantities. The defendants would take in these orders over the internet primarily from individuals and entities operating internet pharmacy websites and other types of illicit pharmacy operations who, in turn, were undertaking to sell these drugs to their retail customers without valid prescriptions from licensed medical professionals. The defendants would take in orders for bulk drug shipments directly to these pharmacy operations and for drop shipments directly to the customers of these pharmacy operations. A substantial portion of the orders taken in by the defendant were for shipment to businesses and individuals located in the United States.
The defendants would undertake to fill these drug orders to the United States businesses and residents by procuring brand name and generic drugs that they knew to be unapproved for the United States market by the FDA from suppliers whose drug manufacturing facilities were not approved by the FDA and whose packaging and patient literature for their drugs was also not approved by the FDA. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants, using a series of email addresses, would forward the drug orders to a network of drug suppliers in Pakistan, India, the United Kingdom, and China. Some would obtain stockpiles of the drugs being ordered and, from these stockpiles or from the suppliers directly, would cause the orders to be filled by shipments through the international mail to or on behalf of their customers. With respect to some of the drug shipments ultimately intended for United States recipients, the defendants would alternatively employ a network of individuals located in the United States to receive the imported drugs and re-ship them to the ultimate customers within the United States once the drugs had been safely imported.
Qadir would often cause the drugs being shipped to the United States to evade detection by United States customs and foreign customs authorities by having those drugs concealed, in loose format, in plastic vitamin bottles and plastic water bottles. They would also cause the drug shipments to evade customs detection by causing the shipments to be accompanied by customs declarations that inaccurately or misleadingly described the contents of the shipments or without customs declarations altogether. The drugs would often be shipped in mail parcels without packaging, without labels, and without patient safety leaflets or other written instructions and information.
In order to secure payment for the drug shipments, the defendants and their co-conspirators would have their United States customers send money transfers, by way of Western Union and similar money transferring services, to themselves in their own names or in the names of various individuals located in Pakistan or, alternatively, would have the customers send bank wire transfers to various bank accounts in the names of associated businesses or their own names at financial institutions located and based in the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere. The defendants, on occasion, would also have their domestic operatives transfer money to one another in order to satisfy obligations that the defendants and their co-conspirators had to them.
The illegal drugs imported by the defendants include counterfeit or unapproved versions of: Viagra, Lorazepam, Alprazolam, Diazepam, Zolpidem, and Phentermine.
"This case should be a reminder to everyone that buying counterfeit prescription drugs on line from overseas pharmacies is playing with fire," said U.S. Attorney John Walsh. "An online buyer of such drugs has no idea what drug or substance they are actually receiving. The U.S. Attorney's Office, Homeland Security Investigations and FDA will work tirelessly -- as we did in this case -- to locate, charge and apprehend counterfeit drug traffickers in whatever corner of the world they may hide."
“There’s a misperception that counterfeiting is a victimless crime, but unfortunately it is not – counterfeit pharmaceuticals can and have led to serious injuries and death,” said David A. Thompson, special agent in charge of HSI Denver. “For that reason, and because counterfeiting often funds illegal activity, we take cases like Qadir’s very seriously and work tirelessly with our partners to investigate these crimes and bring those who commit them to justice.”
“The FDA-regulated supply chain for medicines helps protect consumers from prescription drugs that could be harmful or unsafe for them to use. When criminals provide unapproved and counterfeit prescription drugs online, they place the public’s health at risk,” said Catherine A Hermsen, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to bring such criminals to justice.”
“This arrest is evidence that no matter where you are, be it in the United States or abroad, if you use the U.S. Mail to endanger the American public, we will find you,” said Craig Goldberg, Inspector-in-Charge of the Denver Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “We will continue to use our resources to protect the American public and ensure the integrity of the U.S. Mail. This case is another great example of federal law enforcement agencies partnering together to keep America safe.”
Junaid Qadir faces the following charges: Introduction and Delivery for Introduction of Unapproved New Drugs into Interstate Commerce, Introduction and Delivery for Introduction of Misbranded Drugs into Interstate Commerce, Sale of Counterfeit Drugs, Importation of Schedule IV Controlled Substances, Distribution of Scheduled IV Controlled Substances, Importation of Merchandise Contrary to Law, Conspiracy to Defraud the U.S. and Commit Offenses Against the U.S., Conspiracy to Import Schedule IV Controlled Substances and Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Schedule IV Controlled Substances. Penalties for these offenses range from not more than 3 years in federal prison per count, to not more than 20 years in federal prison per count. Each count also carries a penalty of up to a $250,000 fine.
HSI further stated that the trafficking of counterfeit goods is the second largest illicit trade activity, valued at roughly $250 billion. In fiscal year 2014, HSI, working through its National Intellectual Property Rights Center, seized more than 23,000 counterfeit items with an MSRP of $1.2 billion. Members of a public who would like to report information about suspected counterfeiters are encouraged to call ICE’s toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing this online tip form.
This case was investigated by HSI, FDA OCI, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Qadir is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Harmon.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Paden City, WV man convicted of unlawful possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Ray Morgan, 40, of Paden City, West Virginia, was convicted of unlawful possession of firearms today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Morgan, who has a previous felony conviction in Tyler County, was discovered in unlawful possession of two firearms in October 2015 in Tyler County. Morgan was convicted of “Failure to Appear” in the Circuit Court of Tyler County.
Morgan pled guilty today to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Tyler County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Orange County Man Operating Phone Room in Debt Relief Scam Pleads Guilty to Defrauding ConsumersRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Orange County man pleaded guilty today for his role in operating fraudulent debt relief firms that offered to settle credit card debts but instead took victims’ payments as undisclosed up-front fees, the Justice Department and U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced.
Jeremy Nelson, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of an indictment alleging conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with companies known as Nelson Gamble & Associates (Nelson Gamble) and Jackson Hunter Morris & Knight LLP (Jackson Hunter). According to the indictment, Nelson and his employees portrayed the debt relief companies as law firms and attorney-based companies that would negotiate favorable settlements with creditors. Clients made monthly payments expecting the money to go toward settlements. Nelson and his co-conspirators instead took at least 15 percent of the total debt as company fees, with the first six months of payments going almost entirely toward undisclosed up-front fees.
“Debt relief scams prey on vulnerable consumers trying to climb out of tough financial situations,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will continue to investigate those who take advantage of consumers facing hard times, and prosecute unlawful schemes that bleed desperate consumers of their remaining resources.”
“This scheme victimized people already in financial distress,” said U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker of the Central District of California. “As today’s guilty plea shows, the Justice Department is committed to protecting consumers, particularly those who are vulnerable to fraud schemes designed to prey upon people already in perilous economic condition.”
“Protecting our customers from fraud is one of our agency’s biggest priorities,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Daniel Brubaker of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to vigorously pursue those who use our nation’s mail system to commit fraud or other illegal activity.”
Jeremy Nelson’s scheme ran from February 2010 to September 2012. Nelson admitted he changed the name of his company from Nelson Gamble to Jackson Hunter in 2011. Nelson and his co-conspirators told victims that Nelson Gamble had gone bankrupt and that Jackson Hunter was an unrelated company that had taken over some of the accounts. Nelson and his co-conspirators blamed past problems on Nelson Gamble and denied requests for refunds of money paid to Nelson Gamble. Some victims who previously demanded refunds accepted the explanation that Nelson Gamble was bankrupt and did not pursue complaints against Jackson Hunter.
Nelson faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer has not yet scheduled a sentenced date.
One of Nelson’s co-defendants, Elias Ponce, pleaded guilty in October 2015. Two other defendants, Athena Maldonado and Christopher Harati, pleaded guilty in June 2015 in a related case. Trial against the remaining defendant charged in the scheme, John Vartanian, is set for September 13 in Los Angeles.
In September 2012, the Federal Trade Commission brought a civil case against Nelson and his companies, alleging that the defendants misrepresented debt relief services offered to consumers. (See https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/122-3030-x120048/nelson-gamble-associates-llc-et-al). The case was settled by entry of a consent decree in August 2013.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mizer commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service team assigned to the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch for their investigative efforts and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California for their contributions to the case. The case is being prosecuted by trial attorneys Alan Phelps and James Harlow of the Consumer Protection Branch.
North Carolina Man Indicted for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISILRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man has been charged with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and related offenses, announced Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Jill Westmoreland Rose of the Western District of North Carolina and Special Agent in Charge John A. Strong of the FBI’s Charlotte, North Carolina, Division.
The seven-count indictment was unsealed in federal court today, charging Justin Nojan Sullivan, 19, of Morganton, North Carolina, with attempting to provide material support to ISIL; receipt of a silencer in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony; receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm; concealment and storage of a stolen firearm; use of interstate facilities in the attempted commission of a murder-for-hire; and two counts of making false statements to FBI agents.
“According to allegations in the indictment, Sullivan attempted to provide material support to ISIL by acquiring weapons and planning to conduct deadly attacks on our soil,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Countering threats to the safety of the American people is the highest priority of the National Security Division, and we will continue to hold accountable those who seek to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations.”
“As alleged in the indictment, Sullivan pledged allegiance to ISIL, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and planned to carry out assassinations and mass shootings against innocent people,” said U.S. Attorney Rose. “Detecting and prosecuting violent extremists is a priority for my office and we will work closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to ensure that potential terrorist attacks are foiled, would-be assassins are brought to justice and Americans are kept from harm’s way.”
“Justin Sullivan had elaborate plans to kill hundreds of innocent people to show his support for the terrorist organization, ISIL,” said Special Agent in Charge Strong. “During the course of our investigation evidence was uncovered linking Sullivan to John Bailey Clark’s murder six months earlier. Any loss of life is tragic; due to the work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners, other planned attacks were thwarted preventing more violence.”
According to allegations contained in the indictment and information in related court filings, starting no later than September 2014, Sullivan watched violent ISIL attacks on the Internet, such as beheadings, after converting to Islam. The indictment alleges that Sullivan openly expressed support for ISIL in his home and destroyed religious items that belonged to his parents. The indictment also alleges that beginning no later than June 6, 2015, Sullivan attempted to provide material support to ISIL by planning terrorists attacks and discussed those plans on social media with an undercover FBI employee (UCE), who Sullivan attempted to recruit to join in such attacks.
As alleged in the federal indictment, Sullivan told the UCE via social media that it was better to remain in the United States to support ISIL than to travel. Sullivan suggested that the UCE obtain weapons and told the UCE that he was planning to buy a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle at an upcoming gun show in Hickory, North Carolina. On or about June 20, 2015, Sullivan attempted to purchase hollow point ammunition to be used with the weapon(s) he intended to purchase.
The indictment alleges that Sullivan had researched on the Internet how to manufacture firearm silencers and asked the UCE to build functional silencers that they could use to carry out the planned attacks. The indictment further alleges that Sullivan told the UCE he planned to carry out his attack in the following few days at a concert, bar or club, where he believed as many as 1,000 people would be killed using the assault rifle and silencer.
According to allegations in the indictment, on or about June 19, 2015, the silencer, which was built according to Sullivan’s instructions, was delivered to him at his home in North Carolina, where Sullivan’s mother opened the package. The indictment alleges that Sullivan took the silencer from his mother and hid it in a crawl space under his house. When Sullivan’s parents questioned him about the silencer, Sullivan, believing that his parents would interfere with his plans to carry out an attack, offered to compensate the UCE to kill them.
On June 19, 2015, Sullivan was arrested at his parents’ home, where law enforcement also executed a search for the silencer and other items. The indictment alleges that law enforcement interviewed Sullivan on separate occasions and that Sullivan made false statements pertaining to the weapons in his possession and his involvement in the murder of his neighbor, John Bailey Clark, 74. In particular, according to the indictment, Sullivan was asked on June 19, 2015, if he had a rifle, to which he answered no. However, the FBI’s search found a .22 rifle, a black ski mask and a lock pick kit hidden in the crawl space with the silencer. The indictment alleges that on June 20, 2015, Sullivan admitted that he had stolen the rifle from his father’s gun cabinet and hid it in the crawl space. Forensic testing shows that the .22 rifle hidden by Sullivan was used to murder Clark.
The District Attorney’s Office for North Carolina’s 25th Prosecutorial District, which includes Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties, is handling North Carolina’s prosecution of Sullivan for Clark’s murder.
Sullivan is currently in federal custody and has waived arrangement on the federal charges. Trial is set for Feb. 22, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger of the Western District of North Carolina.
The charge of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign organization carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of receiving a silencer in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The charge of receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000. The charge of possession, concealment and storage of a stolen firearm carries a maximum prison term of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. The charge of using interstate facilities in the attempted commission of a murder-for-hire carries a maximum prison term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of making a false statement to an agency of the United States carries a maximum prison term of up to eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making today’s announcement, Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Rose thanked District Attorney David Learner for his office’s continued assistance and coordination. Both also praised the investigative efforts of the FBI, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation in this case. Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Rose also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Charlotte Division, the U.S. Secret Service, the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the Hickory Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Savage of the Western District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Gregory Gonzalez of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism section.
Justin Nojan Sullivan Indictment
North Carolina Man Indicted for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISILRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A North Carolina man has been charged with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and related offenses, announced Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Jill Westmoreland Rose of the Western District of North Carolina and Special Agent in Charge John A. Strong of the FBI’s Charlotte, North Carolina, Division.
The seven-count indictment was unsealed in federal court today, charging Justin Nojan Sullivan, 19, of Morganton, North Carolina, with attempting to provide material support to ISIL; receipt of a silencer in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony; receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm; concealment and storage of a stolen firearm; use of interstate facilities in the attempted commission of a murder-for-hire; and two counts of making false statements to FBI agents.
“According to allegations in the indictment, Sullivan attempted to provide material support to ISIL by acquiring weapons and planning to conduct deadly attacks on our soil,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Countering threats to the safety of the American people is the highest priority of the National Security Division, and we will continue to hold accountable those who seek to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations.”
“As alleged in the indictment, Sullivan pledged allegiance to ISIL, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and planned to carry out assassinations and mass shootings against innocent people,” said U.S. Attorney Rose. “Detecting and prosecuting violent extremists is a priority for my office and we will work closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to ensure that potential terrorist attacks are foiled, would-be assassins are brought to justice and Americans are kept from harm’s way.”
“Justin Sullivan had elaborate plans to kill hundreds of innocent people to show his support for the terrorist organization, ISIL,” said Special Agent in Charge Strong. “During the course of our investigation evidence was uncovered linking Sullivan to John Bailey Clark’s murder six months earlier. Any loss of life is tragic; due to the work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners, other planned attacks were thwarted preventing more violence.”
According to allegations contained in the indictment and information in related court filings, starting no later than September 2014, Sullivan watched violent ISIL attacks on the Internet, such as beheadings, after converting to Islam. The indictment alleges that Sullivan openly expressed support for ISIL in his home and destroyed religious items that belonged to his parents. The indictment also alleges that beginning no later than June 6, 2015, Sullivan attempted to provide material support to ISIL by planning terrorists attacks and discussed those plans on social media with an undercover FBI employee (UCE), who Sullivan attempted to recruit to join in such attacks.
As alleged in the federal indictment, Sullivan told the UCE via social media that it was better to remain in the United States to support ISIL than to travel. Sullivan suggested that the UCE obtain weapons and told the UCE that he was planning to buy a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle at an upcoming gun show in Hickory, North Carolina. On or about June 20, 2015, Sullivan attempted to purchase hollow point ammunition to be used with the weapon(s) he intended to purchase.
The indictment alleges that Sullivan had researched on the Internet how to manufacture firearm silencers and asked the UCE to build functional silencers that they could use to carry out the planned attacks. The indictment further alleges that Sullivan told the UCE he planned to carry out his attack in the following few days at a concert, bar or club, where he believed as many as 1,000 people would be killed using the assault rifle and silencer.
According to allegations in the indictment, on or about June 19, 2015, the silencer, which was built according to Sullivan’s instructions, was delivered to him at his home in North Carolina, where Sullivan’s mother opened the package. The indictment alleges that Sullivan took the silencer from his mother and hid it in a crawl space under his house. When Sullivan’s parents questioned him about the silencer, Sullivan, believing that his parents would interfere with his plans to carry out an attack, offered to compensate the UCE to kill them.
On June 19, 2015, Sullivan was arrested at his parents’ home, where law enforcement also executed a search for the silencer and other items. The indictment alleges that law enforcement interviewed Sullivan on separate occasions and that Sullivan made false statements pertaining to the weapons in his possession and his involvement in the murder of his neighbor, John Bailey Clark, 74. In particular, according to the indictment, Sullivan was asked on June 19, 2015, if he had a rifle, to which he answered no. However, the FBI’s search found a .22 rifle, a black ski mask and a lock pick kit hidden in the crawl space with the silencer. The indictment alleges that on June 20, 2015, Sullivan admitted that he had stolen the rifle from his father’s gun cabinet and hid it in the crawl space. Forensic testing shows that the .22 rifle hidden by Sullivan was used to murder Clark.
The District Attorney’s Office for North Carolina’s 25th Prosecutorial District, which includes Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties, is handling North Carolina’s prosecution of Sullivan for Clark’s murder.
Sullivan is currently in federal custody and has waived arrangement on the federal charges. Trial is set for Feb. 22, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger of the Western District of North Carolina.
The charge of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign organization carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of receiving a silencer in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The charge of receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000. The charge of possession, concealment and storage of a stolen firearm carries a maximum prison term of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. The charge of using interstate facilities in the attempted commission of a murder-for-hire carries a maximum prison term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of making a false statement to an agency of the United States carries a maximum prison term of up to eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making today’s announcement, Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Rose thanked District Attorney David Learner for his office’s continued assistance and coordination. Both also praised the investigative efforts of the FBI, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation in this case. Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Rose also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Charlotte Division, the U.S. Secret Service, the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the Hickory Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Savage of the Western District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Gregory Gonzalez of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism section.
Nicholas County man pleads guilty to possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nicholas County man faces up to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty today to possessing images and videos of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Derrick Young, 33, of Nallen, West Virginia, entered his guilty plea in federal court to the child pornography crime.
Young admitted that on May 21, 2014, he possessed images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The images and videos were contained on his personal cell phone located at his residence in Nallen.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 26, 2016. Young faces a fine of up to $250,000, a lifetime period of supervised release, mandatory registration as a sex offender, possible restitution to the victims of his offense, and the forfeiture of computers and cell phones that contained the child pornography.
The Department of Homeland Security and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. The defendant entered his plea before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case is being brought as part of an ongoing initiative by the United States Attorney’s Office to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
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Maryland man sentenced for orchestrating multi-state heroin trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian Alexander Hall, 27, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today to 100 months in prison for leading a multi-state heroin distribution network, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Hall sold heroin in the Baltimore, Maryland area. A large group of individuals repeatedly travelled across state lines to procure quantities of heroin from Hall in Maryland, and the surrounding region. The individuals then returned to locations in West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania to redistribute the heroin. Hall pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.”
Hall, along with 40 other individuals, was charged in a 163-count federal indictment in June 2015. Three additional defendants involved in the heroin trafficking scheme were also sentenced in federal court today.
Jessica Kesecker, 33, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, pled guilty in August 2015 to one count of “Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” She was sentenced today to 35 months in prison.
Josh Reid, 33, of Martinsburg, pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” He was sentenced today to 30 months in prison.
Bruce Morton Vaudrien, Jr., 46, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” He was sentenced today to 27 months in prison on each count. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 27 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Marion Man Pleads Guilty to Obtaining Anabolic Steroids from ChinaRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that on January 28, 2016, Matthew Short, 29, of Marion, Illinois, pled guilty in federal court to Importation of a Controlled Substance (Anabolic Steroids) from China. Sentencing has been set for May 11, 2016. Short waived Grand Jury Indictment and was charged in the single count Information. Short will face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
During his plea hearing, Short admitted that he had ordered close to a kilogram of various Anabolic Steroids, all Schedule III Controlled Substances, from China to be sent to his home in Marion, Illinois. The package was identified as it entered the United States and was seized by United States Customs and Border Protection at the San Francisco Mail Center, where it was referred for investigation to Homeland Security Investigations.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Lumber Liquidators Inc. Sentenced for Illegal Importation of Hardwood and Related Environmental CrimesRead the Press Release
Virginia-based hardwood flooring retailer Lumber Liquidators Inc. was sentenced today in federal court in Norfolk, Virginia, and will pay more than $13 million in criminal fines, community service and forfeited assets related to its illegal importation of hardwood flooring, much of which was manufactured in China from timber that had been illegally logged in far eastern Russia, in the habitat of the last remaining Siberian tigers and Amur leopards in the world, announced the Department of Justice.
In total, the company will pay $13.15 million, including $7.8 million in criminal fines, $969,175 in criminal forfeiture and more than $1.23 million in community service payments. Lumber Liquidators has also agreed to a five-year term of organizational probation and mandatory implementation of a government-approved environmental compliance plan and independent audits. In addition, the company will pay more than $3.15 million in cash through a related civil forfeiture. The more than $13.15 million dollar penalty is the largest financial penalty for timber trafficking under the Lacey Act and one of the largest Lacey Act penalties ever.
Lumber Liquidators pleaded guilty and was charged in October 2015 in the Eastern District of Virginia with one felony count of importing goods through false statements and four misdemeanor violations of the Lacey Act, which makes it a crime to import timber that was taken in violation of the laws of a foreign country and to transport falsely-labeled timber across international borders into the United States. The charges describe Lumber Liquidators’ use of timber that was illegally logged in Far East Russia, as well as false statements on Lacey Act declarations which obfuscated the true species and source of the timber. This is the first felony conviction related to the import or use of illegal timber and the largest criminal fine ever under the Lacey Act.
“The case against Lumber Liquidators shows the true cost of turning a blind eye to the environmental laws that protect endangered wildlife,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This company left a trail of corrupt transactions and habitat destruction. Now they will pay a price for this callous and careless pursuit of profit.”
“This prosecution has been the result of hard work of federal agents and prosecutors who have been dedicated to protecting our natural habitats in the United States and around the world,” said U.S. Attorney Dana Boente of the Eastern District of Virginia.
“Today’s sentence – which includes the largest financial penalty ever under the Lacey Act – demonstrates the consequences companies will face if they knowingly accept illegally sourced materials and violate U.S. customs laws,” said Special Agent in Charge Clark E. Settles of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) in Washington, D.C.
“By knowingly and illegally sourcing timber from vulnerable forests in Asia and other parts of the world, Lumber Liquidators made American consumers unwittingly complicit in the ongoing destruction of some of the world's last remaining intact forests,” said Director Dan Ashe of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Along with hastening the extinction of the highly endangered Siberian tiger and many other native species, illegal logging driven by the company's greed threatens the many people who depend on sustainable use of these forests for food, clean water, shelter and legitimate jobs. These unprecedented sanctions show how seriously we take illegal trade, and I am grateful to the Service special agents and wildlife inspectors, Homeland Security agents, and Justice Department attorneys who halted Lumber Liquidators' criminal acts and held the company accountable under the law.”
According to a joint statement of facts filed with the court, from 2010 to 2013, Lumber Liquidators repeatedly failed to follow its own internal procedures and failed to take action on self-identified “red flags.” Those red flags included imports from high risk countries, imports of high risk species, imports from suppliers who were unable to provide documentation of legal harvest and imports from suppliers who provided false information about their products. Despite internal warnings of risk and non-compliance, very little changed at Lumber Liquidators.
For example, Lumber Liquidators employees were aware that timber from the Russian Far East was considered, within the flooring industry and within Lumber Liquidators, to carry a high risk of being illegally sourced due to corruption and illegal harvesting in that remote region. Despite the risk of illegality, Lumber Liquidators increased its purchases from Chinese manufacturers using timber sourced in the Russian Far East. In 2013, the defendant imported Russian timber logged under a concession permit that had been utilized so many times that the defendants’ imports alone exceeded the legal harvest allowance of Mongolian oak, Quercus mongolica, by more than 800 percent. The investigation revealed a prevalent practice in timber smuggling enterprises, where a company uses a seemingly legitimate government permit to log trees. Corruption and criminal activity along the supply chain results in the same permit being used multiple times and in areas outside of the designated logging area, sometimes vastly exceeding its legal limits.
On other occasions, Lumber Liquidators falsely reported the species or harvest country of timber when it was imported into the United States. In 2013, Lumber Liquidators imported Mongolian oak from Far East Russia which it declared to be Welsh oak and imported merpauh from Myanmar which it declared to be mahogany from Indonesia.
The illegal cutting of Mongolian oak in far eastern Russia is of particular concern because those forests are home to the last 450 wild Siberian tigers, Panthera tigris altaica. Illegal logging is considered the primary risk to the tigers’ survival, because they are dependent on intact forests for hunting and because Mongolian oak acorns are a chief food source for the tigers’ prey species. Mongolian oak forests are also home to the highly endangered Amur leopard, Panthera pardus orientalis, of which fewer than 50 remain in the wild. In June 2014, in response to illegal logging and the decline in tiger populations, Mongolian oak was added to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix III.
The $1,230,825 in community service payments is being provided to two Congressionally-chartered recipients, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NWFW) and the USFWS Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund. One project that will be funded is the development of a wood identification device that if successful, could fill a critical gap in enforcement when it comes to identifying the species of timber at a border or in an enforcement scenario. The device would be able to identify timber species that are listed on the CITES Appendices, including the species that were at issue in this case. If U.S. border officials would have had access to such a device in 2011, then perhaps Lumber Liquidators could have been flagged for violation years ago, thus averting the flow of money back to China and Far East Russia in support of illegal logging. Other projects would involve protecting, researching and preserving the Siberian tiger, Amur leopard and their habitat.
The case was jointly investigated by agents of the USFWS and HSI as part of Operation Oakenshield. The case is being prosecuted by Patrick M. Duggan and Christopher L. Hale of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division, and Stephen Haynie and Kevin P. Hudson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Norfolk.