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18 February 2016
Charlotte Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Murder-For-Hire Plot Against Her Ex-HusbandRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal judge today handed down a 120-month prison term to a Charlotte woman convicted of a murder-for-hire plot against her ex-husband, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Fathia Davis, a/k/a Fathia-Anna Davis, 48, was also sentenced to two years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr. presided over the sentencing. Judge Conrad also ordered Davis to undergo mental health treatment.
U.S. Attorney Rose is joined in making today’s announcement by C.J. Hyman, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division and Chief Kerr Putney of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
“Fathia Davis was willing to pay someone to take the life of another human being, and even though she had plenty of opportunities to change her mind, she never did. Instead, she made sure the men she hired to carry out the murderous plot knew who the victim was and then tried to cover up her role in orchestrating this horrendous crime. Thanks to a concerned citizen and great law enforcement coordination Davis’s true, calculated and menacing behavior was discovered, a life was spared, and now Davis will spend the next 10 years behind bars for the crime she committed, said U.S. Attorney Rose.
“Today’s sentence is a result of our proactive efforts to reduce violent crime in our communities. In this case, law enforcement was able to prevent the tragic loss of human life. We will continue to work closely with CMPD to apprehend and prosecute those who choose to commit heinous crimes like this,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Hyman.
According to filed court documents, evidence presented at Davis’s trial and statements made during the sentencing hearing:
On or about January 2015, a concerned citizen informed law enforcement that Davis had asked him repeatedly to find her someone she could hire to kill her ex-husband. On February 15, 2015, undercover officers posing as potential hitmen met Davis in a parking lot in Charlotte. During that meeting, Davis agreed to pay the undercover officers $4,000 to shoot her ex-husband in the head. Davis drove with the undercover officers to the victim’s residence and pointed out his apartment and vehicles. Davis also told the officers that the victim had visitation with their daughter that week, and indicated that she was willing to have the victim killed during that time. Davis further told the officers that she wanted the victim out of her and her daughter’s lives, and that she had been trying for the last two years.
Using a prepaid cell phone, Davis set up a meeting on February 22, 2015, with undercover officers and gave them $500 as a down-payment for the murder. Davis told the officers that she had asked a friend withdraw the money from the bank so “it wouldn’t look funny.” Davis also told the undercover officers that she would give them the rest of the money after they had killed her ex-husband. The undercover officers told Davis that they would complete the job the following week and that she had until then to change her mind, to which she responded that she knew it was final.
On February 24, 2015, Davis met with the undercover officers and paid them $3,500 in cash after they told her that her ex-husband had been murdered. Davis asked the undercover officers where the murdered had happened and expressed no emotion. At the same meeting, the undercover men asked Davis to hand them the prepaid cell phone she had used to communicate with them. Davis did not want to hand over the phone and told them that a friend of hers was going to get rid of it. Davis reluctantly gave the phone to the undercover officers when they told her that they would break the phone.
On June 16, 2015, a federal jury convicted Davis of one count of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire.
In announcing today’s sentence, Judge Conrad said this was not a suggested crime and went on to say that this is not the first time that Davis had tried to kill a human being, noting that he believed the defendant tried to poison her ex-husband on a previous occasion. Judge Conrad also said that, “Ms. Davis was very serious about committing this crime,” and added that the crime was “Cold, calculated, intentional and the Court has to take that into account.”
Davis has been in in federal custody since June 2015. Upon designation of a federal facility she will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
ATF and CMPD investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Gleason and Jennifer Dillon prosecuted the case.
Charlotte Man Charged for Attempting Smuggle and Illegally Export Munitions OverseasRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man is facing federal charges for illegally obtaining and attempting to smuggle and export munitions to Ghana, West Africa, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The nine count indictment against Richmond Akoto Attah, 33, of Charlotte, was unsealed today in court, charging him with one count of violating the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), one count of illegal firearms dealing, two counts of smuggling goods from the United States and four counts of making false statements to a firearms dealer.
C.J. Hyman, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division; John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division; Nick Annan, Special Agent in Charge of ICE/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Georgia and the Carolinas; and Patti Fitzpatrick, Port Director of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Area in Charlotte join U.S. Attorney Rose in making today’s announcement.
“The indictment unsealed today alleges that Attah went to great lengths to carry out and conceal his gun trafficking scheme. He falsified information to obtain firearms illegally and then tried to evade our country’s export restrictions on munitions by attempting to smuggle guns to West Africa. Fortunately, our law enforcement partners detected and intercepted Attah’s dangerous plot,” said U.S. Attorney Rose. “The consequences of gun trafficking can be grave. Firearms illegally exported overseas can end up in the wrong hands, and potentially be used for criminal acts against innocent victims, including Americans. The vigorous prosecution of gun traffickers ensures the safety not only of our citizens but people abroad,” Rose added.
“ATF is committed to using any and all resources to apprehend firearm traffickers and keep firearms out of the hands of violent criminals both domestic and abroad. The successful conclusion of this investigation could not have occurred without the outstanding partnerships we have with our law enforcement partners,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Hyman.
“The FBI’s technical expertise and global reach in this case proves our dedication to fighting weapons smuggling both in the United States and overseas. This investigation is yet another example of what can be accomplished when we join forces with our federal law enforcement partners and work toward a common goal,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Strong.
“Firearms regulations exist to ensure weapons crossing international borders are properly accounted for to preserve public safety and to keep them out of the hands of dangerous criminals,” said Special Agent in Charge Anna of HSI in Atlanta. “This case shows the significant consequences awaiting individuals who attempt to illegally smuggle weapons and ammunition across U.S. borders.”
“This is another example of the broad scope of U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations here in North Carolina and beyond,” said Patti Fitzpatrick, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Area Port Director in Charlotte. “CBP officers remain committed to working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in an effort to keep all safe.”
According to allegations contained in the indictment, beginning in at least 2013 and continuing to the present, Attah purchased numerous firearms and ammunition he intended to smuggle and illegally export to Ghana. The indictment alleges that Attah obtained the firearms by misstating on the required federal forms that he was the actual buyer and transferee of the firearms. According to the indictment, Attah is not a federally licensed firearms dealer and does not possess a license to export firearms or ammunition to Ghana or any other country.
According to allegations in the indictment, from on or about September 2013 to December 2015, Attah purchased approximately 63 firearms and 3,500 rounds of ammunition from various stores, Internet vendors and at gun shows. On or about September 4, 2015, Attah travelled from Charlotte to Ghana, returning on October 10, 2015. According to the charges, during his return trip Attah hid $30,100 dollars in his luggage, falsely declaring on his customs paperwork that he was only bringing $350 back into the United States. The indictment also alleges that from on or about November 2015, to December 13, 2015, Attah purchased approximately 22 firearms and ammunition from dealers in North Carolina and online. Attah then hid 27 firearms, including semi-automatic pistols and revolvers, inside a washing machine and a dryer, and 3,500 rounds of ammunition inside a barrel. The indictment alleges that Attah placed the washer, dryer, and barrel inside a shipping container and attempted to have it shipped from Charlotte to Ghana. The indictment alleges that U.S. Customs officers recovered the firearms and ammunition before it was shipped outside the United States.
Attah had his initial appearance in federal court today. The penalty for violating the AECA is a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine or twice the amount of the criminally derived proceeds, whichever is greater. The penalty for illegal firearms dealing is a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The penalty for smuggling goods from the U.S. is a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count, and the penalty for making false statements in connection with the acquisition of a firearm is a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceeding.
ATF, FBI, HSI and CBP are handling the investigation. In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Rose also thanked the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and the Chatham County Sheriff's Office in Georgia for their assistance in this case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Savage and Kevin Zolot of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
CEO of Broker-Dealer Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court for Obstructing Regulatory Examination by Producing False Invoices to SEC Exam TeamRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that CHARLES J. MOORE, former Chief Executive Officer of broker-dealer Crucible Capital, Inc. (“Crucible”), was sentenced today to six months in prison for obstructing a regulatory examination conducted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon. MOORE, 63, pled guilty on November 9, 2015, to having caused a Crucible employee to falsify invoices and then provide them to an SEC examination team in response to a document request.
According to the agreement pursuant to which MOORE entered his plea of guilty, the underlying criminal Complaint filed August 7, 2014, the Indictment filed on September 30, 2014, and statements made during court proceedings:
MOORE was at all relevant times the CEO of Crucible, an SEC-registered broker-dealer that maintained no customer securities trading accounts, but held itself out as a “boutique” investment bank helping small businesses to raise capital and financing. Crucible used its status as an SEC-registered broker-dealer to solicit business.
MOORE was also at all relevant times the CEO of an affiliated company, Angelic Holdings LLC (“Angelic”), which was not registered with the SEC and which conducted “due diligence” for Crucible-related business. Crucible and Angelic shared employees and office space. They also shared expenses, under an agreement that had Crucible paying Angelic a monthly fee and Angelic paying vendors of certain specified services on behalf of both Angelic and Crucible.
As an SEC-registered broker-dealer that maintained no customer accounts, Crucible was required to maintain net capital of at least $5,000 at all times. It was also required to file monthly “FOCUS” reports with the SEC reporting its net capital.
In the fall of 2013, the SEC opened a regulatory examination of Crucible to explore, among other things, the accuracy of the net capital figures that Crucible had supplied in its FOCUS reports from in or about February 2013 through in or about September 2013. As part of that examination, the SEC requested all 2013 invoices to Angelic for Crucible-related expenses.
MOORE, responding to this request, caused a Crucible employee to create falsified invoices to deliver to the SEC. Specifically, he directed the employee to take original invoices that had been sent to Crucible personnel, and create versions of those invoices that omitted references to large, unpaid debts appearing on the originals. MOORE then caused the employee to hand the falsified invoices to the SEC. The purpose of this obstruction was to hide the true extent of Crucible’s debts from the regulatory examination team, and thus make it appear, falsely, that Crucible’s net capital figures, as reported in its 2013 FOCUS reports, were accurate.
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Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and thanked the SEC, which filed civil charges in a separate action.
The charges were brought 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 is 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.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Eddy McCallum is in charge of the prosecution.
Buncombe Co. Man Sentenced for Possession of Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Jill Westmoreland Rose announced that a Buncombe County man convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon was sentenced today in Asheville by U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger. Jeremy Scott Powell, 31, of Leicester, N.C. was ordered to serve 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release upon completion of the prison term.
U.S. Attorney Rose is joined in making today’s announcement by C.J. Hyman, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division and Sheriff Van Duncan, of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
According to filed court documents and statements made in court, on September 4, 2014, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the car Powell was driving, after it was determined that the license plate of Powell’s car belonged to another vehicle. Following a search of the vehicle, court records show that law enforcement recovered a semi-automatic handgun, which was loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. According to documents filed in the case, Powell is prohibited from possessing a firearm, stemming from his 2008 North Carolina conviction of two counts of drug trafficking and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Powell has been in federal custody since September 2014. He will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
The investigation was handled by ATF and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville.
Baton Rouge man pleads guilty to his role in a $400,000 identity theft and tax fraud schemeRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced the conviction of CAMERON BUTLER, age 33, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who pled guilty on Tuesday before U.S. District Judge James J. Brady to three counts of receiving stolen government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to the factual basis presented in connection with his pleas, $107,000 in fraudulent tax refunds were deposited into two of BUTLER’s bank accounts during the course of the underlying scheme. BUTLER obtained these tax refunds knowing that the refunds belonged to other taxpayers and that he was not entitled to them.
BUTLER’s conviction is the latest in a series of convictions related to the theft and use of over 400 social security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns which resulted in over $400,000 in tax refunds. BUTLER’s wife, MONA HILL, was previously convicted in connection with this tax fraud scheme in 2013. She was sentenced to serve sixty-five months in federal prison and to pay $491,268.18 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. TA’SHA THOMAS, age 26, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and SHONDA V. JOHNSON, age 42, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were also previously convicted for their roles in an extensive stolen identity refund fraud scheme in 2015. THOMAS and JOHNSON are awaiting sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Green stated: “These cases are another example of a collaborative effort with the IRS to aggressively identify and prosecute criminals who traffic in stolen identities and unlawfully obtain U.S. Treasury funds. We look forward to continuing our work with IRS and other investigative agencies in the fight to eradicate such conduct.”
Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Jerome R. McDuffie, stated: “We are pleased with Mr. Butler’s conviction. Our agency will continue to work with the United States Attorney's Office to aggressively protect innocent taxpayers and preserve the integrity of our tax system. Participation in refund fraud schemes does not pay and those who do so will be prosecuted and held accountable for their illegal activities.”
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M.P. Thornhill.
Baltimore Serial Robber Exiled to 13 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III, sentenced Kieron Matthew Williams, age 39, of Baltimore, today to 13 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for five robberies of retail establishments and displaying what appeared to be a handgun in each robbery.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to Williams’ plea agreement, between August 13 and September 21, 2014, Williams committed five robberies of stores in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. In each robbery Williams entered the store and displayed what appeared to be a black semi-automatic handgun to the store employee and demanded money. Williams stole a more than $1,000 in the five robberies. Williams also admitted that he committed more than 10 other robberies in Baltimore City and County during that same time period.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew C. Sullivan and James G. Warwick, who prosecuted the case.
Attorney General Lynch Attends Five Country Ministerial and Quintet of Attorneys GeneralRead the Press Release
Recognizing the continuing challenges to the security of our peoples and our countries, and that a collective approach is required to address these challenges, on February 16-17, 2016 United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch and United States Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson jointly hosted the Five Country Ministerial and the Quintet of Attorneys General meetings with their counterparts: Australian Attorney-General George Brandis; Australian Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton; Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale; Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Jody Wilson-Raybould; Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship John McCallum; New Zealand Attorney General Christopher Finlayson; United Kingdom Home Secretary Theresa May; and United Kingdom Attorney General Jeremy Wright.
On the first day, the Attorneys General and Ministers jointly discussed a range of topics including: information sharing for counterterrorism purposes while respecting privacy; countering violent extremism; cybercrime; encryption; and foreign investment in critical infrastructure. They agreed on the importance of expanding efforts to counter the threat of Daesh, al-Qaeda and their affiliates particularly by strengthening border and aviation security. They also agreed that violent extremism poses a critical threat for all five countries and decided to coordinate activity to counter violent extremism, including by engaging with communities and with social media and other high-tech industries. They further agreed to share best practices and evaluation of the impact of this work. They also agreed that while Government engagement is important, government itself cannot and should not be the only actor to counter violent extremism, and needs to partner with communities to reach isolated and vulnerable individuals and address the drivers of extremism in our societies. While recognizing the value of strong encryption and the need to protect civil liberties and privacy rights, Attorneys General and Ministers shared concerns about the challenges encryption presents to law enforcement agencies seeking to fight terrorism and serious and organized crime.
On the second day, the Attorneys General of the Quintet met separately to discuss cybercrime, criminal justice reform, and the need to uphold the rule of law and individual liberties in the face of national security threats. They shared their countries’ experiences concerning reforms to national security laws and reaffirmed the critical importance of meeting security imperatives while protecting civil liberties. The Attorneys General agreed to continue to discuss the application of the international law requirements for self-defense, including imminence.
On the same day, immigration and national security Ministers met separately and recognized the benefits of legitimate travelers and migrants and discussed ways to address challenges posed by mass migration and refugee flows, information sharing to facilitate travel and to enhance each country’s ability to identify and prevent the travel of criminals and terrorists across borders, and ways to enhance visa processes for certain travelers. The Ministers also recognized the value of trusted traveler programs.
The Attorneys General and Ministers agreed to continue discussions on enhancing cooperation on screening of refugees and asylum seekers. They agreed to explore opportunities for greater sharing of security and law enforcement information amongst the five countries.
The Attorneys General and Ministers reaffirmed the importance of working collaboratively on law enforcement and national security issues. They agreed to continue to coordinate efforts to more effectively address issues of mutual concern, and to ensure the security and prosperity of our citizens consistent with respect for individual rights and freedoms.
Arizona Man Sentenced for the Robbery of Two North Dakota BanksRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on February 17, 2016, Gary Wayne Thomas, 59, of Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland on two counts of Bank Robbery, to which Thomas pleaded guilty to on November 17, 2015.
Judge Hovland sentenced Thomas to five years and eleven months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on each count, to be served concurrently. Thomas was further ordered to pay restitution to the banks for the money stolen and a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On August 13, 2015, at approximately 10:12 a.m., Thomas entered BNC National Bank, 210 S. Main Street in Stanley, North Dakota, demanded money and then fled the bank with the money. Later that same day, at approximately 3:08 p.m., Thomas entered Dacotah Bank, 1121 S. Broadway in Minot, North Dakota, and once again demanded money and fled the bank with the money. No weapon was used or threatened in either event and Thomas was not immediately identified or apprehended.
Police identified Thomas as a suspect based upon a description of the vehicle seen leaving the Dacotah Bank following the robbery as well as both banks’ surveillance videos which showed the clothing that the bank robber was wearing. Video was obtained from a convenience store/gas station in the area which showed the suspect vehicle and the man driving the vehicle entering the convenience store. Based upon the individual’s clothing, the man was believed to be the man depicted in the bank videos. Further investigation, including into the registered owner of the suspect vehicle, led to the identification of Thomas as the bank robber. Thomas was located and arrested in early September 2015; none of the stolen money was recovered.
The case was investigated by the Minot Police Department, the Mountrail County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case.
Abingdon Man Sentenced on Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – The former owner of Wat-Co, a Washington County metal fabricating business, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon on tax charges.
Thomas Leroy Watson, 58, of Abingdon, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of failing to collect and pay taxes. United States District Judge James P. Jones sentenced Watson to federal prison for a term of 18 months.
“Paying taxes is part of our civic duty as American citizens,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “We must continue to make sure all private citizens and business owners pay the proper amount of tax.”
Watson failed to pay payroll taxes for his employees between 2010 and the first quarter of 2012. Accordingly, he was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $110,822.54.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.
A Leader of Harvey Hustlers Gang Sentenced to Life in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that HARRY SMOOT, age 29, of Avondale, was sentenced today to life in federal prison by United States District Judge Lance M. Africk.
SMOOT pled guilty to being the leader and source of supply for a twelve member offshoot of the larger Harvey Hustlers group that was involved in the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine, as well as a conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. As part of his plea, SMOOT admitted to his role in three murders, including a vicious double murder of a couple whose children, who were unharmed, were in the backseat of their vehicle when the shooting occurred and a seventy-four year old woman whose grandson was the target of the attack. During the sentencing hearing today, family members of the victims had the opportunity to address SMOOT about the pain that the loss of the victims had caused to them and their families. After hearing the testimony and overruling SMOOT’s arguments that the murders were not premeditated, Judge Africk sentenced SMOOT to serve the rest of his life in federal prison, emphasizing that in the federal system there is no parole. SMOOT was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims’ families.
Several members of SMOOT’s drug trafficking organization, including three other individuals who have collected admitted responsibility for four murders, are to be sentenced in the coming weeks.
“Today’s sentencing ensures that a violent murderer and drug trafficker will remain off of our streets for the rest of his life,” stated U.S. Attorney Polite.
This case is a product of an ongoing investigation into the violent acts in furtherance of the drug trafficking by the Harvey Hustler gang and its various offshoots on the West Bank. It represents the continued coordinated effort of the federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Multi-Agency Gang (“MAG”), including the United States Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and officers of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Kennedy, David Haller, and Myles Ranier and Special Assistant United States Attorney Collin Sims, who is a former Assistant United States Attorney and the Criminal Chief at the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, were in charge of the prosecution.
17 February 2016
Warren man faces firearm chargeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Airiz A. Coleman, 39, of Warren, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment alleges that on or about November 17, 2015, Coleman possessed a Criterion Die & Metal, model CDM, .22-caliber revolver and ammunition, despite previous convictions for felonious assault and improper discharge of a firearms at or into a habitation in the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas in 2008.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Warren Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Violent Drug Trafficker’s 1990 Life Sentence UpheldRead the Press Release
Today U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris reaffirmed the 1990 life sentence of Darryl Whiting who was a notorious and violent drug trafficker in Boston.
Whiting was originally sentenced to life in prison 1990 after being convicted of running a 100-person drug ring that netted him millions and terrorized the Orchard Park public housing development in Boston. An undercover agent and several of Whiting’s co-conspirators testified against him at trial, explaining that he preyed upon drug-addicted mothers, and viciously beat those who defied his orders. Whiting himself also testified at trial, telling the jury that he was a legitimate business man.
Recent changes to the federal sentencing guidelines made Whiting eligible for a greatly reduced sentence – unless the court found that he would pose a significant threat to public if released.
Significantly, Whiting, recently authored and published a lengthy and graphic novel in which the main character is released from prison on a technicality, launches a scaled-up version of his former criminal empire, finds and tortures to death the cooperating witnesses who testified at his trial, and advises criminal associates who plan to kill “rats” and display their bodies with cheese or a dime. Whiting claimed that his novel, which he published in 2013, was “purely fictional.”
The government challenged Whiting’s claim, pointing out to the court that the main character in Whiting’s book is named Darryl “God” Whiting, all the people in the book have the same names as all the people in the trial, and all the key historical events recounted in the book actually took place. The government argued that Whiting’s book was compelling evidence of his state of mind and his determination to seek violent revenge and resume a life of crime if released.
Members of the community, including residents of the Orchard Park community and state leaders submitted letters opposing any reduction for Whiting, whom they explained had severely diminished the quality of life in Boston and Roxbury, and whom they said has continued to instill fear in the community while incarcerated.
The Court found that Whiting poses such a serious threat to the community and those who cooperated against him that no relief under Amendment 782 is warranted – thus, the original life sentence is undisturbed.
Utah Man Sentenced to Prison for Interfering with Phoenix to New York Flight CrewRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Mapleton, Utah has been sentenced in federal court to twelve months and one day imprisonment for interference with flight crew members and attendants, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Steven Douglas Pectol, 40, of Mapleton, Utah.
According to information presented to the court, on October 11, 2015, Pectol interfered with the flight crew of US Airways Flight 632 by assaulting and intimidating the flight attendants and crew by disregarding instructions to remain in his seat, making threatening statements, attempting to physically force his way to the front galley of the airplane while pushing one of the attendants, and needing to be physically restrained by attendants and passengers as the plane landed while the defendant attempted to kick and head-butt attendants as he was being restrained. As a result of the defendant’s actions, US Airways Flight 632, flying from Phoenix, AZ to New York, NY, had to be diverted to Pittsburgh International Airport.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak stated that the defendant’s recent criminal history had indicated a gradual elevation in degree and that his sentence needed to reflect the seriousness of the offense, the need to protect the public from further crimes of the defendant, and the need to promote respect for the law.
Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Air Marshals for the investigation leading to the prosecution of Pectol.
United States and Vermont Doctor Resolve Matter Involving Non-FDA Approved Drugs and False ClaimsRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today the resolution of its investigation of Dr. Gamal H. Eltabbakh for submission of false claims for payment to Medicaid and Medicare. Under the terms of the agreement between the parties, Dr. Eltabbakh and his company, Lake Champlain Gynecologic Oncology P.C. (“LCGO”), paid $500,000.00 to the United States. The money will be divided between the federal Medicare ($391,957.81), federal Medicaid ($63,031.81), and Vermont Medicaid ($45,010.38) programs to which Dr. Eltabbakh submitted the alleged false billings.
The settlement resolves allegations that from approximately January 2010 through February 29, 2012, LCGO purchased a portion of the drugs used by Dr. Eltabbakh in chemotherapy treatments, including Aloxi, Neulastum, Bevacizumb, Taxotere, Gemzar, Hycamtin, and Alimta, from a Canadian drug distributor and other sources. The government further alleged that the drugs had not received final marketing approval from the FDA and were not covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, the agreement and payment are neither an admission of liability by Dr. Eltabbakh or LCGO, nor a concession by the United States that its claims were not well founded.
This matter was investigated by the United States Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG). “We will continue to ensure that Medicare and Medicaid only pay for drugs that meet the coverage requirements of the programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Phillip M. Coyne of HHS OIG. “Working with our Federal partners, we will continue to ensure beneficiaries receive safe and effective treatments.”
Dr. Eltabbakh was represented by Ian P. Carleton, Esq., of Sheehey, Furlong and Behm, P.C. of Burlington, Vermont. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Gelber and Eugenia Cowles.
U.S. Attorney Oberly Announces Large Heroin, Gun and Money SeizureRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Attorney Charles M. Oberly, III announced yesterday that on Thursday, February 11, 2016, following a 2 ½ month investigation, the Wilmington Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) – with assistance from the Newark Police Department SWAT, the Wilmington Police Department SWAT, the Delaware State Police, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force – executed search warrants at two addresses in an industrial park on Albe Drive in Newark, Delaware. Between those two addresses – as well as a third address in Cecil County, Maryland – agents and officers found approximately 48,800 bags of heroin, along with two loaded 9mm handguns, and approximately $40,000 in cash.
As a result of the execution of these warrants, five men were arrested:
Abdul Haye, 28, of Newark, Del.
Amyra Haye, 29, of Bear, Del.
Daniel Haye, 36, of Bear, Del.
Julius Williams, 28, of Newark, Del.
Cezar Mills, 30, of Bear, Del.
Each of these defendants stands charged with conspiring together to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and each of these defendants are – at present – detained in federal custody pending trial.
A bag of heroin is sold on the street in Delaware for approximately $10, making the total retail value of this seizure approximately $488,800. As such, this seizure represents the largest seizure of pre-packaged heroin in Delaware history.
In addition, some of the bags of heroin seized in this case tested positive for fentanyl, which is a potent synthetic opoid that can be mixed with heroin, to dangerous effect. The particular stamp, or brand, of heroin that this group was selling has been linked to two overdoses in the area.
The case is the product of an investigation conducted as part of the larger New Castle County HIDTA, which is a collaborative effort established in January 2015 among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The New Castle County HIDTA includes members from the following agencies: DEA, Delaware State Police, New Castle County Police Department, Newark Police Department, Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Delaware Department of Corrections – Probation and Parole, and the Delaware Attorney General’s Office.
Two defendants sentenced for Los Angeles-to-Mercer County hydromorphone schemeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Two men were sentenced today for federal drug crimes for their roles in trafficking pain pills from California to West Virginia, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Lawrence Ray Bennett, 31, of Los Angeles, was sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison. Peter B. McKinley, Jr., 33, of Princeton, was sentenced to three years and a month in federal prison. Both Bennett and McKinley previously pleaded guilty in late 2015 to conspiracy to distribute hydromorphone.
Bennett admitted that from July 2014 to September 2015, he mailed packages of pain pills from Los Angeles to McKinley in Mercer County. McKinley admitted that he sold the pills in the Bluefield and Princeton areas, and then mailed packages containing a portion of the drug proceeds back to Bennett in California. During the investigation of the case, agents seized over 2,500 hydromorphone pills and approximately $19,000 in cash.
The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the United States Postal Service investigated the case. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentences.
These cases were 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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Two defendants prosecuted for Federal heroin crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants appeared today in federal court in Charleston on heroin charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Antoine Maurice Brown, 32, of Charleston, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Brown previously pleaded guilty in November 2015 to the federal drug crime. Brown admitted that on June 26, 2013, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in the 7-Eleven parking lot on Washington Street, East, in Charleston.
Michael Shepard, 23, of Beckley, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin. Shepard admitted that on January 7, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant cooperating with law enforcement. The drug deal took place on Hartley Avenue in Beckley. Shepard faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on June 8, 2016.
The investigation of Brown was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation of Shepard. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
These cases were 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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Two Texas Men Sentenced for Federal Hate Crime Against Gay African-American ManRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Ramiro Serrata Jr., 23, and Jimmy Garza, 33, were each sentenced to 15 years in federal prison following their convictions of hate crime offenses for their roles in a Mar. 8, 2012, assault of a gay African-American man in Corpus Christi, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Both men pleaded guilty in September 2015, to one count of conspiracy to commit hate crimes and one count of a hate crime violation of the Shepard-Byrd Hate Crime Act for causing bodily injury because of the victim’s sexual orientation. The sentences were imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Hayden Head. In handing down the sentence, Judge Head commented that the defendants had abandoned their humanity to the viciousness of animals, and also added that not only must the defendants be punished for their behavior, but that it must send a message that this type of behavior won’t be tolerated in a civilized society. Both men were also ordered to pay $10,800 in restitution, serve three years of supervised release and register as sex offenders.
During their respective plea hearings, both men admitted they conspired to assault a gay African-American man because of his race and sexual orientation. During the assault, the defendants punched and kicked the man and assaulted him with various weapons, including a frying pan, a mug, a sock filled with batteries, a broom and a belt. The defendants also poured bleach onto the victim’s face and into his eyes, and Garza struck the victim in the head with a handgun.
Serrata and Garza further admitted that when the victim began to bleed during the assault, that they forced him to remove all of his clothing and clean up the blood throughout the apartment. After the victim was naked, Garza pointed a gun at him while Serrata sodomized the victim with a broom handle. Serrata and Garza admitted that, throughout the assault, they called the victim “gay” and other racial and homophobic slurs. The defendants also admitted that they repeatedly whipped the victim with a belt while calling him a “slave” and making other references to slavery.
Both men acknowledged that throughout the assault, they also prevented the man from leaving the apartment by physical force and threats of force. The victim eventually escaped the apartment by jumping out of a window and running away until he was discovered by the police.
“Today’s sentencing makes clear that assaults based on bias and hate will not be tolerated in this nation, and the Department of Justice will aggressively seek justice for any and all victims of such heinous violence,” said Gupta. “These crimes violate both our civil rights laws and most basic national values. The Department of Justice will aggressively seek justice for any and all victims of such heinous violence.”
“The protection of all individuals from acts of violence based on their rights guaranteed By the Constitution and laws of the United States will always be a priority in this judicial district,” said Magidson. “This case represents that commitment.”
Serrata and Garza will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. A third defendant, Carlos Garcia Jr., pleaded guilty on Jan. 5, 2016, to one count of making false statements to a federal law enforcement officer. Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced March 22, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Corpus Christi Resident Agency with assistance from the Corpus Christi Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruben Perez and Trial Attorneys Jared Fishman and Nicholas Durham of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Two Texas Men Sentenced for Federal Hate Crime Against Gay African-American ManRead the Press Release
Ramiro Serrata Jr., 23, and Jimmy Garza, 33, were each sentenced to 15 years in prison following their convictions of hate crime offenses for their roles in a Mar. 8, 2012, assault of a gay African-American man in Corpus Christi, Texas, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas.
Both men pleaded guilty in September 2015, to one count of conspiracy to commit hate crimes and one count of a hate crime violation of the Shepard-Byrd Hate Crime Act for causing bodily injury because of the victim’s sexual orientation. The sentences were imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Hayden Head of the Southern District of Texas. In handing down the sentence, Judge Head commented that the defendants had abandoned their humanity to the viciousness of animals, and also added that not only must the defendants be punished for their behavior, but that it must send a message that this type of behavior won’t be tolerated in a civilized society. Both men were also ordered to pay $10,800 in restitution, serve three years of supervised release and register as sex offenders.
During their respective plea hearings, both men admitted they conspired to assault a gay African-American man because of his race and sexual orientation. During the assault, the defendants punched and kicked the man and assaulted him with various weapons, including a frying pan, a mug, a sock filled with batteries, a broom and a belt. The defendants also poured bleach onto the victim’s face and into his eyes, and Garza struck the victim in the head with a handgun.
Serrata and Garza further admitted that when the victim began to bleed during the assault, they forced him to remove all of his clothing and clean up the blood throughout the apartment. After the victim was naked, Garza pointed a gun at him while Serrata sodomized the victim with a broom handle. Serrata and Garza admitted that, throughout the assault, they called the victim “gay” and other racial and homophobic slurs. The defendants also admitted that they repeatedly whipped the victim with a belt while calling him a “slave” and making other references to slavery.
Both men acknowledged that throughout the assault, they also prevented the man from leaving the apartment by physical force and threats of force. The victim eventually escaped the apartment by jumping out of a window and running away until he was discovered by the police.
“Today’s sentencing makes clear that assaults based on bias and hate will not be tolerated in this nation,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. “These crimes violate both our civil rights laws and most basic national values. The Department of Justice will aggressively seek justice for any and all victims of such heinous violence.”
“The protection of all individuals from acts of violence based on their rights guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States will always be a priority in this judicial district,” said U.S. Attorney Magidson. “This case represents that commitment.”
Serrata and Garza will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. A third defendant, Carlos Garcia Jr., pleaded guilty on Jan. 5, 2016, to one count of making false statements to a federal law enforcement officer. Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced on March 22, 2016, and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Corpus Christi, Texas, Resident Agency with assistance from the Corpus Christi Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Jared Fishman and Nicholas Durham of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruben Perez of the Southern District of Texas.
Two Men Sentenced for Involvement in Scheme to Distribute Misbranded DrugsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Almuntasser “Alex” Hbaiu, age 34, and Michael Kang, age 46, both of Los Angeles, California, were sentenced on February 11, 2016 by U.S. District Court for the Central District of California Judge John A. Kronstadt
Judge Kronstadt sentenced Hbaiu to 24 months in prison for distribution of misbranded drugs, and structuring financial transactions with proceeds from criminal activity of more than $10,000. Hbaiu was ordered to pay a $60,000 fine and to forfeit his interest in the house at 1806 Meadow Ridge Drive, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, $20,000 cash and the contents of two bank accounts. Hbaiu also agreed to the destruction of all seized sexual enhancement supplements.
Kang was sentenced to one month in prison, five months home confinement and a $5,000 fine for distribution of misbranded drugs.
Criminal charges were originally brought against Hbaiu in the Middle District of Pennsylvania in March 2013 before U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo and were later transferred to California.
According to the United States Attorney’ Office, Hbaiu was involved in companies that sold drugs including “Mojo Nights,” “Libigrow” and “Blue Diamond” marketed as “all natural” versions of drugs such as Viagra. In fact, the drugs contained sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, and Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis. The misbranded “performance enhancers” products were sold on internet web sites as well as physical locations, including one in York County.
Kang headed companies in the Los Angeles area that supplied companies owned by Hbaiu with the misbranded dietary supplements and their ingredients.
Also charged with criminal conspiracy were Ahed Hbaiu, age 32, of Etters in York County, Pennsylvania, Gil Conrad Dizon, age 28, of Los Angeles, and Christopher Mouzon, age 27, of Los Angeles. In July 2015, Mouzon was sentenced by Judge Rambo in Harrisburg to six months in prison and four months home confinement for testifying falsely before the grand jury. Ahed Hbaiu reportedly left the country and Dizon is purportedly in the Philippines. Warrants have been issued for their arrest.
Hbaiu was charged with conspiring to avoid the requirement that banks report cash transactions of $10,000 or more by “structuring” deposits made into various bank accounts. Hbaiu made cash deposits of less than $10,000 in accounts of family members and associates and then transferred the money to accounts controlled by him. Some of the funds “structured” in this fashion were used to pay off the mortgage on a residence at 1806 Meadow Ridge Drive, Hummelstown, which was eventually titled to Alex Hbaiu. Other structured funds were used to fund the business operations of Caliber Investments, 1 Stop Sunoco Gas Station and Eclipse Builders, all located in Etters, York County.
“U.S. consumers rely on FDA oversight to ensure that dietary supplements contain only those ingredients that are disclosed on the label, and certainly to not contain the active ingredients in prescription drugs. When individuals manufacture and distribute supplements with undeclared and potentially dangerous ingredients, they place the health of consumers at serious risk,” said Glen A. McElravy, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to direct our resources to bringing to justice those who threaten the public health.”
“The structuring and concealment of monies derived from illegal activities is what enables criminal conduct such as the distribution of misbranded drugs to flourish,” said Internal Revenue Service, Special Agent in Charge Akeia Conner. “The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation is committed to enforcing the laws that insure individuals do not use our financial institutions to conceal the proceeds of their crimes.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, The Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy H. Fawcett.
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Two Defendants Arrested in Multi-County Meth DistributionRead the Press Release
BOISE - Sergio Ayala-Sotelo, 26, and Gilberto Sanchez-Andrade, 25, both from Mexico, made an initial appearance today on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Both of the defendants were indicted on February 9, 2016, by a federal grand jury in Boise.
The Indictment alleges that between January 27, 2016, and January 28, 2016, the defendants conspired with each other to distribute methamphetamine in the state of Idaho. Ayala-Sotelo also is charged with three counts of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and Sanchez Andrade is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The maximum sentence for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine is at least ten years and up to life in prison and up to a $10 million fine. The maximum sentence for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine depends on the amount of methamphetamine possessed on the specific date charged. Ayala-Sotelo faces a maximum sentence of at least five years and up to forty years in prison on two of the possession with intent to distribute counts and at least ten years up to life in prison on the third. Sanchez-Andrade faces a maximum sentence of at least ten years up to life in prison on the possession with intent to distribute count in which he is charged. The maximum fines on the possession with intent to distribute counts range from $5,000,000 for two of the counts charged against Ayala-Sotelo to $10,000,000 for the third possession with intent to distribute count pending against Ayala-Sotelo and the one count against Sanchez-Andrade.
A trial is set for April 4, 2016, before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force comprised of the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and Nampa Police Department. The investigation was also assisted by Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Twin Falls Police Department, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, and Mountain Home Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Board. The Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Board is a collaboration of local law enforcement drug task forces and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, and Malheur County.
An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Twelve people indicted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in YoungstownRead the Press Release
An 84-count indictment was filed in federal court charging 12 people for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the Youngstown area, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment alleges that between March 2015 and continuing through January 2016, the following individuals knowingly conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine: Jose G. Martinez, aka Lupe, 42, of Austintown, Ohio; Ricardo Bustillos-Ramos, 46, of Austintown, Ohio; Jonathan Rivera, 30, of Dallas; Lilia Comacho-Jimenez, 32, of Austintown, Ohio; Pedro Aboite-Espitia, 44, of New Carlisle, Ohio; Raymone T. West, 26, of Springfield, Ohio; Bruce Cuevas, Sr., 61, of Youngstown; Felipe Hildago-Rivera, 30, of Des Moines, Iowa; Justin D. Trevor, 28, of Wellsville, Ohio; Joseph W. Warrick, 54, of East Liverpool, Ohio; John N. Clemens, 71, of Kensington, Ohio, and Michael S. Patterson, 41, of Springfield, Ohio.
It was part of the conspiracy that Rivera and Aboite-Espitia supplied cocaine to Martinez for distribution in the Youngstown area. Martinez supplied cocaine to Trever, Clemens and Warrick for redistribution in the Northern District of Ohio and to West and Patterson for redistribution in the Southern District of Ohio, according to the indictment.
It was further part of the conspiracy that Bustillos-Ramos transported cocaine from Texas to Martinez in Ohio. Cuevas transported drugs and drug proceeds for the organization while Hildago-Rivera possessed and transported cocaine for the organization. The conspirators used cellular telephones, code words and phrases to facilitate their drug trafficking activities, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tohatchi Man Sentenced to Almost 23 Years in Prison for Federal Child Sexual Abuse ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Donald Norton, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Tohatchi, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., for his child sex abuse conviction. Norton was sentenced to 275 months in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. Norton will be required to register as a sex offender when he completes his prison sentence.
Norton’s sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, and Director Jesse Delmar of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety.
Norton was arrested on Dec. 2, 2013, on a two-count indictment alleging that he sexually abused the victim in Dec. 2009 and on a date between May 2010 and Aug. 2010. The indictment alleged that Norton committed the crimes on the Navajo Indian Reservation in McKinley County, N.M.
On May 27, 2015, Norton pled guilty to a felony information charging him with one count of aggravated sexual abuse. In entering his guilty plea, Norton admitted sexually molesting a child in Dec. 2009.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Wishard as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Three Southern Illinois Residents Plead Guilty to Crack Cocaine OffenseRead the Press Release
On February 9, 2016, three southern Illinois residents pled guilty to a crack cocaine offense, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Keenon J. Farr, a/k/a "Keeno," 32, and Roderick L. McClain, a/k/a "Big Bama," 30, both of Carbondale, and Tommy T. Langston, a/k/a "G," 38, of Herrin, pled guilty to a one-count superseding indictment, charging conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between October 2014 and July 2015, in Williamson and Jackson Counties. Evidence at the plea hearings established that Farr, McClain, and Langston were involved with each other and others in the distribution of crack cocaine. During the investigation, the three co-defendants sold crack cocaine to confidential sources working for law enforcement. Farr, McClain, and Langston are being held without bond pending June 2016 sentencing hearings.
Farr and Langston are facing penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment, to be followed by 8 years’ supervised release, and a fine of up to $8,000,000. McClain is facing a penalty of 5-40 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Drug Enforcement Administration, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Carbondale Police Department. The Williamson and Jackson County States Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Three Elkins residents charged in counterfeit money schemeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging three Elkins residents with fraudulently using counterfeit money to obtain authentic currency and other goods, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Marc G. Collett, 34, Robert R. Teter, 29, and Jonathan J. Ross, 29, all of Elkins, are alleged to have repeatedly exchanged counterfeit money in order to obtain authentic United States currency, debit cards, and merchandise in Harrison County, West Virginia in late 2014.
All three defendants are charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Utter Counterfeit Obligations or Securities” and two counts of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations or Securities – Aiding and Abetting.” Collett is further charged with three additional counts of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations or Securities – Aiding and Abetting.” Teter is further charged with two additional count of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations or Securities – Aiding and Abetting.” The defendants each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the aforementioned charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service, the Clarksburg, West Virginia Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Misbranding ChargeRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A Elizabethton, Tennessee man pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon to a drug misbranding charge, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Cecil A. McConnell III, 44, of Elizabethton, Tenn., was charged in a superseding indictment returned in October 2015 with a number of drug-related charges. Today in District Court, McConnell pled guilty to one count of misbranding a drug.
“The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to be vigilant in the prosecution of all illegal drugs, including analogues and other misbranded substances,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today.
At sentencing, McConnell faces a maximum possible penalty of up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Virginia State Police, the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force in Big Stone Gap, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Alachua County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Stockton Man Sentenced for Trafficking Guns and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Brandon Johnson, 26, of Stockton, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine and selling firearms without a license, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, special agents conducted an extensive investigation into Johnson’s gun and drug dealing activities. From August 2013, to October 2013, Johnson met repeatedly with an undercover agent. During the course of four separate meetings, Johnson sold the undercover agent more than half a pound of methamphetamine and although Johnson did not have a license to sell firearms, he sold the undercover agent five firearms, including four pistols and one AK-type DC Industries 7.62 x39 caliber rifle.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christiaan Highsmith prosecuted the case.
Stilwell Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that NATASHA DAWN POAFPYBITTY, age 29, of Stilwell, Oklahoma pled guilty to POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A)(viii), punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine or both.
The charge is a result of an investigation by the Cherokee Nation Marshals Service, the District 27 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The defendant was indicted in February, 2015.
The Indictment alleged that that on or about November 20, 2014, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, NATASHA DAWN POAFPYBITTY, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of Methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion. The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Source of Supply of ICE to Bamberg SentencedRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Jim May (803) 929-3000
Evidence presented at the trial established the DEA began an investigation targeting methamphetamine dealers in the Bamburg area of South Carolina. The investigation revealed that Douglas Harry and Charles Wallace were the local dealers and that Harry would travel to Atlanta to obtain the methamphetamine. Agents were able to identify Harry’s suppliers as Richard Proctor (deceased) and Tiffany Walden. Through the use of various investigative techniques, to include Title III wire intercepts, pole cameras and toll analysis, DEA identified Proctor and Walden’s supplier as Ramirez. Testimony established that Ramirez transported pound quantities of high quality methamphetamine, known as ICE, from Texas to Atlanta hidden in sealed cans of beans. Ramirez then distributed the ICE to dealers in the Atlanta area, to South Carolina, and Tennessee. The Drug Enforcement Administration tested the methamphetamine at 96 to 100 percent pure, which reflects that the meth was made in a “super lab” south of the Texas border. Ramirez is the final defendant of the conspiracy to sentenced, with Wallace having been sentenced to 211 months, Harry to 115 months, and Walden to 60 months. The case was investigated by agents of the DEA. Assistant United States Attorney Beth Drake and Jim May of the Columbia United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. #####
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Alfredo De Jusus Ramirez, age 21, of Henry County, Georgia was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia sentenced Ramirez to 292 months in the Bureau of Prisons.Somerville Man Arrested in Miami After Fleeing Massachusetts and being Found on Boat off the Coast of CubaRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Somerville man, who was charged yesterday for his role in orchestrating a disruptive computer attack on a local hospital’s network, was arrested in Miami this morning after having fled Massachusetts and being found in a small boat off the coast of Cuba. The man and his wife made a distress call, after their boat ran into trouble. A nearby Disney Cruise Ship responded to the distress call and rescued the couple.
Martin Gottesfeld, 31, had been aware of a federal investigation since October 2014, when the FBI searched his home in relation to a computer attack on the hospital network. Last week, the Somerville Police Department conducted a wellness check at the Gottesfeld’s apartment after receiving calls from his employer and from relatives concerned about his whereabouts. It is alleged that Mr. Gottesfeld had not been to work, nor had he or his wife had any contact with family members in several weeks. The police found no one home at his apartment.
On Tuesday, February 16th, the FBI in Boston was notified by their counterparts in the Bahamas that Gottesfeld and his wife were not registered guests on the ship, but rather had been picked up by the cruise ship near Cuba, following a distress call. Mr. Gottesfeld was arrested when the cruise ship returned to its Miami port this morning.
Gottesfeld was charged in a criminal complaint unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Boston with one count of conspiracy. According to the affidavit, the computer attack, which disrupted the hospital’s network for approximately a week, was launched in the name of hacking group Anonymous in an effort to affect the hospital’s handling of a teenage patient (“Patient A”), who was the subject of a high-profile custody battle between her parents and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
According to the complaint affidavit, the attack on the Massachusetts hospital was one of two attacks that Gottesfeld and others orchestrated.
On March 23, 2014, Gottesfeld allegedly posted a YouTube video calling, in the name of Anonymous, for action against the local hospital in response to its treatment of Patient A. The video, which was narrated by a computer-generated voice, stated that Anonymous “will punish all those held accountable and will not relent until [Patient A] is free.” The YouTube video directed viewers to a posting on the website pastebin.com that contained the information about the hospital’s server necessary to initiate an attack against that server.
It is further alleged that on April 19, 2014, the conspirators initiated an attack against the hospital server identified in the pastebin.com posting. That attack directed hostile traffic at the hospital’s network for at least seven days, disrupted that network, and took the hospital’s website out of service. The attack also disrupted the hospital’s day-to-day operations, as well as the research being done at the hospital.
The hospital had to re-allocate its resources in a significant way to ensure that patient care was not affected during this period. In an effort to ensure the attack did not compromise patient information, the hospital decided to shut down the portions of its network that communicated with the Internet and its e-mail servers. This effort successfully prevented the attackers from accessing any patient records or other internal hospital information. Responding to, and mitigating, the damage from this attack cost the hospital more than $300,000.
The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and restitution. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Harold Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Bookbinder and David D’Addio of Ortiz’s Cybercrime Unit.
The details contained in the criminal complaint affidavit are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Silver Spring Man Sentenced to Prison for $1.6 Million SBA Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Stewart Mark Twayne Harris, age 39, of Silver Spring, Maryland, today to two years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for bank fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft. Judge Motz also entered an order that Harris pay restitution of $1,666,700, and forfeit residential property located in Brandywine, Maryland.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Small Business Administration Inspector General Peggy E. Gustafson; and Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill of the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, Philadelphia Field Division.
According to his plea, in April 2009, Harris applied for a $1,666,700 loan from a commercial lender for the purported purpose of using loan proceeds to purchase a commercial glass company. The loan was to be guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). To secure the business loan, Harris submitted a loan application and purported tax returns in which he falsely represented the social security number of another individual to be his own. He also submitted false bank statements in which he used the stolen identity of a second victim, and an equity statement which falsely represented the amount of paid receipts and other cash injection into the business he was to purchase.
Based on this false documentation, the SBA and the lender approved the loan, with the SBA guaranteeing 89.99% of the loan amount. On June 26, 2009, the lender disbursed $1,591,666 to Harris. From June to October, 2009, in order to conceal the loan proceeds, Harris deposited and withdrew the proceeds into different bank accounts he controlled. On October 1, 2009, Harris withdrew part of the funds to make a deposit and down payment on the purchase of a home in Brandywine, Maryland.
Harris defaulted on the loan on January 5, 2011. SBA paid the lender approximately $1,515,918.90 in satisfaction of its loan guarantee.
In April 2012, Harris filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy. In his petition to the bankruptcy court, Harris failed to declare the commercial lender as a creditor, and failed to disclose that he was an officer or director, and owner of five percent or more, of the glass company.
The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.
Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 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 the inception of FFETF in November 2009, the Justice Department has filed more than 12,841 financial fraud cases against nearly 18,737 defendants including nearly 3,500 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.stopfraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the SBA-OIG and SSA–OIG for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom, who prosecuted the case.
Shelton Man Involved in Steroid Manufacturing and Distribution Conspiracy is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK BERTANZA, 34, of Shelton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to three years of probation for his role in a steroid manufacturing and distribution ring. Judge Chatigny also ordered BERTANZA to perform 120 hours of community service and pay a $1000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that Steven Santucci, a former Newtown Police sergeant, and others were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. The investigation also revealed that certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.
BERTANZA purchased anabolic steroids from Santucci and distributed them to others.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and four long guns.
On October 16, 2015, BERTANZA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.
On December 9, 2015, Santucci pleaded guilty to steroid distribution and money laundering offenses. He awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert M. Spector.
Sayre Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that BUDDY KENNY ROGERS, age 36, of Sayre, Oklahoma pled guilty to DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) and 841(b)(1)(C), punishable by not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000.00 fine or both.
The charge is a result of an investigation by the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Tahlequah Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The defendant was indicted in November, 2015.
The Indictment alleged that that in or about June 2014 and continuing until on or about April 1, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, BUDDY KENNY ROGERS did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree together, and with others, known and unknown to commit offenses against the United States to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance and a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.
Rogers was a California state inmate incarcerated within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. While incarcerated within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Rogers utilized a cellular telephone to contact others in California to coordinate the delivery of methamphetamine and heroin to others outside the prison system but within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion. The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Richard Graham Sentenced to 70 Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine BaseRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Richard Graham, 37, of Bronx, New York was sentenced yesterday for having possessed with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base in Vermont. United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford sentenced Graham to 70 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release.
According to court records, on the evening of July 8, 2015, Graham arrived at the Waterbury train station as a passenger on the northbound Vermonter. He was picked up from the station by a vehicle, which was subsequently stopped by law enforcement as it traveled toward Stowe, Vermont. During the stop, Graham initially identified himself by a fake name and presented a Vermont identification card in that name that he had obtained using another person’s name, social security number, and date of birth.
During a consensual search of the vehicle, officers located drug paraphernalia, and a K9 trained in drug detection alerted to the spot where Graham had been seated. Officers subsequently determined that Graham had concealed approximately 48 grams of cocaine base in his body. Further investigation showed that Graham had been distributing controlled substances in Vermont for approximately one year, repeatedly traveling to Vermont on commercial carriers from New York City while possessing cocaine base.
Graham has three prior felony convictions for selling or possessing with intent to deliver controlled substances.
This matter was investigated by the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Graham was represented by John-Claude Charbonneau, Esq. of Rutland.
Poteau Man Sentenced to 36 Months Probation for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that PAUL DANIEL MORRISON, age 55, of Poteau, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 3 years of probation for THEFT OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. MORRISON was also ordered to pay $25,955.06 in restitution.
The charge is a result of an investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. The defendant was indicted in August, 2015.
The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about December, 2011, and continuing until on or about July 9, 2013, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did willfully and knowingly steal and purloin money of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a department or agency of the United States, namely, Department of Veterans Affairs Monthly Non-Service Connected Pension Benefits payments to which he knew he was not entitled, having a value in excess of $1,000.00.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to Prison for Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has sentenced in federal court to 18 months of incarceration; three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $204,252.16 in restitution on his conviction of fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Duane Jackson, 30, Pittsburgh, PA.
According to the information presented to the court, Jackson and his conspirators agreed to defraud account holders at Pittsburgh area banks by a remote deposit, mobile-banking scheme in which Jackson and conspirators deposited fictitious checks into victim accounts, and later withdrew cash at the Rivers Casino and ATMs.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF) for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of these defendants. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort is the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Pine Ridge Man Indicted for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
John Andrew Red Cloud, age 47, was indicted on December 15, 2015. Red Cloud appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on February 12, 2016, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Red Cloud assaulting a female on June 15, 2015, at Pine Ridge.
The charge is merely an accusation and Red Cloud is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
Red Cloud was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for April 19, 2016.
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Piedmont Man Pleads Guilty to Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Piedmont, South Dakota, man has pleaded guilty in federal court to Failure to Withhold, Properly Account For, and Pay Over Tax and Concealment of Bankruptcy Assets.
Bernard Haag, age 57, was charged on January 26, 2016. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on February 12, 2016, and pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement reached with federal prosecutors. The maximum penalty for each count is 5 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Haag willingly failing to pay over taxes and concealing income from a bankruptcy trustee. The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Haag was released during the pendency of the proceedings. ##
Physician Pleads Guilty to Illegally Prescribing Pain MedicationRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced that an East Texas pain management physician has pleaded guilty to illegally dispensing controlled substances.
Sameer Andoni Fino, 49, of Murphy, Texas, pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge John D. Love for dispensing controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
According to information presented in court, Fino, as the owner of the Fino Pain Clinic, provided pain management services to patients in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area and East Texas. On September 24, 2014, in Longview, Texas, Fino evaluated an undercover law enforcement agent who was posing as a new patient. During that visit, Fino did not perform any physical examination of the agent. After meeting with the agent for approximately six minutes, Fino wrote the undercover agent a prescription for 60 units of Norco ® 10 mg, which is an opioid pain medication containing hydrocodone. Fino knowingly and intentionally dispensed this controlled substance outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
In connection with his guilty plea, Fino has agreed to voluntarily surrender his DEA Certificate of Registration, thereby surrendering his privileges to prescribe controlled substances in the future.
In a related civil action, Fino has agreed to forfeit $3,936,704.41. The funds were originally seized during the execution of federal seizure warrants. At sentencing, Sameer Andoni Fino faces up to ten years in federal prison. No sentencing date has been set.
The investigation leading to the charges was conducted by agents from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Texas Office of the Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (OAG-MFCU). Special Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth C. McGurk is prosecuting this case.
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Parma man faces child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
Michael L. Sowinski, 62, of Parma, was charged with receiving, distributing, and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment charges that from on or about November 5, 2011, through on or about May 3, 2015, Sowinski knowingly received and distributed, by computer, numerous computer files, which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. It is further alleged that on May 14, 2015, Sowinski possessed a Dell desktop computer, a Western Digital external hard drive, a Hitachi external hard drive, and a Samsung external hard drive, all devices that contained child pornography.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Benedict S. Gullo and Carol M. Skutnik. The case was investigated by the State of Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Palm Beach County Resident Sentenced for Her Participation in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud Scheme Involving at Least 790 IdentitiesRead the Press Release
A Palm Beach County resident was sentenced to prison for her participation in a stolen identity tax fraud scheme involving at least 790 stolen identities.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Nadine Gurley, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General (HUD-OIG), and Karen Citizen-Wilcox, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG), made the announcement.
Kelli Witherspoon McIntosh, 39, of Palm Beach County, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley to 36 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release (Case No. 14-CR-80158). McIntosh was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $775,242.91. In October 2015, McIntosh pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349; and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1). McIntosh’s sentence includes a term of 12 months in prison for her participation in the conspiracy and a mandatory consecutive term of 24 months in prison, for the aggravated identity theft conviction.
Co-conspirators Latonia Verdell (Case No. 14-CR-80158) and Starling Willis (Case No. 15-CR-80119), both of Palm Beach County, were previously convicted of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1), and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 1349. Verdell was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3); theft of government property, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641; and making a false statement to a federal government agency, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2) and sentenced in January 2016.
Verdell was sentenced to 94 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $947,296.81. Verdell’s sentence included a concurrent term of 70 months in prison for each count of conviction for theft of government money, felon in possession, and unauthorized access devices; and a concurrent sentence of 5 years in prison for the false statement conviction. In addition, Verdell was sentenced to a mandatory term of 24 months in prison, to run consecutive to all other sentences, for the aggravated identity theft conviction.
Willis was sentenced to 33 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered jointly and severally liable for restitution, with Verdell, in the amount of $32,4551. Willis was sentenced to 9 months in prison for the conspiracy, to be followed by a mandatory consecutive term of 24 months in prison for the aggravated identity theft conviction.
According to court documents and the defendants’ testimony during the sentencing hearings, Verdell, Willis and co-defendant McIntosh, participated in a widespread stolen identity refund fraud scheme involving at least 790 stolen identities and personal identification information (PII). The PII was used to file fraudulent on-line income tax returns, with those refunds being directed to various bank accounts created and maintained by Verdell, McIntosh and Willis, as well as to reloadable debit cards. Identity theft victims whose personal information was used for this scheme spanned from Indian River, Highlands, St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach Counties, as well as persons outside the State of Florida. This scheme resulted in the submission to the IRS of more than 590 fraudulent returns in the names of other persons, seeking approximately $1.5 million in fraudulent income tax refunds.
Court documents also indicate that on September 1, 2010, while Verdell was receiving unauthorized income from the filing of fraudulent income tax returns with the IRS, she received a housing assistance payment funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), while knowing she was not entitled to receive such a payment. On September 24, 2013, Verdell submitted an application for enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also referred to as ‘food stamps.’ In her application, Verdell knowingly stated that her only monthly income was $715, without any other source of income, when she was in fact receiving significant income from fraudulent tax refund payments.
Court documents also indicate that evidence of the stolen PII, a list of bank accounts belonging to Willis, information regarding accounts which received fraudulent refunds, and a stolen .38 caliber pistol, were found in Verdell’s home during the execution of a federal search warrant.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the IRS-CI, HUD-OIG, and USDA OIG. Mr. Ferrer also thanked the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Orange, Texas Resident Sentenced for Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 59 year old Orange, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to possess “crack” cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Grover Lee Roberts pleaded guilty on November 24, 2015, to Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Roberts’ was ordered to forfeit his residence and the gun recovered from his house to the Government. In addition, he received a money judgment in the amount of $10,000.00.
According to information presented in court, beginning sometime in 2008, Roberts began to sell ounce quantities of cocaine base from or near his residence in Orange, Texas. In early 2009, Roberts was arrested and pleaded guilty to felony possession of a controlled substance in the 128th District Court of Orange, Texas. Despite receiving a seven year probated sentence for these state charges, Roberts persisted in his crack cocaine distribution until his arrest on federal charges in October, 2015. While executing search and arrest warrants at Roberts’ residence in Orange, Roberts told officers that he had a gun in his residence. A subsequent search of his Roberts’ home produced a Hardballer, AMT Long Slide .45 caliber pistol and .45 caliber ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Orange Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Craft.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Robbery and Possessing a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Taydor Yoayat, age 20, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today to six years imprisonment by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, for robbery and possessing a stolen firearm. On September 28, 2015, Yoayat pleaded guilty to robbing the Quik Trip at 1704 South 72nd Street. He also admitted to selling a stolen firearm. He was ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison.
On August 14, 2014, at approximately 11:30 p.m., two men entered the Quik Trip and demanded money from the cash register. An accomplice held a gun while Yoayat collected the money. Approximately $173.00 was taken. Penn and Yoayat were not immediately arrested. On August 19, 2014, Yoayat sold a stolen .45 caliber handgun to a confidential informant, knowing that the gun had been stolen. Federal charges have been filed against Tyriss Penn in connection with this case and his case is still pending.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to 262 Months for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that TIMOTHY CRAIG BOXFORD, age 43, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 262 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). Due to the defendant’s prior criminal history, BOXFORD was considered a career criminal offender, therefore enhancing his sentence.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Indictment alleges that on or June 21, 2014, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Okay Man Sentenced to 54 Months for Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that WILLIAM JAMES SMITH, Jr., a/k/a Jimmy, age 35, of Okay, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 54 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM & AMMUNITION, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
The charges are a result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service, the District 27 Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The defendant was indicted in August, 2015 and pled guilty in September, 2015.
The Indictment alleged that on or about February 26, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, WILLIAM JAMES SMITH, Jr., a/k/a Jimmy, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
New York Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Selling Jewelry Stolen from Connecticut HomeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MIGUEL MEAD, 33, of Schenectady, N.Y, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for selling jewelry that was stolen in a Connecticut home burglary.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MEAD was a member of a group of friends who referred to themselves as the “Jedi Knights.” Between approximately February 2012 and November 2013, members of the Jedi Knights committed numerous residential burglaries in Connecticut and elsewhere along the eastern seaboard, stealing money, jewelry and firearms.
In February 2012, two of MEAD’s associates burglarized a residence in Salisbury, Connecticut, and stole approximately 250 pieces of jewelry valued at more than $2.5 million. They then traveled to a hotel in Newburgh, N.Y., where they met a third accomplice who identified the jewelry as being very valuable. Shortly thereafter, the three accomplices traveled with the jewelry to North Carolina. On the way, they contacted MEAD and bought him an airline ticket, which he used to immediately fly to North Carolina. After he arrived, MEAD was given several pieces of the stolen jewelry, which he subsequently sold to a business in North Carolina in exchange for $11,543.44. The business then melted the pieces down.
The investigation revealed that the business purchased one of the pieces, a gold snail broach, for approximately $800. The victim confirmed that the broach was unique and had an appraised worth of $50,000.
MEAD has been detained since his arrest on June 4, 2015. On October 13, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of sale or receipt of stolen goods.
MEAD has multiple prior convictions, including convictions for crimes of violence, such as assault, and unlawful possession of firearms.
An order of restitution will be issued at a later date.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
New Haven Woman Who Made False Statements to Receive Witness Funds is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LACEY BLAND, 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to three years of probation, the first six months of which BLAND must spend in home confinement, for making false statements to receive federal funds. BLAND also was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BLAND was a potential witness in a federal matter. After BLAND reported concerns about her safety, the U.S. Attorney’s Office sought and obtained authorization to provide Emergency Witness Assistance Program (EWAP) funds for her to change her residence. BLAND subsequently told an employee of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that she had found a new residence and that a rental check in the amount of $3,600 should to made payable to a person she stated was the landlord’s wife. BLAND also requested $399 in cash for payment to the movers.
An investigation revealed that the “landlord’s wife” was, in fact, an associate of BLAND’s who was unrelated to the landlord or premises to which BLAND stated she was moving. BLAND never received EWAP funds.
On June 25, 2015, BLAND pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to law enforcement.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
Monroe County Resident Pleads Guilty to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on February 17, 2016, Nicholas J. Perjak, 34, a Monroe County resident, pled guilty to a four-count Superseding Indictment charging him, in Count 1, with Attempt to Access with Intent to View Child Pornography; and, in Counts 2 through 4, with Access with Intent to View Child Pornography. Perjak’s sentencing date is June 3, 2016, in East St. Louis, Illinois. On Counts 1 through 4, Perjak faces a term of imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of five (5) years to life.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans’ Office in which IP addresses were captured when an individual, using a particular IP address, visited a website that contained links to child pornography and subsequently clicked on a link that indicated, through the description of the link, that the link would lead to child pornography. An administrative subpoena issued as part of the investigation determined that one of the captured IP addresses was registered to Perjak at his prior residence in Waterloo, Illinois. The investigation by the FBI’s New Orleans’ office revealed that Perjak attempted to access child pornography on this website on May 14, May 18, and June 25, 2011 (Count 1).
Based on this information, Task Force Officers with the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, located in Fairview Heights, Illinois, conducted an interview at Perjak’s residence on December 13, 2012. Perjak provided a voluntary statement in which he identified a Dell laptop computer as the computer he primarily used for work and personal business. Perjak also admitted viewing child pornography for approximately two years, and indicated that he last viewed child pornography "in the last week." Perjak admitted being addicted to child pornography, and said that he had been addicted to it for the past three years. Perjak also admitted viewing child pornography of girls between ten and sixteen years of age. Perjak said that he never saved or stored any child pornography on his Dell laptop computer. After the interview ended, Perjak gave the officers written consent to seize his Dell laptop computer.
A forensic review of the Dell laptop computer revealed approximately 6,164 image files of child pornography. The forensic review also revealed that on November 11, November 24, and December 3, 2012, Perjak searched for and accessed both image and video files of child pornography using Internet Explorer (Counts 2-4). The forensic review also indicated that the image and/or video files of child pornography that had been accessed and viewed on these dates had been downloaded to the laptop computer.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans’ Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Monongahela Man Sentenced to Probation for Unlawfully Receiving Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH -- A resident of Monongahela, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to two years of probation on his conviction of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Gregory Kavalec, 68, of Monongahela, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, from on or about Oct. 3, 2013, to on or about Sept. 3, 2014, Kavalec unlawfully received property of the United States, that is Old Age, Survivor and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Social Security benefits in the amount of approximately $17,985.
Assistant United States Attorney Margaret E. Picking and Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kavalec.
Monongahela Man Sentenced to Probation for Unlawfully Receiving Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Monongahela, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to two years of probation on his conviction of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Gregory Kavalec, 68, of Monongahela, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, from on or about Oct. 3, 2013, to on or about Sept. 3, 2014, Kavalec unlawfully received property of the United States, that is Old Age, Survivor and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Social Security benefits in the amount of approximately $17,985.
Assistant United States Attorney Margaret E. Picking and Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kavalec.