Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
14 January 2016
Watertown Man Sentenced for Mail FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Watertown, South Dakota, man convicted of Mail Fraud was sentenced on January 11, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Leon J. Brandriet, age 61, was sentenced to 15 months in custody and was ordered to pay over $30,500 in restitution.
Brandriet was indicted for mail fraud by a federal grand jury on March 4, 2014. He pled guilty on October 19, 2015.
From approximately October 2011 through December 2012, Brandriet was hired to work as an independent insurance adjuster on behalf of his client, who suffered property damage to her home in Watertown. Under the terms of their contract, Brandriet received funds from the victim’s insurer and was supposed to pay the victim or the contractor hired to repair the property damage. Instead, Brandreit used the money to pay for unauthorized expenses, including bar tabs, and failed to pay the victim the money she was owed.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Brandriet was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Washington Park Woman Convicted of Failing to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
On January 13, 2016, Amber M. Salts, a twenty-nine year old Washington Park, Illinois, woman pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, to one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today. Salts will be sentenced on April 15, 2016, at 10 a.m. before the Honorable David R. Herndon, at which time she faces a jail sentence of up to ten years, or fines up to $250,000.00, or both.
The violation occurred between April 2015 and July 2015, after Salts moved from Rolla, Missouri, to Washington Park, Illinois, without registering as a sex offender in Illinois or updating her registration in Missouri. Salts had been previously convicted of Permitting the Sexual Abuse of a Child, in 2009, in Madison County, Illinois, and was required to register as a sex offender thereafter.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who 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 United States Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Two women sentenced in Federal court in BeckleyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two defendants were sentenced today in federal court in Beckley, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Patricia Alfieri, 55, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced to a year and a half for escaping from the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson. Alfieri previously pleaded guilty in August of 2015, admitting that she left the prison without authorization on June 18, 2015. Law enforcement apprehended her at a motel in Lewisburg on June 28, 2015. Her new sentence will run consecutively to the sentence of three years and five months she is serving for a conviction in federal court in the Northern District of New York for mail fraud and subscribing a false tax return.
Evelyn Sizemore, 32, of Lewisburg, was sentenced to five years of probation and 100 hours of community service for using a communication device to facilitate the distribution of heroin. Sizemore previously pleaded guilty to the federal drug crime in June of 2015. She admitted that on December 9, 2014, she used a telephone in Lewisburg to send a text message to a confidential informant to arrange a drug deal for heroin. Shortly after completing arrangements for the drug deal by text message, Sizemore sold heroin to the confidential informant. Sizemore further admitted that she sold heroin to the confidential informant on other occasions.
The Alfieri case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the United States Marshals Service, the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department, and the Lewisburg Police Department. The Sizemore case was investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John L. File is in charge of both prosecutions. The sentences were imposed by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
The case against Sizemore was prosecuted as part of the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative. This initiative is 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 pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
- Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews
Two St. Thomas Men Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Hugo Ogando, 37, to serve 60 months in prison and Mario De Los Santos, 39, to serve 34 months in prison for conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Cole announced. Judge Gomez also sentenced both men to serve four years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment.
Ogando and De Los Santos pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute on August 26, 2015 and August 24, 2015, respectively. As part of their pleas, Ogando and De Los Santos admitted that they agreed to sell 4.5 kilograms of cocaine. Members of the DEA arrested them on April 22, 2015, when they attempted to complete the sale.
This case was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Two National Guard Soldiers Plead Guilty to Trafficking Firearms to an Undercover Agent Posing as a Member of a Mexican Drug CartelRead the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact: Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden (619) 546-6961
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – January 14, 2016
SAN DIEGO, CA – Two National Guard soldiers pleaded guilty to firearms charges in federal court today, admitting that they illegally sold numerous guns - including military-style assault rifles and ammunition – believing that they were destined for Mexico.
Andrew Reyes and Jaime Casillas, who worked in the Army National Guard Armory in La Mesa, both pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mitchell Dembin to one count of dealing firearms without a license. Reyes also pleaded guilty to three counts of unlicensed transportation of firearms, admitting that he travelled to Texas on at least three occasions to purchase assault weapons which he then illegally transported to California and sold to an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2016 at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Judge M. James Lorenz.
According to his plea agreement, Reyes sold an AK-47 rifle on Sept 2, 2014; two AR-15 rifles and four high-capacity .223-caliber rifles magazines on December 3, 2014; and another AR-15 rifle on March 16, 2015 - all to the undercover ATF agent. In all cases, Reyes admitted that he believed the guns were destined for Mexico.
According to his plea agreement, Casillas sold a .40-caliber pistol to the undercover agent on August 14, 2014; an AR-15 rifle on October 17, 2014; and was present when Reyes sold the AR-15 rifle on March 16, 2015. Casillas also admitted that he believed the weapons were also destined for Mexico.
The complaint alleges that some of the items were military-issued, while some were purchased by the defendants in Texas and re-sold to the undercover agent.
According to the complaint, the undercover agent made clear to the defendants on multiple occasions that the purchased guns were destined for Mexico; the defendants also noted that some of the guns acquired in Texas had obliterated serial numbers or were “hot,” meaning they’d been used in a crime or were stolen. The undercover agent told the defendants he was a member of a Mexican drug cartel, according to the complaint. During one transaction, the defendants showed up in U.S. Army uniforms.
“These National Guard soldiers have admitted to selling assault rifles and other firearms to a man they believed to be a Mexican cartel member,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy. “Sadly, our nation has been frequently reminded that assault weapons possessed by the wrong people are a huge threat to public safety. This prosecution and conviction highlights the commitment of ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek out, and then eliminate, the source of illegal firearms, wherever we find it in our community.”
“Casillas and Reyes’ conduct surpassed mere exploitation of military resources, and advanced to providing armaments usually reserved for law enforcement and combat personnel to individuals they believed were members of organized crime operating in the United States and Mexico,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric D. Harden. “U.S. Service personnel make up a large percentage of the San Diego community. The community as a whole has an interest in combatting conduct that stains the public trust.”
DEFENDANTS Case Number: 15mj1179
Jaime Casillas Age: 22 El Cajon, CA
Andrew Reyes Age: 34 La Mesa, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Dealing Firearms without a License, in violation of United States Code 922(a)(1)(A) (Both defendants)
Maximum Penalty: Five years in prison
Unlicensed Transportation of Firearms, in violation of United States Code 922(a)(3) (Reyes only)
Maximum Penalties: Five years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives
Two Armed Robbers Sentenced to over 15 Years and 12 Years in Prison for Stealing over $65,000 from Two BanksRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Michael Anthony Heard, age 41, of Washington, D.C. and Earl Michael Kenney, age 56, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, to 181 months in prison and 147 months in prison, respectively, each followed by five years of supervised release, for bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence in connection with the armed robbery of two banks located in Odenton and Rockville, Maryland.
The sentences were 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 J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; Interim Chief Henry P. Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy; and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams.
According to their plea agreement, on December 30, 2013, Heard, Kenney and a co-conspirator entered the Old Line Bank on Annapolis Road in Odenton, Maryland. They each pointed handguns at bank employees and customers, demanded money and fled with $52,751.
On March 11, 2014, Heard and Kenney entered the Wells Fargo Bank located on King Farm Boulevard in Rockville, Maryland. Heard and Kenney wore masks and brandished handguns. Heard stood watch within the bank and ordered customers and employees to get on the floor. Kenney approached the counter, pointed a handgun at a customer and two tellers and demanded money. The tellers placed money in a bag provided by Kenney. Kenney pointed his handgun at a third teller and demanded the teller put money in the bag. Kenney then pointed the gun at each of the tellers and ordered them against the wall and to the floor. Heard and Kenney fled the bank with $12,898, as well as a concealed GPS tracking device placed in the money by one of the tellers.
Approximately 45 minutes later, law enforcement found Heard, Kenny and a third individual in an SUV on I-270. Law enforcement had shut down the highway in order to locate and apprehend the defendants. Law enforcement seized $7,050 from Kenney, hidden in his socks. Law enforcement also recovered a loaded .357 revolver, a loaded H&R Inc. Model 949 handgun, ammunition, a black handgun holster, black gloves, two balaclavas, clothing, and a black mesh bag containing $5,789 in cash from the vehicle.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and Anne Arundel County Police Departments, and Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Offices for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Nicolas A. Mitchell and Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew L. Paeffgen, on detail from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention, who prosecuted the case.
Turkish Ship Management Company and Two Employees Plead Guilty in Maryland to Environmental CrimesRead the Press Release
Ciner Gemi Acente Isletni Sanayi Ve Ticaret S.A., a ship management company in Turkey, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court in Baltimore, Maryland, for violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), announced Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Ron J. Rosenstein for the District of Maryland.
Ciner operated the M/V Artvin, a 44,635 ton bulk carrier ship that transported cargo to and from ports around the world, including the Port of Baltimore. According to the plea agreement, from March 2014 until November 2014, oily waste water was routinely discharged from the vessel into the sea without the use of required pollution prevention equipment. During that time, the crew intentionally covered up the illegal discharges of oil waste by falsifying the vessel’s oil record book.
In previous proceedings, the chief engineer of the vessel, John C. Malaki, 56, of the Philippines, pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an accurate oil record book. For his role, Malaki was sentenced to six months supervised probation and a $50,000 fine. The vessel’s second engineer, Ulyses A. Atabay, 46, also of the Philippines, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Malaki’s failure to maintain an accurate oil record book and received a sentence of one year of unsupervised probation. According to their plea agreements, Atabay directed members of the crew to discharge oily water from the waste oil tank into the sea without first using the vessel’s oil water separator, as required by law. Malaki did not stop the discharges and did not record them in the vessel’s oil record book, as he was required to do.
The court accepted the terms of the company’s plea agreement, and sentenced Ciner to pay an overall criminal penalty of $1.05 million, $150,000 of which will be in the form of an organizational community service payment to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and used to fund projects aimed at the restoration of marine and aquatic resources in the District of Maryland. Ciner will also be required to implement an environmental compliance plan, which will ensure that any ship operated by Ciner complies with all maritime environmental requirements established under applicable international, flag state and port state laws. The plan ensures that Ciner’s employees and the crew of any vessel operated by Ciner are properly trained in preventing maritime pollution. An independent monitor will report to the court about Ciner’s compliance with its obligations during the period of probation.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. The case was prosecuted by Michael Cunningham from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Maryland and by Thomas Franzinger of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice.
Three Men Sentenced for Armed Robbery and Carjacking SpreeRead the Press Release
Tywan McGee, 24, of Miami, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams to 15 years’ imprisonment for his role in an armed robbery and carjacking conspiracy. His co-defendants, Alan Agnew, 22, and Jamal McMillan, 19, both of Miami, were recently sentenced to 25 years’ and 9 years’ imprisonment for their roles in the conspiracy.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Carlos A. Canino, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, and J.D. Patterson, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), made the announcement.
Agnew previously pled guilty to two armed robberies, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a); three carjackings, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1); and the use of a firearm during a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). McGee previously pled guilty to two armed robberies and one carjacking, as well as the use of a firearm during a crime of violence. McMillan previously pled guilty to one armed robbery, one attempted carjacking, and the use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, between August 10, 2014 and September 7, 2014, one or more of the defendants participated in six different armed robberies and carjackings, all of which occurred in the Little River area of Miami. The victims included taxi cab drivers, a fast food delivery driver, and individuals whom the defendants contacted over Facebook.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ATF and MDPD for their work on this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia S. Choe and Benjamin Widlanski.
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.
Three Defendants Indicted on Charges Involving in Drugs Linked to A Mexican Drug CartelRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned and indictment charging Jose Manuel Lua-Guizar, 25, Max Riestra, 40, both of Mexico, and Pethrod Dunnigan, 37, of Buffalo, NY, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one kilogram or more of heroin. Defendants Guizar and Riestra were also indicted on charges of a money laundering conspiracy. The charges carry a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, a $10,000,000 or both.Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and previously filed complaints, law enforcement officers began investigating a sophisticated drug trafficking organization with ties to a Mexican drug cartel operating out of Los Angeles, California area in 2014. Max Riestra was identified as being responsible for managing multiple bank accounts that were used to launder proceeds from drug sales.
The indictment further states that the organization shipped drug packages to various states including New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Colorado. Members of the organization then used bank accounts, primarily through Bank of America, to launder the drug cash back to the greater Los Angeles area. During the course of the investigation, officers executed search warrants that resulted in the seizure of drugs including one seizure of 21 kilograms of cocaine and three kilograms of heroin.
The investigation further revealed that a FedEx account controlled by Max Riestra was used to send packages to Buffalo, NY, including some to co-defendant Jose Manuel Lua-Guizar. Guizar would travel from California to Buffalo to receive the packages and distribute the cocaine to local Buffalo area drug dealers, including defendant Pethrod Dunnigan.
The proceeds from the cocaine sales were deposited in local Bank of America branches in amounts just under $10,000. Deposits of $10,000 or more require the bank to report the transaction. According to the indictment, the total amount of money deposited in this fashion had reached nearly $2,000,000.
The defendants have been arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and are being detained.
The indictment is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, Immigration and Custom Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Shantelle P. Kitchen, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office. Additional assistance was provided by ICE-HSI in Los Angeles, California.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Taxicab Operator Sentenced to 12 Months and A Day for Falsifying Titles of Salvaged Cars and Re-Using Them as Taxis on Chicago StreetsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Northbrook man was sentenced today to 12 months and a day in federal prison for illegally obtaining clean titles for salvaged and rebuilt vehicles and using them as taxicabs on the streets of Chicago.
As the owner of Seven Amigos Used Cars Inc., ALEXANDER IGOLNIKOV fraudulently obtained paperwork to conceal the history of the damaged cars in order to bypass City of Chicago laws that prohibit the use of salvaged and rebuilt vehicles as taxicabs. Igolnikov, who also served as vice president of Chicago Elite Cab Corp., caused the impaired vehicles to be used as taxicabs on Chicago streets after they were falsely given clean titles in Indiana and Illinois.
Igolnikov’s scheme, which spanned from 2007 through April 2010, was uncovered in an investigation by federal authorities and the City of Chicago Inspector General’s Office.
Igolnikov, 68, of Northbrook, pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to transport, receive and possess a counterfeit security. U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang imposed the sentence in federal court in Chicago.
According to Igolnikov’s plea agreement, he and his associates fraudulently obtained “rebuilt” titles for damaged vehicles by submitting false paperwork– including affidavits with the forged signature of an Indiana law enforcement officer – to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The vehicles were then transported to the Chicago business of Chicago Carriage Taxi Company, which was also used by Seven Amigos Used Cars. After obtaining the Indiana rebuilt title for a salvaged vehicle, Igolnikov and his associates placed a sticker over the “rebuilt” section of the Indiana certification and then used that title to obtain a clean Illinois title from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. Igolnikov purchased the newly certified vehicles in the names of Seven Amigos Used Cars, Chicago Elite Cab and other related corporate entities, the plea agreement states.
Igolnikov and his business associates, including Chicago Elite Cab, operated the fraudulently certified vehicles as taxicabs in Chicago – in violation of the city’s medallion laws, which prohibit any vehicle that was ever issued a “salvage” or “rebuilt” title in any state from being used as a taxicab, the plea agreement states.
The sentencing was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Joseph M. Ferguson, Inspector General for the City of Chicago.
The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret Schneider and Steven Dollear.
Stilwell Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that DONALD RAY McCOY, Jr., age 36, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2) & 924(e)(1).
The charge arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, District 27 Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The defendant was indicted in December, 2015.
The Indictment alleged that on or about July 29, 2015 and continuing until July 30, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
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.
The statutory range of punishment is not less than 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine or both.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Thursday, January 14, 2016, Daniel Ramos, 40, pleaded guilty in federal court on St. Croix to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on June 21, 2014, Ramos and Edigberto Diaz, 46, entered Quality Foods located at Estate Castle Coakley, St. Croix. Diaz was carrying a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun with an obliterated serial number containing 14 rounds of ammunition and Ramos carried a toy gun. They entered into an office area, pointed the guns at two individuals and demanded that they open the safe. Ramos and Diaz removed $24,289.17 in cash and checks. They also took personal items belonging to the victims.
Ramos faces a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000.00 fine on the robbery count and a mandatory seven years and a $250,000.00 fine on the gun count. A sentencing date has been set for May 23, 2016. Diaz pleaded guilty on August 18, 2015, to the same counts and will be sentenced on February 19, 2016.This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – On Thursday, January 14, 2016, Daniel Ramos, 40, pleaded guilty in federal court on St. Croix to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on June 21, 2014, Ramos and Edigberto Diaz, 46, entered Quality Foods located at Estate Castle Coakley, St. Croix. Diaz was carrying a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun with an obliterated serial number containing 14 rounds of ammunition and Ramos carried a toy gun. They entered into an office area, pointed the guns at two individuals and demanded that they open the safe. Ramos and Diaz removed $24,289.17 in cash and checks. They also took personal items belonging to the victims.
Ramos faces a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000.00 fine on the robbery count and a mandatory seven years and a $250,000.00 fine on the gun count. A sentencing date has been set for May 23, 2016. Diaz pleaded guilty on August 18, 2015, to the same counts and will be sentenced on February 19, 2016.This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
South Portland Man Convicted on Visa and Bank Fraud, Firearms and False Statement ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Darcie N. McElwee
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that a federal jury in Portland found Mukonkole Huge Kifwa, a/k/a “Ndowa Adrien Lushiku,” a/k/a “Adrien Ndowa,” a/k/a “Adrien Lushiku,” a/k/a “Hugue Kifwa,” 30, of South Portland, Maine guilty today of visa fraud, possession of firearms by a non-immigrant alien, bank fraud, and making false statements to a government agency.
According to the indictment and trial evidence, the defendant was a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo who fraudulently obtained a diplomatic visa in January 2014 in a false name and by making false representations. He illegally rented a pistol and a rifle in Maine in October and November 2014 under a false name. While living in Maine between September 2014 and March 2015, he committed a series of fraudulent transactions at four financial institutions in the greater Portland area. Finally, on July 14, 2015, he was arrested and falsely told federal agents that he had never been to Canada when, in fact, he previously lived in Canada for many years.
Kifwa faces up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine on each of the visa fraud and firearms charges, up to 30 years and a $1,000,000 fine on the bank fraud charges and up to five years and a $250,000 fine on the false statement charge. He will be sentenced after completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Departments of State, Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Portland and Scarborough Police Departments; the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office; with assistance from Canadian authorities.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced in Firearms CrimeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of possessing a silencer was sentenced on January 11, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Neiko Currie, age 41, was sentenced to 70 months in custody, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Currie was indicted for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm by a federal grand jury on April 8, 2015. He pled guilty to the offense on December 4, 2015.
On or about May 16, 2014, Currie was in the process of selling a rifle with an attached silencer, when the purchaser contacted the Brookings Police Department to ask whether the purchase was legal. Law enforcement eventually conducted a controlled payoff of the remaining balance on the rifle and silencer between Currie and the buyer.
This case was investigated by the Brookings Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Currie was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Use of Interstate Facilities to Transmit Information About a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Use of Interstate Facilities to Transmit Information About a Minor was sentenced on January 11, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
James Anthony Murphy, age 23, was sentenced to 24 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Murphy was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury on April 8, 2014. He pled guilty on October 27, 2015.
Murphy responded to an advertisement on the Internet website of Backpage.com. Using his cell phone to send email messages, Murphy agreed to meet at a location in Sioux Falls to have sex with a 13 year-old girl. Law enforcement officers arrested Murphy when he arrived at the scene. They found cash and condoms in his possession.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Murphy was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of a federal gun crime was sentenced on January 11, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Nicholas Michael Snowden, age 37, was sentenced to 1 month in custody and 1 month of home confinement, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Snowden was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon by a federal grand jury on May 5, 2015. He pled guilty to the offense on July 17, 2015.
On or about November 5, 2014, a search warrant was executed at Snowden’s Sioux Falls residence, where a 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition were found. Snowden is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Snowden was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sharon Men Indicted for Tobacco Tax Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Sharon men were charged today in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with illegally selling tobacco products and laundering the proceeds.
Muhammad Saleem Iqbal, 53, and Kaleem Ahmad, 47, were indicted on one count of wholesale tobacco tax fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
The indictment alleges that Iqbal and a business partner operated a wholesale business under the name “Pick N Dip,” in Norwood that sold tobacco products, including cigars and smokeless tobacco (such as snuff and chewing tobacco), as well as other non-tobacco items, to convenience stores, gas stations and other retail businesses. Under state law, smokeless tobacco wholesalers must file an excise tax form monthly and pay a 210% excise tax on smokeless tobacco brought into Massachusetts. Cigar wholesalers must file an excise tax form quarterly and must pay a 40% excise tax on cigars brought into Massachusetts
It is alleged that in order to evade tobacco taxes, beginning around 2010, Iqbal, Ahmad and business partner repeatedly purchased tens of thousands of dollars at a time worth of smokeless tobacco and cigars in Pennsylvania where no taxes are imposed for these tobacco products. They then arranged to have these tobacco products covertly transported to Massachusetts for resale, without filing the records required by Massachusetts state law and federal law, and without paying excise taxes.
Ahmad and others are alleged to have repeatedly engaged in large cash transactions in order to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership and control of the proceeds of their illegal tobacco business and to avoid transaction reporting requirements under federal and state law. The indictment alleges that Ahmad and others transported more than $50,000 in cash at a time from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania where the money was used to purchase additional untaxed smokeless tobacco and cigars.
The charges of wholesale tobacco tax fraud and money laundering conspirary each provide for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen P. Heymann of Ortiz’s Economic Crimes Unit.
The details contained in the Indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Senior State Prosecutor Appointed Asst. United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Ronald R. Gendron, an Assistant Attorney General with the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General since 1991, has been appointed by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha to the position of Assistant United States Attorney.
During his twenty-five year career as a state prosecutor, Mr. Gendron served in numerous capacities, including Chief of the White Collar and Public Corruption Unit and Chief of the Firearms Unit. He prosecuted a wide variety of criminal cases, including firearms, narcotics, organized crime, gang-related, financial, public corruption and computer/Internet crimes.
Additionally, while serving as a state prosecutor, Mr. Gendron was cross-designated a Special Assistant United States Attorney, and prosecuted federal technology–facilitated crimes against children under Project Safe Childhood. Mr. Gendron was also a liaison between the Attorney General’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for the implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods.
United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha commented, “I am immensely pleased to welcome Ron Gendron to the United States Attorney’s Office. He has dedicated his life to public service, performing superbly and honorably during his many years as a state prosecutor. His experience and talent, and unquestioned integrity, will continue to serve the people of Rhode Island exceptionally well as a member of this office.”
Mr. Gendron graduated magna cum laude from Boston College. He earned his Juris Doctor at Villanova University School of Law. He served as a Judicial Law Clerk at the Rhode Island Supreme Court for the Honorable Thomas F. Kelleher, Senior Associate Justice.
###
Contact:
Jim Martin (401) 709-5357
email: [email protected]
on Twitter @USAO_RI
San Joaquin County Man Charged with Trafficking in Counterfeit Sports Apparel and Other Counterfeit GoodsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Seyyed Ali Noori, 48, of Mountain House, charging him with trafficking and attempted trafficking in counterfeit goods, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, Noori owned and operated Goldstar Wholesale LLC, a wholesale and retail business selling apparel, accessories and other goods. Noori he stored Goldstar’s inventory in a warehouse in Tracy and sold Goldstar’s goods from the warehouse and also from a reserved space at the Galt Flea Market. Court documents allege that in December 2013, Noori intentionally trafficked and attempted to traffic in goods that had counterfeit trademarks belonging to the Oakland Raiders, the San Francisco 49ers, the San Francisco Giants, and Monster Energy.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Intellectual Property Rights Task Force. Department of Justice Trial Attorneys Aaron Cooper and Timothy Flowers are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelley D. Weger.
If convicted, Noori faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $4 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
San Francisco Man Pleads Guilty to International Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that NASER YOUSEF GHEITH, a/k/a “Nick,” age 37, from San Francisco, California, pled guilty yesterday to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, GHEITH was a member of a methamphetamine distribution ring that extended from California to Louisiana and Germany. The seizures in this case included approximately two pounds of methamphetamine recovered in Texas from a vehicle that was en route from San Francisco to New Orleans, as well as shipments of methamphetamine that were intercepted in Cologne, Germany, by the German Customs Investigation Bureau (the Zollkriminalamt or ZKA).
GHEITH is the second of three defendants to have pled guilty in this case. Previously, CHRISTOPHER BYRON FRITCHIE pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Sentencing for CHRISTOPHER BYRON FRITCHIE is set for April 20, 2016. A third defendant, RYAN ERNST NYBERG, is still at large and is believed to be residing in Germany.
GHEITH faces a mandatory minimum term of twenty years in prison and maximum of life imprisonment, followed by a minimum of ten years supervised release, and a maximum fine of $20,000,000. There is also a mandatory $100.00 special assessment associated with this guilty plea. U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr. set sentencing for April 20, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA New Orleans Division Office investigated this case with assistance from the DEA Frankfurt, Germany Country Office and the DEA San Francisco Division Office. Assistance was also provided by the German Customs Investigation Bureau (the Zollkriminalamt or ZKA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Payne and Maria Carboni are in charge of the prosecution.
Sacramento Man Indicted for Terrorism OffenseRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Sacramento grand jury returned an indictment today charging Aws Mohammed Younis Al-Jayab, 23, of Sacramento, with one count of making a false statement involving international terrorism, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
Al-Jayab is in custody and is scheduled for arraignment on January 22, 2016, at 2:00 PM in courtroom 25 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kendall J. Newman. Al-Jayab was arrested by criminal complaint on Jan. 7, 2016.
According to the indictment, on Oct. 6, 2014, Al-Jayab was interviewed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and indicated that he had not ever: been a member of any rebel group or militia; provided material support for any person or group engaged in terrorist activity; and been a member of a group, or assisted in a group, which used or threatened the use of weapons against others. Al-Jayab also allegedly stated during the interview that he had traveled to Turkey in late 2013 and early 2014 to visit his grandmother. The indictment alleges that all of the aforementioned statements are false.
If convicted, Al-Jayab faces a maximum statutory penalty of eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), a team of federal, state, and local law enforcement agents and officers investigating domestic and international terrorism. Assistant United States Attorney Jill Thomas and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. The investigation is ongoing.
Sharpsburg Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to DistributeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that on January 11, 2016 in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced ARLO T. WRIGHT, 40, of Sharpsburg, North Carolina, to 30 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
WRIGHT was named in a Criminal Information filed on July 15, 2015, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base (crack). WRIGHT pleaded guilty to that charge on August 17, 2015.
According to the investigation, the Nash County Sheriff’s Department utilized a confidential informant to buy two ounces of crack cocaine from WRIGHT on December 10, 2013, at WRIGHT’s residence in Sharpsburg, North Carolina. On December 16, 2013, the confidential informant bought another two ounces of crack cocaine from WRIGHT at WRIGHT’s residence. During both of the controlled buys, the confidential informant was provided with audio and video equipment to record the transactions.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Nash County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Dena J. King represented the government.
# # #
News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s webpage at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce within 48 hours of release.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Knife AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on January 7, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Rodney Roubideaux, age 22, was sentenced to 18 months in custody, 2 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Roubideaux was indicted for assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury by a federal grand jury on June 9, 2016. He pled guilty on October 7, 2015.
On May 9, 2015, Roubideaux was drinking alcohol at a home in Ring Thunder, South Dakota. Several other adults were also drinking at the home. Roubideaux became agitated and complained that an individual shook his hand too hard. Roubideaux and the individual argued over the handshake. Everyone continued to socialize in the kitchen and Roubideaux stood by himself in the corner of the kitchen. Without provocation, Roubideaux turned quickly toward the individual he had argued with and stabbed him in the back with a kitchen knife. Roubideaux then came at another individual who was able to knock the knife out of Roubideaux’s hand. That individual sustained a cut on his left arm from the knife when he struggled with Roubideaux.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie G. Sanderson prosecuted the case.
Roubideaux was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on January 6, 2016, by U.S. District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Damon Has Horns, age 34, was sentenced to 13 months in custody, 5 years supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Has Horns was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2015. He pled guilty on November 16, 2015.
Between August 19, 2015, and September 1, 2015, Has Horns, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under Federal Law, failed to properly register as a sex offender in Todd County and elsewhere.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk W. Albertson prosecuted the case.
Has Horns was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Assaulting a Federal Officer was sentenced on January 4, 2016, by U.S. District Court Judge Roberto Lange.
Joshua One Star, age 23, was sentenced to 24 months in custody for each count of assaulting a federal officer to be served concurrently, 2 years of supervised release for each count to be served concurrently, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
One Star was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 14, 2015. He pled guilty on October 7, 2015.
On February 23, 2015, a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services (RSTLES) Officer responded to a dispatch call regarding possible domestic violence occurring in a vehicle, and located One Star who was driving with a female passenger. After a brief conversation with the officer, One Star drove the car at a high rate of speed out of the parking lot. The officer and other RSTLES officers followed One Star in their patrol units and a car chase ensued.
One Star led law enforcement officers on a high speed car chase for over 90 minutes. Throughout the chase, One Star drove at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour through the Rosebud Reservation and made several evasive maneuvers. At one point during the chase, the officer drove her patrol vehicle beside the vehicle being driven by One Star, and he swerved his vehicle toward her vehicle. The officer was able to maneuver her vehicle to avoid a collision. The car chase ended when One Star’s vehicle ran over spike strips deployed by law enforcement and came to a stop. One Star was arrested and transported to the Adult Correctional Facility in Rosebud.
On March 9, 2015, One Star, while in custody, complained of issues relating to a medical procedure on his jaw. One Star was taken by law enforcement to the Indian Health Services hospital in Rosebud in order to receive medical attention. A RSTLES Officer escorted One Star to the hospital. While at the hospital, the officer removed One Star’s wrist and leg restraints for a short time in order for One Star to use the bathroom. One Star exited the bathroom, assaulted the officer, and then fled the building and escaped custody.
This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie G. Sanderson prosecuted the case.
One Star was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
River Ridge Man and His Harahan-Based Company Sentenced for Manufacturing and Selling Pirated Mercedes-Benz SoftwareRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that RAINER WITTICH, age 66, of River Ridge, and his Harahan, Louisiana-based aftermarket auto parts distributor, THE BRINSON COMPANY (“TBC”), were each sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to criminal copyright infringement and conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement and to violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, respectively .
United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced WITTICH and TBC to five years of probation. In addition, TBC was ordered to forfeit $150,000 and assist the victim, Daimler AG (parent company of Mercedes-Benz), in compiling a list of all customers to whom it provided the infringing devices or software, and WITTICH was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
According to court documents, WITTICH owned TBC, which sold replacement parts and diagnostic equipment for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. According to TBC’s plea agreement, beginning in about 2001, in conjunction with two other companies, TBC began developing, manufacturing and selling non-authentic versions of the Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnostic System (SDS), a portable tablet-type computer that contains proprietary software created by Mercedes-Benz to diagnose and repair its automobiles and that requires a code or “license key” to access. TBC admitted that, without authorization, it obtained Mercedes-Benz SDS software and updates, modified and duplicated the software, and installed the software on laptop computers (which served as the SDS units).
TBC further admitted that, not later than June 2010, it began purchasing software for the non-authentic SDS units as well as updates and “patches” for the software from an individual in the United Kingdom. TBC admitted that, after Mercedes-Benz notified the United Kingdom-based individual that his conduct was in violation of the law, representatives of TBC and the co-conspirator companies discussed plans to have him “go underground and off the radar” and continue to provide assistance and support in the production of non-authentic SDS units.
A genuine SDS unit sold for up to $22,000, and purchasers of the SDS paid Mercedes-Benz several thousands of dollars per year to receive regular software updates. According to TBC’s plea agreement, a non-authentic SDS unit sold for up to $11,000. TBC admitted that, in total, it sold approximately 725 non-authentic SDS devices, and that one of its co-conspirators sold at least 95 devices.
The case was investigated by the Cyber Task Force of the FBI’s New Orleans Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Myles Ranier and Senior Counsel Evan Williams of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register was sentenced on January 11, 2016, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Curtis New Holy, age 24, was sentenced to 7 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
New Holy was indicted for Failure to Register by a federal grand jury on July 21, 2015. He pled guilty on August 26, 2015.
Between May 23, 2015, and June 12, 2015, New Holy was required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act and failed to do so.
This case was investigated by United States Marshals. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
New Holy was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
President of Heir Location Services Provider to Plead Guilty for Agreement Not to CompeteRead the Press Release
Second Individual to Agree to Plead Guilty in Ongoing Investigation
The owner and President of a Massachusetts-based heir location services provider has agreed to plead guilty to allocating customers with another heir location services firm, the Department of Justice announced today.
Richard A. Blake Jr. will plead guilty to conspiring to eliminate competition in the heir location services industry between 1999 and 2014. Heir location services firms identify people who may be entitled to an inheritance from the estate of a relative who died without a will. The heir location services firms then help heirs secure their inheritances in exchange for a contingency fee paid out of the inheritances they are due to receive.
“Here the death of a relative was used by heir location service firms to line their pockets at the expense of their clients,” said Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “This announcement is another step in bringing to justice those who conspired to cheat heirs of those who died without a will.”
Under the plea agreement, Blake and the department have jointly agreed to allow the court to determine an appropriate criminal sentence. In addition, Blake has agreed to assist the government in its ongoing investigation. The charge was filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The terms of the plea agreement are subject to approval of the court.
The charge against Blake is the result of the division’s ongoing federal antitrust investigation into customer allocation, price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the heir location services industry being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office and the FBI’s Salt Lake City Division, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Illinois.
Anyone with information concerning the focus of this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office at 312-984-7200, visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html, or call the FBI’s Salt Lake City office at 801-579-1400.
Richard A. Blake Jr. Information (718.67 KB)
Porcupine Man Indicted for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Firearm Offense, Possession of Unregistered Firearm, and Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Isiah K. Coleman, age 24, was indicted on December 15, 2015. Coleman appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 13, 2016, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Coleman using a Marlin .22 rifle during a drug trafficking crime on August 21, 2015, at Rapid City.
The charges are merely accusations and Coleman is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich is prosecuting the case.
Coleman was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for March 22, 2016.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Robbing Cell Phone StoresRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Samuel Robinson, 29, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by indictment with robbing two Metro PCS stores in Philadelphia, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Robinson is charged with two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the indictment, on October 28, 2015, Robinson robbed the Metro PCS store at 6443 Frankford Avenue and the store at 4229 N. Broad Street, in Philadelphia.
If convicted the defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of 32 years in prison with a maximum possible sentence of life, a possible fine, restitution, a $500 special assessment and up to five years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yvonne Osirim.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Kidnapping People for ATM AccessRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Nathaniel Rodriguez, 40, of Philadelphia, PA was charged today by indictment with two counts of kidnapping, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the indictment, on November 6, 2015, Rodriguez forced K.J. to accompany him to an ATM machine and use that machine to take money from K.J.’s account. It is further alleged that on November 11, 2015, Rodriguez forced P.M.N.L. to drive him to an ATM machine and attempted to use that machine to take money from P.M.N.L.’s account.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Philadelphia Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arlene Fisk.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Charged in Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - John Pistilli, 50, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged today by indictment with bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the indictment, on December 23, 2015, Pistilli handed a robbery note to a teller at the TD Bank, at 2520 Grant Avenue in Philadelphia, that read “This is a robbery Put large bills in this envelope – No dye packs no transmitter we have a weapon”.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arlene Fisk.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking and “Sextorting” Massachusetts College StudentRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Boston to engaging in a “sextortion” campaign against a Boston-area college student.
James F. Connor V, 20, of West Chester, Penn., pleaded guilty to one count of cyberstalking and one count of extortion. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for April 7, 2016.
In 2012, Connor and the victim met through social media and developed an online relationship. In the course of that relationship, the victim sent Connor naked pictures of herself through Snapchat and engaged in sexually explicit video chats with him using FaceTime. Connor preserved many of these images without her consent. After the relationship ended, Connor attempted to continue communications with the victim and initiated a campaign of harassment and intimidation. He threatened to harm her physically and harm her reputation by publicly disseminating the sexually explicit images. Connor also repeatedly threatened to commit suicide if the victim did not take his calls, and sent her pictures of him holding a knife to his throat with blood, which was later determined to be fake, dripping down his neck.
In September 2015, Connor escalated his campaign of harassment when he began blackmailing the victim and threatening to send the sexually explicit images to her parents and Twitter followers if she did not send additional naked pictures and engage in sexually explicit video chats with him. As part of Connor’s cyberstalking and sextortion campaign, he sent the victim a detailed list of sexual demands, which included, among other things, that she send him five sexually explicit pictures and have five sexually explicit video chat sessions per week over a five week period. Connor also insisted that she break up with her current boyfriend.
Connor frequently employed a telephone and text message spoofing, or anonymizing, application that allows users to easily change telephone numbers to conceal their identity. In October 2015, Connor was arrested and charged via criminal complaint after the victim reported the threats and prior pattern of harassment to law enforcement authorities.
The charge of cyberstalking carries a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of extortion provides for a sentence of no greater than two years in prison, one year supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordi de Llano of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.
Parkersburg man latest to be prosecuted in Federal court as part of major drug investigationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced today in federal court to four and a half years for possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joshua Neal McVey, 32, previously pleaded guilty in October of 2015 to the federal drug crime.
On January 7, 2015, in conjunction with an investigation by the West Virginia State Police of McVey’s drug dealing in Wood County, drug task force officers executed a search warrant at McVey’s residence on Myrtle Road in Parkersburg. Among other items, police seized approximately 19 grams of heroin, 16 grams of methamphetamine, and 1,895 grams of marijuana, along with scales and packaging materials.
Other individuals prosecuted as part of this investigation include Brent J. Sidwell, who pleaded guilty in April of 2015 to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana; Timothy Fields, who was sentenced to six years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana; David Naylor, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana; and Dustin Jarvis, who was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.
The investigation of this case resulted from ongoing cooperation between the West Virginia State Police; the Parkersburg Drug and Violent Crime Task Force; the Wood County Sheriff’s Department; the Washington County, Ohio, Major Crimes Task Force; and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case is 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 pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
-
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews
-
Otero County Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – David Ausborn Hiles, 48, of La Luz, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Hiles will be sentenced to a prison term not to exceed 70 months followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Hiles was arrested in Feb. 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The complaint alleged that Hiles unlawfully possessed 36 firearms and ammunition at his residence in Otero County, N.M., on Nov. 25, 2014. According to the criminal complaint, the New Mexico State Police found the firearms and ammunition while executing a search warrant at Hiles’ residence.
Hiles was subsequently indicted on the same charge on April 14, 2015. The indictment noted that Hiles was prohibited from possessing either firearms or ammunition because he previously has been convicted of the felony offenses of attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, tampering with evidence, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and intimidation of a witness.
During today’s proceedings, Hiles pled guilty to a felony information charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Hiles admitted that on Nov. 25, 2014, he was in possession of 36 firearms and approximately 15,000 rounds of miscellaneous ammunition. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Hiles will forfeit the firearms and ammunition.
Hiles remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Mexico State Police, with assistance from the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the State of New Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo is prosecuting the case.
Ohio Couple Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that tax evasion charges were filed yesterday against the owners of a cemetery business in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Theodore Martin, age 51, and his wife, Arminda Martin, age 44, of Ravenna, Ohio, operated three cemeteries, including Suburban Memorial Gardens in Dover, Pennsylvania, and Grandview Memorial Park and Fairview Memorial Park in Ohio. The Martins failed to report to the IRS all the income they received from the operations of the cemeteries located in Ohio. The Martins formerly resided in York County, Pennsylvania.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
Oglala Man Sentenced for Sexual Contact with a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Oglala, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Abusive Sexual Contact was sentenced on January 8, 2016, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Dale Warrior, age 56, was sentenced to 48 months in custody, followed by five years of supervised release, and $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Warrior was indicted for abusive sexual contact by a federal grand jury on June 16, 2015. He pled guilty on August 24, 2015.
On September 27, 2014, in Oglala, Warrior knowingly engaged in and caused sexual contact with a person who had not attained the age of 12 years.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Warrior was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
North Carolina Man Admits Participating in Uganda-based Counterfeit Currency SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A North Carolina man pleaded guilty in federal court to of conspiracy and transferring counterfeit currency, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Robert T. Dent, a/k/a Bullionaire, 30, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Mark Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Dent was a reshipper in the United States for the distribution of Ugandan manufactured counterfeit currency that was being sold online by an individual using the moniker Willy Clock.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service, assisted by U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dent.
Norfolk Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Minutes Before Trial Was Set to BeginRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Just minutes before jury selection was set to begin, Nader Elnegery, 41, of Norfolk, pleaded guilty today to charges of mail and wire fraud based on a scheme to defraud Canon, U.S.A. (Canon) and other companies of professional cameras and lenses.
In a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Elnegery admitted to falsely certifying his eligibility for membership in a program offered by Canon to professional photographers and filmmakers. Specifically, in 2013 and 2014, Elnegery applied for memberships in his own name and in the names of five aliases, falsely claiming to own several items of professional camera equipment that he had rented from a second company, ATS Rentals. Ownership of such equipment is the primary condition of membership in the Canon program. Elnegery then used the Canon memberships to obtain loans of high-end, professional cameras and lenses from Canon. Elnegery failed to return these items, as well as several items he had rented from ATS Rentals, resulting in significant losses to both companies. In March and April 2014, Elnegery sold the majority of these items in eBay auctions, collecting the proceeds from these sales through a PayPal account. Elnegery transferred the majority of the money he earned from these sales to his own checking account. The items not sold were recovered from Elnegery’s home.
Elnegery was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 14, 2015, and the trial was set to begin today. Elnegery faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on April 28, 2016. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Maria Kelokates, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Washington Division, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin C. Gratton and Brian J. Samuels are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:15c48.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing ATF Informant, Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAQUIL GARY, 22, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for robbing an ATF informant.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 14, 2014, GARY arranged to meet an ATF informant near the intersection of Lamberton and Button Streets in New Haven to sell the informant a quantity of crack cocaine. Instead, when the two met at the location, GARY pulled out a firearm, took $150 in cash and a cell phone from the informant and fled. Law enforcement officers apprehended GARY later that day at a residence on Winthrop Avenue. By that time, he was no longer in possession of the firearm he used to commit the robbery.
GARY has been detained since his arrest. On July 22, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery of a person in lawful control of property of the United States.
During today’s sentencing, Chief Judge Hall found that GARY also attempted to obstruct justice after he pleaded guilty. While incarcerated and awaiting sentencing in this matter, GARY made copies of a non-public case report and attempted to send it to friends and family members and instruct them to post it on Facebook and tell others that the individual identified in the report was cooperating with law enforcement officers.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Spector.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHRISTOPHER DUNCAN, also known as “Woozer,” 30, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of carrying of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 20, 2014, law enforcement officers made a controlled purchase of PCP from DUNCAN in New Haven. After the purchase, investigators followed the car DUNCAN was driving to a store on Kimberly Avenue in New Haven and observed DUNCAN entering the store. Investigators then entered the store and placed DUNCAN under arrest. A subsequent court-authorized search of DUNCAN’s vehicle revealed a Ruger nine millimeter handgun with a large capacity clip, which was located on the floor in front of the driver’s seat.
DUNCAN was originally arrested on state drug and firearm offenses. On January 29, 2015, he was charged federally and has been ordered detained since that time.
DUNCAN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford on April 14, 2016, at which time he faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of five years.
DUNCAN has related charges pending in state court.
This matter has been investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Haven Police Department and the Milford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Markle.
Navajo Man from Utah Sentenced to Prison for Federal Involuntary Manslaughter Conviction in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Bradford J. Billy, 33, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in West Jordan, Utah, was sentenced this morning in Albuquerque, N.M., to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his involuntary manslaughter conviction.
Billy was arrested on Dec. 2, 2014, on a criminal complaint charging him with involuntary manslaughter. According to the complaint, Billy killed the victim who was a passenger in Billy’s vehicle, when Billy crashed his vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol. The crash occurred on Aug. 2, 2014, in a location within the Navajo Indian Reservation in San Juan County, N.M. Billy was subsequently indicted on the same charge on Dec. 16, 2014.
On Aug. 17, 2015, Billy pled guilty to the indictment and admitted killing the victim by driving recklessly on a gravel road while under the influence of alcohol. Billy acknowledged that the alcohol rendered him incapable of exercising clear judgment and a steady hand in operating a vehicle. Billy also acknowledged that he operated the vehicle without using due caution and with a reckless disregard that imperiled the lives of others.
This case was investigated by the Farmington office of the FBI and the Shiprock office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Nayback prosecuted this case.
Monroe County Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Monroe County man connected to a heroin trafficking ring that operated in Monroe County and elsewhere during 2012 through March 2015, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, William Young, age 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. Young admitted to traveling to New Jersey on several occasions to obtain a total of more than 80 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to approximately 2600 retail bags of heroin, for distribution to others in the Monroe County area.
Young was indicted by a federal grand jury in Scranton in March 2015, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Monroe County.
Judge Munley ordered a presentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled sentencing for April 12, 2016. Young faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
Mission Man Acquitted of StrangulationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, on January 6, 2016.
Thomas Espinoza, age 28, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 14, 2015.
The charges stemmed from an alleged incident that occurred on June 7, 2015, when Espinoza allegedly assaulted a woman on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Indian Reservation.
The investigation was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.
Midland Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Intoxication DeathRead the Press Release
In Midland today, Senior United States District Judge Robert A. Junell sentenced 23–year-old Zane Paul O’Neal to 23 years in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release after admitting to his role in the death of Sandy Brooke Franklin last year announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, El Paso Division.
On October 22, 2015, O’Neal pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine that resulted in foreseeable death.
According to court records, on July 29, 2015, Sandy Brooke Franklin began exhibiting signs of illness while being held in the Midland County Jail. She informed the jail staff that she had previously concealed a quantity of methamphetamine prior to arriving at the facility and had subsequently swallowed the methamphetamine. Franklin was taken by jail staff to Midland Memorial Hospital where she later died.
On July 27, 2015, Franklin, who had an outstanding warrant for her arrest, was taken into custody following a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by the defendant, O’Neal. Further investigation revealed that O’Neal was a methamphetamine supplier in the Midland area. By pleading guilty, O’Neal admitted to providing approximately three grams of methamphetamine to Franklin so she could hide it from law enforcement during the traffic stop. O’Neal further admitted that several hours after Franklin’s arrest, she called him and told him that she had “eaten” the methamphetamine. A recorded jail phone call from Franklin to O’Neal confirmed that O’Neal provided the methamphetamine to Franklin and directed her to ingest it. O’Neal, admittedly, did not notify anyone of Franklin’s condition.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the Midland Police Department and the Midland County Sheriff’s office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandi Young prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Methamphetamine Distributor Sent to Prison for over Twenty YearsRead the Press Release
A man who was responsible for distributing ice methamphetamine and tampering with witnesses was sentenced today to more than 20 years in federal prison.
Troy Lawrence, 54, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 28, 2015, jury verdict finding him guilty of three counts: conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of ice methamphetamine; possession of at least 5 grams of ice methamphetamine with the intent to distribute; and witness tampering.
Evidence at trial showed Lawrence was involved in a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing significant quantities of ice methamphetamine, a highly pure, crystalized form of methamphetamine, in Eastern Iowa. The organization, headed by Lawrence’s brother, Martin Lawrence, obtained ice methamphetamine from a source of supply located in Omaha, Nebraska. Investigators learned of the organization after Martin Lawrence’s step-son brought a stuffed animal containing methamphetamine to his elementary school.
Lawrence obtained ounce quantities of methamphetamine from his brother and distributed it to a network of customers in multiple gram quantities. After his arrest on federal charges, Lawrence instructed government witnesses to avoid contact with law enforcement in order to prevent these witnesses from testifying at their trial. Based on these instructions, Lawrence was found guilty of witness tampering.
During the same trial, Martin Lawrence was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of ice methamphetamine; distribution of at least 5 grams of ice methamphetamine with the intent to distribute; and witness tampering. Sentencing for Martin Lawrence will take place on a later date.
Lawrence was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Senior Judge Mark W. Bennett. Lawrence was sentenced to 262 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $300 was imposed. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lawrence is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dubuque Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-CR-0069.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Mercer County, New Jersey, Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 157 grams of cocaine base, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Donald Jackson, 32, of Trenton, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to an indictment charging him with possessing with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. Judge Thompson imposed sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
On Jan. 30, 2014, Jackson, who had been the target of an investigation led by detectives from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Investigations Unit, and officers from the Trenton Police Department, was apprehended in the parking lot of the Gregory Elementary School. A search of his vehicle – in which he had been traveling with two young children – revealed a loaded .45 caliber handgun with a defaced serial number, as well as a plastic bag containing 16 grams of cocaine base. On the same day, a search of an apartment to which Jackson had access and from which he operated his trafficking operations uncovered an additional 141 grams of cocaine base.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson sentenced Jackson to five years of supervised release and fined him $1,000.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George P. Belsky Jr.; and detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Investigations Unit, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked officers of the Trenton Police Department under the direction of Police Director Ernest Parrey for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Lorber of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
McComb Woman Sentenced to Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Brenda Norman, 55, of McComb, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for knowingly conspiring with Yvonne Gary, 36, of Hermanville, to defraud the Internal Revenue Service by obtaining and aiding each other to obtain the payment of a fraudulent claim, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Jerome R. McDuffie, Special Agent in Charge of IRS - Criminal Investigation New Orleans Field Office. Norman was also ordered to repay $493,111.00 jointly and severally with Yvonne Gary to the Internal Revenue Service. Yvonne Gary, 36, was sentenced on September 10, 2015 to serve 32 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
As part of the conspiracy, Brenda Norman obtained the name and social security numbers of elderly and disabled individuals she met through her religious organization. After Norman obtained the names and social security numbers, she provided them to Yvonne Gary. Gary would use the names and social security numbers to prepare and submit fraudulent federal income tax returns to the IRS. The false income tax returns contained false wage and income information with fraudulent deductions and credits. The false tax returns claimed $493,111.00 in refunds.
Jerome R. McDuffie, Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans Field Office for IRS Criminal Investigation, stated: "As filing season approaches, taxpayers should be admonished to seek out reputable tax return preparers. Additionally, it is imperative that the public educate themselves on the schemes and farces perpetrated by individuals such as Brenda Norman and Yvonne Gary. These individuals preyed on the vulnerable and used their personal identifying information to make a quick buck for themselves. Educating the public about these schemes is a continuing focus for IRS – Criminal Investigation, and will go a long way in preventing future occurrences of fraud. It is also my hope that the sentence imposed in this case will serve to deter others from engaging in the same or similar criminal conduct."
U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis praised the efforts of IRS - Criminal Investigation agents who investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Gilbert who prosecuted the case.
Maryland Man Indicted for Conspiring to Provide and for Providing Material Support to ISILRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Mohamed Elshinawy, age 30, of Edgewood, Maryland, with conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization; providing and attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization; terrorism financing; and making false statements in connection with a terrorism matter. The indictment was returned late on January 13, 2016.
The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein of the District of Maryland; Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin; and Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the FBI’s Baltimore Division.
“This case demonstrates how terrorists exploit modern technology to inculcate sympathizers and build hidden networks, but federal agents and prosecutors are working tirelessly and using every available lawful tool to disrupt their evil schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Rosenstein.
“According to the allegations in the indictment, Elshinawy conspired to provide material support to ISIL and received funds in order to carry out an attack,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “When confronted by the FBI, he lied in order to conceal his support for ISIL and the steps he took to provide material support to the deadly foreign terrorist organization. This indictment is the next step in holding Elshinawy accountable. The National Security Division remains committed to protecting the nation from terrorist threats, and we will continue to pursue and disrupt those who seek to provide material support to ISIL.”
The four-count indictment alleges that from February 2015 through about December 11, 2015, Elshinawy conspired with others to provide material support and resources, including personnel, services (including means and methods of communication) and financial services, to ISIL. Elshinawy and his co-conspirators utilized various methods of surreptitious and other forms of communication in order to conceal their criminal association, the substance of their communications and their criminal activities from law enforcement.
As part of the conspiracy, Elshinawy and Co-conspirator 1, an Egyptian national and childhood friend of Elshinawy, allegedly recruited and sought to recruit others to join ISIL and further its cause of violent jihad. Elshinwy and Coconspirator 1 also provided themselves as personnel to assist ISIL. The indictment alleges that on Feb. 17, 2015, during a discussion with Co-conspirator 1 over social media, Elshinawy pledged his allegiance to ISIL, described himself as its soldier, asked Co-conspirator 1 to convey his message of loyalty to ISIL leadership and commitment to perpetrating violent jihad. From March 11, 2015, through May 29, 2015, Elshinawy had several discussions over social media with an individual believed to be his brother, during which Elshinawy repeatedly encouraged his brother to join ISIL. During the conversations, Elshinawy also spoke of his support for ISIL and his desire to become a mujahideen and die as a martyr. Over the course of the conspiracy, Elshinawy and Co-conspirator 1 discussed obtaining or making an explosive device and possible targets.
To conceal his illegal activities, the indictment alleges that Elshinawy purchased a cell phone, which he registered under a fake name and address, to communicate securely with Co-conspirator 1 and other ISIL operatives. Elshinawy also directed his brother to take steps to conceal their communications regarding ISIL. In an effort to conceal his connection to ISIL operatives, Elshinawy removed the name of an ISIL sympathizer from his list of friends on his social media account and blocked Co-conspirator 1’s access to that same account.
According to the indictment, Elshinawy received money from overseas through transfers of funds by a company headquartered overseas into his online financial account, wire transfers and other methods to be used to conduct a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIL. On July 17, 2015, in an effort to conceal and minimize his criminal involvement with ISIL, Elshinawy falsely claimed to FBI agents that he had only received a total of $4,000 from an ISIL operative overseas, and later amended the statement by falsely claiming that he had received no more than $5,200 from the ISIL operative.
The maximum sentence for conspiracy to provide and for providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization is 15 years in prison; the maximum sentence for collection of terrorism financing is 20 years in prison; and the maximum sentence for making false statements in a terrorism matter is eight years in prison. If convicted, Elshinawy’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal history, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. No court appearance has been scheduled. Elshinawy has been detained since his arrest on Dec. 11, 2015, on related charges.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein and Assistant Attorney General Carlin commended the FBI for its work in the investigation, and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Manuelian of the District of Maryland who is prosecuting the case, with assistance provided by Trial Attorneys John Gibbs and Jason Denney of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.