Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Wednesday 21 October 2015
United States Attorney Davis Announces Student Pledge Against Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today that members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi and their law enforcement partners met with students at Whitten Preparatory Middle School as part of his office’s first annual Student Pledge Against Gun Violence.
Today, middle school students took a voluntary pledge, administered by Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Tomie Green, promising that they will never take a gun to school, will never resolve a dispute with a gun, and will use their influence to prevent friends from using guns to resolve disputes.
The Student Pledge Against Gun Violence is a national initiative that honors the role that young people, through their own decisions, can play in reducing gun violence. Held in conjunction with the Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence, the initiative provides a means for teachers and community leaders to speak to young people about gun violence. Over 10 million students nationwide have taken the pledge since its inception in 1996.
"Our office is pleased to take part in this important national initiative aimed at starting conversations among students, teachers and parents about the dangers of guns and the importance of making the right decisions," said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
In addition to providing the pledges to school leaders and students in the 45 counties that make up Mississippi’s Southern District, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will also coordinate with community leaders and law enforcement agencies to provide speakers at several schools to talk to students about what they can do to reduce gun violence in their communities.
If your school is interested in participating in the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence, please contact Sheila Wilbanks at [email protected].
United Blood Nation Gang Associate Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Murder in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
CHARLOTE, N.C. – Briana Shakeyah Johnson, 19, of Concord, N.C., appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler today and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity (RICO) and murder in aid of racketeering charges, for her involvement in the murders of Douglas and Deborah London, announced U.S. Attorney Jill Westmoreland Rose of the Western District of North Carolina.
John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division; Chief Kerr Putney of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department; and Sheriff Bruce Bryant of the York County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina join U.S. Attorney Rose in making today’s announcement.
This is the sixth defendant this week pleading guilty to charges stemming from this investigation. Five other members of the United Blood Nation (UBN or Bloods) pleaded guilty on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 for their involvement in the conspiracy and murders. Ibn Rashaan Kornegay, Rahkeem Lee McDonald, Daquan Lamar Everett, Centrilia Shardon Leach and David Lee Fudge, pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy. Fudge and McDonald also pleaded guilty to murder in aid of racketeering, for the murders of Douglas and Deborah London. Fudge also pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery for his role in the May 2014 armed robbery of the Pineville area mattress store owned by the Londons.
Federal charges against the remaining six gang members, Jamell Lamon Cureton, Nana Yaw Adoma, Randall Avery Hankins, Malcolm Jarrel Hartley, Nehemijel Maurice Houston and Ahkeem Tahja McDonald, are still pending.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, Johnson, a/k/a “Breezy B” a/k/a “Breezy V,” was an associate of gang members of the Charlotte-area Valentine Blood set of the UBN. Court documents show that Johnson met Hartley in April 2014 and became his girlfriend. According to court documents, on or about May 25, 2014, Cureton, Adoma and Fudge robbed “The Mattress Warehouse,” store owned by the Londons. The three were later charged in connection with that robbery. According to court records, Cureton and other gang members discussed that Douglas London was the only eye witness that could identify Cureton and that he needed to be eliminated. As an associate of the Bloods, Johnson was present at gang meetings during which the murder of the Londons was discussed and planned.
In court documents filed with the plea agreement, Johnson admitted she agreed to drive Hartley to South Carolina to murder the Londons. Johnson also admitted that on October 23, 2014, she drove Hartley to the London’s residence in Lake Wylie, S.C., and that she waited in the car while Hartley shot both victims. According to court records, Johnson then drove Hartley back to Charlotte, first stopping at Rahkeem McDonald’s house to dispose of the gun. The two of them then returned to Hartley’s apartment where they met with other gang members. According to filed documents, while at the apartment, Hartley described the victims’ murders and the group celebrated. Hartley was ultimately “ranked up” within the gang for murdering the Londons.
Johnson is currently in federal custody. Her sentencing date has not been scheduled yet. The RICO conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. The maximum penalty for murder in aid of racketeering is death or life in prison.
Charges against the remaining six gang members are still pending. Cureton, Adoma, Hankins, Hartley, Houston and Ahkeem Tahja McDonald are changed with RICO conspiracy. Cureton, Hankins and Hartley are also charged with two counts of murder in aid of racketeering and two counts of use or carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, for the murders of the Londons. Hartley faces two additional charges of possession of a firearm by a felon. Cureton and Adoma are also charged with Hobbs Act Robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering activity, and use or carry a firearm in relation to a crime of violence and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence for their involvement in the mattress store robbery. Cureton and Ahkeem McDonald are also facing charges of murder in aid of racketeering and use or carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, in connection with the August 2013 murder of Kwamne Donqurius Clyburn, who was allegedly murdered for falsely claiming to be a member of the Bloods.
The FBI, CMPD and the York County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Greene and Don Gast are in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney Polite Announces Increased Federal Prosecution of Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today that his Office is leading an initiative to increase federal illegal gun prosecutions in the area. In conjunction with ATF and NOPD, the Office is enhancing federal prosecution of the following offenses:
- Convicted felons in possession of firearms;
- Individuals subject to domestic violence orders who are in possession of firearms; and
- Individuals who possess illegal firearms in or near elementary and secondary schools.
Individuals prosecuted for these offenses will face significant jail time. Further, as these are violent offenses, there is a presumption against bail in most cases.
USA Polite stated, "This initiative will bring needed federal resources to those areas of New Orleans and our region where we see the highest levels of gun violence on a day-to-day basis. In particular, this effort will increase our attention on domestic violence, which is one of the root causes of the violence on our streets and has been the underlying reason for nearly a quarter of New Orleans homicides this year."
In addition, U.S. Attorney Polite announced that his Office is spearheading a public service campaign to educate residents about this firearms initiative. (See attached). USA Polite added, "Victims of gun violence need to know that the federal government is committed to fighting violent crime throughout our region. Just as importantly, perpetrators of this violence are on notice: there will be no revolving door for violent offenders, going in and out of the criminal justice system. Instead, one gun conviction will land you in federal prison for a long time."
Two Oklahoma City Men Plead Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that BRANDON MICHAEL JONES, age 37 and PHILLIP EARL AMEY, a/k/a Crazy, age 34, both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, pled guilty to DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(l) and 841(b)(l)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years or more than Life imprisonment, up to a $20,000,000.00 fine or both.
The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about July 2014, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about April 7, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendants, BRANDON MICHAEL JONES and PHILLIP EARL AMEY, a/k/a Crazy, did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree together and with David Dean Cagle, Gilbert Espinoza, a/k/a Snow, Jonathan Miranda, Jessica Suzanne Felix, a/k/a Sarah, and others, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, McAlester Police Department, Checotah Police Department, McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department, District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Marshal Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty pleas and ordered the completion of presentence reports. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled following their completions. The defendants will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Two Individuals in Southern District of Florida Receive Attorney General AwardsRead the Press Release
Attorney General Loretta Lynch recognized 279 Justice Department employees and 33 individuals, including two people in the Southern District of Florida, with Attorney General Awards at a ceremony today in Washington DC. These annual awards recognize department employees and other individuals for their dedication to carrying out the Department of Justice’s mission.
“The individuals being honored today stand out within a department that holds all of its employees and partners to an extremely high standard of excellence,” said Attorney General Lynch. “They have put in long hours, made immense sacrifices, and, in some cases, placed themselves in harm’s way. They have taken on issues that once seemed intractable, and made progress on problems that once seemed impossible. And their outstanding work is an inspiration to public servants everywhere.”
“I commend the tireless efforts of Assistant United States Attorneys Marie Villafaña and E.J. Yera to combat fraud and obtain significant financial recoveries on behalf of the defrauded companies,” said U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer for the Southern District of Florida. “I am incredibly proud of the outstanding work done by our colleagues at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
In the Southern District of Florida, Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) A. Marie Villafaña and Evelio J. (EJ) Yera were recognized with the Attorney General’s Award for Fraud Prevention. The Attorney General’s Award for Fraud Prevention recognizes the exceptional dedication and effort to prevent, investigate, and prosecute fraud, white collar crimes, and official corruption. The award was presented to AUSAs Villafaña and Yera for their integral roles in Operation Sledgehammer, a six-part operation directed at staged auto accidents and chiropractic clinic fraud. Starting with Operation Sledgehammer I in June 2011 and including the defendants charged in Operation Sledgehammer VI, 105 defendants have been charged for their participation in this automobile insurance fraud scheme. Of those 105 defendants, 57 have been charged federally by the U.S. Attorney's Office, and 51 were convicted either by guilty plea or after trial, including 6 chiropractors, and 15 other licensed healthcare professionals, resulting in court-ordered restitution of more than $10 million to the defrauded insurance companies. Forty-eight defendants have been charged by the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office.
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.
Two Assistant United States Attorneys Receive the Attorney General's Award for Distinguished ServiceRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Attorney General Loretta Lynch presented 279 Justice Department employees and 33 individuals, including two Assistant United States Attorneys in the Western District of North Carolina, with Attorney General Awards at a ceremony held today in Washington, D.C. These annual awards recognize department employees and other individuals for their dedication to carrying out the Department of Justice’s mission.
“The individuals being honored today stand out within a department that holds all of its employees and partners to an extremely high standard of excellence,” said Attorney General Lynch. “They have put in long hours, made immense sacrifices, and, in some cases, placed themselves in harm’s way. They have taken on issues that once seemed intractable, and made progress on problems that once seemed impossible. And their outstanding work is an inspiration to public servants everywhere.”
The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service is the Justice Department’s second-highest award for employee performance. The recipients of this award exemplify the highest commitment to the department’s mission. Twelve Distinguished Service Awards were presented this year to individuals or teams of people. Two of those recipients are Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Western District of North Carolina, Mark T. Odulio and Daniel S. Ryan.
“Today, Mr. Odulio and Mr. Ryan were recognized for their exemplary work in advancing the critical mission of the Justice Department.This prestigious award symbolizes their skills as lawyers and their dedication as public servants to the pursuit of justice.Their work exemplifies our ongoing commitment to uphold the rule of law and to deliver justice to the people in our district,” said U.S. Attorney Rose.
Mr. Odulio and Mr. Ryan received the award for their exceptional service and outstanding legal work in connection with the Department of Justice’s record breaking $16.65 billion settlement with Bank of America (the Bank), concerning the Bank’s origination and securitization of residential mortgages.AUSAs Odulio and Ryan spearheaded the Western District’s investigation of the Bank as part of the broader efforts of the Attorney General’s Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (RMBS) Working Group. Mr. Odulio and Mr. Ryan worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Justice Department components and state officials across the United States to complete the investigation of the Bank’s fraudulent conduct which resulted in investors suffering millions of dollars in losses.The dedicated efforts of Mr. Odulio, Mr. Ryan and the RMBS Working Group ensured that Bank of America was held accountable for its fraudulent conduct, substantial compensation was provided for federal entities supported by American taxpayers, and impacted homeowners received much-needed financial relief.
AUSAs Odulio and Ryan handle complex financial fraud matters investigated and litigated in the Western District.In that capacity, Mr. Odulio and Mr. Ryan develop leads, direct investigations, and prosecute cases in federal court on behalf of the United States, both civilly and criminally.In performing their duties, AUSAs Odulio and Ryan work closely with federal and state law enforcement partners and numerous regulatory and administrative agencies.
Mr. Odulio received both his undergraduate and JD degrees from the University of Maryland.
Mr. Ryan received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and his JD from Harvard School of Law.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Rose thanked Mr. Odulio and Mr. Ryan for their tireless dedication to fulfilling the Justice Department’s mission and noted that it is an honor and a privilege to recognize them both for their accomplishments and public service.
Three Sentenced for Making False ClaimsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Kimberly Givens, Nathaniel Cooper, and Latorra Gross were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves for their roles in a conspiracy to obtain fraudulent tax refunds after falsely claiming the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Jerome R. McDuffie with IRS – Criminal Investigation.
Kimberly Givens, 43, of Sandhill, was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to make a false claim. She was also ordered to pay $47,625.22 in restitution.
Nathaniel Cooper, 30, of Morton, was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison for making a false claim. His federal sentence will run concurrently with his state prison sentence. He was ordered by Judge Reeves to three years of supervised release to run consecutively to his supervision term in the state system. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $8,749.77.
Latorra Gross, 30, of Sandhill, was ordered to serve a three year term of probation for making a false claim. She was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
During the course of the scheme, Givens and her co-conspirators filed the false tax returns after obtaining identity information from third parties under false pretenses and creating false documents to support the information contained on the returns. For the tax year 2008 alone, Givens filed over 200 fraudulent tax returns and obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent tax refunds. Those refunds were directed to a bank account which Givens controlled. As a part of the investigation, the government seized and forfeited $184,694.83.
"The filing of false tax returns and the abuse of the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit program are serious crimes. It is critically important that taxpayers who play by the rules do not end up paying for refunds to people who commit fraud and blatantly lie on the forms submitted to the IRS," stated Jerome R. McDuffie, Special Agent in Charge, IRS – Criminal Investigation. "Givens and her co-conspirators have been brought to justice for their actions. Today is a win for the law abiding taxpayers whose interests we have sworn to protect."
U.S. Attorney Davis praised the efforts of the special agents with IRS-Criminal Investigation who investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dowdy, who prosecuted the case.
Three Keeseville Residents Indicted on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Three Keeseville residents have been indicted on charges related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine and the possession of pseudoephedrine for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division,
Drug Enforcement Administration, and New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico.The four-count indictment alleges that Michael Lecuyer, 37, of Keeseville; Anita Lecuyer, 36, of Keeseville; and Keith Wolfe, 46, of Keeseville, conspired to manufacture, possess with intent to
distribute, and to distribute methamphetamine. The indictment also charges each defendant with possession and distribution of a listed chemical, specifically pseudoephedrine, knowing and
having reasonable cause to believe it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.The defendants were arraigned on October 13 and released pending trial, which is scheduled for December 14, 2015, in Syracuse before United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes.
If convicted on the conspiracy charge, the maximum penalties each defendant faces are a term imprisonment of 20 years, a $1,000,000 fine, and lifetime supervised release. If convicted of possession and distribution of a listed chemical, the maximum penalties each defendant faces are a term of imprisonment of 20 years; a $250,000 fine; and 3 years of supervised release.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New York State Police, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program of New York and New Jersey, the Plattsburgh Police Department, the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office, and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Kopita is prosecuting the case.
Three Individuals in District of New Jersey Receive Attorney General AwardsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Attorney General Loretta Lynch recognized 279 Justice Department employees and 33 individuals, including three people in the District of New Jersey, with Attorney General Awards at a ceremony today in Washington, D.C. These annual awards recognize department employees and other individuals for their dedication to carrying out the Department of Justice’s mission.
“The individuals being honored today stand out within a department that holds all of its employees and partners to an extremely high standard of excellence,” said Attorney General Lynch. “They have put in long hours, made immense sacrifices, and, in some cases, placed themselves in harm’s way. They have taken on issues that once seemed intractable, and made progress on problems that once seemed impossible. And their outstanding work is an inspiration to public servants everywhere.”
In the District of New Jersey, the following individuals were recognized for the following award: Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leticia Vandehaar and David Feder and Auditor Barbara Radey received the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in connection with their work on the Department of Justice’s historic settlement with Bank of America regarding fraud in the sale of residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS) by BofA subsidiary Merrill Lynch.
“Merrill Lynch continued to buy and package mortgage loans in the run-up to the financial crisis, selling them off in securities, knowing full well that a substantial number of those loans were defective,” U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said. “The tireless work of Leticia, David and Barbara as part of the RMBS Working Group led to a record-breaking settlement, which included the resolution of our office’s imminent multibillion-dollar suit.”
As part of the RMBS Working Group, AUSAs Vandehaar and Feder, with the assistance of Radey, conducted a Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) investigation into misrepresentations made by Merrill Lynch to investors in 72 RMBS throughout 2006 and 2007. The investigation revealed that Merrill Lynch regularly told investors the loans it was securitizing were made to borrowers who were likely and able to repay their debts. Merrill Lynch made these representations even though it knew, based on the due diligence it had performed on samples of the loans, that a significant number of those loans had material underwriting and compliance defects – including as many as 55 percent in a single pool. Merrill Lynch rarely reviewed the unsampled loans to ensure that the defects observed in the samples were not present throughout the remainder of the pools. Merrill Lynch also disregarded its own due diligence and securitized loans that the due diligence vendors had identified as defective.
As a result of the District of New Jersey’s investigation of Merrill Lynch and other investigations conducted by Working Group members across the country, BofA agreed in August 2014 to a $16.65 billion global settlement – at that time, the largest civil settlement with a single entity in American history – to resolve federal and state claims against BofA and its former and current subsidiaries, including Merrill Lynch and Countrywide Financial Corporation. As part of this global resolution, the bank agreed to pay a $5 billion penalty – the largest FIRREA penalty ever – and provide billions of dollars of relief to struggling homeowners.
Vandehaar, Feder, and Radey share this award with the other Working Group members who investigated cases resolved by the global settlement with BofA, as well as those who investigated cases resolved in a similar settlement between the Department of Justice and Citibank.
Three Indicted on Heroin Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that federal grand jury in Harrisburg has indicted three men on multiple charges involving the unlawful distribution of heroin and marijuana, and criminal conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Robert Wolf, 23, Everett, PA, Senad Agu, 27, Philadelphia, and Sayeh Gondeh, 26, Bensalem, were charged in a three count indictment. Agu and Gondeh were charged in one count with unlawfully possessing at least 100 grams of heroin with the intent to distribute. All three men were charged in the other two counts with distributing and conspiring with each other to distribute at least 50 kilograms of marijuana since at least September 2013.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Franklin County Drug Task Force, and the Fulton County Drug Task Force. Prosecution of the case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.
Indictments 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 on the heroin charge is 40 years of imprisonment with a mandatory minimum 5 year term of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The marijuana counts are punishable by a maximum of 20 years imprisonment. 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.
# # #
Sussex County, New Jersey, Man Charged with Distributing Images of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Hardyston, New Jersey, man was charged today with exchanging images of child sexual abuse with an offender living in Maryland, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Marshall M. Cohen, 48, is charged by complaint with one count of distributing images of child sexual abuse. He appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and remains in federal custody.
According to the complaint:
In December 2014, a law enforcement investigation revealed than an individual living in Maryland (the “Maryland Offender”) produced images of child sexual abuse depicting a two-year old girl to whom he was believed to have had access. The Maryland Offender disseminated the images to Cohen in exchange for other images of child sexual abuse in Cohen’s possession. Today, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cohen’s Hardyston address where he allegedly admitted receiving and sending images of child sexual abuse.
The child pornography distribution charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel in Newark, as well as the New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hardyston Police Department with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bernard J. Cooney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Stratton Man Convicted of Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Anthony James "AJ" Horton, 46, formerly of Stratton, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 21, 2015, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 28 years in prison by United States Senior District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for production of child pornography. After serving his prison sentence Horton will also be required to serve 10 years on supervised release and continue to register as a sex offender. Horton had been previously convicted of sexual assault of a child in Colorado in 1995 and was already required to register as a sex offender. The sentence handed down today will run concurrently with any future state prison sentence imposed upon Horton by the District Court of Hitchcock County for state charges to which Horton has pleaded guilty, including an unrelated sexual assault in Hitchcock County. In addition to the prison term, the Court ordered the forfeiture to the United States of 25 items of computer and surveillance equipment used by Horton in the commission of the illegal activity.
In October, 2014, based on numerous reports of sexual assaults and illegal drug activity, investigators executed a search warrant at Horton's residence in Stratton, Hitchcock County, Nebraska. During the execution of that search warrant, various items of computer and camera equipment were located. A later forensic examination of that equipment revealed numerous videos of sexually explicit conduct that Horton had produced of himself and a minor victim. Horton pleaded guilty to manufacturing child pornography between April 1, 2013 and September 1, 2013 in the District of Nebraska.
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 exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the CODE Drug Task Force.
Statements of Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara and Head of the Civil Rights Division Vanita Gupta on Court Approval of the Settlement in Nunez V. City of New YorkRead the Press Release
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara issued the following statement today in connection with the approval of the settlement agreement among the parties in Nunez v. City of New York:
“Today, the Court approved the landmark Rikers Island agreement. With the agreement now formally in place, the City can move quickly toward long overdue reforms at Rikers Island. This agreement establishes a detailed and comprehensive framework to reduce violence in the jails and to keep inmates and correction officers safe. For too long, a culture of violence has prevailed at Rikers Island, denying those within its walls the protections of the Constitution, rights to which all in this country, including prison inmates, are entitled. Through this agreement, we will remain vigilant in ensuring that reform at Rikers Island is enduring and enforceable.”
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, Head of the Civil Rights Division, issued the following statement today:
“The Rikers Island agreement approved by the Court today should serve as a model for the country. DOJ's Civil Rights Division is committed to protecting youth from unconstitutional conditions of confinement, in both the juvenile and criminal justice systems, and this agreement furthers that commitment. Given the history of operations and the culture of excessive use of force at Rikers Island that we found, the remedies in the agreement approved today in court are not only appropriate, but essential to ensuring we can provide key protections for the complicated, and often underserved, population of youth in the criminal justice system.”
Sovereign Citizens Sentenced to Prison for Debt Elimination SchemeRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Jeffrey Scott Green, age 53, and Lisa Flaugher-Green, age 52, both of Easley, were sentenced today in federal court in Greenville, for a conspiracy to defraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville sentenced Jeffrey Scott Green to 30 months in prison and Lisa Flaugher-Green to 27 months in prison.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that this was an Electronic Funds Transfer (“EFT”) debt elimination case. Various branches of the Sovereign Citizen movement, which denies the jurisdiction and authority of the federal government, teach that they can discharge debts by presenting a check written off a closed account. The debtor writes on the check “EFT only for discharge of debt.” On the back he writes “authorized representative without recourse.” Sovereign-Citizen groups falsely teach that if the creditor accepts the instrument then the debt is discharged even though no money ever changes hands. The Defendants were part of a group that endorsed the use of EFT instruments.
It was a part of the scheme and artifice to defraud that Jeffrey Scott Green and Lisa Flaugher-Green wrote checks on closed accounts and noted on the checks “EFT only for discharge of debt.” They then would mail these bogus “EFT instruments” and accompanying documents to creditors in an effort to trick the creditors into issuing documents noting that the debt was paid in full. Once the creditor discovered the scam, Defendants would refuse further payment on the grounds of a discharge procured by “EFT instruments.” Agents estimate that the Defendants attempted to eliminate over half a million dollars in debt using the scheme.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
#####
Slidell Woman Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that TRACY C. HARTMAN, 49, of Slidell, pled guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information charging her with lying to federal agents.
According to court records, on January 4, 2006, HARTMAN and her husband were approved for a Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster loan in the amount of $182,700, resulting from Hurricane Katrina damages.
TRACY HARTMAN and her husband defaulted on the SBA disaster loan. As a result of the loan default, in or about June 2010, the SBA began garnishment proceedings for Mr. Hartman’s payroll checks from St. Bernard Parish. In or about December 2011, the SBA stopped receiving the HARTMAN’s garnishment payments from St. Bernard Parish. A letter, purporting to be from the SBA, was received by St. Bernard Parish claiming the debt had been paid and to stop the garnishment. The letter was a forgery and was not prepared by the SBA. On or about April 20, 2012, HARTMAN made a false statement to federal authorities that she did not know the origin of the fraudulent letter which was hand delivered to the St. Bernard Parish government by her husband on or about November 29, 2011. After further investigation, it was determined that HARTMAN composed the letter.
HARTMAN faces a possible maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, and/or a fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman set sentencing for February 24, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. of the Fraud Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Schools Observe a "Day of National Concern” Addressing Young People and ViolenceRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – Approximately 16,000 local students joined students from around the country this week in pledging to do their part to end gun violence. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa, the Cedar Rapids and Marion Police Departments, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office are partnering with local school districts to promote discussion of the impact of violence on youth in observance of the 19th annual Day of National Concern. Each of the 17 middle and high schools in the Cedar Rapids, College Community, Marion Independent, and Linn-Mar School Districts participated.
More than 10 million young people have participated in this anti-violence campaign since it was initiated in 1996 through a Presidential Proclamation and unanimous United States Senate Resolution. The cornerstone of the initiative is the signing of a pledge in which students promise to never use a gun or violence to settle a personal dispute and to use their influence to keep their friends from doing the same. Nationwide, the pledge is often combined with school assemblies, homeroom activities, guest speakers, rallies, essay and poetry contests, displays of art work publicizing the toll of gun violence, and the beginning of many conversations about gun violence between students and adults.
Locally, each school planned activities that best fit the needs of the individual school, often involving student groups in planning the events. Some examples of the activities in which students took part include:
- Washington High School students were addressed by a former student who was disabled as a result of gun violence.
- Metro High School students read a gun violence statistic over the intercom during announcements and were asked to write essays about “the rest of their lives,” for famous figures who had their lives cut short by gun violence, imagining what they could have accomplished.
- Jefferson High School hosted a student-moderated panel, during which students engaged in a Q&A discussion including: U.S. Attorney Techau, Assistant U.S. Attorney Deegan, Cedar Rapids Police Chief Jerman, Linn County Sheriff Gardner, Linn County Attorney Vander Sanden, FBI Special Agent Reinwart, CEO of Horizons Mr. Cassell, and Jefferson High School Principal McDonnell.
- Marion High School hosted an informal “Lunch with the U.S. Attorney and Marion Police Chief” where they engaged in a casual discussion with students regarding the issue of gun violence and what students could do to make a difference.
- Vernon Middle School students received a presentation from an Assistant U.S. Attorney then signed the pledge on an enlarge pledge poster which will be prominently displayed in the school.
- Prairie Point Middle School and Ninth Grade Academy filmed a web-video in which the U.S. Attorney and Cedar Rapids Police Chief discussed the issue of youth and violence with the Student Council President.
- Prairie High School students developed awareness posters to hang around the school and approximately 50 students engaged in a conversation with an Assistant United States Attorney.
- Several middle schools in the Cedar Rapids and Linn-Mar districts broadened the message to focus on violence in general, and combined the pledge’s anti-violence message with anti-bullying and conflict-resolution speakers and lessons.
Several Assistant United States Attorneys and other local law enforcement officials attended and spoke at many of these events. Students were also offered the chance to participate in the Day of National Concern and Student Pledge Against Gun Violence by tweeting at #GunPledgeCR.
Kevin W. Techau, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa stated, “I commend all of the Cedar Rapids and Marion area students for taking the positive step of saying no to guns in schools. The NO Gun pledge and the discussion it generated in our area schools will have a positive impact in our community. We were proud to partner with Cedar Rapids and Marion Police Departments, Linn County Sheriff’s Office and the Cedar Rapids, Marion, Prairie, and Linn-Mar schools in the first ever Iowa observation of the Day of National Concern.”
Coordinator for the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence, Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lightfoot, joins students at Vernon Middle School before they sign the pledge.
Students at Prairie High School sign the pledge.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
San Francisco Man Sentenced for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that GEOFFREY WALKER, age 66, of San Francisco, was sentenced today for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced WALKER to 72 months imprisonment followed by 10 years of federal supervised release as a result of his guilty plea on May 7, 2015, to distribution of materials involving the sexual exploitation of minors. In addition, WALKER is required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
According to court documents, as a result of an undercover operation by federal law enforcement agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) into the sexual exploitation of children and the distribution of child pornography in the Eastern District of Louisiana, it was determined that WALKER was utilizing his email account to distribute child pornography from California to Louisiana. On September 5, 2014, a federal search warrant was executed at WALKER’s residence in California and HSI agents seized his computer pursuant to the search warrant. WALKER was taken into federal custody at the time of the execution of the search warrant. HSI agents established that on eleven different occasions, WALKER emailed sexually explicit images of minors to an undercover HSI agent located in New Orleans, Louisiana. A subsequent computer forensic search of WALKER’s computer by HSI yielded over 9,000 images and over 1,000 videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit activity.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite, Jr. praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, HSI in investigating this matter. Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba was in charge of the prosecution.
Ride or Die Gang Associate Sentenced on Drug ViolationsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ANDREALIE LEWIS, age 36, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced today after having previously pled guilty to federal drug violations.
U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan sentenced LEWIS to 48 months of incarceration, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
LEWIS was one of twelve defendants charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine base in the St. Roch neighborhood. In addition, all twelve defendants were charged with conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes. Three defendants were also charged with conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization Act, as well as substantive acts of violence.
To date, eight defendants charged in this case have pled guilty to various charges. The following co-defendants are currently pending several sentencing hearings over the next two months: ERVIN SPOONER, a/k/a “Nerky,” age 27; ROMALIS PARKER, a/k/a “Ro Ro,” age 22, NYSON JONES, a/k/a “Nycie,” age 31, TRE CLEMENTS, age 24, MORRIS SUMMERS, age 25, TYONE BURTON, a/k/a “Peanut,” age 22, TYRONE BURTON, a/k/a “Man Man,” age 21; and PERRY WILSON, a/k/a “Yummy,” age 24. Three defendants were convicted following trial and pending sentencing as well: DELOYD JONES, a/k/a “Puggy,” age 23; BYRON JONES, a/k/a/ “Big Baby,” age 25; SIDNEY PATTERSON, a/k/a “Duda Man,” age 24.
According to court documents, LEWIS and her co-defendants were members and associates of the “Ride or Die” gang, which they also referred to as “R.O.D.” The Ride or Die gang was initially formed in or about 2007 and continued to exist through in or about 2013. During the course of the federal investigation into the gang, agents learned that LEWIS and her co-defendants used a house, located at 1632 Mandeville Street, among other locations, as a base of operations to package, sell, and store narcotics, as well as store firearms.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of the metro area’s Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MAG) in investigating this matter. As an integral component of NOLA FOR LIFE’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy, the
MAG Unit consists of a partnership with New Orleans Police Department (NOPD); Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (DA); Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO); Louisiana State Police (LSP); Parole Board of the Louisiana Department of Corrections; United States Attorney’s Office (USAO); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); United States Marshal’s Service (USMS); and the United States Probation & Parole Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Assistant United States Attorneys Nolan D. Paige, Marquest Meeks and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Ebarb were in charge of the prosecution.
Raleigh Man Charged with the Manufacturing of Child Pornography Sentenced to 210 MonthsRead the Press Release
ELIZABETH CITY – United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that in federal court today United States District Judge Terrance W. Boyle sentenced WILLIAM TOWNER AKERS, 46 of Raleigh, North Carolina, to 210 months followed by lifetime supervision and a $20,000 fine.
On July 15, 2015, AKERS pled guilty to one count of manufacturing child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a)and (d).
According to the investigation, On January 5, 2014, a state search warrant was executed at Bailey Joe and Elizabeth Mills’ residence and several laptop computers, external hard drives and cellphones were seized. A subsequent computer forensics examination of the seized items located several homemade videos taken by the Mills. The Mills have previously pled guilty and been sentenced for Manufacturing Child Pornography. The videos show AKERS sexually molesting an eight year old female in August 2013. On March 10, 2015, a federal complaint charging “John Doe aka Peter Gilbert” with conspiracy to manufacture Child Pornography was obtained. AKERS was later identified as the perpetrator and arrested on March 12, 2015 after several tipline callers identified him. AKERS was the IT manager for a company located in Raleigh.
The criminal investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations – Raleigh, the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, and the Raleigh Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Ethan A. Ontjes is handling the prosecution on behalf of the Eastern District of North Carolina.
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Polo Woman Indicted for Embezzling More Than $59,000 from First State BankRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Polo, Ill. woman was charged yesterday by a federal grand jury for embezzling funds. KAYLA BERGSTROM, 46, of Polo, Ill., was First Vice-President of First State Bank, with branches located in Polo and Shannon, Ill. As alleged in the indictment, as Vice-President, Bergstrom had the highest security level assigned in the bank’s software program which controlled all customer bank accounts, the bank’s general ledger accounts, adding new accounts, and the maintenance of all bank accounts. Bergstrom’s responsibilities included reconciling all of the bank’s correspondent accounts including the bank’s correspondent account with US Bank. The indictment alleges that between Feb. 23, 2010 and Feb. 3, 2014, Bergstrom embezzled money from First State Bank by creating cash advance tickets for the bank’s correspondent account at US Bank and crediting the amounts of cash advance tickets to her personal account and the business account for her husband’s automobile repair business. According to the indictment, Bergstrom concealed her embezzlement by changing the balances on the bank’s US Bank account statements by manually cutting and pasting false account balances on the statements.
Embezzlement carries a maximum potential penalty of up to 30 years in prison, up to 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Bergstrom has since repaid the funds to First State Bank. If convicted, the court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines. Bergstrom will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Iain D. Johnston on Oct. 22, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. in U.S. District Court in Rockford.
The public is reminded that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The indictment 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Joseph Moriarty, Special Agent in Charge for the Chicago Regional Office, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - Office of Inspector General.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Pedersen.
Indictment
Polk County Man Pleads Guilty in “G-RAP” Military Recruitment ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Frank Gonzalez-Santiago (52, Polk County) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal government funds. He faces up to five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, in 2005, the Department of Defense contracted with a private company to operate the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (“G-RAP”) to help in the recruitment and enlistment of members of the armed services. Under this program, G-RAP Recruitment Assistants (“RAs”) were paid to identify and solicit individuals to join the armed services, and were paid only after one of their recruits joined the armed services. Program rules prohibited professional military recruiters from being paid for any part of a recruitment that a G-RAP RA had initiated. During the course of the conspiracy, Gonzalez-Santiago was a professional Army National Guard recruiter. He conspired with G-RAP RAs who falsely claimed to have recruited enlistees when, in reality, Gonzalez-Santiago had recruited them into the military. The conspirators did so in order to share their G-RAP payments with recruiters such as Gonzalez-Santiago.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Army-Criminal Investigation Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Plummer Man Admits AssaultRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE - Ramon L. Garcia, 31, of Plummer, Idaho, pleaded guilty on October 20, 2015, to assault, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Garcia was charged by the United States Attorney’s Office on September 9, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, Garcia admitted that on June 20, 2014, he was at a party in Plummer, Idaho, when he pointed a gun at another individual.
The charge of assault is punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000.
Sentencing is set for January 20, 2016, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene.
The case was investigated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Pleasants County man convicted of manufacturing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald William Butler, 56, of Saint Marys, West Virginia, was convicted in federal court today for his role in a methamphetamine manufacturing operation based in Pleasants County, West Virginia, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Butler, also known as “Amos,” was among six individuals charged in a 19-count federal indictment in June 2015. He was discovered in Pleasants County in possession of materials commonly utilized to manufacture methamphetamine. Those materials included lye drain opener, hydrogen peroxide, fuel additive, matches, and pseudoephedrine packages.
Butler pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Material Used in the Manufacturing of Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Pleasants Count Sheriff’s Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Charges in ErieRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Reinaldo Rosario Febus, 51, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Febus conspired with two co-defendants to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of cocaine. According to information presented in court, in March 2014, investigators seized packaging material from a kilogram of cocaine in the vicinity of a location on Huron Street, Erie, Pennsylvania. On March 20, 2014, investigators seized two ounces of cocaine after it had been sold by one of Febus’ co-conspirators.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2016 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The EAGLE Task Force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Febus.
Peabody Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Jorge Delgado, a/k/a Antonio Martinez, a/k/a Elisaul Martinez Santana, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl and three counts of distribution of heroin. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Jan. 13, 2016.
Delgado was the leader of a drug ring responsible for distributing heroin and fentanyl in the Salem and Peabody area. Delgado received orders for heroin from customers via cellphone and often sent couriers, two of whom were charged as co-defendants, to distribute drugs for him. Delgado’s drug ring not only distributed heroin but also distributed fentanyl in place of heroin on numerous occasions.
Delgado’s co-defendants, Juanel Pena and Thomas Martinez-Ortiz, previously pleaded guilty. This case was brought as part of the federal response to the growing opioid abuse epidemic in Massachusetts and other New England states. A recent surge in overdose deaths has been attributed in part to the addition of Fentanyl to heroin, creating a toxic mixture substantially more potent, and more dangerous, than heroin alone.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. 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; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Chief Mary Butler of the Salem Police Department; and Chief Thomas M. Griffin of the Peabody Police Department, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Young Paik.
Oklahoma City Convenience Store Owner Convicted of Defrauding Food Stamp ProgramRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma –Last Friday, SRINADHA RAVI DIRISINA, 35, of Oklahoma City, was convicted by a jury of stealing money from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, which is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The SNAP program was established to provide food to low-income individuals through approved retail food stores. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (ODHS) determines whether individuals are eligible to receive benefits. Retail stores apply for USDA authorization to accept SNAP benefits as payment for eligible food items, and the stores certify they understand that trading cash for food stamp benefits violates the program regulations. Since February of 2008, ODHS has given electronic benefit transfer cards (a debit-type card known as Access Oklahoma cards) to SNAP recipients instead of paper food stamps.
Dirisina was the owner/operator of Welcome Mart located at 1100 W. Reno Ave., in Oklahoma City, and was authorized by USDA on February 14, 2014, to be a qualified retail store to accept SNAP benefits. Evidence at trial showed that Dirisina and his employees, at his direction, exchanged SNAP benefits for cash on a discount basis of fifty cents on the dollar, meaning that for every dollar the store received from the USDA, the SNAP recipient received only 50 cents in cash. Evidence showed that Dirisina defrauded the SNAP program out of $147,603.31.
Dirisina was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 22, 2015, and was charged by a Superseding Indictment on September 1, 2015. A jury convicted Dirisina on Count 1 of the Superseding Indictment, alleging stealing from the SNAP Program. Dirisina was found not guilty of Counts 2, 3, and 4, which charged him with witness tampering. A sentencing hearing will be set in approximately 90 days.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Maxfield Green and Matthew P. Anderson.
Nineteen Atlanta Residents Convicted of Operating a Ring to Cash Stolen U.S. Treasury Checks and Commit Identity TheftRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Nineteen defendants have been convicted in a large, stolen U.S. Treasury check and identity theft ring, with the final defendants convicted by a jury trial which concluded on Friday October 16, 2015. The defendants ran an elaborate scheme in which they stole checks, manufactured fake state driver’s licenses to use for identity theft and check cashing, and opened credit card accounts in the names of unsuspecting victims.
“Fraud and identity theft crimes are a serious and growing problem in our community,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn. “Thieves who commit these crimes prey upon unsuspecting victims, steal their money, and compromise the victims’ livelihoods, sometimes causing lasting financial charges for them and their families.”
“The convictions in this case were the result of an extensive joint investigation involving many local, state and other federal agencies, who, along with persistent federal prosecutors, clearly saw a mandate to disrupt this organized group’s repeated victimization of the U.S. government. The FBI is pleased with the role that it played in bringing this investigation forward for prosecution and it thanks those many dedicated law enforcement officers and prosecutors for staying the course on such a lengthy and complex case,” said J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office.
According to U.S. Attorney Horn and information presented in court: From approximately June 2012 until September 2014, the defendants worked together to obtain and cash United States Treasury checks stolen from the U.S. Mail. The checks were originally issued to people entitled to the federal funds, including taxpayers receiving refunds, retired federal employees receiving pension benefits, military families, and Social Security beneficiaries receiving Social Security and disability payments.
The defendants played different roles in the scheme: Defendants Erica Willis, Dexter Willis, and Antonio Slatton sold stolen checks to other defendants. Check purchasers, including Hussain Abdullah, Asad Abdullah, Hudhayfah Abdullah and Hafid Abdur-Rabbani, were frequent customers of the check sellers and purchased checks by either paying 25% of the check’s face value or splitting the proceeds from the check in half with the supplier. After purchasing the stolen checks, the defendants would pay identification manufacturers like Ibrahim Abdur-Rabbani and Khalil Majeed to make fake Georgia driver’s licenses matching the names and addresses of the victims, but containing photos of “check runners.” In exchange for a fee, the “ check runners” would use the fake driver’s licenses to cash the stolen checks at retail locations throughout the Atlanta, Georgia, metropolitan area, such as Wal-Mart and Publix.
As part of the investigation, FBI and other law enforcement agents worked with a confidential informant, which put them in a position to recover the stolen checks and false identifications. The government reimbursed the stores that cashed the stolen checks for the losses they incurred.
In a separate credit card fraud scheme, defendants Asad Abdullah, Mikal Majeed, and Billie Cosby, obtained and used counterfeit identification documents to pose as real Sam’s Club members. After presenting the fraudulent documents at various Sam’s Club locations in Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, the defendants obtained replacement store credit cards in the names of the victims, which the defendants then used to buy gift cards, gas, groceries, and other items at various Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart locations.
Across the two schemes, the defendants defrauded the federal government, Wal‑Mart, and Sam’s Club of approximately $350,000.
The defendants are as follows:
- Asad Abdullah, 37, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, theft of government funds, aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit credit card fraud.
- Erica Willis, 36, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, theft of government funds, and aggravated identity theft.
- Hussain Abdullah, 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted ofconspiracy to commit theft of government funds, theft of government funds, and aggravated identity theft.
- Hudhayfah Abdullah, 32, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, theft of government funds, and aggravated identity theft.
- Hafid Abdur-Rabbani, 37, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, theft of government funds, and aggravated identity theft.
- Ibrahim Abdur-Rabbani, 33, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, theft of government funds, and aggravated identity theft.
- Khalil Majeed, 35, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, theft of government funds, and aggravated identity theft.
- Ali Al-Amin, 36, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, theft of government funds, and aggravated identity theft.
- Zakariyah Abdullah, 35, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of aggravated identity theft and using a passport belonging to another.
- Sayeed Valdez, 38, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds.
- Antonio Slaton, 37, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds.
- Cory Howell, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds.
- Damion Davis, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds.
- Dexter Willis, 36, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds.
- JoAnn Drigo, 37, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds.
- Muhajid Ahmad, 33, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds.
- Billee Cosby, 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit credit card fraud.
- Mikal Majeed, 33, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of aggravated identity theft.
- Jasmine Proctor, 20, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted of interfering with the U.S. Mail.
Sentencing for the defendants has not yet been scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistance in this case was provided by the following federal agencies: Federal Air Marshal Service; United States Customs and Border Protection; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; IRS-Criminal Investigations; United States Secret Service; United States Postal Service; and the Department of Homeland Security. The following state and local agencies also assisted: Georgia Bureau of Investigation; Georgia Office of Consumer Protection; Georgia Department of Corrections; Atlanta Police Department; Woodstock Police Department; Fulton County Sheriff’s Office; Henry County Police Department; Gwinnett County Police Department; Dunwoody Police Department; Brookhaven Police Department; Sandy Springs Police Department; DeKalb County Police Department, and Chamblee Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nekia Hackworth and Kim S. Dammers, along with DOJ Trial Attorney Hans Miller are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Niagara County Man Arrested, Charged with Threatening the PresidentRead 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 Jared Brown, 18, of Niagara County, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with threatening the President of the United States. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Campana, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on September 6, 2015, the defendant called the Lockport City Police Department through the 911 Emergency Call Center and made oral threats over the telephone. During this call, Brown stated to an employee that he would kill President Obama. The complaint further alleges that when a Secret Service Agent asked the hypothetical question what Brown would do if the President walked into the interview room, Brown said he would shoot him.
The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder. He is being held and is due back in court on October 22, 2015 at 2:30 p.m.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge C. Todd Laster.
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.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Arson and Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ALBERT BROWN, age 46, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced today after having previously pled guilty to multiple criminal counts for his involvement in a 2007 scheme commit insurance fraud by arson.
U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan sentenced BROWN to 60 months of incarceration, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, BROWN and others attempted in 2007 to defraud one of his accomplices’ homeowner’s fire insurance company and BROWN’s rental fire insurance company by engaging in sham lease and filing inflated claims for property allegedly burned in the fire.
BROWN’s co-defendants have previously been sentenced. DON ANDREWS was sentenced to 20 years incarceration; ANTHONY THOMAS was sentencing to 17 years incarceration; and, ANTHONY HARRIS was sentenced to 10 years incarceration.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the ATF New Orleans Division Office, and arson investigators of the New Orleans Fire Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige and Special Assistant United States Attorney Tony Sanders, who is a Special Assistant United States Attorney and currently the Chief of Administration at the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, were in charge of the prosecution.
McAlester Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ManufacturingRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that JEREMY DAVID STARR, age 39, of McAlester, Oklahoma, pled guilty to MANUFACTURE OF METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by up to 40 years, up to a $5,000,000.00 fine or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about June 21, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, JEREMY DAVID STARR, did knowingly and intentionally manufacture 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Police Department and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Department.
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 Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the United States.
Massachusetts Probation Officer Pleads Guilty to Making False StatementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A long-serving Massachusetts Department of Probation officer pleaded guilty yesterday to making a false statement to the FBI in connection with an investigation the FBI was conducting into allegations by probationers that he was engaging in a deprivation of their rights under color of law.
Lawrence Plumer, 46, of Brockton, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to the FBI. It was alleged at the plea hearing that Plumer mistreated two female probationers by, among other things, showing them pornography videos and making suggestive comments. When confront with the allegations by the FBI, Plumber falsely denied them. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Jan. 13, 2016. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Plumer will resign from his position as a Massachusetts Probation Officer at Suffolk Superior Court where he has worked since 2000.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than five 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 and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also wishes to acknowledge the cooperation of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Fisher of Ortiz’s Public Corruption Unit & Special Prosecutions Unit.
Married Couple, Son, and Accomplice Indicted for Defrauding MedicareRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – The February 2015 indictment of a married couple and their accomplice, charging them with defrauding Medicare, has been superseded to add the couple’s son as a fourth defendant. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the superseding indictment today.
In addition to Calvin Bailey, Sandra Bailey, and Cindy Mallard, Bryan Bailey has also been charged in a superseding indictment alleging a conspiracy to commit health care fraud and to pay illegal kickbacks in connection with health care services. Bryan Bailey has also been charged with wire fraud.
According to the superseding indictment, Sandra Bailey and Calvin Bailey sold durable medical equipment including power wheelchairs and back braces. From November 2009 to September 2011, they were both employed at Jaspan Medical Systems, a durable medical equipment company with an office in Jackson, Tennessee. Durable medical equipment is designed for repeated use and medical purpose.
The Baileys’ co-defendant, Mallard, also worked as a salesperson for Jaspan from June 2011 to September 2012. Prior to that, Mallard was employed as an office manager at Medina Family Medical Clinic from November 2009 until June 2011.
Bryan Bailey, Sandra Bailey and Calvin Bailey’s son, was the operations manager at Jaspan from December 2009 to July 2013.
From at least November 2009 to April 2013, all four defendants were members of a conspiracy to defraud Medicare, a federal health care benefit program, of thousands and also pay illegal kickbacks to health care providers and patient-referral sources.
Earlier this year, three of the defendants — Calvin Bailey, Sandra Bailey, and Mallard — were indicted for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and to pay illegal kickbacks in connection with health care services. Sandra Bailey was also indicted on multiple counts of health care fraud and paying illegal kickbacks to health care providers and patient-referral sources.
Sandra Bailey and Mallard each worked for several years in health care businesses in the Jackson, Tennessee area. Calvin Bailey was employed as the principal at Medina Elementary School in Medina, Tennessee, and was also employed by various medical equipment supply companies.
According to the superseding indictment, Sandra Bailey paid illegal kickbacks to referral sources to identify Medicare card-holders. Sandra Bailey marketed power wheelchairs and back braces to the Medicare card-holders. Commissions for sales of wheelchairs to the Medicare card-holders identified by the referral sources were distributed among the four defendants, as well as to Bryan Bailey’s wife and Mallard’s husband and daughter.
In addition to the illegal kickback payments to referral sources, Sandra Bailey also paid kickbacks to some health care providers who performed — or were supposed to have performed — face-to-face evaluations of card-holders to qualify them for power wheelchairs. Mallard, who was the office manager at Medina Family Medical Clinic, assisted Sandra Bailey by visiting card-holders with her. Mallard also filled out forms that were supposed to be completed during a face-to-face evaluation of a patient by a physician or other qualified health care provider. Mallard then assisted Sandra Bailey in getting those forms signed by providers who were supposed to have conducted face-to-face evaluations of the card-holders. Mallard also received kickback payments on behalf of one of the health care providers who signed the forms.
All four defendants face up to five years imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000 on the conspiracy charge.
Sandra Bailey also faces up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of eight counts of health care fraud.
Sandra Bailey faces up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of nine counts of paying illegal kickbacks.
In addition to the conspiracy charge, Bryan Bailey faces up to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000 for wire fraud.
This investigation is being conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fabian on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maquoketa Man Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Trafficking in Black Rhino HornsRead the Press Release
A man who illegally bought and transported black rhino horns from Oregon to Iowa was sentenced in federal court yesterday to more than two years in federal prison.
James Hess, age 39, from Maquoketa, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 13, 2015, guilty plea to one count of violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits trafficking in certain wildlife, including wildlife determined to be endangered under the Endangered Species Act. All species of black rhinos are endangered and it is illegal to traffic in black rhino horns across state lines.
In a plea agreement, Hess, who is a taxidermist, admitted that he contacted an individual in Oregon trying to sell a pair of black rhino horns online. Hess reached an agreement with the seller in Oregon and personally traveled to Oregon to get the horns. Hess told the seller he was reselling the horns to an individual living in Oregon. Hess presented the seller with an Oregon driver’s license purporting to be for the buyer of the horns. In reality, that individual had no involvement in the deal. After getting the horns, Hess shipped them back to Iowa and then gave them to Wade Steffen, a Texas resident, who shipped the horns to California. Steffen gave Hess a portion of the profit Steffen expected to make from selling the horns in California.
Rhinoceros are herbivores of prehistoric origin and among the largest remaining mega-fauna on earth. They have no known predators other than humans. All species of rhinoceros are protected under United States and international law, and black rhinoceros are endangered. Since 1976, trade in rhinoceros horn has been regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a treaty signed by 180 countries around the world to protect fish, wildlife and plants that are or may become imperiled due to the demands of international markets. Nevertheless, the demand for rhinoceros horn and black market prices have skyrocketed in recent years due to the value that some cultures have placed on ornamental carvings, good luck charms or alleged medicinal purposes, leading to a decimation of global rhinoceros populations. As a result, rhino populations have declined by more than 90 percent since 1970. South Africa, for example, has witnessed a rapid escalation in poaching, rising from 13 in 2007 to 668 in 2012.
The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, Kevin W. Techau, stated, “This office is committed to protecting the environment and natural resources of our country and world. Cases like this one are important steps in curbing the market for black rhino horns and ensuring the survival of the species across the world.”
“This conviction and sentencing demonstrates the resolve of the U.S, Fish and Wildlife service to eliminate the illegal trade of Rhino horns in the United States,” said Edward Grace, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement. “Illegal wildlife trafficking is not just a problem in faraway countries but as demonstrated by this investigation can be found here in the heartland of America. The goal of "Operation Crash" is to eliminate this illegal market in the United State so that Rhino do not become extinct and continue to be a species that survives in the wild.”
Hess was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. During the sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Reade stated of Hess that “by his actions he helped establish a market for these black rhino horns and that’s a serious offense against the planet.” Hess was sentenced to twenty-seven months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Special Investigations Unit (SIU) as a part of “Operation Crash,” a nationwide effort to investigate and prosecute those involved in the black market trade of endangered rhino horns. “Operation Crash” is a continuing investigation by the Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service, with assistance from other federal and local law enforcement agencies.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/. The case file number is 15-CR-41.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Lyman Man Sentenced to over a Year for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
Contact: Halsey B. Frank
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Mark J. LaPierre, 55, of Lyman, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to one year and one day in prison and two years of supervised release for social security fraud. He was also ordered to pay $38,212 in restitution. LaPierre pleaded guilty on April 22, 2015.
According to court documents, after LaPierre’s father’s death, LaPierre’s mother received Social Security survivor benefits. When LaPierre’s mother died in November of 2010, those survivor’s benefits continued to be deposited into LaPierre’s and his mother’s joint account at Biddeford Savings Bank. LaPierre did not notify the Social Security Administration of his mother’s death or that survivor benefits continued to be deposited into the joint account. LaPierre used the benefits to pay his own personal bills and expenses. On April 4, 2014, the Social Security Tele-Service Center in Boston, Massachusetts received an anonymous tip about the fraud and terminated the survivor benefits.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Levy observed that LaPierre’s crime was a serious offense that continued for 3½ years and netted significant money. It was a negative influence on others. A sentence of imprisonment was necessary to deter him and others in the public who might be similarly inclined.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General.Lusby Man Charged with Production of Child Pornography and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging Jose Antonio Jaramillo, age 53, of Lusby, Maryland, with production, receipt and possession of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, and transmission of obscene material to a minor. The criminal complaint was issued on October 20, 2015, and unsealed today.
The charges were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Andre Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Special Agent in Charge Clark E. Settles of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C.; Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, from approximately May 2014 through July 2015, Jaramillo, posing as a minor male approximately 12 to 17 years old, “Tommy James,” a/k/a “Thomas James Jones” and “Thomas James,” used social media to communicate with as many as 20 minor female victims. Jaramillo allegedly utilized several photographs to establish the “Tommy James” persona and either posted them on the “Tommy James” social media account or sent them to the minor females he communicated with online. According to the affidavit, Jaramillo, using the “Tommy James” persona, engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the minor females and/or induced them to produce sexually explicit images and videos and transmit those images to Jaramillo. The complaint alleges that during some of his conversations with the victims Jaramillo also transmitted sexually explicit photographs to the victims.
Jaramillo faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison for production of child pornography; a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison for receipt of child pornography; 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography; a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity; and 10 years in prison for transmitting obscene material to a minor. An initial appearance was held today at 2:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Schulze in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. Jaramillo was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.
A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended HSI Baltimore and Washington, D.C, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ray D. McKenzie and Kristi N. O’Malley, who are prosecuting the case.
Leon Man Arraigned on Charges of Illegal Distribution of A Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the return of an indictment by the Grand Jury. A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court. Federal prison sentences are non-parolable.
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL, age 38, of Leon, Oklahoma was arraigned in federal court today on charges of Illegal Distribution of a Controlled Substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
The Criminal Complaint alleges that on or about May 29, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL did knowingly and intentionally commit the crime of Distribution of a Controlled Substance.
The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Ardmore Police Department, Carter County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshal Service.
The statutory range of punishment is not less than up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $1,000,000.00 fine or both.
First Assistant United States Attorney Doug Horn represented the United States.
Law Enforcement Rounds up Members of Birmingham-based Heroin and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM -- Federal and local law enforcement today arrested 16 of 24 defendants indicted in September as part of a multi-million dollar conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine, mainly within Jefferson County. U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, FBI Special Agent in Charge Roger C. Stanton, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Veronica Hyman-Pillot and Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale announced the charges and arrests.
Today's arrests bring to 23 the number of people either arrested or served with notice to appear as a result of the nearly three-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation into the Birmingham-based drug-trafficking conspiracy.
The man accused as the leader of the organization, PATRICK DEWAYNE “Pat” HALL, 37, and his first lieutenant, LOVODAS DEANGELO “Bo,”“BoMo,” “Dee Dee” BLAKE, 26, already were in custody on federal charges related to a large seizure of cocaine on Aug. 1. An FBI SWAT team arrested both men in the early morning of Aug. 2 after the duo hid for several hours in the attic of a North Birmingham home, according to arrest records. The pair ran to the house after leading police on a high-speed chase through northeast Birmingham, then ditching their Chevrolet Tahoe in a front yard. FBI agents recovered more than 10 kilograms of cocaine and almost $20,000 from the vehicle.
Two other defendants already were in custody on state drug-trafficking charges. They are ROBERT LYNN “Trap” THOMAS JR., 26, and CANDIDA ARROYO LEIMAKAMAE OCASIO, 35.
Ocasio lives in Beaumont, Texas, but Hall, Blake, Thomas, and more than half of the 24 defendants live in Birmingham. Among those charged are two men who are featured performers in the North Birmingham-based and regionally known rap group, Trap Team Entertainment. They are JESSTIFUR JAHALIA FERRARI “Leer Jet,” “Leer,” “Jahleer,” “Jet” HURST, 29, and DAVID WAYNE “Northside Weezy” MCDANIEL, 24.
"Beginning at 6 a.m. today, a group of federal and local law enforcement officers dismantled a drug-trafficking operation charged with dumping heroin and cocaine onto the streets of our city. The indictment of 24 individuals for either drug trafficking or laundering drug money represents years of dedicated work by the FBI, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, IRS-CI, and prosecutors in my office," Vance said. "Solving the problems of crime and addiction related to those drugs requires more than enforcement, though. It requires community awareness of the problems of abuse and addiction, which often start with prescription pills, and a commitment to address those problems by talking to our children about the dangers, safely disposing of unused and unneeded medications, and removing the stigma of addiction so that treatment is more readily sought."
"As a direct result of this enforcement action, the supply network for cocaine and heroin in Birmingham and Jefferson County has been severely disrupted," Stanton said. "I applaud the hard work and teamwork exhibited by my agents, along with our partners at IRS-CI and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, who once again demonstrated the importance of combining the strengths, resources and expertise of federal and local agencies to fight these drug-trafficking networks.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to be an integral part of this multi-agency OCDETF investigation," Hyman-Pillot said. “It is our goal as financial investigators to assist our law enforcement partners in dismantling drug-trafficking organizations at every level. This is a great illustration of the positive impact law enforcement has when local, state and federal agencies work together.”
"As we all are acutely aware, heroin has returned to our area and has taken lives with a vengeance and without regard to who or where," Hale said. "It is the Satan of the drug trade that devastates families in every community. We can't bring those loved-ones back and we can't restore what has been lost. We can, however, ensure that these dealers responsible for trafficking this killer drug are shut down and brought to justice," the sheriff said. "If they believe they can operate unabated, then I hope this sends them the clear message that we are united in this fight and our resolve is unwavering."
Of the 24 people named in the indictment, 21 face the charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine between January 2012 and August 2015. The indictment charges two defendants with money laundering only, and one defendant with money laundering and one count of using a telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking crime. The indictment contains 62 of the telephone counts, which variously include 21 of the 24 defendants. The indictment also includes four heroin and four cocaine distribution counts involving 10 of the defendants.
The indictment seeks to have the defendants forfeit $10 million as proceeds of the charged drug-trafficking crimes. It also seeks forfeiture of property including a 2013 Mercedes roadster, valued at over $130,000, a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle, and five pieces of real estate, including two Birmingham houses that the indictment charges were the subjects of money laundering transactions.
Indicted in connection with the drug conspiracy, along with Patrick Hall, Blake, Thomas, Jesstifur Hurst, David McDaniel and Ocasio are: ERIC DEMOND “E,” “E Sosa,” “Sosa” HALL, 39, ROYCE THERMON “Rossie,” “Scoe” JOHNSON, 30, TEDDY TONELL “Fresh” DAVIS, 33, BRANDON DION LEWIS, 30, JAMES MARION ROBINSON III, 45, RODRIQUS TYRONE “Dreek” STURDIVANT, 25, DEANGELA KAY “Dee Kay” MCDANIEL, 42, ISRAEL BRAVO “Migo” OLASOAGAR, 37, LENA KENYA IRVINE, 30, and GERLINE A. JONES, 70, all of Birmingham; JESSE TYRONE “Bat,” “Batman” HURST, 58, COREY LIONEL “Mac” PITTS, 24, and PATRICIA ANN NELSON, 54, all of Bessemer; DEANDRE JADARIUS “Dre,” “Profit” HALL, 21, of Hoover, ANTHONY DEJUAN WILLIAMS, 45, of Pinson, JUSTICE MARTINIQUE HOLDEN, 20, of Huntsville, SONJA DENISE “Momma” MITCHELL, 55, of McCalla, and a DEFENDANT KNOWN ONLY AS “Tweety.”
Patrick and Eric Hall are brothers and Deandre Hall is their cousin. Jesstifur Hurst is Jesse Hurst's son. Deangela McDaniel and David McDaniel are mother and son.
The FBI, working with the IRS, the sheriff's offices of Jefferson, Shelby and Tuscaloosa counties, and the Birmingham, Hueytown, Hoover, Tuscaloosa and Vestavia Hills police departments, assembled 18 teams that fanned out across the Birmingham metro area early today and arrested the following defendants:
Jesstifur Hurst, David McDaniel, Eric Hall, Johnson, Davis, Lewis, Robinson, Sturdivant, Deangela McDaniel, Olasoagar, Jesse Hurst, Pitts, Deandre Hall, Williams, Holden, and Mitchell.
Authorities still are seeking the defendant known as Tweety. Tweety is a Houston, Texas, supplier.
Charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine are Patrick, Eric and Deandre Hall, Blake, Jesstifur and Jesse Hurst, David and Deangela McDaniel, Thomas, Johnson, Davis, Lewis, Robinson, Pitts, Sturdivant, Williams, Holden, Mitchell, Ocasio, “Tweety” and Olasoagar.
The indictment separates defendants by the amount and type of drug attributable to them through their actions in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. The defendants, type and amount of illegally trafficked drug attributed to them, and the maximum prison sentence for that crime are as follows:
-
Patrick, Eric and Deandre Hall, Blake, Jesstifur and Jesse Hurst, David McDaniel, Thomas, Johnson, Lewis and Pitts, 1,000 grams or more of heroin, 10 years to life;
-
Deangela McDaniel, 100 grams or more of heroin, five to 40 years.
-
Patrick, Eric and Deandre Hall, Blake, Jesstifur Hurst, David McDaniel, Davis, Robinson, Sturdivant, Williams, Mitchell, Ocasio, Tweety and Olasoagar, five kilograms or more of cocaine, 10 years to life;
-
Lewis, 500 grams or more of cocaine; five to 40 years;
-
Patrick Hall, Blake and Jesstifur Hurst, 280 grams or more of crack cocaine; 10 years to life.
Patrick Hall, Blake and Olasoagar also are charged with one count of possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Blake faces an additional count of distributing cocaine.
Jesstifur Hurst is charged with three separate counts of distributing heroin and one count of distributing cocaine. Johnson faces one count of distributing heroin. Jesse Hurst and Eric Hall face one count of distributing heroin, and Mitchell, Ocasio and Tweety face one count of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Patrick Hall, Lewis, Irvine, Nelson and Jones are charged with laundering money derived from the drug-trafficking conspiracy. According to the indictment, Patrick Hall conspired with those four co-defendants between January 2012 and August 2015 to buy property titled in their names. The purchases were:
-
Harley Davidson FLTRX motorcycle, titled to Lewis;
-
2013 Mercedes SL550 roadster, titled to Nelson;
-
House at 3909 35th Ave. N, Birmingham, bought in Jones' name;
-
House at 356 Killough Drive, Birmingham, bought in Irvine's name.
The maximum penalty for the money laundering charge is 20 years and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater.
The FBI, the IRS, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and other agency members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory R. Dimler and E. Wilson Hunter are prosecuting.
An indictment contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
###
-
Las Cruces Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Anthony Calderon, 41, of Las Cruces, N.M., was sentenced this morning in federal court in Las Cruces to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his heroin and methamphetamine trafficking convictions.
Calderon was arrested on Aug. 8, 2014, in Las Cruces on an indictment charging him with two counts of distributing heroin and one count of distributing methamphetamine in Doña Ana County, N.M. The indictment also charged Calderon’s co-defendant Orlando Roman, 35, also of Las Cruces, with one count of heroin distribution. Roman was arrested on Oct. 9, 2014.
On March 5, 2015, Calderon pled guilty to all three counts of the indictment and admitted that on April 15 and April 16, 2014, he distributed approximately 75.3 grams of heroin to a person working under the supervision of law enforcement. Calderon also admitted that on May 27, 2014, he distributed approximately 101.1 grams of methamphetamine to a person working under the supervision of law enforcement.
Co-defendant Roman pled guilty on March 6, 2015, to one count of distribution of heroin. Roman was sentenced on July 22, 2015, to eight months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and the HIDTA Regional Interagency Drug Task Force/Metro Narcotics Task Force and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
The HIDTA Regional Interagency Drug Task Force/Metro Narcotics Task Force is comprised of officers from the Las Cruces Police Department, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, HSI and the New Mexico State Police. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
This case is being prosecuted pursuant to the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center that is partnering with the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative with the overriding goal of reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in the District of New Mexico. The HOPE Initiative comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. The law enforcement component of the HOPE Initiative is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative.
KC Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing Bank of America.
Lorene Harris, 54, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to the charge contained in an Aug. 26, 2014, federal indictment.
By pleading guilty today, Harris admitted that he stole $3,000 from Bank of America, 6320 Prospect Ave., Kansas City, on Aug. 4, 2014. Harris cut in front of everyone in line when he entered the bank and told a teller to “give me the money.” The teller asked Harris if this was a robbery and he responded that he was robbing the bank. The teller asked if he had a “note or something” and Harris told the teller he could write a note. Harris requested a piece of paper, then passed the note and asked for the money. However, when the teller put about $5,000 dollars on the counter, Harris told her to give him less. The teller took approximately $2,000 back and Harris took the remaining money.
Harris then asked what he should do next. He indicated he would wait outside; however; he fled from the bank on foot.
Harris was identified after bank surveillance photos appeared on the news. The following day, Harris was arrested by Raytown, Mo., police officers who were dispatched with paramedics to a convenience store. Harris, who was complaining of chest pains, told officers he robbed Bank of America the day before.
Under federal statutes, Harris is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce E. Clark. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Jury Convicts Jacksonville Man of Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury today found James Dale Little (43, Jacksonville) guilty of transporting and possessing child pornography. Little faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 26, 2016. He was indicted on March 26, 2015.
According to evidence presented at trial, from December 21, 2012, through January 26, 2013, Little obtained images depicting child pornography using an email account. He also sent an image of child pornography by email on January 26, 2013.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly S. Karase and Gregory T. Nolan.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Passing Counterfeit Federal Reserve NotesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Henry Lee Adams has sentenced Timothy Deante Burroughs (32, Jacksonville) to 21 months in federal prison for passing counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes. As part of the sentence, the Court also ordered Burroughs to pay restitution to the various businesses that he had defrauded.
According to court documents, in November and December 2014, Burroughs entered various businesses in Jacksonville and passed counterfeit $100 Federal Reserve Notes (FRN). On December 1, 2014, he entered a Publix and passed counterfeit FRN. Upon being confronted by Publix employees, Burroughs fled the store on foot. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) soon located Burroughs at a nearby Motel 6 hotel room and detained him. A search of the room resulted in the recovery of additional counterfeit $100 FRN.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service, Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Idaho Falls Man Sentenced for Meth DistributionRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Gerardo Botello, 37, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to 48 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Botello pleaded guilty to the charge on July 16, 2015.
According to the plea agreement and sentencing hearing, on May 23, 2011, an undercover officer met with Botello at his residence in Idaho Falls, Idaho. At that meeting, the undercover officer gave Botello $3200, in exchange for 53.7 grams of actual methamphetamine. At his arrest Botello was also found in possession of several firearms which were forfeited to the government as part of the plea and sentencing.
The case was the result of a joint investigation of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with, U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bonneville Country Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho Falls Police Department, and the Idaho State Police. The case was prosecuted jointly by the attorneys from the United States Attorney’s Office and the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office.
The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
Hounduran National Pleads Guilty to Transferring a False Social Security CardRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JULI GUERRA, age 38, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty today to transferring a false Social Security Card in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028(a)(2).
According to court documents, on May29, 2014, GUERRA sold a counterfeit Social Security Card to a confidential source working with the Department of Homeland Security for $140.00.
GUERRA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for July 13, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Heroin, Crack Cocaine Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Dennis Bernard, 29, of Cranston, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence today to trafficking heroin and crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist and Warwick Police Chief Colonel Stephen M. McCartney.
Bernard was arrested by detectives and officers from the Cranston and Warwick Police Departments on June 26, 2015, following a joint investigation by members of the Cranston Police Special Investigations Unit and the Warwick Police Special Operations Group into Bernard’s drug trafficking activities.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Bernard pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with the intent to distribute and possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.
According to court documents, during the late spring and early summer of 2015, members of the Cranston Police Special Investigations Unit and the Warwick Police Special Operations Group worked collaboratively to investigate Bernard’s drug trafficking activities in Cranston and in Warwick. During the investigation, a Warwick undercover detective made several purchases of crack cocaine from Bernard.
On June 24, 2015, law enforcement executed a court authorized search warrant at Bernard’s Cranston residence where they seized approximately 44 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 25 grams of heroin, and $6,251 in cash. Various items used in the packaging and distribution of drugs were also seized.
At the time of Bernard’s arrest, law enforcement seized a BMW automobile, a Rolex watch and other assorted jewelry which the investigation determined was purchased by Bernard with proceeds derived from his drug trafficking activities. The items and cash seized have been forfeited to the government.
Bernard is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2016.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin.
The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force assisted the Cranston and Warwick Police Departments in the investigation of this matter.
###
Contact:
Jim Martin (401) 709-5357
email: [email protected]
on Twitter @USAO_RI
Hazleton Man Charged with Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON--The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Criminal Information was filed October 19, 2015 in U.S. District Court in Scranton charging Jacob Davis, a 30-year-old Hazleton resident with distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin during a three-month period in the Hazleton area between June and August of this year.
The charge resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Hazleton Police.
The government also filed a plea agreement with the defendant which is subject to the approval of the court.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
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 imprisonment for 20 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $1 million 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.
# # #
Grand Jury Votes Second Superseding Indictment Charging Five with Conspiracy to Murder OverseasRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota Andrew M. Luger and FBI Special Agent in Charge for the Minneapolis Division Richard T. Thornton today announced a second superseding indictment charging five Minnesotans with conspiracy to murder overseas, perjury and other charges. The indictment, which was originally filed on February 19, 2015, and superseded on May 18, 2015, is the result of a long-term investigation led by the Minneapolis Division of the FBI into a group of individuals who have tried to join – and in some cases succeeded in joining – the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
At least nine Minnesotans have now been charged as part of this conspiracy. Three of the men charged have pleaded guilty, including ABDULLAHI YUSUF (February 16, 2015), HANAD MUSSE (September 9, 2015), and ZACHARIA ABDURAHMAN (September 17, 2015). The remaining defendants, HAMZA AHMED, ADNAN FARAH, GULED OMAR, ABDURAHMAN DAUD and MOHAMED FARAH, are scheduled to go to trial on February 16, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael Davis.
This second superseding indictment charges OMAR, AHMED, DAUD, A. FARAH, and M. FARAH with conspiracy to murder overseas. A. FARAH is additionally charged with two counts of perjury for false testimony provided to the grand jury. M. FARAH and DAUD are each charged with one count of perjury for false testimony given before the grand jury. OMAR is charged with attempted financial aid fraud for trying to use $5,000 of financial aid to fund his travel to Turkey.
Beyond these additional charges, the charges in the original indictment and the first superseding indictment are re-alleged. The new counts against the defendants are listed below.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Defendant Information:
HAMZA AHMED, 20
Savage, Minn.Charges:
• Conspiracy to Murder Outside the United States, 1 count
• Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), 1 count
• Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, 1 count
• False statement, 1 count
• Financial aid fraud, 1 countMOHAMED FARAH, 21
Minneapolis, Minn.Charges:
• Conspiracy to Murder Outside the United States, 1 count
• Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), 1 count
• Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, 2 counts
• Perjury, 1 count
• False statement, 1 countGULED OMAR, 21
Minneapolis, Minn.Charges:
• Conspiracy to Murder Outside the United States, 1 count
• Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), 1 count
• Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, 2 counts
• Attempted financial aid fraud, 1 countABDIRAHMAN DAUD, 21
Minneapolis, Minn.Charges:
• Conspiracy to Murder Outside the United States, 1 count
• Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), 1 count
• Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, 1 count
• Perjury, 1 countADNAN FARAH, 19
Minneapolis, Minn.Charges:
• Conspiracy to Murder Outside the United States, 1 count
• Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), 1 count
• Perjury, 2 countsGaithersburg Man Admits to Selling Heroin to a Customer Who Died from OverdoseRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Nathaniel Wright, Jr., age 58, of Gaithersburg, Maryland pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, from at least June 2013 until his arrest in April 2015, Wright distributed heroin he had obtained from sources to heroin addicts. Wright had multiple customers who would purchase between one-half to two grams from him a week.
On June 14, 2013, Wright sold an individual a gram of heroin for $100. Later that evening and after ingesting the heroin, the individual died as a result of alcohol and narcotic intoxication.
Wright also admitted that on 16 occasions he sold a total of 22 grams of heroin to two confidential sources.
During his participation in the drug conspiracy, Wright was responsible for the distribution of between 400 and 700 grams of heroin.
Wright faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for February 1, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
Ronald Bryant, a/k/a “Dean,” age 46, of Montgomery Village, Maryland; and Carlos Brandon Peoples, a/k/a “Los,” age 29, of Washington, D.C., previously pleaded guilty to their participation in the conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced on December 21 and November 2, 2015, respectively, both at 2:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF and Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah A. Johnston and Mara Z. Greenberg, who are prosecuting the case.
Four Charged in Series of Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return of a third superseding indictment charging Samuel Lee Lynch (29, Tampa), Christopher Marquis Fruster (20, Tampa), Reo Thomas Nance (31, Lakeland), and Brittany Jenae Hall (26, Tampa) with conspiracy, armed robbery, and firearms offenses in connection with five Tampa Bay area armed robberies occurring between March 15, 2015, and April 24, 2015. In addition, Hall has been charged with obstruction of justice for providing false testimony before a federal grand jury.
Lynch faces a mandatory life sentence if convicted on any one of the six charges related to the robberies. If convicted on all counts, Fruster, Nance, and Hall each face a mandatory minimum penalty of 35, 32, and 10 years’ imprisonment, respectively. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit two firearms and $93,519, which is alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offenses.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Temple Terrace Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.
Former San Francisco Real Estate Tycoon Sentenced to Seven Years’ Imprisonment for Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, Making False Declarations, Escape, and ContemptRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO - Luke D. Brugnara was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison after his conviction for mail fraud, wire fraud, false declarations to a court, escape, and contempt of court, announced Acting United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge David J. Johnson, and U.S. Marshal Don O’Keefe.
Brugnara, 52, of San Francisco, was originally charged with fraud in a criminal complaint filed May 27, 2014. The criminal complaint described Brugnara’s refusal to pay for several pieces of art after he convinced a New York art dealer to ship the art to his California home. Brugnara was arrested on May 28, 2014, but then escaped from custody of his lawyer on February 5, 2015. He was apprehended six days later and stood trial beginning April 27, 2015. Brugnara waived his right to counsel and conducted the trial as a pro se defendant with the assistance of two attorneys appointed as advisory counsel. On May 19, 2015, the jury convicted Brugnara of three counts of wire and mail fraud, one count of making false declarations to a court, one count of escape, and one count of contempt.
Evidence at trial showed that, in late March and early April 2014, Brugnara told the art dealer that he would pay approximately $11 million for works of art. Based on his representations that he would pay for the artwork and put it in a museum, the artwork was shipped to Brugnara at his house in the Sea Cliff neighborhood of San Francisco. The evidence at trial demonstrated that the artwork was delivered in five wooden crates to Brugnara’s residence on April 7, 2014. When the artwork arrived, Brugnara refused to pay for it, return it, or inspect it, and told the art dealer that she had given the artwork to him as a gift. Eventually, the art dealer reported the crime to the FBI, which executed a search warrant at Brugnara’s residence in late May 2014. During the search, the FBI recovered only four of the five crates of artwork. The fifth crate, containing a “Little Dancer” sculpture by Edgar Degas, was never recovered. Evidence at trial also demonstrated that defendant had lied in testimony at an evidentiary hearing, and that he had absconded from a furlough to the federal building, in violation of a court order.
The sentence was handed down by the Honorable William H. Alsup, U.S. District Judge. In addition to the prison term, Judge Alsup sentenced Brugnara to three years’ supervised release and approximately $688,000 in restitution. Brugnara will begin serving his sentence immediately.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robin Harris and Benjamin Kingsley are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Denise Oki, Jessica Meegan, and Trina Khadoo. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshal Service.
Former Cargo Operations Manager at Miami International Airport Sentenced for his Role in a Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
A former cargo operations manager at Miami International Airport was sentenced to 50 months in prison for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and Robert C. Hutchinson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
Vinicio Morales, 53, of Miami, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.
According to the court record, in 2011, while working as an employee at Miami International Airport, Morales agreed to be paid $12,500 for his participation in a conspiracy to assist with the offloading of cocaine into the United States, from arriving international flights. Ultimately, Morales offloaded what he believed to be five kilograms of cocaine from the cargo can of a plane that had arrived at Miami International Airport in the Southern District of Florida.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Stewart.
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.