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Thursday 24 September 2015
Black Hat Bandit Gunman Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Thomas Anthony George, 65, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to two counts of using a firearm during the commission of armed bank robberies.
According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, in approximately January 2015, George entered a conspiracy to commit armed bank robberies within the Eastern District of Virginia, and elsewhere. Over the course of the ensuing two months, George and his co-conspirators, who were known as the Black Hat Bandits, robbed nine banks, including six banks in the Eastern District of Virginia, two banks in the District of Maryland, and one bank in the District of Columbia. In each of these robberies, George brandished a firearm at bank customers or employees of the bank. In total, George and his co-conspirators stole approximately $182,104 during the nine bank robberies.
George was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 19, 2015. George faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 32 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on Dec. 17, 2015. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Vincent H. Cohen, Jr., Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; and Cathy Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge James C. Cacheris. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tobias D. Tobler and Jonathan L. Fahey are prosecuting the case.
The investigation was worked jointly by the FBI's Washington and Baltimore Field Offices, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfax County Police Department, Falls Church Police Department, Loudoun County Police Department, the Metropolitan Police Department, Vienna Police Department and Virginia State Police. Additional assistance was provided by Arlington County Police Department, Maryland State Police and the Montgomery County Police Department.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:15-CR-87.
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Attorney General Lynch Announces $44 Million in Grant Funding to Combat Human Trafficking and Support SurvivorsRead the Press Release
As part of her commitment to combat human trafficking, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced more than $44 million in grant funding to combat human trafficking during her remarks today in Seattle, Washington, to the Washington Advisory Committee on Trafficking. Seattle is one of 16 sites selected for an anti-trafficking task force award, receiving $1.5 million to support law enforcement efforts and victim services for the next three years.
“Human traffickers prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our society, and their crimes – which are nothing short of modern-day slavery – have no place in this country,” said Attorney General Lynch. “These grants – administered by the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the National Institute of Justice – will fund efforts across the country to fight human trafficking, to provide services for survivors and to expand research going forward.”
The grant awards include the following:
- More than $22.7 million to support 16 anti-human trafficking task forces across the country. Within each task force location, BJA will make one award to a lead law enforcement agency and OVC will make one to the lead victim service provider. The grantees will work collaboratively with other key members of the task force, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, local prosecutor’s office, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and community and system-based service providers. The task forces are listed at: http://www.ojp.gov/newsroom/pdfs/HT_Full_Chart_V.3.pdf.
- $1 million to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc. to conduct a comprehensive analysis of task force training and technical assistance needs to strengthen the capacity to investigate and prosecute human trafficking.
- More than $8.1 million to 12 victim service organizations to provide comprehensive services to any human trafficking victim identified within the target geographic region.
- More than $5.6 million to ten grantees to provide specialized services for victims of human trafficking, including programs that are culturally, linguistically and developmentally-appropriate and trauma-informed, as well as services for underserved victims such as American Indians, Alaska Natives and individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ).
- Nearly $1 million total to two organizations to provide national training and technical assistance on comprehensive legal services for trafficking victims. The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking will build legal service providers’ and pro bono attorneys’ capacity to serve foreign national and U.S. citizen trafficking victims and the American Bar Association Fund for Justice and Education will provide attorneys who represent trafficking survivors with specialized training and assistance in criminal history expungement.
- Nearly $477,000 to the National Conference of State Legislators to develop resources on human trafficking, including an online database of human trafficking state laws, web page, webinar and human trafficking briefing papers.
- More than $3.5 million to address knowledge gaps related to trafficking in persons, expand upon existing research and evaluation efforts and inform evidence-based practices for state, local and tribal criminal justice agencies.
- More than $1 million to three organizations to provide mentoring services for young victims of human trafficking, including additional training and technical assistance for organizations that provide specialized support services for youth victims.
For a complete list of individual grants awarded visit http://www.ojp.gov/newsroom/pdfs/HT_Full_Chart_V.3.pdf.
The grants announced today are part of a government-wide effort to combat human trafficking and provide services to survivors, as outlined in Coordination, Collaboration, Capacity: Federal Strategic Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in the United States, 2013–2017, released by the White House in January 2014.
Armed Career Criminal from Albuquerque Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Firearm in Santa Ana PuebloRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Joseph Ernest Purcella, III, 35, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty this morning in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Purcella will be sentenced to 180 months in federal prison if the court determines that he is an armed career criminal.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, 13th Judicial District Attorney Lemuel Martinez, Special Agent in Charge Waldemar Rodriguez of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Chief William Kurth of the Santa Ana Pueblo Tribal Police Department.
Purcella was arrested on Oct. 30, 2014, on a criminal complaint alleging that he unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition in Sandoval County, N.M., on April 7, 2014. At the time, Purcella previously had been convicted of several felony offenses, including aggravated battery, burglary, battery on a police officer, trafficking a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance. Purcella subsequently was indicted on the same charge on Nov. 19, 2014.
According to court filings, on April 7, 2014, officers of the Santa Ana Pueblo Tribal Police Department went to the Santa Ana Star Casino in response to a report of an armed robbery. They arrested Purcella, who was identified as the alleged robber, on state charges filed by the 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The state charges were dismissed after federal charges were filed against Purcella.
During today’s proceedings, Purcella pled guilty to the indictment and admitted to unlawful possession of a firearm on April 7, 2014. Purcella has been in federal custody since his arrest and remains detained pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez said that Purcella was prosecuted as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible. Because New Mexico’s violent crime rates, on a per capita basis, are amongst the highest in the nation, New Mexico’s law enforcement community is collaborating to target repeat offenders from counties with the highest violent crime rates, including Bernalillo County, under this initiative.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Santa Ana Pueblo Police Department, with assistance from the 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob A. Wishard is prosecuting the case.
Archbishop of a Nevada City Spiritual Organization and Six Others Indicted in $8 Million Mortgage Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Three persons were arrested today on felony charges contained in a 42-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Sacramento on September 10, 2015, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
The indictment, unsealed today, charges John Michael DiChiara, 57, of Nevada City; James C. Castle, 51, formerly of Santa Rosa; Remus A. Kirkpatrick, 58, formerly of Oceanside; George B. Larsen, 54, formerly of San Rafael; Laura Pezzi, 59, of Roseville; Larry Todt, 63, formerly of Malibu; and Michael Romano, 68, of Benicia, charging them with conspiracy, bank fraud, false making of documents, and money laundering. Tisha Trites, 49, and Todd Smith, 44, both of San Diego, pleaded guilty to related charges before U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. on September 4, 2015.
DiChiara was arrested today in Cool, and Pezzi and Romano were arrested at their homes. The other four defendants listed in the indictment have yet to be arrested.
According to the indictment, DiChiara held himself out as the Archbishop of a spiritual organization named Shon-te-East-a, Walks With Spirit, the mission of which was to help individuals spiritually by alleviating them of their home mortgages. DiChiara and Castle (along with Trites who pleaded guilty to a related charge) are alleged to have orchestrated a mortgage-elimination program that fraudulently altered the chain of title on residential properties, selling the properties, and receiving the sales proceeds. Kirkpatrick, Larsen, Todt, Romano, and others allegedly recruited homeowners into the program with the promise of relief from foreclosure and a share of the sales proceeds. DiChiara and others used Shon-te-East to control the sale of the properties.
The indictment alleges that, once the homeowners were enrolled in the program, Pezzi and others created fictitious deeds of trust, a falsely made deed of reconveyance, and, where necessary, a falsely made notice of rescission of notice of default. The fictitious deed of trust was recorded at the county recorder’s office, and gave the appearance that the homeowner had refinanced the mortgage with a new lender. Todd Smith (who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy) or an entity controlled by the defendants was listed as the new lender, ensuring that when the properties were sold, the defendants would receive the sales proceeds. The defendants then caused to be recorded at the county recorder’s office a falsely made deed of reconveyance, indicating that the mortgage debt had been repaid to the financial institution holding the mortgage and reconveying title back to the homeowner. With these fraudulent documents on file at the county recorder’s office, a title search on the property would give the impression that the homeowner had refinanced, and no other debt was owing on the property. When the defendants caused the sale of these properties, they were able to divert the sale proceeds away from the lending institutions to their own benefit.
The defendants are alleged to have sold 37 properties through the mortgage elimination program, and attempted to sell at least an additional 97 properties, obtaining profits in excess of $8 million. They attempted to extinguish in excess of $60 million in legitimate mortgage loans.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Audrey Hemesath is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the conspiracy count, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for bank fraud is 30 years and a $1 million fine. The maximum penalty for false making of documents is 10 years and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for money laundering is 10 years and an additional fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Appleton Man Receives 10 Year Sentenced for Lead Role in Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today, that Kham Meng Vang (age: 33) of Appleton, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach. Vang had previously entered a guilty plea to a single count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. According to the plea agreement and other documents filed with the court, Vang was the lead actor in a methamphetamine distribution ring stretching from the Fox Valley to Calumet County. Vang and his co-conspirators (Sa Xiong (age: 25) and Bee Vang (age: 23) who were sentenced on September 21, 2015 to 120 months and 18 months respectfully) distributed the methamphetamine while in possession of several semi-automatic firearms.
In pronouncing sentence, Chief Judge Griesbach noted the need for a significant sentence to ensure the protection of the community and deter the defendant and others from engaging in dangerous criminal activity. In addition to the prison sentence, Vang was ordered to spend an additional 10 years on supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group, the Appleton Police Department, Fox Valley Metro Police Department, Kaukauna Police Department, Town of Menasha Police Department, Menasha Police Department, Neenah Police Department, Oshkosh Police Department, Calumet County Sheriff’s Department, and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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Albuquerque Woman Pleads Guilty to Prescription Drug Trafficking and Theft Charges Arising Out of Armed Robbery of Retail Pharmacy in January 2015Read the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Josephine Duran, 23, of Albuquerque, N.M., pleaded guilty this morning in federal court to prescription drug trafficking and theft of medical products charges arising out of the armed robbery of an Albuquerque-area retail pharmacy in Jan. 2015. Under the terms of her plea agreement, Duran will be sentenced to a prison term within the range of 48 to 100 months.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, 2nd Judicial District Attorney Kari E. Brandenburg, Special Agent in Charge Carol K.O. Lee of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy of the DEA’s El Paso Division, Chief Gorden Eden, Jr., of the Albuquerque Police Department, and Chief Pete N. Kassetas of the New Mexico State Police.
Duran was one of six defendants charged in four indictments that were announced by federal and local officials on April 29, 2015. The indictments alleged that the six defendants robbed retail pharmacies in Albuquerque to illegally obtain Oxycodone and other highly addictive opioid painkillers. The four indictments charged Duran, her co-defendant Blake Gallardo, 22, and four other Albuquerque residents with crimes arising out of the armed robberies of retail pharmacies, including violations of the Controlled Substance Registrant Protection Act and the Safe Doses Act, laws passed to address the theft and diversion of prescription drugs.
At the time the indictments were announced, Duran and Gallardo had not been arrested and were considered fugitives. Thereafter, Duran was arrested on May 22, 2015, and Gallardo was arrested on June 11, 2015.
Duran and Gallardo were charged by indictment in 15-CR-1504 with (1) violating the Hobbs Act by interfering with interstate commerce by robbery and violence; (2) brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence; (3) violating the Controlled Substance Registrant Act by committing robbery involving controlled substance; (4) violating the Safe Doses Act by committing theft of medical products; and (5) possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute. These charges arose out of the armed robbery of a Walgreens Pharmacy located at 6565 Paradise Blvd. NW in Albuquerque on Jan. 30, 2015.
Today Duran entered a guilty plea to Count 5 of the indictment charging her with possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute, and to a felony information charging her with theft of medical products. In her plea agreement, Duran who knew of the robbery in advance, admitted to knowingly taking Gallardo’s loaded firearm and the Oxycodone Gallardo stole from the Walgreens Pharmacy on Jan. 30, 2015, while Gallardo attempted to flee from law enforcement. Duran admitted that she intended to distribute the stolen Oxycodone. Duran remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
On Sept. 4, 2015, Gallardo entered a guilty plea to Counts 1, 2, 3 and 5 of the indictment. He also pleaded guilty to a felony information charging him with robbery involving controlled substance, a charge arising out of the June 6, 2015 robbery of a Walgreens Pharmacy located at 1201 Unser Blvd. NW in Albuquerque. Under the terms of his plea agreement, which encompasses both robberies, Gallardo will be sentenced to a prison term within the range of 15 to 20 years. Gallardo remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
In his plea agreement, Gallardo admitted robbing both Walgreens Pharmacies at gunpoint. With respect to the Jan. 30, 2015 robbery, Gallardo entered the pharmacy, jumped over the pharmacy counter while brandishing a firearm, and ordered the pharmacist to open a locker in which controlled substances were stored. Gallardo pointed his firearm at the pharmacist, took her keys, opened the locker, and filled a bag with oxycodone. Gallardo and Duran were arrested on state charges shortly after the robbery.
During the June 6, 2015, robbery, the plea agreement states that Gallardo was armed with a firearm when he entered the pharmacy and jumped over on the pharmacy counter. He grabbed two pharmacy employees and directed them to the pharmacy’s controlled substance locker. Gallardo took several bottles of oxycodone from the locker and ran out of the pharmacy.
With respect to the four defendants who are charged in three other pharmacy robbery cases, two have entered not guilty pleas and are detained pending trial. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law. The other two defendants have entered guilty pleas and remain detained pending sentencing hearings.
On July 1, 2015, Victor Hurtado, 20, pled guilty to felony charges arising out of the Jan.6, 2015 armed robbery of the Smith’s Pharmacy located at 4016 Louisiana Blvd. NE in Albuquerque. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Hurtado will be sentenced to a prison term within the range of ten to 18 years. Hurtado’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2015.
On Sept. 17, 2015, Valentin Garcia, 23,pled guilty to felony charges arising out of the Jan. 30, 2015, armed robbery of the CVS Pharmacy located at 4201 Montano in Albuquerque. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Garcia will be sentenced to ten years in prison.
These cases were investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI, the Tactical Diversion Squad of the DEA in Albuquerque, and the Albuquerque Police Department, with assistance from the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Bernalillo County. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel R. Meyers and Shaheen P. Torgoley.
DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squads combine DEA resources with those of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in an innovative effort to investigate, disrupt and dismantle those suspected of violating the Controlled Substances Act or other appropriate federal, state or local statutes pertaining to the diversion of licit pharmaceutical controlled substances or listed chemicals.
These cases are being prosecuted pursuant to a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
The cases also are being prosecuted pursuant to the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center that is partnering with the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative with the overriding goal of reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in the District of New Mexico. The HOPE Initiative comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. The law enforcement component of the HOPE Initiative is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative.
The Controlled Substance Registrant Protection Act was enacted in 1984, to combat the theft of prescription drugs from individuals and businesses registered with the DEA. It created penalties for entering a pharmacy’s premises for the purpose of stealing controlled substances, and includes enhanced punishment for using a dangerous weapon. The Safe Doses Act was enacted in Oct. 2012, to fight medical theft and protect patients from unknowingly using stolen and mishandled drugs. It provides for enhanced sentences for those who rob pharmacies of controlled substances; individuals who steal medical products; and “fences” who knowingly obtain stolen medical products for resale in the supply chain.
Albany Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Kenneth E. Thornton, age 36, of Albany, Georgia was sentenced September 24, 2015 to 324 months (27 years) imprisonment for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.
During the investigation, authorities determined that Mr. Thornton previously owned a sheet metal and air conditioner repair business in the Albany/Leesburg area. In 2013, he began to establish a wholesale network for the distribution of methamphetamine, operating out of Panama City, Florida. He had a source of supply in the Atlanta, Georgia area, and, by utilizing a group of associates, distributed methamphetamine in the Albany, Georgia and Panama City, Florida areas. Mr. Thornton became a significant trafficker, utilizing couriers and vehicles equipped with lock boxes secured to the underside of vehicles, in order to transport the drugs.
He pled guilty on April 9, 2015 and was held accountable for 15 to 45 kilograms of methamphetamine.
“Through the strong partnerships between state, local, and federal agencies Mr. Thornton’s drug distribution network was dismantled,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore. “Methamphetamine is a scourge in our communities, and we must continue to do everything we can to stop its distribution at the source.”
Investigating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Agency--Columbus, GA and Panama City, FL, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation -- Sylvester, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives--Columbus, and the Sheriff’s Departments in Coweta, Lee and Quitman counties in Georgia and Bay County Florida. Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pam Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.
18 Operation Trena Sin Trono Defendants Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A total of 18 defendants have entered guilty pleas in recent weeks to various charges to include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to launder drug proceeds, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. The members of this drug and money laundering organization were part of the conspiracy that occurred from on or about June 2011 through June 2013.
The pleas are the culmination of a long term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Investigation dubbed Operation Trena Sin Trono spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS-Criminal Investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, Laredo Police Department and the Zavala County Sheriff’s Office.
Erasmo Abdon Trejo-Nava was the head of a transportation cell that operated out of Laredo and was one of the primary transporters of marijuana shipments for the Zetas Cartel in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The Trejo-Nava drug trafficking organization utilized commercial trucks and trailers to transport multi-thousand pound quantities of marijuana from Laredo to the Dallas area. The investigation revealed that beginning from on or about June 10, 2011, and continuing through June 4, 2013, Trejo-Nava conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspired to launder money.
Trejo-Nava transported loads of marijuana for himself, Jaime Montalvo-Ruiz and Ovidio Rodriguez. Joshua Sanchez and Ricardo Ramirez were identified as subjects who were tasked with receiving marijuana loads from Trejo-Nava for Montalvo-Ruiz. Salvador Saldaña Medrano was identified as a co-conspirator who assisted Montalvo-Ruiz in coordinating the delivery of marijuana to Trejo-Nava for transportation to the Dallas area and also coordinated the receipt of drug proceeds from Trejo-Nava on behalf of Montalvo-Ruiz.
The organization used various stash houses and business fronts in the Laredo area to receive and prepare the drugs for transportation via personal vehicles to a local warehouse. Gerardo Moreno Recio was identified as assisting at stash houses used by the organization. Juan Manuel Vargas-Aguilar wrapped and prepared marijuana at stash houses and marked the bundles for identification once they arrived in the Dallas area. Victor Hugo Trejo was identified as assisting in the transportation of the marijuana from the stash houses to a local warehouse.
Francisco Colin supplied tractor trailers and was also identified as providing willing truck drivers to transport marijuana loads. Mario Alberto Rodriguez and Jose Angel Trejo were identified as assisting with loading of marijuana into crates at a warehouse and traveling to Dallas to assist in receiving the marijuana. Angel Trejo was also identified as recruiting a driver to transport a load of marijuana for the organization. Arturo Alfonso Lozano and Leocadio Ruiz received the marijuana loads in Dallas on behalf of Trejo-Nava, Montalvo-Ruiz and Ovidio Rodriguez and were responsible for sorting and distributing the marijuana in Dallas and collecting the proceeds.
The investigation also revealed that the Trejo-Nava organization frequently transported drug proceeds from the Dallas area to Laredo and then to Mexico. The marijuana loads were fronted to distributors in the Dallas area to include Lozano and Ruiz. After the sale and distribution of the drugs, they received payment through co-conspirators in Dallas who collected, stored and prepared the drug proceeds for transportation via personal vehicle or tractor trailer to Laredo and then to into the Republic of Mexico. Erika Alvarez was identified as a courier of drug proceeds who traveled to Dallas to transport drug proceeds back to Laredo. Laura Heredia Garcia was also identified as a courier for drug proceeds who was tasked with transporting the drug proceeds received in Laredo to the Republic of Mexico via her own personal vehicle.
As part of the money laundering scheme, Trejo-Nava, Raquel Margarita Ramos Jimenez and Leslie Bernice Trejo knowingly and intentionally conducted financial transactions designed to conceal and disguise the nature, ownership, control and source of the proceeds and to avoid a transaction reporting requirement. They knew the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of drug trafficking. The proceeds from the sale of marijuana were also used to acquire real estate and improve real estate and services.
Erasmo Trejo-Nava, Angel Trejo, 42, Ovidio Rodriguez, 41, Hugo Trejo, 41, Colin, 41, Saldaña-Medrano, 36, all of Laredo, entered pleas of guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to launder drug proceeds as did Montalvo-Ruiz, 44, of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and Ruiz, 47, of Dallas.
Vargas-Aguilar, 45, Rodriguez, 29, and Ricardo Ramirez, 33, all of Laredo; Lozano, 47, of Dallas; and Sanchez, 32, of Nuevo Laredo, all pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, while Recio, 48, of Nuevo Laredo, entered pleas of guilty to two separate counts of possession with intent to distribute in excess of 100 kilograms of marijuana.
Garcia, 50, of Nuevo Laredo, and Alvarez, 38, and Jimenez, 44, and Trejo, 22, both of Laredo, pleaded to one count of conspiracy to launder drug proceeds.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Lou Castillo is prosecuting the case.
10 Defendants Indicted on Steroid Distribution and Money Laundering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Ten men were arrested Wednesday on federal charges of conspiring to distribute anabolic steroids and engage in international money laundering, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico, and Acting Inspector in Charge James V. Buthorn, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
The felony charges, which allege that the defendants were part of a steroids distribution organization based in Broome County, New York, are contained in a September 11, 2015 indictment that was unsealed Wednesday afternoon in federal court in Binghamton. The defendants were arrested Wednesday morning in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia and Delaware.
"Anabolic steroids are controlled substances that carry significant health risks when used or distributed unlawfully," stated U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian. "As alleged in the indictment, these defendants were unlawfully distributing these dangerous substances and some of them engaged in international money laundering to carry on their steroids distribution ring. I commend the federal and state agencies that worked together to dismantle this organization."
The name of each defendant is set forth in the chart below, along with each defendant’s age, place of residence, the charges against him, and the maximum potential terms of imprisonment each faces upon conviction. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
These charges are the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the New York State Police.
"As alleged, these defendants were charged on drug trafficking and money laundering charges for their role in an international drug conspiracy," stated DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt. "Every day, 114 people die due to drug overdose, and law enforcement has committed our resources to identify, investigate and arrest those who distribute all illegal drugs. Similar to the consequences of any illegal drug, the repeated use of steroids leads to addiction, shame, embarrassment, heart attacks, strokes, cancer and jail."
"These arrests are the culmination of a wide-ranging investigation that uncovered a conspiracy to illegally distribute anabolic steroids," stated New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico. "These steroids exposed users to potentially dangerous health risks. I want to thank our Community Narcotics Enforcement Team and our federal partners for their work on this important case."
"The U.S. Postal Service is in the business of moving the mail and has no interest in being involved in the distribution of illegal drugs," stated Acting Postal Inspector in Charge James V. Buthorn. "Anabolic steroids are a controlled substance and like any other illegal drug, we want to keep them out of the U.S. Mail and away from the general public, who may not be aware of the full risks associated with their use. The men and women of the Postal Inspection Service work relentlessly to remove illegal narcotics from the mail while bringing to justice criminals who use the Postal Service to facilitate their crimes."
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Solomon B. Shinerock and Daniel Hanlon.
Defendants Charged
NAME
AGE
RESIDENCE
CHARGES
MAXIMUM POTENTIAL TERMS OF IMPRISONMENT
Ryan Root
36
West New York, New Jersey
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids
(Count One)International Money Laundering (Count Two)
20 years
(Count One)20 years
(Count Two)Richard Progovitz
37
Port Crane, New York
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids
10 years
Caleb Doane
30
Las Vegas, Nevada
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids
(Count One)International Money Laundering (Count Two)
10 years
(Count One)20 years
(Count Two)Kent Fletcher
46
Alpharetta, Georgia
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids
(Count One)International Money Laundering (Count Two)
10 years
(Count One)20 years
(Count Two)Derek Strassle
32
Endicott, New York
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids
(Count One)International Money Laundering (Count Two)
10 years
(Count One)20 years
(Count Two)Paul Boylan
31
Endicott, New York
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids
(Count One)International Money Laundering (Count Two)
10 years
(Count One)20 years
(Count Two)Kyle Clark
30
Tampa, Florida
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids
10 years
Michael Gisondi
48
Belleville, New Jersey
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids
10 years
Jeremiah O’Brien
33
Binghamton, New York
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids
10 years
Jason Garcia
a.k.a.
Ignacio Javier Garcia
21
Duluth, Georgia
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids
10 years
***media Advisory***Read the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE -- Officials from the U.S. Attorney's Office, FBI, District Attorney's Office for the 5th Judicial District of the State of New Mexico, New Mexico State Police, Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, Roswell Police Department and Chaves County Sheriff's Office will hold a press conference to discuss a major law enforcement operation in Chaves County, New Mexico, TODAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 at 3:00 P.M. at the National Guard Armory in Roswell, N.M. No further information will be released until the press conference.
WHO: U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez for the District of New Mexico
Special Agent in Charge Carol K.O. Lee, FBI’s Albuquerque Division
Fifth Judicial District Attorney Dianna Luce
Chaves County Sheriff Britt Snyder
Roswell Police Chief Phil Smith
Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force Commander Alan Stevenson
Major Tim Johnson of the New Mexico State Police
WHAT: Press conference to discuss major law enforcement operation in Chaves County, New Mexico
WHEN: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 AT 3:00 P.M.
WHERE: National Guard Armory
1 West Earl Cummings Loop
Roswell, New Mexico
OPEN PRESS
NOTE: All media must present government-issued photo ID (such as driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. Media may begin to arrive at 2:45 p.m. Inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Frank Fisher, Media Coordinator for the FBI at 505-681-8906 or
$1.5 Million Grant Will Establish Human Trafficking Task Force to be Led by U.S. Attorney’s Office and L.A. County Sheriff’s DepartmentRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The Justice Department today announced that the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department will receive a $1.5 million grant to fund the establishment of a multi-agency Los Angeles Human Trafficking Task Force that will jointly be led by the United States Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). The Task Force will investigate high-priority trafficking crimes – particularly the sex trafficking of minors – while also bringing together federal, state and local leaders to address the needs of trafficking victims.
Combatting human trafficking is one of the top priorities of the Department of Justice, United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker and Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell. The Task Force and the grant award represent the latest effort by Sheriff McDonnell to enhance LASD capacity in this vitally important area, while also leveraging the resources and expertise of multiple agencies and justice system partners in a strategic and comprehensive regional focus on human trafficking.
The grant announced this morning by Attorney General Loretta Lynch, which received the strong support of the United States Attorney’s Office, will fund an expansion of the LASD’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Team. The grant is part of $44 million in federal grant funding going to 16 sites around the nation to fund anti-trafficking task forces (see: http://go.usa.gov/3t7gJ).
The Task Force will be based on a model that emphasizes bringing prosecutors, investigators, justice system partners, service agencies and victim advocates together to provide wraparound care to victims while ensuring strong investigations and prosecutions. Using a collaborative, victim-centered model, these professionals will work together from the beginning of each case to ensure the best possible outcomes for victims and the strongest possible prosecutions of traffickers. With the establishment of the Task Force, the United States Attorney’s Office will be expanding its own human trafficking program with the addition of several prosecutors who will specialize in trafficking cases.
“The devastating crime of human trafficking often is hidden behind the locked doors of a sweatshop or the supposedly ‘victimless’ crime of prostitution,” said United States Attorney Decker. “Law enforcement in Los Angeles is now redoubling efforts to combat this horrific offense with additional resources, improved training and a growing awareness that perpetrators are often victimizing children. I am fully committed to working with Sheriff Jim McDonnell – a national leader in this arena – to seeing that perpetrators of these offenses are brought to justice.”
“As those who commit this horrible crime and prey on trafficking victims become more sophisticated, we must work together to find new and comprehensive strategies,” said Sheriff McDonnell. “If we are to truly make a difference in combatting human trafficking, we must do more than simply prosecute the wrong-doers. We need a regional, multi-disciplinary approach that enables us to cross jurisdictional and agency lines. Working with other justice system and community partners, we will be able to amplify our ability to rescue and address the needs of the victim; investigate, effectively punish and proactively prevent criminal misconduct; and address the demand side by recognizing that buyers of sex with minors should be viewed as child molesters and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Human trafficking – which encompasses a wide variety of criminal conduct involving the exploitation of minor and adult victims who are compelled to engage in sex and labor – is a top priority for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies across the nation. The Los Angeles Human Trafficking Task Force is intended to be a model for the nation in the development of comprehensive, proactive and interdisciplinary strategies.
In recent years, the United States Attorney’s Office has brought a series of cases targeting human trafficking, most of which have targeted the sex trafficking of minors. Earlier this year, for example, a Long Beach man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for running a sex trafficking operation that victimized young women who he forced to work as prostitutes (see: http://go.usa.gov/3tpHw). The establishment of the task force will allow for a more concentrated effort to develop prosecutions in this area.
Under Sheriff McDonnell’s leadership, LASD is in the process of dramatically expanding its Human Exploitation and Trafficking Team to more than 50 LASD personnel. The Task Force will be based at the LASD facility in Monterey Park and is expected to be operational in the coming weeks. In addition to Assistant United States Attorneys and LASD investigators, the Task Force will include the Federal Bureau of Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), state parole authorities, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, the Los Angeles County Probation Department, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys’ office and local participating police agencies.
The $1.5 million dollar grant is effective from October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2018 and will include significant resources for a partnership with the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST). Sheriff McDonnell noted that “CAST is an integral partner in this endeavor and will be a vital part of addressing the needs of young trafficking victims and ensuring that we are adopting a comprehensive approach to this troubling issue that addresses the needs of the trafficked child, effective prosecution of the trafficker, and strategies for reducing demand by potential trafficking buyers.”
“As a direct victim service provider, we know first-hand the incredible value of a strong partnership between the community and law enforcement to deliver justice and support to survivors of labor and sex trafficking throughout L.A. County,” said Kay Buck, CEO of CAST. “This task force is a new day for Los Angeles that will bring the necessary leadership and resources to our important collaboration – a partnership that will serve survivors and our community.”
In the Los Angeles region, the Justice Department and other law enforcement agencies have made significant commitments to developing training programs aimed at combating trafficking. This week, the Justice Department and HSI are co-sponsoring human trafficking training for four of the task forces that operate in the greater Los Angeles region. Next month, the United States Attorney’s Office will host a computer forensics training seminar to address technological issues that arise in all child exploitation investigations, including human trafficking cases. And in late October, the United States Attorney’s Office and the LASD will co-host a training program for federal, state and local law enforcement officers on complex human trafficking investigations.
Wednesday 23 September 2015
Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe Receives over $200,000 in Federal Grant Money to Enhance Tribal Justice SystemRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $202,098 in federal grant funds have been awarded to the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe in support of its tribal justice system. The grant funds were awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (“BJA”), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Additional information about BJA and its programs is available at: https://www.bja.gov/Default.aspx
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at:http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-089_YAVAPAI_PRESCOTT_INDIAN_GRANT (2015-AC-BX-1007)
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Westbank Man Pleads Guilty to Dealing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CLIFFORD SONNIER, age 25, of Harvey, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine.
SONNIER pled guilty to one count of the Superseding Indictment, which charges twelve defendants with drug trafficking, a variety of weapons offenses, and five shootings resulting in the death of four people and the injury of two others. Count 1 charged SONNIER with conspiring to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years up to life in prison. U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk set sentencing on December 10, 2015.
According to court documents, SONNIER was part of a drug trafficking organization that moved significant quantities of heroin and cocaine base on the Westbank. Beginning in 2012, the group engaged in a series of violent acts, beginning with a drive by shooting into a another vehicle where the driver and his front seat passenger were shot with an AK-47 while two young children, who were not hit, were in the back seat. The group is alleged to have participated in four additional shootings, two of which ended in death.
HARRY SMOOT, ISAAC SMITH, RICHARD THOMAS, TERRELL WADE, LANCE SINGLETON, CHRISTOPHER BROWN, RAY WOODRUFF, and FRANKIE HOOKFIN have previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. TERRENCE KELLEY, JOEQUELL LEWIS, and ANDRE ADDISON are scheduled for trial on November 9, 2015.
The Superseding Indictment is a product of an ongoing investigation into the violent acts in furtherance of the drug trafficking by the Harvey Hustler gang and its various offshoots on the Westbank. It represents the continued coordinated effort of the federal and state law enforcement authorities including the United States Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and officers of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Kennedy, David Haller, and Myles Ranier and Special Assistant United States Attorney Collin Sims, who is a former Assistant United States Attorney and the Criminal Chief at the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, are in charge of the prosecution.
Unified Solutions Tribal Community Development Group Receives Nearly $2,000,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Victims of CrimeRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $1,999,957 in grant funds have been awarded to the Unified Solutions Tribal Community Development Group, Inc. to provide resources and coordination to increase American Indian/Alaskan Native tribal communities’ ability to provide comprehensive and culturally appropriate services to victims, their families, and the community. The grant funds were awarded by the Office for Victims of Crimes (“OVC”), which is a component of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”).
Information about OVC and its programs can be found at: http://www.ovc.gov/
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-093_UNIFIED_SOLUTIONS_TRIBAL_GRANT (2015-MU-GX-K074)
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Opens Investigation Regarding the Death of 25 Walrus Near Cape LisburneRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler and Ryan Noel, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Region, provide the following information on the incident involving walrus deaths near Cape Lisburne, Alaska. On September 16, 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Region, received a report that approximately 25 walrus, including calves, had been killed on the coast of Alaska, near Cape Lisburne, and that some were missing tusks. We followed up on this initial report on September 18, and opened an investigation. To protect the integrity of the investigation we are no longer able to comment on this incident.
The taking of marine mammals is prohibited by the Marine Mammal Protection act, with certain exceptions, including the non-wasteful take for subsistence purposes by Alaska Natives living along the coast. Pacific Walruses make up an important part of the diet of many coastal Alaska Natives. Tusks, bones, and hides are used to make authentic Native Alaskan handicrafts, as well as many of the items necessary to continue a subsistence way of life. For example, walrus hides are occasionally used for covers for wooden boat frames and tusks were traditionally used for harpoon points, fish hooks and knives.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management office works closely with Tribal governments and Alaska Native organizations, such as the Eskimo Walrus and Qayassiq Walrus Commissions. Together we co-manage the Pacific walrus population and ensure that it remains a functioning component of the arctic ecosystem and a sustainable subsistence resource.
If you are interested in learning more about walrus, please visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ walrus page (http://www.fws.gov/alaska/fisheries/mmm/walrus/wmain.htm), and the U.S. Geological Survey’s web page (http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/walrus/index.html).
If someone suspects a federal violation that involves migratory birds, marine mammals, endangered species, or wildlife smuggling, they should report them directly and immediately to: the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement at http://www.fws.gov/le/contact-us.html, or call 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477). To report violations in Alaska, please call 1-844-491-3709, or email [email protected].
U.S. Department of Justice Awards Grant Funds to Communities and Institutions in Central PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced awards of grant funds totaling approximately $ 2.8 million by the U.S. Department of Justice to county, city, and local governments, institutions of higher education, and a social service agency in Central Pennsylvania to assist local law enforcement and help reduce domestic violence and violence against women.
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch this week announced Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) funding awards to cities and counties in Central Pennsylvania and around the country, aimed at creating and protecting law enforcement positions. Over $107 million will be awarded nationally through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP), including $1.7 million within the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The list of this year’s Central Pennsylvania COPS grantees includes the Harrisburg Police Department ($554,978), the City of York ($1,090,917), and the Township of Hanover (Luzerne County)($125,000).
“The COPS Office is pleased to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout the country in addressing their most critical public safety issues,” said Ronald L. Davis, Director of the COPS Office. “These grants are not simply about putting more officers on the street, they are about expanding the capacity of law enforcement agencies to engage in community policing.”
CHP provides grants to law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers. The program provides salaries and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.
The COPS Office is responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has invested over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 127,000 officers and provide publications, training, and technical assistance.
For the complete list of grantees and additional information about the 2015 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.
In addition to the COPS grants, the following grants were also awarded by the Department of Justice:
- The Centre County Women’s Resource Center, State College, was awarded a Transitional Housing Assistance Program grant in the amount of $350,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women. The Resource Center is a non-profit organization offering support services to victims of domestic violence and their families. The Transitional Housing Assistance Program provides aid to victims who are homeless, or in need of transitional housing, or other housing assistance, including short-term housing assistance and supportive services.
- Juniata College, Huntingdon, was awarded a Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus Program of $299,947 from the Office on Violence Against Women. The Campus Program supports activities that develop campus-based responses that include victim services, law enforcement, health providers, housing officials, administrators, student leaders, faith-based organizations, student organizations, and disciplinary boards. The intent is to enhance victim safety and assistance and to hold offenders accountable.
- Juniata, in partnership with the Abuse Network, Huntingdon House, Michael J. Ayers Law Project, the District Attorney’s Office of Huntingdon County, the Huntingdon Borough Police, and the J.C. Blair Hospital, will improve the response to sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking, establish a mandatory student prevention and educational program for incoming students, and implement training for campus law enforcement and administrators.
- Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, was awarded a Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus Program grant of $298,910 from the Office on Violence Against Women.
- Messiah, in partnership with the Carlisle YWCA and the Upper Allen Township Police Department, will continue implementation of a mandatory student prevention and educational program for incoming students, strengthen its response to address the prevention of incidents of sexual assault, domestic and dating violence and stalking, expand training opportunities for campus constituencies, and provide training to campus law enforcement and administrators.
- Dauphin County was awarded a $72,142 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
- The grant allows local governments to support activities to prevent and control crimes based on their own needs and conditions.Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice. The jurisdictions can use the grant to fund victim advocate positions, purchase licenses for countywide police records management system, and a Crimewatch website fee for service to enhance technology available for officers as they engage in community policing.
- The City of York was awarded a $60,699 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
- The grant funds can be used for law enforcement programs, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education, corrections and community corrections programs, drug treatment and enforcement programs, planning, evaluation and technology improvement, and crime victim and witness programs. JAG funds are also used to replace office supplies, firearms, and tasers.Additionally, funds will be used for a youth outreach program and subscription fees for investigative services.
- The City of Scranton was awarded an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant in the amount of $19,390 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The City of Scranton will use the grant to purchase police cruisers to better protect and serve the citizens of Scranton.
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U.S. Attorney Kerry B. Harvey Encourages Appreciation for the Men and Women Who Wear the BadgeRead the Press Release
These are tumultuous times for law enforcement officers. Tragic events in places like Ferguson, Missouri, and North Charleston, South Carolina have ignited a national debate concerning police methods. The debate is entirely appropriate – the wholesale condemnation of law enforcement officers is not. The recent horrific killing of a brave Kentucky State police trooper in Western Kentucky is a stark reminder of the risks willingly taken by our law enforcement officers in order to keep us safe.
The law enforcement profession, like any other, is not populated by perfect people. There are a few-very few- bad officers and there are times when good officers make bad decisions under the intense pressure of the moment. Effective policing requires a high level of trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. A national discussion that serves to improve law enforcement methods and increase community trust is entirely appropriate and a valuable public dialogue. No public servant is above criticism-including those of us who work in the criminal justice system.
The national discussion concerning law enforcement methods should not, however, overlook a simple, but crucial fact – the overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers are good and dedicated people engaged in an incredibly difficult job. Never has the work of a law enforcement officer been more complex, difficult, or dangerous. Recent events in our Commonwealth have made the nature of law enforcement work all too clear. Every day thousands of men and women who wear the badge work diligently to make our communities better places to live. They never know when a routine shift will immediately escalate into a life and death situation. When that happens, our law enforcement officers are expected to stand tall, make good decisions in a split second, and protect the innocent from those who would do them harm. Sometimes, they make the ultimate sacrifice while doing so.
Our law enforcement officers engage in many thankless and unseen tasks that are essential to protecting our homes, our families and our freedoms from all sorts of threats, both great and small. As we go about our daily lives, we do so in relative safety because the men and women who wear the badge are willing to stand in the breach. We know that those who choose this profession do it neither for wealth nor fame. They deserve our appreciation and respect.
As United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, I am privileged to work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement officers representing many agencies. I am deeply honored to be associated with these truly admirable men and women and the outstanding work they do for us all.
The national dialogue concerning police methods is important, and I encourage everyone to participate. It is equally important that we acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers as they go about their vital work.
The next time you see a police officer would be a great time to simply say thanks.
- Kerry B. Harvey, United States Attorney, Eastern District of Kentucky
Two South Georgia Residents Sentenced on Dog Fighting and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Michael J. Moore announced today that Raymond Lee Hendrix a/k/a “Georgia Lee” and “Lee”, of Echols County, Georgia; and Willie Henderson, of Lowndes County, Georgia, were sentenced in United States District Court in Valdosta to by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior District Court Judge.
Mr. Hendrix pled guilty on June 25, 2015 to one count of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor and exhibit a dog in an animal fighting venture. He received a sentence of 16 months imprisonment.
Mr. Henderson entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor and exhibit a dog in an animal fighting venture and to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on June 25, 2015. Mr. Henderson was sentenced to the maximum term of imprisonment of 60 months on Count One followed by a sentence of 63 months imprisonment on Count Two with 33 months, to be served consecutively, for a total sentence of 93 months imprisonment.
In their plea agreements, Mr. Hendrix and Mr. Henderson admitted that between January 2008 and August 2013, they operated Clyattville Kennels, maintaining and training American Pit Bull Terriers for other dog fighters in exchange for a “tipping fee”, breeding and registering American Pit Bull Terriers and participating in organized dog fight gambling events throughout the Southeast. In addition, Mr. Henderson admitted to possessing a rifle and shotgun, after having been convicted of a felony. A copy of each plea agreement is attached.
United States Attorney Michael Moore stated, “Today’s sentencing establishes that ‘man’s best friend’ always deserves humane and respectful treatment. Perhaps the time these defendants spend locked in cages will send a strong message that cruel treatment of animals will never be tolerated.”
Echols County Sheriff Randy Courson stated, “This case has been years in the making with a lot of hard work and many man hours of agencies working together to eliminate the cruel and inhumane treatment of these animals for profit.”
The case resulted from an inter-agency investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, Echols County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office, Auburn (Alabama) Police Department, Bainbridge (Georgia) Department of Public Safety, Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Lee County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office along with assistance from the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Assistant United States Attorney Julia C. Bowen prosecuted the case for the Government.
Inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.
Turtle Traders Sentenced for Wildlife TraffickingRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Dean Secor (843) 727-4381
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Steven Baker, age 35, of Holly Hill, and Ray Roberson, age 68, of Cottageville, have been sentenced in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, for Wildlife Trafficking (Lacey Act violations) under 16 U.S.C. ?? 3372(a)(2)(A) and 3373(d)(2).
Baker was sentenced on September 22, 2015 by United States District Judge David C. Norton of Charleston to Probation for 3 years for the Wildlife Trafficking offense. He was also sentenced for Possession of Weapons and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), and received a sentence of Probation for 3 years to run concurrently with the Wildlife Trafficking offense.
Roberson was sentenced on August 13, 2015, 2015 by United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel of Charleston to Time Served for Wildlife Trafficking.
The southeastern United States is recognized as a “Turtle Priority Area” for conservation due to its rich turtle biodiversity. However, the turtle population of the region is susceptible to decline due to commercial over-exploitation of turtles for consumption, high nest mortality, and delayed maturity. The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys Guttata) are classified in the Emydidae family. The Spotted Turtle, in particular, has suffered from these effects so much so that it was recently listed for protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Spotted Turtle was accepted for listing under Appendix II of CITES, meaning that it is recognized as a species not necessarily in immediate threat of extinction, but which may become so unless trade of the species is subject to strict regulation in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.
South Carolina state law makes it unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, import, export, process, sell, offer for sale, ship or receive for shipment any Spotted Turtle without a state permit.
Section 3372(a)(2)(A) of The Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. § 3371, et seq.) makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any wildlife taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of any law or regulation of any State or in violation of any foreign law. Section 3373(d)(2) specifies the criminal penalty for any person who knowingly engages in conduct prohibited in Section 3372(a)(2)(A) and in the exercise of due care should know the wildlife was taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of law.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services agents received information that Baker was engaged in the unlawful sale and possession of turtles. Agents established that Baker d/b/a Southeastern Reptile Locators operated his business from his home in Holly Hill, South Carolina. The agents also determined that Baker did not hold a permit to possess Spotted Turtles. The agents then conducted an undercover investigation of Baker for unlawfully possessing and selling turtles.
On August 18, 2012, Baker drove to the Daytona Beach (Florida) Reptile Breeders Exposition and sold an undercover agent seventeen (17) spotted turtles for $1,200. The amount paid represented the wholesale pricing for the wildlife.
On May 21, 2013, Baker sent a UPS shipment to the same undercover agent in Orlando, Florida, which contained eighteen (18) spotted turtles and some other species of turtles. The undercover agent paid Baker $1,710 for the shipment via PayPal. The amount paid represented the wholesale pricing for the wildlife.
On August 1, 2013, a search warrant was executed at Baker’s home. In addition to turtle-related evidence, wildlife agents found firearms and ammunition in Baker’s home. Baker was a convicted felon and was not allowed to possess those items. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents subsequently determined that the weapons and ammunition were manufactured outside of South Carolina and therefore had traveled in interstate commerce.
In Roberson’s case, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services agents received information that Roberson was engaged in the unlawful sale and possession of turtles. The agents determined that Roberson d/b/a Apostle Reptiles was issued a permit on May 15, 2008 to possess up to nine (9) wild-caught Spotted Turtles for personal use as pets or for research and/or educational purposes. Roberson's permit expired on May 15, 2013. The agents then conducted an undercover investigation of Roberson for unlawfully possessing and selling turtles.
On July 14, 2012, an undercover agent contacted Roberson at his sales table in the Columbia, South Carolina Repticon Reptile Exposition. Roberson told the undercover agent that he was in possession of 119 Spotted Turtles for sale.
On March 21, 2013, Roberson shipped 24 Spotted Turtles to the undercover agent in Orlando, Florida. The agent paid $2,400 for the Spotted Turtles. The amount represented the wholesale pricing for the wildlife.
On July 1, 2013, Roberson shipped 23 Spotted Turtles to the undercover agent in Orlando, Florida. The agent paid $2,520.00 for the 23 Spotted Turtles. The amount paid represented the wholesale pricing for the wildlife.
The cases against Baker and Roberson were investigated by agents of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted in the investigation of Baker. Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor of the Charleston office prosecuted the cases. ####Stockton Man Pleads Guilty in Auto Engine ScamRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —John Steven Keplinger, 56, of Stockton, pleaded guilty today to mail fraud in connection with an auto engine scam, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, from 2010 to 2014, Keplinger carried out a fraud scheme by purporting to sell used auto engines from Japan, but failing to provide customers what he promised. Over 300 paying customers across 44 states and the District of Columbia were defrauded. Keplinger used three companies and websites to carry out the fraud scheme: Rising Sun Engines Inc. (www.risingsunengines.com), Shop 4 Engines LP (shop‑4‑engines.com), and Your Parts Manager (yourpartsmanager.com). Most of the time, Keplinger’s customers paid by check sent via UPS. After Keplinger accepted payment, he either sent no engine at all or sent the customer a defective engine obtained in the United States, often from a junkyard. United States Customs and Border Protection records indicate that Keplinger had stopped importing engines in 2007. The total estimated loss from Keplinger’s fraud is approximately $470,000.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office and the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher S. Hales is prosecuting the case.
Keplinger is currently in custody. He is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on December 16, 2015. Keplinger faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Stamp Farms Employee Sentenced for Role in ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Miles announced that Larry Thomas Stambeck was sentenced today for his role in the concealment of Stamp Farms’ assets that should have been disclosed in a bankruptcy case. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell noted that Stambeck had no prior criminal history before sentencing him to pay a $10,000 fine. Stambeck had earlier re-paid over $20,000 to a bankruptcy court trustee, which money represented Stamp Farms’ crops that had been improperly sent to the Hamilton Elevator by Michael D. Stamp in the fall of 2012.
Melissa Stamp, the wife of Michael D. Stamp, was already sentenced and she is expected to surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons in early October to begin serving a twenty-one month term of incarceration for her role in the bankruptcy fraud. She admitted hiding approximately $200,000 of bankruptcy assets with family members. Two additional former Stamp Farms employees face sentencing for their role in the bankruptcy fraud on October 6, 2015.
These convictions and sentences are part of the continuing investigation into transactions and bankruptcy proceedings involving the business formerly known as Stamp Farms.
"Our bankruptcy structure is in place to provide some measure of protection for those experiencing extreme financial distress. Individuals that abuse this process by concealing assets, threaten its overall integrity. The IRS will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our other law enforcement partners to ensure the public’s continued confidence is maintained," said Jarod J. Koopman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee’s Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, and the USDA Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. MacDonald and Clay Stiffler are prosecuting the case.
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September Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 21 indictments charging 27 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Francisco Avitia-Marquez, a/k/a Arturo Sanchez-Reyes, age 48, of Grand Island, is charged in a two-count indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about September 10, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal re-entry after felon conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Guillermo Campos Paiz, age 26, of Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 9, 2015, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Miguel Cardenas-Vizcaya, age 26, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about August 27, 2015, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Bradley Courcier, age 52, of Omaha, is charged in a four-count indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 grams of actual methamphetamine beginning on or about March 1, 2015 and continuing to on or about July 15, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts II and III of the Indictment charge the defendant with distribution of a mixture containing methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges Courcier with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams of actual methamphetamine on or about July 15, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Alejandro Oropeza, age 55, and Julieta Noyola Dominguez, age 52, are charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about August 30, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Carlos Escobar, age 21, of Grand Island; Jose Hernandez-Vallejo, age 29, of Denver, Colorado; and Santos Ramirez-Morales, age 35, of Grand Island, NE, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about September 6, 2015, and continuing to on or about September 8, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Antonio Espinoza Martinez, age 40, of South Sioux City, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about August 27, 2015, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jesus Garcia Rodriguez, age 26, of South Sioux City, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 14, 2015, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Gonzalez-Legarda, age 46, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about September 7, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Junian Johnson, age 39, is charged with felon in possession of ammunition on or about August 21, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jovencio Limosnero, age 34; Shanne Arre, age 29; Mark Thompson, age 24, and Joshua Ryan, age 26, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about September 9, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jason Meisinger, age 32, of Omaha, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine beginning on or about June 2014 and continuing to on or about August 11, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Sandro Antonio Pereza Acosta, age 34, of Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 11, 2015, following deportation after conviction for a felony offense. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Sara Peterson, age 30, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about August 21, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Rashad L. Pettis, age 27, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about September 16, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* John Randall, age 31, of Lincoln, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt and distribution of child pornography from at least on or about august 17, 2015, to on or about September 3, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $5,000 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Randall with possession of child pornography on or about September 3, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $5,000 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property, real or personal, that constitutes or is derived, directory or indirectly, as a result of the said violation, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Manuel Rios-Ramirez, age 45, of Grand Island, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count 1 of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about September 10, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years to Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Rios-Ramirez with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 10, 2015, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Ernesto Soto Vargas, age 44, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 4, 2015, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Michael Sparks, age 50, of Grand Island, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about September 7, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property, real or personal, that constitutes or is derived, directory or indirectly, as a result of the said violation, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Joseph Sullivan, age 19, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute Less than 10 kilograms of hashish from an unknown date but at least as early as June 30, 2015, up to and including July 7, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 2 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property, real or personal, that constitutes or is derived, directory or indirectly, as a result of the said violation, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Carlos Villa Martinez, age 34, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 11, 2015, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
San Francisco Restaurant Owner Indicted for Concealing Non-Payment of Wages and Threatening EmployeesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO - A federal grand jury in San Francisco indicted Ming Lian Zhou for making false statements to a government agency about paying his employees overtime wages and for threatening his employees with economic harm if they did not return their wages to him, announced Acting United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Abel Salinas.
According to the indictment unsealed yesterday, Zhou, 57, of San Francisco, was the partial owner and manager of Hong Kong Lounge I and Hong Kong Lounge II, dim sum restaurants located in San Francisco. The Department of Labor (DOL) determined in 2012 that the restaurants had underpaid 48 employees by over $90,000. The DOL directed Zhou and the restaurants to pay this money to the employees and then certify to DOL that they had been paid. Zhou allegedly submitted signed forms to DOL stating that he had paid the employees, but in reality, Zhou had not paid any of the employees. Zhou then allegedly directed his employees to tell DOL they had been paid when, in fact, they had not. The indictment further alleges that in 2013, DOL learned of Zhou’s failure to pay the employees as directed and, as a result, required Zhou to provide the money directly to the DOL; in such cases, DOL can issue checks directly to the underpaid employees. The indictment alleges that Zhou provided the money to DOL but then directed his employees to cash the checks that they received from DOL and to give the money back to him. Zhou allegedly reduced hours, changed employee schedules, and terminated employees who failed to comply with his instructions to kick back their wages. Zhou was charged with concealing a material fact from a government agency, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(1), and interfering with commerce by threats of economic harm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951.
Zhou made his initial appearance in San Francisco before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim. He appeared before Judge Kim again today for arraignment and identification of counsel.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Zhou faces a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment if convicted of concealing material facts from a government agency, and a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted of interfering with commerce by threats. Additional terms of supervised release, penalties, and restitution may be ordered upon conviction. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Talbert with the assistance of Trina Khadoo. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DOL’s Office of Inspector General and Wage and Hours Division. This case originated with an investigation by the DOL’s Wage and Hours Division into whether restaurants in the Bay Area complied with the Fair Labor Standards Act.
R.I. Businessman, 3 Others Indicted in $2.8 Million Identity Theft and Fraudulent Treasury Check SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Pawtucket, R.I., businessman and three others, including two employees and the businessman’s sister, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Providence for their alleged participation in an extensive stolen identity and tax refund fraud scheme which resulted in 448 fraudulently obtained U.S. Treasury checks totaling $2.8 million dollars being deposited into 26 bank accounts under their control.
The indictment charges Juan Vasquez, 55, of Pawtucket, and Erika Tomasino, 43, Belkis Vasquez, 49, and Doris Morel, 43, of Central Falls, with aggravated identity theft, theft of government property, money laundering and mail fraud.
The indictment is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation; Ted A. Arruda, Resident Agent in Charge of the Providence Office of the U.S. Secret Service; and James V. Buthorn, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
Juan Vasquez is the owner and operator of the Dominican Market in Pawtucket, through which it is alleged that a majority of the fraud was perpetrated. Juan Vasquez controlled the bank accounts of the Dominican Market and numerous other businesses in his name and others through which it is alleged the fraud scheme operated.
Juan Vasquez was arrested by federal agents in Tampa, Florida, on September 9, 2015, on a criminal complaint and arrest warrant issued in Rhode Island charging him for his alleged role in the fraud scheme. Vasquez will be returned to Rhode Island for an initial appearance on the criminal complaint and for arraignment on the indictment on dates not yet determined.
Erika Tomasino, an employee of Juan Vasquez, and his sister, Belkis Vasquez, were arraigned today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond and released on personal recognizance. Doris Morel, an employee of Juan Vasquez, was arraigned on Tuesday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond and released on unsecured bond. Not guilty pleas were entered.
According to court documents, an investigation by federal agents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the findings of which are detailed in the indictment returned on September 17, 2015, alleged that between January 2010 and November 2014, the individuals participating in the fraud conspiracy used the stolen identities of hundreds of individuals, mostly residents of Puerto Rico, to file fraudulent tax returns in order to obtain tax refunds.
It is alleged that the defendants deposited 448 fraudulently obtained tax refund checks totaling $2.8 million dollars into 26 bank accounts controlled by the defendants. It is alleged that funds were quickly withdrawn from the banks and used for a variety of personal expenses as well as transferred to the Dominican Republic.
An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the Pawtucket Police Department.
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Jim Martin (401) 709-5357
email: [email protected]
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Psychologist Charged with Seeking Sex with 12-Year-OldRead the Press Release
A Seattle psychologist was arrested and has been charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor, following a two week investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. JONATHAN BRENT WULF, 61, of Seattle posted an ad on Craigslist beginning a conversation with an undercover agent for Homeland Security. Through various communications by phone and internet, WULF expressed his desire to have sex with the agent’s fictional 12-year-old stepdaughter. WULF was arrested yesterday when he arrived at the hotel selected as the meeting place for the sexual encounter. WULF appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle today and is being detained pending a detention hearing on Friday, September 25, 2015.
According to the criminal complaint, over a two week period in September 2015, WULF repeatedly communicated with the undercover agent about his desire to have sex with the agent’s fictional 12-year-old stepdaughter. WULF repeatedly suggested that all text messages or other internet communications regarding his interest in underage sex should be deleted. WULF also repeatedly acknowledged that pursuing sex with a minor was illegal. WULF is currently employed as a psychologist with a Seattle medical group.
Attempted enticement of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison.
The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Hampton.
Port St. Lucie Police Officer Charged with Receiving, Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Port St. Lucie Police Officer has been charged with receiving, distributing and possessing child pornography.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Robert C. Hutchinson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, and John A. Bolduc, Chief of Police, Port St. Lucie Police Department, made the announcement.
Michael Edwin Harding, of Port St. Lucie, was charged, by criminal complaint with receiving and distributing material involving sexual exploitation of minors and possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a) and 2252A. If convicted, Harding faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years in prison and maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison.
Following his initial appearance today before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Frank J. Lynch, Jr., Harding was ordered held without bond pending a detention hearing on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
According to allegations contained in the court record, on July 23, 2015, an individual posted images of child pornography to an instant messaging account for mobile devices. An investigation by law enforcement revealed that subsequently, an additional image and video of child related sexually explicit material were posted to the account. Subscriber information allegedly identified Michael Harding as the accountholder. On September 22, 2015, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Harding?s residence and seized Harding?s computer, cell phones and thumb drives, among other materials. A preliminary forensic analysis revealed that the recovered items allegedly contained hundreds of images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case is part of Operation Predator, an international law enforcement initiative, led by ICE-HSI, to combat the sexual exploitation of children. Through this collaborative effort, law enforcement strives to protect children from sexual predators, including individuals who travel overseas in order to engage in sexual conduct with minors, individuals who possess, trade and produce child pornography, criminal alien sex offenders, and child sex traffickers. Anyone with information about suspected child exploitation is encouraged to call 1‑866‑872-4973. For additional information regarding the initiative and resources, visit www.ice.gov.
Mr. Ferrer thanked the ICE-HSI and the Port St. Lucie Police Department for their assistance with this investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel Funk and Russell Killinger.
A complaint is only an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
Pittsburgh Woman Pleads Guilty to Misusing Section 8 Housing VouchersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Michelle L. Michalek, 35, of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty to one felony count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that under the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, Michalek fraudulently received federal housing subsidy monies as a purported tenant of the property located at 241 Friday Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15209. From February 2010 through February 2015, Michalek wrongfully converted $43,054.00 in federal housing subsidy monies.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Jan. 8, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentence, the court released Michalek on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the Information in this case.
Pike County Man Charged with Engaging in High Speed Chase in Attempt to Elude Police at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation AreaRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that charges were filed late yesterday against a Shohola, Pennsylvania man resulting from his attempt to avoid being stopped by Park Rangers at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The indictment by a grand jury in Scranton charges that Matthew J. Wojciechowski, age 24, while operating a 2006 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle within the National Recreation Area, willfully failed to stop, and attempted to elude a pursuing police officer by engaging in a high speed chase, and endangered a law enforcement officer and members of the general public by doing so.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the incident occurred on July 6, 2015, when a Park Ranger observed Wojciechowski allegedly speeding while driving his motorcycle on Route 209 within that National Recreation Area. When the Ranger attempted to stop Wojciechowski by activating his lights and siren, Wojciechowski allegedly sped away traveling more than 10 miles, at times in excess of 100 miles an hour, before losing control of the motorcycle and crashing. The indictment alleges Wojciechowski put an officer and the general public at risk through his alleged actions. However, fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the incident.
The investigation was conducted by the National Park Service and prosecution is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gurganus.
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 is a 7 year term of 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.
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New York Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Luis Perdomo, 27, of New York, New York, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 1 kilogram or more of heroin.
In a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Perdomo and others obtained kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin from a source of supply in the New York City area and transported the cocaine and heroin to a stash house in Norfolk prior to its distribution. Proceeds from the drug distributions were then transported back to New York City in various automobiles equipped with secret compartments. A traffic stop in Maryland on March 31, 2015, resulted in a search of Perdomo’s car and the discovery of $280,000 cash in three secret compartments inside the car. Police also found a drug ledger and several phones belonging to Perdomo. One of the phones contained a video recording of Perdomo handling several kilogram sized packages of a white powdery substance. Another video on the same phone contained GPS data for a residence in Norfolk, which police later determined was a stash house. Surveillance in April and May 2015 showed that Perdomo frequented the stash house in Norfolk. GPS tracking devices were put in place on the vehicles at the stash house to track their drive to New York. When police stopped the vehicles, more drugs and secret compartments were discovered.
Perdomo was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2015. Perdomo faces a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on Jan. 13, 2016. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Clark E. Settles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. Field Office, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl Mitchell is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:15-cr-82.
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Mobile County Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Possession of Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Devine Kun a 20 year old, resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced today to 37 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a Taurus .22 caliber pistol.
On June 16, 2015, Mr. Kun pled guilty to possessing the firearm and to participating in the burglary of the home where the firearm was stolen.
Special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and presented it to the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Millington Man Found Guilty of Running Teenage Sex Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – The trial of a 51-year-old Millington man responsible for trafficking multiple underage teens for sex culminated Tuesday evening. A jury unanimously decided that Michael Lilley was guilty of multiple counts of sex trafficking minors and other offenses. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the verdict today.
"Michael Lilley coerced vulnerable, underage teens into sacrificing their bodies sexually for his own monetary gain," Stanton said. "Because a jury recognized how reprehensible his criminal actions were, Lilley will now be spending many years in a federal prison with no chance of parole."
From May to September 2013, Lilley had four minors engage in commercial sex acts out of his Millington home, backhouse, van, and other locations. The victims were 15-, 16-, and 17-year-old students, some of whom attended Brighton High School and Millington High School.
Lilley used text messages and explicit photos of the teens to market them to various males willing to pay for sex. In addition to trafficking the victims out of his residence and vehicle, Lilley transported the juveniles to local restaurants and homes where they would engage in commercial sex acts. Lilley collected the proceeds provided from patrons, splitting them with the victims.
According to court information, the teens were trafficked for as little as $60 per sexual endeavor. Text messages disclosing conversations between Lilley and clients regarding price ranges were displayed in court. The majority of the individuals who solicited sex lived in rural areas including Millington, Covington, and Atoka.
Physical evidence presented during trial included images of both used and unused condoms and condom wrappers throughout Lilley’s home and vehicle. Trafficking victims testified, recollecting their experiences working for Lilley while underage teens.
On the evening of Tuesday, September 22nd, a jury decided that Lilley was guilty of all counts. These counts include four counts of sex trafficking of a minor; one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking; three counts of sexually exploiting a minor; one count of attempting to sexually exploit a minor; three counts of distributing visual depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct; and one count of possessing at least one digital storage device containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Lilley is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. on Thursday, December 17th. He faces a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum of life.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Unit.
The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Laurenzi and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Ireland on the government’s behalf.
Middlesex County, New Jersey, Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Multiple Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. - A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for his role in two bank robberies, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Peter Greer, 41, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to an information charging him with two counts of bank robbery. Judge Hayden imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Greer admitted using intimidation to rob the Valley National Bank in Newark on Sept. 27, 2012. Greer entered the bank, approached the bank teller and provided a note that said “give me the money in hundred dollar bills.” The teller complied and Greer fled the bank with the money. Greer also admitted to using intimidation to rob the rob Sovereign Bank, located in Newark on Oct. 31, 2012. Greer entered the bank, approached the bank teller and provided a note that said “I have a gun, give me money.” This time the teller did not comply, and Greer fled the bank without any money.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Hayden sentenced Greer to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $18,094.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel in Newark, with the investigation leading to charges. He also thanked the Passaic Police Department and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department for their contribution to the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Williams of the Criminal Division in Newark, N.J.
Defense counsel: Linda Foster Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
Meth Trafficker Receives over 12 Years in Prison for Fresno-Based Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MANUEL OMAR MINJAREZ, age 27, of Fresno, California, and currently a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to a three-count Indictment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and having methamphetamine mailed to him from Fresno.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced MINJAREZ to 151 months in prison, to be followed by 6 years of supervised release. Counts 2 and 3 charged MINJAREZ with using telecommunications facilities and the U.S. Mail in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Judge Lemelle sentenced MINJAREZ to 48 months in prison, to be followed by 1 year of supervised release as to each count. The judge ordered all of the sentences to run concurrent.
According to court documents, this case arose out of an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking that was being conducted by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) in Fresno during the summer of 2014. In July 2014, agents learned through a court-authorized wiretap that members of a Fresno-based methamphetamine trafficking organization were mailing methamphetamine to a drug dealer in Houma. DEA agents and Postal Inspectors in Fresno coordinated with their counterparts in the New Orleans offices for the DEA and the USPIS to further investigate the Houma-based arm of this drug conspiracy. Postal Inspectors in Houma subsequently intercepted a package containing almost one pound of methamphetamine on July 18, 2014. With the assistance of the Louisiana State Police and the Terrebonne Narcotics Task Force, DEA Agents and US Postal Inspectors determined that MINJAREZ was the intended recipient of the package.
As the investigation continued, DEA Agents intercepted additional calls during July 2014 in which MINJAREZ requested more methamphetamine to be mailed from the Fresno cell of this drug trafficking conspiracy. USPS Postal Inspectors also determined that MINJAREZ had previously received another package of methamphetamine on July 10, 2014, that weighed approximately one pound and eleven ounces. MINJAREZ was arrested on July 30, 2014, by a Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper in Sutton County, Texas. Through the assistance of Texas state authorities, MINJAREZ was removed to federal custody to face the federal indictment in New Orleans.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Fresno offices for the DEA and USPIS, the DEA New Orleans Office, the USPIS New Orleans Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Terrebonne Narcotics Task Force in investigating this matter. U.S. Attorney Polite extended his thanks to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Sutton County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office for the Texas 112th Judicial District, and the DEA Office in Del Rio, Texas, for their assistance in prosecuting this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Payne and Theodore R. Carter, III, were in charge of the prosecution.
Martinsburg man sentenced for lying on loan applicationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven A. Crites, 44, of Martinsburg, was sentenced to one day in prison followed by one year of supervised release for making a false statement on a loan application, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Crites applied for a loan with Wells Fargo Bank and falsely indicated that his monthly income was $29,000. In fact, his monthly income was $2,833.33. He pled guilty in March 21015 to one count of “False Statement on Loan Application.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Man Arrested in Penn-North One Week After Baltimore Riots Guilty of Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland –Robert “Meech” Tucker, age 23, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to the federal crime of possession of a gun by a previously convicted felon.
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; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby; and Interim Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis.
“Mr. Tucker threw a loaded gun on the ground and it fired, then he pretended to be injured. His actions incited misguided bystanders who attacked innocent police officers,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “This case shows the challenges that police officers sometimes face as they work to protect the community and save lives.”
According to court documents, on May 4, 2015, a citizen notified police officers that a man was armed with a handgun in the Penn-North section of Baltimore, near a pharmacy that was burned during street riots the previous week. Officers alerted the CitiWatch camera operators, and a camera operator located Tucker, who matched the description.
The camera operator confirmed that Tucker was displaying characteristics of an armed gunman. Officers then drove their marked patrol car into the area. When the patrol car stopped, Tucker ran. Tucker then removed a handgun from his waistband area and threw it to the ground, causing it to fire. Fortunately no one was hit by the bullet. Police arrested Tucker and recovered a .357 Magnum revolver handgun loaded with two live rounds and one spent cartridge casing.
Meanwhile, bystanders wrongly shouted that a police officer shot Tucker in the back, people yelled and threw bricks and bottles at police officers, and a television network mistakenly reported that the police had shot Tucker.
Tucker was transported to the hospital, but he was not injured.
Tucker also admitted that five weeks earlier, on March 29, 2015, he committed an assault in violation of state law. In that incident, CitiWatch cameras in the area of Penn-North recorded Tucker striking a man in the back of the head with his fist. The man fell to the ground and was injured. The man was taken to the hospital and treated for his injury. The camera operator continued to monitor Tucker until he was located by Baltimore Police officers and arrested.
If the Court accepts the plea agreement, Tucker will be sentenced to 42 months in prison. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz has scheduled sentencing for December 14, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Tucker remains detained.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hoff, a Baltimore Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to handle federal Exile cases, who is prosecuting the case.
Local Daycare Worker and Brownsville Man Convicted of Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The daycare worker indicted along with another man less than a month ago on production of child pornography charges have both been convicted as charged, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Christina Cortez, 38, of Corpus Christi and Matthew Harbin, 29, of Brownsville, pleaded guilty today.
The court heard that the case began after Harbin was identified as providing images to an undercover officer in England. Using the email address [email protected], Harbin provided three photos of a child clothed and not sexually posed, but that appeared to be taken at a daycare facility. Harbin told the undercover officer he had more pictures, wanted to trade and asked the undercover officer if they had a daughter and how young they were “in to.” Harbin later sent five more pictures of what appears to be the same female child, but that were sexually explicit in nature. One image depicts the child laying down on a blue mat with her dress lifted and her lower body exposed. Other images depicted an adult female’s hand making contact with a child’s private area.
Further investigation revealed Harbin had previously received the images from Cortez in July 2014. In their communications, Cortez claimed to work at a daycare facility where she produced the images. Cortez admitted taking and sending the images of the same female child involved in sexually explicit conduct to Harbin. The child’s genitals appear to be the focus of all three of the aforementioned images, one of which includes the child fondling herself.
In their communications, both Harbin and Cortez indicated a desire to engage with children. During one conversation, Cortez told Harbin “I would love to watch us with her. 2 & half.”
The court also heard that Harbin is a convicted sex offender from Alabama. He was a fugitive living in Brownsville, wanted on a federal arrest warrant for child pornography from the Northern District of Alabama. Agents seized various electronic devices from Harbin on which forensic analysis revealed more than 3500 images and more than 360 videos of child pornography.
Senior U.S. District Judge Hayden Head accepted the guilty plea today and set sentencing for Dec. 9, 2015. At that time, both Cortez and Harbin face a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $250,00 maximum fine. Upon completion of any prison term imposed, both also face a maximum of life on supervised release during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the Internet.
Both Cortez and Harbin were arrested on federal charges in August 2015 and have been in custody since that time where they will remain pending their sentencing hearing.
The charges are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Corpus Christi Police Department - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
This case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez, 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."
Lincoln Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion and Weapons PossessionRead the Press Release
HELENA – Dennis Peiker, 61, of Lincoln, Montana, pleaded guilty today to one count of tax evasion and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. The charges stemmed from two indictments arising from years of tax evasion and firearms found at Peiker’s residence in 2011 and 2015. Peiker appeared before District Court Judge Charles Lovell in Helena to enter the guilty pleas.
The maximum sentence on the tax evasion charge is five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Each charge of felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Peiker was convicted in August of this year of the manufacture of more than 100 marijuana plants in connection with the same incident that lead to the 2015 firearms possession charge. Peiker also has a prior conviction for two counts of tax fraud in 1999, which made it illegal for him to possess firearms.
In addition to Peiker’s guilty plea to the three counts in the indictments, Peiker also has agreed to pay restitution amounting to nearly $410,000 in back taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service for the tax years 2002 to 2009.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the United States was prepared to prove that following his 1999 conviction for tax fraud, Peiker failed to make tax payments for the years 2002-2009. As part of his attempted evasion, Peiker concealed the true nature of his assets, made false statements to IRS officials, and placed funds and property in the names of others. With respect to the firearms charges, the United States expected to prove that on two separate occasions Peiker illegally possessed a semi-automatic pistol, two single-shot rifles, three automatic rifles, a shotgun and ammunition. Judge Lovell set a sentencing date of April 14, 2016 in Helena.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office as part of the Missouri River Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paulette Stewart and Chad Spraker and Trial Attorney John Mulcahy of the DOJ’s Tax Division.
Kodiak Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Assault Committed on Coast Guard BaseRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska - U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a Kodiak man was sentenced in federal court in Anchorage for one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Michael Ensley, 51, of Kodiak, pled guilty to the offense on June 1, 2015.
Ensley was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline, to 30 months in prison. Chief Judge Beistline also awarded over $28,000 in restitution to the victims.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder, who prosecuted the case, on February 16, 2015, Ensley entered Coast Guard Base Kodiak, although he had no authorization to be on the base. He then went to the Commissary, where he grabbed the victim by the throat, then knocked him unconscious. Ensley then straddled the unconscious victim, and continued to beat him, causing numerous facial fractures, including the orbital socket. In addition to causing extreme pain, the injuries required multiple surgeries.
Ms. Loeffler commends the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and the Alaska State Troopers for the investigation of this case.
Joplin Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Porn over the InternetRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Joplin, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to distributing and possessing child pornography.
James Allen Crippen, 44, of Joplin, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to the charges contained in a Nov. 5, 2014, federal indictment. Crippen admitted that he distributed child pornography over the Internet on July 20, 2014, and possessed child pornography on Oct. 22, 2014.
On Sept. 24, 2014, members of the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force received two Cyber Tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which reported that Crippen had uploaded two images of child pornography to his Tumblr account.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Crippen’s residence and conducted a forensic analysis on the items seized. Investigators discovered 61 child pornography graphics and a multimedia file containing child pornography on Crippen’s desktop computers. Investigators also found child pornography on Crippen’s iPhone.
Crippen must forfeit to the government two desktop computers, an iPhone, two cell phones, 42 optical media disks and other electronic media storage devices that were used to commit the offense.
Under federal statutes, Crippen is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 20 years in federal prison without parole. 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 Abram McGull, II. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force, the FBI and the Joplin, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Jennings Resident Settles Trespass and Destruction of Cimarron River Public Property ClaimsRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla.—A Jennings man agreed to pay $4,000 in civil penalties to settle allegations of trespass and destruction of United States Government property on the Cimarron River, announced Danny C. Williams Sr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
According to the settlement agreement, Baaron Hagood owns residential property near the Cimarron River adjacent to property owned and maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
From 2011 through 2014, Hagood bulldozed a 16 foot wide dirt road from his property, across Government property, to the Cimarron River. This resulted in the destruction of numerous mature trees and native grasses. Hagood allowed his guests to use All-Terrain Vehicles on Government property which created trails stretching for over a mile along the river. In addition, Hagood stored a canoe, a fishing boat and fishing equipment on Government property.
The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Marianne Hardcastle and Assistant District Counsel for the Army Corps of Engineers, Alexandria Tramel and Jason Chester.
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Indictment: Phone Threat to Bash Lawyer’s Head in Violated Federal LawRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - An Ottawa man was indicted Wednesday on a charge of making an interstate phone call threatening to bash in the head of a Kansas City, Mo., lawyer, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Rick Draskovich, 52, Ottawa, Kan., is charged with one count of making a threat. The indictment alleges that on Aug. 31, 2015, Draskovich made a phone call in which he said: “I am about to go to the law firm and bash his … head in.” Draskovich went on to suggest the lawyer get a restraining order, adding that, “…honestly that restraining order is not going to help him, just by the time he even understands what’s happening, he’s going to get his head bashed in.”
If convicted, Draskovich faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Renard Alston, 19, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 28, 2015, in Topeka, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the robbery charge, and a penalty of not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of brandishing a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
Juwuan D. Jackson, 18, who lives on the Fort Riley Army base, is charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 11, 2015, he handled a firearm in a reckless manner resulting in the death of 16-year-old Kenyon Givens, who also lived on Fort Riley.
Jackson initially was charged in a criminal complaint filed Sept. 16, 2015, in U.S. District Court in Topeka.
If convicted, Jackson faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. Army Criminal Investigations Division and the FBI investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi are prosecuting.
Travis Ray Crum, 43, who is in custody in Topeka, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, and one count of knowingly possessing stolen firearms. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 27, 2015, in Topeka, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the felon in possession charge and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $1 million on the stolen firearms charge. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway is prosecuting.
Phillip Scott Krites, 31, who is in custody in Topeka, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 22, 2015, in Shawnee County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Indictment Charges Pekin Man with Distribution of Child Pornography and Impersonating a U.S. MarshalRead the Press Release
Peoria, Ill. – Late yesterday, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment that charges Arthur D. Wheeler, 30, of of the 600 block of Harberts, South Pekin, Ill., with distribution of child pornography and impersonating a federal officer, as announced by Jim Lewis, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois.
Wheeler was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Aug. 24, 2015. Wheeler made his initial appearance in federal court in Peoria before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley who ordered that Wheeler remain detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The affidavit filed in support of the complaint alleges that in May 2015, Wheeler obtained nude photos from a minor female in Missouri by receiving them on his phone and by accessing the minor’s Facebook account. According to the affidavit, Wheeler appeared June 1, 2015, in the Circuit Court of Tazewell County seeking an order of protection against the minor’s family. Wheeler stated to the court that the minor’s family had threatened him because of his communications with the minor during the preceding two weeks. During the court proceeding, Wheeler produced his phone, which was ultimately seized and examined by law enforcement. The affidavit alleges that on three separate occasions, in late May and early June 2015, Wheeler used the cellphone’s text function to send naked images of the minor to approximately 120 people in the area code where the minor lives.
The indictment alleges that on three occasions, one on May 29, and on two separate occasions on June 1, 2015, Wheeler distributed child pornography. Further, the indictment alleges that on June 1, 2015, Wheeler impersonated a U.S. Marshal in an attempt to get information from an individual about the minor’s whereabouts.
If convicted, for each count of distribution of child pornography (three counts), Wheeler faces a statutory penalty of at least 15 years and up to 40 years in prison, and up to three years in prison for impersonating a federal officer.
The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service; task force members of the Central Illinois Cyber Crime Unit, including the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office and the Bloomington Police Department; the Pekin Police Department; Illinois State Police; and, the U.S. Marshal’s Service .
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.
Hualapai Tribe Receives Nearly $600,000 in Federal Grant Money to Reduce Alcohol/Substance Abuse CrimesRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $574,808 in federal grant funds have been awarded to the Hualapai Tribe to assist efforts to prevent and reduce alcohol- and substance abuse-related crimes within tribal jurisdiction. The grant funds were awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (“BJA”), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Additional information about BJA and its programs is available at: https://www.bja.gov/Default.aspx
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at:http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-090_HUALAPAI_TRIBE_GRANT (2015-AC-BX-0003)
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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High Level International Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Violation of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that SERGIO GRIMALDO aged 34, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty today to conspiracy to possess and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. GRIMALDO’s organization distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine throughout United States, to include Jackson, Mississippi, Pensacola, Florida, New York City, New York, and Houma, Louisiana.
According to court documents, in September 2009, Drug Enforcement Administration Agents seized cocaine hydrochloride in Houma, Louisiana and in April of 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine hydrochloride from the defendant in Beaumont, Texas.
GRIMALDO was extradited from Mexico in July 2014, based on a warrant from the Eastern District of Louisiana. EFRAIN GRIMALDO, co-defendant and the brother of SERGIO GRIMALDO, was convicted of the same offense following a jury trial and was sentenced to 405 months imprisonment.
GRIMALDO faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10 million. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for January 20, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Office, DEA Houston HIDTA Task Force, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police Troop C, Houma Police Department and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John F. Murphy and Theodore R. Carter III are in charge of the prosecution.
Grand Jury Indicts Urbana Man on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Peoria, Ill. – Jim Lewis, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, announced today that a federal grand jury in Peoria returned an indictment late yesterday that charges Terrence J. O’Connor, 52, of the 800 block of East Kerr Ave., Urbana, Ill., with receipt and possession of child pornography.
The indictment alleges that from April to August 2015, O’Connor received and possessed images and videos of minors who had not attained the age of 12 years engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of computers and related materials allegedly used to commit or promote the offenses.
If convicted, the statutory penalty for each count of receipt of child pornography (two counts) is a mandatory minimum of five years in prison to 20 years in prison and a term of supervised release of up to life following any term of imprisonment. If a defendant has a prior child sex abuse or child pornography conviction, the statutory penalty is not less than 15 years and up to 40 years in prison. For possession of child pornography, the penalty is up to 20 years in prison.
O’Connor was arrested on Aug. 31, 2015, and charged in a criminal complaint with distribution of child pornography. During a court appearance on Sept. 1, 2015, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long, in Urbana, O’Connor was ordered detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Arraignment has been scheduled on Sept. 28, 2015.
The charges are the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Urbana Police Department and the Illinois Secretary of State.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Goldsboro Woman Indicted for Theft, Obstruction, and FalsificationRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - U.S. Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that a federal grand jury in Raleigh, North Carolina, indicted DEBORAH CARR BATTLE, of Goldsboro, North Carolina, in a three count indictment charging theft of government monies, obstruction of agency proceedings, and falsification of documents in connection with a federal investigation.
BATTLE is a tailor who owns and operates a store called Lydia’s Alterations near the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The United States Air Force 4th Mission Support Group utilized BATTLE as a vendor to undertake sewing and tailoring work on the uniforms of airmen who were to be deployed overseas in connection with Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
The indictment alleges that, over the course of two years, BATTLE made dozens of unauthorized charges using two different government purchase cards, in increments of $2,999.99 or less.
See the attached indictment. 150923_battle_indictment.pdf (438.62 KB)
If convicted of all charges BATTLE faces a maximum fine of $250,000.00 on each count, and a sentence of 10 years of imprisonment on count one, theft of government monies, 5 years imprisonment on count two, obstruction of agency proceedings, and 20 years on count three, falsification of documents in connection with a federal investigation.
The charges contained in this indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI). Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rikhye is prosecuting the case for the government.
Gila River Indian Community Receives over $300,000 in Federal Grant Funds to Support Juvenile Offenders and At-Risk YouthRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that $314,975 in federal grant funds have been awarded to the Gila River Indian Community’s juvenile drug court – an alternative program for juvenile offenders and at-risk youth. The grant funds were awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (“OJJDP”), which is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”).
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
Information on OJJDP can be found at: http://www.ojjdp.gov/about/about.html
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-091_GILA_RIVER_GRANT (2015-DC-BX-0114)
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Georgia Businessman Sentenced for Participating in Kickback Scheme and for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that KENNETH JOHNSON, SR., age 52, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced today after previously pleading nolo contendere (no contest) to conspiring to pay kickbacks in a federal debris removal contract and two counts of filing false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.
U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval sentenced JOHNSON to 3 years probation that included one year of home incarceration. In addition to the term of imprisonment, JOHNSON was also ordered to pay $113,771 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
"We are pleased with the sentence handed down against Mr. Johnson today,” said Jerome R. McDuffie, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Quite often crimes of greed include more than concealing income from the IRS. This investigation is a prime example of how Special Agents of IRS Criminal Investigation work with the FBI, the Department of Defense, and the United States Attorney's Office to bring individuals involved in fraud to justice. Mr. Johnson sought to exploit the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina for personal gain. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to stop those individuals who scheme and conspire with each other to benefit themselves to the detriment of other citizens and their government. "
According to court documents, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hired Phillips and Jordan, a national construction firm, to manage the removal of storm debris from the City of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated the metro area. After they were awarded the contract, Phillips and Jordan hired Company A, a local solid waste management company to assist with the debris removal project. Shortly after securing the contract, Company A hired ANTHONY PENN, a local businessman, to manage the debris removal project for them. After some time on the job, PENN approached the owners of Company A and asked if they would consider hiring his brother-in-law, KENNETH JOHNSON, as a sub-tier subcontractor to work on the project. The owners of Company A accepted the recommendation and hired JOHNSON’s company, KCJ Enterprises, as a sub-tier subcontractor. Sometime thereafter, PENN asked JOHNSON to provide him with a cut of the revenue that KCJ Enterprises was receiving from Company A as a reward for steering the contract to him. JOHNSON agreed to the scheme and wired a total of $236,461.55 in kickback payments to PENN from July 12, 2006 to February 8, 2008.
As part of the investigation, it was determined that JOHNSON filed false tax returns with the IRS for tax years 2007 and 2008 in an effort to conceal the kickback scheme and to avoid paying taxes on his income from the debris removal work. As a result, JOHNSON avoided paying $113,771.00 in federal taxes.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the United States Department of Defense, and the Internal Revenue Service in investigating this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Theodore R. Carter, III.
Fort Dodge Man to Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced September 22, 2015, to ten years in federal prison.
John Quillen, Jr., 41, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 27, 2015, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine following a conviction for a prior felony drug offense. Quillen was previously convicted of conspiracy against the rights of others/arson (cross-burning) and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in 1999.
At the guilty plea, Quillen admitted his involvement in a conspiracy from January 2014 through November 2014 that distributed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Quillen also admitted to selling over 10 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement.
Quillen was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Quillen was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve an eight-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Quillen is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Fort Dodge Police Department and Webster County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 14-3059.
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Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to Federal Probation for Straw Purchase of FirearmsRead the Press Release
A man who transferred firearms to a felon was sentenced September 22, 2015, to federal probation.
Jacob Blaze Jamison, 25, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 26, 2015, guilty plea to sale or transfer of firearms to a felon and false statement during the purchase of firearms.
At the guilty plea, Jamison admitted he purchased two Hi-Point 9mm handguns for William “Billy” Rees. Rees was a felon and unable to purchase the firearms directly.
Jamison was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Jamison was sentenced to one year of federal probation. A special assessment of $200 was imposed.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Pocahontas Police Department, Pocahontas Sheriff’s Office, and Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 15-3004.
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