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9 October 2015
Texas Man Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy and Transporting Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
Woodrow Rutherford, 72, from Houston, Texas, was sentenced on October 8, 2015, in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, following his plea of guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and one count of Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Rutherford was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also fined $500 and ordered to pay $100 special assessment. Court proceedings revealed that Rutherford drove from Texas to Chicago in June 2013 at the command of a drug organization to collect money from the sale of marijuana. After collecting approximately $103,000 in drug proceeds, Rutherford then traveled through Madison County, Illinois, where his vehicle was stopped by law enforcement officials and the drug proceeds recovered.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Transmission of Threat to InjureRead the Press Release
– Kamoui Francis, 25, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to
Transmission of Threat to Injure, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on January 28, 2014, a testifying witness in
a murder case in the Superior Court on St. Croix received two threatening messages. The threats were
sent from a mobile device to a Facebook account, and warned that if any of the defendants were found
guilty, the witness and members of the witness’ family would be killed. As part of the investigation of
the case, on February 5, 2014, Bureau of Corrections officers searched Francis’ cell at Golden Grove
Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix. Francis was the sole occupant of his cell. During the search,
Francis was found in possession of the cellphone from which the threats were made.
Francis faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date
has been set for February 10, 2015.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Bureau
of Corrections. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.Speech Therapist and Office Manager Sentenced for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Houston speech therapist who owned a clinic in Sugar Land has been ordered to federal prison for 151 months following her conviction related to a health care fraud scheme that billed Tricare and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas more than $3.8 million, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Rebecca Lee Rabon, 44, pleaded guilty March 20, 2015. Co-defendant and office manager Tiffany Nicole Thompson, 32, of Katy, also pleaded guilty for her role in the scheme and was sentenced to serve 51 months.
After a lengthy sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge Melinda Harmon found that Rabon, the owner of Rabon Communication Enhancement (RCE) had not only committed the health care fraud she was charged with in January of 2014, but that she had also violated a magistrate judge’s pre-trial bond order that she not submit any more health care claims pending resolution of the matter. Judge Harmon heard testimony about the defendant’s role in the crime, and the prosecution read from an email written by Rabon that stated “risking going to jail if I get caught is worth” [it]. The prosecutor also read from a letter submitted by one of Rabon’s employees who was also a victim of the fraud. The employee wrote that she was shocked to learn the defendants had submitted fraudulent claims for children treated at RCE and “more shocked” to learn that Rabon and Thompson had submitted fraudulent claims under her private medical insurance for her as well as forged her signature on a letter directing Blue Cross and Blue Shield to send her explanation of benefits statement to Rabon’s home. Judge Harmon considered the fact that the health care fraud affected Tricare, a government health insurance program, and that it took place over an extended period of time - between January 2009 and November 2011 - in arriving at her sentence. The defendants submitted at least $3.8 million in fraudulent claims to Tricare and Blue Cross and Blue Shield during the conspiracy and received $1.2 million in payments.
Both defendants must also serve respective three-year-terms of supervised release following completion of their sentences and were further ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution to Tricare, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and United Health Insurance. As a result of her conviction, Rabon forfeited her house on Sept. 25, 2015.
At the time of their respective pleas, Rabon and Thompson admitted they conspired together to submit claims to insurance providers for services that were not medically necessary and not provided. Between March 29, 2009, and Nov. 11, 2013, the clinic did not have the equipment or supplies to provide treatment for dysphagia - a swallowing and oral feeding dysfunction. Neither Rabon, nor any speech therapist employed at RCE, provided any of those treatments to children at the clinic. Both also admitted to submitting thousands in false and fraudulent claims for themselves and three unsuspecting RCE employees for various medical and speech therapy services that were not provided. As part of their scheme, they also sent a forged letter to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas with a false address for an employee to prevent them from discovering the fraud.
Rabon has been in custody since Jan. 23, 2015, for violating the terms of her pre-trial release where she will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Thompson was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender at a later date.
The investigation into Rabon and Thompson was the result of an investigation conducted by agents from the Department of Defense - Criminal Investigative Service with assistance of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas – Special Investigations Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Redlinger is prosecuting the case.
Shepherdsville, Kentucky, Man Guilty of Embezzling over $800,000 from His EmployerRead the Press Release
Manipulated accounting entries to hide his theft
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. announced the guilty plea, this week, of a Shepherdsville, Kentucky, man who was charged with embezzling more than $800,000 from his employer during a seven year period.
Robert Kaiser, 58, pleaded guilty on October 8, 2015, in U.S. District Court, before District Judge Greg N. Stivers, to all twelve counts of a September 4, 2014 grand jury indictment. The indictment included eleven counts of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud. The indictment was unsealed on September 8, 2014.
The theft from his employer, C&M Services of Kentucky, Inc. (“C&M Services”) occurred between June 6, 2006 and March 26, 2013, and included an attempt to defraud Fifth Third Bank by submitting fraudulent financial statements to obtain a loan.
In court, Kaiser admitted to causing unauthorized transfers of monies to accounts he controlled. Further, Kaiser fraudulently transferred funds of C&M Services via credit card transfers and checks for unauthorized personal expenditures, and then concealed all of his theft from C&M Services by making false accounting entries and submitting fraudulent financial statements to obtain a revolving line of credit from Fifth Third Bank in order to conceal his theft.
In furtherance of the scheme, Kaiser caused interstate automated clearing house financial transfers from the C&M Services bank accounts at Fifth Third and Republic Banks to his personal Wells Fargo Credit Card accounts. According to the Indictment, Kaiser made eleven transactions between September 9, 2009, and January 22, 2013.
Also, between December 14, 2012, and March 26, 2013, Kaiser admitted to submitting materially false financial statements to Fifth Third Bank to obtain a revolving loan line of credit in the amount of $1,815,000.
At sentencing, Kaiser could forfeit real property he obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of the violations in the indictment and could be sentenced to no more than 20 years in prison for each of counts 1-11 (wire fraud) of the indictment and no more than 30 years for count twelve (bank fraud). Further, the Judge could impose a fine of $3,750,000 and order Kaiser to serve three years of supervised release. Kaiser is scheduled for sentencing in Louisville on January 7, 2016 before Judge Stivers.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Judd and is being investigated by the United States Secret Service, Louisville Field Office.
Sex Offender SentenceRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Kenyen R. Brown, announces that Michael Robert Erskine was sentenced for receipt of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 2252A(a)(2) and failure to register as a sex offender in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 2250(a).
Erskine was convicted in 1995 of Aggravated Sexual Battery on an eight year old victim in Hampton, Virginia. As a result of this conviction, Erskine was required to register as a sex offender. He was arrested on December 22, 2014 by the Saraland Police Department after he attempted to travel to the Philippines without prior approval. The Saraland Police Department referred the case to the United States Marshals Service for investigation of a federal charge of failure to register as a sex offender. The case was also referred to Homeland Security Investigations because images of child pornography were found on his computer.
At the sentencing hearing before Judge Kristi Dubose, the United States played portions of defendant’s taped statement admitting that he used the images in order to satisfy his urges for children. Because of the prior conviction and the continuing danger that he posed to the community, Erskine was sentenced to serve 180 months imprisonment and a life time term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Saraland Police Department, United States Marshals Service and the Department of Homeland Security. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney=s Office for the Southern District of Alabama, AUSA Maria Murphy.
Second Employee from Iowa City Pipe Dreamz Store Pleads Guilty to Federal Synthetic Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who worked at a head shop in Iowa City pled guilty to federal drug charges on October 8, 2015, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Wayne Christopher Watkins, age 40, from Peoria, Illinois, was convicted of conspiring to manufacture and distribute a synthetic drug called AB-FUBINACA. The owner of Pipe Dreamz in Iowa City, Robert Carl Sharp, pled guilty on October 5, 2015.
In a plea agreement, Watkins admitted that Sharp was released from federal prison in 2012, and shortly thereafter began selling, and later manufacturing, smokeable synthetic cannabinoid products which are commonly known as “Spice,” “incense,” or K2. Watkins initially worked for Sharp at a store in Peoria, Illinois, called Smoke N Ink. Both men moved to Iowa in 2013 when Sharp opened a head shop in Iowa City called Pipe Dreamz. Sharp would order synthetic cannabinoid chemicals and also purchase bulk quantities of dried damiana leaves, a plant material that resembles dried marijuana. Watkins admitted Sharp would purchase synthetic cannabinoid chemicals, packaging materials, and inert plant material (typically damiana leaf), from various suppliers and then Sharp and defendant would manufacture synthetic cannabinoid products from the materials. Watkins admitted he would dilute the synthetic cannabinoid chemical in acetone, and then spray the mixture onto the damiana leaves. Watkins would then add some flavoring and package the substances into the various brands sold by Sharp.
Watkins and Sharp sold these products in packets that marketed the substances as incense, and contained a warning that the products were “not for human consumption,” although both men admitted they knew the products were actually intended for human consumption. The synthetic cannabinoids in these products were actually research chemicals that have not been tested or approved as safe for human consumption, and which have unpredictable short-term effects and unknown long-term effects on users.
On May 7, 2014, Sharp’s store, his house and storage unit in Center Point, Watkins’s house in Cedar Rapids, and the Pipe Dreamz store in Iowa City were all searched by federal law enforcement. During the searches, officers seized thousands of synthetic cannabinoid products, including the sprayed-on plant variety and a liquid form of the synthetic cannabinoids that was designed for use in e‑cigarettes. Officers seized an active manufacturing operation in Watkins’s house, as shown in photographs admitted at an earlier hearing. watkins_exhibit_photos.pdf (30.96 MB)
Watkins claimed Sharp told him that the chemicals they were using were legal. Despite those statements from Sharp, however, he admitted he believed there was a high probability that the substances he received and distributed were regulated by federal drug laws, but took deliberate actions to avoid learning of the true identity of the substances.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Watkins remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Watkins faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and a lifetime of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department and as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA, the Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services; and the Internal Revenue Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information available https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 15-CR-31-1-LRR.
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Schuele Boys Gang Associate Sentenced on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Ikeem Lyons, 22, of Buffalo, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to 10 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Burgasser, who handling the case, stated that between June 2013 and July 23, 2014, the defendant bought quantities of cocaine from co-defendant Michael Robertson. Lyons then re-sold the cocaine to co-defendants Aaron Glenn, Demetrius Holmes and others.
The Schuele Boys Gang, which operated in the Schuele Street area of the East Side of Buffalo, is believed to be responsible for multiple acts of violence and the distribution of illegal narcotics including cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana.
Lyons is one of 28 Schuele Boys Gang members and associates arrested in this case. To date, 13 of the defendants have been convicted. Lyons is the first defendant to be sentenced.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen. The task force includes representatives of the Amherst Police Department; the Buffalo Police Department; U.S. Border Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Cheektowaga Police Department; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department; the Hamburg Police Department; the Lancaster Police Department; the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police; the New York State Department of Correctional Services; the New York State Police; and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations. Additional assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the United States Marshal Service, the Lackawanna Police Department, and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department.
Sandoval Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Kathy Sue Tomes, 62, of Sandoval, Illinois, pled guilty on October 7, 2015, to an indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury in December 2014 against her and others. All charges relate to the production and distribution of methamphetamine - Count 1 of the indictment is a Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Methamphetamine from February 28, 2014, through October 1, 2014, in Clinton and Marion Counties, and, Count 8 related to Possession of a Listed Chemical (Pseudoephedrine) Knowing or Having Reasonable Cause to Believe that It Would Be Used to Manufacture Methamphetamine.
Count 1 carries a penalty of not less than 5 years, up to a maximum of 40 years in federal prison, a $5 million fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release. Count 8 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and not less than 3 years of supervised release. Both counts require an assessment of $100. There is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing is scheduled January 22, 2016.
Information leading to the charges against Tomes was obtained in an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, assisted by the Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, and the Centralia Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on October 6, 2015, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Jason Kimmel, Sr., age 35, was sentenced to 48 months in custody, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Kimmel was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 14, 2015. He pled guilty on July 20, 2015.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 1, 2015, when Kimmel, who was driving a 2001 Chevrolet Blazer, was involved in a single vehicle wreck on a roadway near the Rosebud Adult Corrections Facility in Rosebud. Robert “Oscar” Kills and Keith Sun Bear were passengers in the vehicle. Kimmel was driving erratically and lost control of the vehicle. Sun Bear was ejected, Kimmel was found inside the vehicle, and Kills was found outside the vehicle.
Witnesses to the accident called 911, and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers responded to the scene. Sun Bear was pronounced dead at the scene. Kimmel and Kills were transported to the Indian Health Services hospital for their injuries. Kimmel consented to a blood draw while at the hospital. The blood sample was sent to the South Dakota Department of Health Lab for testing, and the report indicated that Kimmel’s blood alcohol concentration was .345 immediately following the accident.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie G. Sanderson prosecuted the case.
Kimmel was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rosebud Man Sentenced for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Prohibited Person in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition was sentenced on October 5, 2015, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Randy Harlan Arcoren, Jr., age 33, was sentenced to 44 months in custody on each count to be served concurrently, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Arcoren was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 14, 2015. He pled guilty on July 20, 2015.
Arcoren was convicted of a federal crime and was sentenced in 2006 to 51 months in custody. On March 3, 2015, Arcoren was with his girlfriend, the victim, at their trailer home in St. Francis. Arcoren and the victim began to argue, and Arcoren threw objects at the victim and threatened physical harm. Arcoren then hit the victim on her arms with a tent stake that he had sharpened. The argument lasted several hours and Arcoren and the victim moved between the trailer home and the victim’s vehicle, and at one point Arcoren drove the victim to another property. Throughout the course of the argument, Arcoren had in his possession forty rounds of Federal .22 caliber ammunition, and thirty-seven rounds of Remington .22 caliber ammunition.
A Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives performed an interstate nexus on the ammunition in Arcoren’s possession and determined that the ammunition is defined as ammunition, and that it was not manufactured in the state of South Dakota. Accordingly, the ammunition was shipped or transported in interstate commerce.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie G. Sanderson prosecuted the case.
Arcoren was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rexburg Man Sentenced for Illegally Storing and Disposing of Hazardous WasteRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Max Spatig, 73, of Rexburg, Idaho, the owner of MS Enterprises, was sentenced yesterday to 46 months in prison for knowingly storing and disposing of hazardous waste on a property off the Archer-Lyman Highway near Rexburg, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Senior U.S. District Judge Wiley Y. Daniel, a visiting judge from the District of Colorado, also ordered Spatig to pay $498,652 in restitution, and serve three years supervised release following his release from prison. Spatig was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 11, 2012, and convicted following a two-week jury trial in June.
According to the evidence introduced at trial, on July 8, 2010, a total of 3,478 containers of hazardous waste materials were found on the property outside of Rexburg. Many of the containers were labeled as containing hazardous materials and many were corroded. They had been left outdoors for years. Samples taken from some of the containers confirmed that the contents were hazardous waste due to ignitability and corrosivity characteristics. Ignitable materials catch fire at relatively low temperatures and present a dangerous fire hazard. Corrosive materials cause other materials to dissolve on contact. The contents of the containers were shipped to a hazardous waste disposal facility, incurring a cost to the federal government of $498,652. Neither MS Enterprises nor Spatig had any permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that would have covered the operation of a hazardous waste dump.
Spatig had engaged in similar conduct before. In 2005, the State of Idaho cleaned up hazardous waste from another property belonging to Spatig near Menan in Jefferson County, Idaho. The cost of that cleanup was $188,000. Previous to 2005, Spatig engaged in similar conduct in Kaysville, Utah. Because of multiple violations of court-orders prior to trial and offenses committed while on pre-trial release, Spatig has been held in custody since September 11, 2014.
“Mr. Spatig’s conduct of illegally storing hazardous materials has been a longstanding problem and source of environmental danger for various communities with our state,” said Olson. “We are proud of the combined effort of local, state and federal agencies in putting an end to this behavior through the prosecution of Mr. Spatig. This prosecution and sentencing should send a message that we will not tolerate the contamination of our communities through the illegal storage of hazardous waste.”
"Hazardous waste can pose serious threats to human health and the environment, so it’s imperative that companies dispose of it properly," said Scot Adair, Acting Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Idaho. “The defendant stockpiled thousands of gallons of flammable and highly corrosive materials – exposed to the elements – putting the unsuspecting public at serious risk. Today’s sentencing shows that those who repeatedly refuse to comply with our environmental laws will be prosecuted.”
The case was the result of a joint investigation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, and the Madison County Sheriff’s office. It was prosecuted jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Providence Resident Sentenced on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Darren Monteiro, 28, of Providence, was sentenced today to 41 months in federal prison on federal drug and firearm charges, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Providence Police Chief Hugh T. Clements, Jr., and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith also ordered Monteiro to serve 6 years supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence. Monteiro pleaded guilty on July 23, 2015, to one count each of distribution of heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records and information presented to the court, an investigation into Monteiro’s drug trafficking activities by the Providence Police Department’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Bureau included four purchases of heroin packets between November 8 and November 19, 2013. In addition, Monteiro arranged with a Providence Police undercover detective to purchase a firearm and ammunition he said that he intended to use to commit an armed robbery. Monteiro was arrested on November 13, 2013, moments after he took possession of a semi-automatic handgun and ammunition.
Monteiro has been detained since his arrest.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
ATF agents assisted Providence Police in the investigation of this matter.
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Jim Martin (401) 709-5357
email: [email protected]
on Twitter @USAO_RI
Property Managers and Sisters Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms for Renting to CriminalsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Marycela Rivas, 36, of Avondale, Ariz., was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver to 33 months’ imprisonment. Her sister, Leticia Montano, a.k.a. Leticia Rivas, 42, of Phoenix, was previously sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. Both women had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens.
Between 2008 and 2013, Montano, a licensed realtor, managed 279 residences through several companies she owned and operated: Sol Realty, Metro North Realty, and AZ Home Property Management. The evidence presented at sentencing revealed that Montano and her employees, including her co-defendant and sister Rivas, would-in return for extremely high fees-assist certain renters in concealing their true identities from the property owners and law enforcement. These renters would, in turn, use the properties to facilitate criminal activity such as drug smuggling and alien smuggling.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Glendale and Phoenix Police Departments. The prosecution was handled by Lisa E. Jennis, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-13-00388-PHX-ROS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-099_Montano et al
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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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Prisoner Who Escaped from Custody at Virginia Hospital Sentenced to 32 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Wossen Assaye, 43, of Arlington, was sentenced today to 384 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, with both counts based on his armed assaults of two security guards during his March 31, 2015, escape from Inova Fairfax Hospital. Assaye was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount $34,870 for the 12 bank robberies, and was ordered to undergo drug testing and treatment in addition to a mental health evaluation and treatment.
Assaye pleaded guilty on July 23, 2015. According to court documents, Assaye accepted responsibility for not only the firearms offenses, but also additional criminal conduct for which he was charged or suspected to be responsible. According to the statement of facts, beginning in October 2013 and continuing until March 2015, Assaye robbed various banks in Northern Virginia on 11 occasions, two of which were armed robberies. In another instance, Assaye entered a bank with the intent to commit bank robbery and larceny. After being arrested for his crimes, Assaye escaped from federal custody while at a Virginia hospital for treatment. During the course of his escape, Assaye assaulted a security guard, overpowered her, and took her firearm. He then pointed the firearm at a second guard before pulling the first guard down the hospital hallway at gunpoint and fleeing the hospital.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Colonel Edwin C. Roessler, Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police; Earl L. Cook, Alexandria Chief of Police; Michael L. Chapman, Loudoun County Sheriff; and Mary Gavin, Falls Church Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge Brinkema.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Fairfax County Police Department, Alexandria City Police Department, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, and the Falls Church City Police Department. Also, during the course of the investigation assistance was received from U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, Arlington County Police Department, and Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael E. Rich and William M. Sloan, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney William A. Glaser prosecuted 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. 1:15-cr-115.
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Petoskey Attorney, Michael Aho Kennedy, Indicted for Mail Fraud and False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Michael Aho Kennedy Allegedly Embezzled Over One Million Dollars from Client
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Miles, Jr., announced today that Michael Aho Kennedy, age 67, of Petoskey, Michigan, was indicted by a federal grand jury for carrying out a mail fraud scheme and filing false federal income tax returns. Counts 1 to 6 of the indictment allege that Kennedy served as the trustee of a trust that he drafted for his client, Virginia Weber. According to the indictment, Kennedy allegedly embezzled over one million dollars from Ms. Weber’s trust between 2006 and 2012 and concealed his embezzlement by sending her false periodic statements of account that made it appear as if the trust assets still existed.
Counts 7 to 9 of the indictment allege that Kennedy filed false amended tax returns for tax years 2007, 2008 and 2009. Kennedy initially reported the embezzled funds as income on his federal income tax returns for those years and paid the 2007 income taxes with money he embezzled from the victim. However, when the Internal Revenue Service attempted to collect the income taxes owed for tax years 2008 and 2009, Kennedy amended his federal income tax returns for all years by falsely claiming that the embezzled funds were loans or investments not subject to income tax.
Kennedy is currently lodged at the Emmet County Jail on charges brought by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office relating to his embezzlement from the same victim from October 8, 2009 to February 22, 2010.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Parmelee Man Sentenced for Assaulting A Federal OfficialRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting a Federal Official was sentenced on October 6, 2015, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Randy Running Horse, age 38, was sentenced to 14 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Running Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 12, 2015. He pled guilty to the indictment on July 20, 2015.
The conviction arose from incidents that occurred on April 4, 2015, at Rosebud, when Running Horse struck a medical provider who was rendering him medical care. Running Horse was intoxicated, had been injured, and was at the Rosebud Indian Health Services (IHS) Hospital receiving stitches. He was being treated by medical providers, but became belligerent and used his fist to strike an IHS nurse in the head. A security guard and a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officer responded to the assault, and Running Horse was arrested. Running Horse was hostile towards the security guard and the police officer, and also threatened the police officer and the officer’s family. Later, he was uncooperative with jail staff.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.
Orange County, Texas Man Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 59-year-old Orange, Texas man has been indicted on federal drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Grover Lee Roberts was indicted on Oct. 7, 2015 and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Roberts was arrested in Orange today on those charges.
According to the indictment, since 2008, Roberts conspired with others to distribute more than 28 grams of crack cocaine from his residence on South Hart Avenue in Orange, Texas.
If convicted, Roberts faces up to 40 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Orange Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Craft.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Oil Company Charged with Failing to Notify of Hazardous Waste SpillRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that WALTER OIL & GAS CORPORATION, a Texas corporation domiciled in Houston, Texas, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with a felony violation of failing to immediately notifying the proper agency of a hazardous waste spill under Title 33, United States Code, Section 1321(b)(5)(C), in connection with their oil and gas production activities in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the Bill of Information, on or about March 31, 2014, in the navigable waters of the United States and within the Eastern District of Louisiana, WALTER OIL & GAS CORPORATION, an entity in charge of an offshore facility from which hazardous substances were discharged in a quantity which may be harmful into navigable waters of the United States, failed to immediately notify the appropriate agency of the United States government as soon as it had knowledge of the discharge.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Criminal Investigation Division of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA-CID”) and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ-CID”) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
Ohio Hospital to Pay $4.1 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Cincinnati-based West Chester Hospital and its parent company, UC Health, have agreed to pay $4.1 million to settle allegations that West Chester Hospital violated the False Claims Act by billing federal health care programs for costs associated with medically unnecessary spine surgeries, the Justice Department announced today.
“Hospitals have a responsibility to ensure that services provided at their facilities are medically necessary and appropriate before they bill federal health care programs for those services,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When providers charge for medically unnecessary services, we will aggressively seek remedies under the False Claims Act.”
This settlement resolves allegations that West Chester Hospital knowingly submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for hospital charges related to medically unnecessary spine surgeries performed between 2009 and 2013 by Dr. Abubakar Atiq Durrani, a surgeon from Mason, Ohio, who had admitting privileges at West Chester Hospital. Durrani was arrested in July 2013 and charged with health care fraud violations relating to allegations that he performed medically unnecessary spine surgeries on patients residing in Ohio and Kentucky. Following his arraignment, Durrani allegedly fled the United States and remains a fugitive.
Medicaid is funded jointly by the states and the federal government. The state of Ohio and commonwealth of Kentucky paid for some of the Medicaid claims at issue and will receive approximately $72,000 of the settlement amount.
“Federal health care programs cover only those procedures that are medically necessary,” said U.S. Attorney Carter M. Stewart of the Southern District of Ohio. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to pursuing providers that seek payment for unnecessary medical procedures.”
“Any time greed replaces medical necessity as the primary factor in performing invasive procedures and surgeries on Medicare and Medicaid patients, our most vulnerable citizens – the elderly, disabled, and economically disadvantaged – are imperiled,” said Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh of the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Medical businesses and physicians who unnecessarily place patients at risk to boost profits will be held accountable for their actions.”
The civil settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and obtain a portion of the government’s recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Ohio by former patients of Durrani and is captioned United States ex rel. Scott, et al. v. Durrani, et al. As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblowers will receive approximately $800,000 from the federal share of the settlement.
This settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud and marks another achievement for the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announced in May 2009 by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The partnership between the two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered a total of more than $25.2 billion through False Claims Act cases, with more than $16.1 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Ohio and the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, with assistance provided by HHS-OIG. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Ohio Hospital to Pay $4.1 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Cincinnati-based West Chester Hospital and its parent company, UC Health, have agreed to pay $4.1 million to settle allegations that West Chester Hospital violated the False Claims Act by billing federal health care programs for costs associated with medically unnecessary spine surgeries, the Justice Department announced today.
“Hospitals have a responsibility to ensure that services provided at their facilities are medically necessary and appropriate before they bill federal health care programs for those services,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When providers charge for medically unnecessary services, we will aggressively seek remedies under the False Claims Act.”
This settlement resolves allegations that West Chester Hospital knowingly submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for hospital charges related to medically unnecessary spine surgeries performed between 2009 and 2013 by Dr. Abubakar Atiq Durrani, a surgeon from Mason, Ohio, who had admitting privileges at West Chester Hospital. Durrani was arrested in July 2013 and charged with health care fraud violations relating to allegations that he performed medically unnecessary spine surgeries on patients residing in Ohio and Kentucky. Following his arraignment, Durrani allegedly fled the United States and remains a fugitive.
Medicaid is funded jointly by the states and the federal government. The state of Ohio and commonwealth of Kentucky paid for some of the Medicaid claims at issue and will receive approximately $72,000 of the settlement amount.
“Federal health care programs cover only those procedures that are medically necessary,” said U.S. Attorney Carter M. Stewart of the Southern District of Ohio. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to pursuing providers that seek payment for unnecessary medical procedures.”
“Any time greed replaces medical necessity as the primary factor in performing invasive procedures and surgeries on Medicare and Medicaid patients, our most vulnerable citizens – the elderly, disabled, and economically disadvantaged – are imperiled,” said Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh of the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Medical businesses and physicians who unnecessarily place patients at risk to boost profits will be held accountable for their actions.”
The civil settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and obtain a portion of the government’s recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Ohio by former patients of Durrani and is captioned United States ex rel. Scott, et al. v. Durrani, et al. As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblowers will receive approximately $800,000 from the federal share of the settlement.
This settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud and marks another achievement for the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announced in May 2009 by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The partnership between the two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered a total of more than $25.2 billion through False Claims Act cases, with more than $16.1 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Ohio and the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, with assistance provided by HHS-OIG. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Natchez Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Vincent Dewayne Carter, 30, of Natchez, pled guilty on October 8, 2015, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge David C. Bramlette III, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory Davis.
On February 21, 2014, Natchez police officers responded to a domestic disturbance call involving Carter. Upon further investigation, Carter, a convicted felon, was found to be in possession of a firearm.
Carter will be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge David C. Bramlette III on January 14, 2016, and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
This case was investigated by the Natchez Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Wansley is prosecuting this case.
Middle Tennessee Podiatrist Charged with Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Dr. John J. Cauthon, 49, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., was charged Wednesday in a federal indictment with seven counts of health care fraud, announced David Rivera, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Cauthon is a Podiatrist in Murfreesboro who contracted to provide podiatric services to residents of nursing homes located throughout Tennessee.
According to the indictment, between May 2015 and August 2015, Cauthon engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare, TennCare, and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, by submitting approximately $327,280.24 in fraudulent claims for a surgical procedure for nail avulsions, which he did not perform.
If convicted, Cauthon faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of health care fraud.
This case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James S. Seaman is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Media Advisory: Last Two Members of Dean Getaway Team SentencedRead the Press Release
Sioux City, Iowa – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa together with several federal and state law enforcement agency representatives will hold a press conference on October 13th to discuss the events leading to the shooting of a Sioux City police officer and the activities that followed to bring those involved in an attempt to obstruct justice and prevent the shooter’s capture.
U.S. Attorney Kevin Techau will be present at the press conference. He will be joined by Sioux City Chief of Police Douglas Young, Woodbury County Sheriff David Drew and County Attorney Patrick Jennings, and other county, state and federal law enforcement representatives.
Event Details
When: Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Where: Sioux City Police Department (Davidchik Hall, First Floor), 601 Douglas Street, Sioux City, Iowa
Time: 5:00 p.m. (Or one hour after the last sentencing, whichever first occurs.)
A press release will be provided and interview opportunities will be available after the press conference.
Man charged with firearm and drug offenses for shooting outside federal courthouse in IndianapolisRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS –United States Attorney Josh Minkler today announced charges against a man who is alleged to have fired shots from a handgun in front of the Birch Bayh Federal Courthouse in Indianapolis. Marcus Fennell, 23, Indianapolis, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, discharging a weapon in the commission of a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
“Violent crime typically starts with someone who is illegally in possession of a firearm,” said Minkler. “If you choose to use a weapon to commit crime in Indianapolis, be prepared to face the full weight of federal prosecution.”
According to the criminal complaint, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers heard shots being fired near the federal courthouse in downtown Indianapolis on October 8, 2015 at approximately 8:20 am. They observed a crowd of people running from the area and after speaking to witnesses, determined Fennell had fled the scene and was near Indiana War Memorial Park in the 500 block of North Meridian Street.
Officers quickly apprehended Fennell and found a loaded 9mm handgun in the pocket of his pants. He also is alleged to have had in his possession 110 pre-packaged bindles of marijuana for individual sale. Officers also found two 9mm shell casings at the scene of the shooting. Fennell has a prior felony conviction for robbery in Marion County in 2012, which makes it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
This case is being investigated by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Federal Protective Service.
Fennel will have his initial appearance in federal court at 2:30 pm today.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey D. Preston who is prosecuting this case for the government, the maximum penalty Fennell could face is up to life in prison if convicted of all counts.
Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Prison ContrabandRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Rodney Stanley, 30, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to one count of possession of prison contraband, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
As part of his plea, Stanley admitted that on November 15, 2012, officers of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (BOC) found a cellular telephone hidden in a mattress inside a cell solely occupied by Stanley at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix. Stanley was an inmate at the facility at the time. Cellular telephones are prohibited contraband in correctional facilities because they are known to be used by prisoners to intimidate witnesses, orchestrate narcotics transactions, and facilitate other criminal activity, including murders.
Stanley is facing a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. A date for sentencing has not been set.
This case was investigated by the BOC and United States Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami S. Badawy.
Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Prison ContrabandRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Delroy Woods, 24, pleaded guilty today in District Court on St. Croix to one count of possession of prison contraband, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
As part of his plea, Woods admitted that on May 7, 2013, officers of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (BOC) found a shank or homemade knife hidden in a mattress inside a cell solely occupied by Woods at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix. Woods was an inmate at the facility at the time.
Woods is facing a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A date for sentencing has not been set.This case was investigated by the BOC and United States Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami S. Badawy.
Lubbock Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Posing as a Female “Modeling Agent" to Lure Teen and Take Sexually Explicit Photos of HerRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — Amadeo Cruz Torres, 24, of Lubbock, Texas, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 15 years in federal prison, following his guilty plea in June 2015 to one count of production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Torres has been in custody since his arrest in June 2014.
According to documents filed in the case, Torres met the teenage minor, “Jane Doe,” at South Plains Mall in Lubbock on June 17, 2014, after he had been communicating with her online, via Facebook, about the possibility of modeling. Torres first represented himself to be a female modeling agent named “Amber.”
The teenage victim’s mother took Jane Doe to the mall to meet the supposed modeling scout. Jane Doe was advised that she would be meeting with “Shane,” the defendant. Jane Doe was advised to meet with Torres without a parent or friend to minimize distractions.
After meeting with Jane Doe in the mall’s food court, Torres took her to a family restroom and locked the door. He took a video of her while he instructed her to engage in various poses. Eventually, Torres directed her to disrobe completely so that he could film a nude video. At one point during the “modeling session,” Torres convinced her to let him touch her in a sexually explicit manner to verify that she was not hiding drugs.
Torres was arrested the following day at South Plains Mall where he had gone to meet another minor female. Officers seized his video camera, cell phone and tablet computer.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative, which was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab “resources.”
The Lubbock Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Sucsy prosecuted.
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Lower Brule Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on October 5, 2015, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Aaron DeWayne Goodface, III, age 35, was sentenced to 119 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Goodface was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 12, 2015. He pled guilty on July 13, 2015.
The conviction stems from an incident on April 25, 2015, when the Lower Brule Police Department investigated an incident where Goodface had assaulted his aunt.
The officer entered the residence and saw that the victim was bleeding from her face, and blood was found on pillows, bedding, and some clothing. Goodface had just gone into the bathroom, and the officer knocked on the door and asked Goodface to exit the bathroom. Goodface first ignored the officer’s commands, but then opened the door. The officer ordered him to his knees, and again Goodface ignored him. The officer ordered him once more to get on his knees and drew his taser gun. At that point, Goodface complied and was taken into custody.
The victim was taken to the hospital. A special agent from the Bureau of Indian Affairs was able to speak with the victim, who explained that Goodface hit her in the face multiple times with a flashlight. The victim had a large gash to her forehead that required several sutures to close the laceration. She also had a second laceration near her right ear that required 2 sutures to close, two fractured ribs, and bleeding on the brain that required regular monitoring. She spent several days in the hospital.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Goodface was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Lackawanna Man Sentenced on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Anthony Watkins, 32, of Lackawanna, NY, who was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, was sentenced to 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant’s supervised release on a prior federal conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes was revoked and Watkins was sentenced to an additional 12 months in prison, for a total of 96 months.Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who handled the case, stated that on May 14, 2014, U.S. Probation Officers and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Safe Streets Task Force visited Watkins’s apartment. Officers found the defendant at home and a Glock 9mm pistol with a high-capacity magazine loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition in his bedroom closet. Watkins was on supervised release after serving 60 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and prohibited from possessing firearms.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Probation Office, under the direction of Anthony SanGiacomo and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen. The task force includes representatives of the Amherst Police Department; the Buffalo Police Department; U.S. Border Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Cheektowaga Police Department; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department; the Hamburg Police Department; the Lancaster Police Department; the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police; the New York State Department of Correctional Services; the New York State Police; and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations. Additional assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the United States Marshal Service, the Lackawanna Police Department, and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department.
Jury Finds Rochester Man Guilty of Marijuana Possession and Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
ROCHESTER, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury found Laverne Singletary, 49, of Rochester, NY, guilty of possessing marijuana and possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony. The charges carry a maximum possible penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or both.Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig Gestring and Charles E. Moynihan, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on October 6, 2012, Singletary, a four-time convicted felon, was arrested on Roth Street in Rochester after law enforcement officers attempted to stop him for carrying an open beer can on a public sidewalk. Singletary ran after being approached officers and was caught after a short foot pursuit. The defendant was placed in handcuffs. Once handcuffed, officers stood Singletary up from the ground and found a Hungarian-made 7.65 mm semi-automatic pistol which had fallen from his pants. In searching the defendant, officers also located 13 bags of marijuana.
The conviction is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under the direction of Delano A. Reid, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office, the Monroe County Office of Probation and Community Corrections, under the direction of Robert J. Burns, Chief Probation Officer, and the Rochester Police Department under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli.
Sentencing for Singletary is scheduled for January 15, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci who presided over the trial of the case.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Maurice King, 29, of Jackson, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
King was indicted as a result of the Jackson Violent Crime Initiative. He was arrested following a traffic stop on September 20, 2014 when he was found to be in possession of a stolen firearm.
King will be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III on January 14, 2016, and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
Information: Federal Court ArraignmentsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on October 8, 2015 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- JACOB FINLEY, a 23-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of false information and hoaxes. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, FINLEY faces 5 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 1 year supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 15-65
- RICHARD LITTLE DOG, a 50-year-old resident of East Glacier, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, LITTLE DOG faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 15-66
- CHARLES PAUL REEVIS, a 24-year-old resident of Browning, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, REEVIS faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 15-64
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Ostby in Billings on October 8, 2015 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- QUINDELL JORDAN BULLTAIL, a 25-year-old resident of Lodge Grass, appeared on charges of depredation of government property and theft of government property. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, BULLTAIL faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was invested by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. PACER Case Reference. 15-89
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Lynch in Missoula on October 7, 2015 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- NATASHA OAKLEY, a 34-year-old resident of Sammamish, Washington, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, conspiracy to acquire or obtain possession of a controlled substance by deception, and acquiring or obtaining possession of a controlled substance by deception. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, OAKLEY faces 20 years in prison, $1,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. PACER Case Reference. 15-21
- VERA OAKLEY, a 64-year-old resident of Sammamish, Washington, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, conspiracy to acquire or obtain possession of a controlled substance by deception, and acquiring or obtaining possession of a controlled substance by deception. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, OAKLEY faces 20 years in prison, $1,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. PACER Case Reference. 15-21
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on October 6, 2015 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- LORALEE WAXCHA RED DOG, a 21-year-old resident of Poplar, appeared on charges of bank employee fraud, aggravated identity theft and theft from tribal express. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, RED DOG faces 30 years in prison, $1,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 15-53
- CASSIDY WINTERS, a 28-year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of distribution and receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, WINTERS faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 15-58
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
In-home Caretaker Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than $80,000 from her Client’s EstateRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – An in-home caretaker has pled guilty to bank fraud and conspiring to commit mail fraud in a scheme that defrauded a deceased woman’s estate of more than $80,000. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the plea today.
According to the indictment, Shirley Hardaway, 59, of Memphis, was the owner and operator of Companion Plus, an in-home health and respite care provider to sick, disabled, and elderly people. Hardaway served as the daily in-home caretaker of the deceased victim for approximately four-to-five years, according to information presented in court. The home services ceased when the victim died in September 2009 at the age of 91. The deceased victim left behind more than $80,000 in two investment accounts at Franklin Templeton Investments, an investment managing company headquartered in California.
Nearly two years after the victim’s death, in June 2011, Hardaway mailed fraudulent change of address requests to Franklin Templeton on the decedent’s investment accounts, changing the address used for future correspondence between the parties to Hardaway’s address.
Hardaway and a co-conspirator then opened a fraudulent bank account online in the decedent’s name at Bank of America. The victim’s name, social security account number, and address were used to open the account.
After the Bank of America account was activated, Hardaway and her co-conspirator mailed several fraudulent documents to Franklin Templeton in the decedent’s name requesting that the company liquidate the victim’s two investment accounts and transfer the money within them to the fraudulently opened bank account. Upon receiving the request to liquidate both of the deceased victim’s accounts, Franklin Templeton
electronically transferred more than $80,000 to the bank account. Hardaway then transferred the money to her personal Bank of America savings account and withdrew it all via cashier’s check.
On Thursday, October 8th, 2015, Hardaway pled guilty to bank fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
The plea included a criminal forfeiture provision in the amount of money stolen from the decedent’s investment accounts: $80,423.67.
Hardaway faces up to 30 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1 million on the bank fraud charge. She faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 on the conspiracy to commit mail fraud charge.
Hardaway is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Jon Phipps McCalla on January 6th, 2016.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leetra Harris is prosecuting the case on the government’s behalf.
Hyattsville Man Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Bruno Rodriguez, age 35, formerly of Hyattsville, Maryland pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States and money laundering.
The plea agreement was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
According to his plea agreement and court documents, from November 2011 to May 2012, Rodriguez helped to file fraudulent tax returns using the stolen identities of Puerto Rican residents. A co-conspirator who lived in Puerto Rico emailed Rodriguez the names, dates of births and social security numbers of Puerto Rican residents. The emails appeared to be grouped by families and included minor children. Rodriguez agreed to share a portion of the tax refunds with the co-conspirator.
Rodriguez gave the emails to his wife, Jennifer Rodriguez, who owned Latin Multi Services, a tax preparation service located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Jennifer Rodriguez used the stolen identifying information to prepare tax returns that falsely listed the taxpayers as residents of Maryland and included fabricated income figures and deductions.
All of the returns requested refunds and listed bank accounts controlled by Rodriguez and his wife as the recipient bank account for the refunds. The fraudulent returns were electronically deposited into the bank accounts.
Over the course of the scheme, Bruno Rodriguez caused to be filed 291 false tax returns with the IRS, which resulted in the IRS paying $983,382 in refunds. Rodriguez has agreed to the entry of an order to pay restitution of $983,382.
Bruno Rodriguez faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States and 20 years in prison for money laundering. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz scheduled sentencing for January 5, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.
Jennifer Rodriguez, age 41, of Hyattsville, Maryland previously pleaded guilty to the fraud conspiracy. She was sentenced to a year and a day in prison, and an order was entered that she pay restitution of $983,382.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the IRS – Criminal Investigation for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan E. Foreman, who is prosecuting the case.
Husband and Wife Indicted for Income Tax Evasion and Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
DENVER – Daryl F. Yurek, age 60, and Wendy M. Yurek, age of 60, both of Littleton, Colorado were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in Denver on October 7, 2015 for income tax evasion and bankruptcy fraud, announced United States Attorney John Walsh and IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven Osborne. The Yureks, husband and wife, had their initial appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Tafoya. The Yureks were remanded, and a detention hearing was set for October 13, 2015.
From 1999 through 2012 Daryl Yurek was a partner in Bolder Venture Partners, and Wendy Yurek was a partner from 2008 through 2012. Daryl Yurek acted as a consultant to start-up and growing companies and provided a variety of services, including temporary management and fundraising. Daryl Yurek also exerted significant control over other companies, including ID Watchdog, and Veracity Credit Consultants.
According to the information contained in the Indictment, Daryl and Wendy Yurek reported taxes due and owing for tax years 1999 and 2004 of $624,127 and $53,978, respectively. In 2006, the Yureks attempted to settle this tax obligation with the IRS for $75,000 through an Offer in Compromise in which the Yureks claimed to have insufficient funds to pay the full amount owed. Later, in September 2010, the Yureks filed with the United States Bankruptcy Court in the District of Colorado a Voluntary Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition. During the bankruptcy proceeding, Daryl Yurek testified that their primary reason for pursuing bankruptcy was "the $1.2 million that the IRS wants."
According to information contained in the Indictment, during the time that the Yureks claimed to have insufficient money to pay the owed taxes, the Yureks caused Veracity Credit Consultants and Bolder Venture Partners to pay for substantial personal expenses for the Yureks. In March 2006, the Yureks purchased a loft in downtown Denver for $1.3M in the name of one of their sons. Between 2006 and 2011, Veracity Credit Consultants made mortgage payments on that downtown loft, which was the Yureks’ personal residence, totaling approximately $ 528,635. Bolder Venture Partners paid Condo Association Fees on the loft totaling approximately $43,866. Between 2006 and 2010, Veracity Credit Consultants made rental payments totaling approximately $115,719 for a vacation house in Tabernash, Colorado, which was used by the Yureks. Between 2007 and 2013, Veracity Credit Consultants also made payments totaling approximately $116,009 to the Pinehurst Country Club for Daryl Yurek’s membership dues and other expenses associated with the membership.
According to the indictment, the Yureks also committed numerous affirmative acts of evasion, including submitting to the IRS false and misleading statements on Forms 433-A, IRS Collection Information Statement for Wage Earners and Self-Employed Individuals. In 2008 and 2009, Daryl Yurek also transferred shares that he held in ID Watchdog to Veracity Credit Consultants and to his sons while falsely claiming to the IRS that he had not made any transfers for less than full value.
Daryl Yurek was charged with one count of tax evasion, one count of bankruptcy fraud, one count of making a false oath in connection with bankruptcy, and two counts of subscribing to a false document. Wendy Yurek was charged with one count of tax evasion and one count of bankruptcy fraud. Subscribing to a false document carries a penalty of not more than 3 year in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The other charges each carry a penalty of not more than 5 year in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pegeen Rhyne.
The charges contained in the Indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Hooksett Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – Rosaire R. Gauthier, 39, of Hooksett, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire to being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and 15 counts of distribution of a controlled substance announced Acting United States Attorney Donald Feith. Under the terms of the plea agreement with the United States, Gauthier agreed to a sentencing range of 108 months to 168 months and to forfeit $18,190 in cash.
Information provided to the court during the change of plea hearing established that from April 16, 2011 through February 1, 2012, Gauthier distributed oxycodone and, in some instances, oxycodone and cocaine during controlled purchases conducted by the Manchester Police Department. In total Gauthier delivered 575 oxycodone pills and 5.92 grams of cocaine. Gauthier was indicted on 15 counts of distribution of a controlled substance on April 16, 2014.
On August 25, 2014, the United States Marshal’s Service (USMS) executed an arrest warrant for Gauthier at his residence located in Hooksett, New Hampshire. During the execution of the warrant the United States Marshals observed firearms in plain view, including a silver double-barrel shotgun and a Derringer pistol. Officers with the Hooksett Police Department then applied for and were granted a search warrant for the defendant’s residence where they recovered a North American Arms, Model NAA22, .22 caliber revolver, an E.R. Amantino, Stoeger Coach Gun, 12 Gauge Shotgun, a Sig Sauer, Model P938, 9mm caliber pistol, a Charter Arms Shelton, CT, Model Bull Dog, .44 caliber revolver, and a Feather Industries, Model AT22, .22 caliber rifle, ammunition, body armor, prescription drugs, approximately 20 grams of marijuana, approximately 65 grams of cocaine and $18,190.00. Gauthier was subsequently charged with the firearms and possession with intent to distribute offenses.
Gauthier was previously convicted of possession with intent to sell a controlled drug, a crime punishable by more than one (1) year imprisonment, thus making Gauthier a person prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Gauthier faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. Gauthier is scheduled to be sentenced on January 28, 2016. He was detained pending sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Hooksett Police Department, Manchester Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the United States Marshal’s Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.
Henrico Man Sentenced to More Than 24 Years for Sexually Abusing Young BoysRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – Noland Anthony Harper, 61, of Henrico County, was sentenced today to 292 months in prison for engaging in a child exploitation enterprise that included sexually abusing young boys as young as 11-years old. Following his prison term, Harper will be required to register as a sex offender in any U.S. jurisdiction in which he lives, works, or attends school.
Harper pleaded guilty on July 16, 2015. According to court documents, Harper conspired with three other men to sexually abuse three juvenile victims, photograph the abuse, and then distribute the photos to other individuals over the Internet. Harper helped set up the websites the enterprise used to market and distribute pornographic images of children, and was the enterprise’s principal financier. In 2014, Harper traveled from Richmond to Desert Hot Springs, California, on three separate occasions. During his trips to California, Harper regularly met up with the three minor boys, all of whom were under 16-years-old, including two boys who were 11-years-old. Harper would sexually abuse the boys, both at the home of a co-conspirator and during multi-day road trips to, among other places, the beach and Disneyland. Harper and his co-conspirators recruited the young boys, giving them gifts and cash if the boys agreed to pose for explicit photo shoots. Harper would subsequently upload the sexually explicit images to his computer and online storage accounts, and sent other images to a co-conspirator for use on the enterprise’s website. Harper also distributed child pornography from his Henrico residence to willing recipients.
Harper’s alleged co-conspirators are currently facing state charges in California and federal charges in Nevada, respectively.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Mark Herring, Attorney General of Virginia; and Adam S. Lee, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck. The case was investigated by the FBI as part of the FBI’s Innocent Images Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Aber and Thomas A. Garnett, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel E. Fishel of the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted 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. 3:15cr36.
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Habitual Motorhome Thief, Ronald Bruce Myers, Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles announced today that Ronald Bruce Myers, who is 56 years old, was sentenced to thirty years in prison for his leading role in stealing eight different motor homes across the United States as part of an extensive criminal conspiracy uncovered by the FBI. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell also ordered Myers to pay over $2M in restitution. Myers has four prior federal felony convictions for transporting stolen motor homes. He began his latest crime spree almost immediately after being released from a Kentucky prison on yet another charge. The Judge found that defendant Myers caused just over $2.9 million dollars’ worth of losses to the victim businesses, private citizens and insurance companies.
In April of this year, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts against Myers who was accused of conspiring with others to steal, transport, and sell motorhomes throughout the United States, including the theft of three motor homes from businesses in Western Michigan. The jury also convicted Myers of transporting the stolen motorhomes out of Michigan. Myers stole a Country Coach motor home from Holland Bus and Motor Homes on March 28, 2012. Myers returned to Michigan in early May 2012, at which time he stole two more motor homes from Midway RV Center of Kentwood. The defendant also stole two motor homes in Alabama, one in Missouri, one in North Carolina, and one in Florida.
The jury also convicted Myers of three counts related to money laundering. The evidence at trial showed that Myers used a series of aliases to obtain false title documents, open bank accounts and to forward mail as part of his criminal scheme. The defendant moved hundreds of thousands of dollars through the bank accounts opened under false names and/or using purported corporations. IRS records showed that the defendant, and his corporations, did not file tax returns from 2008 to 2012. Myers had already been convicted in four previous federal prosecutions involving stolen vehicles.
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Fort Thompson Sentenced for Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Felon in Possession of Firearm was sentenced on October 7, 2015, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Christopher Allen Harrison, age 40, was sentenced to 46 months in custody, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Harrison was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 12, 2015. He pled guilty on June 23, 2015.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on April 26, 2015, when officers from the Bureau of Indian Affairs received a call advising them that Harrison was at a home in Fort Thompson, and he needed to be removed. An officer responded, and as he pulled up to the home, Harrison was on the porch and fired shots from a shotgun into the air. Backup was called and when they arrived, Harrison was sitting on the porch with the shotgun pointed at himself, and his family members were begging him to cooperate.
Multiple officers responded and attempted to get Harrison to put down the gun. He ignored the officers and went in and out of the house with the shotgun. After a standoff with the officers, Harrison finally threw the shotgun out of the residence and was taken into custody.
Harrison was convicted of a federal offense in the United States District Court, District of South Dakota in 1998, and consequently Harrison is a prohibited person and may not lawfully possess any firearms.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Office of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Harrison was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Former School Employee Sentenced for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that Daniel Alan Brown, 34, of Anchorage, Alaska, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Sharon L. Gleason to 15 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime period of supervised release, for distribution of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2).
According to court documents and arguments made during today’s sentencing hearing, starting in 2006, the defendant began working as a substitute teacher for the Anchorage School District. In 2010, the defendant started working as a teacher’s assistant at Huffman Elementary.
After purchasing a computer in 2005 and starting work in the schools in 2006, the defendant began collecting images of child pornography online. In July 2014, the defendant began trading images with an undercover police detective in New Zealand. Based on a lead from the New Zealand Police Department, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s residence in November 2014.
The defendant’s computer was seized and searched. Located on the computer were more than 40,000 images and videos of child pornography. Many of these images and videos showed prepubescent males being sexually abused. Also located on the defendant’s computer were non-pornographic images of Anchorage-area children that he had recovered from various sources, to include publicly-available Facebook posts. In some instances, the defendant used these non-pornographic images as an avatar for file-sharing accounts through which he traded child pornography. At other times, the defendant posted these non-pornographic photographs on the file-sharing site and sought comments about the images from other traders of child pornography. These comments frequently included graphic descriptions of various sexual acts the defendant and others sought to perform on the children depicted in the pictures.
At sentencing, Judge Gleason read and considered victim impact statements from some of the children depicted in the pornographic images traded by the defendant. According to one victim, the defendant’s trading of his images continued the victim’s “shame…by spreading the pictures and videos [of his abuse] to hundreds of thousands of people on the internet.” Another victim wrote “[i]f you are looking at me, or any other child for that matter, then you are hurting every one that you look at. Anyone who looks at those horrible pictures of me or other children are abusing us.”
Parents of some of the children depicted in the non-pornographic images possessed by the defendant also spoke to the court prior to sentencing. In those statements, victims addressed the impact the defendant’s conduct had on the minors shown in the photographs and their families, as well as the school at which he worked. According to one mother, their life “has been irrevocably changed because [the defendant] used his position to do things to children.” Other parents wrote about how they “failed” their children because they were unable to protect them from the defendant, and that the impact of the defendant’s violation of their trust is that they “question everyone’s motives…don’t relax…and live in a tense world wondering who else wants to bring harm to [their] children.” According to the school’s former principal, the defendant’s crimes and its impact on the school and local community were the most “emotional, personal, and devastating” thing he had experienced in nearly 30 years in public education.
Judge Gleason based her sentence on numerous factors, including the nature and circumstances of the defendant’s conduct and the defendant’s history and characteristics. Judge Gleason noted the emotional statements provided by the local parents, and reminded the defendant that the “horror in the lives of the victims of the [child pornographic] images the defendant possessed” was many times worse. Judge Gleason also remarked on the statement the defendant made to the court and his victims, noting that he focused almost the entirety of his statement on himself. Judge Gleason found the defendant to be someone “very self-absorbed and focused on his [own] satisfaction.” “[T]o gain gratification looking at pictures of children being tortured is not the type of thing someone with compassion and empathy would have,” said Judge Gleason.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the FBI, the New Zealand Police Department, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov, or contact the District of Alaska’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator at (907) 271-5071.
Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today on a charge of deprivation of civil rights, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Norman L. Howard, 42, of Grindstone, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
On or about May 26, 2013, Howard, the former Officer in Charge of the Redstone Township Police Department, willfully deprived an individual identified as D.N. by punching D.N. in the face, without justification.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Jan. 22, 2016. The law provides for a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a fine of $100,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
Former JabberBlabber Employee Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Publication of More Than $70,000Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A former employee of JabberBlabber, Inc. a Memphis-based children’s magazine, has pled guilty to defrauding the publication of more than $70,000. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the plea today.
According to information presented in court, Katrina Sears, 32, of Horn Lake, MS, worked as an accounts receivable clerk for JabberBlabber between February 2008 and February 2014. Over the six-year period, her duties included managing both the publication’s receivable and payable accounts as well as performing routine clerical duties.
Sears had authorization to receive and open letters delivered to JabberBlabber; checks were enclosed in many of the letters. Sears was required to record the payments into the magazine’s QuickBooks accounting software program and subsequently provide them to designated staff members for deposit. Sears was not authorized to conduct any banking transactions on JabberBlabber’s behalf including deposits and withdrawals, according to information presented in court.
Between December 2010 and February 2014, Sears embezzled more than 150 letters containing checks made payable to JabberBlabber. According to court information, Sears reportedly forged the payee line on the checks and deposited the money into her personal Bank of America account. Sears would then delete or edit the corresponding invoice from the QuickBooks accounting software.
According to court information, a review of JabberBlabber’s accounting records by the United States Postal Inspection Service showed that approximately 160 invoices had been deleted or edited from the software. Furthermore, a review of Sears’ bank records
revealed she had deposited more than $70,000 worth of checks initially made payable to JabberBlabber.
On Thursday, October 8th, 2015, Sears pled guilty to one count of obstruction of correspondence.
Sears faces up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
She’s scheduled to be sentenced by Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. on January 8th, 2016.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leetra Harris is prosecuting the case on the government’s behalf.
Former Georgia Doctor Admits to Unlawfully Prescribing Pain Medication to Thousands of KentuckiansRead the Press Release
LONDON — A former Georgia physician has admitted in federal court that he conspired with the owner of a Georgia pain clinic, and others, to unlawfully distribute thousands of prescription pills to Kentuckians.
On Thursday, Michael Johnston, 58, pleaded guilty, before U.S. District Judge Amul Thapar, to conspiring to unlawfully distribute oxycodone. Pursuant to his plea agreement, which is still awaiting the Court’s approval, Johnston agreed to serve 10 years in prison, beginning on the date of his formal sentencing, January 12, 2016. Under federal law, he must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence.
Johnston admitted that, from May 2011 until November 2011, he conspired with Joel Shumrak, the owner of a Tucker, Ga., pain clinic, and others, to illegally distribute large quantities of oxycodone and Xanax to residents of numerous Kentucky counties, including Clay, Laurel, Rockcastle, Pulaski, Floyd, Knox, Bell, Pike, Jefferson, Whitley, Madison, Montgomery, Fayette, and Magoffin counties. Johnston further admitted that he ignored the fact that these Kentuckians were addicts and were likely selling the drugs for profit upon their return to Kentucky.
Johnston, who had previously practiced as a pediatrician, acknowledged that he had no formal training or experience in prescribing adult pain medication, prior to being hired by Shumrak. According to Johnson’s plea agreement, many of the patients were seen by non-physicians, who then recommended prescriptions, allowing the clinic to increase the number of patients that could be seen in a day.
Johnson also admitted that he provided little or no physical examination to many of these patients, before providing the prescriptions; he made no referrals for surgery or other medical exams; and he was encouraged to see as many patients, per day, as possible.
Court records also show that Shumrak’s clinic did not even accept medical insurance, operating on a cash-only basis. Shumrak has also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment earlier this year.
Kerry B. Harvey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Joseph Reagan, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Detroit Field Division; A.D. Wright, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Miami Field Division; and Daniel Salter, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Atlanta Field Division, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA in Kentucky, Georgia, Florida and Ohio. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Dotson prosecuted this case on behalf of the federal government.
Former Comptroller of Albuquerque Construction Company Sentenced to Prison for Federal Fraud and Identity Theft ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez and Special Agent in Charge Waldemar Rodriguez of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in El Paso, Texas, announced today that Stephanie Pyle, 40, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced for her conviction on fraud and aggravated identity theft charges.
Pyle was sentenced to 30 months in prison for her conviction on the fraud charge and 24 months in prison for her conviction on an aggravated identity theft charge. Because the sentence on the identity theft charge must be served consecutive to the sentence on the fraud charge, Pyle was sentenced to a total of 54 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Pyle was also ordered to pay $2,409,901.00 in restitution to the victims of her criminal conduct.
Pyle was charged on Feb. 10, 2015, in a 12-count indictment alleging that between Jan. 2010 and May 2014, Pyle used credit cards and account numbers in her employer’s name without authorization and with the intent to defraud her employer. Counts 1 through 6 of the indictment charged Pyle with defrauding her employer of approximately $1,531,124.00 during a five-year period. Counts 6 through 12 of the indictment charged Pyle with using the identity of another person to commit the fraudulent acts charged in Counts 1 through 6. At the time of the offenses charged in the indictment, Pyle was employed as the comptroller for the Albuquerque-based construction company that was the victim of Pyle’s criminal conduct.
On May 19, 2015, Pyle pled guilty to Counts 1 and 7 of the indictment. In her plea agreement, Pyle admitted that while working as the comptroller for the company that was the victim of her criminal conduct, she obtained a credit card in her name that was linked to a credit card account in the name of one of the co-owners of the company. Pyle changed the address on the account to reflect her home address so that her employer would not see the statements of expenditures made on the credit card. Using her position as comptroller, Pyle arranged for the company to pay off the credit card balances on a frequent basis. Pyle admitted making thousands of personal charges and purchases on the credit card that she was not authorized to make. She also admitted using the name and credit card account of her employer without authorization to facilitate her criminal conduct.
The case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of HSI and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Peña.
Former Arrow Trucking Executive Sentenced in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Dallas resident and former chief executive officer and president of Arrow Trucking Company was sentenced today to serve seven and one-half years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States, bank fraud and tax evasion, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U. S. Attorney Danny C. Williams Sr. of the Northern District of Oklahoma.
“Corporate officers who willfully fail to report and pay over employment taxes and use that money for their own benefit are violating their obligations to their employees and the United States, stealing from the U.S. Treasury, and giving their companies an unfair advantage over competitors that comply with the law,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “Today’s sentence is a warning to those individuals who refuse to carry out their fiduciary duties that the United States will investigate them, prosecute them, and seek lengthy prison sentences for their crimes.”
“Today’s sentencing reflects the Northern District’s strong commitment to ensuring that justice is served,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Along with our law enforcement partners we will aggressively pursue financial crimes. Mr. Pielsticker conspired to defraud millions of dollars in part for his personal benefit including a wedding and Bentley and Maserati automobiles.”
James Douglas Pielsticker, 47, formerly of Tulsa, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a two‑count superseding information charging him with one count of a dual-object conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit bank fraud and one count of willfully attempting to evade his individual income taxes for the year 2009. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Gregory K. Frizzell of the Northern District of Oklahoma also sentenced Pielsticker to serve three years of supervised release following his 90 month prison term and ordered him to pay $21,026,682.03 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Transportation Alliance Bank (TAB).
According to the plea agreement and other court records, in 2009, Pielsticker and others conspired to defraud the United States by failing to account for and pay federal withholding taxes on behalf of Arrow Trucking Company and by making payments to Pielsticker outside the payroll system. Pielsticker and others withheld Arrow Trucking Company employees’ federal income tax withholdings, Medicare and social security taxes, but did not report or pay over these taxes to the IRS, despite knowing they had a duty to do so.
The conspirators paid for Pielsticker’s personal expenses with money from Arrow Trucking Company and submitted fraudulent invoices to TAB to induce the bank to pay funds to Arrow Trucking Company that were not warranted. In total, the conspiracy caused a loss to the United States totaling more than $9.562 million.
Pielsticker also tried to evade his and his wife’s 2009 income taxes by causing Arrow Trucking Company to pay personal expenses on his behalf, causing his employer to underreport his wages and other compensation on his W-2 form, and by preparing a fraudulent draft joint 2009 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to corporate executives, officers, and business owners, that employment tax violations are a serious matter and will be vigorously pursued,” said Chief Richard Weber of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI). “Mr. Pielsticker and his co-conspirators had a duty to pay more than $9 million in taxes withheld from Arrow Trucking employees yet they intentionally failed to do so. IRS CI will aggressively pursue employment tax cases as these crimes not only hurt the government and local economy, they also hurt the employees and can have adverse effects on future social security or Medicare benefits.”
“Mr. Pielsticker abdicated his responsibility as the CEO of Arrow Trucking, and concocted a fraudulent scheme to mask his illegal activities,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott Cruse of the FBI. “In doing so Pielsticker chose his own personal extravagances over the needs of his employees, which ultimately led to Arrow Trucking closing its doors during the Christmas holidays, a time when all of us count on our paychecks the most. Today’s sentencing and monetary judgment is a reminder the FBI will pursue all criminals to the fullest extent of the law.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Williams commended the special agents of the IRS-CI and FBI, who investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Gallant and Catherine Depew of the Northern District of Oklahoma and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Trial Attorney of the Tax Division Charles A. O’Reilly, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Former Arrow Trucking Executive Sentenced in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla.– A Dallas resident and former chief executive officer and president of Arrow Trucking Company was sentenced today to serve seven and one-half years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States, bank fraud and tax evasion, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; U. S. Attorney Danny C. Williams Sr. of the Northern District of Oklahoma; Chief Richard Weber of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Dallas Division Office; and Special Agent in Charge Scott L. Cruse of the FBI’s Oklahoma City Division Office.
“Corporate officers who willfully fail to report and pay over employment taxes and use that money for their own benefit are violating their obligations to their employees and the United States, stealing from the U.S. Treasury, and giving their companies an unfair advantage over competitors that comply with the law,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “Today’s sentence is a warning to those individuals who refuse to carry out their fiduciary duties that the United States will investigate them, prosecute them, and seek lengthy prison sentences for their crimes.”
“Today’s sentencing reflects the Northern District’s strong commitment to ensuring that justice is served,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Along with our law enforcement partners we will aggressively pursue financial crimes. Mr. Pielsticker conspired to defraud millions of dollars in part for his personal benefit including a wedding and Bentley and Maserati automobiles.”
James Douglas Pielsticker, 47, formerly of Tulsa, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a two‑count superseding information charging him with one count of a dual-object conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit bank fraud and one count of willfully attempting to evade his individual income taxes for the year 2009. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Gregory K. Frizzell of the Northern District of Oklahoma also sentenced Pielsticker to serve three years of supervised release following his 90 month prison term and ordered him to pay $21,026,682.03 in restitution to the IRS and the Transportation Alliance Bank (TAB).
According to the plea agreement and other court records, in 2009, Pielsticker and others conspired to defraud the United States by failing to account for and pay federal withholding taxes on behalf of Arrow Trucking Company and by making payments to Pielsticker outside the payroll system. Pielsticker and others withheld Arrow Trucking Company employees’ federal income tax withholdings, Medicare and social security taxes, but did not report or pay over these taxes to the IRS, despite knowing they had a duty to do so.
The conspirators paid for Pielsticker’s personal expenses with money from Arrow Trucking Company and submitted fraudulent invoices to TAB to induce the bank to pay funds to Arrow Trucking Company that were not warranted. In total, the conspiracy caused a loss to the United States totaling more than $9.562 million.
Pielsticker also tried to evade his and his wife’s 2009 income taxes by causing Arrow Trucking Company to pay personal expenses on his behalf, causing his employer to underreport his wages and other compensation on his W-2 form, and by preparing a fraudulent draft joint 2009 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to corporate executives, officers, and business owners, that employment tax violations are a serious matter and will be vigorously pursued,” said IRS-CI Chief Weber. “Mr. Pielsticker and his co-conspirators had a duty to pay more than $9 million in taxes withheld from Arrow Trucking employees yet they intentionally failed to do so. IRS-CI will aggressively pursue employment tax cases as these crimes not only hurt the government and local economy, they also hurt the employees and can have adverse effects on future social security or Medicare benefits.”
“Mr. Pielsticker abdicated his responsibility as the CEO of Arrow Trucking, and concocted a fraudulent scheme to mask his illegal activities,” said FBI SAC Cruse. “In doing so Pielsticker chose his own personal extravagances over the needs of his employees, which ultimately led to Arrow Trucking closing its doors during the Christmas holidays, a time when all of us count on our paychecks the most. Today’s sentencing and monetary judgment is a reminder the FBI will pursue all criminals to the fullest extent of the law.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Williams commended the special agents of the IRS-CI and FBI, who investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Gallant and Catherine Depew of the Northern District of Oklahoma and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Trial Attorney of the Tax Division Charles A. O’Reilly, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
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Florida CPA Indicted for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man was charged in U.S. District Court in Boston and arrested today in Miami in connection with failing to report more than $800,000 in income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Greg Takesian, 52, of Miami, Fla., was indicted on Oct. 7, 2015, on four counts of filing false tax returns and arrested today in Miami. Takesian was ordered to report to Boston to face these charges during an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Miami this afternoon.
According to the indictment, from 2008 to 2011, Takesian failed to report more than $800,000 of income and owes more than $200,000 in income taxes to the IRS. Takesian, a certified public accountant (CPA), worked for Takesian & Company, a tax consulting firm owned by his father. Although Takesian ran the day-to-day business of Takesian & Company, he did not have an ownership stake. Between 2008 and 2011, Takesian & Company received more than $1 million for tax and consulting services from At Home VNA, a home health company located in Waltham.
In accordance with his duties, Takesian had check-writing authority, and took out several Takesian & Company credit cards in his name. During that time period, however, Takesian used several hundred thousand dollars of Takesian & Company funds for his personal use, without reporting this income on his tax disclosures. Furthermore, Takesian gave his wife more than $500,000 and another woman $200,000 of Takesian & Company funds through checks and cash deposits. Takesian allowed his wife and others to use Takesian & Company credit cards to make more than $50,000 of purchases for non-business expenses, such as cruises, jewelry, intimate women’s apparel, makeup, iTunes, and Home Shopping Network purchases. Takesian used Takesian & Company funds to pay the rent on his personal residence, but did not report any of this income on his tax returns.
Takesian also allegedly failed to file tax returns for Takesian & Company between 2008 and 2011. While his father reported some Takesian & Company earnings on his personal tax returns, the figures he reported were based on information provided by Takesian, which represented a fraction of Takesian & Company’s actual income.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than three years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $100,000 on each count. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David S. Schumacher of Ortiz’s Health Care Fraud Unit.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Federal Jury Convicts Garrett County Attorney in Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury convicted Angela M. Blythe, age 51, of Oakland, Maryland, today of conspiring to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and two counts of making a false statement to a bank.
The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Blythe was an attorney licensed to practice in Maryland and West Virginia, with an office in Oakland, Maryland. She was a settlement attorney in real estate transactions.
According to evidence presented at the nine day trial, from 2000 to 2006, Blythe prepared deeds, mortgages and notes using false identities provided by her co-conspirator. Blythe recorded those fraudulent documents in Garrett County, Maryland and Preston County, West Virginia, which concealed her co-conspirator’s ownership of the properties. On at least seven occasions, Blythe also conducted property settlements in which her co-conspirator participated as buyer, seller and/or borrower using the false identities, which Blythe concealed from the lenders. Blythe failed to conduct the settlement transactions as described on the settlement statements and paid over the seller’s proceeds as her co-conspirator directed.
For example, in April 2004, Blythe transferred ownership of a restaurant/bed and breakfast which bordered on Deep Creek Lake for $0 consideration from her co-conspirator to a fictitious church trustee and church. Louis Strosnider subsequently applied for a mortgage loan of $2,250,000 to purchase the property. Blythe prepared a fraudulent settlement statement which stated that the bank was lending $1,725,000; the remainder of the purchase price was made up of a fictitious $750,000 down payment and $341,379.94 which Blythe was to collect from Strosnider at the settlement. According to the fraudulent settlement statement, Blythe was to pay a purported mortgage company $1,972,427.82 from the proceeds. At the closing in October 2004, Blythe failed to collect Strosnider’s funds as described in the settlement statement. In addition, she distributed the proceeds of the sale not to the fictitious trustee and church, but to her co-conspirator.
The government seeks the forfeiture of $1,725,000, the proceeds of the scheme to defraud the lenders.
Blythe faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for conspiracy and bank fraud; and 30 years in prison for each of two counts of making a false statement to a bank. U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles has scheduled sentencing for December 14, 2015.
In a related case, Louis W. Strosnider, III, age 49, of Oakland, and Samuel R. VanSickle, a/k/a “Donald Blunt,” “Jacob Aiken,” “Allen Helms,” “Paul Walsh,” and “William Hall, Attorney,” age 51, of Accident, Maryland, were previously indicted on conspiracy and bank fraud charges. Strosnider previously pleaded guilty to his participation in the conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing. VanSickle has pleaded not guilty. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Joyce K. McDonald and Philip A. Selden, who are prosecuting the case.
Edmond Man Pretending to be Employee of CIA and the Department of Homeland Security Arrested at Edmond High SchoolRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Today, a federal complaint was filed charging RICHARD TODD CARSINS, 46, of Edmond, Oklahoma, with pretending to be an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in seeking to gain access to the property of Edmond North High School, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
Earlier this morning, Carsins arrived on the campus of Edmond North High School and represented himself to school administrative personnel that he was an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Homeland Security and was tasked with patrolling the campus. After questioning, school personnel became suspicious about his claim, and contacted law enforcement. The Edmond Police Department and members of the Oklahoma City FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) responded. Following an investigation, Carsins was arrested for impersonating a federal officer.
Carsins appeared this afternoon in federal court and was ordered to remain in custody until his preliminary and detention hearing, which is set for 10:00a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2015.
If convicted, Carsins faces up to three years in prison. Reference is made to the court record for further information. The public is reminded this is simply a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Edmond Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Patterson.
Douglas Residents Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
WAYCROSS, GA - Don Edward Adams, Jr. aka L’il Don, 30, and Ashleigh Brooke Johnson, 28, both from Douglas, Georgia, were indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with conspiring to traffic oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. Both defendants appeared for their arraignments on Tuesday before United States Magistrate Judge R. Stan Baker in the federal courthouse in Waycross, Georgia. On Wednesday, Judge Baker ordered the pair detained pending a trial or other disposition.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. United States Attorney Ed Tarver emphasized that the indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The charges resulted from a joint investigation conducted by the DEA, GBI, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Charlie Bourne is prosecuting the case. For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.