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23 July 2015
Eight sentenced in Southern Indiana methamphetamine trafficking caseRead the Press Release
Evansville – Josh J. Minkler, the United States Attorney, announced today the sentencing in United States District Court of the last defendant in a federal methamphetamine trafficking investigation. William H. Elder, 74, Evansville, was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for his role in the drug conspiracy. Seven other co-defendants, including William Elder’s son, Mathew Elder, were also recently sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Richard L. Young.
“The Elders, made a living selling methamphetamine in the Evansville area,” said Minkler. “Both will spend the remainder of their life in federal prison with no possibility of parole. Others in Evansville who are thinking of distributing narcotics should think again.”
In April, 2015, both Elders were found guilty in federal court of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Testimony at trial determined the Elders were responsible for bringing over 50 pounds of methamphetamine to the Evansville area over a six month period. The meth was then redistributed by others in the conspiracy. Both Elders have significant criminal histories which include narcotic-related convictions. In total eight individuals have been sentenced. Others include:
- EVERETT TARR, 59, Evansville, sentenced on June 24, 2015 to 216 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
- Terry Ward, 64, New Harmony, Indiana, sentenced on April 20, 2015, to l20 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
- Michael Clark, 56, Evansville, sentenced on July 22, 2015 to time served, followed by three years of supervised release.
- Brenda Deer, 49, Evansville, sentenced on April 21, 2015, to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
- Lauri Cupp, 48, Evansville, sentenced on March 3l,2014, to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release
- Michael Curinga, Jr., 44, Phoenix, Arizona, sentenced on December 9,2014 to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release
- Matthew Elder, 44, Litchfield Park, Arizona, found guilty at trial on April 1, 2015, sentenced on July 1, 2015 to life imprisonment, followed by ten years of supervised release.
The case resulted from a 2012-2013 investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Evansville Vanderburgh County Joint Task Force, Posey County Sheriff=s Department, Texas Drug Enforcement Administration, and Texas Department of Public Safety into the distribution of methamphetamine from Arizona into southwestern Indiana.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren M. Wheatley who prosecuted the case for the government, during the period of supervised release, all individuals must submit to drug testing.
East St. Louis Man Indicted for Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today, that a federal Grand Jury returned a four-count indictment charging a local man with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a child and three counts of child sex trafficking.
Michael Johnson, also known as "Daddy Tru," and "Tru," 38, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a child by force, fraud, and coercion, and on three counts of sex trafficking of a child by force, fraud, and coercion.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Division, and members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, Fairview Heights. Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
Disbarred Attorney Convicted for Scheme to Defraud Clients of More Than $750,000Read the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal jury today convicted former attorney Saundra Lucille White, a/k/a Lucille Parrish-White and six variations of those names, age 57, of Lothian, Maryland, on charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to defraud clients of at least $750,000.
The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Robert Geary of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; and Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to the evidence presented at White’s seven day trial, in March 2010, White agreed to assist Victim H to obtain guardianship for a relative (Victim M) who had been incapacitated by a stroke. At White’s request Victim H provided White with an accounting of Victim M’s assets. With White’s assistance, Victim H obtained guardianship of Victim M a short time later. Victim M died on January 7, 2011. White was disbarred from the practice of law in the District of Columbia on January 20, 2011 and disbarred in Maryland on September 9, 2011. White did not inform Victim H of her pending disbarment, nor did she tell Victim H that she was no longer a licensed attorney.
According to trial evidence, from March 2010 through May 2013, White created fraudulent tax notices that purported to be from the Internal Revenue Service, and demanded payment of taxes purportedly owed by Victim M and by a deceased relative of Victim M. The notices required that payments be sent to an entity called Intel Realty Financial Services (IRFS) at a mailbox in Annapolis, Maryland, controlled by White. White then mailed and faxed the fraudulent tax notices to Victim H, advising Victim H that in her role as legal guardian of Victim M, she was required to remit payments for these taxes to the address in the notice. Once White obtained the checks sent by Victim H in response to the fraudulent tax notices, totaling $750,000, she deposited them in the bank accounts she opened in the names of IRFS and Victim M. White withdrew the funds from the bank accounts, forging Victim M’s signature on checks made out to White, other entities controlled by White, a family member, or otherwise for White’s benefit. White also obtained debit cards in Victim M’s name and attempted to obtain a Maryland driver’s license in the name of Victim M, but bearing White’s photograph. White used some of the money to purchase luxury items, including a $20,500 check used as a down payment for a 2011 Silver Volvo C70 hard-top convertible.
White faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each of three counts of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering; and a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled his sentencing for January 25, 2016.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended TIGTA, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James I. Pearce of the U.S. Department of Justice, who are prosecuting the case.
Danbury Man Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for Participating in Armed Home InvasionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROBERT CHERRY, also known as “Rob Base,” 45, of Danbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a violent home invasion robbery of illegal drugs and drug trafficking proceeds.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2013 the Danbury Police Department began investigating a narcotics trafficking network that maintained a series of drug distribution locations, known as trap houses, in Danbury, out of which members of the organization sold crack cocaine. The organization also rented hotel rooms where they packaged and distributed narcotics. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that the individuals who headed the drug trafficking ring had organized and committed armed home invasion robberies of marijuana dealers.
CHERRY participated in a home invasion robbery on February 18, 2013. During the robbery, CHERRY and other masked men forced entry into the residence of a known marijuana dealer. One of CHERRY’s co-defendants struck a male victim in the head with a handgun repeatedly before dropping the gun during a struggle. While they were fighting, CHERRY grabbed a knife from a knife block on the kitchen counter. CHERRY and the other home invaders ultimately fled the residence without taking any property.
Investigators recovered the dropped firearm and found that it was fully loaded. CHERRY was subsequently identified and arrested.
On October 1, 2014, CHERRY pleaded guilty to one count of attempted interference with commerce by robbery.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Danbury Police Department. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Dayton and Vanessa Richards.
D.C. Area Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Drug Distribution and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Anthony Torrell Tatum, age 37, of Arlington, Virginia, today to 27 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin, possession of a gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and money laundering conspiracy. Judge Chasanow previously entered an order requiring Tatum to pay a $108 million money judgment, and a forfeiture order for personal property seized during the investigation, including $328,700 in assorted jewelry, over $1 million in cash or deposited in bank accounts, and a luxury vehicle.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Assistant Director in Charge Andrew G. McCabe of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Washington Field Office; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Chief of Police Robert D. MacLean of the U.S. Park Police; Acting Postal Inspector in Charge David M. McGinnis of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to his plea agreement and court documents, from at least January 2011 through his arrest on September 6, 2013, Tatum conspired with Ishmael Ford-Bey and others to distribute cocaine and heroin in Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C. and Oxon Hill, Maryland.
In late 2010, law enforcement received information that Tatum was the source of supply of cocaine to a cooperating source and that Ford-Bey was providing Tatum and others with kilogram quantities of cocaine. Between April 2011 and January 2012, U.S. Park Police conducted undercover purchases of a total of 308 grams of crack cocaine from co-conspirator Terrin Anderson. Anderson drove a vehicle registered to Ford-Bey to make some of the deliveries.
In May 2013, Tatum rented a storage unit in Fort Washington, Maryland using an alias. A search warrant was executed at the storage unit in August 2013. Law enforcement seized a kilogram of cocaine wrapped in duct tape, 258 grams of cocaine contained in plastic baggies, 195 grams of heroin and an assault rifle with two magazines.
On September 6, 2013, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at an apartment on Campbell Avenue in Arlington, Virginia and seized $7,823 in cash, a fake driver’s license bearing Tatum’s picture, expensive jewelry and clothing. Tatum was present at the location and arrested.
Also that day, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at a storage unit in Temple Hills, Maryland and seized digital scales, heroin, a handgun and ammunition.
On October 1, 2013, a search warrant was executed at the apartment of a co-conspirator that Tatum and Ford-Bey had been identified as visiting. Agents located a safe which contained $823,640 in cash, several expensive watches, and jewelry. In addition, agents recovered scales, three heat sealers, a coffee grinder, a currency counter, and other drug paraphernalia, as well as approximately 350 grams of cocaine. Latent fingerprints recovered from the heat sealers were identified as belonging to Tatum and Ford-Bey.
In an effort to disguise and hide their drug proceeds, Tatum and others created numerous business entities, including 1001 Solutions, Beauty International Supply, Inc. and Going Green Towing, which had little, if any, legitimate business. They set up bank accounts in the names of each business and deposited their drug proceeds into those business accounts. For example, during four months in 2012, Tatum made over $93,000 in cash deposits and $45,000 in money order deposits into one business bank account. In another bank account, between November 2012 and February 2013, Tatum made over $90,100 in cash deposits or payments.
In March 2011, Tatum used drug proceeds to purchase a cashier’s check for $17,000 payable to a BMW dealership to buy a vehicle. In October 2012, again using drug proceeds, Tatum bought a 2013 Volvo car; and in 2011, he bought a Land Rover for $60,013. Tatum also used drug proceeds to buy expensive jewelry.
Four defendants, including Tatum, were convicted federally for their participation in the conspiracy. Co-conspirators Ishmael Ford-Bey, age 40, of Mitchellville, Maryland; Terrin Tamal Anderson, age 29, of Waldorf, Maryland; and David Allen Jones, age 40, of District Heights, Maryland; previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 33 years in prison, 12 years in prison and 45 months in prison, respectively. Judge Chasanow also entered an order requiring Ford-Bey to pay a $108 million money judgment, and a forfeiture order for personal property, including luxury vehicles, jewelry and cash.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the DEA, FBI, Prince George’s County Police Department, U.S. Park Police, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS-CI, ATF and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah A. Johnston and Thomas P. Windom, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Curry County Woman Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Tina Tafoya, 33, of Deming, N.M., was sentenced today in Albuquerque, N.M., to 78 months in prison for her methamphetamine trafficking conviction. Tafoya will be on supervised release for five years after completing her prison sentence.
Tafoya and her three co-defendants, Christopher Jason Kidd, 38, Jeanette Driever, 37, and John Jesse Perez, Jr., 46, all of Clovis, N.M., were indicted in Feb. 2014, on federal methamphetamine trafficking charges. Count 1 of the three-count indictment charged the four defendants with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in Curry County, N.M., between Sept. 2013 and Nov. 2013. Count 2 charged Kidd and Tafoya with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Nov. 6, 2013. Count 3 charged Driever and Perez with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute also on Nov. 6, 2013.
According to court filings, during the course of the conspiracy charged in the indictment, Kidd and Tafoya supplied quantities of methamphetamine to others, including Driever and Perez, who resold the drugs in smaller quantities to users. On Nov. 9, 2013, Kidd and Tafoya supplied a pound of methamphetamine to Driever and Perez. On that day, Kidd and Tafoya possessed another half-pound of methamphetamine at their residence. The methamphetamine was seized later that day pursuant to search warrants.
Tafoya pleaded guilty to participating in a methamphetamine conspiracy on Dec. 17, 2014. Kidd entered a guilty plea on Nov. 17, 2014, and admitted that he conspired with his co-defendants to distribute methamphetamine in Curry County. Kidd was sentenced on June 16, 2015, to 78 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Driever and Perez entered guilty pleas to federal drug trafficking charges on Nov. 20, 2014. Both pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Curry County. Driever and Perez remain in federal custody pending their sentencing hearings, which have not been scheduled. Under the terms of their plea agreements, Driever will be sentenced to 60 months and Perez will be sentenced to 36 months. Each will serve a five-year term of supervised release after completing his or her prison sentence.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces Agency Office of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, the Region V Drug Task Force and the New Mexico State Police, with assistance from the Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The Region V Drug Task Force is comprised of the Clovis Police Department, the Portales Police Department, Curry County Sheriff’s Office and the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Jon Ganjei is prosecuting the case.
Craig Smith Imprsioned for Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Craig Smith, 25, of Wells River, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Rutland to 18 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge that he unlawfully possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. U. S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford also ordered that Smith serve a three-year term of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Smith has been incarcerated since his arrest last December.
On December 11, 2014, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Smith with being a felon-in-possession of a firearm and being a drug user in possession of a firearm. According to court records, on December 1, 2014, Smith sold a .22 caliber revolver for $150 to a confidential informant working with the Vermont State Police. Smith is prohibited from possessing any firearms because he was convicted in 2014 of accessory after the fact to assault and robbery. At the time of the gun sale, Smith was also a heroin addict. Smith pled guilty to the felon-in-possession charge in March.
Smith is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Elizabeth Quinn. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Corpus Christi Firefighter Charged with Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Corpus Christi Firefighter Charged with Production of Child Pornography
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Justin Ryan Serna, 28, of Corpus Christi, has been arrested following the return of an indictment alleging he produced child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
Serna was taken into custody today and is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Janice Ellington at 2:00 p.m.
The indictment, returned yesterday, alleges authorities discovered electronic images on a notebook computer of a juvenile female engaged in a sexual act. After further investigation, law enforcement learned Serna allegedly enticed the juvenile female to engage in the sexually explicit conduct with the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the activities, according to the indictment.
If convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years in federal prison as well as possible $250,000 fine.
The charges are the result of the investigative efforts of the Homeland Security Investigations and the Corpus Christi Police Department.
This case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez, was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Clay County Man Responsible for Overdose Death Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
First Life Sentence in Kentucky in an Overdose Death Case Involving Prescription Drugs
LONDON — A federal judge has sentenced a Clay County man to life in prison for illegally distributing prescription drugs that caused the death of another person.
Today, U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell sentenced Terry Smith, 55, for distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death. Because of Smith’s criminal history, he received a mandatory life sentence under federal law. Smith has prior felony convictions for robbery in the first degree, for which he was sentenced to 20 years and later paroled, and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, for which he received a probated sentence.
Judge Caldwell also sentenced Smith to 360 months for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and 120 months for possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Both sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence. Smith’s wife, Gerry,53, received 90 months in prison for conspiring with her husband and others to distribute oxycodone.
This case marks the first time in Kentucky that a life sentence was imposed in an overdose death case involving prescription drugs.
“Mr. Smith operated a drug trafficking organization which brought large quantities of narcotics into Kentucky from other states, causing immeasurable harm to many of our communities. Ultimately, his criminal conduct caused the death of one of those he callously exploited,” said Kerry B. Harvey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “We do not take sentences of this magnitude lightly. It is clear, however, that Mr. Smith’s long history of serious criminal conduct coupled with the deadly consequences of his large scale drug trafficking scheme merits the sentence imposed by the Court and required by federal law.”
In January, a jury convicted Smith of the charges, following a five day trial. Evidence at the trial established that on September 9, 2011, Smith had sponsored Patty Smallwood and others to travel to an out-of-state pain clinic, called Georgia Health Associates, in Tucker, Ga., to obtain oxycodone pills. Upon their return, Smith paid for them to fill these prescriptions at the Community Drug Pharmacy, in Manchester, Ky. These individuals then gave the pills to Smith, who kept a portion for himself and divided the rest among the people who made the trip.
The evidence then showed that Smallwood took a portion of her pills that night. She later went to bed and never woke up. Smallwood was found dead the following morning by her boyfriend. Although an autopsy was not performed, toxicology reports reflected that, along with smaller levels of several other drugs, Smallwood had four times the therapeutic level of oxycodone in her system. A toxicologist testified that the oxycodone use was the likely cause of her death.
This case also marks the first time in the Eastern District of Kentucky that a conviction was obtained in an overdose death case, without an autopsy report being used as evidence.
U.S. Attorney Harvey and Joseph P. Reagan, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney W. Samuel Dotson prosecuted this case on behalf of the federal government.
Choctaw County Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Jeremy Whitted Mosley, a 33 year old, resident of Butler, Alabama was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a North American Arms pistol and a Savage rifle after being convicted of a felony, namely, Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
On April 16, 2015, Mr. Mosley pled guilty to being a felon in possession of the firearms after he was discovered hunting over a baited field.
The Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Enforcement officers investigated the case and presented it to the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Chicago Sex Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Prostituting Underage GirlsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A West Side man who forcefully recruited three underage girls into the commercial sex trade and then profited from their activities was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in federal prison.
ARNELL CHASE MISHER, 31, of Chicago, enticed three girls – ages 13, 16 and 17 – to engage in sex acts for money during the summer of 2012. Misher admitted in a plea agreement that he helped to prepare an online advertisement on Backpage.com that featured explicit photographs of the 17-year-old, and that he personally accompanied the 13-year-old to the “track,” an area known for prostitution. Misher would wait near the “track” and have the girl deliver to him all of the proceeds she made from her sexual encounters with adult men.
U.S. District Judge Harry D. Leinenweber sentenced Misher to 120 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
“The seriousness of the defendant’s crime cannot be overstated,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher V. Parente. “The damage that has been done to these minor children will never, and can never, be undone.”
Misher and a co-defendant, BRAUNDII YOUNG, 23, of Chicago, each pleaded guilty in December to one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion. Judge Leinenweber scheduled Young’s sentencing hearing for Aug. 27, 2015.
The sentence was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Robert J. Holley, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which targets commercial sexual exploitation of children as part of an effort known as the Innocence Lost National Initiative. In Chicago, the CETF is comprised of special agents from the FBI and investigators from the Chicago Police Department, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. The Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force assisted in the investigation.
The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher V. Parente.
Charleston Man Receives 30 Months for Child Pornography PossessionRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Dean Secor (843) 727-4381
Columbia, South Carolina ----United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Daniel L. Maguire, III, age 71, of Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 [J&C signed 7/22 and filed 7/23] in federal court in Charleston, for possession of child pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2255A(a)(5)(B). Senior United States District Judge Sol Blatt, Jr., of Charleston, sentenced Maguire to 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Maguire was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $8,000 and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that an undercover FBI agent was able to access files of child pornography being shared on the internet by a peer-to-peer software user located in Charleston. Agents traced the Internet Protocol (IP) address being used to Maguire’s home in Charleston. Agents then executed a federal search warrant at Maguire’s home and seized two computers and an external hard drive. Agents conducted a forensic examination of the devices and discovered thousands of still images and videos of child pornography, including still images and videos of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor of the Charleston office handled the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about Internet safety education.
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Buffalo Man Sentenced on Heroin 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 Michael Massey, 35, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, was sentenced to three years probation by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten, who handled the case, stated that on September 18, 2012, the defendant sold four grams of heroin for $1,200 to an undercover officer at Massey’s residence on Taunton Place in Buffalo. On September 24, 2012, Massey sold 3.2 grams of heroin to an undercover officer at a residence on Abbotsford Place in Buffalo, in exchange once again for $1,200.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.
Buffalo 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 John Rickard, 48, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten, who handled the case, stated that on November 9, 2009, Buffalo Police officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, located at 254 Laird Avenue in Buffalo. During the search, officers located approximately 96 grams of cocaine, packaging material, approximately $58,307 in United States currency and three firearms. A Buffalo Police canine gave a positive alert for the presence of narcotics on the currency.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Delano A. Reid, New York Field Division and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to 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 Leroy Weston, 44, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute and to distribute crack cocaine before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $10,000,000 fine.Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Duszkiewicz, who is handling the case, stated that between January and December 2011, the defendant sold crack cocaine on multiple occasions to a confidential informant working for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). On December 1, 2015, Weston sold crack cocaine to a confidential source working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The plea is the result of separate investigations by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.Bronx Man Pleads Guilty to 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 Edison L. Lantiqua, of Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $10,000,000 fine.“This particular prosecution closes the pipeline of what can be fairly classified as a major source of heroin into this area,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Without accounting for any further additives, and at a dosage rate of one milligram per use, the seized drugs alone represent six million individual hits. Given the recent reports of overdoses attributable to this drug, today’s conviction also represents a positive step forward in improving the health of our region.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Duszkiewicz, who is handling the case, stated that on February 6, 2013, co-defendant Juana Diaz delivered six kilograms of heroin from the defendant to a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Diaz was given what she believed to be $376,000 in United States currency to return to Lantiqua in the Bronx. Diaz was pulled over by the New York State Police and the alleged proceeds were seized. Lantiqua was later arrested by the DEA in the Bronx.
Charges are pending against Juana Diaz. 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 plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Delano A. Reid, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to Seven YearsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced Asahn Brightman (24, Jacksonville) to seven years in federal prison for distribution of cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He pleaded guilty on April 21, 2015.
According to court documents, Brightman sold cocaine to an undercover Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detective on three occasions between July 20, 2014, and September 10, 2014. During Brightman’s arrest on the latter date, a firearm was recovered from the center console of his car. Because of his prior felony convictions for robbery and aggravated assault, Brightman was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Regina Lombardo, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline Strategy on reducing violent crime in communities.
Arizona-Based Network Receives $4 Million Federal Grant to Support Collaborative Law Enforcement EffortsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that the Rocky Mountain Information Network (“RMIN”), which is based in Phoenix, Ariz., has been chosen to receive a $4,065,855 grant from the Office of Justice Programs, which is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice.
The RMIN offers a variety of services and support to federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Canada. These services and support include a secure information-sharing and communications system. The RMIN supports efforts to eradicate organized and violent crime, gang activity, terrorism, human trafficking, identity theft, and other regional priorities.
“It is extremely rewarding to see that, despite this time of financial constraints, we are able to continue to support the highest priorities of our regional law enforcement partners,” stated U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “This award recognizes the continued need for greater collaboration between law enforcement agencies at every level. I congratulate the Rocky Mountain Information Network on this well-deserved award.”
Additional information about BJA and its programs is at: https://www.bja.gov/Default.aspx
Information about OJP and its programs can be found at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-056_Rocky Mtn. Grant
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Alleged Rapist Under Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, United States Magistrate Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé authorized a criminal complaint charging Carlos Cruz-Rivera with two counts of carjacking, two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. FBI is in charge of the investigation.
According to the information contained in the affidavit submitted in support of the criminal complaint, on July 21, 2015, Cruz-Rivera was detained by the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) pursuant to an ongoing investigation concerning several incidents of rape, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery that occurred during the months of May through July of 2015.
The investigation conducted by the PRPD revealed that on June 30, 2015, at approximately 9:30 PM, the defendant carjacked an adult woman (hereinafter referred to as Victim 1). That night Victim 1 arrived to her home in the Santurce area and as she exited she felt someone press against her back and shoulder. When she turned to look at the person, she saw Cruz-Rivera standing beside her vehicle, holding a medium sized silver revolver. Cruz-Rivera instructed her to move over to the passenger side of the vehicle.
Cruz-Rivera then drove Victim 1’s vehicle to a Bank located in the Isla Verde area. While driving there, Victim 1 asked Cruz-Rivera where they were going and expressed concerns to him about being raped because she was six months pregnant. Cruz-Rivera simply told her that they were going “somewhere” and that she did not need to worry about the details. Once they arrived at the bank, Cruz-Rivera took Victim 1’s ATM card and pin number and withdrew $500 in cash. Video from the ATM footage obtained in the investigation reveals CRUZ-RIVERA driving Victim 1’s vehicle through the ATM drive-through.
After making the withdrawal, Cruz-Rivera drove Victim 1 to a secluded area in Villa Palmera and stopped the vehicle. Once there, he committed lascivious acts while she pleaded with him not to rape her. Cruz-Rivera then got out of the car and left the area.
The investigation also revealed that on July 11, 2015, Cruz-Rivera committed another carjacking in the Santurce area of San Juan. At approximately 11:00 PM, an adult female, hereinafter referred to as Victim 2 stopped at a Shell gas station on the corner of Calle Loíza and San Jorge. Cruz-Rivera approached her and announced that this was a hold up. He then pointed a black pistol at Victim 2 and ordered her to open the front passenger side door of her vehicle.
After Victim 2 unlocked the vehicle door, Cruz-Rivera instructed her to drive to the same bank located in the Isla Verde area where he had taken Victim 1. Upon arriving at the Bank, Cruz-Rivera placed the pistol against her right side and instructed her to drive through the ATM drive-through and withdraw $60 from the ATM. Upon doing so, Cruz-Rivera took the money and again instructed Victim 2 to drive to a secluded area in Villa Palmera, which was within walking distance of his home. Upon arriving at the location, Cruz-Rivera instructed Victim 2 to stop the vehicle and he got out.
On July 21, 2015 PRPD officers recovered a black .40 caliber Glock 22 pistol with three magazines from the Llorens Torres Apartment where Cruz-Rivera was arrested. On July 22, both victims positively identified Cruz-Rivera in a line-up as their assailant.
“I commend the PRPD agents and detectives for their persistence and efforts in solving these crimes,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will zealously protect the victims who are coming forward in order to seek justice and, will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This sexual predator will no longer be able to roam the streets of Puerto Rico looking for defenseless and innocent victims to attack at will. The FBI, along with the United States Attorney’s Office, will continue to use all its resources and tools to investigate, charge, and prosecute individuals like Cruz-Rivera,” said Carlos Cases, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Field Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jenifer Hernández-Vega, Supervisor of the Violent Crimes Unit. If convicted defendant faces a maximum penalty of up life in prison. A criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Airplane Broker Charged with 200 Counts of Laundering $3.6 Million for Drug Traffickers via Purchase of More than 35 AirplanesRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – A Mexican airplane broker, his wife and others are charged in a 200-count grand jury indictment with laundering the funds of drug traffickers through the sale of 35 Cessna airplanes intended for use in illicit smuggling.
Vincente Contreras-Amezquita, who lived in San Diego during the time period in question, was arrested last week and appeared in court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bernard G. Skomal. The judge scheduled a detention hearing for July 30, 2015 at 2:30 p.m.
According to the indictment, Contreras-Amezquita and others facilitated the acquisition and purchase of the Cessnas and airplane parts, including auxiliary fuel tanks, heavy duty tires and landing gear for landing on clandestine airfields. Cessna 206s and 210s are types of airplanes preferred by drug-trafficking organizations operating in Mexico because of their reliability, speed and ability to carry heavy payloads over long distances.
The indictment alleged that Contreras-Amezquita and others used 46 different U.S. bank accounts to deposit $3.6 million in cash deposits during a five-year period and initiated inter-fund transfers for the purchase of airplanes and airplane parts.
The indictment further alleged that in order to conceal his crimes, Contreras-Amezquita collected the unlawful drug proceeds in random locations, like strip malls, parking lots, aircraft hangars and fast-food restaurants.
In order to hide the source of the illicit cash, and to evade the currency reporting requirements, Conreras-Amezquita instructed his money laundering crew to arrange for structured cash deposits under $10,000 into multiple bank accounts at different U.S. financial institutions to avoid reporting requirements.
As part of the money laundering scheme, defendant Contreras-Amezquita and his money laundering crew opened new accounts using different names, different forms of identification, and different addresses. Often times, the money laundering crew would conduct multiple deposits on the same and consecutive days, into multiple bank accounts at multiple branch offices of these financial institutions. On occasion, defendants would travel to multiple branches of the financial institutions located within the same geographic location. They would also travel to multiple states, including Connecticut, Texas, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, and California, to conduct these financial transactions.
Immediately following the structured deposits, defendants Vincente Contreras-Amezquita and his crew engaged in convoluted financial transactions by initiating and authorizing various fund transfers between these multiple bank accounts. Defendants would engage in fund transfers into designated bank accounts because these designated bank accounts would be used to initiate payment for the airplanes or airplane parts.
Contreras-Amezquita faces up to 20 years in custody.
DEFENDANT Case Number 15CR1144MMA
Vicente Contreras-Amezquita Age 44 Tijuana
CHARGES
CONSPIRACY CHARGES
Count 1
Conspiracy To Launder Money
- Avoid a transaction reporting requirement
- To Conceal & Disguise Nature, Location, Source, Ownership, and Control of Proceeds
18/1956(h)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(ii)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(i)
Count 2
Conspiracy to Engage in Monetary Transactions
18/1956(h)
18/1957
Count 3
Conspiracy to Violate Structure Currency Deposits
31/5324(a)(3)
SUBSTANTIVE COUNTS
CESSNA #1 – N761KT
Counts
4-17
Aiding and Abetting/ML - Avoid a transaction reporting requirement (deposits only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(ii)
18/2
Counts
18-22
Aiding and Abetting/ML – Conceal & Disguise Nature, Location, Source, Ownership & Control of Proceeds
(inter fund transfers only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(i)
18/2
Counts
23-24
Aiding and Abetting/ Engage in Monetary Transactions (payments from accounts only)
18/1957
18/2
Count
25
Aiding and Abetting/Structuring
31/5324(a)(3)
18/2
CESSNA #2 – N6474C
Counts
26-45
Aiding and Abetting/ML - Avoid a transaction reporting requirement (deposits only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(ii)
18/2
Counts
46-51
Aiding and Abetting/ML – Conceal & Disguise Nature, Location, Source, Ownership & Control of Proceeds
(inter fund transfers only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(i)
18/2
Counts
52-53
Aiding and Abetting/ Engage in Monetary Transactions (payments from accounts only)
18/1957
18/2
Count
54
Aiding and Abetting/Structuring
31/5324(a)(3)
18/2
CESSNA #3 – N6364Y
Counts
55-65
Aiding and Abetting/ML - Avoid a transaction reporting requirement (deposits only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(ii)
18/2
Count
66
Aiding and Abetting/ML – Conceal & Disguise Nature, Location, Source, Ownership & Control of Proceeds
(inter fund transfers only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(i)
18/2
Counts
67-68
Aiding and Abetting/ Engage in Monetary Transactions (payments from accounts only)
18/1957
18/2
Count
69
Aiding and Abetting/Structuring
31/5324(a)(3)
18/2
CESSNA #4 – N4960C
Counts
70-84
Aiding and Abetting/ML - Avoid a transaction reporting requirement (deposits only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(ii)
18/2
Counts
85-86
Aiding and Abetting/ML – Conceal & Disguise Nature, Location, Source, Ownership & Control of Proceeds
(inter fund transfers only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(i)
18/2
Counts
87-88
Aiding and Abetting/ Engage in Monetary Transactions (payments from accounts only)
18/1957
18/2
Count
89
Aiding and Abetting/Structuring
31/5324(a)(3)
18/2
CESSNA #5 – N6195Y
Counts
90-105
Aiding and Abetting/ML - Avoid a transaction reporting requirement (deposits only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(ii)
18/2
Counts
106
Aiding and Abetting/ML – Conceal & Disguise Nature, Location, Source, Ownership & Control of Proceeds
(inter fund transfers only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(i)
18/2
Counts
107-109
Aiding and Abetting/ Engage in Monetary Transactions (payments from accounts only)
18/1957
18/2
Count
110
Aiding and Abetting/Structuring
31/5324(a)(3)
18/2
CESSNA #6 – N345HI
Counts
111-120
Aiding and Abetting/ML - Avoid a transaction reporting requirement (deposits only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(ii)
18/2
Counts
121-122
Aiding and Abetting/ML – Conceal & Disguise Nature, Location, Source, Ownership & Control of Proceeds
(inter fund transfers only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(i)
18/2
Counts
123-124
Aiding and Abetting/ Engage in Monetary Transactions (payments from accounts only)
18/1957
18/2
Count
125
Aiding and Abetting/Structuring
31/5324(a)(3)
18/2
CESSNA #7 – N7615Q
Counts
126-136
Aiding and Abetting/ML - Avoid a transaction reporting requirement (deposits only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(ii)
18/2
Counts
137-139
Aiding and Abetting/ML – Conceal & Disguise Nature, Location, Source, Ownership & Control of Proceeds
(inter fund transfers only)
18/1956(a)(1)(B)(i)
18/2
Adams Man Charged in Connection with Plot to Engage in Terrorism PlotRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Adams man has been charged in an Indictment in connection with a plot to engage in terrorism on behalf of ISIL. A grand jury in U.S. District Court in Springfield indicted Alexander Ciccolo, a/k/a Ali Al Amriki, 23, on one count of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and one count of assault with a deadly weapon and causing bodily injury to a person assisting an officer of the United States in the performance of official duties. The latter charge stems from Ciccolo’s alleged attack of a nurse during a jail intake process after his arrest.
According to evidence presented at a previous detention hearing, on July 4, 2015 Ciccolo took delivery of four firearms which he had ordered from a person who was cooperating with members of the Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force, and who had been communicating with Ciccolo about Ciccolo’s plans to engage in a terrorist act. Ciccolo was arrested immediately after taking delivery of the firearms, which included a Colt AR-15 .223 caliber rifle, a SigArms Model SG550-1 556 rifle, a Glock 17-9 mm pistol, and a Glock 20-10 mm pistol. Ciccolo had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in jail and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The government alleged that Ciccolo is a supporter of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Ciccolo had spoken with a cooperating witness in recorded conversations about his plans to commit acts of terrorism inspired by ISIL, including setting off improvised explosive devices, such as pressure cookers filled with black powder, nails, ball bearings and glass, in places where large numbers of people congregate, like college cafeterias. Prior to his arrest, agents had observed Ciccolo purchase a pressure cooker similar to that used in the Boston Marathon bombings.
During a search of Ciccolo’s apartment after he was arrested, agents found several partially constructed “Molotov cocktails.” These incendiary devices contained what appeared to be shredded Styrofoam soaking in motor oil. Ciccolo had previously stated that this mixture would cause the fire from the exploded devices to stick to people’s skin and make it harder to put the fire out.
Shortly after his arrest, while he was being processed at the Franklin County Correctional Center, Ciccolo stabbed a nurse with a pen, leaving a bloody gash on the top of the nurse’s head.
Based on these alleged facts and evidence presented at Ciccolo’s detention hearing on July 14, 2015, Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson ordered that Ciccolo be detained until trial.
The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon causing bodily injury provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, Assistant Attorney General John P. Carlin and Vincent Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. This investigation is being conducted by the Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force, and member agencies of the JTTF including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield Police Department, the Ludlow Police Department, the Holyoke Police Department, the West Springfield Police Department, the Easthampton Police Department, the Pittsfield Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police and Homeland Security Investigations, with critical assistance from the Adams Police Department and the Massachusetts State Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin O’Regan and Deepika Shukla of the District of Massachusetts and the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.
The details contained in the Indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
22 July 2015
Woman Pleads Guilty to One Count of Aiding and Abetting Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that EVELYN ODOMS, age 64, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to one count of aiding and abetting health care fraud.
On March 12, 2015, ODOMS was indicted along with 18 other defendants in a 26-count Indictment charging approximately $30,052,295 in Medicare fraud and the BP fraud.
According to court documents, ABIDE billed Medicare for providing home health services to an ABIDE patient for approximately five years. During that time period, ODOMS, a licensed practical nurse, was supposed to teach the patient how to treat and handle different diagnoses. But ODOMS never observed the patient exhibit symptoms of the diagnoses and never taught the patient about the diagnoses. ODOMS falsely documented services she was supposed to provide to the patient, documentation that Medicare relied upon to regulate Medicare providers. ABIDE counted on ODOMS to compromise her independent medical observations and ethics to participate in the ongoing health care fraud scheme perpetrated by ABIDE and ODOMS’ co-defendants.
ODOMS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for October 28, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan, Sharan Lieberman and Andre Lagarde are in charge of the prosecution.
Evelyn Odoms Factual basis.pdf (690.93 KB)
Two Sentenced in Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Dorothy Jean Bailey, 52, and Phillip Walker III, 24, of Tampa, Florida, were sentenced to 110 months and 48 months in prison respectively today for conspiracy, wire fraud, theft of government funds, and aggravated identity theft in connection with the filing of false federal income tax returns. They were also ordered to pay $475,402.01 in restitution. Bailey and Walker were the last of five defendants to be sentenced in the case. The sentences were announced by Pamela C. Marsh, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During their guilty pleas in November and December 2014, the defendants admitted that, between 2011 and 2014, they conspired with co-defendants Darren Christopher Royal, 22, Cedric William Page, 25, and Gabriela Gloria Huerta, 23, each of Tallahassee, to file approximately 335 fraudulent federal income tax returns seeking more than $3.4 million in tax refunds. To prepare these returns, the conspirators used personal identification information (PII) stolen from approximately 662 individuals. The group obtained the PII from criminal court records in Texas, from tenant records maintained by apartment complexes in Tallahassee, and from deceased victims. Bailey, Walker, and Royal also filed fraudulent returns in their own names.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, whose joint investigation led to the charges in this case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Coody.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
For more information, contact: Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, [email protected]Two Convicted by Federal Jury of over $6 Million in FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury has found Brian Newton (57, Port Orange) and Victoria Snow (55, Clearwater) guilty of 1 count of conspiracy, 13 counts of mail fraud, and 11 counts of wire fraud. Each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. Sentencing has been set for October 9, 2015.
Newton and Snow were charged by indictment on April 2, 2014.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Newton and Snow worked on behalf of Dataforce International, Inc. Beginning in 2003, Dataforce had a contract to “factor” its invoices at Amerifactors Financial Group. “Factoring” is a financial transaction in which a business sells its accounts receivables, such as invoices, to a third party (called a factor) at a discount. Accounts receivable are created when a business performs services or sells goods to a client. The factor provides financing to the seller of the invoice in the form of an advance. Once an invoice has been factored by a business, the business will typically arrange to have the client pay the third party factor directly.
In 2003, Newton and a business partner established a factor by the name of Prestige Funding. To fund its factoring, Prestige Funding solicited investors. In total, the company raised over $8 million from over 50 investors to be used to factor invoices.
As part of their scheme, Newton and Snow submitted a series of invoices for factoring to Amerifactors that were inflated and that did not reflect work that had been performed by Dataforce. In addition, the two engaged in “double factoring,” which involved submitting the same Dataforce invoices for factoring to both Amerifactors and Prestige Funding. By executing this scheme, Newton and Snow were able to defraud Amerifactors, Prestige Funding, and the investors of Prestige Funding out of over $6 million. Of that amount, Newton diverted over $3 million into his personal bank account.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Tucson Heroin Trafficker Sentenced over 19 YearsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Yesterday, Victor Corral, Jr., 36, of Tucson, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson to 235 months’ imprisonment. Corral previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin (greater than 90 kilograms) and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
A joint state and federal task force investigation into a Mexican based drug trafficking organization led to the identification of co-conspirators working out of Tucson, Ariz. The Tucson cell of the organization was responsible for the importation and distribution of kilogram quantities of heroin throughout the western United States, including Denver, Colo. and Portland, Ore. Working from Tucson, Corral supervised and managed other co-conspirators in the importation and further distribution of that heroin. Additionally, Corral was responsible for receipt, transport, and smuggling of the bulk cash drug proceeds in excess of a million dollars back into Mexico. Much of the heroin imported and distributed by Corral and the drug trafficking organization, was “white” heroin, with the last seizure in the case weighing approximately 89 pounds with a purity of 90%.
The investigation in this case was conducted by DEA-Tucson, HSI-Tucson, Tucson Police Department, and the Counter Narcotics Alliance. The prosecution was handled by Anthony E. Maingot, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-14-01156-CKJ (CRP)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-054_Corral
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Tampa Man Indicted for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return of an indictment charging Andre Eugene Favreau (30, Temple Terrace) with receipt of child pornography. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Favreau downloaded child pornography onto his desktop computer between December 3, 2014, and May 14, 2015.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Tahlaquah Man Pleads Guilty to Providing Contraband in PrisonRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that NATHAN LEON STANLEY BENALLY-SAM, age 21, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, pled guilty to PROVIDING CONTRABAND IN PRISON, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1791(a)(1).
The charge is a result of an investigation by the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Marshal Service. The defendant was indicted in June, 2015.
The Indictment alleged that on or about February 5, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, NATHAN LEON STANLEY BENALLY-SAM, did knowingly and intentionally attempt to provide marijuana, to an inmate in a prison.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered a presentence report to be completed. The defendant will remain on bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Sullivan Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Peoria, Ill. – Jim Lewis, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, announced today that a federal grand jury in Peoria has returned an indictment charging Justen W. Troxell, 30, of the 400 block of South Worth Street, Sullivan, Ill., with distribution and possession of child pornography.
The indictment alleges that in June 2015, Troxell distributed and possessed images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of computers and related materials allegedly used to commit or promote the offenses.
If convicted, the statutory penalty for each count of distribution of child pornography (two counts) is a mandatory minimum of five years in prison to 20 years in prison and a term of supervised release of up to life following any term of imprisonment. If a defendant has a prior child sex abuse or child pornography conviction, the statutory penalty is not less than 15 years and up to 40 years in prison. For possession of child pornography (one count), the penalty is up to 10 years in prison.
Troxell was arrested on June 26, 2015, and charged in a criminal complaint with distribution of child pornography. During a court appearance on that same day, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long, in Urbana, Troxell was ordered detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Illinois State Police, and the Tuscola and Sullivan Police Departments.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Statement of U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara on the Guilty Verdict in U.S. v. Thomas LibousRead the Press Release
“Public corruption is a scourge. Every New Yorker wants us to work as hard as possible to end it. But lies to law enforcement make the job of fighting corruption doubly difficult. Today, a jury unanimously found that Tom Libous, the second highest ranking New York Senator, told lie after lie to hide the truth from federal agents investigating corruption in Albany. Libous’s lies have been exposed, his crime has been proven, and Albany will be the better for it.”
St .Croix Man Sentenced to Probation, Home Confinement for Possession of Prison ContrabandRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis today sentenced Michael Anderson Boyce, 29, to five years of probation and eight months of home confinement for Possession of Prison Contraband, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
On March 20, 2015, Boyce pleaded guilty to one count of Possession of Prison Contraband. As part of the plea, Boyce admitted that on April 4, 2013 while he was an inmate at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix, he possessed a knife that was hidden inside his mattress.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Springfield Area Business Owner, Son Plead Guilty to $5.5 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that the owner of several Springfield, Mo., area restaurants and his son pleaded guilty in federal court today, in two separate but related cases, to their roles in a more than $5.5 million bank fraud scheme.
Bruce Swisshelm, 68, of Battlefield, Mo., and his son, Bruce Swisshelm II, 43, of Springfield, pleaded guilty in separate appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush. Swisshelm pleaded guilty to bank fraud and money laundering. Swisshelm II pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony.
Swisshelm was the owner of Horned Frog Deli, Inc., and Swisshelm Properties, Inc. These corporations, which specialized in the restaurant industry, owned and developed commercial properties in Springfield and elsewhere. Swisshelm owned and operated Burger King restaurants, Macaroni Grill restaurants, San Francisco Oven restaurants, McAlister’s Deli restaurants, Ebbett’s Field restaurants and a Fog City Coffee restaurant. Swisshelm II served as the president for Swisshelm Properties.
Swisshelm admitted that he submitted false financial documents to Great Southern Bank in order to receive four commercial loans, totaling $5,592,583, from February to June 25, 2011. The bank relied on the false information provided within the financial statements submitted by Swisshelm when it approved the commercial loans.
Swisshelm submitted financial statements to the bank that claimed his businesses earned a net income of more than $780,000 in 2010. Tax documents submitted by Swisshelm to the Internal Revenue Service revealed those businesses had losses that exceeded $1.8 million in 2010.
Swisshelm II admitted that he knew about his father’s bank fraud scheme. He was personally involved in the communications with Great Southern Bank, attended meetings at the bank and signed bank documents related to the issuance of the commercial loans. After Great Southern Bank had issued the loans, Swisshelm II was made aware of his father’s fraud scheme. Swisshelm II was made aware that financial statements submitted to the bank by his father were false. Despite possessing this knowledge, Swisshelm failed to notify authorities.
Swisshelm II admitted that he helped conceal his father’s crime after he became aware of the fraud scheme and delayed the fraud being reported to authorities by Great Southern Bank.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Swisshelm must forfeit to the government $5,592,583, which constitutes the proceeds obtained from his criminal activity.
Under federal statutes, Swisshelm is subject to a sentence of up to 40 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $1,250,000 and an order of restitution. Swisshelm II is subject to a sentence of up to three years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. They were investigated by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Serial Robber of Adult Entertainment Stores Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Dwayne Fitzgerald Jackson, Jr. (23, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to seven counts of commercial robbery and one count of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between June 4, 2014, and continuing until July 30, 2014, Jackson robbed seven commercial businesses, including Xtreme Adult Book and Video Store, Adult World Supercenter Store, and X-mart Adult Supercenter. He was arrested on July 30, 2015, after robbing Xtreme Adult Book and Video Store for the second time. During each robbery, Jackson brandished a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tampa Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Regina Lombardo, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violence in our communities.
Rocklin Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Paul Ross Pacini, 46, of Rocklin, pleaded guilty today to receipt of child pornography, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, an undercover investigation revealed that in June through August of 2013, Pacini used a peer-to-peer file-sharing network to share more than 300 files of pictures and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including videos involving children under the age of 10. A search warrant executed at Pacini’s home revealed that his computers contained more than 2,500 images and more than 900 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, and that at various times many of those videos were made available to others over the Internet through a file-sharing network.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney André M. Espinosa is prosecuting the case.
Pacini is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7, 2015, by United States District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. Pacini faces a possible sentence of five to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about Internet safety education.
Rhode Island Man Indicted for Trafficking over A Kilogram of HeroinRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Providence, Rhode Island man was indicted late yesterday by a federal grand jury sitting in Scranton, on the charge of possession with intent to distribute in excess of one kilogram of heroin.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the defendant, Angel Prado, age 43, allegedly committed the offense on December 19, 2013, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania when he was operator of a vehicle involved in a traffic stop.
The charge against Prado resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The charge also carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Real Estate Developer Charged with Swindling Investors <br>In $2 Million Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Florida businessman has been charged in federal court with running a Ponzi scheme involving the sale of bogus investments in his real estate development company. RICHARD L. THOMPSON, 60, induced investors to purchase shares in his real estate development company, Latten Management LLC, and to personally loan him money, on the false premise that his company owned more than two hundred acres of property in Tennessee, according to a criminal information filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Thompson took in approximately $2.1 million in the scheme, including $125,000 from an investor in west suburban Naperville, who purchased shares in Thompson’s company with funds from a retirement account, the information states.
Thompson, of Sarasota, Fla., was charged with one count of wire fraud. He will make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez on a date to be determined by the Court.
The information alleges that Thompson founded Latten Management in Florida in 2007 to develop vacation properties in Tennessee. Thompson personally purchased 54 acres of land in an area known as Green Mountain, and 15 acres in an area known as Green Ridge Park, according to the information. There were mortgages on both properties, and Thompson kept title in his name without ever transferring them to Latten Management, the information alleges.
Thompson and other individuals later purchased 217 acres, known as Catawba Peak, in another area of Tennessee, with Thompson guaranteeing payment for the mortgage loan, the information states. Thompson and the other owners defaulted on the loan when full payment came due in approximately February 2009, leaving a debt of approximately $9.8 million, according to the information. Latten Management never owned the Catawba Peak property, the information states.
From early 2009 until April 2011, Thompson offered and sold shares in his company by telling investors that it owned the three properties in Tennessee, and that the company would develop them into vacation destinations, according to the information. Thompson gave tours of Green Mountain, Green Ridge Park, and Catawba Peak to investors, but concealed the fact that Latten Management didn’t own the properties, according to the information. The information further alleges that Thompson concealed the fact that he and the other individuals had defaulted on the Catawba Park loan. In fact, Thompson knew that Latten Management did not own any real property, and that the investors’ shares in the company were not secured by any property, the information charges. According to the information, Thompson caused losses to Latten investors of approximately $1,652,000. Thompson misappropriated a substantial portion of investors’ funds to pay for his own personal expenses, including his home mortgage, his family’s credit cards, electric bills, college tuition, life insurance, and a Lexus, the information states.
In order to conceal his scheme, Thompson had to continually obtain new funds in order to satisfy his existing obligations to repay investors through Ponzi-type payments, according to the information. He also publicly filed false documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and intentionally misled investors about the status of their investments and loans, the information charges.
One of the duped investors lived in Naperville, according to the information. That investor transferred $125,000 in personal retirement savings to an account in Sarasota to purchase shares in Latten, according to the information.
In addition to the investments in Latten shares, Thompson also fraudulently obtained approximately $667,000 in personal unsecured loans from individuals by falsely representing that he would use their money to cover costs associated with developing Latten projects, according to the information. These personal loans were evidenced by promissory notes signed by Thompson, who promised to repay them with interest, even though he knew he did not have the financial ability to do so, the information states.
Thompson used a portion of the personal loans to pay for his own expenses, and to repay some of the Latten investors, according to the information. This part of the scheme resulted in a loss of approximately $500,000 to the individuals, the information states.
The information was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Robert J. Holley, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If convicted, Thompson faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or gross loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater. The Court would determine the appropriate sentence to be imposed under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The public is reminded that an information contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The government is being represented by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Stern.
Information (38.76 KB)
Philadelphia Man Charged with Obstruction of MailRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Patrick D’Ambrosio, 48, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by information, filed yesterday, with one count of obstruction of mail, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The information that D’Ambrosio was employed by the U.S. Postal Service between May 2014 and January 2015 when he obstructed the passage of approximately 22,500 pieces of mail.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of six months in prison, a fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marianne Cox.
An information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pearl City Man Sentenced to over 29 Years in Prison for Child Pornography ProductionRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Ray K. Yokoyama, age 54, formerly of Pearl City, Hawaii, was sentenced in federal court today to 350 months in prison for producing images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and making them available over the Internet. United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson also ordered that Yokoyama register as a sex offender, and undergo a lifetime of supervised release following service of his prison term.
Florence T. Nakakuni, United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, said that according to information produced to the court, Yokoyama (1) produced child pornography using a minor on two occasions in 2009, (2) distributed child pornography over an Internet file-sharing network in July 2012, and (3) possessed child pornography in January 2013. According to an affidavit filed on January 18, 2013, the Federal Bureau of Investigation initiated an investigation after an undercover agent in Dallas, Texas downloaded child pornography from a computer in Hawaii. Agents traced the computer's Internet Protocol address to Yokoyama's home in Pearl City, and executed a search warrant for the residence. Agents recovered computer storage media, including a disk that contained images of a minor boy engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
During later court proceedings, Yokoyama admitted taking pictures of a minor boy engaged in sexually explicit conduct. According to information provided in court, the boy was approximately nine years old at the time. Images of the boy were later found in a folder in Yokoyama’s computer, which was available to the public over a file-sharing network.
In imposing today’s sentence, United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson observed that Yokoyama had prior criminal convictions, had once impersonated a law enforcement officer, and failed to accept responsibility for his conduct. Yokoyama has been detained at the Federal Detention Center since his arrest on January 18, 2013.
The case was investigated by the FBI, with support from Homeland Security Investigations, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Tong.
Noorvik Man Charged with Burglary of United States Post OfficeRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin R. Feldis announced today that the grand jury has returned a one-count indictment charging a Noorvik man with one count of burglary of a United States Post Office.
Theodore Westlake, 18, of Noorvik, is charged in a one-count indictment with burglary of a United States Post Office.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward who presented the case to the grand jury, Westlake forcibly entered the Noorvik Post Office to steal money on June 29, 2015.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 5 years’ incarceration and a $250,000 fine or both.
Under federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Alaska State Troopers conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in the case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
New York State Senator Thomas W. Libous Found Guilty by White Plains Federal Jury for Lying to the FBIRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that New York State Senator THOMAS W. LIBOUS was found guilty of making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) following a seven-day trial in White Plains before the Hon. Vincent L. Briccetti, United States District Judge.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Public corruption is a scourge. Every New Yorker wants us to work as hard as possible to end it. But lies to law enforcement make the job of fighting corruption doubly difficult. Today, a jury unanimously found that Tom Libous, the second highest ranking New York Senator, told lie after lie to hide the truth from federal agents investigating corruption in Albany. Libous’s lies have been exposed, his crime has been proven, and Albany will be the better for it.”
The evidence at trial proved that a federal grand jury in White Plains was investigating allegations that THOMAS LIBOUS had obtained a job for a family member at a Westchester law firm (“the Law Firm”) in exchange for a promise to refer business to the firm, and had arranged for an Albany lobbying firm that regularly lobbied him to secretly pay the law firm $50,000 per year to defray the cost of the family member's salary and lease of a Range Rover. The lobbying firm specialized in transportation issues and THOMAS LIBOUS served as the Chairman of the Senate's Transportation Committee at the time. The evidence also showed that THOMAS LIBOUS told a partner of the Law Firm that the firm would have to "build a new wing" to accommodate the business he would refer to it if it hired the member of his family.
Special Agents of the FBI interviewed THOMAS LIBOUS on June 24, 2010, as part of the grand jury's investigation. The evidence at trial showed THOMAS LIBOUS made the following false statements to the agents during the interview:
- he could not recall how the family member began to work at the Law Firm;
- no deals were made to get the family member the job at the Law Firm;
- he was not aware that the lobbying firm had paid any part of the family member's salary at the Law Firm;
- he never promised to refer work to the Law Firm;
- he was not involved in the family member's decision to work at the Law Firm;
- he had no business or personal relationship with the Law Firm; and
- he did know of any relationship between the lobbying firm and the Law Firm.
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LIBOUS, 62, of Binghamton, New York, is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Briccetti on October 30, 2015. LIBOUS faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
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Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the FBI.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office's White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin R. Allee and James McMahon are in charge of the prosecution.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 38 Months for Illegally Possessing Ammunition, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN SINGH, 37, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stephan R. Underhill in New Haven to 38 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing ammunition and for violating the terms and conditions of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 19, 2013, SINGH was arrested by New Haven Police after he had fired multiple gunshots on Winthrop Avenue. Responding officers recovered three spent cartridges and one unfired bullet from the scene. SINGH later admitted to police that he had fired the shots to scare another individual, and that he had thrown the gun into a nearby river. The gun was never recovered.
SINGH has two prior federal convictions for distributing crack cocaine and, in June 2011, he was sentenced in federal court to 24 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
On September 17, 2014, SINGH pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon, and admitted that he violated the terms and conditions of his supervised release.
This matter was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Runowicz.
Mississippi Woman Charged with Making False Statements to New Orleans Immigration CourtRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. announced that MARINA ARNEDO ROJAS-ZAYED, age 34, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was charged today in a Bill of Information for making false statements to an agency of the United States.
According to the Bill of Information, from on or about July 2012 until on or about August 2013, ROJAS-ZAYED represented before the New Orleans Immigration Court, that she was a licensed attorney in the state of Alabama, when in truth she was not a licensed attorney.
If convicted, ROJAS-ZAYED faces a possible maximum term of imprisonment of five years, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
Marina Arnedo Rojas-Zayed Bill of Information.pdf (639.95 KB)
Midamar Founder Ordered Held Without Bond Pending SentencingRead the Press Release
Chief United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade, today issued an written order directing that William B. Aossey, Jr., 73, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, be detained without bond pending sentencing in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Aossey, the founder of Midamar Corporation and Islamic Services of America, both of Cedar Rapids, was convicted by a federal jury on July 13, 2015, of 15 counts of conspiracy, making false statements on export certificates, and wire fraud. Following a detention hearing on that same date, the Court ordered Aossey held without bond pending further order of Court.
In the written order filed today, the Court found Aossey “must remain detained pending sentencing because he has not established by clear and convincing evidence that he is not likely to flee if released under suitable conditions.” The Court also noted,
While on pretrial release Defendant has not earned the trust of the court. Defendant violated the terms of his pretrial release by failing to notify his probation officer of contact with law enforcement, even though the terms of his supervision were discussed with him when he was first released. His ties to the illegal firearms shipments to Lebanon remain under investigation.
A sentencing date has not yet been set.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Murphy and was investigated by the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 14-CR-00116-LRR.
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Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Arrests of Two North Carolina Men for Conspiring to Kidnap and Murder as Part of A Murder-For-Hire Scheme OverseasRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Mark Hamlet, the Special Agent in Charge of the Special Operations Division of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), today announced the arrests of two defendants – ADAM SAMIA and CARL DAVID STILLWELL, both citizens of the United States and residents of North Carolina. SAMIA and STILLWELL were arrested in Roxboro, North Carolina, and will be presented tomorrow before U.S. Magistrate Judge L. Patrick Auld of the Middle District of North Carolina.
SAMIA and STILLWELL are charged in three separate counts with conspiracy to kidnap and murder in the Philippines; discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and conspiracy to launder the proceeds of committing murder-for-hire.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As alleged in the indictment, Samia and Stillwell traveled as hired guns from North Carolina to the Philippines to commit a cold-blooded murder, ultimately shooting their victim in the face several times and dumping her body on a pile of garbage. After their contract killing, they allegedly covered their tracks by conspiring to launder the blood-money back to the United States. Thanks to the DEA’s exemplary investigative work and the cooperation of local and federal law enforcement in North Carolina, Samia and Stillwell are now in custody,”
Special Operations Division Special Agent in Charge Mark Hamlet said: “U.S. citizens who murder and commit crimes overseas are not immune from justice. Adam Samia and Carl Stillwell are accused of heinous crimes and DEA is pleased that they will stand trial in a U.S. court of law.”
According to the Indictment against SAMIA and STILLWELL unsealed today[1]:
SAMIA is a self-described “Personal Protection/Security Industry” professional. According to SAMIA’s resume, he has worked as an “Independent Contractor” for clients in the Philippines, China, Papua New Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo; and has training in tactics and weapons, including handguns, shotguns, rifles, sniper rifles, and machineguns. According to STILLWELL’s resume, he has training and experience in the field of information technology and has worked at a firm in North Carolina that provides firearms training.
In 2011 and 2012, SAMIA and STILLWELL agreed to commit murders-for-hire in overseas locations in exchange for monthly salaries and bonus payments for each victim. In early 2012, SAMIA and STILLWELL traveled from North Carolina to the Philippines, where they obtained, among other things, information about their intended victims and firearms to use to commit the murders.
In January and February 2012, SAMIA and STILLWELL conducted surveillance on their intended victims in the Philippines as they formulated their plans for the murders. On or about February 12, 2012, SAMIA and STILLWELL killed one of their intended victims – a Filipino woman – in the Philippines by shooting her in the face multiple times (“Victim-1”). After killing Victim-1, SAMIA and STILLWELL disposed of her body on a pile of garbage. SAMIA and STILLWELL were to be paid $35,000 each for completing the murder, and they sent thousands of dollars from the payments they received to the United States using, among other methods, structured wire transfers in amounts under $10,000.
In or about late February and early March 2012, SAMIA and STILLWELL returned from the Philippines to North Carolina, where they continued to reside until their arrests today.
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SAMIA, 41, and STILLWELL, 47, have each been charged with conspiracy to murder and kidnap in a foreign country (Count One), using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence (Count Two), and conspiracy to commit money laundering (Count Three). Counts One and Two each carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and Count Three carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Count Two also carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of 10 years in prison. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain.
The arrests of the defendants were the result of the close cooperative efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York; DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit; DEA’s Atlanta Field Division, Raleigh Resident Office; the Durham Police Department; the Raleigh Police Department; the Harnett County Sherriff’s Office; the Wake County Sherriff’s Office; the Person County Sherriff’s Office; the Cary Police Department; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations; and Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center. Mr. Bharara also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina for its support and assistance.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Anna Skotko, Emil Bove, and Michael D. Lockard are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Luray Man Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Evidence for Moving Body of Drug Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Jason Gregory Colley, 36, of Luray, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to tampering with evidence for moving the body of a drug overdose victim.
In a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, on or about Sept. 12, 2014, Colley sold cocaine to Jason Laytham, 37, of Leesburg, Virginia, and another individual at an extended stay hotel in Ashburn, Virginia. After using an additional quantity of drugs, Laytham and the other individual became unconscious. Colley dragged Laytham’s body out of the hotel suite (which Colley had rented using his own name) into a common area of the hotel before calling for paramedics. When law enforcement officers arrived the other individual was unconscious in Colley’s hotel suite. While the other individual survived, Laytham died from the adverse effects of cocaine and other substances.
Colley was charged via criminal complaint on April 2, 2015. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on Oct. 16, 2015. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael L. Chapman, Loudon County Sheriff; and Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
This case was investigated by the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA’s Washington Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael P. Ben’Ary and Tobias D. Tobler are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:15-cr-203.
Louisiana Woman Indicted for Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging a Louisiana woman with offenses related to her sex trafficking of a minor, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney J. Walter Green of the Middle District of Louisiana and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Anderson of the FBI New Orleans Division.
Kellie M. Dominique, 36, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was indicted today for sex trafficking of a minor, attempted sex trafficking of a minor, obstruction of justice and four counts of use of an interstate facility in aid of racketeering.
According to the indictment, Dominique allegedly promoted a prostitution business out of her home and other venues in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The indictment alleges that a minor worked as a prostitute for Dominique, and that, to promote Dominique’s prostitution business, the minor and others allegedly used the website “backpage.com” to post classified advertisements for commercial sex acts.
The charges and allegations in an indictment are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Division, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Louisiana State Police and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Baton Rouge Police Department’s Narcotics Division, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and other law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Reginald E. Jones of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie A. Flowers Jr. of the Middle District of Louisiana.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
Dominique Indictment
Louisiana Woman Indicted for Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today charging a Louisiana woman with offenses related to her sex trafficking of a minor, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney J. Walter Green of the Middle District of Louisiana and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Anderson of the FBI New Orleans Division.
Kellie M. Dominique, 36, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was indicted today for sex trafficking of a minor, attempted sex trafficking of a minor, obstruction of justice and four counts of use of an interstate facility in aid of racketeering.
According to the indictment, Dominique allegedly promoted a prostitution business out of her home and other venues in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The indictment alleges that a minor worked as a prostitute for Dominique, and that, to promote Dominique’s prostitution business, the minor and others allegedly used the website “backpage.com” to post classified advertisements for commercial sex acts.
The charges and allegations in an indictment are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Division, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Louisiana State Police and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Baton Rouge Police Department’s Narcotics Division, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and other law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Reginald E. Jones of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie A. Flowers Jr. of the Middle District of Louisiana.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
Leader of Coupon Counterfeiting Ring on Silk Road Websites Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
A leader of a coupon counterfeiting ring pleaded guilty today to participating in a conspiracy to sell counterfeit coupons using the “Silk Road” online marketplace, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Beau Wattigney, 30, New Orleans, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle of the Eastern District of Louisiana to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit trademark counterfeiting. Sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 28, 2015.
In connection with his plea, Wattigney admitted that, between May 2012 and November 2014, he used the online monikers “PurpleLotus” and “GoldenLotus” to sell counterfeit coupons for various goods and services on Silk Road 1.0, which was a hidden website through which users around the world bought and sold illegal drugs, goods and services. Wattigney further admitted that he engaged in the same conduct on Silk Road 2.0, a successor to Silk Road 1.0, using the monikers “PurpleLotus” and “CouponKing.”
The coupons allowed purchasers to obtain significant discounts on a variety of goods and services offered by the victim companies, including Hopster, Veri-fi, SmartSource, RedPlum and Visa. For example, Wattigney sold a counterfeit coupon that allowed users to purchase $50.00 Visa Gift Cards for $0.01 each.
Wattigney admitted that he created and manufactured the fraudulent coupons with the assistance of several co-conspirators, and that they designed the coupons to look like original print-at-home manufacturers’ coupons by using the companies’ trademarks. He also admitted that the scheme affected more than 50 U.S.-based businesses, and caused or attempted to cause more than one million dollars in intended losses.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI Philadelphia Division, with assistance from the FBI New Orleans Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel Marie-Flore Johnson, Gavin Corn and Robert Wallace of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ginsberg of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Leader of Coupon Counterfeiting Ring on Silk Road Websites Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A leader of a coupon counterfeiting ring pleaded guilty today to participating in a conspiracy to sell counterfeit coupons using the “Silk Road” online marketplace, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Beau Wattigney, 30, New Orleans, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle of the Eastern District of Louisiana to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit trademark counterfeiting. Sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 28, 2015.
In connection with his plea, Wattigney admitted that, between May 2012 and November 2014, he used the online monikers “PurpleLotus” and “GoldenLotus” to sell counterfeit coupons for various goods and services on Silk Road 1.0, which was a hidden website through which users around the world bought and sold illegal drugs, goods and services. Wattigney further admitted that he engaged in the same conduct on Silk Road 2.0, a successor to Silk Road 1.0, using the monikers “PurpleLotus” and “CouponKing.”
The coupons allowed purchasers to obtain significant discounts on a variety of goods and services offered by the victim companies, including Hopster, Veri-fi, SmartSource, RedPlum and Visa. For example, Wattigney sold a counterfeit coupon that allowed users to purchase $50.00 Visa Gift Cards for $0.01 each.
Wattigney admitted that he created and manufactured the fraudulent coupons with the assistance of several co-conspirators, and that they designed the coupons to look like original print-at-home manufacturers’ coupons by using the companies’ trademarks. He also admitted that the scheme affected more than 50 U.S.-based businesses, and caused or attempted to cause more than one million dollars in intended losses.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI Philadelphia Division, with assistance from the FBI New Orleans Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel Marie-Flore Johnson, Gavin Corn and Robert Wallace of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ginsberg of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Law Enforcement and Military Response to the July 16, 2015, Deadly Shootings at A Military Recruitment Center and A Naval and Marine Reserve Center in Chattanooga, TennesseeRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On July 16, 2015, Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez, 24, of Hixon, Tenn., shot and killed five individuals and wounded two more, including a Chattanooga Police Officer, at a Military Recruitment Center and Naval and Marine Reserve Center.
Evidence collection and testing are still ongoing. The FBI, along with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, will continue to work tirelessly on this complex investigation. Approximately 250 FBI personnel are on the ground in Chattanooga, with more working across the country and around the globe, following almost 400 leads.
A law enforcement news briefing was held today in Chattanooga to share information concerning the timeline of events which occurred on July 16, 2015. Participating in this press briefing were: Major General Paul W. Briar, United States Marine Corp, Commanding General of 4th Marine Division; Rear Admiral Mary M. Jackson, United States Navy, Commander, Navy Southeast Region; NCIS Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Keleher, NCIS Central Field Office; FBI Special Agent in Charge Ed Reinhold, Knoxville Field Office; ATF Special Agent in Charge Steven Gerido, Nashville Field Office; Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher, Assistant Commissioner David Purkey, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security; and United States Attorney Bill Killian, Eastern District of Tennessee.
During today’s press conference, FBI Special Agent in Charge Ed Reinhold described the series of events that occurred on July 16, 2015, as follows:
- Shortly before 11:00 a.m., on July 16, 2015, the shooter, who has now been identified as Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez, drove up to the Armed Forces Recruitment Center and fired shots. He did not get out of his vehicle at this time.
- Abdulazeez then left the Lee Highway location and traveled to the other facility on Amnicola Highway, crashing into the gate at the Naval Reserve Center.
- Abdulazeez exited the vehicle, armed with an assault rifle, handgun and numerous magazines of ammunition.
- A service member fired at Abdulazeez from within the facility as he approached the building. Abdulazeez fired several rounds into building before reaching the facility.
- Abdulazeez then entered the building and shot the first service member and he then made his way through the building and continued to shoot at those he encountered.
- Abdulazeez continued to fire on exposed military personnel as he made his way outside to the gated motor pool area and killed two military service members.
- Two military service members attempted to provide cover and assist the military personnel in getting over the fence and away from Abdulazeez.
- Abdulazeez continued to fire and killed two others service members.
- Abdulazeez attempted to move inside the compound at which point he was engaged by the Chattanooga Police Department.
- One Chattanooga Police Department officer was then wounded and Chattanooga Police Department killed the shooter
- The heroic actions of these service members saved countless lives.
Both U.S. Attorney Killian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Reinhold extended their sincere appreciation for the cooperation and coordination among all levels of law enforcement as well as the support from the city, state and nation as a whole during this investigation. Representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and NCIS likewise recognized the support from the community and the bravery of the responding police.
As this is an ongoing investigation, no further regular press briefings are scheduled after today. If information becomes available that can and should be shared with the public, either a press release will be issued with the information, or the time and location of a press briefing will be announced. All future media inquiries should be directed to Special Agent Jason Pack, Public Information Officer, FBI, at [email protected] or Sharry Dedman-Beard, Public Information Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Tennessee, at [email protected].
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KC Man Sentenced for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for using a firearm to commit a robbery, which led to a high-speed police chase that ended in a crash that sent him to the hospital.
Gary S. Dorch, 21, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to five years in federal prison without parole.
On March 10, 2015, Dorch pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Dorch was a passenger in a Chrysler Sebring that was stolen at gunpoint on Dec. 19, 2013, from a woman at a car wash. A short time later on the same day, still riding in the stolen Sebring, Dorch committed an armed robbery at Public Storage, 9820 Holmes in Kansas City. He stole $80 from the business as well as a wallet, identification and cell phone from an employee.
The Sebring fled the area of the robbery north on Holmes and exited onto I-435 East while being pursued by law enforcement. The Sebring, which refused to stop, was ultimately involved in a vehicular crash near the intersection of Blue Parkway and Elmwood. Dorch and a co-defendant were arrested and officers found a loaded Taurus .40-caliber pistol in Dorch’s front pants pocket. Dorch and his co-defendant were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Another co-defendant, Randolph E. Wells, 30, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to commit robbery and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and awaits sentencing. Wells admitted that he, Dorch, and other co-defendants had met earlier that day and discussed the need for a vehicle. They traveled together to the car wash, where a co-defendant carjacked the vehicle, and they agreed to use the stolen vehicle to commit a robbery.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Edwards. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Independence, Mo., Police Department.