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23 June 2015
Salvadoran National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LOUIS ADALBERTO MORADIAGA, age 44, a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment.
U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced MORADIAGA to 6 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. At the completion of the MORADIAGA’s term of imprisonment, he shall be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to the Indictment, on or about March 5, 2015, MORADIAGA was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about August 25, 2000.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Seventeen Alleged Leaders and Associates of Clan Usuga Indicted in Brooklyn and Miami as Part of Coordinated Strike Against Colombia’s Largest and Most Influential Drug Trafficking and Armed Bacrim Criminal GroupRead the Press Release
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA --Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida (SDFL), Kelly T. Currie, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) and Jay Bergman, Regional Director of the Andean Region for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced today the unsealing of five indictments in U.S. federal courts in Brooklyn, New York and Miami, Florida charging 17 alleged leaders and associates of Colombia’s largest and most influential BACRIM (banda criminal or criminal group), CLAN USUGA (formerly referred to as Los Urabeños). The alleged leaders and other high-ranking members of CLAN USUGA are charged with operating continuing criminal enterprises, participating in international cocaine trafficking conspiracies, and using firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. CLAN USUGA and many of its principal leaders have been previously designated by the President of the United States and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control as specially designated narcotics traffickers pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. The U.S. Department of State has posted a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of alleged CLAN USUGA principal leader Dairo Antonio Usuga David, also known as Otoniel.
“The indictments announced today are the result of a sweeping national and international effort to stem the flow of drugs across the world and into our communities,” said Kelly T. Currie, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “We stand united with our partners in Colombia in our unwavering commitment to root out the leaders of drug trafficking criminal enterprises wherever they may be found.”
"The cases referenced today demonstrate that the U.S. government, in collaboration with our international law enforcement partners, continues to successfully combat leaders and associates of BACRIM criminal enterprises that seek to supply narcotics to the United States,” said Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. “Together, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Colombian authorities strive to systematically dismantle one BACRIM structure after another and eliminate the threat they pose to our communities.”
Mr. Currie and Mr. Ferrer extended their grateful appreciation to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Field Division, Miami Field Division, and the Bogota Country Office as well as the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York El Dorado Task Force, and the Colombian National Police, the agencies responsible for leading the investigations. Mr. Currie and Mr. Ferrer also expressed their gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by the Colombian Fiscalia General and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs.
“These indictments are the culmination of years of work and far too often heartfelt sacrifice by the brave men and women of the Colombian National Police and the Office of the Prosecutor General of Colombia,” said DEA Regional Director Jay Bergman. “These indictments represent the United States’ steadfast bilateral commitment to conclusively dismantle what is the largest and arguably the last of the nationally structured criminal bands in Colombia.”
“Today’s indictments illustrate our commitment, along with our international law enforcement partners to disrupt a criminal network responsible for smuggling tons of cocaine into the United States,” said Luis Sierra, country attaché for HSI in Colombia. “HSI will continue to use its unique customs authorities to attack and dismantle these types of organizations, and will aggressively pursue leads, regardless of where that information may lead us.”
Six of the CLAN USUGA leaders were charged in both Brooklyn and Miami. Dairo Antonio Usuga-David, also known as “Otoniel,” “Mao,” “Gallo,” and “Mauricio-Gallo,” is alleged to be the principal leader of CLAN USUGA. Roberto Vargas Gutierrez, also known as “Gavilan,” Carlos Alberto Moreno Turberquia, also known as “Nicolas,” Aristides Manuel Mesa Paez, also known as “El Indio,” and Cesar Daniel Anaya Martinez, also known as “Tierra,” are alleged commanders of CLAN USUGA responsible for collecting drug taxes, managing armed combatants, and maintaining control over specific territorial areas within Colombia. Also charged in Brooklyn and Miami is an alleged manager of CLAN USUGA,, Ramiro Caro Pineda, also known as “Nolasco,” who was in charge of collecting drug taxes, coordinating drug shipments, and maintaining control over airstrips and ports on the coast of Colombia.
The Brooklyn indictments also charge seven other cartel leaders, including Daniel Rendon-Herrera, also known as “Don Mario,” the original founder and prior leader of CLAN USUGA; Luis Orlando Padierna Pena, also known as “Inglaterra,” and Jobanis de Jesus Avila Villadiego, also known as “Chiquito” and “Chiquito Malo,” commanders of CLAN USUGA; and Jhoni Alberto Grajales, also known as “Guajiro,” Orlando Gutierrez-Rendon, also known as “Negro Orlando,” Gustavo Palomino Araujo, also known as “Camilo,” and Eduard Fernando Cardoza-Giraldo, also known as “Boliqueso” – alleged leaders of drug collections offices and paramilitary armed groups aligned with CLAN USUGA.
A Miami indictment unsealed today, United States v. Dairo Antonio Usuga-David, et. al., 15 CR 20403-WPD, charges Dairo Antonio Usuga-David, also known as “Otoniel,” “Mao,” and “Mauricio,” Jairo De Jesus Durango Restrepo, also known as “Gua Gua,” Roberto Vargas Gutierrez, also known as “Gavilan,” Aristides Manuel Mesa Paez, also known as “El Indio,” Alverio Feo Alvarado, also known as “Benevides,” Oscar David Pulgarin-Ganan, also known as “Nino” and “Coroso,” Ramiro Caro-Pineda, also known as “Nolasco” and “Hugo,” Cesar Daniel Anaya Martinez, also known as “Tierra,” and Eduardo Luis Vargas Gutierrez, also known as “Pipon,” with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, knowing that it would be imported into the United States. Specifically, the defendants are charged with the distribution from as early as 2002 through June 2015, in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, and elsewhere.
According to a previously unsealed superseding indictment out of Miami, United States v. Lopez Londono, et. al., 10 CR 20763 – Lenard (DE 9), beginning around October 2006 through February 10, 2012, defendants Henry De Jesus Lopez Londono, also known as “Mi Sangre,” “Salvador,” “Carlos Mario,” “Brother,” “Krackin,” and “Federico,” Jhon Fernando Giraldo Usuga, also known as “Simon,” and “Revenlino,” Arley Usuga Torres, also known as “07,” “Siete,” and “Samuel,” Jose Carlos Londono Robledo, also known as “Tito” and “Wolverine,” Carlos Antonio Moreno Tuberquia, also known as “Nicholas,” Edison Gomez Molina, also known as “El Doctor,” and Juan Diego Giraldo Usuga, also known as “Menor” and “Camilo,” are charged with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine knowing that it would be imported into the United States. Gomez Molina, Giraldo Usuga, and Fernando Usuga pled guilty to the superseding indictment on November 26, 2013, March 20, 2014, and May 8, 2014, respectively (DE 72, 98, 110). According to their stipulated factual proffers (DE 74, 101, 112), from at least October 2006 through February 2012, Gomez Molina, Giraldo Usuga, and Fernando Usuga, along with others, used airplanes and other means of transportation to ship multiple loads of cocaine from Colombia to Central America. The loads ranged anywhere from 300 to 600 kilograms each. From there, the cocaine would be delivered to representatives of other organizations, who would take the cocaine and ultimately import it into the United States. Each defendant admitted that he was responsible for the shipment or attempted shipment of at least 150 kilograms of cocaine and knew that the cocaine would ultimately be imported into the United States. Gomez Molina was sentenced to 63 months in prison on February 4, 2014 (DE 90). Girlado Usuga was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment on June 9, 2014 (DE 124). Fernando Usuga was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment on August 29, 2014 (DE 139).
In another Miami indictment, United States v. Victor Alfonso Mosquera Perez, 14 CR 20332 – Moore/McAliley (DE 1), Victor Alfonso Mosquera Perez, also known as “Negro,” is charged with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, knowing that it would be imported into the United States. Specifically, the distribution allegedly occurred from as early as 2008 until approximately May 9, 2014, in Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua, and elsewhere.
According to another indictment, United States v. Andres Fernandez Perez-Restrepo, 14 CR 20333 – Ungaro/Otazo-Reyes (DE 1), Andres Fernandez Perez-Restrepo, also known as “Anthrax,” is charged with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, knowing that it would imported into the United States. Specifically, the defendant is alleged to have committed the distribution from at least as early as July 2012 through March 2, 2014, in Colombia, Honduras, and elsewhere.
As detailed in one of the Brooklyn indictments, United States v. Usuga-David et al., 14 CR 625 (S-2) (DLI), between June 2003 and December 2014, Usuga-David, Vargas Gutierrez, Moreno Turberquia, Padierna Pena, Avila Villadiego, Anaya Martinez, and others, as leaders of CLAN USUGA, conspired to import more than 73 metric tons of cocaine into the United States. CLAN USUGA coordinated the production, purchase, and transfer of multi-ton shipments of cocaine, as well as the receipt of shipments of cocaine in Mexico and Central America, for ultimate importation into the United States. CLAN USUGA also controlled territory in various areas in Colombia and imposed a tax on any drug traffickers operating in those territories – a set fee for every kilogram of cocaine that was manufactured, stored, or transported through areas under their control. The indictment further alleges that these defendants employed sicarios, or hitmen, who carried out acts of violence including murders, assaults, kidnappings, and assassinations to collect drug debts, maintain discipline, control and expand drug territory, and to promote and enhance the position of the organization.
In a second of the indictments unsealed in Brooklyn, United States v. Gutierrez-Rendon, 14 CR 607 (CBA), Orlando Gutierrez-Rendon, also known as “Negro Orlando,” is charged with leading the Gutierrez-Rendon drug trafficking organization, a cocaine trafficking and cocaine-debt collection organization based in Cali, Colombia that was aligned with CLAN USUGA. According to the indictment, the Gutierrez-Rendon’s organization was involved in multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico, El Salvador, and Panama for ultimate importation into the United States. The organization is also alleged to have acted as a collection agency, using violence and murder to collect payments and outstanding debts related to cocaine shipments on behalf of CLAN USUGA. In exchange for its role in collecting funds, the organization received ownership interests in the cocaine shipments. Gutierrez-Rendon is also charged with conspiring to murder rival drug traffickers, including the murder of Samir Garcia. Between January 2006 and May 2013, Gutierrez-Rendon allegedly imported more than 30,000 kilograms of cocaine into the United States.
In a third Brooklyn indictment, United States v. Palomino-Araujo, 15 CR 162 (CBA), Gustavo Palomino Araujo, also known as “Soldado,” “Zarco,” and “Camilo,” is charged with leading the Palomino Araujo an organization responsible for cocaine trafficking, cocaine-debt collection, and a paramilitary organization based in Cali, Colombia that was aligned with CLAN USUGA. The organization allegedly facilitated the transfer of multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico and Central America for importation into the United States, controlled territory in various areas in Colombia, imposed a tax on any drug traffickers operating in regions under its control, and employed sicarios, or hitmen, to collect debts. Palomino Araujo is also charged with conspiring to murder numerous drug rivals.
In the fourth Brooklyn indictment, United States v. Cardoza-Giraldo, 15 CR 305 (KAM), Eduard Fernando Cardoza-Giraldo, also known as “Boliqueso,” is charged with international cocaine trafficking in connection with his role in controlling a drug debt collection office aligned with CLAN USUGA.
In all, 25 individuals have been charged in the investigations coordinated between the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in Brooklyn and Miami. All of the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of the charges against them. Certain individuals named in indictments unsealed today have also been charged by other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices around the country. These cases are the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate, and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.
The cases in the Eastern District of New York are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven L. Tiscione, Gina M. Parlovecchio, and Margaret Lee from the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.
The cases in the Southern District of Florida are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Nadler from the Office’s Narcotics Section.
An indictment is a formal charging document notifying the defendant of the charges. All persons charged in an indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Rutland Resident Sentenced to 18 Months Imprisonment for Providing Housing for Drug DealersRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Chief Judge Christina Reiss, of the United States District Court, sentenced Troy Gibbs, 52, of Rutland, Vermont to 18 months imprisonment for making his residence available to several out-of-state drug dealers. In addition, Judge Reiss sentenced Gibbs to three years supervised release, to be served after he completes his jail sentence.
Gibbs had previously pled guilty to the federal crime of making a residence available for the purpose of distributing or storing controlled substances, also called the “crack-house law.” This crime carries a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment to be followed by up to three years supervised release.
According to the Government, Gibbs and his girlfriend lived in an apartment at 43 Summer Street in Rutland in late 2013 through early 2014. At that time Gibbs and his girlfriend allowed several out-of-state drug dealers from Brooklyn, New York to stay at their residence in exchange for crack cocaine. These dealers then distributed their drugs in the Rutland area while staying at the residence. Gibbs knew these drug dealers by the names: “Dar,” Trav,” “Cash,” “Bolo,” and “Lisa.” Four of these drug dealers, who all are from Brooklyn, New York, have been charged (See United States v. Darnell Richardson, (a.k.a. “Dar”), United States v. Cashon Smith (a.k.a. “Cash), United States v. Tiquan Woods (a.k.a. “Trav”), and United States v. Tyquaisha Adams (a.k.a. “Ty” or “Lisa”)).
The United States stated in its sentencing memorandum that Gibbs was “part of the the local human infrastructure of the Rutland drug world which provides shelter and drug storage to these dealers, thereby decreasing the risk of detection and interdiction by law enforcement and rendering their drug trafficking more likely to succeed.” The Government also argued that it was important that the sentence send a message to others in the drug community that the consequences for housing drug dealers is likely to be significant prison sentence. In imposing an 18 month sentence Judge Reiss stated that “if you provide drug dealers with access to your apartment, expect consequences for yourself.” Judge Reiss further stated that these narcotics are “destroying people’s lives” and that Gibbs conduct was “egregious even if it was motivated by [his] addiction and it is not excused.”
The United States is represented in this matter by Joseph Perella and the defendant is represented by Brooks McArthur. This matter was investigated by the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
President of Local Defense Contractor Pleads Guilty to Bribery Conspiracy Involving Texas Army DepotRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – CHRISTOPHER HOUSTON HENSLEY, 57, of Yukon, Oklahoma, pled guilty today to conspiracy to bribe a public official at the Corpus Christi Army Depot, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
Hensley is the founder and president of Aerochem, Inc., based in Oklahoma City. Aerochem manufactures paint remover ("depaint") products, and it sold these products to Tinker Air Force Base ("Tinker") and other military bases for several years. On June 9, 2015, Hensley was charged by information with conspiracy to bribe a public official at the Corpus Christi Army Depot ("CCAD") in Corpus Christi, Texas. The information alleged that Aerochem started selling paint remover products in 2010 to CCAD. According to the information, Hensley and Soney E. Beesley, a former Aerochem officer, developed a relationship at CCAD with Richard Balderas, Jr., a supervisor of a CCAD division that stripped paint off military helicopter parts. The information alleged that Hensley and Beesley provided entertainment, wire transfers, and more than $3,000 in cash to Balderas in exchange for his favorable treatment of Aerochem’s business interests at CCAD. At today’s plea hearing, Hensley admitted that he approved of Beesley taking Balderas out to gentlemen’s clubs in Corpus Christi and using Aerochem money to buy a $2,600 football helmet for the football team of Balderas’ son.
In December 2014, a grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Hensley, charging him with bribing a public official, conspiracy to commit bribery, and making false statements to the government about an Aerochem product’s conformance with government military specifications. Under a plea agreement, the government will dismiss the indictment. At sentencing, Hensley faces up to five years of prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy count. Hensley will be sentenced in approximately 90 days.
Hensley is the fourth defendant to plead guilty to an Aerochem bribery scheme involving Tinker and CCAD. In October 2013, SHELVIE RAYMOND TABB, 50, of Canadian, Oklahoma, pled guilty to accepting cash from an Aerochem employee in exchange for Tabb’s favorable treatment of Aerochem’s business interests in federal contracting. Tabb is a former depaint section chief at Tinker.
In February 2014, SONEY E. BEESLEY, 41, of Oklahoma City, plead guilty to offering a bribe to a public official. Beesley admitted at a plea hearing that he made cash payments to Tabb in exchange for Tabb’s favorable treatment of Aerochem’s interests in federal contracts at Tinker.
In June 2014, RICHARD BALDERAS, JR., 47, of Ingleside, Texas, pled guilty to accepting a bribe as a public official. At the plea hearing, Balderas admitted that as a CCAD supervisor, he helped to decide when the Army Depot needed to replace its paint stripper. Balderas further admitted that in 2011 and 2012, he accepted cash from Beesley on behalf of Aerochem, and Beesley represented that the cash payments were based on how much paint stripper CCAD bought from Aerochem.
At sentencing, Tabb, Beesley, and Balderas each faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. United States District Judge Joe Heaton will sentence Tabb and Beesley on August 5, 2015. Judge Heaton will sentence Balderas on August 6, 2015.
These charges and guilty pleas are the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris M. Stephens.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Craig M. Wolff
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that William Alfred Roscoe, 29, of Portland, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to possessing child pornography.
According to court records, in early 2015, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) were investigating the exchange of child pornography over the internet. In April, as part of the investigation, agents took custody of a laptop computer located in the Portland apartment Roscoe shared with his girlfriend and her children. Agents obtained a search warrant for the laptop. A forensic analysis revealed numerous still images and video files depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, that a user of the laptop had searched for files using keywords commonly associated with child pornography and that numerous files with titles indicative of child pornography were in the process of being downloaded to the laptop over the internet at the time agents took custody of the laptop. The investigation revealed that Roscoe knowingly possessed the laptop and knew that it contained child pornography.
Roscoe faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release for between 5 years and life. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by HSI and the Portland Police Department.Portales Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Federal Narcotics Trafficking and Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Brandon William Wood, 36, of Portales, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to ten years in prison for his methamphetamine trafficking and firearms conviction. Wood will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Wood and co-defendant, Justin Thomas Shipley, 30, also of Portales, N.M., were arrested on April 24, 2014, in Otero County, N.M., on a criminal complaint charging them with methamphetamine trafficking charges. They subsequently were indicted on methamphetamine trafficking and firearms charges in a six-count indictment filed on July 16, 2014.
The indictment alleged that in April 2014, in Otero County, Shipley and Wood participated in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine, and also charged the two men with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment further charged Wood and Shipley with using and carrying firearms in relation to a drug trafficking crime and Wood with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
In July 2014, Wood was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he had been convicted of several felony offenses, including conspiracy to sell controlled substances, manufacturing, sale and possession of controlled substances, conspiracy to cultivate marijuana, and driving while intoxicated.
On April 1, 2015, Wood pled guilty to a four-count felony information charging him with participation in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In entering his guilty plea, Wood admitted that beginning on April 18, 2014, he conspired with his co-defendant to acquire 80 grams of methamphetamine which they intended to distribute in Portales. Wood and his co-conspirator were transporting the drugs from Arizona to Portales on April 24, 2014, when they were arrested at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Alamogordo, N.M., after Border Patrol agents found 80 grams of methamphetamine, a hand gun, a shotgun and ammunition in their vehicle during a routine vehicle inspection. Wood admitted to having a gun and ammunition because he was transporting methamphetamine even though he knew that he was not allowed to possess the firearms and ammunition because he had been convicted of at least four felonies.
On Dec. 12, 2014, Shipley also pled guilty to a felony information charging him with participation in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, distribution of methamphetamine; and using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Shipley has been in federal custody since his arrest. He remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which is currently scheduled for July 2015.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the DEA and the Alamogordo Station of the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Wright of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Philadelphia Man Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - An Indictment was filed today charging Tellas Kenyatta Dockery, 40, of Philadelphia, PA, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted of all charges, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison up to life, at least six years of supervised release, a possible fine of up to $2.5 million, and a $300 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bensalem Township Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Salvatore L. Astolfi.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Edward Dollson, 27, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was charged today by indictment with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the University of Pennsylvania Police Department, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yvonne Osirim.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Passaic County, New Jersey, Doctor Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Taking Bribes in Test-Referrals Scheme with New Jersey Clinical LabRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A doctor with a practice in Hawthorne, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for accepting bribes in exchange for test referrals as part of a long-running and elaborate scheme operated by Biodiagnostic Laboratory Services LLC (BLS), of Parsippany, New Jersey, its president and numerous associates, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Douglas Bienstock, 48, of Wayne, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler to an information charging him with one count of accepting bribes. Judge Chesler imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
Including Bienstock, 38 people – 26 of them doctors – have pleaded guilty in connection with the bribery scheme, which its organizers have admitted involved millions of dollars in bribes and resulted in more than $100 million in payments to BLS from Medicare and various private insurance companies. The investigation has so far recovered more than $11 million to date through forfeiture.
According to documents filed in this and related cases and statements made in court:
Bienstock admitted that from February 2008 through October 2009, he was paid more than $2,500 per month under a sham service contract in return for patient blood specimen referrals to BLS. BLS also paid Bienstock $100 in cash for each of a certain type of blood test that he ordered. As a result of Bienstock’s referrals, BLS received approximately $640,000 in lab business.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Chesler ordered Bienstock to serve one year of supervised release, pay a $75,000 fine and forfeit $79, 695.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert; IRS–Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen; and inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Maria L. Kelokates, with the ongoing investigation.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Andrew Leven; Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph N. Minish; Jacob T. Elberg, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care and Government Fraud Unit in Newark; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Ward, Chief of the office’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Unit.
U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman reorganized the health care fraud practice at the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office shortly after taking office, including creating a stand-alone Health Care and Government Fraud Unit to handle both criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of health care fraud offenses. Since 2010, the office has recovered more than $635 million in health care fraud and government fraud settlements, judgments, fines, restitution and forfeiture under the False Claims Act, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and other statutes.
Defense counsel: Alan Zegas Esq., Chatham, New Jersey
Newark Man Sentenced for Stealing 25 Firearms from Local Gun StoreRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Rodney Goodrich, Jr., 28, of Newark, NY, who was convicted of theft of firearms and possession and sale of stolen firearms and ammunition, was sentenced to nine years in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Noto, who handled the case, stated that on January 21, 2013, the defendant was involved in the theft of 24 handguns and one rifle from D&M Shooting Sports, a commercial establishment located in Palmyra, NY. Goodrich aided and abetted Angel Hernandez-Ramos and another individual to unlawfully enter the store and steal the firearms. The defendant then sold the stolen firearms to others in exchange for cash and cocaine.
Angel Hernandez-Ramos, who was also involved in the theft of the firearms, has been convicted and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16, 2015.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Delano A. Reid, and investigators of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Barry Virts.
New York man sent to prison for making false statement about operation of Sandusky wineryRead the Press Release
A New York man was sentenced to 15 months in prison and fined $10,000 for making false statements relative to a loan and his operation of a winery near Sandusky, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
David J. Kraus, 53, of New York, New York, pleaded guilty earlier this year to making a false statement to the United States Department of Agriculture – Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA).
Kraus, the owner and operator of Kraus Winery, Inc., aka Kraus Vineyard aka Hermes Winery, knowingly and willfully made a materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statement or representation to the USDA-FSA in connection with the agency’s administration of the Direct Loan Program, a program meant to benefit family farmers. Specifically, on December 15, 2009, Kraus knowingly and willfully provided a 2008 federal income tax return, purportedly filed with the Internal Revenue Service to a USDA-FSA Farm Loan Officer. The tax return had not been filed with the IRS and substantially inflated the winery’s net losses.
The false statement was part of a fraud scheme during which Kraus sold and directed the sale of grapes and wine valued at approximately $2 million which had been pledged as collateral for loans totaling $594,870, and failed to remit the proceeds from such sales to the USDA-FSA as required by the terms of the loans.
He was employed as a psychiatrist and vintner at the time of the false statement.
Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Kern and Noah P. Hood prosecuted the case following an investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Investigator General.
Mexican Man Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States After Three Previous DeportationsRead the Press Release
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Luis Ruiz-Aguillon, of Mexico, was sentenced in United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire to eight months in prison for illegally reentering the United States after having been previously deported, announced Acting United States Attorney Donald Feith.
Court documents establish that the Londonderry Police stopped a vehicle containing four occupants for speeding at 2:45 a.m. on December 7, 2014. The driver of the vehicle presented the police with a driver’s license issued in Mexico. Two of the passengers provided Mexican voter identification cards and the fourth passenger did not have any identification. The Londonderry Police called the Department of Homeland Security for assistance in identifying the occupants of the vehicle. Agents of the Department’s Enforcement and Removal section of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement responded to the scene and obtained admissions from the occupants that each was illegally present in the United States.
Fingerprint comparisons identified Ruiz-Aguillon as having been previously deported from Texas in 2003, 2006 and 2009. On December 19, 2014, Ruiz-Aguillon was charged with illegal reentry after having been previously deported. Ruiz-Aguillon pled guilty to the charges on March 12, 2015.
“Our office will continue to investigate and prosecute those individuals who repeatedly violate our immigration laws by reentering the United States after having been deported,” said Acting United States Attorney Donald Feith. “The path to citizenship does not include an avenue for those who flout the legal procedures for entering the country after having been deported.”
The case was investigated by the Londonderry Police and agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfred Rubega.
Member of the Imperial Gangsters Sentenced to 25 years in Prison for Murder and Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A member of the Imperial Gangsters street gang was sentenced to 25 years in prison for murder and conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David A. Capp of the Northern District of Indiana.
Julian Guillermo Serna, aka Big Ju, 25, of Munster, Indiana, pleaded guilty to the charges on Dec. 27, 2013. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon of the Northern District of Indiana imposed the sentence.
According to evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Serna shot and killed Mario Soriano, a member of a renegade clique of the 139th Street Imperial Gangsters, with whom he had engaged in shootouts previously. Specifically, while riding in a car, Serna saw Soriano riding in another car. When Soriano began to lower his window, Serna shot repeatedly into the car, killing Soriano.
Of the 24 Imperial Gangsters who were indicted in this case, 22 have pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the FBI; and the East Chicago Police Department. The Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Lake County, Indiana, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program provided assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Bruce R. Hegyi of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick of the Northern District of Indiana.
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Member of the Imperial Gangsters Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Murder and Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A member of the Imperial Gangsters street gang was sentenced to 25 years in prison for murder and conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David A. Capp of the Northern District of Indiana.
Julian Guillermo Serna, aka Big Ju, 25, of Munster, Indiana, pleaded guilty to the charges on Dec. 27, 2013. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon of the Northern District of Indiana imposed the sentence.
According to evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Serna shot and killed Mario Soriano, a member of a renegade clique of the 139th Street Imperial Gangsters, with whom he had engaged in shootouts previously. Specifically, while riding in a car, Serna saw Soriano riding in another car. When Soriano began to lower his window, Serna shot repeatedly into the car, killing Soriano.
Of the 24 Imperial Gangsters who were indicted in this case, all have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the FBI; and the East Chicago Police Department. The Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Lake County, Indiana, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program provided assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Bruce R. Hegyi of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick of the Northern District of Indiana.
Member of Baltimore Heroin Distribution Organization Sentenced to over 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Antoine Wiggins, age 39, of Baltimore, to 126 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin. Judge Hollander also ordered Wiggins to forfeit a total of $141,901 in cash, a Rolex watch, diamond necklace, a boat and a vehicle, seized during the investigation.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to court documents and information presented at his plea hearing, as part of an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that operated primarily in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Wiggins was intercepted in telephone calls and other recordings arranging heroin transactions, and was also captured on surveillance video. Wiggins leased an apartment in the 1600 block of Whetstone Way in Baltimore, which was used by the organization as a transit point for couriers who were transporting heroin. Law enforcement executed search warrants at Wiggins’ residence, as well as the Whetstone Way apartment, and recovered more than $132,000 in cash, heroin, money counters and other items.
Over the course of the conspiracy Wiggins was responsible for the distribution of between one and three kilograms of heroin.
A total of 12 defendants, including Wiggins, Anthony Miles, a/k/a “Bigs,” and “Fat Boy,” age 31, Enzo Blanks, a/k/a “Zo,” age 30, and Marlow Bates, a/k/a “Low,” age 33, all from Baltimore, have been convicted for the heroin distribution conspiracy. Miles, Blanks and Bates were also sentenced to 10 years in prison for their roles in the conspiracy.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Romano and Seema Mittal, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Martinsburg man sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing heroin overdose deathRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keith A. Watson, 36, of Martinsburg, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for selling heroin that led to the death of another individual, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In April 2014, Watson sold heroin in Berkeley County, West Virginia that led to the death of a 37-year-old man.
"The U.S. Attorney's office remains committed to the aggressive prosecution of drug dealers, particularly when the drugs sold cause the death of another," said Ihlenfeld. "We've partnered with law enforcement agencies to enhance the investigation procedures and techniques used to look into drug overdoses. We're also working on a national scale to improve the prosecution of dealers who cause deaths and serious injuries.”
Watson pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin.” In executing the plea agreement, Watson agreed to a binding sentence of 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Marshall County, WV woman convicted of cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Alicia D. Duerr, 30, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was convicted today of cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Duerr repeatedly conspired with other individuals to possess and to distribute crack cocaine in Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia. She pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Crack Cocaine.” She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Man Admits Dumping Raw Sewage on Camp PendletonRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO - Victor Amezcua, a resident of Winchester, California, pleaded guilty in federal court today to dumping raw sewage on Camp Pendleton.
According to his plea agreement, Amezcua admitted that on at least four occasions during 2013 and 2014, while he was employed at a firm which had a contract to dispose of porta-potty waste from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, he pumped the sewage into a ravine in area 53 on the base. Amezcua acknowledged that he was employed as the driver of a vacuum truck and he was supposed to collect the sewage from the porta-potties and dispose of it in large holding tanks located on the base, which would be later pumped out and their contents disposed of at the sewage treatment plants on base. Instead, Amezcua admitted that he knowingly pumped the contents of his vacuum truck into a ravine in Area 53, without testing the sewage or notifying anyone at the base, as required by federal regulations.
Amezcua is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Larry A. Burns on September 28, 2015, at 9:30 am.
DEFENDANT Case Number: 15cr1645-LAB Victor Amezcua Age: 44 Winchester, California CHARGESCount 1: Unlawful Disposal of Sewage, in violation of 33 U.S.C. § 1319(c)(2)(A) and 1345.
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Maximum Penalties: 3 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine or $50,000 per day of violation, whichever is greater, a minimum fine of $5,000 per day of violation, $100 special assessment, restitution.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigations Division
Naval Criminal Investigative ServiceLee's Summit, Smithville Men Indicted for Internet Child PornRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Lee’s Summit, Mo., man and a Smithville, Mo., man were indicted by a federal grand jury today, in separate and unrelated cases involving child pornography.
USA v. Moore
Ronald L. Moore, Jr., 50, of Lee’s Summit, was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo.
Today’s indictment alleges that Moore distributed child pornography over the Internet between June 27 and Aug. 28, 2014.
Moore is also charged with two counts of receiving child pornography over the Internet on Aug. 17, 2013, and on Sept. 15, 2012, and one count of possessing movies of child pornography on Sept. 19, 2014.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Moore to forfeit to the government any property used to commit the alleged offense, including a desktop computer and two hard drives.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the FBI.
USA v. Arnold
Jacob A. Arnold, 19, of Smithville, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo.
Today’s indictment alleges that Arnold received child pornography over the Internet on March 17, 2015. Arnold is also charged with possessing child pornography on June 4, 2015.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the Western Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force and the Smithville, Mo., Police Department.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in these indictments are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Indictment: Washington Men Arrested in Kansas with More than 13 Pounds of MethRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - Two Washington men who were arrested in in Thomas County with more than 13 pounds of methamphetamine have been indicted on federal drug charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Jose Valenzuela-Rojo, 30, Pasco, Wash., and Rafael Gastelum-Castro, 34, Pasco, Wash., are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
They were arrested June 8, 2015, in Thomas County.
If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than life in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is investigating.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Carlos Hernandez, 21, Los Angeles, Calif.; and Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, 23, a citizen of Mexico, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, and one count of traveling across state lines in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred June 5, 2015, in Thomas County, Kan.
If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million on the possession charge, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other charge. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Mario Alberto Hernandez-Esqivel, 37, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found June 4, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Michael E. Foxworthy, 25, Wichita, Kan.; Lashawnda L. Lindeman, 26, Wichita, Kan.; and Stephen A. Espinoza, 24, Wichita, Kan., are charged with drug trafficking. Foxworthy is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Lindeman and Espinoza are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred June 5, 2015, in Wichita.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Conspiracy: Not less than five and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $2 million.
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.
Daniel Nicholson, 50, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred June 12, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.
Ascencion Montes-Martinez, 35, Lynwood, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred May 28, 2015, in Thomas County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $4 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.
Angelica M. Flores, 21, Pratt, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm with the serial number removed. The crimes are alleged to have occurred May 19, 2015, in Ford County, Kan.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. The Dodge City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Indictment Unsealed Charging Boat Operators with Manslaughter in Scuba Diver’s DeathRead the Press Release
Two United Kingdom nationals have been charged with crimes involving the death of a scuba diver in the Florida Keys.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Rear Admiral Scott A. Buschman, Commander of the Coast Guard 7th District and Director of Homeland Security Task Force Southeast, and Thomas E. Robarge, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), made the announcement that an indictment has been unsealed against Christopher Jones, 50, and Alison Gracey, 47, both of the United Kingdom, who were charged with crimes involving the death of a scuba diver in the Florida Keys in December 18, 2011.
The indictment charges Jones and Gracey with one count of involuntary manslaughter, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1112, and one count of making a false official statement, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). Additionally, the indictment charges Jones with one count of the Seaman’s Manslaughter Statute, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1115. If convicted, Jones faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years and Gracey a maximum statutory penalty of eight years.
According to the allegations in the indictment, the defendants operated a commercial dive charter boat called “GET WET.” The alleged unlawful and careless manner in which the defendants operated the boat caused the death of an individual scuba diver. Additionally, the indictment alleges that the defendants knowingly and willingly made a false statement to the U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center about the boat’s ownership.
On June 5, 2015, Dutch authorities in St. Maarten arrested Jones and Gracey based on the previously-sealed indictment. The Department of Justice, the Coast Guard, and Coast Guard Investigative Services are seeking the extradition of Jones and Gracey to the United States to face the charges in the indictment from St. Maarten.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime Raich.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Illegal Firearms Dealer Admits Selling More Than 200 Guns to Drug Dealers and Other Criminals in the Camden AreaRead the Press Release
Guns Originated from Straw and Gun Show Purchases and Straw Purchases in Ohio
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, man today admitted selling to a Camden drug dealer and other criminals in the Camden area at least 200 firearms that he purchased with cash from other illicit firearms dealers, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Joshua Jackson, 35, a/k/a “Trent,” of Willingboro, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count each of dealing firearms without a license, conspiracy to deal in firearms without a federal firearms license, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
According to documents filed in this and related cases and statements made in court:
Jackson admitted that between December 2009 and September 2010, he sold or brokered the sale of at least 200 handguns that he purchased with cash from illegal gun distributors in Ohio and from straw purchases by associates of his from gun stores in Columbus, Ohio.
Jackson sold many of the weapons to Terrance Laboo, 33, of Oaklyn, New Jersey. Laboo previously pleaded guilty before Judge Kugler and admitted that at the time of the firearms purchases from Jackson he was a Camden drug dealer engaged in ongoing sales of PCP. Jackson also sold guns to other criminals in the South Jersey area.
Laboo has acknowledged that at the time he purchased these firearms from Jackson, he was distributing PCP and cocaine from the corner of 4th and Chestnut Streets in Camden. Laboo also previously admitted he sold, directed or brokered the sale of many of the firearms he purchased to other drug dealers in southern New Jersey.
Jackson obtained most of the firearms through purchases at gun shows from unlicensed gun sellers who were not subject to background checks. Some of the firearms also were purchased at Ohio gun stores by straw purchasers working for Jackson, who then transported the handguns to New Jersey from Ohio and resold them to Laboo and others in the Camden area. Laboo previously admitted he knew he was buying guns that came illegally from Ohio and Virginia.
Jackson transported the illegal firearms purchased in the Columbus, Ohio, area back to Camden and the surrounding area using a rental car and by using an associate to transport them in duffel bags on Greyhound buses running between Columbus and the Greyhound bus terminals in Philadelphia and Mount Laurel, New Jersey.
The illegal firearms dealing count and the conspiracy count to which Jackson pleaded guilty each carry a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The possession of firearms by a convicted felon count carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 2, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the ATF, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George P. Belsky, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. Mr. Fishman also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Ohio, directed by U.S. Attorney Carter M. Stewart, and agents of the ATF Field Division in Columbus, Ohio, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Donald Soranno.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Askin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Justin Loughry Esq., Philadelphia
Houston Man Heads to Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of ChildrenRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Pierre Johnson, 40, has been handed a significant sentence following his conviction of conspiring to traffic children under 18 for commercial sex, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Johnson pleaded guilty July 10, 2014.
Today, U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison handed Johnson a sentence of 168 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by 10 years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. In imposing the sentence, Judge Ellison noted the serious nature of the crimes Johnson committed.
Johnson admitted that during parts of 2013, he used force, fraud or coercion to cause at least three minor girls under 18 to engage in commercial sex acts. Johnson trafficked underage children across three states, including Texas, Louisiana and Colorado. All of the victims were photographed in online ads that were posted for prostitution. In the ads, the minors were falsely advertised as being adults. Johnson provided the children with drugs and alcohol and kept all of the monies the girls earned. Johnson would also transport the minors by car across state lines so they could perform commercial sex acts in response to the on-line ads he posted.
Johnson has been in custody since his arrest in March 2014. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Pierre Johnson’s co-conspirator, Dominqiue Howard, 25, was sentenced earlier this month also to 168 months.
An investigation by the Houston FBI Innocence Lost Task Force, which includes such agencies as the Houston Police Department, developed this case using statements from victims as well as on line advertisements for the victims’ services and hotel records from several hotels.
This case, prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie N. Searle and Sherri L. Zack, 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."
Hartford Man Sentenced to Prison for Crack Cocaine Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMIE COLEMAN, also known as “City,” 24, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for his role in a crack cocaine trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a year-long joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of West Hell street gang, and gang-related violent activity. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, identified Melkuan Scott, also known as “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” 24, as the leader of the West Hell street gang who, along with his associates, distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.
Scott regularly supplied COLEMAN with crack cocaine, which COLEMAN sold to his own customers.
Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation, and 24 defendants have been convicted on charges in the indictment or related charges. One defendant was shot and killed while his case was pending.
On December 2, 2014, COLEMAN pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking offense.
Scott has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Squad, Major Crimes Unit and Shooting Task Force are providing valuable assistance to the investigation, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrest of certain defendants. The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney is also assisting with this ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.
Gloucester County, New Jersey Man Admits Operating Mortgage Foreclosure Rescue, Real Estate Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Woolwich Township, New Jersey, man today admitted scamming distressed homeowners into giving him their houses and then soliciting fake real estate investments from private investors – secured by those same properties – that netted him more than $3 million in illicit profits, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Randy Poulson, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to Count One of an indictment charging him with mail fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Poulson owned and operated Equity Capital Investments, LLC and Poulson Russo LLC and was the former president of the South Jersey Real Estate Investors Association. Paulson gave speeches, seminars, monthly dinners and various private tutorial sessions, purporting to teach real estate investing tips to individuals who paid fees to attend.
Poulson engaged in a two-pronged scheme. First, he promised to pay the mortgages of distressed homeowners facing foreclosure if they sold their homes to him. Using this method, Poulson obtained the deeds to more than 25 distressed homeowners’ residences, causing them to vacate the homes so renters could move in. Afterwards, Poulson then stopped making the monthly mortgage payments, causing those mortgages to go into foreclosure without the distressed homeowners’ knowledge.
In the second part of the scheme, Poulson solicited seminar attendees and other private investors to invest in Equity Capital Investments, which purportedly bought and sold real estate. Poulson told the investors that their money would be used to acquire and rehabilitate a property, which Poulson claimed he would rent out and then sell for a 10 to 20 percent return on the investment.
The properties for which Poulson solicited the investments were those he acquired in the first part of the scheme. Although Poulson claimed that he would use funds to acquire and rehabilitate those properties, Poulson spent the money on personal expenses and to repay other investors. As a result of the scheme, Poulson was able to fraudulently obtain more than $3 million from investors.
The mail fraud count to which with Poulson pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 2, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel, in Newark, for the investigation leading to today’s plea.
The government is represented by Attorney in Charge R. Stephen Stigall of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Gilbert J. Scutti Esq., Somerdale, New Jersey
Former Store Owner Sentenced on Synthetic Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
Rochester, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Amber Snover, 24, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of using a communication facility to facilitate a controlled substance, was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to forfeit $771,109 in United States currency by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Noto, who handled the case, stated that the defendant used a telephone to order various synthetic controlled substance analogues. Snover ordered the synthetic drugs for Charles Fitzgerald and others at the 420 Emporium located in Batavia, NY. A total of $771,109 in United States currency was seized during the execution of a search warrant at the residence Snover shared with Fitzgerald on West Hills Estates in Rochester on July 25, 2012.
Fitzgerald was convicted and sentenced to 30 months in prison. Three employees of Fitzgerald’s who worked at the 420 Emporium stores located in Batavia and Henrietta, NY have also been convicted and sentenced.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency, under the direction of James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, and investigators from the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Major David Krause.Former Realtor Sentenced to 5 Years for Leading Decade-Long Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Julio Cesar Esquivel Reyes, 41, of Tolleson, Ariz. was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver to five years in prison and ordered to pay $568,413 in restitution. Reyes previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
“Mortgage fraud is a serious offense that has detrimental effects on the economy as a whole. The facts of this case are especially egregious because the defendants used their affiliation with a church to further the crime,” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “This sentence and that of Pastor Tovar send a solid message that those engaging in such actions will be prosecuted and incarcerated.”
“Schemes like this that undermine our financial system and lead to millions of dollars in losses impact consumers at all levels,” said Matt Allen, special agent in charge for HSI Arizona. “That’s why HSI will continue to work with its enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in high-dollar fraud schemes pay a price to pay for their crimes.”
Reyes, a former realtor, and his co-conspirators embarked on an 11-year mortgage fraud scheme that resulted in losses just under $2 million. Among other things, the defendants provided false information to lenders and used straw buyers to perpetrate the scheme. During the course of the conspiracy, the defendants obtained at least 14 loans on 11 properties that totaled over $3 million and resulted in nine foreclosures. A portion of the scheme was co-led by Pastor Luis Antonio (“Tony”) Maldonado Tovar of Grupo Amistad church. By misrepresenting that the proceeds would be used to benefit the church, Tovar and Reyes recruited members and affiliates of Grupo Amistad church in Phoenix to act as straw buyers for a number of the fraudulent transactions. Tovar was previously sentenced to 33 months imprisonment for his role in the offense. He was ordered to self-surrender to serve his sentence on Jan. 20, 2015, but failed to appear and remains at large - any information on Tovar’s whereabouts should be reported to the U. S. Marshals Service at 1-800-336-0102 or [email protected]. Picture attached.
Also sentenced in this case were Evangelina Gardner (14 months’ imprisonment) and Reyes’s father, Andres Esquivel (12 months’ imprisonment).
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Jennifer Levinson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-12-01122
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-049_Reyes et al
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Former New Hampshire Construction Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Hill, New Hampshire, man pleaded guilty today to three counts of tax evasion in the U.S. District Court in the District of New Hampshire, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Donald Feith of the District of New Hampshire.
Ronald Martin formerly owned and operated Martin Construction in Northfield, New Hampshire, and employed between three to eight individuals at various times. In 2008, 2009 and 2010, Martin’s business earned a total of approximately $1.2 million in gross revenue, but Martin did not file any federal corporate or individual income tax returns for Martin Construction or for himself and did not pay any federal income tax in any of those years. Martin took steps to conceal the business revenue by directing that payments and invoices for selling scrap metal be made in the name of his nephew. He also only deposited a small fraction of the income earned from Martin Construction into the business’ bank account. Instead, he diverted a significant portion of the business income for personal expenditures. In addition to failing to file tax returns and to pay individual and business income taxes, Martin also failed to file any federal employment tax returns or pay over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) any federal employment taxes for any of his employees.
A federal grand jury in the District of New Hampshire indicted Martin on three counts of tax evasion in July 2014. Martin faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on each tax evasion count. Martin’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20. Martin currently is detained on unrelated pending state criminal charges.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and Acting U.S. Attorney Feith commended the special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark S. Zuckerman of the District of New Hampshire and Senior Litigation Counsel Corey J. Smith of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Former Illinois Public Health Chief of Staff Sentenced for Bribery, Kickback Scheme and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Springfield, Ill. –A former Chief of Staff for the Illinois Department of Public Health, Quinshaunta R. Golden, was sentenced to a federal prison term of eight years (96 months) today for taking bribes and kickbacks related to $13 million in grant and contract funds awarded at her direction and for obstructing justice in a federal grand jury investigation. Golden appeared today before U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough in Springfield.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Myerscough ordered that Golden pay $1,000,000 in restitution to IDPH, jointly and severally with Roxanne Jackson, a defendant in a separate but related case. Golden was ordered to remain on supervised release for three years following her release from prison. Golden remains on bond and will self-report to the federal Bureau of Prisons on Sept. 1, 2015, to begin serving her sentence.
Golden, 46, of Homewood, Ill., served as Chief of Staff at IDPH from 2003 to early 2008. In that capacity, Golden had significant control over the agency’s offices and had certain approval authority and control over the awarding of grants and contracts. In 2008, Golden left the department and took a position at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
On April 10, 2014, Golden pled guilty to taking bribes and kickbacks pursuant to a plea agreement. On May 29, 2015, an addendum was filed related to Golden’s plea agreement that established that Golden did not oppose the presentence report finding that she was not entitled to a sentencing adjustment for acceptance of responsibility.
According to evidence presented by the government during sentencing and court documents, from 2006 to 2008, Golden used her agency position to direct approximately $11 million in grant funds, for programs relating to breast, cervical and prostate cancer, HIV/AIDS, and emergency preparedness, to three not-for-profit organizations: Broadcast Ministers Alliance, Access Wellness and Racial Equity, and Medical Health Association. These organizations were then controlled by Leon Dingle, Jr., and his for-profit corporation known as Advance Health, Social and Educational Associates, Inc. (AHSEA)
As part of the scheme, Golden directed that an associate, Roxanne Jackson, a former IDPH administrator, be hired as a paid consultant for Leon Dingle, Jr., and the three not-for-profit entities. As a result, approximately $772,500 in grant funds disbursed to the three not-for-profit entities was paid to Jackson from July 2007 to April 2008. This included approximately $407,500 in April 2008, at the end of Golden’s tenure at IDPH. As a condition of Jackson receiving grant funds, Golden required that Jackson pay her one-half of whatever she received, less any funds to be withheld for payment of taxes, which were never paid.
Golden further directed that Jackson work as a paid consultant for VIP Security. Golden caused approximately $2 million in contract funds to be paid by IDPH to VIP Security to conduct background checks and interviews of Illinois nursing home residents related to the Identified Offender Program. Golden required that Jackson give Golden kickback payments for each background investigation performed by VIP Security.
From February to April 2012, Golden attempted to persuade a material witness with the intent to obstruct an official grand jury investigation in the Central District of Illinois. Golden met with the witness on multiple occasions and falsely denied receiving improper kickback payments. Golden admitted to the witness that she caused grants to be issued to certain vendors and to the witness, but encouraged and instructed the witness not to tell the truth concerning the kickback scheme and to conceal the truth from the witness’s attorney and the grand jury, and to create a false story by saying that the witness used the grant and contract funds for gambling and other personal expenses.
In a related but separate case, in December 2014, a jury convicted Leon Dingle, Jr., and his wife Karin, both of Chicago, of conspiracy to defraud, mail fraud and money laundering for their use of millions of dollars in grant funds for their personal benefit and to pay personal expenses. Sentencing for the couple is scheduled on Sept. 10, 2015.
Sentencing for Jacquelyn Kilpatrick, bookkeeper and vice-president of operations for AHSEA, is scheduled on Sept. 15, 2015. Kilpatrick pled guilty to one count of mail fraud and filing a false income tax return. Kilpatrick’s husband, Edmond Clemons, is also scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 15, after he pled guilty to filing a false income tax return.
Roxanne Jackson was sentenced on June 12, to 25 months in federal prison for her part in the bribery and kickback scheme and filing false income tax returns. Jackson was also ordered to pay $1,000,000 in restitution jointly and severally with Golden to IDPH.
Central District of Illinois U.S. Attorney Jim Lewis expressed his appreciation to the federal law enforcement officers assigned and the agencies who support the Central District of Illinois U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Public Corruption Task Force and participated in this investigation: U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Chicago Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Chicago Field Office; the Illinois Secretary of State Office of Inspector General; and, Illinois State Police, Division of Internal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Bass prosecuted the case on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois.
Individuals who wish to provide information to law enforcement regarding matters of alleged public corruption are urged to call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 217-492-4450.
Former Fayette teacher pleads guilty to receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A 31-year old man from Weirton, West Virginia pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to receiving child pornography, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Joshua Mark Taylor, a former teacher at Collins Middle School, in Oak Hill, West Virginia entered a guilty plea before United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston.
According to court documents and proceedings, Taylor was employed by the Fayette County Board of Education as teacher at Collins Middle School from approximately March of 2013 to January of 2014. Taylor admitted that in November of 2013, he exchanged a large number of text messages with a 12-year-old female who was a student at the school. Taylor also admitted that from about November to January of 2014, he persuaded the student to take photographs of her genital area and send them to him on his cell phone. Taylor admitted to receiving the sexually explicit images on his cell phone on December 14, 2013. Finally, Taylor admitted to distributing or attempting to distribute the sexually explicit images through interstate commerce.
The investigation was initiated by the West Virginia State Police in January of 2014, after the father of the student reported her missing. Taylor picked the minor up at her family home and returned her to her home uninjured after she was missing for nearly 22 hours. The investigation led to Taylor’s arrest the next day in St. Marys, West Virginia. Prior to being arrested, Taylor sent the minor a text message urging her not to cooperate with the investigation or prosecution.
Taylor faces a mandatory prison sentence of 15 years, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Taylor will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for September 23, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Goodwin credited the West Virginia State Police and the other law enforcement agencies that worked so hard on the investigation. “The collaborative efforts of the West Virginia State Police, West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation should be commended. Their cooperation brought yet another child predator to justice,” said Goodwin.
Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being brought as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
Former Des Moines, Iowa, Police Officer Sentenced for Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Former Des Moines, Iowa, Police Department Officer Colin J. Boone, 39, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert W. Pratt of the Southern District of Iowa to serve 63 months in federal prison for using unreasonable force during a 2013 arrest, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division and U. S. Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt of the Southern District of Iowa.
This case arose from Boone's use of excessive force against Orville Hill during Hill’s arrest on Feb. 19, 2013. During the incident, Boone arrived at a scene where three fellow Des Moines police officers were holding Hill on the ground and a fourth officer was standing over the group. Boone ran up to the group and kicked Hill in the face, knocking out two of Hill’s teeth and breaking his nose. Other officers reported Boone’s conduct to supervisors after learning that Boone had submitted a written report in which he failed to account truthfully for his actions. On March 13, 2015, a jury found Boone guilty of violating Hill’s civil rights by using unreasonable force.
“As this sentences makes clear, there are serious consequences when law enforcement officers betray the trust of their community by violating the rights of individuals,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “The Department of Justice stands ready to hold accountable those who violate the civil rights laws.”
This investigation was conducted by the FBI, and was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Bobbi Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Mahoney of the Southern District of Iowa.
Former Chief of Baltimore City Division of Transit and Marine Services Sentenced to Prison for Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - Chief U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Barry Stephen Robinson, age 65, of Accokeek, Maryland, today to a year and a day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, in connection with a bribery scheme perpetrated in 2014 while Robinson was Chief of the Division of Transit and Marine Services of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation. Chief Judge Blake also ordered Robinson to pay forfeiture in the amount of $20,000, of which all but $13,550 had already been seized.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Baltimore City Inspector General Robert H. Pearre, Jr.; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
“Barry Stephen Robinson took a $20,000 bribe to cancel a $60,000 debt owed to Baltimore City, and a $70,000 bribe to allow the theft of city property worth $250,000,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “This sort of corruption can occur when dishonest people are trusted to handle valuable government property.”
“Using his official position and the resources of Baltimore City, Robinson abused the trust placed in him in order to personally enrich himself,” said Thomas Jankowski, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office. “IRS-Criminal Investigation stands committed to weed out individuals, such as Robinson, who take the path to financial enhancement through greed and corruption at the expense of those they serve.”
Barry Robinson was Chief of the Division of Transit and Marine Services of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation and supervised Baltimore City’s “Circulator” and “Water Taxi” programs. He had authority to approve contracts with advertisers and vendors and to purchase and pay for goods and services.
In the spring of 2013, Robinson received a check for $40,000 payable to the Baltimore City Director of Finance, in payment for advertising on Circulator buses. Robinson returned the check and proposed that for $20,000 in cash, he would cancel the $40,000 debt to the city and provide written documentation that it had been paid. The debtor declined the offer at that time. In January 2014, Robinson renewed his offer to extinguish the debt to the City of Baltimore. This time, he offered to cancel $60,000 of debt in return for $20,000 in cash. From January 23 to March 11, 2014, Robinson received four cash payments of $5,000 each. In return, Robinson provided a signed letter on Baltimore City letterhead falsely stating that the $60,000 debt had been paid.
Robinson also admitted that he stole and sold bus shelters belonging to the City for $70,000. In 2011, Robinson arranged for Baltimore City to purchase 13 bus shelters from a Canadian company for $249,290. On multiple occasions from May 2013 to March 2014, Robinson said since the city did not keep track of the shelters, he planned to sell them for his personal benefit. On April 9, 2014, Robinson accepted $70,000, in return for the city’s bus shelters.
Seeking to disguise the source of the bribery proceeds, Robinson deposited the cash bribe payments he received into two bank accounts in the name of another person, and used a portion of the proceeds to install carpeting, televisions and a range hood in his home.
According to court documents, the intended loss to the City of Baltimore from Robinson’s schemes was approximately $310,000.
U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, the Baltimore City Office of Inspector General and IRS-Criminal Investigation, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara S. Sale, who prosecuted the case.
Former Belen Police Department Detective Sentenced for Using Excessive Force Against ArresteeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – John Lytle, 42, a former detective with the Belen Police Department in Belen, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court for violating an arrestee’s civil rights by assaulting him during the course of an investigative stop and arrest.
Lytle was sentenced to five years of probation. As part of his plea agreement, Lytle is precluded from working or seeking future employment as a law enforcement officer in any capacity. He also must forfeit his law enforcement certification.
During his guilty plea in April 2014, Lytle admitted that on March 15, 2012, while working in his capacity as a Belen Police Department detective, he repeatedly struck the victim, identified by the initials R.A., who was handcuffed and compliant during the entire course of the investigative stop. Lytle further admitted that, at one point during the stop, he pulled the handcuffed victim from the back of a police squad car, threw him to the ground, and struck him again. The victim suffered injuries to his face and torso as a result of Lytle’s assault.
The conviction in this case resulted from the investigative work of the Albuquerque Division of the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Holland S. Kastrin and Trial Attorney Julia Gegenheimer of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
Federal jury finds Columbus man guilty of drug traffickingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Columbus, Ohio man who possessed heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine in a Parkersburg hotel room was found guilty today by a federal jury, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. On August 4, 2013, drug task force officers arrested Toby Germaine Person, 39, and Amanda Sue White, 25, both of Columbus, Ohio, in their hotel room at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Parkersburg. The arrests followed the execution of a search warrant whereby police seized distribution quantities of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine along with cash, digital scales, and packaging materials. Officers obtained the search warrant after conducting a traffic stop of two individuals who had just purchased drugs from Person in the hotel room.
Person has an extensive history of drug trafficking that includes felony convictions in federal court in both Ohio and the Southern District of West Virginia. He was serving two concurrent terms of federal supervised release at the time of his arrest. White was convicted in Wood County on state charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to the state penitentiary.
Person faces up to 20 years in federal prison as a result of his conviction to be followed by up to a consecutive four years for having violated the terms of his supervised release when he is sentenced on October 5, 2015. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the trial.
The case was investigated by personnel from the Parkersburg Police Department, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Hanks and Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecution.
Fargo Man Convicted by Jury of Armed Bank Robbery and CarjackingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced the conviction of MALCOLM ROY EVANS, 52, for armed bank robbery, carjacking, attempted carjacking, and forcing another to accompany while fleeing from the scene. On January 22, 2015, EVANS was indicted for these offenses and, following a four-day trial, a jury found EVANS guilty on June 18, 2015, of all counts of the indictment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Hollenhorst said: “Through the hard work of law enforcement and the full cooperation of the victims of these crimes, a violent criminal was brought to justice. The streets of the Fargo-Moorhead area are much safer as a result.”
As proven at trial, on December 29, 2014, EVANS entered a Wells Fargo bank in Moorhead, Minn., and threatened to shoot the teller with a sawed-off shotgun if she didn’t give him money from the bank’s till. EVANS left the bank with approximately $10,100 and attempted to carjack at gunpoint a woman and her college-age daughter who were driving a Volkswagen minivan, but the two victims ran from the minivan and took the keys with them. The defendant fled on foot for approximately two blocks before he got into a Ford F-150 parked nearby, pointed the sawed-off shotgun at a third victim’s head, and ordered him to “drive to the interstate.” At EVANS’ direction, the victim got out of the truck at the West Acres Mall in Fargo, N.D. EVANS abandoned the truck in a parking lot several blocks away and took a bus from the West Acres Mall to a nearby motel.
As proven at trial, on December 30, 2014, law enforcement arrested EVANS at the motel where they found more than $2,500 in cash, a sawed-off shotgun, shotgun shells, and some of the clothing EVANS was seen wearing in the Wells Fargo bank surveillance video.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Moorhead Police Department, and the Fargo Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Hollenhorst and Bradley M. Endicott are prosecuting the case.Defendant Information:
MALCOLM ROY EVANS, 52
Fargo, N.D.
Convicted:
- Armed Bank Robbery, one count
- Carjacking, one count
- Attempted Carjacking, one count
- Forcing a Person to Accompany the Defendant While Avoiding and Attempting to Avoid Apprehension, one count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
El Paso Businesswoman Pleads Guilty to Preparing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
In El Paso yesterday, 43-year-old Blanca Arcelia Ramos Estrada, owner of Blanca and Sons Tax Service in El Paso, pleaded guilty to preparing a false tax return announced Acting United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge William Cotter.
Appearing before United States Magistrate Judge Miguel A. Torres, Ramos pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. By pleading guilty, Ramos admitted she fraudulently inflated income amounts for her clients in order to maximize their refunds under the Earned Income (EIC) Provisions of the tax code. The IRS investigation determined that Ramos aided and assisted in the preparation and filing of a number of similar false tax returns with combined losses of approximately $140,000.
By pleading guilty, Ramos faces three years of imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than one year. No sentencing date has been scheduled.
This case was investigated by the IRS-CI. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Spitzer is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
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District Man Found Guilty of Aggravated Assault for Stabbing Man in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jose Quintanilla, 24, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury today of aggravated assault while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon stemming from a stabbing on Nov. 9, 2013, in Northwest Washington, Acting U.S. Attorney Vincent H. Cohen, Jr. announced. The verdict was returned following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Yvonne Williams scheduled sentencing for August 26, 2015. Quintanilla faces up to thirty years’ incarceration.
According to the government’s evidence, on Nov. 9, 2013, the victim was walking back from dinner with his friends and observed his vehicle broken into. As the victim was assessing the damage, Quintanilla, wearing a mask which covered his face, came walking down the street with another man. Quintanilla continued approaching and got closer and closer to the victim, who was backed-up against his car. A physical altercation ensued, whereby Quintanilla stabbed the victim multiple times with a knife. The victim underwent surgery and suffered a collapsed lung. Quintanilla was forcibly detained by the victim’s friends until the police arrived.
In announcing the verdict, Acting U.S. Attorney Cohen commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Third District. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Christopher Macchiaroli who investigated and indicted the case, Litigation Technology Specialists William Henderson, Paul Howell, and Anisha Bhatia; Paralegal Specialists Todd McClelland, Karen Hansen, Allison Daniels and Caroline Fitzhugh, and Interns Benjamin Field and Aly Mance. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Misler and Daniel Lenerz, of the Felony Major Crimes Trial Section, who prosecuted the matter.
Diecisiete Supuestos Jefes Y Asociados Del Clan Úsuga Acusados Formalmente Como Parte De Un Golpe Coordinado En Brooklyn Y Miami Contra El Grupo Bacrim Narcotraficante Y Armado Colombiano Más Grande Y Con Más InfluenciaRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Sur de la Florida (SDFL), Kelly T. Currie, Fiscal Federal Interino para el Distrito Este de Nueva York (EDNY) y Jay Bergman, Director Regional de la Zona de los Andes de la Administración Antinarcóticos de los Estados Unidos ( DEA), anunciaron hoy la apertura de cinco acusaciones formales en los tribunales federales en Brooklyn, Nueva York y en Miami, la Florida, imputando cargos a 17 supuestos jefes y asociados de la BACRIM (banda criminal) colombiana más grande y con mayor influencia, el CLAN ÚSUGA (antes conocido como los Urabeños). A los supuestos jefes y otros miembros de alto rango dentro del CLAN ÚSUGA se les imputa el manejo de empresas criminales continuas, participación en conspiraciones internacionales de tráfico de cocaína, y de utilizar armas de fuego para llevar a cabo sus delitos de narcotráfico. El CLAN ÚSUGA y muchos de sus jefes principales ya antes habían sido designados por el Presidente de los Estados Unidos y el Departamento del Tesoro de los Estados Unidos, la Oficina de Control de Activos Extranjeros como narcotraficantes específicamente designados de acuerdo con la Ley de Nombramiento de Capos Narcotraficantes Extranjeros. El Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos ofrece una recompensa de $5 millones para información que lleve al arresto y o condena del supuesto jefe principal del CLAN ÚSUGA, Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, también conocido como Otoniel.
“Las acusaciones formales que se anuncian hoy son el resultado de un esfuerzo nacional e internacional para parar el movimiento de drogas por todo el mundo y dentro de nuestras comunidades”, dijo Kelly T. Currie, Fiscal Federal Interino para el Distrito Este de Nueva York. “Estamos unidos junto con nuestros socios en Colombia con el firme compromiso de erradicar a los jefes de las empresas narcotraficantes criminales dondequiera que se encuentren”.
“Los casos señalados hoy demuestran que el gobierno de los Estados Unidos, en colaboración con nuestros socios internacionales para el cumplimiento de la ley, sigue combatiendo con éxito a los jefes y asociados de las empresas criminales BACRIM que quieren suministrar estupefacientes dentro de los Estados Unidos”, dijo Wifredo A. Ferrer, Fiscal Federal de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Sur de la Florida. “Juntos, las Oficinas de las Fiscalías Federales de los Estados Unidos y las autoridades de Colombia nos dedicamos a desmantelar sistemáticamente una estructura BACRIM tras otra, y a eliminar la amenaza que presentan para nuestras comunidades”.
El Sr. Currie y el Sr. Ferrer expresaron su agradecimiento a la Oficina de Campo de la Administración Antinarcóticos en Nueva York, la División de Campo de Miami, y la Oficina Dentro del País en Bogotá, y además al Departamento de Seguridad Interna, Investigaciones de Seguridad Interna (HSI) Grupo de Trabajo El Dorado de Nueva York, y a la Policía Nacional Colombiana, las agencias responsables de encabezar las investigaciones. El Sr. Currie y el Sr. Ferrer también expresaron su gratitud por la ayuda incalculable aportada por la Fiscalía General Colombiana y la Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales del Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos.
“Estas acusaciones formales son el resultado de años de trabajo y con demasiada frecuencia con el sacrificio de todo corazón por parte de los hombres y mujeres valientes de la Policía Nacional Colombiana y la Oficina de la Fiscalía General de Colombia”, dijo el Director Regional de la DEA Jay Bergman. “Estas acusaciones formales representan el compromiso inalterable bilateral de los Estados Unidos para definitivamente desmantelar lo que se puede considerar la última de las grandes bandas criminales estructuradas a nivel nacional en Colombia.”
“Estas acusaciones formales hoy demuestran nuestro compromiso, junto con nuestros socios internacionales para el cumplimiento de las leyes, para deshacer una red criminal responsable de contrabandear toneladas de cocaína dentro de los Estados Unidos” dijo Luis Sierra, el Agregado de HSI en Colombia. “HSI seguirá utilizando sus autoridades aduaneras únicas para atacar y desmantelar esta clase de organizaciones, y seguirá activamente las pistas, sin importar a dónde nos lleve esa información.”
Seis de los jefes del CLAN ÚSUGA fueron acusados tanto en Brooklyn como en Miami. Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, también conocido como “Otoniel”, “Mao”, “Gallo” y “Mauricio-Gallo”, imputado como jefe principal del CLAN ÚSUGA. Roberto Vargas Gutiérrez, también conocido como “Gavilán,” Carlos Alberto Moreno Turberquia, también conocido como “Nicolás,” Aristides Manuel Mesa Paez, también conocido como “El Indio,” y César Daniel Anaya Martínez, también conocido como “Tierra,” son supuestos comandantes del CLAN ÚSUGA responsables de cobrar impuestos por las drogas, manejar a los combatientes armados, y mantener control sobre áreas territoriales específicas dentro de Colombia. También fue acusado tanto en Brooklyn como Miami un supuesto administrador del CLAN ÚSUGA, Ramiro Caro Pineda, también conocido como “Nolasco,” encargado de cobrar los impuestos del narcotráfico, coordinar los envíos de las drogas y de mantener el control sobre las pistas aéreas y los puertos en la costa colombiana.
Las acusaciones formales de Brooklyn también imputan cargos a otros siete jefes del cartel, incluyendo a Daniel Rendón Herrera, también conocido como “Don Mario,” el fundador y jefe anterior del CLAN ÚSUGA, a Luis Orlando Padierna Pena, también conocido como “Inglaterra,” a Jobanis de Jesús Ávila Villadiego, también conocido como “Chiquito” y “Chiquito Malo,” comandantes del CLAN ÚSUGA, y a Jhoni Alberto Grajales, también conocido como “Guajiro,” a Orlando Gutiérrez Rendón, también conocido como “Negro Orlando,” a Gustavo Palomino Araujo, también conocido como “Camilo,” y a Eduard Fernando Cardoza- Giraldo, también conocido como “Boliqueso,” supuestos jefes de las oficinas de cobro de drogas y de grupos paramilitares armados alineados con el CLAN ÚSUGA.
Una acusación formal abierta hoy en Miami, Estados Unidos versus Dairo Antonio Úsuga- David, et. al., 15 CR 20403 WPD les acusa a Dairo Antonio Úsuga- David, también conocido como “Otoniel”, “Mao”, y “Mauricio”, a Jairo De Jesús Durango Restrepo, también conocido como “Gua Gua”, a Roberto Vargas Gutiérrez, también conocido como “Gavilán”, a Aristides Manuel Mesa Páez, también conocido como “El Indio”, a Alverio Feo Alvarado, también conocido como “Benevides”, a Oscar David Pulgarín Ganan, también conocido como “Nino” y “Coroso”, a Ramiro Caro- Pineda, también conocido como “Nolasco”, y “Hugo”, a César Daniel Anaya Martínez, también conocido como “Tierra”, y a Eduardo Luis Vargas Gutiérrez, también conocido como “ Pipon”, de conspiración para distribuir 5 kilogramos o más de cocaína, sabiendo que sería importada a los Estados Unidos. Específicamente, se les imputa a los acusados la distribución, remontándose desde 2002 e incluyendo hasta junio de 2015 en Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panamá, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, México y en otros lugares.
Según una acusación formal suplente abierta previamente en Miami, Estados Unidos versus López Londono, et. al., 10 CR 20763 - Lenard (DE 9), comenzando alrededor de octubre, 2006, hasta el 10 de febrero de 2012, a los acusados Henry De Jesús López Londono, también conocido como “Mi Sangre”, “Salvador”, “ Carlos Mario”, “Brother”, “Krackin”, y “ Federico”, Jhon Fernando Giraldo Úsuga, también conocido como “ Simón”, y “Revenlino”, Arley Úsuga Torres, también conocido como “07”, “Siete”, y “Samuel”, José Carlos Londono Robledo, también conocido como “Tito” y “Wolverine”, Carlos Antonio Moreno Tuberquia, también conocido como “Nicholas”, Edison Gómez Molina, también conocido como “El Doctor”, y Juan Diego Giraldo Úsuga, también conocido como “Menor” y “Camilo”, se les acusa de conspiración para distribuir 5 kilogramos o más de cocaína sabiendo que sería importada a los Estados Unidos. Gómez Molina, Giraldo Úsuga y Fernando Úsuga se declararon culpables de una acusación formal suplente el 26 de noviembre de 2013, el 20 de marzo de 2014 y el 8 de mayo de 2014, respetivamente (DE 72, 98, 110). Según sus proffers, estipulando los hechos (DE 74, 101, 112), remontándose por lo menos a octubre de 2006 y hasta finales de febrero de 2012, Gómez Molina, Giraldo Úsuga y Fernando Úsuga, juntos con otros, utilizaron aviones y otros medios de transporte para enviar múltiples cargamentos de cocaína de Colombia a Centroamérica. Los cargamentos variaban entre 300 y 600 kilogramos cada uno. Desde allí se entregaba la cocaína a representantes de otras organizaciones, que se encargaban de la cocaína y al final la importaban a los Estados Unidos. Cada acusado admitió que era responsable de enviar o de intentar enviar por lo menos 150 kilogramos de cocaína y que sabían que la cocaína al final se importaría a los Estados Unidos. Gómez Molina fue sentenciado a 63 meses de encarcelamiento el 4 de febrero de 2014 (DE 90). Giraldo Úsuga fue sentenciado a 63 meses de encarcelamiento el 9 de junio de 2014 (DE 124). Fernando Úsuga fue sentenciado a 168 meses de encarcelamiento el 29 de agosto de 2014 (DE 139).
En otra acusación formal en Miami, Estados Unidos versus Víctor Alfonso Mosquera Pérez, 14 CR 20332 – Moore/McAliley (DE 1), a Víctor Alfonso Mosquera Pérez, también conocido como “Negro”, se le acusa de conspiración para distribuir 5 kilogramos o más de cocaína, sabiendo que sería importada a los Estados Unidos. Específicamente, la distribución supuestamente ocurrió desde el 2008 hasta aproximadamente el 9 de mayo de 2014, en Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua y otros lugares.
Según otra acusación formal, Estados Unidos versus Andrés Fernández Pérez Restrepo, 14 CR 20333 – Ungaro/Otazo-Reyes (DE 1), a Andrés Fernández Pérez-Restrepo, también conocido como “Anthrax”, se le acusa de conspiración para distribuir 5 kilogramos o más de cocaína, sabiendo que sería importada a los Estados Unidos. Específicamente el acusado supuestamente participó en la distribución desde por lo menos julio de 2012 hasta el 2 de marzo 2014en Colombia, Honduras y otros lugares.
Como se detalla en una de las acusaciones formales de Brooklyn, Estados Unidos versus Úsuga-David et al., 14 CR 625 (S-2) (DLI), entre junio de 2003 y diciembre de 2014, Úsuga-David, Vargas Gutiérrez, Moreno Turberquia, Padierna Pena, Ávila Villadiego, Anaya Martínez y otros, como jefes del CLAN ÚSUGA, conspiraron para importar más de 73 toneladas métricas de cocaína a los Estados Unidos. El CLAN ÚSUGA coordinó la producción, compra y traslado de cargamentos de múltiples toneladas de cocaína, así también como la recepción de los cargamentos de cocaína en México y Centroamérica, para la importación final a los Estados Unidos. El CLAN ÚSUGA también controlaba territorios en varias áreas de Colombia e imponían un impuesto a cualquier narcotraficante que trabajase en esos territorios - una tarifa establecida por cada kilogramo de cocaína fabricado, almacenado o transportado a través de las áreas bajo su control. La acusación formal alega además que los acusados empleaban a sicarios, quienes llevaban a cabo actos de violencia incluyendo homicidios, agresiones, secuestros y asesinatos para cobrar deudas de drogas, mantener la disciplina, controlar y ampliar el territorio de drogas y para promover y mejorar la posición de la organización.
En la segunda de las acusaciones formales abiertas en Brooklyn, Estados Unidos versus Gutiérrez Rendón, 14 CR 607 (CBA), a Orlando Gutiérrez-Rendón, también conocido como “Negro Orlando”, se le acusa de encabezar la organización de narcotráfico Gutiérrez-Rendón, dicha organización de tráfico de cocaína y de cobros de deudas de cocaína basada en Cali, Colombia, que estaba alineada con El CLAN ÚSUGA. Según la acusación formal, la organización de Gutiérrez-Rendón estaba involucrada en el envío de cargamentos de múltiples toneladas de cocaína desde Colombia a México, El Salvador y Panamá para su importación final dentro de los Estados Unidos. Se alega además que la organización actuaba también como agencia de cobros, usando violencia y asesinatos para cobrar pagos y deudas pendientes relacionados con los envíos de cocaína, de parte del CLAN ÚSUGA. A cambio de su papel en el cobro de fondos, la organización recibía un porcentaje de participación como dueños en los cargamentos de cocaína. A Gutiérrez-Rendón se le acusa también de conspirar para asesinar a narcotraficantes rivales, incluyendo el asesinato de Samir García. Entre enero de 2006 y mayo de 2013, Gutiérrez-Rendón supuestamente importó más de 30.000 kilogramos de cocaína a los Estados Unidos.
En la tercera acusación formal en Brooklyn, Estados Unidos versus Palomino- Araujo, 15 CR 162 (CBA), a Gustavo Palomino Araujo, también conocido como “Soldado”, “Zarco”, y “Camilo”, se le acusa de encabezar la organización Palomino Araujo, organización responsable de tráfico de cocaína, cobros de deudas de cocaína y una organización paramilitar basada en Cali, Colombia que estaba alineada con el CLAN ÚSUGA. Se alega que la organización facilitó el traslado de envíos de múltiples toneladas de cocaína desde Colombia a México y Centroamérica para su importación a los Estados Unidos, que controlaba territorio en varias áreas de Colombia, que imponía un impuesto a cualquier narcotraficante operando en las regiones bajo su control, y que empleaba a sicarios para cobrar deudas. A Palomino Araujo también se le acusa de conspirar para asesinar a numerosos narcotraficantes rivales.
En la cuarta acusación formal en Brooklyn, Estados Unidos versus Cardoza- Giraldo, 15 CR 305 (KAM), a Eduard Fernando Cardoza-Giraldo, también conocido como “Boliqueso”, se le acusa de narcotráfico internacional de cocaína por su papel controlando una oficina de cobros de deudas de drogas alineada con el CLAN ÚSUGA.
En total, se imputan cargos a 25 individuos en las investigaciones coordinadas entre las Oficinas de las Fiscalías Federales de Estados Unidos en Brooklyn y Miami. Todos los acusados contemplan una sentencia máxima de cadena perpetua si se les condena por todos los cargos en su contra. Ciertos individuos nombrados en las acusaciones formales abiertas hoy también tienen cargos en otras Oficinas de Fiscalías Federales de los Estados Unidos. Estos casos son el resultado de esfuerzos continuos por parte del Grupo Conjunto de Trabajo Contra el Crimen Organizado de Narcotráfico (OCDETF), una asociación entre agencias de orden público a nivel federal, estatal y local. La misión de OCDETF es identificar, investigar y procesar a miembros de alto nivel de las empresas narcotraficantes, uniendo y vinculando las pericias y capacidades únicas de las fuerzas de orden público federales, estatales y locales.
Los encargados de procesar los casos en el Distrito Este de Nueva York son los Fiscales Federales Adjuntos de los Estados Unidos Steven L. Tiscione, Gina M. Parlovecchio, y Margaret Lee, de la Sección de la Oficina Encargada de Narcóticos y Lavado de Activos Internacionales.
El encargado de procesar los casos en el Distrito Sur de la Florida es el Fiscal Federal Adjunto de los Estados Unidos Michael Nadler, de la Sección de Narcóticos de la Oficina.
Una acusación formal es un documento formal de cargos que le informa al acusado de los cargos en su contra. Todas las personas imputadas en una acusación formal gozan de la presunción de la inocencia hasta que se pruebe su culpabilidad.
Detroit man convicted of oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Markus Deanthony Franklin, 22, of Detroit, Michigan, was convicted today of prescription painkiller trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Franklin, also known as “Diego,” sold oxycodone in Monongalia County, West Virginia in September 2014. He pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Department of Justice Filed Charges on more than 2,700 Human Smugglers in Fiscal Year 2014Read the Press Release
Between 2009 and 2014, More Than 18,000 Individuals Charged With Human Smuggling by Federal Prosecutors
The Justice Department is committed to using its resources to bring to justice those that are breaking the law by smuggling migrants into the United States. In Fiscal Year 2014 (FY14, Oct. 1, 2013, up to Sept. 30, 2014), the Justice Department filed criminal charges against 2,762 individuals for human smuggling or harboring immigrants. Nearly 90 percent of the criminal charges filed in FY14 for smuggling took place in Texas (1,515), California (511), Arizona (394), Florida (75) and New York (31). The announcement of these actions is just one part of ongoing, collaborative efforts to tackle unlawful migration. These efforts also helped to address last year’s influx of Central American migrants, including unaccompanied children and families crossing into the Rio Grande Valley, and demonstrate a continued commitment to dismantling human smuggling operations that put so many lives at risk.
Individuals that facilitate smuggling acts need to be aware that they face criminal prosecution and fines. They also need to be aware of the dangers faced by the individuals that are being smuggled and also that the Department of Justice will seek forfeiture of funds transferred to others in connection with a smuggling crime. In addition, individuals trying to bring a family member to the United States by transferring funds to a coyote should be aware that those acts are against the law and their funds can be seized by the federal government.
The penalty for human smuggling if done for commercial benefit is up to 10 years in prison and an accompanying fine. For example, in January, Ruth Fernandez Morales-Lopez pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Hilda G. Tagle of the Southern District of Texas to bringing in and harboring aliens and money laundering. Morales-Lopez admitted that she was the person who decided, based on whether they paid their smuggling fees, which individuals could stay at the “stash house,” located in San Benito, Texas. She further admitted that more than $1 million in her bank account was comprised of smuggling fees and that she structured her withdrawals from that account to circumvent the Bank Secrecy Act. Morales-Lopez faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the smuggling charge and up to 20 years for money laundering. The remaining five defendants in the case, all of whom pleaded guilty, each face up to 10 years of federal imprisonment.
Many of the stories revealed in court cases outline the severe examples of exploitation and violence against migrants. For example, in April 2014, a federal jury in Del Rio, Texas, convicted Eduardo Rocha Sr., 44, for his role in a human smuggling ring operation in Carrizo Springs, Texas, known for torturing its victims and exploiting their families. The evidence presented during the trial showed that Rocha Sr. extorted additional money from family members of migrants that already lived in the United States. In some instances, he ordered his accomplices to subject migrants to brutal violence and mutilation while their family members were forced to listen over the phone.
The Justice Department has a long history of working with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal partners to investigate and prosecute human smugglers. These collaborative efforts lead to prosecutions of those responsible for the illegal entry of individuals, including unaccompanied minors. The string of human smuggling convictions on the southwest border emphasizes the federal law enforcement resources being brought to bear to dismantle and disrupt these dangerous, criminal operations. Human smuggling acts can also lead to extremely dangerous circumstances that pose a public safety threat and significant humanitarian concerns. Many of the cases prosecuted by U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country involve migrants who have been kidnapped, taken hostage, beaten, sexually assaulted, threatened or who have actually died as a result of living under some of the most perilous conditions.
Tragic stories have become all too familiar along the southwest border. In October 2014, for example, Carlos Hernandez-Palma and Fernando Armenta-Romero were apprehended and sentenced for their role in the death of an undocumented immigrant woman that they abandoned in the wilderness of Otay Mountain near the San Diego border. Court records revealed that the woman’s husband pleaded with the smugglers, to no avail, to call for assistance for his pregnant wife after she became gravely ill during the venture. It would be several days before the U.S. Border Patrol found his wife’s body. Her cause of death was attributed to hyperglycemia from being diabetic and hypothermia from environmental exposure.
In addition, the Justice Department is working with countries like Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico to identify and prosecute smugglers who are aiding unaccompanied children crossing the U.S. border. The coordinated efforts also target facilitators operating in foreign countries.
These ongoing enforcement efforts started before last year’s surge of unaccompanied minors and the Justice Department will continue to be vigilant in bringing smugglers to justice. In the years 2009 to 2014, the Justice Department charged more than 18,000 defendants with smuggling or harboring immigrants.
Delaware Man Sentenced to Decade in Prison for Sexually Abusing 13-Year-Old D.C. GirlRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Robert Sanders III, 22, of Dover, Delaware, was sentenced today to ten years in prison on a felony charge stemming from his sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl, Acting U.S. Attorney Vincent H. Cohen, Jr. announced.
Sanders pled guilty in April 2015, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count of first-degree child sexual abuse. He was sentenced by the Honorable Rhonda Reid Winston. Upon completion of his prison term, Sanders will be placed on 5 years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
According to the government’s factual proffer at the plea hearing, during April of 2014, Sanders came to live with a relative in Southeast Washington. The victim was on spring break from school that week, and was visiting relatives in the same household. During that week, Sanders engaged in several sexual acts with the girl. The conduct was discovered by family members via text messages that Sanders and the victim had sent to one another.
In announcing the sentence, Acting U.S. Attorney Cohen praised the work of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Division, which investigated the case, as well as the staff of Safe Shores, which interviewed the victim. He also expressed appreciation for the specialized medical treatment provided by the team of child abuse experts at the Freddie Mac Child and Adolescent Protection Center at the Children’s National Medical Center. In addition, Acting U.S. Attorney Cohen commended the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist D’Yvonne Key; Victim/Witness Advocate Veronica Vaughan, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter V. Taylor, who investigated and prosecuted this case.
Dallas Woman Admits Role in March 2014 Heroin Overdose Death of Dallas TeenagerRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A 25-year-old Dallas woman is the latest defendant to appear in federal court and plead guilty to a felony drug offense stemming from her role in the March 2014 heroin overdose death of a Dallas teenage girl, Rian Hannah Lashley, announced John Parker, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Kathryn Grace Dirks, a/k/a “Kat,” appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin. Dirks of the third of four defendants charged in the case to plead guilty. Last month, Glen William Brunton, 28, pleaded guilty to the same offense, and in March 2015, Cierra Allyn Rounds, 27, did the same. Each faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. Dirks is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay on October 19, 2015; Brunton is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5, 2015; and Rounds is scheduled to be sentenced on September 8, 2015.
The remaining defendant in the case, Jimison Erik Coleman, 36, is set for trial before Judge Lindsay on August 3, 2015. He is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute, the use of which resulted in the death and serious bodily injury of Lashley; and one count of distribution of heroin, the use of which resulted in the death and serious bodily injury of Lashley.
According to documents filed in the case, Dirks admitted that in 2013 and part of 2014, she was involved in a romantic relationship with co-defendant Coleman. In addition to being her boyfriend, Coleman also acted as Dirks’ primary source of supply for heroin, methamphetamine, Xanax and other drugs. During the time they were together, Coleman routinely distributed drugs, including heroin, MDMA and prescription drugs to dancers and patrons at a Dallas strip bar where Dirks worked. Dirks admitted that, on occasion, she assisted Coleman by directing customers who were interested in purchasing drugs to him, and in return, Coleman provided Dirks with heroin and other drugs to support her drug addiction.
During the early morning hours of March 25, 2014, Dirks, Coleman and Lashley traveled from an apartment complex to an IHOP restaurant in Plano, Texas. After arriving at the restaurant, Dirks, Coleman and Lashley were joined by co-defendants Brunton and Rounds. While sitting in a booth, the group ate breakfast and discussed traveling to a music festival in Miami, Florida.
Later that morning, according to the factual resume, in a parking lot near the IHOP, Coleman delivered five baggies of “China White” heroin to Brunton, and Brunton subsequently distributed the heroin to Lashley in exchange for approximately $120.00. Prior to March 25, 2014, Lashley had never used heroin.
After acquiring the heroin, Dirks, Rounds and Lashley left the IHOP in Lashley’s vehicle and travelled to a residence in Dallas where Rounds lived. Coleman and Brunton left in a separate vehicle.
Once the group arrived at the residence, the three went inside, and once inside, Dirks and Rounds, at Lashley’s request, took possession of the heroin originally supplied by Coleman and Brunton and used a syringe to inject the heroin into the Lashley. Later that morning, Lashley began showing signs of distress and eventually stopped breathing. Dirks admitted she and Rounds tried to resuscitate Lashley, to try to reverse the effects of the heroin, by placing Lashley in a bathtub filled with water and ice. Lashley was eventually placed on a couch where she appeared to go to sleep.
Dirks admitted she took $3000.00 in cash belonging to Lashley and that she left the residence with Coleman shortly after Lashley was placed on the couch. Lashley died later that afternoon, and an autopsy concluded that she died as a result of the toxic effects of heroin.
A federal indictment is an accusation by a grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.
The Dallas Police Department, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Buena Park Police Department are investigating. Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phelesa Guy are prosecuting.
Dakota City Woman Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Lupe Cortez, 35, of Dakota City, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 22, 2015, to 51 months in prison by United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Cortez had previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine for her involvement in a conspiracy to distribute multiple pounds of methamphetamine in the South Sioux City, Nebraska, area. After serving her sentence Cortez will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 5years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Nebraska State Patrol.
Crestview Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA –Paul R. Bloom, 31, of Crestview, pled guilty today to production and receipt of child pornography. The plea was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During his plea, Bloom admitted to using a publicly available peer-to-peer file sharing network to receive child pornography. During February and March 2015, undercover law enforcement agents downloaded sexually explicit video files that were traced to Bloom’s residence. Agents executed a federal search warrant at Bloom residence and seized multiple pieces of digital media, including laptops and external hard drives. An on-scene forensic review of the digital media revealed large amounts of child pornography. While interviewing Bloom and reviewing the seized evidence, law enforcement agents determined that Bloom produced child pornography in his own home. The child pornography produced by Bloom involved a nine-year-old female. A final forensic review of Bloom’s digital media revealed more than 850 videos and 2,000 images of child pornography that he had received and/or shared over the last few years.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 4, 2015, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. For the production of child pornography, Bloom faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison, life on supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. For the receipt of child pornography, Bloom faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison, life on supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The case is being investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, Pensacola Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the other agencies that are part of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, whose joint investigation led to the charges in this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
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 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]Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison on 1992 Conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute LSDRead the Press Release
A man who was a fugitive from justice for almost twenty-one years was sentenced June 22, 2015, to more than ten years in federal prison.
Matthew West, age 50, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 3, 1992, jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD).
Evidence at trial showed that, between October 1990 and October 1991, West obtained around 12,000 hits of LSD from out-of-state sources. West sold the LSD to others who redistributed the LSD in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Following the guilty verdict, West was ordered detained pending sentencing but was released in August 1993 when a request for new trial was granted. When West failed to appear for a detention hearing in April 1994, a warrant was issued for his arrest. West turned himself in on that warrant on December 27, 2014. The order granting a new trial was overturned on appeal in June 1994 while West was a fugitive.
West was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. West was sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment and fined $6,000. A special assessment of $50 was imposed. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
West is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 92-CR-0023.
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Carrolltown Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Heroin Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Carrolltown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months in prison and five years supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on William S. Rounsley, 22.
According to information presented to the court, from April 2012 to March 8, 2013, Rounsley conspired with his five co-defendants to possess and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rounsley.
Carnegie Man Sentenced for Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Carnegie, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to three months in prison and three years supervised release on his conviction of possession of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Brian J. Wimbley, 43.
According to information presented to the court, on Jan. 26, 2012, Wimbley possessed less than 500 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute it.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wimbley.
Carlsbad Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Larry Allen Jennings, 50, of Carlsbad, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 46 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Jennings was arrested on April 17, 2014, on a criminal complaint alleging that he unlawfully possessed drug paraphernalia, firearms and ammunition on Jan. 17, 2014, in Eddy County, N.M. Jennings subsequently was indicted on July 16, 2014, and charged with unlawfully possessing ten firearms and approximately 1,177rounds of ammunition. At the time, Jennings was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, aggravated assault, and bribery of a witness.
On Oct. 23, 2014, Jennings entered a guilty plea to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
The Pecos Valley Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Carlsbad Police Department and Artesia Police Department and is part of the HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
Buffalo Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
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BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Alicia Maghett, 51, of Lackawanna, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, hydrocodone, before U.S. Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a $500,000 fine.Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that between October 2013 and February 25, 2014, the defendant conspired with Troy Cooley and Markiel Hall to sell hydrocodone, a Schedule III controlled substance, in the City of Buffalo.
Also charged in this case are co-defendants Anthony McCutcheon, Troy Cooley, Deandre Sparks, Williams Jefferson, Markiel Hall, Morrell Buster, Andre Owens and Carmella Rivera. Sparks, Hall and Owens have been convicted. Charges are pending against McCutcheon, Cooley Jefferson, Buster, and Rivera. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Skretny.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for MurderRead the Press Release
JOHNNIE JEFFERSON, also known as “Jeezy,” 24, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 264 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in the October 2012 murder of Dawayne Cobb in Bridgeport.
According to court documents and statements made in court, JEFFERSON and Trumaine Hearst devised a plan to rob Dawayne Cobb of marijuana. On October 10, 2012, JEFFERSON and Hearst drove to the vicinity of 220 Sunshine Circle to meet Cobb and robbed from him at gunpoint a jar containing approximately two ounces of marijuana. Although Cobb offered no resistance, Hearst shot him twice. JEFFERSON and Hearst transported the stolen marijuana to a Bridgeport residence and subsequently distributed it amongst themselves and others.
Later that day, Cobb was discovered in the driver seat of his idling vehicle. He had gunshot wounds in his shoulder and abdomen.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to addressing violence in the inner city whenever and wherever it appears,” stated U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with local police departments and the FBI in prioritizing those responsible for gun violence. Our hearts go out to the family of Dawayne Cobb for their tragic loss. This young man was struck down in the prime of his life over a small amount of marijuana. This sentence makes clear that defendants responsible for such lawless cruelty will be held accountable.”
“Today’s sentencing serves to warn those engaged in violent criminal activity that the Safe Streets Task Force is committed to bringing violent offenders to justice,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick. “We have zero tolerance for gun violence, and we will continue to work side by side with our law enforcement partners so that tragedies like this will one day become obsolete.”
“Today sends a clear message that gun violence won’t ever be tolerated in Bridgeport, and the people who commit it will face the consequences,” stated Bridgeport Police Chief Joseph L. Gaudett, Jr. “Our detectives did outstanding work in this case to bring justice to Mr. Cobb’s family and work closely with both state and federal prosecutors to ensure that criminals are held accountable to the highest level when they commit gun violence in our city. We owe that and more to the kids and families who live, work and play in Bridgeport every day.”
On November 3, 2014, JEFFERSON pleaded guilty to one count of causing the death of Dawayne Cobb through the use of a firearm.
Hearst pleaded guilty to the same charge on November 10, 2014. On May 19, 2015, he was sentenced to 28 years of imprisonment.
JEFFERSON and Hearst have been detained since July 16, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Daly noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentenced term of imprisonment and are not eligible for parole.
This matter was investigated by Bridgeport Police Department and the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Dayton and Rahul Kale.