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26 February 2015
Three Individuals Arrested for more than $2.4 Million in Medicare and Medicaid FraudRead the Press Release
Three individuals have been arrested – one of whom was arrested in Colombia – for more than $2.4 million in Medicare and Medicaid fraud. The defendants in this case allegedly defrauded Medicaid and Medicare by paying and receiving kickbacks and bribes in return for creating and providing false and fraudulent home health prescriptions and plans of care to patient recruiters and causing the submission of false and fraudulent claims.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Pam Bondi, Florida Attorney General, and Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), made the announcement.
Last month, a federal grand jury in Miami returned a four-count indictment charging Dr. Daniel Ronchetta, 77, Chiropractic Physician Assistant John Crowe, 76, and patient recruiter Frank Barrios, 48, for Medicare and Medicaid fraud. The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, substantive counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive health care kickbacks.
U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “Health care providers should generate business by offering their patients superior care. Financial relationships that put profits over patients undermine the quality and care given to patients and ultimately, the integrity of our public health care program upon which millions of Floridians depend.”
“This was a brazen attempt to get away with stealing millions of taxpayer dollars, but thanks to my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and strong partnerships with federal authorities, these individuals have been arrested and charged,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“Health care providers that offer or accept kickbacks in exchange for referrals undermine both the public’s trust in medical institutions and the financial integrity of federal health care programs,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson. “Our agency will continue to protect both patients and taxpayers by holding those who engage in fraudulent kickback schemes accountable.”
Since their inception in March 2007, Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in nine locations have charged more than 1,650 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for more than $4.5 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Mr. Ferrer thanked the Florida Office of the Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Control, and HHS-OIG for their investigative efforts. Mr. Ferrer also thanked the Office of International Affairs, Department of Justice, for their assistance in the arrest of John Crowe. This case, brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagerenesh Simmons.
An indictment is only an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Superseding Indictment Filed in Federal Child Exploitation Case Against Albuquerque ManRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A federal grand jury filed a superseding indictment yesterday charging Bentley Streett, 39, of Albuquerque, N.M., with child exploitation charges.
Streett was arrested on Oct. 3, 2014, by the FBI and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) on a criminal complaint alleging federal child exploitation charges. According to the criminal complaint, the investigation into Streett began in Oct. 2013, after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children forwarded a tip to the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Streett subsequently was indicted on Oct. 21, 2014, and charged with two counts of coercion and enticement of minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct and two counts of transferring obscene matter to minors.
The nine-count superseding indictment filed by the grand jury yesterday charges Streett with two counts of interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with minors; four counts of attempted production of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct; and three counts of transferring obscene matter to minors. Counts 1 and 2 of the superseding indictment allege that Streett traveled from New Mexico to Illinois in July 2013 and Aug. 2013, for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor female victim. Counts 3 and 6 allege that Streett attempted to persuade a second minor female victim to produce child pornography in Sept. 2013 and Dec. 2013, and Counts 4 and 5 allege that he attempted to persuade a third minor female victim to produce child pornography on two occasions in Nov. 2013. Count 7 alleges that Street transferred obscene material to the first minor female victim in July 2013, and Counts 8 and 9 allege that Streett transferred obscene matter to the third minor female victim in Nov. 2013 and Jan. 2014.
If convicted of the charges in the superseding indictment, Streett faces the following statutory penalties: imprisonment up to 30 years on each of Counts 1 and 2, the interstate travel to engage in illicit sex charges; not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years on each of Counts 3 through 6, the attempted production of child pornography charges; and imprisonment up to ten years on each of Counts 7 through 9, the transfer of obscene materials charges. If convicted of any charge in the superseding indictment, Streett also would be required to register as a sex offender. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI, the BCSO and the New Mexico ICAC Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shammara H. Henderson as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
The case also was brought as a part of the New Mexico ICAC Task Force’s mission, which is to locate, track, and capture Internet child sexual predators and Internet child pornographers in New Mexico. There are 74 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies associated with the New Mexico ICAC Task Force, which is funded by a grant administered by the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office. Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement.
Statement of U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara on the Verdict in U.S. v. Khaled Al FawwazRead the Press Release
“As a unanimous jury has found, for nearly a decade, Khaled al Fawwaz played a critical role for al Qaeda in its murderous conspiracy against America. Dedicating himself to al Qaeda in the early 1990s, Fawwaz was one of Osama bin Laden's original and most trusted lieutenants, serving first as the leader of an al Qaeda training camp in Afghanistan, then as a leader of al Qaeda's terrorist cell in Kenya, and finally as bin Laden's media adviser in London. From his position in London, Fawwaz served as bin Laden's bridge to the West in the pre-Internet era, facilitating interviews of bin Laden in Afghanistan by Western media and disseminating bin Laden's 1998 fatwah commanding followers to kill Americans anywhere in the world. That directive was followed by the 1998 bombings of our embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, which resulted in the murder of 224 innocent people, and the wounding of thousands more. From the time of the embassy attacks, all 10 defendants tied to those attacks have now been convicted by trial or guilty plea in a Manhattan courtroom. From his one-time place at the top of al Qaeda’s membership list, Fawwaz now joins the long membership list of convicted, jailed terrorists. That list includes two other major figures in the past year alone, Abu Ghayth and Abu Hamza, all of whom have received full justice in a Manhattan courtroom – the verdict of 12 ordinary Americans rendered after a fair and open trial. We hope this verdict gives some comfort to al Qaeda’s victims around the world.”
Stamford Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Role in Fairfield County Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
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The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that ASM AFSARY, 42, of Stamford, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to defraud financial institutions through an extensive mortgage fraud scheme that involved more than 20 properties in Fairfield County.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2005 and 2013, AFSARY, a real estate agent and former mortgage broker, participated in a mortgage fraud conspiracy that involved the purchase of numerous single and multi-family properties, primarily in Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport. During the scheme, AFSARY and his co-conspirators provided materially false information to mortgage lenders. The fraudulent information included false verifications of mortgage applicants’ income, false verifications of down payments for real estate transactions and false HUD-1 Forms.
As part of the scheme, AFSARY recruited and directed the actions of several “straw buyers,” or individuals who fraudulently applied for and obtained mortgage loans but did not have an actual financial investment or stake in the mortgage loan transactions. In fact, AFSARY was the intended owner of the property, managed the property and collected all of the rents from the property.
Through this scheme, lenders suffered losses of more than $7 million. Many of the properties involved in this mortgage fraud scheme ended up in foreclosure, or in short sale transactions.
AFSARY was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,327,949.20.
On June 16, 2014, AFSARY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. He was ordered to report to prison on July 31, 2015.
Three other individuals involved in this scheme have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, which identified multiple Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans that went into foreclosure.The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Nevins and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John McReynolds, and the parallel civil forfeiture cases are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie G. Turbert.
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(203) 821-3722 [email protected]St. Thomas Resident Sentenced to 124 Months in Carjacking CaseRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez today sentenced Troy Jamson Normil, 19, to 124 months in federal prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Normil pleaded guilty on November 26, 2014 to carjacking a scooter and brandishing a firearm during the carjacking. Normil admitted that on December 23, 2013, at approximately 10 p.m., the victim was traveling up Suicide Hill in St. Thomas when Normil and an accomplice blocked his path with a light colored SUV. Normil and his accomplice approached the victim and Normil pointed a firearm at him demanding money. The victim advised Normil that he had no money and Normil told the victim he was taking his scooter. Normil then took the victim’s scooter and his cellular telephone and drove away in the SUV. The damaged scooter was recovered but the cellular telephone was never recovered.
In addition to a prison term, Normil was sentenced to five years of supervised release, a $200 special assessment and ordered to pay restitution to the victim for his losses.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nelson L. Jones.
St. Albans woman sentenced on oxycodone chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Katie Prater, 24, of St. Albans, West Virginia, was sentenced to five years of federal probation.
In October 2012, Prater pleaded guilty to possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute. She admitted to having a package of oxycodone delivered to a residence in Charleston, which she then went to pick up May 2, 2012. When Prater took the package, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team approached her, and she admitted the package was hers and contained drugs she intended to sell. The package contained 50 30-mg oxycodone pills, 83 10-mg oxycodone pills and 67 10-mg hydrocodone pills.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.
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Springfield Career Criminal Sentenced on Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A convicted felon was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Springfield for illegally possessing a Smith & Wesson handgun and ammunition.
Randy Rivera, 36, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Michael A. Ponsor to 15 years in prison and four years of supervised release. In December 2014, Rivera pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Rivera had an extensive criminal history at the time of his gun possession which qualified him as a federal armed career criminal.
On Jan. 4, 2013, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Rivera’s residence in Springfield. Officers found a Smith & Wesson, model M&P 9C, 9mm pistol, and 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition in a hidden compartment behind his bedroom headboard. The handgun, with a loaded high capacity magazine, was attached to a magnet for quick access. The officers also found $132,531 in cash hidden in the bedroom and a closet.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in New England; and Michael J. Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin O’Regan of Ortiz’s Springfield Branch Office.
Southwest Detroit Store Managers Plead Guilty to Failing to Maintain an Effective Anti-Money Laundering ProgramRead the Press Release
Two Detroit store managers pleaded guilty yesterday to charges of failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.
United States Attorney McQuade was joined in the announcement by Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarod Koopman, IRS Criminal Investigation.
John Miri, 55, and Wisam Daman, 38, entered their guilty pleas before U.S. District Court Judge Stephen J. Murphy, III.
According to court records, Daman managed and operated Big Apple Fruit Market on McGraw Street, and Miri managed and operated Junction Party Store on Junction Street, both of which are located on the southwest side of Detroit. Each store was registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with the State of Michigan. As MSB’s, the Big Apple Fruit Market and Junction Party Store cashed checks for their customers in amounts greater than $1,000, for which they would charge a fee. Businesses that cash checks in this manner qualify as a financial institution under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) which obligates them to file Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. CTRs must be filed by the financial institution when a customer conducts a transaction involving more than $10,000. As managers/operators of the businesses, Daman and Miri were required to develop, implement and maintain effective anti-money laundering programs for the stores. The BSA regulations also require that financial institutions treat multiple currency transactions, totaling more than $10,000, as a single transaction and file a CTR if the financial institution has knowledge that the multiple transactions were made by, or on behalf of, a single person.
From late 2011 and continuing through April 2012, Miri and Daman cashed federal income tax refund checks, issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, that were provided to them by Juan Carlos Pena-Lora. These checks were issued to alleged taxpayers with addresses in eastern states, such as New York and New Jersey. Miri cashed approximately 751 income tax refund checks totaling $5,427,903 for Pena-Lora. Daman cashed approximately 1,268 income tax refund checks totaling $9,311,883 for Pena-Lora. Miri and Daman provided Pena-Lora with the cash from the refund checks, less a fee that they charged for cashing the checks. The fee that Miri and Daman charged Pena-Lora was based on a percentage of the total checks they cashed. The U.S. Treasury checks had actually been generated through the filing of false tax returns using the names and social security numbers of Puerto Rican nationals whose identity information had been stolen.
Payments in cash to Pena-Lora by Miri and Daman exceeded $10,000 on the days that they cashed the checks for him. Miri and Daman failed to file CTRs for some of the cash payments to Pena-Lora violating the requirement to implement and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program.
Failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program is punishable by a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000. A sentencing date will be set by the court.
The investigation of this case was conducted by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Ross MacKenzie and Philip Ross.South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Mail FraudRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Christopher Outlaw, 46, of Moore, S.C., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to mail fraud.
Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio and Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Division, announced the plea entered into today before U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.
According to court documents, beginning in at least 2005 through August 2012, Outlaw embezzled more than $1.9 million from his former employer.
Outlawwas employed by FTZ Industries, Inc. FTZ is a manufacturer of electrical products for transportation, plant maintenance, marine and custom applications, located in Simpsonville, South Carolina. FTZ is a division of ILSCO Corporation, which is an electrical connector manufacturing company located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The defendant embezzled money by impersonating a former vendor of his employer. Specifically, the defendant opened a bank account in false affiliation with Molex Incorporated, a company that provides electrical components to its customers, which previously included FTZ. Outlaw submitted to his employer fictitious invoices that appeared to be from Molex. In reality, however, FTZ had not received any products from Molex because the invoices that Outlaw submitted were fake. Through the fictitious invoices, Outlaw would direct his employer to send payments to Molex to a mailbox that he had opened in Georgia in Molex’s name.
Mail fraud is a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the investigation by the FBI, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Emily N. Glatfelter, who is representing the United States in this case.
Sentencings for February 19-25, 2015Read the Press Release
Jorge Enrique Barragan-Gutierrez, 22, of Bellflower, California, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on February 25, 2015, on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and one count of conspiracy to launder money. Barragan-Gutierrez was arrested in Los Angeles, California. He received 211 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine and a $300.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal.
Penny McGlynn, 47, of Torrington, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on February 25, 2015, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine and marijuana. McGlynn was arrested in Torrington, Wyoming. She received 41 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Brian Jimenez, 47, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on February 23, 2015, for Medicare fraud involving his business Indulge Center for Health & Beauty. Jimenez was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $83,497.31 and was sentenced to three years of supervised probation. In addition to these criminal penalties, Jimenez may be barred from future participation in the Medicare program as a provider. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Daniel C. Groover, 38, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on February 20, 2015, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Groover was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 66 months imprisonment and 21 days, concurrent with a previously set state sentence, he is to serve five years of supervised release upon release from custody, and was ordered to pay a $250.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Amanda Dowers, 38, of Torrington, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on February 19, 2015, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine and marijuana. Dowers was arrested in Torrington, Wyoming. She received 57 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Sacramento Woman Sentenced to 4 Years Imprisonment for Stealing over $600,000 from Concord CompanyRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Consuelo “Connie” Puente was sentenced today to 4 years imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $779,854.53 for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Melinda Haag and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge José M. Martinez.
Puente pleaded guilty on December 4, 2014. According to court documents, from May 19, 2008 to June 18, 2013, Puente was employed by a company in Concord, Calif. In January 2009, Puente was assigned to the payroll department and was the only employee responsible for handing payroll for her employer. Puente admitted she devised a scheme to defraud her employer from June 2009 through June 2013 by receiving wages paid in the names of former employees. Pursuant to her scheme, Puente obtained from the company’s personnel files personal identifying information of three former employees. She changed their status to current employees so that her employer would pay wages in their names. Puente listed her own bank account information as the bank account to receive the wages.
As a result, between 2009 and 2013, her employer erroneously transferred net wages of $543,545.08 into Puente’s bank accounts. The company also paid to the IRS withholdings of $84,362.45 for a total of $627,907.53 in gross wages. To account for the wages paid in the names of the former employees, Puente prepared IRS Forms W-2 for each of the former employees. Puente also admitted that she filed false tax returns for 2009 through 2013 that omitted the $543,545.08 she stole from the company, resulting in $151,987 in tax liabilities.
Puente, 44, of Sacramento, was indicted on March 18, 2014, and charged with three counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft. She pleaded guilty to one count of each.
The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, United States District Court Judge. Judge Rogers also sentenced the defendant to a three year period of supervised release and restitution. The defendant who is in custody will begin serving the sentence immediately.
Assistant US Attorneys Jose A. Olivera and Thomas Moore are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the IRS, Criminal Investigation and the Concord Police Department.
Sacramento Woman Charged with Eight Counts of Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment today against Gabriela Carter, 43, resident of Sacramento, charging her with bank fraud, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, from 2007 through 2008, Carter repeatedly submitted fraudulent loan applications to federally insured financial institutions to obtain real estate loans that her clients were not qualified to receive. In many instances, Carter falsely represented her clients’ income and generated false W-2s and paystubs for various shell companies that did not, in fact, employ them. Many of Carter’s clients were low-income immigrants who did not speak English and were unaware of the false representations.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michele Beckwith is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Carter faces a maximum statutory penalty of thirty years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sacramento Man Sentenced for Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Oneal Damar Hamilton, 36, currently a resident of Pasadena, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 40 months in prison for credit card fraud, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, Hamilton would purchase unauthorized and fraudulent credit cards from a source outside the United States. Through fraud and deception, the foreign source would induce a credit card company to send cards in Hamilton’s name to a residence in Sacramento where Hamilton would receive them. Hamilton would then use the unauthorized cards to take cash advances from local banks and to purchase merchandise from Sacramento area retailers until the cards were shut down for fraud. Before his arrest, Hamilton obtained approximately $162,000 in cash and merchandise over approximately 9 months between 2012 and 2013.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew G. Morris prosecuted the case.
Prisoner Pleads Guilty to ManslaughterRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a prisoner at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., pleaded guilty to his role in the strangling death of a fellow inmate.
Refugio Sanchez, 36, a prisoner at Pollock Penitentiary, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of voluntary manslaughter. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Sanchez and fellow inmates, Benito Flores and the victim, were assigned to a Special Housing Unit (SHU) on March 12, 2008. Penitentiary guards found Sanchez and Flores with the victim who was lying unconscious on the floor of the SHU. The inmate was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy found that the victim died of strangulation. In conjunction with physical and forensic evidence that was presented at the guilty plea hearing, Sanchez issued a written statement wherein he admitted to unlawfully killing the victim during a heated argument.
The defendant faces up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of June 11, 2015 was set.
The FBI and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
Postal Worker Indicted for Delay or Destruction of MailRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that AVA SMITH, age 21, of Harvey, was indicted today for delay or destruction of mail.
According to the Indictment, on December 16, 2014, the Office of Inspector General for the United States Postal Service (“Postal OIG”) received information that a significant amount of First Class and Standard mail had been discarded. It was determined that the mail was to be delivered on December 8, 2014, by postal carrier SMITH. A review of the discarded mail revealed 573 pieces of First Class Mail, 142 pieces of Standard Mail, and 30 pieces of Non-Profit Mail. The First Class Mail included bank and insurance statements/invoices, credit card and other bills/statements.
U. S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, SMITH faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U. S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba is in charge of the prosecution.
Pomona Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On February 25, 2015, April M. Elliot, 34, of Pomona, was sentenced on a methamphetamine violation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Elliot, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $200. The offense occurred between 2009 and October 2013, in Union and Jackson Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Elliot was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Elliot obtained pseudoephedrine pills for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Elliot also acted as a look-out while others cooked methamphetamine. At sentencing, the district court determined that Elliot was responsible for over 142 grams of pseudoephedrine. Co-defendants Toni Johnson and George Oliver have previously been sentenced to prison terms of 87 months and 70 months, respectively, for their roles in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Co-defendants Sommer Koons and Travis Sanders have pled guilty to their role in the methamphetamine conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, Carbondale Police Department, and Union and Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Offices assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Philadelphia Man Indicted on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Raymond Rysheem E. Starr, 21, of Philadelphia, PA was charged today by indictment with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of oxycodone, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted, Starr faces a maximum possible sentence of 11 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Secret Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Philadelphia Police Department, Springfield Township, Montgomery County Police Department, Abington Police Department and the Bensalem Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys K.T. Newton and Yvonne Osirim.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Three Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Dion Jordan, 35, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was charged today by indictment with attempted bank robbery, bank robbery, armed bank robbery, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The charges arise from an attempted robbery of Wells Fargo Bank, 8527 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on or about June 2, 2014; a robbery of Wells Fargo Bank, 4275 County Line Road, Chalfont, Pennsylvania, on or about June 13, 2014; and an armed robbery of Wells Fargo Bank, 4275 County Line Road, Chalfont, Pennsylvania, on or about September 24, 2014.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Timothy Butler, 53, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged today by indictment with bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. LaBar.
Operation 10% Results in Multi-Year Prison Sentences for West Virginia Coal Operators Convicted of Tax Evasion and StructuringRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – Two defendants, who were part of a cash selling scheme involving over $10 million dollars in structured transactions which was designed to defraud the Internal Revenue Service, were sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon.
Calling this “a very serious crime,” United States District Judge James P. Jones sentenced William "Bill" F. Adams, Jr., 55, Yukon, W.Va., and John B. Ward, 43, War, W.Va. to imprisonment for a term of 36 months. He also ordered Adams to forfeit $2.1 million and Ward to forfeit $2.2 million dollars. The defendants operated various coal mines near Caretta, West Virginia, including RS Mining, WA Mining and War Creek Mining. At the conclusion of a three week jury trial in January 2014, both defendants were found guilty of the felony charge of conspiring to defraud the United States in the collection of taxes and structuring cash transactions to avoid reporting requirements. In addition, Ward was found guilty of 24 felony counts of illegally structuring transactions and Adams was convicted of 13 counts of illegally structuring transactions.
Ward and Adams were investigated and prosecuted as part of an investigation titled “Operation 10%.” The name was based on the fact that the people who sell cash to coal operators for purposes of tax evasion typically charge a fee of 10 percent. The scheme typically involved a coal operator’s company writing a check to a cash seller for a certain amount of money – for example, $77,000. The cash seller, disguised as a mine supply business, would then deposit the check in a bank and then make multiple cash withdrawals of $10,000 or less to avoid reporting requirements. Using this example, the cash seller would provide the coal operator $70,000 in cash and keep a fee of 10% - $7,000. The coal operator than pocketed the cash or used it to pay his employees in cash. The coal operator deducted the payment to the cash seller as a business expense and did not report the cash he kept as personal income and did not pay employment taxes on the cash paid to employees.
Operation 10% has resulted in seizures and recovery by the United States of over $8.7 million to be forfeited or applied to evaded taxes. In addition to Ward and Adams, the following twenty-three defendants previously pled guilty to felony charges and received sentences ranging from probation to imprisonment for a term of 24 months:
Name City Age Sandra Marahlee Addair War, W.Va. 46 Timothy Gregory Allen Hurley, Va. 44 Henry Lee Barnett Tazewell, Va. 43 Carl Demas Blevins Tazewell, Va. 55 David Lee Cordill Doran, Va. 64 Billy Ray Dotson Meadowview, Va. 61 Michael Wayne Dunlap Sumerco, W.Va. 58 Darrell Wayne Felts Ballard, W.Va. 60 Elmer Fuller Bristol, Va. 64 Jeffrey Kennis Justus Pounding Mill, Va. 59 Charles Edward "C.E." McReynolds Vallscreek, W.Va. 63 J.D. "Dot" McReynolds Tazewell, Va. 44 Truong “Hoppy” Van Nguyen Tazewell, Va. 78 Hung “Sang” Quoc Nguyen Iaeger, W.Va. 40 Melvin Parsley Williamson, W.Va. 57 Angela Denise Payne War, W.Va. 48 Michael Dwaine Poskas III North Tazewell, Va. 63 David Raber Tazewell, Va. 54 Clinton Lester Ramey Abingdon, Va. 58 Rosie Diane Ritchie War, W.Va. 40 John Duane Tolliver Iaeger, W.Va. 58 Kermit Clayton Wiley Princeton, W.Va. 64 Allen Henry Workman Huddy, Ky. 57Information obtained as part of Operation 10% also led to several federal convictions in U.S. District Court in Beckley, WV.
Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. The case was investigated by the Bristol, Virginia, Office of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The Charleston, West Virginia, offices of the United States Attorney’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation assisted in the investigation and prosecutions.
New Orleans Woman Indicted for Submitting False Documents to the Road Home ProgramRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DEBORAH FORTNER, age 52, of New Orleans, was indicted today for submitting false documents to the Louisiana Road Home Program (“LRHP”), a federally-funded agency.
According to the Indictment, FORTNER applied for a LRHP grant to renovate her home after Hurricane Katrina. In 2007, Fortner was awarded a $97,899 grant from the LRHP. In 2011, the LRHP contacted FORTNER to request proof of pre-storm occupancy related to her property. As a result of the request, FORTNER faxed a copy of an altered bank statement to the LRHP. The mailing address on the bank statement had been changed by FORTNER to make it appear that FORTNER was receiving mail at that property prior to Hurricane Katrina.
In 2013, the LRHP again contacted FORTNER and requested proof of occupancy related to her property. In response to LRHP’s request, FORTNER faxed a copy of a New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board (“S&WB”) statement to the LRHP. The submitted S&WB document falsely contained the address of the property. The false documents were submitted by FORTNER to the LRHP in order to prove compliance with the grant covenants and to prevent FORTNER from having to pay the funds back to the LRHP.
U. S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, FORTNER faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development- Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba is in charge of the prosecution.
New Haven Narcotics Dealer Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PHILIP BRYANT, also known as “Phat Phil” and “Fizzy,” 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 135 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven. Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants, and seizures of narcotics and firearms. Approximately 100 individuals were convicted of federal charges as a result of the investigation.
On February 6, 2014, a jury found BRYANT guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, cocaine base and heroin.
According to the evidence at trial, Kevin Wilson, also known as “Nature,” distributed narcotics, primarily in the Dwight/Chapel area of New Haven. BRYANT was intercepted on multiple occasions arranging drug transactions with Wilson. In addition, BRYANT provided Wilson with 26.3 grams of crack cocaine that Wilson, in turn, sold to two individuals who were working with law enforcement.
Trial testimony further established that BRYANT, Wilson and other co-defendants shared a stash of firearms to use in furtherance of their drug trafficking activity.
BRYANT’s criminal history includes convictions for assault in the first degree and larceny in the first degree. He has been detained since his arrest on May 25, 2012.
Wilson awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.
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(203) 821-3722 [email protected]N.O. Man Sentenced for Conspiracies to Commit Arson, Traffick Heroin and Possess FirearmsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LARRY MOSES, age 33, of New Orleans, was sentenced yesterday after having previously pled guilty to four counts of conspiring to commit arson and, in fact, committing arson. MOSES also previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to traffick a quantity of heroin as well as one count of conspiring to use and possess firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced MOSES to 150 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $600 special assessment.
According to court records, during May and June of 2010, MOSES approached co-defendant LENNIE BROWN and offered him $1,500 to commit arson at the convenience store connected with the Fuel Zone gas station located on Chef Menteur Highway. On June 5, 2010, MOSES and BROWN drove together to a nearby gas station to purchase gasoline which was subsequently poured into a plastic bottle. MOSES and BROWN then drove directly to the Fuel Zone gas station. BROWN exited the vehicle, entered the convenience store, squired the gasoline onto the contents of the shelves and, using a lighter given to him by MOSES, lit the gasoline he had just squired onto the shelves. As the shelves ignited in fire, BROWN fled the store and was driven away from the scene by MOSES. The Fuel Zone convenience store suffered approximately $5,000 worth of damage due to this arson.
Shortly after the June 5, 2010 arson, MOSES informed BROWN that not enough damage had been done to the convenience store and that BROWN would not be paid until an additional arson was carried out and more substantial damage was incurred. BROWN subsequently approached co-defendant MICHAEL COLLINS and asked COLLINS if he was interested in committing an arson at the store in exchange for payment of $500. COLLINS agreed. BROWN then contacted MOSES and informed him that COLLINS had agreed to perform an arson at the store. MOSES then specifically instructed BROWN that the store should be damaged by means of fire and that the fire should be started near the cash register area of the store.
On the evening of June 21, 2010, BROWN and COLLINS drove to a nearby gas station and purchased gasoline and three glass bottles. Using the gas and the bottles, BROWN and COLLINS proceeded to make three “Molotov Cocktails,” using a torn t-shirt as the wick. At approximately 1:00 a.m., BROWN and COLLINS then drove to the Fuel Zone gas station where COLLINS entered the store and proceeded to light and throw the three Molotov Cocktails in the area behind the cash register area. The store cashier shot COLLINS in the leg as COLLINS was throwing the Molotov Cocktails. BROWN fled the scene in the car and COLLINS was taken to University Hospital and arrested. Phone records showed numerous phone calls between BROWN and MOSES while the June 22, 2010 arson was taking place.
Court records also show that on December 21, 2009, MOSES and co-defendant STANLEY BERNIARD were stopped by New Orleans Police Department officers for a traffic violation. During this traffic stop, officers observed a firearm in plain view on the backseat of the vehicle. The officers then searched the vehicle and found three additional firearms. Subsequently, on December 24, 2009, New Orleans Police Department officers executed another vehicle stop on MOSES and BERNIARD for a traffic violation. As BERNIARD exited the vehicle, he informed the officers that he was armed. MOSES was found to be in possession of a firearm as well. During a subsequent K-9 search of the vehicle, 40 foils of heroin (totaling 9 grams) were found in the vehicle’s headliner. Officers also confiscated $2,392 of United States currency from BERNIARD.
BROWN pled guilty and was sentenced to 60 months incarceration, 3 years of supervised release, and a $600 special assessment. COLLINS was sentenced to 140 months incarceration, 3 years of supervised release, and a $600 special assessment. All defendants are liable for restitution in the amount of $331,365.87.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the New Orleans Fire Department and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Rick Veters was in charge of the prosecution.
Moorefield, WV man convicted of heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Juan Carlos Garcia, 44, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was convicted in federal court today of heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
An investigation by the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force revealed that Garcia sold heroin in November 2013 in Hardy County, West Virginia.
Garcia pled guilty today to one count of “Heroin Distribution.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00. 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 Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.Midland Men Sentenced to Federal Prison in Connection with Death of 19-Year-Old Haley KempRead the Press Release
In Midland today, 53-year-old Robert Aiken and 28-year-old Christopher Everett Snyder were sentenced to 20 years and 12 years, respectively, in federal prison for their roles in the death of 19-year-old Haley Kemp last year announced Acting United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, Midland Police Chief Price Robinson and Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Robert A. Junell ordered that Aiken and Snyder be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing their prison terms.
On November 20, 2014, Aiken pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine and heroin. Snyder pleaded guilty to the same charge on December 11, 2014. By pleading guilty, the defendants admitted that while at Aiken’s residence on May 30, 2014, Aiken provided methamphetamine to both Kemp and Snyder and heroin to Snyder. According to court records, Haley Kemp died in the residence during the early morning hours of May 31, 2014, as a result of a heroin overdose. Both admitted to unsuccessfully attempting to revive Kemp before dumping her body in a remote part of Midland County.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration together with the Midland Police Department and the Midland County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys John Klassen and Brandi Young prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Mexican National Sentenced for Illegally ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LAZARO CARBAJAL-AVILES, age 43, a Mexican citizen, was sentenced today after having previously pled guilty to a one-count Indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien.
U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced CARBAJAL-AVILES to seven months imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Following his incarceration, CARBAJAL-AVILES will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, on or about July 30, 2014, CARBAJAL-AVILES was encountered by agents of the Louisiana Wildlife Enforcement Agency while officers were patrolling Bayou Point-aux-chien in Lafourche Parish. Agents observed a vessel with several sacks of oysters on board. Agents then conducted a license check on the vessel and the vessel’s captain, CARBAJAL-AVILES. Agents then arrested CARBAJAL-AVILES for fishing without a license, harvesting oysters without a valid license and filing false public records. Agents also discovered that CARBAJAL-AVILES was present in the United States illegally and, as such, contacted US Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
An ICE records check confirmed that CARBAJAL-AVILES had been previously deported from the United States on three occasions and that he has no legal status in the United States. Accordingly, ICE agents arrested CARBAJAL-AVILES and placed an immigration hold on him.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Rick Veters is in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican National SentencedRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ANGEL LARA-MERIDA, age 44, a native of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday on a one-count Indictment for making a false claim of citizenship in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1015(e).
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced LARA-MERIDA to time served, which was seven months. LARA-MERIDA will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, officers with the Kenner Police Department and Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”), responded to a request for assistance call made from a location in Kenner. They met with the caller in person, who stated that he received a notice from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) that showed he owed $2,443 in taxes. The caller stated that this was inaccurate, and that he never worked for the company listed on the notice.
The investigation determined that LARA-MERIDA had used the name of the caller in order to obtain employment. ICE agents then determined that LARA-MERIDA had worked for a company in the area. An agent obtained employment records which showed that he had used a Texas Identification card and Social Security card in the name of the caller. The Social Security card he used contained the caller’s Social Security number.
LARA-MERIDA admitted to ICE agents that he used the false documents on January 30, 2012, to obtain employment. When he filled out the employment form, LARA-MERIDA provided the company with the Social Security card belonging to the caller, which also contained his Social Security number. A Homeland Security Form I-9 (Employee Eligibility Verification) was also completed by LARA-MERIDA. The Form I-9 shows that he attested, under penalty of perjury, that he was a United States citizen. The form I-9 contains his signature declaring that the information that he provided on the form is true, when in fact he knew that he was not a United States citizen. LARA-MERIDA also admitted that he was an alien and citizen of Mexico and that he did not have permission to reenter the United States.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican Illegal Sentenced to Serve 140 Months for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Jose Angel Renteria-Cortez, a/K/A “Sapo” and “Cucho”, age 25, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced on February 25, 2015 by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge in Valdosta, Georgia. Mr. Renteria-Cortez was sentenced to 140 months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Mr. Renteria-Cortez had entered his plea of guilty to the offense on October 23, 2014.
On April 29, 2014, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force Officer in Lowndes County, Georgia received information from DEA Atlanta that a Hispanic male would be delivering a package of methamphetamine to Valdosta via a bus line. Agents observed Mr. Renteria-Cortez get off the bus carrying a backpack. The Task Force Officer found 9 packages of methamphetamine with a gross weight of 6.6 pounds. In entering his plea, Mr. Renteria-Cortez admitted that he was delivering the drugs to Juan Gabriel Pecina , a co-defendant, for eventual delivery to Antonio Gallegos, a second co-defendant,. Mr. Pecina has previously been sentenced to 168 months imprisonment. Mr. Gallegos is awaiting sentencing.
“Methamphetamine continues to plague our communities. When we find it, we are going to make sure that the groups and individuals responsible for distributing it spend time in federal prison. At least we know that Mr. Renteria-Cortez will not be delivering any drugs to Middle Georgia for the next decade,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.
Mesquite Resident Indicted on Wire Fraud and Aggravated ID Theft Charges in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF) CaseRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A federal grand jury in Dallas has returned an indictment charging Yolanda Lavell Kaiser with nine counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft, announced John Parker, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Special agents with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation (CI) arrested Kaiser on those charges, and she made her initial appearance in federal court on February 12, 2015. Following a detention hearing held yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez, she was released on bond with conditions, including 24-hour home incarceration with electronic monitoring. In addition, Kaiser was ordered not to engage in the filing of any tax returns for anyone other than herself, not to possess any personal identification information for any person other than herself and any dependent, and not use a computer while charges are pending. According to the order setting those conditions, Kaiser is a resident of Mesquite, Texas.
According to the indictment, Kaiser prepared and filed tax returns through a tax preparation business known as Right 1 Tax Services, which, between September 2013 and April 2014, maintained an office on North Galloway in Mesquite. Subsequently, Right 1 Tax Service moved its office to Estate Lane in Dallas.
The indictment alleges that from September 2013 through August 2014, Kaiser prepared and filed fraudulent tax returns using the name, Social Security Number, and other means of identification of others, without their knowledge or consent. Using that information, she would obtain and possess prepaid debit cards issued in the names of those individuals, also without their knowledge or consent.
According to the indictment, using the identification of others, without their knowledge or consent, Kaiser filed false federal income tax returns to request tax refunds and direct the tax refunds to be deposited on prepaid debit cards. Kaiser then made cash withdrawals of refunds deposited into accounts, including making withdraws at ATMs with the prepaid debit cards.
A federal indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury, and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. Upon conviction, however, the penalty for each count of wire fraud is 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of aggravated identity theft carries, upon conviction, a mandatory two-year sentence.
IRSCI, with assistance from the Mesquite Police Department and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, is investigating. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Nicholas Bunch is in charge of the prosecution.
Members of Large Bank Fraud Ring IndictedRead the Press Release
A large bank fraud ring responsible for nearly a million dollars in fraud was indicted this week in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, announced Acting United States Attorney Annette L. Hayes. Ten defendants are named in the indictment for fraud on seven different financial institutions. The indictment alleges that between November of 2010 and the present, the co-schemers used 219 different bank accounts to steal more than $987,000 from the banks. Eightof the defendants are in custody. Seven made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court today. Two defendants are still being sought, and one defendant is in state custody and will make his appearance next week.
According to the indictment, the defendants allegedly used stolen checks to make fraudulent deposits into various bank accounts. Using debit cards, the co-schemers would withdraw large amounts of cash before the bank determined the check used to inflate the balance was no good. Some of the people whose bank accounts were inflated were complicit in the fraud, allowing the co-schemers to use their debit cards. According to law enforcement records, many of the checks were stolen in car prowls and then used for the fraud. The victim banks include: Bank of America, Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU), TwinStar Credit Union, Wells Fargo Bank, Sound Credit Union, Key Bank, and Banner Bank. All are federally insured financial institutions.
The 60 count indictment charges the defendants with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft for the fraudulent use of the debit cards. The defendants named in the indictment are:
CLAYTON LEON BIAS, JR., 25, Kent, Washington
ARTHUR NAPOLEAND WILCHER, 29, Tacoma, Washington
CALVIN DEWAYNE DAVIS, 26, Federal Way, Washington
OKILA AYANNA MALAYKA ULMER, 31, Renton, Washington
AMANDA RAE RIFFLE, 28, Tacoma, Washington
RELONNA DOLLINN WARD, 34, Tacoma, Washington
AVERY EDWARD LEE, 32, Milton, Washington
JOHNATHAN MARQUIEL TURNER, 22, Federal Way, Washington
SHAWN ANDRE TURNER, 24, Kent, Washington
SEPHORA QUILYN WATKINS, 27, Tacoma, WashingtonThe charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Hampton.
Marrero Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison on Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that STOKLEY AUSTIN, age 33, of Marrero, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to distribution and possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride and a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”), possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced AUSTIN to 25 years in prison for his role in a large-scale drug conspiracy involving five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride and related firearms offenses.
According to court documents, the conspiracy involved multiple kilogram quantities of powder cocaine being transported into the New Orleans metropolitan area and delivered to AUSTIN and his associates. At the time of AUSTIN’s arrest on July 23, 2013, agents discovered approximately 2485.7 gross grams of powder cocaine, approximately 39.7 gross grams of crack cocaine, approximately $45,870 cash, a loaded Smith and Wesson .22 caliber rifle, a loaded Ruger P-89 9mm semi-automatic pistol, in addition to drug distribution and packaging materials at his residence. On that same date, an associate of AUSTIN’s was arrested at the associate’s residence where agents discovered approximately 1907 gross grams of powder cocaine, approximately 63 gross grams of crack cocaine, approximately 269 gross grams of heroin, approximately $22,535 cash, and four guns: an AK-47 assault rifle, a Browning Arms 9mm pistol, a Smith & Wesson .22 caliber pistol, and Taurus 9mm pistol.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Westwego Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore R. Carter, III and Spiro Latsis were in charge of the prosecution.
Marion Resident Charged with Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On August 20, 2014, Tyree M. Neal, Jr., a/k/a “Bubby,” 27, of Marion, IL, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The offense occurred between 2012 and August 2014, in Williamson County. Neal, who had been a fugitive, was arrested on February 24, 2015, and made his initial appearance in federal court on February 25, 2015. He is being held with bond pending a March 2, 2015, bond hearing.
The cocaine offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.
Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The Marion Police Department and United States Marshals Service assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Extradition of International Arms Traffickers for Conspiracy to Kill Officers or Employees of the United States and Related Terrorism ChargesRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michele M. Leonhart, Administrator of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced today the extradition of CRISTIAN VINTILA (“VINTILA”), MASSIMO ROMAGNOLI (“ROMAGNOLI”), and VIRGIL FLAVIU GEORGESCU (“GEORGESCU”), international arms traffickers charged with conspiring to sell large quantities of military-grade weaponry to the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (the “FARC”) – a designated foreign terrorist organization – to be used to kill officers or employees of the United States in Colombia. VINTILA, GEORGESCU, and ROMAGNOLI, all of whom were arrested in December 2014, were extradited from Montenegro yesterday and arraigned in front of United States District Court Judge Ronnie Abrams today.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “As alleged, these three men were ready and willing merchants of death, poised to sell sophisticated weapons to a terrorist organization. It is further alleged that they conspired to sell the weaponry with the understanding that it would be used to shoot down American aircraft and kill American officers. We once again laud the efforts of the DEA to stem the flow of lethal weapons that could be aimed at U.S. officers and to deter weapons traffickers who mean harm to the United States.”
DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart stated: “Every day, DEA works to ensure the safety and security of Americans around the world. Cristian Vintila, Massimo Romagnoli, and Virgil Georgescu were involved in trafficking arms and weapons that were intended to kill Americans. Their extradition to the United States is an important accomplishment, and another example of DEA successfully working with international partners. We are pleased that they will now face justice in an American court.”
According to the Indictment, which was unsealed in December 2014:
Since at least May 2014, VINTILA has been a Romania-based weapons trafficker, ROMAGNOLI has been a Europe-based weapons trafficker, who is able to procure fraudulent end-user certificates (“EUCs”) for military-grade weaponry, and GEORGESCU has been a Romania-based weapons broker. Between May and October 2014, VINTILA, ROMAGNOLI, and GEORGESCU conspired to sell an arsenal of weapons, including machine guns and anti-aircraft cannons, with the understanding that the weapons would go to the FARC to be used by the FARC against the United States. During a series of recorded telephone calls and in-person meetings, VINTILA, ROMAGNOLI, and GEORGESCU agreed to sell the weapons to three confidential sources working with the DEA (the “CSs”), who represented that they were acquiring these weapons for the FARC. VINTILA, ROMAGNOLI, and GEORGESCU agreed to provide these weapons to the CSs with the specific understanding that the weapons would be used to kill officers or employees of the United States and, in particular, to shoot down American helicopters and airplanes. ROMAGNOLI further agreed to provide fraudulent EUCs, in order to make the illegal sale of weapons look legitimate.
During their recorded meetings, VINTILA and ROMAGNOLI provided the CSs with catalogues of military-grade weapons they were prepared to provide the FARC. VINTILA gave the CSs a catalogue of weapons that included pistols, machine guns, and other high-powered weaponry, and ROMAGNOLI showed the CSs a catalogue that included automatic weapons and shoulder-fired rocket launchers. ROMAGNOLI additionally showed one of the CSs a sample fraudulent EUC. VINTILA, ROMAGNOLI, and GEORGESCU also discussed the logistics of receiving payment for the weapons from the CSs and delivering the weapons to the FARC.
* * *
The Indictment charges VINTILA, 44, ROMAGNOLI, 43, and GEORGESCU, 42, with two separate terrorism offenses:
Count One charges all three defendants with conspiracy to kill officers or employees of the United States. If convicted of Count One, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Count Two charges all three defendants with conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted of Count Two, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division, the DEA’s Bucharest Country Office, the DEA’s Rome Country Office, the Montenegrin National Police, and the Romanian National Police. The defendants’ arrests and subsequent extradition are also the result of the close cooperative efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, including Trial Attorney Brenda Sue Thornton, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Surratt and Ilan Graff are in charge of the prosecution.
The allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
15-054
Mandeville Man Pleads Guilty to Embelzzling $2.8 Million from his EmployerRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MICHAEL SAPERA, of Mandeville, pled guilty as charged today to a four-count Bill of Information which charged him with bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1344, 1028A, and 1343. SAPERA committed these violations when he embezzled approximately $2.8 million from his employer over a 19-year period.
According to court documents, SAPERA, a Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”), was employed at Company “A,” a retail clothing business headquartered in New Orleans, beginning in 1990. SAPERA most recently functioned as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Director of Information Technology for Company “A.” As the CFO of Company “A,” SAPERA had access to all corporate bank accounts as well as access to the corporate PayPal account.
First, beginning in July 1996, and continuing through April 2014, SAPERA stole approximately $2,192,500 in corporate checks belonging to Company “A.” SAPERA forged the signature of his employer on approximately 430 stolen corporate checks which SAPERA then endorsed to himself. SAPERA then deposited the stolen checks into his personal bank account.
Next, beginning on July 15, 2011, and continuing to August 18, 2014, SAPERA transferred corporate funds from Company “A’s” bank account to SAPERA’s personal account without authorization, consent, or knowledge by the owners of Company “A.” In total, SAPERA initiated and caused 45 wire transfers from Company “A’s” bank account to his personal bank account totaling $582,080.
Finally, beginning on June 16, 2014, and continuing to October 1, 2014, SAPERA transferred $35,000 in corporate funds from Company “A’s” PayPal account to SAPERA’s personal PayPal account without authorization, consent, or knowledge by the owners of Company “A.” SAPERA then transferred the money into his personal bank account.
In all, SAPERA’S criminal conduct resulted in an illegal gain to him in the amount of $2,809,580, and caused his employer/victim, Company “A,” to incur a total loss for restitution purposes of approximately $2,847,752.
As part of the guilty plea, SAPERA executed a plea agreement and factual basis summarizing the evidence in support of the charges contained in the Bill of Information. U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing on May 28, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, Assistant United States Attorney Matt Coman is in charge of the prosecution.
Lockport Man Sentenced for Mortgage FraudRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that James P. Vasiliou, Jr., 49, of Lockport, NY, who was convicted of bank (mortgage) fraud, was sentenced to time service and nine months of home detention and electronic monitoring by U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution to Bank of America in the amount of $194,285 and to JP Morgan Chase in the amount of $276,645.08, for total restitution of $470,930.08.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, who handled the case, stated that the defendant submitted a false application to JP Morgan Chase Bank to refinance a property located at 40 Ashley Street in Lockport. Vasiliou overstated his monthly income from a business he owned on the loan application. The defendant also filed 15 additional false mortgage loan applications with other financial institutions.
This law enforcement action is part of President Barack Obama=s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge C. Todd Laster, Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge Cortez Richardson, New York Division, and the Western District of New York Mortgage Fraud Task Force.
Life Support Ambulance, Co-Owner, and Manager Sentenced for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Bogdan Kmet, 30, of Warminster, PA, an owner of Life Support Corporation, Rostislav Kmet, 26, of Philadelphia, a company manager, and Life Support, Inc., were sentenced today to 36 months in prison, 46 months in prison, and five years of probation, respectively, for an extensive health care fraud scheme. The defendants pleaded guilty to health care fraud and paying kickbacks. The company was located in the Feasterville-Trevose area and was incorporated in 2010. A second owner, Nazariy Kmet, 35, of Jamison, PA, is scheduled to be sentenced March 31, 2015.
The defendants operated an ambulance company that transported patients who were able to walk and could travel safely by means other than ambulance and who, therefore, were not eligible for ambulance transportation under Medicare requirements. The defendants, or others acting on their behalf, falsified reports to make it appear that the patients needed to be transported by ambulance when the defendants and their employees knew that the patients could be transported safely by other means and that many of them were able to walk. The defendants were involved in paying kickbacks to patients so that the patients would continue to be transported by Life Support, as opposed to any other ambulance company. The defendants billed for the ambulance services as if those services were medically necessary and, as a result of the fraudulent billing, the Medicare program paid more than $1.9 million and Highmark, Inc. paid an additional amount in excess of $150,000 for this inappropriate method of transportation.
In addition to the prison terms, U.S. District Court Judge Nitza I. Quinones Alejandro ordered restitution of $1,912,526.32 to Medicare; restitution of $150,938.78 to Highmark, Inc.; a money judgment of $1,912,526.32; and forfeiture of vehicles. All defendants could be excluded from participating in federal health care programs.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J.D. Hogan.
Leader of Cheko’s Crew/7th Street Gang Pleads Guilty to Rico, Admits Role in Four Murders and Five Attempted MurdersRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051Buffalo, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Efrain Hildalgo, AKA Cheko, 28, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. RICO conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. The gun charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life, a $250,000 fine or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was a member of the Cheko’s Crew/7th Street Gang which was responsible for multiple acts of violence and the distribution of illegal narcotics on the West Side of Buffalo between 2000 and 2012. The narcotics included heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, and marijuana.
The defendant admitted his role in the murders of four people including:
• November 11, 2004 murder of Nelson and Miguel Camacho in their Niagara Street residence. Josue Ortiz served 10 years in state prison for these murders. His conviction was recently vacated by an Erie County Court judge based on the findings of this federal investigation.
• August 11, 2009 murder of 10th St. Gang associate Eric Morrow.
• June 5, 2010 murder of Virgil Page on 19th Street.
Hildalgo also admitted his participation in the attempted murders of five rival gang members including Desmond Ford, Darnell McIntosh and Edwin Rivera.
A total of 18 defendants have been charged in this case. To date, six have been convicted.
The pleas are the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Michael Cerretto, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Delano A. Reid.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
Law Enforcement and Non-Profits Meet to Halt Scams Targeting Specific Groups of AmericansRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today the enhanced collaborations its law enforcement and community partners are taking to stem the tide of fraud schemes directed at certain groups of Americans. On Wednesday, high ranking officials of the department, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and non-profit community groups met to discuss an increase in fraud schemes that intentionally target older Americans and the Latino community.
The public/private group met in anticipation of National Consumer Protection Week (March 1 through 7) and, among a number of continuing efforts, announced that they will be releasing a tip sheet aimed at educating consumers and stopping these targeted schemes.
Consumer fraud affects every U.S. community, but law enforcement has noted an uptick in schemes that prey on the vulnerabilities of specific groups of Americans. Bogus lotteries, mass-marketed “psychic” mailers, and other scams, often perpetrated from foreign soil, have stolen hundreds of millions of dollars from seniors. At the same time, call centers in South America have begun calling and threatening Spanish-speaking residents of the United States, extorting them into paying money they do not owe.
“As we approach National Consumer Protection Week, the Justice Department remains steadfast in our commitment to pursue those who commit consumer fraud, particular the invidious schemes that target older Americans and the Spanish-speaking community,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Joyce R. Branda of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We also recognize that the most important thing we can do to stop these schemes is to help educate the consumers who are being targeted so that together we can prevent these schemes from succeeding in the first place.”
The meeting with national and local nonprofit groups focused on the affected populations and offered an opportunity for the law enforcement community to share intelligence gathered through enforcement and for the non-profit groups to provide insight learned from their members. Officials from the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and FTC distributed materials to organizations in attendance to provide to their constituents in an effort to raise awareness on how to avoid the fraud schemes when confronted with them.
“The FTC works closely with our partners to stop scams,” said Director Jessica Rich of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We coordinate with law enforcement agencies – like the Department of Justice and the Postal Inspection Service – to investigate scams and shut them down, and we offer free materials to teach people in every community how to avoid fraud and report it.”
“Consumer fraud schemes are growing more sophisticated and we are here to share with you what we have learned so that you can pass word on to your constituents,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan F. Olin of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch at Wednesday’s meeting with community groups. “Many more fraud schemes are originating overseas in other countries including Canada, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, the Philippines, Israel and Romania.”
Earlier this month, the department achieved a first in one such case. The Jamaican government extradited its first Jamaican citizen, Damion Barrett, wanted on criminal charges in an international lottery scheme that targeted older Americans. Barrett’s co-defendant, Oneike Barnett, was previously apprehended in August 2013 when he visited the United States, arriving at the airport in Orlando, Florida. Barnett pleaded guilty and was sentenced to serve five years in federal prison in April 2014.
“Lottery scams perpetrated from Jamaica have been increasing over the past several years,” said U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Ronald J. Verocchio of the USPIS Miami Division, which investigated the Barrett case. “The Jamaican government’s willingness to extradite one of its own citizens provides an important step towards protecting the older Americans that disproportionately make up phony Jamaican lottery victims.”
The department has also made progress in efforts to deter schemes that defraud and extort money from the Spanish-speaking community by obtaining lengthy prison terms for perpetrators. Recent sentences ranging from nine to 17 years in prison have been obtained for defendants convicted of lying to Spanish-speaking consumers about debts they did not, in fact, owe.
Recent actions by the Department of Justice, USPIS and Homeland Security Investigations include:
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http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-enforcement-actions-shut-down-psychic-mail-fraud-schemes
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http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/virginia-resident-indicted-connection-fraudulent-lottery-scheme-based-jamaica
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http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/south-florida-resident-convicted-connection-international-fraudulent-lottery-scheme
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http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/jamaican-citizen-sentenced-connection-international-lottery-scheme-defrauded-elderly
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http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/florida-residents-sentenced-defrauding-and-threatening-spanish-speaking-consumers
Recent actions by the FTC include:
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http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2014/10/ftc-takes-action-stop-phantom-debt-scam-targeted-spanish-speaking
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http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2014/11/ftc-obtains-court-orders-temporarily-shutting-down-massive-tech
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http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2014/06/ftc-continues-crack-down-deceptive-debt-collection-houston-based
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http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2014/10/ftc-halts-fake-medicare-scheme-took-money-seniors-bank-accounts
A tip sheet for consumers to remember when dealing with individuals who contact them by phone, U.S. mail or via the Internet. The tips on scams and how to complain about or report a scam are available in English and in Spanish at http://www.consumer.gov/handouts. More detailed help and advice for consumers is available at FTC.gov.
The Consumer Protection Branch leads the Justice Department’s efforts to protect the health, safety and economic security of the American consumer. The branch, together with its partners in the department’s U.S. Attorney's Offices and in consumer protection agencies, fulfills this mission through civil and criminal enforcement of federal consumer protection statutes across the country. Visit the Civil Division’s website for the latest division news.
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Justice Department Settles Second Pregnancy Discrimination Lawsuit against the Davie, Florida, Fire DepartmentRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced that it has reached a consent decree with the town of Davie, Florida, to resolve allegations that the Davie Fire Department discriminated against firefighter/paramedic Lori Davis because of her pregnancy and retaliated against firefighter/paramedic Monica Santana because she complained about gender discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin and religion.
According to the Justice Department, the consent decree resolves allegations of disparate treatment based on pregnancy that resulted from light duty policies implemented by the Davie Fire Department. In 2012, the Department of Justice challenged those discriminatory light duty policies in a related pattern or a practice Title VII case resulting in the filing of a complaint and consent decree to resolve the case. The consent decree entered by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida required that the fire department abandon its existing discriminatory light duty policies and adopt new, non-discriminatory policies. This new complaint is the result of individual charges of discrimination referred to the Justice Department by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
As alleged by the Justice Department in this complaint, Davis worked for the Davie Fire Department under its prior policies and was adversely affected by those policies which were implemented in violation of Title VII. Under Title VII, discrimination based on sex includes discrimination due to pregnancy, and requires that women affected by pregnancy be treated the same as other employees who are similar in their ability or inability to work. Under federal law, an employer may not retaliate against employees because they complain about discrimination based on sex.
As alleged in the complaint, Davis’s doctor wanted Davis on light duty during her pregnancy. The fire department’s policy, however, would not allow her light duty during her first trimester. Davis continued to work and eventually was required to fight a fire while pregnant. She suffered a miscarriage after doing so. The complaint also alleges that Santana complained about other policies and practices at the fire department that she reasonably believed discriminated against female firefighters. After she complained about the discriminatory treatment, the fire department responded to her complaints by taking adverse actions against her designed to discourage similar complaints.
The consent decree, filed simultaneously with the complaint in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida must still be approved by the federal court. Under the terms of the agreement, the fire department must review and adopt appropriate anti-retaliation policies to protect its employees from further violations of Title VII and conduct training of its personnel to ensure that they properly handle future complaints under Title VII. The fire department must also pay monetary awards to compensate Davis, Santana, and two other similarly-situated, pregnant firefighters. The total monetary awards to all four women will exceed $400,000.
“Firefighters are dedicated public servants who put their lives at risk every day to protect the citizens of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida. “We are committed to enforcing the federal laws that protect expectant mothers against discrimination so that they will not be forced to choose between their job and their decision to have a family.”
“Every day, expectant mothers after consulting with their doctors make difficult decisions about how and, more importantly, when to restrict their work duties due to pregnancy,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is firmly committed to vigorous enforcement of Title VII’s prohibitions against pregnancy discrimination and retaliation so that women can make decisions regarding their pregnancies and try to remedy discriminatory treatment without fear of unwarranted repercussions in the work place after doing so.”
The continued enforcement of Title VII has been a priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.usdoj.gov/crt/.
Attachments: Complaint - Town of Davie, Florida (PDF)
Consent Decree - Town of Davie, Florida (PDF)Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Justice Department Inspector General Commends Montana U.S. Attorney’s Guardians ProjectRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz lauded the Montana U.S. Attorney’s Office with an award for innovation in cooperation and effective investigation this week at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
At a ceremony at the Department of Justice, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Rostad of Great Falls accepted the Inspector General’s Collaboration Award on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Guardians Project, an anti-corruption task force which seeks to investigate and prosecute bribery, fraud and embezzlement in federally funded programs in Indian Country. Rostad is generally considered the architect of the unique strike-force model which elevated the role of the Offices of Inspector General (OIGs) in corruption investigations. Federal agencies such as Interior, Health and Human Services, Justice, Education, Housing and Urban Development, and Environmental Protection Agency spend billions of dollars every year supporting tribal services. The OIGs are responsible for seeking out fraud waste and abuse in the programs of the agencies to which they are attached. The OIGs have both law enforcement and review responsibilities which facilitate the use of the Guardians investigations as a basis for program reform and changes in the way federal dollars are awarded and accounted for. Agents working for the Inspectors General specialize in the investigation of fraud and corruption, and other forms of abuse of taxpayer monies, and possess specialized knowledge of federal programs. U.S. Attorney Mike Cotter embraced the program “as a way to do more than hold a particular defendant accountable, but also as a way to find errors in oversight and management of federal tax dollars that could lead to better government on the front end of the grants and contracts process.”
Since the Guardians Project began obtaining indictments from the federal grand jury in late 2012, thirty five indictments and two informations have been filed charging 77 defendants and resulting in over 100 felony convictions for crimes including conspiracy, bribery, fraud, embezzlement, extortion, obstruction of justice, money laundering, blackmail, and tax evasion.
The Guardians Project created a partnership that merged the expertise and oversight responsibilities of the various OIGs with the resources and traditional public corruption investigation responsibility of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service.
Notable Guardians prosecutions are the convictions of six defendants associated with the Po’Ka Program for disadvantaged youth on the Blackfeet reservation, the prosecution and conviction of Tony Belcourt, Chief Executive Officer of the Chippewa Cree Construction Corporation, and former tribal Chairmen John Chance Houle and Bruce Sunchild of the Rocky Boy’s reservation. Eight members of the Dale Old Horn family were convicted in 2012 and 2013 for their role in a scheme to defraud the Crow Tribe using positions with the Crow Tribe Historic Preservation Office. The former Chief Executive Officer of the Rocky Boy Health Clinic, Fawn Tadios, and former Clinic Finance Manager Theodora Morsette were convicted by juries in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
At the Wednesday ceremony, Rostad was joined by Resident Agent in Charge Joe Waller, Billings, of the Department of Interior’s Office of Inspector General. Rostad credited Waller with making the Guardian’s Project a success. Rostad told Inspector General Horowitz: “I may have designed it, but Agent Waller makes it work.”
It is gratifying to present this Collaboration Award to AUSA Rostad for his groundbreaking efforts to coordinate the federal law enforcement community's response to corruption and fraud in Indian Country," said Inspector General Horowitz. "Corruption, fraud, and many other crimes do not fit neatly within the jurisdiction of individual federal agencies, and innovative collaborative efforts such as the Guardians Project are exactly the kind of efficient and effective solutions we need to achieve success in this critical area. I commend AUSA Rostad, Agent Waller, and all those involved in the Guardians Project for their work so far, and I look forward to working with them more closely in the future."
Judge Gives Restaurant Robber 35 1/2 Year Prison TermRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Ramon Martinez, 29, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced today to 35½ years in prison for armed robberies in Philadelphia and related firearm charges. All three robberies were committed in December of 2013 at Cosi, Inc. restaurants. On December 3, 2013, Martinez robbed the Cosi at 235 S. 15th Street, of approximately $1600; on December 9, 2013, he attempted to rob the Cosi at 140 S. 36th Street; and on December 24, 2013, he robbed the Cosi at 235 S. 15th Street, of approximately $2300. Martinez pleaded guilty on March 24, 2014.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Legrome D. Davis ordered five years supervised release, a $2,000 fine, a $500 special assessment and $3,900 restitution.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Philadelphia Police Department, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ewald Zittlau.
Jacksonville Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Cherica Daniels has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and aggravated identity theft. She faces a maximum penalty of seven years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Daniels was indicted on September 10, 2014.
According to the plea agreement, Daniels participated in a scheme to prepare and file false and fraudulent tax returns, using the identities and social security numbers of others without their permission. Agents found Daniels in possession of personal identifying information of more than 200 individuals.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
International Arms Traffickers Extradited for Conspiring to Kill Officers or Employees of the United States and to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara for the Southern District of New York and Administrator Michele Leonhart of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced today the extradition of Cristian Vintila, 44, Massimo Romagnoli, 43, and Virgil Flaviu Georgescu, 42, international arms traffickers charged with conspiring to sell large quantities of military-grade weaponry to the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (the FARC) – a designated foreign terrorist organization – to be used to kill officers and employees of the United States in Colombia. Vintila, Georgescu, and Romagnoli, all of whom were arrested in December 2014, were extradited from Montenegro yesterday and will be arraigned in front of U.S. District Court Judge Ronnie Abrams later today.
“As alleged, these three men were ready and willing merchants of death, poised to sell sophisticated weapons to a terrorist organization,” said U.S. Attorney Bharara. “It is further alleged that they conspired to sell the weaponry with the understanding that it would be used to shoot down American aircraft and kill American officers. We once again laud the efforts of the DEA to stem the flow of lethal weapons that could be aimed at U.S. officers and to deter weapons traffickers who mean harm to the United States.”
According to the Indictment, which was unsealed in December 2014:
Since at least May 2014, Vintila has been a Romania-based weapons trafficker, Romagnoli has been a Europe-based weapons trafficker, who is able to procure fraudulent end-user certificates (EUCs) for military-grade weaponry, and Georgescu has been a Romania-based weapons broker. Between May and October 2014, Vintila, Romagnoli, and Georgescu conspired to sell an arsenal of weapons, including machine guns and anti-aircraft cannons, with the understanding that the weapons would go to the FARC to be used by FARC against the United States. During a series of recorded telephone calls and in-person meetings, Vintila, Romagnoli and Georgescu agreed to sell the weapons to three confidential sources working with the DEA (the CSs), who represented that they were acquiring these weapons for the FARC. Vintila, Romagnoli and Georgescu agreed to provide these weapons to the CSs with the specific understanding that the weapons would be used to kill officers and employees of the United States and, in particular, to shoot down American helicopters and airplanes. Romagnoli further agreed to provide fraudulent EUCs in order to make the illegal sale of weapons look legitimate.
During their recorded meetings, Vintila and Romagnoli provided the CSs with catalogues of military-grade weapons they were prepared to provide the FARC. Vintila gave the CSs a catalogue of weapons that included pistols, machine guns and other high-powered weaponry, and Romagnoli showed the CSs a catalogue that included automatic weapons and shoulder-fired rocket launchers. Romagnoli additionally showed one of the CSs a sample fraudulent EUC. Vintila, Romagnoli, and Georgescu also discussed the logistics of receiving payment for the weapons from the CSs and delivering the weapons to the FARC.
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The indictment charges Vintila, Romagnoli, and Georgescu, with two separate terrorism offenses:
Count one charges all three defendants with conspiracy to kill U.S. officers or employees. If convicted of count one, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Count two charges all three defendants with conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the FARC. If convicted of count two, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Assistant Attorney General Carlin joined U.S. Attorney Bharara in praising the outstanding investigative efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division, the DEA’s Bucharest Country Office, the DEA’s Rome Country Office, the Montenegrin National Police, and the Romanian National Police. The defendants’ arrests and subsequent extradition are also the result of the close cooperative efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the National Security Division of the Department of Justice, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Surratt and Ilan Tuviah Graff, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Brenda Sue Thornton of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
The allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Information: Federal Court ArraignmentsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ostby in Billings on February 26, 2015, and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- WILLIAM MAURICE SMITH, a 56-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, SMITH faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. PACER Case Reference: 15-15
- CARA M. VOLMER, a 38-year-old resident of Laurel, appeared on charges of possession of a controlled substance. If convicted of the charge contained in the information, VOLMER faces 1 year in prison, $100,000 in fines and 1 year supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration PACER Case Reference: 15-01
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Johnston in Great Falls on February 25, 2015 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- EMERSON PAUL BIRDTAIL II, a 29-year-old resident of Harlem, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, BIRDTAIL faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference: 15-09
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
Illinois Federal Court Bars Woman and Her Businesses from Preparing Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A federal court in Chicago has permanently barred Laurie G. Helfer, aka Laurie G. Powell, individually and doing business as Laurie’s Freelance & Tax Preparation Services and Tax Lady Laurie Inc., from preparing federal tax returns for others and from operating a tax return business, the Justice Department announced today. The defendant was also ordered to surrender any existing Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) or Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) registered in her name or in any name used for any purpose by Helfer.
The civil injunction order, to which the defendant consented, was signed by Judge Harry D. Leinenweber of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
According to the complaint, Helfer promised her customers that she could obtain tax refunds for them by amending their tax returns from prior years. Helfer allegedly fabricated expenses from businesses that she concocted and entered those expenses on a Schedule C-Profit or Loss From Business that she filed with her customers’ amended tax returns. The complaint alleged that the expenses offset her customers’ income from prior years and illegally generated a refund. Helfer also prepared original returns for customers during tax-filing season using this same scheme. The complaint further alleged that, in an attempt to avoid detection by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Helfer stopped signing the tax returns that she prepared and frequently changed the locations in which she prepared her customers’ tax returns, including various Chicago-area hotel rooms.
Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’ Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2015. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a tax preparer, and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers and tax scheme promoters. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Helfer Injunction Order
Houston Women Guilty of Conspiring to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Tonya Beverly, 39, and Leatrice Reynaud, 44, both of Houston, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
Beverly and Reynaud admitted they conspired together to create and access false and fraudulent USAA Federal Savings Bank accounts using stolen personal identification information, including names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers. Beverly admitted she stole the personal information from the patient files of health care providers with whom she had been employed.
In less than two years, the conspirators created 33 false and fraudulent USAA accounts and transferred approximately $205,719 into those accounts from the real bank accounts of at least 35 individuals. Several of the victims mentioned today were elderly, including one who was born in 1922 and another who was born in 1929, and another victim was caring for her terminally ill husband when the crime occurred. The amount of loss for each victim varied - $23,800 was taken out of the account of the victim born in 1922, while $24,000 was taken from another victim.
At least 16 different banks were affected by the defendants’ actions. As part of the fraud scheme, the conspirators used homes that were listed for sale or vacant as the recipient addresses for debit cards mailed by USAA for the false and fraudulent accounts. The conspirators also used phones registered in the name of another victim of identity theft to access the fraudulent USAA accounts and perform account functions.
Another co-conspirator - Demetria Jones, 40, who plead guilty in relation to the conspiracy in August of last year - provided her address for the receipt of USAA debit cards from the fraudulent accounts. The USAA debit cards in the victims’ real names were used to withdraw cash from ATM machines, including machines located in Hawaii and Texas and to make purchases, including plane tickets to Los Angeles, California for the defendants and the children of one of the defendants.
As part of their plea agreements, the conspirators have agreed to forfeiture of $106,383.51 in unlawful proceeds to the United States.
Beverly and Reynaud were permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing which has been set for May 29, 2015, in front of U.S. District Judge Gray Miller. Jones has also been on bond pending her sentencing which is scheduled for April 24, 2015.
The possible punishment for a conviction of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud is up to 30 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $1 million or both.
The investigation leading in this case was conducted by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Julie Redlinger prosecuted the case.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DENNIS NUNEZ-LACAYO, age 28, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty yesterday to a one-count Indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to court records, on or about June 4, 2014, NUNEZ-LACAYO, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a firearm.
NUNEZ-LACAYO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $250,000, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for June 3, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering United StatesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ANGEL ENO CORNEJO-MORENO, age 40, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents, on or about December 8, 2014, CORNEJO-MORENO was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on two prior occasions – June 12, 2003 and January 26, 2009.
CORNEJO-MORENO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a fine of $250,000, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set sentencing for May 14, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Custom Enforcement and Removal in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Rick Veters is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Guilty to Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JOSE ORELLANA, age 35, a native of Honduras, pled guilty yesterday to a one-count Indictment for illegal entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, ORELLANA was previously removed from the United States on January 15, 2010. ORELLANA was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on December 1, 2014, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.
ORELLANA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, as well as a fine of $250,000. United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for April 8, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
Four Sentenced on Card Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced Antonio Hernandez-Vilar, aged 44; Eduardo Rodriguez-Martinez, aged 41; Gustavo Hernandez-corona, aged 48; and Aquiles Alvarez-Valdes, aged 40, all from Tampa, Florida, were sentenced on February 25, 2015 by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Court Judge, in Valdosta, Georgia.
All four defendants entered guilty pleas to possessing unauthorized access devices on October 23, 2014. According to facts stipulated in their plea agreements, on May 9, 2014, a Lowndes County, Georgia deputy stopped the vehicle in which the four were travelling on Interstate 75. During a search of the vehicle, deputies found numerous credit and debit cards encoded with stolen account numbers, laptop computers containing more than 400 additional stolen account numbers and a Magnetic Card Reader/Writer used to encode stolen account numbers onto debit and credit cards embossed with the names of the defendants. Deputies also found approximately than 180 gift cards in varying amounts which had been purchased using the stolen account numbers. A copy of the plea agreement is attached.
The sentences handed down by Judge Lawson were:
Antonio Hernandez-Vilar: 80 months imprisonment
Eduardo Rodriguez-Martinez : 48 months imprisonment
Gustavo Hernandez-Corona: 57 months imprisonment
Aquiles Alvarez-Valdez: 57 months imprisonment
The defendants were all jointly ordered to pay restitution of $14,364.99 in restitution to known victims of the offense.
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “The Secret Service remains committed to protecting our nation’s financial security, to include aggressively investigating those responsible for stealing and using re-encoded credit cards. Along with our law enforcement partners we will continue to pursue those committing these crimes,” said Clint A. Bush, Resident Agent in Charge, Albany, Georgia Resident Office, United States Secret Service.
The case was investigated by agents from the United States Secret Service and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case for the government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.