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21 November 2014
Former Williamsport Resident Indicted for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a Beverly Hannibal, age 48, formerly of Williamsport, but now lives in Lancaster, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Williamsport on November 13, 2014 for health care fraud in connection with a Medicaid program.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the indictment alleges that Hannibal fraudulently obtained $22,448 from the Pennsylvania Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Attendant Care Program, a federally funded health care benefit program.
According to the indictment, Hannibal submitted false and fraudulent applications identifying her nephew and, later in the scheme, a friend of hers, as direct care workers providing personal assistance to her. Although they performed no work, Hannibal allegedly prepared false timesheets reporting hours purportedly worked by them, forged signatures on the timesheets, and then submitted them for payment. The indictment alleges that Hannibal received reimbursement checks and had her nephew cash some of them and give her the proceeds, and that she also forged signatures on the checks and transacted them.
The indictment was sealed until today pending the defendant being taken into custody. Hannibal appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson. Hannibal was released on bail. Trial is scheduled for January 5, 2015 before United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann in Williamsport.
If convicted of the health care fraud charge, Hannibal, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 million, and a supervised release term of three years.The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
Former U.S. Navy Nuclear Systems Administrator Sentenced to 2 Years for Hacking the U.S. Navy and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Computer SystemsRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. — The second leader of the computer hacking group Team Digi7al was sentenced today for hacking the United States Navy, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and over 50 public and private computer systems, announced Danny C. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Nicholas Paul Knight, 27, of Chantilly, Virginia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James H. Payne to 24 months in prison. At the time of the hacking attacks Knight was a U.S. Navy Nuclear Systems Administrator aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. Knight pleaded guilty to the single-count information on May 5, 2014. Co-defendant Daniel Krueger, 20, of Dix, Illinois, was sentenced to two-years in prison on October 22, 2014.
“Computer hacking presents a significant risk to national security. As a service member in the United States Navy, the defendant knowingly breached his oath of enlistment and became an insider threat,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to find cyber-criminals and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.”
According to court documents, in June 2012, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) detected a breach of the U.S. Navy’s Smart Web Move database, which stored personal records, including Social Security numbers, names, and dates of birth, for approximately 222,000 service members. The servers that stored these records were located in Tulsa. At the time of the hacking attacks, Knight, Krueger, and other Team Digi7al conspirators posted links to the stolen information on Team Digi7al’s Twitter account to make the private information available to the public.
In early 2013, Knight was administratively separated from the U.S. Navy after he was caught hacking into a computer system while aboard the USS Harry S. Truman during a sting operation conducted by the NCIS.
The case was investigated by the NCIS Atlantic Cyber Operations office in Norfolk, Virginia, with the cooperation and assistance of the DCIS Cyber Field Office, and other federal, state, and local agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick and Gary L. Davis II prosecuted on behalf of the United States.
Former Subway Franchise Owner Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Gift Card Hacking Scheme at Subway RestaurantsRead the Press Release
A California man was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison with two years supervised release, and ordered to pay $34,712 in restitution, today for remotely hacking into the computerized cash registers of Subway restaurants and fraudulently obtaining more than $40,000 in gift cards.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz of the District of Massachusetts and Resident Agent in Charge Holly Fraumeni of the U.S. Secret Service in Manchester, New Hampshire, made the announcement. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns of the District of Massachusetts imposed the sentence.
Shahin Abdollahi, aka Sean Holdt, 46, of Lake Elsinore, California, pleaded guilty on May 14, 2014, to one count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion and wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.
In connection with his guilty plea, Abdollahi admitted that he owned Subway franchises in Southern California, and later operated a California company called “POS Doctor,” which sold and installed point-of-sale (POS) computer systems to Subway franchises around the country. POS systems are a type of computerized checkout register that allow merchants to manage customer purchases made by credit, debit and gift cards.
Abdollahi further acknowledged that, beginning in 2011, he and Jeffrey Wilkinson conspired to remotely hack into the POS systems he installed in Subway franchises around the country. Members of the conspiracy hacked into at least 13 Subway POS systems and fraudulently added at least $40,000 to Subway gift cards. Abdollahi acknowledged that he and Wilkinson used the fraudulent gift cards to make purchases at Subway, and Wilkinson also sold fraudulent gift cards on eBay and Craigslist.
Wilkinson, 37, of Rialto, California, also pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme, and was sentenced to six months in prison on May 28, 2014.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, and is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam J. Bookbinder of the District of Massachusetts.
Former South Plainfield, N.J., Police Captain Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting A MinorRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A former South Plainfield police captain was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for exploiting a minor girl by enticing her to live-stream sexually explicit acts via the Internet in exchange for payment, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Michael Grennier, 52, of South Plainfield, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson to an information charging him with one count of production of child pornography. Grennier was charged by complaint on Feb. 19, 2013, and has been in custody since that date. Judge Wolfson imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Feb. 14, 2013, Grennier enticed a girl to perform sexually explicit acts and stream images of herself over the Internet while he watched remotely from his home computer. During the webcam session, Grennier exchanged text messages with the minor in which he directed her actions. Grennier admitted during his guilty plea proceeding that he promised to buy his victim clothing in exchange for her performance.
At the time of his arrest, Grennier was working for a private computer forensics firm. Prior to his retirement, he was a computer forensics specialist for the South Plainfield Police Department.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wolfson sentenced Grennier to serve lifetime supervised release. Restitution will be determined at a later date. Grennier will also be required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford, for the investigation leading to today’s plea. He also thanked the South Plainfield Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police James Parker, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Andrew Carey, for their assistance with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fabiana Pierre-Louis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton and Harvey Bartle, the Attorney-in-Charge of the U.S. Attorney’s Trenton Office.
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Defense counsel: Frank Arleo Esq., West Orange, N.J.
Former Pennsylvania Department of General Services Worker Charged with TheftRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Michael A. Gantz, age 43, of Marietta, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal Information with theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. If convicted of the offense, Gantz faces up to ten years’ imprisonment and $250,000 in fines, as well as restitution. A plea agreement was also filed whereby Mr. Gantz has indicated he will enter a guilty plea to the charge when he appears in federal court for his arraignment.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Gantz was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services until July 2014 and was an acquisition officer in the surplus property warehouse. In that position, Gantz had access to surplus military equipment which the federal government had provided the Pennsylvania Department of General Services for distribution to state and local law enforcement officers. The Information alleges that Gantz stole 610 U.S. Military combat helmets between July 2009 and January 2010 which were valued in excess of $5,000.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigation Service and the Defense Logistics Agency, Office of Inspector General. It is assigned to Senior Litigation Counsel Bruce Brandler for prosecution.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is ten years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine, as well as restituition. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
Former Newark City Hall Employee Pleads Guilty to Producing Fraudulent Birth CertificatesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former Newark City Hall employee today admitted producing fraudulent New Jersey birth certificates, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Cory Cooke, 45, of Newark, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of producing false identification documents.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Cooke was previously employed by the City of Newark at its Office of Vital Statistics and was responsible for issuing official New Jersey birth certificates. From August 2013 to October 2013, Cooke produced four fraudulent New Jersey birth certificates using four different individuals’ personal identifying information, which Cooke had acquired from a conspirator. After producing the fraudulent New Jersey birth certificates, Cooke gave the documents to his conspirator, who subsequently sold them.
The count of producing false identification documents to which Cooke pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge John P. Woods in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Jamari Buxton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Stephen N. Dratch Esq., Livingston, N.J.
Cooke, Cory Information
Former Lewiston City Councilman Sentenced on Federal Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE - Matthew P. Carlson, 31, of Orofino, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday to 36 months in prison, followed by ten years supervised release for possession of sexually explicit images of minors, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Carlson pleaded guilty to the charge on August 19, 2014.
According to statements made in court and court documents, Canadian authorities and U.S. Postal Inspection Services investigators discovered that Carlson, a former Lewiston City Councilman and Idaho prison guard, made 35 purchases of DVDs containing sexually explicit images of minors and child erotica from a Canadian company. The DVDs were sent to Carlson through the U.S. Mail over a period of several years.
In April 2013, a federal search warrant was served at Carlson’s residence in Orofino. According to statements made in Court, Carlson told investigators at the time of the search that they would find at least 3,000 images of nude boys on his computer. A forensic review of Carlson’s computers revealed at least that many images. A report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children found that Carlson’s child pornography collection contained images of at least 66 children that have been identified during prior nationwide investigations. Carlson was taken into custody to begin his sentence immediately.
The case was investigated through the collaborative effort of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Orofino Police Department. These agencies participate in the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a statewide coalition of local, state and federal law enforcement and prosecution agencies, focused on apprehending and prosecuting individuals who use the Internet to criminally exploit children. For more information about the Idaho ICAC Task Force and a list of all the participating agencies, visit www.icacidaho.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Former Jarrell Police Chief Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
In Austin today, 52-year-old former Jarrell (TX) Police Chief Andres Tomas Gutierrez was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for a wire fraud/theft of honest services scheme announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent In Charge Janice Ayala in San Antonio; Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General–Investigations Special Agent In Charge J. Kirk Beauchamp in Houston; and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent In Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
On February 7, 2014, Gutierrez pleaded guilty to the wire fraud/theft of honest services charge. By pleading guilty, Gutierrez admitted that from the Fall of 2011 to November 2013, he devised a scheme to defraud and deprive the citizens of Jarrell of their right to his honest services through bribery and concealment of information. Gutierrez solicited and accepted cash bribes—between $10,000 and $40,000—from several undocumented aliens in return for requesting and obtaining for the aliens limited immigration benefits that the U.S. government intended and designed for law enforcement purposes. Gutierrez falsely represented to the U.S. government that the undocumented aliens were assisting the Jarrell Police Department with ongoing investigations into narcotics trafficking and human trafficking.
According to court records, individuals unconnected to the City of Jarrell and its Police Department introduced Gutierrez to undocumented aliens who had money to pay for immigration benefits. Gutierrez or the individuals who made the introductions, or both, then met with the aliens and explained the benefits they could receive if they paid certain amounts of money. They lied to the aliens, telling them that the Jarrell Police Department would receive the money and use it to pay for law enforcement operations. They also told the aliens that they would provide information or assistance to the Jarrell Police Department, for use in criminal investigations, in return for the immigration benefits. That was also a lie. Gutierrez never asked the aliens to provide assistance or information in connection with criminal investigations. What Gutierrez asked for and received from the aliens was money.
Furthermore, with the help of the individuals who introduced him to the aliens, Gutierrez simply sold the aliens the benefits. After an alien paid his or her money, Gutierrez would submit to the U.S. government an application for the alien to receive what is known as a Significant Public Benefit Parole, which is a type of immigration status that federal immigration laws make available to aliens who actually assist federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Paroles authorize an alien to reside and work in the United States for up to a year, and they can be renewed. The applications that Gutierrez submitted said the aliens were providing assistance with ongoing criminal investigations by the Jarrell Police Department, which was false. Also, Gutierrez never disclosed to the United States government that he was selling the Paroles.
“The sentencing of Andres Gutierrez, the former Jarrell Police Chief, is the culmination of a long-term investigation into corruption and the violation of public trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Janice Ayala of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Antonio. “This case illustrates the ability of federal law enforcement agencies to leverage resources and work together to achieve justice.”
“Acts of corruption within law enforcement threaten our nation’s system of justice and undermine the honest and hardworking law enforcement personnel who consistently strive to keep that system the best in the world. The Department of Homeland Security will not tolerate corruption, and we will aggressively pursue those who choose to break the law,” stated DHS OIG SAC J. Kirk Beauchamp.
“The FBI will continue to utilize all resources to investigate those who have taken an oath to serve and protect our communities and use their position as a public servant to shield their criminal activities and violate the trust of those they serve,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs.
This investigation was conducted by agents with Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General--Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Alan M. Buie and Gregg N. Sofer prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Former Foxboro Man Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Mortgage FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Foxboro man was sentenced yesterday for mortgage fraud in connection with the purchases of residential properties.
Christopher A. Chasse, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr. to eight years in prison and three years of supervised release. In August 2014, Chasse pleaded guilty to 10 counts of wire fraud in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme.
From June to September 2006, Chasse fraudulently caused mortgage lenders to finance $5.25 million for his purchases of residential properties in the greater Boston area. Chasse submitted false loan applications containing bogus information about his employment, income, assets, closing costs and related matters. Chasse created false identification documents, phony income tax returns and other IRS forms, fictitious employment records and bogus bank account statements, all to support false loan applications to 11 lenders. Chasse also recruited other buyers for fraudulent mortgage loans. All of the properties went almost immediately into foreclosure for lack of payments, and the lenders suffered more than $4 million in losses.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Bruce Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. The case was prosecuted by Victor A. Wild of Ortiz’s Economic Crimes Unit and Carlos A. López of Ortiz’s Drug Task Force.
Today’s action is part of the ongoing efforts of President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Working Group. The interagency FFETF was created 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.
Former Executive at North Canton Company Sentenced to more than Two Years in Prison for Violating Campaign Finance LawsRead the Press Release
The former chief financial officer at a North Canton company was sentenced to more than two years in prison for violating campaign finance laws and conspiring to obstruct justice, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Office.
Michael Giorgio, 63, of Cuyahoga Falls, was sentenced to 27 months in prison. He pleaded guilty earler this year to seven counts: one count of conspiracy to violate the campaign finance laws, two counts of substantive campaign finance violations, three counts of causing the campaigns to make false statements in their FEC reports, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice..
Giorgio admitted that while he worked at Suarez Corp., he and others funneled almost $200,000 in conduit contributions to U.S. House adn Senate campaigns in the 2012 election. Court documents detial 18 contributions, all made in March 2011, to a 2012 House campaign. It also details 20 contributions, all but one made in May 2011, to a 2012 Senate campaign.
Giorgio also admitted to obstructing justice. He did this by causing another executive at Suarez Corp. to create and distribute documents entitled “Advance on Profit Sharing” for all but one Suarez Corp. employee or contractor who has been reimbursed for campaign contributions. Those documents were intended to create the impression that the reimbursement payments that Suarez Corp. previously made to the conduit contributors were actually “advances” that all along were meant to be repaid to the company by the employees and contractors. They did this after newspaper reports detailed the suspicious contribution, according to court documents.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI-Canton Resident Agency. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carole S. Rendon and Rebecca Lutzko.
Former Executive Director of Virgin Islands Legislature Convicted of Bribery and ExtortionRead the Press Release
After a three-day trial, a federal jury found the former executive director of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands guilty of accepting bribes and extortion in the awarding of contracts with the Legislature.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe of the District of the Virgin Islands, and Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office made the announcement.
Louis “Lolo” Willis, 56, of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, was convicted of two counts of federal programs bribery and two counts of extortion under color of official right. U.S. District Judge Curtis V. Gomez of the District of the Virgin Islands set the sentencing hearing for Feb. 13, 2015.
According to evidence presented at trial, Willis was the executive director of the Legislature between 2009 and 2012. His responsibilities included oversight of the major renovation of the Legislature building and awarding and entering into government contracts in connection with the project. Willis was also responsible for authorizing payment to the contractors for their work. Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Willis accepted bribes, including $13,000 in cash and checks, from contractors in exchange for using his official position to secure more than $350,000 in contracting work for the contractors and to ensure they received payment upon completion.
This case was investigated by the FBI-San Juan Field Office’s St. Thomas Resident Agency, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Peter Mason and Justin Weitz of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Delia Smith of the District of the Virgin Islands. Former Trial Attorneys Tracee Plowell and Jennifer Blackwell and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Lindquist assisted in the investigation of the case.
Former Choctaw Nation Executive Director of Construction Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, Theft of Federal Funds by Tribal Officer and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Muskogee, Oklahoma - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that JASON BRETT MERIDA, age 42, of Rattan, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury on Thursday, November 20, 2014 of six counts of a seven-count indictment.
The defendant was indicted in February, 2014 and charged with Conspiracy To Commit Theft Or Bribery Of Programs Receiving Federal Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371; 2 Counts of Theft By An Employee Or Officer Of A Tribal Government Receiving Federal Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 666(a)(1)(A) and 2; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957 and 2 Counts of Tax Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 7206(1).
The defendant was acquitted on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The trial began with testimony on October 29, 2014 and concluded with closing arguments and jury deliberations on Thursday, November 20, 2014.
Testimony at the trial established that MERIDA, the former Executive Director of Construction for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, conspired to corruptly demand, solicit and receive cash, trips, a Cadillac Escalade, plumbing fixtures, cattle guards, and other things of value in excess of the $5,000 from subcontractors performing work on Choctaw Nation construction projects. The testimony also revealed MERIDA, in concert with others, submitted and approved false invoices from subcontractors allowing him to steal, embezzle and fraudulently convert in excess of $500,000 in funds from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma which were used to purchase items for MERIDA and others. The items included firearms, hunting equipment, hunting trips and furniture. MERIDA also willfully failed to report the proceeds of the fraud on his federal income taxes in 2009 and 2010.
The charges resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations.
United States Attorney Mark Green stated, “Greed can be a terrible vice! In this case, Jason Merida and his co-conspirators placed their personal gain above the interests of the Choctaw Nation and its members. This verdict is a prime example of justice served when officials abuse a public trust.”
“Last night’s guilty verdict is loud and clear: bribery, conspiracy, money laundering and tax fraud are not acceptable business practices to gain contracts with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma,” said R. Damon Rowe, Special Agent in Charge for Dallas Field Office of IRS Criminal Investigation. He continued, “IRS will use every means available to identify and investigate those individuals who utilize illegal means to gain lucrative contracts to the detriment of the Choctaw Nation and to the American taxpayer.”
James Finch, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation added, “The conviction of Jason Merida should serve as a reminder for all public officials to honor their respective offices. Corrupt public officials mar the trust which must exist between citizenry and government, and rob the public of the expectation that public officials will exercise good stewardship of their trust. The FBI and its investigative partners will continue to pursue and bring to justice all who soil their office."
The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. The defendant was released while awaiting sentencing.
First Assistant United States Attorney Douglas A. Horn and Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the United States.
Former Bookkeeper at Saint Gabriel the Archangel Church and School Pleads Guilty to Embezzling FundsRead the Press Release
– Agreed to restitution in the amount of $83,191 to the Louisville Parish
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The former bookkeeper at Saint Gabriel the Archangel Church and School pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge James D. Moyer, to embezzling $83,191 in funds from the Louisville parish by means of wire fraud announced David J. Hale, United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky.
Tammy Goodlett, 48, of Louisville, admitted in U.S. District Court to devising a scheme to defraud Saint Gabriel. According to the single count indictment, Goodlett committed wire fraud when, as bookkeeper, she exceeded her authorized access by transferring funds from Saint Gabriel’s bank account to her own bank accounts, made unauthorized credit card expenditures, and manipulated financial records to make unpaid debts appear paid. The fraud to obtain funds and services to which she was not entitled began on or about August 13, 2010, and continued to on or about August 6, 2013. Specifically, Goodlett used Saint Gabriel’s credit card for personal expenses, such as concert tickets, without authorization. Also, Goodlett admitted to manipulating Saint Gabriel’s financial records to make it appear that she had paid her daughter’s school tuition at Saint Gabriel when she had not made the payments.
Goodlett has agreed to pay restitution to the victim, Saint Gabriel the Archangel Church and School in the amount of $83,191.
If convicted at trial, Goodlett faced a sentence of no more than 20 years in prison, a fine of no more than $250,000 and a three year period of supervised release. Goodlett is scheduled for sentencing in Louisville on February 27, 2015, at 1 pm before Senior District Judge John G. Heyburn II.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Zimdahl and is being investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to Seven Years Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Victor Sena, 36, of Cranston, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Providence today to 84 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute. Sena was arrested in March 2014, after law enforcement seized more than 90 grams of fentanyl found stashed inside a container of rice in the kitchen of Sena’s residence.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith also ordered Sena to serve 3 years supervised release following completion of his prison term. Sena pleaded guilty on August 28, 2014, to one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
Sena’s sentence is announced by U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Michael Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England field division; Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist; East Providence Police Chief Christopher J. Parella; and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas S. Carey.
“For a drug dealer like the defendant here, there is only one reason to possess such a large amount of fentanyl: to “supercharge” heroin that he is distributing on neighborhood streets," said United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha. " As we have seen far too often this year, such conduct can lead to deadly results, when heroin users overdose on a potent heroin/fentanyl mix. Drug dealing is bad enough. Selling drug mixtures to unwitting addicts that can lead to overdose and even death is even worse. Such conduct deserves the kind of harsh punishment the defendant received today.”
According to information presented to the court, in March 2014, the DEA, in collaboration with the Cranston, East Providence and Woonsocket Police Departments, conducted an investigation into the distribution of heroin and fentanyl in Rhode Island by Sena. Information developed during the investigation led law enforcement to obtain a court authorized search warrant for Sena’s residence.
A search of Sena’s residence on March 25, 2014, resulted in the discovery of four plastic bags each containing 10 grams of fentanyl and a fifth bag with 53 grams of fentanyl, all stashed inside a container of rice. Agents and officers also discovered and seized several items used in the packaging and distribution of fentanyl.
Sena has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on March 25, 2014.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Pamela E. Chin.###
To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Federal Prisoner in Fairbanks Indicted for Soliciting the Murder of Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska - U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a Fairbanks man who is currently in federal custody at the Fairbanks Correctional Center awaiting sentencing on a number of felony charges has been indicted by a federal grand jury for soliciting the murder of federal officers. The one count indictment alleges that between September 8, 2014 and November 6, 2014, Guy Christopher Mannino, 56, of Fairbanks, solicited another person to commit the murder of multiple unnamed federal officers.
Mannino has been in custody at the Fairbanks Correctional Center since October 2013, following his indictment by a federal grand jury in August 2013, for a number of felony charges related to the unlawful possession and transfer of prohibited weapons, including a machinegun and silencers. Mannino plead guilty in March 2014, to three felony firearms charges for unlawfully possessing and transferring a machinegun equipped with a silencer, as well as an additional felony count of concealing assets from the federal bankruptcy court and creditors in a bankruptcy action which had been filed by Mannino in 2011. He has been in custody awaiting sentencing on those charges, with his sentencing presently scheduled for December 1, 2014.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Bottini, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that the law provides for a sentence of up to 20 years, as well as a fine of $250,000 and up to five years of supervised release following service of a prison sentence for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Alaska State Troopers conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.Federal Jury Convicts U.S. Army Officer in Connection with Sex Trafficking of Minors SchemeRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal jury convicted 41-year-old U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Valas of sex trafficking of a minor announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs of the FBI’s San Antonio Division and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.
The jury found that Valas, a U.S. Army War College fellow at Syracuse University and a member of the New Hampshire National Guard, solicited a minor using the internet for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex. Further, jurors found that Valas knowingly had sex with that minor female in a San Antonio hotel on two occasions in August 2013 while on temporary duty.
Valas faces between ten years and life in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 27, 2015. Following the reading of the verdict, on the motion of the Government, Chief U.S. District Judge Fred Biery remanded Valas into federal custody.
All three of Valas’ co-defendants have been convicted of sex trafficking of minors as a result of this investigation. San Antonio residents Marcus Deshawn Wright, age 38, Malcolm Deandre Copeland, age 22, and Amber Doak, age 20, await sentencing on February 27, 2015.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) together with the San Antonio Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Bettina Richardson and Special Assistant United States Attorney Geoff Barr from the Texas Attorney General’s Office are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Members of Violent South Dallas DTO on Conspiracy, Drug Trafficking, Firearm, Kidnapping, Witness Intimidation/Tampering and Destruction of RecordsRead the Press Release
DALLAS — An 10-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Dallas this week that charges 11 men and women from the Dallas area with various conspiracy, drug trafficking, kidnapping, firearm, witness intimidation/tampering, and records destruction charges stemming from their involvement in a violent drug trafficking operation (DTO) that operated out of the Pleasant Grove area of South Dallas and the Dallas County Jail. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.
Defendants charged and in custody are:
• Patrick D. Lenard, 33, of Pleasant Grove, South Dallas. For significant periods since November 26, 2012, Lenard was incarcerated at Dallas County Jail.
• Juaquai Gregg, of Dallas. Between approximately November 12, 2012, and March 31, 2014, Gregg was incarcerated at Dallas County Jail.
• Joshua Smart, 26, of Dallas. Between approximately December 3, 2012, to November 4, 2014, Smart was incarcerated at Dallas County Jail.
• Shuntocqua Shine, 33, of Dallas. Between approximately November 13, 2012, to November 20, 2012, Shine was incarcerated at Dallas County Jail. She also managed and operated the Groveside Tobacco Gallery on N. Jim Miller Road in Dallas.
• Brandon Florence, a/k/a “Beetlejuice,” 30, of Dallas
• Lashundra Rogers, 35, of Mesquite, Texas. She was one of Lenard’s girlfriends.
• Selena Ball, 29, of Desoto, Texas. From September 23, 2013, to May 27, 2013, Ball worked as an Electronic Monitoring Officer for the Dallas County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, and was assigned to monitor Lenard. She was also one of Lenard’s girlfriends.
• Rory Minafee, 26, of Dallas
• Bonner Ray Tutson, 50, of Dallas
Two additional defendants, Rodney Wynn, 34, of Kaufman, Texas, and Christina Staton, 38, of Dallas, are also charged in the indictment. Wynn was added to the State of Texas’s most wanted list in September 2014 and remains a fugitive. Staton, who, according to the indictment is referred to by the derogatory term “Fatass,” is also a fugitive.
The indictment alleges that Lenard conspired with his 10 codefendants, and others, to run the DTO from approximately July 12, 2012, to November 4, 2014. The DTO trafficked in large quantities of cocaine, heroin and marijuana. In furtherance of its drug-trafficking activities, the Lenard DTO also engaged in violent acts, including kidnapping, assault, beatings, and torture, towards, and of, individuals whom Lenard believed had defied or crossed the Lenard DTO, including his own family members. In addition, the indictment alleges the Lenard DTO intimidated and bribed individuals whom the DTO believed might assist law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting it. The Lenard DTO also took actions to subvert and manipulate state investigative and legal proceedings against the organization.
Count one of the indictment alleges that in November 2012, Lenard, Wynn, Gregg, Smart and Shine conspired to kidnap, and kidnapped, “Victim A.” They captured and assaulted Victim A at gunpoint. Once captured, they took Victim A to an apartment where Victim A was beaten and tortured in an effort to locate cash and other things of value they believed Victim A had taken from the Lenard DTO. Lenard had offered Shine $10,000 to locate Victim A. If convicted on this count, each faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Count two of the indictment charges Lenard, Wynn, Gregg, Smart and Shine with using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during or in relation to the kidnapping. If convicted on this count, each faces a statutory penalty of not less than seven years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Count three of the indictment charges Lenard, Wynn, Gregg, Smart and Shine with kidnapping Victim A. If convicted on this count, each faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Count four of the indictment charges all 11 defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, one kilogram or more of heroin, and marijuana. It alleges that from July 12, 2012, to November 4, 2014, the Lenard DTO maintained stash houses for illegal narcotics, negotiated and discussed drug transactions over their cell phones and from phones maintained at the Dallas County Jail; used violence and threats of violence to enforce the Lenard DTO’s goals; recruited and convinced individuals who were responsible for reporting illegal activities to alter, modify, and fail to report those activities; and obstructed or attempted to obstruct the investigation and prosecution of members of the Lenard DTO.
Lenard admitted in a state court proceeding that he and Ball were engaged in a romantic relationship despite her position and the clear conflict. Lenard convinced her to alter, modify, or fail to report violations of Lenard’s conditions of release. Ball purposefully failed to report violations of those conditions by Lenard, who had violated them by approaching, confronting, and attempting to intimidate coconspirators and witnesses to the above-mentioned kidnapping.
If convicted on this count, each faces a statutory penalty of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a millions in fines.
Count five of the indictment charges Lenard, Florence, Staton, Rogers and Ball with conspiring to intimidate, threaten, corruptly persuade, and engage in misleading conduct toward Victim A to ignore a federal grand jury subpoena and by intimidating Victim A with regard to Victim A’s cooperation with law enforcement. If convicted on this count, each faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Count six of the indictment charges Lenard, Florence, Staton, Rogers and Ball with conspiring to tamper with a witness, victim or informant by intimidation, threats, corrupt persuasion or misleading conduct. They attempted to convince Victim A to ignore a federal grand jury subpoena and paid money to Victim A to leave the State of Texas. If convicted on this count, each faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Count seven of the indictment charges Ball with destruction, alteration or falsification of records. It alleges that she knowingly altered, destroyed, concealed, covered up, falsified or made a false entry in electronic monitoring records with the intent to impede, obstruct and influence an investigation. If convicted on this count, Ball faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Count eight charges Minafee with one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. If convicted on this count, Minafee faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine.
Count nine charges Minafee with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on this count, Minafee faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Count ten charges Tutson with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. If convicted on this count, Tutson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine.
A federal indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.
The ongoing investigation is being led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and the Dallas Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Errin Martin and P. J. Meitl are prosecuting.
Federal Charges Filed Against Three Men for Jewelry Store Robbery Last WeekRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Three local men have been charged with robbing a jewelry store in Las Vegas last week of approximately $700,000 worth of merchandise, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden for the District of Nevada.
Theren Phillip Frazier, 27, Phillip Allerson Vaughn, 25, and Eric Jamar Goodall, 29, of North Las Vegas, are charged in a criminal complaint with one count of interference with commerce by robbery. They made an initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach. Frazier and Vaughn were detained pending a preliminary hearing, and Goodall was temporarily detained pending a hearing on Monday. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“Our U.S. Attorney’s Office has made the prosecution of violent retail robbery and theft cases a priority,” said U.S. Attorney Bogden. “We have been working with our local police departments and federal partners to identify these violent crime cases with interstate nexus for federal prosecutions. The persons committing these crimes are typically repeat offenders who are unlawfully carrying and using firearms in furtherance of their crimes and are violating federal laws.”
The complaint alleges that at about 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 10, Goodall, who was brandishing a semiautomatic pistol, and Vaughn entered a jewelry store located just off the Las Vegas Strip, and told victims to get down on the floor while they demanded jewelry and robbed the display cases of several hundred items of jewelry. Vaughn and Goodall loaded the jewelry into a backpack and left the store with about $700,000 worth of merchandise. They were observed fleeing in a small white sedan driven by Frazier. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers followed the white car to a warehouse about a mile north, where Goodall and Vaughn jumped from the vehicle while it was still moving, and were apprehended. Officers found the white vehicle badly damaged in a nearby casino valet area, and recovered from it a semiautomatic pistol and all of the jewelry from the robbery. Frazier was arrested three days later by an FBI-led Criminal Apprehension Team task force.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and LVMPD, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn C. Newman and Daniel Cowhig.
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fairhaven Pharmacy to Pay $20,000 Civil PenaltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The United States Attorney’s Office in Boston reached a civil settlement today with PharmaHealth Specialty Pharmacy in Fairhaven, Mass., in connection with allegations that the company violated federal regulations related to the sale of prescription drugs.
The government contended that PharmaHealth violated the Controlled Substances Act by dispensing controlled substances to physicians instead of patients, failing to keep complete and accurate records of controlled substances, and failing to maintain readily retrievable records of controlled substances. PharmaHealth has agreed to pay $20,000 in settlement of these claims.
“The mishandling of prescription drugs is of great concern to federal authorities,” said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz. “For the sake of patient safety, and to ensure that medications end up in the hands of patients rather than addicts, we will continue to monitor pharmacies to make certain that they abide by regulations while conducting business.”
U.S. Attorney Ortiz and Michael J. Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by Diversion Investigators with the DEA’s Boston Field Division. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Ortiz’s Civil Division.
Fairfield Man Who Purchased Tableting Machine to Produce Oxycodone Pills Is SentencedRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID WOLVOVSKY, 31, of Fairfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to four years of probation, the first six months of which WOLVOVSKY must spend in home confinement, for illegally importing a tablet machine to produce oxycodone pills. Judge Underhill also ordered WOLVOVSKY to pay a fine of $2,000, forfeit $21,034 in cash that was seized at the time of his arrest, and perform 100 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 23, 2013, WOLVOVSKY was arrested after he received delivery of a package containing a tableting machine that had been ordered from China and delivered to his residence. On that date, WOLVOVSKY stated to investigators that he purchased the machine through an individual he had met on the Internet, and that he had also purchased what he had believed to be a large quantity oxycodone powder from the same individual. WOLVOVSKY then stated that, before the machine had arrived, he had tested the powder and determined that it was not true oxycodone powder. A subsequent search of WOLVOVSKY’s residence revealed a package containing approximately one kilogram of the fake oxycodone powder. The search also revealed opiate test kits, packaging materials, tablet dying/imprinting machinery and $21,034 in cash.
On July 24, 2014, WOLVOVSKY waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully importing a tableting machine.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
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(203) 821-3722 [email protected]Former Executive Director of Virgin Islands Legislature Convicted of Bribery and ExtortionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – After a three-day trial, a federal jury found the former executive director of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands guilty of accepting bribes and extortion in the awarding of contracts with the Legislature.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe of the District of the Virgin Islands, and Special Agent in Charge Carlos Cases of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office made the announcement.
Louis “Lolo” Willis, 56, of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, was convicted of two counts of federal programs bribery and two counts of extortion under color of official right. U.S. District Judge Curtis V. Gomez of the District of the Virgin Islands set the sentencing hearing for Feb. 13, 2015.
According to evidence presented at trial, Willis was the executive director of the Legislature between 2009 and 2012. His responsibilities included oversight of the major renovation of the Legislature building and awarding and entering into government contracts in connection with the project. Willis was also responsible for authorizing payment to the contractors for their work. Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Willis accepted bribes, including $13,000 in cash and checks, from contractors in exchange for using his official position to secure more than $350,000 in contracting work for the contractors and to ensure they received payment upon completion.
This case was investigated by the FBI-San Juan Field Office’s St. Thomas Resident Agency, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Peter Mason and Justin Weitz of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Delia Smith of the District of the Virgin Islands. Former Trial Attorneys Tracee Plowell and Jennifer Blackwell and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Lindquist assisted in the investigation of the case.
Eight Individuals Charged with Stealing Federal Benefits as Part of Operation November RainRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the filing of federal charges against individuals in eight separate cases. These individuals have been charged with stealing $767,949 in federal benefits to which they were not entitled. The penalty for stealing federal benefits or making false statements is up to 10 years in federal prison per count. These Middle District of Florida cases arose out of Operation November Rain, an operation initiated and overseen by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General with assistance from multiple other federal and local law enforcement agencies.
These cases were investigated and defendants were apprehended by the joint work of the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Secret Service, the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. These cases will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida, including Dale Campion, Malisa Chokshi, Mac Heavener, Jay Taylor, Robert Bodnar, and Embry Kidd.
An indictment is merely formal charges that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Operation November Rain Case Summaries
Edna Brown-Powell (58, Orlando) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from January 2000 until February 2014, Brown-Powell fraudulently received $61,614 in Social Security benefits that were intended for her deceased father.Larry Hallam (36, Lawtey) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from September 2011 through September 2013, Hallam fraudulently received over $1,000 in Social Security benefits.
Claudia Pellum Brooks (64, Baldwin) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, between March 1993 and April 2014, Brooks fraudulently received Social Security and Medicaid benefits totaling approximately $208,517.
Kalen Amanda Kennedy (49, Inverness) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from November 2009 until July 2014, Kennedy received $78,648 in Social Security benefits to which she was not entitled.
Noel Hernandez (49, Davenport) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from October 1999 through April 2014, Hernandez received $154,089.00 in Social Security benefits to which he was not entitled.
April Amanda Carter (35, Jacksonville) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, between May 2012 and May 2014, Carter received $20,248 in Social Security and Medicaid benefits to which she was not entitled. She has also has been charged with three counts of making a false statement to a government agency. According to court documents, Carter falsely stated to the Social Security Administration that she was unemployed and raising her child on her own, when, as she knew, she was employed and raising her child along with her husband.
Sheila I. Hall Onley (56, Jacksonville) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from December 2008 to March 2014, Onley fraudulently received $21,681 in Social Security benefits that were intended for her deceased mother.
Essie Mae Dye (75, Jasper) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from May 1997 to March 2014, Dye fraudulently received $175,842.20 in Social Security benefits that were intended for her deceased mother.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Arvin Red Bear, Sr., age 52, was indicted on November 13, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 20, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about June 29, 2014, Red Bear unlawfully assaulted a male victim with a dangerous weapon, and said assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
The charges are merely accusations and Red Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Red Bear was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Department of Justice Releases Resource Guide to Help Law Enforcement Strengthen Relationships with CommunitiesRead the Press Release
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) today announced the release of a resource guide intended to help law enforcement officers build stronger community-police relations. The Resource Guide for Enhancing Community Relationships and Protecting Privacy and Constitutional Rights is a collaboration between BJA and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).
“The Justice Department encourages law enforcement officials, in every jurisdiction, to work with the communities they serve to minimize needless confrontation,” Attorney General Eric Holder said. “It is vital to engage in planning and preparation, from evaluating protocols and training to choosing the appropriate equipment and uniforms. This is the hard work that is necessary to preserve the peace and maintain the public trust at all times—particularly in moments of heightened community tension.”
“The role of law enforcement is not only to enforce the law, but to preserve peace, minimize harm, and sustain community trust,” said BJA Director Denise O’Donnell. “The resources available through this guide will help police departments and sheriffs’ offices maintain order and build effective police-community relationships, while promoting the rights and protecting the civil liberties of the citizens they serve.”
For many years, BJA and the COPS Office have developed guides, publications, webinars, checklists and tools for law enforcement agencies on community policing, building community trust, diversity training, privacy protections, and safeguarding first amendment rights. Building strong police-community relations requires a sustained effort over time, yet maintaining these relationships is exceedingly difficult during and in the aftermath of a high-profile incident or civil unrest. Professional law enforcement departments and effective operations require training and ongoing support from all partners. This guide helps law enforcement agencies locate these resources in one place, including in-person and online training opportunities, publications, reports, podcasts, and websites.
“Law enforcement officers are stewards of the peace and protectors of the people, but above all else, they are custodians of the public trust,” said COPS Office Director Ron Davis. “As a former police chief, I am proud of the work we are doing at the Department of Justice to help America’s public safety professionals carry out this sacred duty.”
The Resource Guide is available at www.bja.gov/Publications/CommRelGuide.pdf.
The Office of Justice Programs, headed by Assistant Attorney General Karol V. Mason, provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six components: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. More information about OJP can be found at www.ojp.gov.
The COPS Office, headed by Director Ronald L. Davis, is the federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, the COPS Office has awarded over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 125,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
Deming Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Conspiracy, Kidnapping and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Jessie A. Hopper, Jr., Admits Role in Plot to Kidnap Woman and Two Young Children in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Transport Them to Deming, New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE - Jessie A. Hopper, Jr., 30, of Deming, N.M., pled guilty this morning in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to conspiracy, kidnapping and firearms charges. The guilty plea was entered without the benefit of a plea agreement.
Hopper, Jr., and his codefendants, Jessie Hopper, Sr., 54, and Polly Hopper, 60, also of Deming, N.M., were arrested in May 2014, on a criminal complaint charging them with kidnapping and firearms charges. The three defendants have been in federal custody since that time.
In June 2014, the three defendants were charged in a six-count indictment. Counts 1 and 2 of the indictment charged the three with conspiracy and kidnapping. Count 3 charged the two men with brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Counts 4 and 5 charged Hopper, Sr., and Hopper, Jr., with being felons in possession of firearms, and Count 6 charged the men with unlawfully possessing a sawed-off shotgun with an obliterated serial number.
According to court filings, the three defendants kidnapped a woman and her two young children and transported them in interstate commerce. Hopper, Jr., and Hopper, Sr., allegedly kidnapped the victims in Hot Springs, Ark., on May 8, 2014, with the assistance of Polly Hopper. Hopper, Jr., allegedly handcuffed the adult victim and brandished a firearm at her to force her to comply with his demands, including a demand that she telephone family members to assure them that she was voluntarily leaving Arkansas with Hopper, Jr. On May 8 and 9, 2Ol4, the three defendants allegedly drove the victims from Arkansas to the defendants' residence in Deming, where Hopper, Jr., and Hopper Sr., sexually assaulted the adult victim several times.
The three defendants were arrested by the New Mexico State Police on state charges on May 10, 2014. They remained in state custody until they were transferred to federal custody on May 16, 2014, to face the charges in this case. The state charges, which are being pursued by the 6th Judicial District Attorney's
Office for the State of New Mexico, are still pending.Today Hopper, Jr., pled guilty to Counts 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 of the indictment. He remains in custody pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. At sentencing, Hopper, Jr., faces a statutory maximum penalty of any term of years to life imprisonment, and a seven-year prison sentence for brandishing a firearm that must be served consecutive to any sentence imposed for the other offenses.
Hopper, Sr., and Polly Hopper have entered not guilty pleas and are scheduled for trial on Feb. 23, 2015. If convicted, each faces a statutory maximum penalty of any term of years to life imprisonment. If convicted on the firearms brandishing charge, Hopper, Sr., face seven years in prison that must be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the other charges against him. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and a criminal defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces offices of the FBI and ATF, the New Mexico State Police, and the Luna County Sheriff s Office, with assistance from the 6th Judicial District Attorney's Office for the State of New Mexico. The FBI in Little Rock, Ark., the Garland County (Arkansas) Sheriff s Office, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Arkansas also assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy M. Castellano and Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney's Las Cruces Branch Office.Danny Hendon, Former Owner of Danny’s Car Wash, Sentenced to 12 Months Prison,12 Months Home Confinement for Overseeing Multi-year, Company-wide Scheme to Employ Unauthorized AliensRead the Press Release
PHOENIX– On Nov. 20 and 21, 2014, U.S. District Court Judge Neil V. Wake presided over the sentencing of 14 defendants, including Daniel Lewis “Danny” Hendon, 64, of Paradise Valley, Ariz., who once served as managers or supervisors of Danny’s Family Car Wash (“DFC”), a prominent chain of local car washes. All of the defendants previously pleaded guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit identity theft. Hendon was sentenced to 12 months in prison, to be followed by 12 months of home confinement, and also agreed to divest himself of any future ownership, managerial, or profit-sharing interest in the DFC organization. The remaining defendants received sentences ranging from probation to three months in prison. In addition, Judge Wake ordered the corporate entities that compose the DFC organization, which previously pleaded guilty to the crime of pattern/practice of employing unauthorized aliens, to forfeit over $156,000.
U.S. Attorney John Leonardo stated, “Today’s sentences should send a strong message to the Arizona business community - companies that knowingly employ unauthorized aliens will be punished severely. The hiring scheme at Danny’s Car Wash not only harmed the individuals whose identities were stolen, but also was unfair to competing businesses that sought to play by the rules with respect to their labor costs and practices.”
“These sentences again give notice to employers who exploit illegal alien labor about the consequences of violating our nation’s laws,” said Matt Allen, special agent in charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Arizona. “Our goal is to protect job opportunities for the nation’s legal workers and level the playing field for those businesses that play by the rules. The bottom line is, businesses that use illegal alien workers to gain an economic advantage over their competition must understand they will potentially pay a price for those unlawful practices.”
In April 2011, DFC was forced to terminate over 900 employees after an audit by HSI special agents that revealed those employeeshad presented fraudulent, insufficient, or ineligible documents at the time of their initial hire. Although DFC initially attempted to hire lawful employees as replacements, those replacements quickly proved ineffective and/or too expensive. In response, Hendon instructed the company’s managers to “bring back” the old employees. Although some managers expressed discomfort with this instruction, they were threatened with the loss of their jobs if they refused to comply. As a result, beginning in mid-2011, DFC embarked upon a multi-year, company-wide scheme to rehire the unauthorized aliens who had previously been terminated. These aliens routinely used someone else’s identification in order to pass their E-Verify background check, and DFC’s management was aware of - and often affirmatively facilitated - these identity-theft efforts. The scheme continued until August 2013, when criminal investigators from the Department of Homeland Security executed search warrants at DFC’s corporate headquarters and at various DFC car wash locations. Over 230 unauthorized aliens were working for DFC on the date of the search.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution was handled by Dominic Lanza and Lisa Jennis, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBERS: CR-13-1143, 14-108, 14-301, 14-990
RELEASE NUMBER: 2014-068_ Danny’s Family Car WashFor more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Credit Suisse Sentenced for Conspiracy to Help U.S. Taxpayers Hide Offshore Accounts from Internal Revenue ServiceRead the Press Release
Pays $1.8 Billion to Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service in a Fine and Restitution
Credit Suisse AG was sentenced today for conspiracy to aid and assist U.S. taxpayers in filing false income tax returns and other documents with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Credit Suisse pleaded guilty to conspiracy on May 19. The sentencing of the Swiss corporation is the result of a years-long investigation by U.S. law enforcement authorities that has also produced indictments of seven Credit Suisse employees and the owner of a trust company since 2011—two of those individuals have pleaded guilty so far—and of U.S. clients of Credit Suisse. The announcement was made by Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Larry J. Wszalek for the Justice Department's Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente for the Eastern District of Virginia and IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.
At sentencing in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, U.S. District Chief Judge Rebecca Beach Smith entered judgment and conviction and a restitution order requiring Credit Suisse to pay approximately $1.8 billion dollars to the United States by Nov. 28, per the plea agreement. Credit Suisse will pay the Justice Department’s Crime Victims Fund, through the District Court Clerk’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, a fine of approximately $1.136 billion and will pay the IRS $666.5 million in restitution. The parties agreed that Credit Suisse cannot challenge the restitution amount, which can also provide a basis for an IRS civil tax assessment.
“Today, with its criminal conviction and the payment of $2.6 billion in fines and restitution, Credit Suisse is held fully accountable for helping U.S. taxpayers engage in tax evasion,” said Deputy Attorney General Cole. “As we expand our offshore investigations, not just in Switzerland, but around the world, the message to banks who engaged in these crimes is clear—step forward, accept responsibility for your past conduct, and help us hold responsible the U.S. taxpayers who benefitted, and the individuals who assisted them. Only through full cooperation will you avoid the most severe sanctions.”
The plea agreement, along with agreements made with state and federal agencies, provides that Credit Suisse will pay a total of approximately $2.6 billion—approximately $1.8 billion in a criminal fine and restitution, $100 million to the Federal Reserve and $715 million to the New York State Department of Financial Services. Earlier this year, Credit Suisse negotiated cease and desist orders with the Federal Reserve and the state of New York requiring the bank to take certain remedial steps to ensure its compliance with U.S. law in its ongoing operations in addition to the civil penalties. Credit Suisse also paid approximately $196 million in disgorgement, interest and penalties to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for violating the federal securities laws by providing cross-border brokerage and investment advisory services to U.S. clients without first registering with the SEC. Together, these actions by U.S. law enforcement and state and federal partners appropriately punish Credit Suisse for its past behavior in these matters.
As part of the plea agreement, Credit Suisse acknowledged that, for decades prior to and through 2009, it operated an illegal cross-border banking business that knowingly and willfully aided and assisted thousands of U.S. clients in opening and maintaining undeclared accounts and concealing their offshore assets and income from the IRS.
According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Credit Suisse employed a variety of means to assist U.S. clients in concealing their undeclared accounts, including by:
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Assisting clients in using sham entities to hide undeclared accounts;
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Soliciting IRS forms that falsely stated, under penalties of perjury, that the sham entities were the beneficial owners of the assets in the accounts;
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Failing to maintain records in the United States related to the accounts;
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Destroying account records sent to the United States for client review;
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Using Credit Suisse managers and employees as unregistered investment advisors on undeclared accounts;
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Facilitating withdrawals of funds from the undeclared accounts by either providing hand-delivered cash in the United States or using Credit Suisse’s correspondent bank accounts in the United States;
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Structuring transfers of funds to evade currency transaction reporting requirements; and
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Providing offshore credit and debit cards to repatriate funds in the undeclared accounts.
As part of the plea agreement, Credit Suisse further agreed to make a complete disclosure of its cross-border activities, cooperate in treaty requests for account information, provide detailed information as to other banks that transferred funds into secret accounts or that accepted funds when secret accounts were closed and to close accounts of account holders who fail to come into compliance with U.S. reporting obligations. Credit Suisse has also agreed to implement programs to ensure its compliance with U.S. laws, including its reporting obligations under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act and relevant tax treaties, in all its current and future dealings with U.S. customers.
“Today’s sentencing of Credit Suisse AG holds the bank responsible for its decades-long pervasive conduct of aiding U.S. taxpayers in the commission of tax crimes,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Wszalek. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously pursue our global enforcement efforts against individuals who avoid their tax obligations by hiding their assets in foreign bank accounts, and the financial institutions, bankers, and other professionals who facilitate these crimes.”
“Credit Suisse AG ran an illegal cross-border business which willfully aided U.S. clients in concealing their offshore assets and income from the U.S. government,” said U.S. Attorney Boente. “Simply put, if you are in the business of hiding money from the U.S. government you will be caught, you will be prosecuted and you will pay the price for your crime. The successful prosecution of Credit Suisse AG, and today’s sentencing is representative of the tireless commitment and hard work of this office and our partners at the Internal Revenue Service.”
“Today's sentencing is yet another striking example of what happens to those who help offshore tax evaders,” said IRS Commissioner Koskinen. “We owe it to the vast majority of honest U.S. taxpayers to tirelessly search for and prosecute those who dodge paying their fair share and the unprincipled professionals who assist them.”
* * *
On December 5, two former employees of a Credit Suisse subsidiary will be sentenced for their involvement in assisting U.S. customers to evade their taxes. On March 12, Andreas Bachmann, a former banker at Credit Suisse Fides pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment in connection with his work as a banker at Credit Suisse Fides. On April 30, Josef Dörig, a former Credit Suisse Fides employee and owner/operator of a trust company, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the IRS in connection with his role managing offshore entities used by U.S. taxpayers to conceal their accounts at Credit Suisse. The pleas were accepted by U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee in the Eastern District of Virginia. Bachmann and Dörig each face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison.
* * *
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark D. Lytle and Senior Litigation Counsel Mark F. Daly and Nanette L. Davis of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
The Department of Justice expressed gratitude to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the SEC and the New York State Department of Financial Services for their significant and valuable assistance.
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Connecticut U.S. Attorney's Office Recovers $112 Million for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2014Read the Press Release
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U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut collected $112,723,252.62 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2014. Of this amount, $95,214,056.17 was collected in criminal actions and $17,509,196.45 was collected in civil actions.
Further, the District of Connecticut, working with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice, collected an additional $174,020,651.35 in cases pursued jointly with these offices. Of this amount $150,068,294.28 was collected in criminal actions and $23,952,357.07 was collected in civil actions.Attorney General Eric Holder announced on Wednesday that the Justice Department collected $24.7 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2014.
The more than $24 billion in collections in FY 2014 represents over eight times the appropriated $2.91 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
“Every day, the Justice Department’s federal prosecutors and trial attorneys work hard to protect our citizens, to safeguard precious taxpayer resources, and to provide a valuable return on investment to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder. “Their diligent efforts are enabling us to achieve justice and recoup losses in virtually every sector of the U.S. economy. And this result shows the fruits of the Justice Department’s tireless work in enforcing federal laws; in protecting the American people from violent crime, national security threats, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse; and in holding financial institutions accountable for their roles in causing the 2008 financial crisis.”
“This past fiscal year, our Office’s dedicated and talented attorneys and staff helped to recover over $286 million which will be returned to the public, and most importantly, to the victims of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “For the District of Connecticut, this unprecedented amount of recovered money exceeds our Office’s yearly budget by approximately 13 times. We are gratified that these funds are returned directly to victims of crime, provide needed services for these victims and fund ongoing federal, state and local law enforcement efforts. One of our primary missions is to seek justice for victims, remove ill-gotten gains from wrongdoers and protect the integrity of important government programs.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
FY 2014 criminal recoveries in Connecticut include a fine payment of approximately $88 million by Japan-based Marubeni Corporation, which was convicted of participating in a scheme to pay bribes to high-ranking government officials in Indonesia to secure a lucrative power project, and a payment of approximately $9.8 million by New York-based investment bank and broker-dealer Jeffries LLC as part of a non-prosecution agreement relating to Jefferies’ improper trading in residential mortgage-backed securities. The largest civil recovery in Connecticut occurred last March when Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of Stratford paid $3.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act arising from the submission of inflated costs in the pricing of helicopter spare parts.
The District of Connecticut also participated with the Justice Department and other Districts to recover approximately $150 million from UBS Securities Japan Co. Ltd. and RBS Securities Japan Ltd., both of which were involved in a long-running manipulation of LIBOR bench mark interest rates, and approximately $22 million from Wellcare Health Plans, Inc., as part of a civil settlement to resolve false claims to Medicare and various Medicaid programs.
In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Connecticut, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $2,227,708 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2014. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut, and with representing the federal government in civil litigation in the District. The District is composed of approximately 64 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 60 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 [email protected]Colorado Big Game Hunting Outfitter Sentenced to More Than Two Years for Role in Illegal Mountain Lion and Bobcat HuntsRead the Press Release
Christopher W. Loncarich, 55, of Mack, Colorado, was sentenced in federal court in Denver yesterday to serve 27 months in prison. The sentence was a result of Loncarich’s guilty plea to a felony conspiracy charge stemming from his sale of outfitting services for illegal mountain lion and bobcat hunts in Colorado and Utah, the Justice Department announced.
On Aug. 15, 2014, Loncarich pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act. The Lacey Act is a federal law that makes it illegal to knowingly transport or sell in interstate commerce any wildlife that has been taken or possessed in violation of state laws or regulations.
According to the plea agreement, and an indictment returned by the grand jury for the District of Colorado on Jan. 7, 2014, Loncarich conspired with others to provide numerous illegal hunts of mountain lions and bobcats in Colorado and Utah from 2007 to 2010. In particular, Loncarich and his confederates trapped, shot and caged mountain lions and bobcats prior to hunts in order to provide easier chases of the cats for clients. Loncarich also admitted that he and his assistants guided several hunters that did not possess a Utah mountain lion or bobcat license on mountain lion or bobcat hunts in Utah. Loncarich’s base of operations in Mack, Colorado, is approximately five miles from the Utah-Colorado border. Loncarich sold mountain lion hunts for between $3,500 and $7,500 and bobcat hunts for between $700 and $1,500.
Four of Loncarich’s assistant guides have previously pleaded guilty to Lacey Act violations in connection with their guiding activities with Loncarich. On July 30, 2014, Loncarich’s lead assistant guide, Nicholaus J. Rodgers, pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act in connection with his work for Loncarich.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The case is being prosecuted by the Environmental Crimes Section of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.
Colchester Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tristram J. Coffin, United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, stated that Andrew Kittell, 37, of Colchester, Vermont, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss, to 13 months in prison for possession of child pornography. Additionally, Kittell was sentenced to five years of supervised release to be served after the completion of his prison term.
According to Court records, an investigator with the Vermont Attorney General’s Office detected a computer that was offering to share child pornography on the Internet. The investigator downloaded a video file from the computer that contained child pornography. The investigation was then referred to the federal agency, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”). HSI Special Agents obtained a federal search warrant for Kittell’s home during which Kittell’s computer and an external hard drive were seized. An HSI forensic expert determined that the external hard drive contained over 150 videos of child pornography.
Kittell was arrested on January 22, 2014, and appeared before the United States District Court that same day. On January 30, 2014, a federal grand jury handed down an indictment against Kittell for possession of child pornography. Kittell plead guilty to the single count indictment on July 14, 2014.
This case was investigated by the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. The United States Attorney, Tristram J. Coffin, commends those agencies for their work. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney, Nancy J. Creswell. Kittell was represented by Ernest M. Allen III.
Canadian Woman Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Illegal Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that aCanadian womanwas sentenced Thursday to 30 months in prison for conspiring to buy methamphetamine in Houston for sale in the Lake Charles area.
Lisa Odale, 59, of Airdrie, Canada, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi for one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of a substance containing a detectable quantity of methamphetamine. She was also sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $3,988 in restitution for extradition costs. According to evidence presented at the June 5, 2014 guilty plea, Odale, a Canadian who was living in Houston at the time of her arrest, conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine from December 2005 to April 2006. On January 30, 2006, police responded to a home invasion complaint when they found methamphetamine among Odale’s possessions. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Odale had been selling the methamphetamine to dealers who would distribute the illegal drugs in the Lake Charles area.
The DEA, Houston Police Department, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Team participated in this OCDETF investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.
The defendants were arrested as part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation Operation Whiteout. The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
California Man Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court to Selling “Blackshades” Malware That Enabled Users Around the World to Secretly and Remotely Control Victims’ ComputersRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that BRENDAN JOHNSTON, an administrator of Blackshades who helped market and sell malicious software, or malware, including the Blackshades’ Remote Access Tool (“RAT”), pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court to conspiracy to commit computer hacking. As an administrator, JOHNSTON marketed and sold the RAT and other malware, and provided technical assistance to Blackshades’ customers. He pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Today Brendan Johnston, who helped market and sell the Blackshades RAT, became the latest individual to plead guilty to computer hacking offenses in connection with this case. This Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to find and prosecute those who create, market, and employ malicious software.”
According to the allegations in documents filed in Manhattan federal court, and statements made at today’s plea and other court proceedings:
Beginning in at least 2010, an organization known as “Blackshades” sold and distributed malware to thousands of cybercriminals throughout the world. Blackshades’ flagship product was the RAT – a sophisticated piece of malware that enabled cybercriminals secretly and remotely to gain control over a victim’s computer. After installing the RAT on a victim’s computer, a user of the RAT had free rein to, among other things, access and view documents, photographs, and other files on the victim’s computer, record all of the keystrokes entered on the victim’s keyboard, steal the passwords to the victim’s online accounts, and even activate the victim’s web camera to spy on the victim – all of which could be done without the victim’s knowledge.
The RAT was purchased by at least several thousand users in more than 100 countries and used to infect more than half a million computers worldwide. Blackshades generated sales of more than $350,000 between September 2010 and April 2014.
JOHNSTON personally used Blackshades malware and was also a paid employee of the Blackshades organization who, among other things, marketed and sold the RAT, and provided technical assistance to users of the RAT to assist them in infecting and remotely controlling victims’ computers with the RAT. In certain online postings, JOHNSTON described himself as an “authorized seller” and “admin,” or administrator, of Blackshades.
JOHNSTON, 24, of Thousand Oaks, California, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman to conspiracy to commit computer hacking, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Furman on May 27, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress, and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Alex Yücel, the alleged owner of Blackshades and co-creator of the RAT, was arrested in Moldova in November 2013 and extradited to the United States in May 2014. His case is pending before United States District Judge Kevin P. Castel. The charges against Yücel are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Michael Hogue, the co-creator of the RAT, pled guilty before Judge Castel in January 2013 and is awaiting sentencing.
Kyle Fedorek, a customer of Blackshades who purchased the RAT and used it to steal financial and other account information from more than 400 victims, pled guilty on August 19, 2014, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick on January 30, 2015, at 2:30 p.m.
Marlen Rappa, a customer of Blackshades who purchased the RAT and used it to infect victims’ computers, spy on those victims using their web cameras, and steal personal files from their computers, pled guilty on October 31, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Caproni on January 29, 2015, at 2:00 p.m.
Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Lai and Daniel Noble are in charge of the prosecution.
Buxton Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Craig M. Wolff
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that John
Whittenburg, 62, of Buxton, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to receiving child pornography.According to court records, in April 2012, investigators looking into the sharing of child pornography over the internet interviewed Whittenburg at his home in Buxton. Whittenburg admitted that he had downloaded child pornography and consented to a search of his residence.
Investigators found numerous child pornography files stored on his electronic equipment, including a video file depicting a minor female engaged in sexual activity that he had downloaded in October 2011 using a peer-to-peer file-sharing program.
Whittenburg faces a sentence of no less than 5 years and no more than 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine and supervised release of up to life. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the U.S. Secret Service.Brockport Man Sentenced on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5877
FAX: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that, Juan Morales, 25, of Brockport, NY, who was convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon, was sentenced to 100 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Noto, who handled the case, stated that on February 6, 2014, Morales and co-defendant Jacob Disanto were stopped for speeding on Holley Street in Brockport by College at Brockport University Police Officers. Officers found “dime” size bags of marijuana, a scale and a loaded .22 caliber revolver. Disanto was convicted and sentenced to 61 months in prison.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the College at Brockport University Police, under the direction of Chief Robert Kehoe, and Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge James S. Higgins, New York Field Office.
Boeing Subcontractor Sentenced on Federal Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – The final defendant in a bribery/kickback scheme involving Boeing military aircraft parts, JEFFREY LAVELLE, owner and operator of J. L. Manufacturing, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine. J.L. Manufacturing of Everett, Washington, is an aerospace job machine shop specializing in hard metals, with the capability of producing small to medium sized complex parts of ferrous and non-ferrous materials, and was a sub-contractor to Boeing on numerous United States government F-15 fighter jet contracts.
Over several years, Lavelle and his co-defendant Robert Diaz, Jr. made cash payments to co-defendant Deon Anderson, a Boeing Procurement Officer, in exchange for non-public company financial and bid information. J.L. Manufacturing obtained approximately $2,000,000 in Boeing subcontracts through the bribery scheme, while Deon Anderson was paid approximately $250,000 from J.L. Manufacturing and another subcontractor located in the Los Angeles, California, area through the scheme.
Last month, former Boeing Procurement Officer Deon Anderson was sentenced to 20 months in prison in connection with a bribery/kickback scheme involving Boeing military aircraft parts, as well as structuring currency transactions to conceal his receipt of the cash bribes. Co-defendants William P. Boozer, Hacienda Heights, CA, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and fined $10,000; and Robert Diaz, Jr., Alta Loma, CA, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and fined $2000.
All defendants were sentenced by United States District Judge Henry Autrey in St. Louis.
This case was investigated by Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, NASA-Office of Inspector General, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Navy Criminal Investigative Service, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Hal Goldsmith handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Bel Air Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Selling Heroin to a User who Died of OverdoseRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Kenneth Charles Diggins, age 38, of Bel Air, Maryland today to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute heroin, and distribution of heroin, the use of which resulted in death.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gary Tuggle of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Harford County Sheriff L. Jesse Bane.
According to his plea agreement, Diggins supplied heroin to Jamie Lynn Lidlow on multiple occasions in late December 2011. On December 27, 2011, Lidlow and another individual arrived at Diggins’ residence. They drove to Towson, Maryland to buy heroin. Diggins bought six grams of heroin from a drug dealer, and was reimbursed by Lidlow and the other individual. Diggins drove them back to his house where Lidlow and the other individual each took the heroin Diggins had purchased. Lidlow subsequently died of heroin overdose, after using the heroin supplied by Diggins.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA and Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter J. Martinez, who prosecuted the case.
Attorney General Holder Touts Release of New Guidance to Law Enforcement Officers About How to Maintain Order During First Amendment-Protected EventsRead the Press Release
In Video, Attorney General Also Reminds Potential Demonstrators That ‘History Shows That Most Successful Movements Adhere to Nonviolence’
Attorney General Eric Holder on Friday touted the Justice Department’s release of new guidance to law enforcement, which he said would help officers maintain public safety while safeguarding constitutional rights. The guidance was issued by the department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
“The Justice Department encourages law enforcement officials, in every jurisdiction, to work with the communities they serve to minimize needless confrontation,” the Attorney General said in a video posted on the department’s website. “It is vital to engage in planning and preparation, from evaluating protocols and training to choosing the appropriate equipment and uniforms. This is the hard work that is necessary to preserve the peace and maintain the public trust at all times—particularly in moments of heightened community tension.”
The complete text of the Attorney General’s video message is below:
“At the United States Department of Justice, we are committed to ensuring that our local law enforcement partners have the resources they need to effectively serve and protect all members of their communities, particularly when citizens exercise their constitutionally protected rights. To that end, the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services are providing new guidance to law enforcement officers about how to approach maintaining order during First Amendment-protected events. This comprehensive new guide compiles information, tools, and best practices that will help law enforcement officers maintain public safety while safeguarding constitutional rights.
“As we’ve seen, durable relationships between the police and their communities do not develop overnight. But as someone who has spent a career at all levels of law enforcement—and as the brother of a retired police officer—I know the importance of these outreach efforts to ensuring effective neighborhood policing, officer safety, and community health. The Justice Department encourages law enforcement officials, in every jurisdiction, to work with the communities they serve to minimize needless confrontation. It is vital to engage in planning and preparation, from evaluating protocols and training to choosing the appropriate equipment and uniforms. This is the hard work that is necessary to preserve the peace and maintain the public trust at all times—particularly in moments of heightened community tension.
“Over the past few months, we’ve seen demonstrations and protests that have sought to bring attention to real and significant underlying issues involving police practices, implicit bias, and pervasive community distrust. And in most cases, these demonstrations have been both meaningful and responsible, and have brought vital issues to the attention of the public at large. Similarly, the vast majority of law enforcement officers have honorably defended their fellow citizens engaged in these peaceful protests.
“I know, from first-hand experience, that demonstrations like these have the potential to spark a sustained and positive national dialogue, to provide momentum to a necessary conversation, and to bring about critical reform.
“But history has also shown us that the most successful and enduring movements for change are those that adhere to non-aggression and nonviolence. And so I ask all those who seek to lend their voice to important causes and discussions, and who seek to elevate these vital conversations, to do so in a way that respects the gravity of their subject matter. Peaceful protest has been a hallmark, and a legacy, of past movements for change, from patriotic women who demanded access to the franchise, to the civil rights pioneers who marched for equal rights and equal justice. Americans exercising their First Amendment right to free assembly should look to those examples as they work to bring about real and lasting change for themselves and for future generations.
“Of course, I recognize that progress will not come easily, and long-simmering tensions will not be cooled overnight. These struggles go to the heart of who we are, and who we aspire to be, both as a nation and as a people—and it is clear that we have a great deal of important work to do. But as we move forward, the Department of Justice—and I personally—will continue to work with law enforcement and communities throughout the country to help build the more perfect Union—and the more just society—that all Americans deserve.”
The full video of the Attorney General’s message is available at http://www.justice.gov/opa/video/maintaining-public-safety-while-safeguarding-constitutional-rights.
Attorney General Holder Touts Release of New Guidance to Law Enforcement Officers About How to Maintain Order During First Amendment-Protected EventsRead the Press Release
Contact: (202) 514-2007
WASHINGTON— Attorney General Eric Holder on Friday touted the Justice Department’s release of new guidance to law enforcement, which he said would help officers maintain public safety while safeguarding constitutional rights. The guidance was issued by the department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
“The Justice Department encourages law enforcement officials, in every jurisdiction, to work with the communities they serve to minimize needless confrontation,” the Attorney General said in a video posted on the department’s website. “It is vital to engage in planning and preparation, from evaluating protocols and training to choosing the appropriate equipment and uniforms. This is the hard work that is necessary to preserve the peace and maintain the public trust at all times—particularly in moments of heightened community tension.”
The complete text of the Attorney General’s video message is below: “At the United States Department of Justice, we are committed to ensuring that our local law enforcement partners have the resources they need to effectively serve and protect all members of their communities, particularly when citizens exercise their constitutionally protected rights. To that end, the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services are providing new guidance to law enforcement officers about how to approach maintaining order during First Amendment-protected events. This comprehensive new guide compiles information, tools, and best practices that will help law enforcement officers maintain public safety while safeguarding constitutional rights.
“As we’ve seen, durable relationships between the police and their communities do not develop overnight. But as someone who has spent a career at all levels of law enforcement—and as the brother of a retired police officer—I know the importance of these outreach efforts to ensuring effective neighborhood policing, officer safety, and community health. The Justice Department encourages law enforcement officials, in every jurisdiction, to work with the communities they serve to minimize needless confrontation. It is vital to engage in planning and preparation, from evaluating protocols and training to choosing the appropriate equipment and uniforms. This is the hard work that is necessary to preserve the peace and maintain the public trust at all times—particularly in moments of heightened community tension.
“Over the past few months, we’ve seen demonstrations and protests that have sought to bring attention to real and significant underlying issues involving police practices, implicit bias, and pervasive community distrust. And in most cases, these demonstrations have been both meaningful and responsible, and have brought vital issues to the attention of the public at large. Similarly, the vast majority of law enforcement officers have honorably defended their fellow citizens engaged in these peaceful protests.
“I know, from first-hand experience, that demonstrations like these have the potential to spark a sustained and positive national dialogue, to provide momentum to a necessary conversation, and to bring about critical reform.
“But history has also shown us that the most successful and enduring movements for change are those that adhere to non-aggression and nonviolence. And so I ask all those who seek to lend their voice to important causes and discussions, and who seek to elevate these vital conversations, to do so in a way that respects the gravity of their subject matter. Peaceful protest has been a hallmark, and a legacy, of past movements for change, from patriotic women who demanded access to the franchise, to the civil rights pioneers who marched for equal rights and equal justice. Americans exercising their First Amendment right to free assembly should look to those examples as they work to bring about real and lasting change for themselves and for future generations.
“Of course, I recognize that progress will not come easily, and long-simmering tensions will not be cooled overnight. These struggles go to the heart of who we are, and who we aspire to be, both as a nation and as a people—and it is clear that we have a great deal of important work to do. But as we move forward, the Department of Justice—and I personally—will continue to work with law enforcement and communities throughout the country to help build the more perfect Union—and the more just society—that all Americans deserve.”
The full video of the Attorney General’s message is available at http://www.justice.gov/opa/video/maintaining-public-safety-while-safeguarding-constitutional-rights.14-1308
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.Arkansas Man Arrested and Detained for Traveling to Colorado with the Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with ChildrenRead the Press Release
DENVER – Donnie Waldo, Jr., age 47, of Dover, Arkansas, appeared in U.S. Magistrate Court this morning for a detention hearing, following his recent arrest for aggravated sexual abuse with children, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and attempted coercion and enticement of minors, U.S. Attorney John Walsh and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge John Eisert announced. Waldo was charged by Criminal Complaint on November 10, 2014. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on November 17, 2014. Today Waldo was ordered held without bond by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Watanabe, after making a determination that the defendant was a danger to the community and a risk of flight.
According to the affidavit in support of the Criminal Complaint, as well as the indictment, starting in October of 2014, an undercover HSI agent initiated an investigation targeting individuals using a specific website to sexually exploit children. The free website allows users to create profiles and post pornographic videos and pictures based on their sexual interests. The website included groups called “incest,” “jailbait” and “teen”. Members can post advertisements in the “classified” section seeking to meet members with the same sexual interests, such as incest and rape.
During the course of the investigation the undercover agent came across an advertisement on the website, which stated: “I am a 47 year old man I am 6’3” tall weight 220 lbs at the present time I am married but me and my wife cant have children together I am interested in finding a woman to have an incest relationship with I want to start an incest family with a nice woman who is seeking the same thing I want a woman who is interested in me breeding her if this is you then lets talk” (sic).
On October 2, 2014, an undercover HSI agent working in an online undercover capacity in Greeley as a single mother with two young daughters responded to the advertisement. The undercover agent in the single mother persona and the target conducted numerous chats online – mostly involving the prospect of him having a sexual relationship with the undercover agent’s persona and her two daughters, ages 10 and 14. During one of the chats, the target allegedly stated that he wanted a “very open relationship . . . openly having sex with you (the single mother persona) and both daughters” and further discussed that he wanted to impregnate the single mother’s persona and both daughters.
Further investigation revealed that the ad was posted by Arkansas resident Donnie Waldo. Waldo made arrangements with the single mother persona to travel to Denver to meet and engage in sexual relations with the mother and her two daughters. On November 6, 2014, Waldo boarded a flight from Little Rock, Arkansas to Atlanta. In Atlanta, he boarded a flight to Denver, where he was arrested by HSI agents.
“Preventing sexual predators from using the internet to prey on children is a crucial priority for law enforcement and for the United States Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh. “This defendant was ordered held without bond because of the gravity of the pending charges.”
“Anyone who travels a thousands of miles across state lines to have sex with a minor is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said John Eisert, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Denver. “Our HSI agents work aggressively to find these predators and pursue prosecution with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
If convicted of aggravated sexual abuse with children, the defendant faces not less than 30 years, and not more than life imprisonment. If convicted of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, the defendant faces not more than 30 years in federal prison. If convicted of attempted coercion and enticement, the defendant faces not less than 10 years, and up to life in federal prison for each of the two counts. Each count also carries a penalty of up to a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by ICE HSI. The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alecia L. Riewerts.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ For more information about Internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources."
Accused Member of Foreign Terrorist Organization Extradited to United States on Hostage-Taking ChargesRead the Press Release
Diego Alfonso Navarrete Beltran, 42, an accused member of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) terrorist organization, has been extradited from Colombia to face hostage taking and terrorism charges in the United States.
The extradition was announced by John P. Carlin, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Division.
Navarrete Beltran was extradited from Colombia to the United States this week to face charges in a superseding indictment returned in the District of Columbia on Feb. 22, 2011. The indictment, which names as defendants 18 members of the FARC, charges Navarrete Beltran specifically with one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking; three counts of hostage taking; one count of using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence; one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
A second defendant, Alexander Beltran Herrera, 38, a FARC commander, was extradited to the United States from Colombia in March 2012. He pled guilty on March 18, 2014, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to three counts of hostage-taking and he was sentenced on Oct. 24, 2014, to a 27-year prison term.
“Diego Alfonso Navarrete Beltran and his FARC accomplices are alleged to have been involved in the hostage-taking of three Americans in Colombia more than a decade ago,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Terrorists who target our citizens with violence anywhere in the world should know that we will pursue them and seek to bring them to justice, however long it takes.”
“In 2003, three U.S. citizens were taken hostage by Colombian terrorists and held captive with choke harnesses and chains for more than five years,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Last month, a commander of that Colombian terrorist organization was sentenced to nearly three decades in prison for his role in the hostage-taking. We have now extradited a second defendant to face charges for the role he allegedly played in their harrowing ordeal. These prosecutions are a reminder of our unwavering commitment to hold accountable anyone who harms American citizens abroad, no matter how long it takes.”
“Diego Alfonso Navarrete Beltran, a former member of the FARC terrorist organization, was extradited to the United States to face terrorism and hostage taking charges involving three U.S. Citizens,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Piro. “There is a message here for would be terrorist hostage takers; don’t do it, you will be brought to justice.”
Navarrete Beltran was arraigned today in federal court in the District of Columbia. If convicted of all charges against him, he faces a maximum potential sentence of life in prison.
According to the indictment, the FARC is an armed, violent organization in Colombia, which since its inception in 1964, has engaged in an armed conflict to overthrow the Republic of Colombia, South America’s longest-standing democracy. The FARC has consistently used hostage taking as a primary technique in extorting demands from the Republic of Colombia. Hostage taking has been endorsed and commanded by FARC senior leadership. The FARC has characterized American citizens as “military targets” and has engaged in violent acts against Americans in Colombia, including murders and hostage taking. The FARC was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. Secretary of State in 1997 and remains so designated.
The indictment alleges that Navarrete Beltran was a member of the 1st Front in the FARC’s Southern Block. He was allegedly involved in the hostage taking of three U.S. citizens, Marc D. Gonsalves, Thomas R. Howes and Keith Stansell. These three individuals, along with Thomas Janis, a U.S. citizen, and Sergeant Luis Alcides Cruz, a Colombian citizen, were seized on Feb. 13, 2003, by the FARC after their single engine aircraft made a crash landing near Florencia, Colombia. Janis and Cruz were murdered at the crash site by members of the FARC.
According to the indictment, Mr. Gonsalves, Mr. Howes and Mr. Stansell were held by the FARC at gunpoint and were advised by FARC leadership that they would be used as hostages to increase international pressure on the government of the Republic of Colombia to agree to the FARC’s demands.
The FARC at various times marched the hostages from one site to another, placing them in the actual custody of various FARC Fronts. At the conclusion of one 40-day march, in or about November 2004, the hostages were delivered to members of the FARC’s 27th Front, commanded by Daniel Tamayo Sanchez, who was responsible for the hostages for nearly two years, after which they were delivered to the FARC’s 1st Front. From approximately October 2006 through July 2008, according to the indictment, Navarrete Beltran and others kept the hostages under the control of the FARC’s 1st Front. In order to prevent the Colombian police and military from rescuing the hostages, he and other conspirators transported the hostages into the Republic of Venezuela.
Throughout the captivity of the hostages, FARC jailors and guards, including Naverrete Beltran, used choke harnesses, chains, padlocks and wires to restrain the hostages, and used force and threats to continue their detention and prevent their escape. The indictment also accuses Navarrete Beltran of using and carrying a military-type machine gun during the hostage taking and providing material support and resources to aid in the hostage taking and to aid the FARC.
In July 2008, the Colombian military conducted an operation which resulted in the rescue of the hostages. All told, members of the FARC held the Americans hostage for 1,967 days.
An indictment is merely a formal allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
This investigation is being led by the FBI’s Miami Field Division. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fernando Campoamor-Sanchez from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney David Cora from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Substantial assistance in the case was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Department’s Judicial Attachés in Colombia, the FBI’s Office of the Legal Attaché in Colombia, and the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains mere allegations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Accused Member of Foreign Terrorist Organization Extradited to United States on Hostage-Taking ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Diego Alfonso Navarrete Beltran, 42, an accused member of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) terrorist organization, has been extradited from Colombia to face hostage taking and terrorism charges in the United States.
The extradition was announced by John P. Carlin, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Division.
Navarrete Beltran was extradited from Colombia to the United States this week to face charges in a superseding indictment returned in the District of Columbia on Feb. 22, 2011. The indictment, which names as defendants 18 members of the FARC, charges Navarrete Beltran specifically with one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking; three counts of hostage taking; one count of using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence; one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
A second defendant, Alexander Beltran Herrera, 38, a FARC commander, was extradited to the United States from Colombia in March 2012. He pled guilty on March 18, 2014, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to three counts of hostage-taking and he was sentenced on Oct. 24, 2014, to a 27-year prison term.
“Diego Alfonso Navarrete Beltran and his FARC accomplices are alleged to have been involved in the hostage-taking of three Americans in Colombia more than a decade ago,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Terrorists who target our citizens with violence anywhere in the world should know that we will pursue them and seek to bring them to justice, however long it takes.”
“In 2003, three U.S. citizens were taken hostage by Colombian terrorists and held captive with choke harnesses and chains for more than five years,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Last month, a commander of that Colombian terrorist organization was sentenced to nearly three decades in prison for his role in the hostage-taking. We have now extradited a second defendant to face charges for the role he allegedly played in their harrowing ordeal. These prosecutions are a reminder of our unwavering commitment to hold accountable anyone who harms American citizens abroad, no matter how long it takes.”
“Diego Alfonso Navarrete Beltran, a former member of the FARC terrorist organization, was extradited to the United States to face terrorism and hostage taking charges involving three U.S. Citizens,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Piro. “There is a message here for would be terrorist hostage takers; don’t do it, you will be brought to justice.”
Navarrete Beltran was arraigned today in federal court in the District of Columbia. If convicted of all charges against him, he faces a maximum potential sentence of life in prison.
According to the indictment, the FARC is an armed, violent organization in Colombia, which since its inception in 1964, has engaged in an armed conflict to overthrow the Republic of Colombia, South America’s longest-standing democracy. The FARC has consistently used hostage taking as a primary technique in extorting demands from the Republic of Colombia. Hostage taking has been endorsed and commanded by FARC senior leadership. The FARC has characterized American citizens as “military targets” and has engaged in violent acts against Americans in Colombia, including murders and hostage taking. The FARC was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. Secretary of State in 1997 and remains so designated.
The indictment alleges that Navarrete Beltran was a member of the 1st Front in the FARC’s Southern Block. He was allegedly involved in the hostage taking of three U.S. citizens, Marc D. Gonsalves, Thomas R. Howes and Keith Stansell. These three individuals, along with Thomas Janis, a U.S. citizen, and Sergeant Luis Alcides Cruz, a Colombian citizen, were seized on Feb. 13, 2003, by the FARC after their single engine aircraft made a crash landing near Florencia, Colombia. Janis and Cruz were murdered at the crash site by members of the FARC.
According to the indictment, Mr. Gonsalves, Mr. Howes and Mr. Stansell were held by the FARC at gunpoint and were advised by FARC leadership that they would be used as hostages to increase international pressure on the government of the Republic of Colombia to agree to the FARC’s demands.
The FARC at various times marched the hostages from one site to another, placing them in the actual custody of various FARC Fronts. At the conclusion of one 40-day march, in or about November 2004, the hostages were delivered to members of the FARC’s 27th Front, commanded by Daniel Tamayo Sanchez, who was responsible for the hostages for nearly two years, after which they were delivered to the FARC’s 1st Front. From approximately October 2006 through July 2008, according to the indictment, Navarrete Beltran and others kept the hostages under the control of the FARC’s 1st Front. In order to prevent the Colombian police and military from rescuing the hostages, he and other conspirators transported the hostages into the Republic of Venezuela.
Throughout the captivity of the hostages, FARC jailors and guards, including Naverrete Beltran, used choke harnesses, chains, padlocks and wires to restrain the hostages, and used force and threats to continue their detention and prevent their escape. The indictment also accuses Navarrete Beltran of using and carrying a military-type machine gun during the hostage taking and providing material support and resources to aid in the hostage taking and to aid the FARC.
In July 2008, the Colombian military conducted an operation which resulted in the rescue of the hostages. All told, members of the FARC held the Americans hostage for 1,967 days.
An indictment is merely a formal allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
This investigation is being led by the FBI’s Miami Field Division. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fernando Campoamor-Sanchez from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney David Cora from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Substantial assistance in the case was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Department’s Judicial Attachés in Colombia, the FBI’s Office of the Legal Attaché in Colombia, and the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains mere allegations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
14-26313 KC-area Residents Charged in $1 Million Drug-trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that 13 Kansas City, Mo.-area defendants have been indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute more than $1 million worth of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana.
A two-year investigation culminated in a dozen arrests and the execution of several search warrants today. Law enforcement officers seized two and a half pounds of methamphetamine, marijuana, cash, drug paraphernalia, two firearms and ammunition during these searches.
Christopher Brian Padilla, 30, Natalie N. Tinoco, 29, Oswaldo Ulises Lopez, 24, Edward Francis Diaz, Jr., 47, Edward Francis Diaz III, 28, Mary Eloisa Steward, 33, Heriberto Muzquiz III, 43, Nicholas Salinas, 46, Jose Tereso Salinas-Covarrubias, 45, and Terry L. Diaz, 50, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Sergio Ibarra-Hernandez, 44, and Martin Fernando Espinoza-Arevalo, 26, both of whom are citizens of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Mo.; and Adan Rogelio Hernandez-Aceves, also known as Jose Delgado-Hernandez, 44, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Kan., were charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of 12 of the defendants; Terry Diaz remains at large.
The federal indictment alleges that all of the defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana from Jan. 1, 2012, to Nov. 19, 2014. The indictment alleges that conspirators distributed at least 15 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of methamphetamine and 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.
In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Padilla is charged with one count of illegally possessing firearms. Padilla allegedly possessed and used a loaded .357-caliber Glock semi-automatic pistol, a Taurus .38-caliber revolver and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Padilla is also charged with selling a Taurus .38-caliber revolver and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol to a buyer who was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was a felon.
The federal indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require the defendants to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of the drug-trafficking conspiracy or used to facilitate the commission of the drug-trafficking conspiracy, including a money judgment of $1,050,000 for which all of the defendants are jointly and severally liable. This sum, in aggregate, allegedly was received in exchange for the unlawful distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana, based on a conservative average street price of $32,000 per kilogram of cocaine, $1,000 per ounce of methamphetamine and $500 per pound of marijuana and the total conspiracy distribution of at least 15 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of methamphetamine and 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.
The forfeiture allegation would also require the defendants to forfeit two residential properties owned by Salinas, a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche pick-up owned by Hernandez-Aceves and $1,654 seized by law enforcement officers from Steward.
USA vs. Quintana
In a separate but related case, Victor Estevan Quintana, 27, of Kansas City, Mo., was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed today in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo.
Quintana, who was arrested as part of today’s law enforcement operation, is charged with selling firearms to a convicted felon who was thus prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Quintana allegedly sold a Taurus .38-caliber revolver and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol to a convicted felon.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Quintana was present with Padilla during an undercover drug transaction. Padilla allegedly was involved with Quintana in the sale of the firearms, as charged in the indictment that was unsealed today.
Dickinson cautioned that these charges are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
20 November 2014
Wyoming Man Sentenced for Assault of A Spouse by StranglingRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on November 20, 2014, Jameson Kaulaity, a 28-year-old Northern Arapaho Tribal member, was sentenced by United States District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl to 15 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Mr. Kaulaity will be required to surrender to the United States Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence on January 5, 2015. He previously pled guilty to one count of assault of a spouse by strangling in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(8) and 1153. The charge against Mr. Kaulaity stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 29, 2014 on the Wind River Indian Reservation. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Woodstock Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN HARDING, 29, of Woodstock, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 16, 2013 and October 30, 2013, HARDING received images and videos of child pornography that he downloaded from individuals via the Internet using a peer-to-peer file sharing program. During a search of the residence on October 30, 2013, law enforcement officers seized computers and a thumb drive. Forensic analysis of HARDING’s computers and thumb drive revealed more than 600 image files and videos of child pornography. He also possessed images of a partially naked 13-year old boy that he knew.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2015, at which time HARDING faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Since his arrest on November 26, 2013, HARDING has been released on a bond and placed on home confinement with GPS monitoring.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 [email protected]Winter Haven Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for the Attempted Sexual Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron today sentenced Edward Alan Vadney (23, Winter Haven) to 17 years in federal prison for the attempted sexual enticement of a minor. The Court also ordered Vadney to serve a life term of supervision and to register as a sex offender following his release from prison. He pleaded guilty on September 4, 2014.
According to court documents, on May 15, 2014, an FBI agent, working in an undercover capacity, discovered an Internet advertisement seeking young girls’ underwear. The agent began corresponding online with the individual; he was later identified as Vadney. During the online conversations, the agent told Vadney that he had two daughters who were ages six and ten. Vadney expressed his interest in meeting and having sex with the children, and arrangements were made to meet at a location in Lake Mary.
The following morning, Vadney traveled from Winter Haven to Lake Mary. When he arrived at the predetermined meeting spot, he was taken into custody. Vadney later admitted that he had traveled to Lake Mary to have sex with the man’s daughters, and that he was going to do it because it was “cool” with the children’s “father.”This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Schuster.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Winchester Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Production ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA – A 65-year-old Winchester man who was previously accused of exploiting two young girls, pled guilty yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville.
Phillip Daniel Rush, 65, of Winchester, Va., pled guilty yesterday to one count of production of child pornography. At his sentencing hearing on March 4, 2014, the defendant faces a possible penalty of between 15-30 years in federal prison.
“Mr. Rush’s despicable act of abusing eight and seven year old girls has justly landed him in federal prison,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “When pornographers like Rush exploit children, they will be held accountable.”
According to a factual summary filed during yesterday’s guilty plea hearing, around July 2012, Rush exploited a seven-year-old girl and an eight-year-old girl while they were visiting him. The defendant filmed the two girls engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Specifically, Rush turned on the webcam of his computer and provided a sexual device to one of the girls. He also later provided a jar of Vaseline. The defendant can be seen during various portions of the hour-long film. An adult pornography movie can be heard playing in the background.
The Winchester Police Department began the investigation into Rush after the mother of an older child notified police that her child had viewed the video of the two minor girls Rush’s computer.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Winchester Police Department, the United States Secret Service and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Nancy S. Healey and Heather Carlton are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Volusia County Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Being A Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. yesterday sentenced Marco Maurice Heath (36, DeLeon Springs) to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms. The Court also ordered Heath to forfeit five firearms that he had illegally possessed. Heath was found guilty during a bench trial before Judge Dalton on August 19, 2014. He was originally indicted on May 7, 2014.
According to court documents, on November 8, 2013, a Volusia County Sheriff’s Office investigator saw Heath riding a bicycle with two long guns across the handlebars. Heath disappeared and was found about 20 minutes later riding the bicycle, but without any firearms. Sheriff’s deputies conducted a search of the area, including a nearby house where Heath had spent the night. During the search of the residence, deputies found five firearms in a bedroom, including a shotgun, a semi-automatic assault rifle, and three handguns. Heath admitted that he had stolen the guns that morning in order to sell them for money.
As a previously convicted felon on state offenses, including multiple felony convictions for possession and trafficking of controlled substances, and two armed robberies, Heath was prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bruce S. Ambrose.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Regina Lombardo, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, are coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline Strategy on reducing violent crime in communities.
Vermont Resident Charged in Scheme to Extort Defendant in a High-Profile Palm Beach County State Criminal MatterRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announce the charges filed against James D. Perron, 48, of Tinmouth, Vermont, for three counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. If convicted, Perron faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Perron was initially charged by criminal complaint.
According to the indictment, Perron claimed in text messages sent from Vermont to Florida that through a relative on the jury he could influence the outcome of the trial of State of Florida vs. John Goodman, a high profile Palm Beach County driving under the influence, manslaughter and vehicular homicide case being re-tried. The allegations are that Perron claimed that for an initial down payment of $500,000 he would obtain a hung jury for Goodman and expect to receive another $500,000 upon completion. Perron also wrote that if he got an acquittal for Goodman he would expect a final payoff of $1 million from Goodman.
Based upon information developed during the investigation, Perron did not have the ability or contacts to fulfill his claim and was trying to get half of one million dollars based upon a lie. Perron did not have any means to contact jurors nor have any relatives he controlled on the jury panel deliberating the Goodman case.
John Goodman was re-tried in Palm Beach County by a jury drawn from the Tampa area of Florida after a new trial was ordered based upon juror misconduct occurring during the initial trial. The retrial began on October 6, 2014 and concluded when the jury returned guilty verdicts on October 28, 2014 in the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida. Perron initially contacted a defense witness in the Goodman trial to make his offer to fix the outcome of the trial on October 21, 2014 and was arrested on October 26, 2014, before the verdict was returned.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and thanked Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation and assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Cohen.
An indictment and a criminal complaint are merely accusations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Attachment: Indictment - James D. Perron (PDF)
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
United States Attorney’s Office Hosts Students Against Gun Violence ProgramRead the Press Release
Daniel Webster Elementary students take pledge to stay away from gun violence
INDIANAPOLIS - Acting United States Attorney Josh Minkler will be moderating a STUDENTS AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE program at Daniel Webster Elementary School 46, 1450 S. Reisner Street, tomorrow, November 21st, at 10:00 am.
Minkler will be joined by U. S. Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker, Prosecutor Terry Curry, Sheriff John Layton and IMPD Chief of Police Rick Hite.
The students of Daniel Webster will be given a gun-safety presentation by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. They will then take an anti-gun violence pledge administered by Magistrate Judge Baker and sign a pledge banner.
Students, school administrators and law enforcement officials will be available for comment immediately after the program.
The Media is welcome.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for Middle District of Alabama Collects over $2 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2014Read the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama - U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. announced today that the Middle District of Alabama collected $2,051,872.00 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2014. Of this amount, $1,276,453.00 was collected in criminal actions and $775,419.00 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Middle District of Alabama worked with other U.S. Attorneys’ offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $132,500.00 in civil action cases pursued jointly with these offices.
Attorney General Eric Holder announced yesterday that the Justice Department collected $24.7 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2014. The more than $24 billion in collections in FY 2014 represents nearly eight and a half times the appropriated $2.91 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
“Every day, the Justice Department’s federal prosecutors and trial attorneys work hard to protect our citizens, to safeguard precious taxpayer resources, and to provide a valuable return on investment to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder. “Their diligent efforts are enabling us to achieve justice and recoup losses in virtually every sector of the U.S. economy. And this result shows the fruits of the Justice Department’s tireless work in enforcing federal laws; in protecting the American people from violent crime, national security threats, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse; and in holding financial institutions accountable for their roles in causing the 2008 financial crisis.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the public and recovering funds for the victims of crime as well as every taxpayer,” said U.S. Attorney Beck. “Unfortunately, there is enormous profit in crime and these profits come at the expense of hardworking citizens. We will continue to hold accountable, both civilly and criminally, those who seek to make money from illegal activities.”
An example of a sizable collection in the Middle District of Alabama occurred this past May when $360,420.00 was recovered from Rhashema Deramus. In August 2012, Deramus pled guilty to theft of government money, fraudulent use of debit cards, and aggravated identity theft all related to filing fraudulent tax returns. In addition to restitution, Deramus was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Middle District of Alabama, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $899,211.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2014. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
The announcement from Attorney General Eric Holder is available HERE.
PRESS CONTACT: Clark Morris
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Telephone: (334) 551-1755
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