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Monday 6 October 2014
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on October 1, 2014, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Clinton Provincial, age 35, was sentenced to 63 months in custody, 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Provincial was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on February 20, 2013. He pled guilty on December 3, 2013.
Between August 2009 and February 2013, Clinton Provincial conspired and agreed with other persons, including Angel Provincial, Robert Provincial, Shy Bettelyoun, and Diana Bald Eagle, to distribute methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted L. McBride prosecuted the case.
Provincial was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sanger Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing 57 Vehicle Batteries from U.S. Mail TrucksRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Rene Garcia, 47, of Sanger, pleaded guilty today to stealing government property, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. Garcia has been detained as a flight risk in federal custody since his arrest on August 18, 2014.
According to his plea agreement, on numerous occasions between September 2012 and March 2013, Garcia entered the parking lot of the U.S. Post Office in Selma and stole vehicle batteries out of the U.S. Mail trucks parked there. In all, Garcia stole a total of 57 vehicle batteries, which he subsequently sold. During at least one of the battery thefts, Garcia wore a mask to conceal his identity and used wire cutters to gain access through a fence surrounding the mail truck parking lot. The U.S. Postal Service lost more than $9,700 as a result of Garcia’s thefts.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Baker is prosecuting the case.
Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill on December 15, 2014. Garcia faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory sentencing factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Ron Wilson Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Hide AssetsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Bill Watkins (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Ronnie Gene Wilson, age 67, pled guilty today in federal court in Greenville, to conspiracy to obstruct justice, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Greenville accepted the plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that in late 2011 and early 2012, agents with Secret Service and state law enforcement officers began to investigate Atlantic Bullion and Coin and Ronnie Gene Wilson. It was discovered that Wilson operated what is generally described as a “Ponzi scheme.” In April 2012, Wilson confessed to operating the Ponzi scheme.
On April 27, 2012, the United States District Court—with the consent of Wilson and the Government—appointed a Federal Receiver. The Court’s Order directed the Receiver to take immediate possession of all property, assets and estates owned, controlled, used, or in the possession of Wilson.
During the course of the investigation, the Secret Service talked with Wilson on multiple occasions. On or about September 20, 2012, agents interviewed Wilson about possible hidden assets and cash. Wilson was adamant that there were no hidden assets or cash. He stated that he had turned everything over to the Government.
On November 13, 2012 the District Court ordered Wilson to pay approximately $57 million in restitution to the 798 victims of the Ponzi Scheme. He was sentenced to 235 months in prison.
In April 2014, the Government recovered approximately $164,300. This money had been hidden in an ammunition can. Ron Wilson gave this money to a co-conspirator to keep for Wilson so he would have something if he was ever released from the Bureau of Prisons.
The evening before Ron Wilson was sentenced in November 2012, Ron Wilson gave a co-conspirator $7000 in cash in an envelope.
In March 2014, Secret Service and the Receiver recovered a second ammunition can of money ($172,859). Ron Wilson had been given this ammunition can to a co-conspirator as well.
Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Ronnie Gene Wilson can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 5 years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.Rockford Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man pleaded guilty today in Federal Court to bank robbery. PEDRO J. CORDERO, 52, of Rockford, Ill., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Kapala to the robbery of BMO Harris Bank, N.A., 2510 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford, Ill., on July 12, 2014. Cordero also admitted to robbing two other local banks.
According to the written plea agreement, at approximately 10:00 a.m. on July 12, 2014, Cordero approached a teller at the counter of BMO Harris Bank, 2510 S. Alpine Rd., in Rockford, wearing an inside out San Antonio Spurs baseball cap and carrying a white and blue Kane County Cougars umbrella. Cordero slid the teller a note demanding large bills out of the drawer and stated he had a gun. The teller removed money and provided Cordero banded stacks of U.S. currency. Cordero grabbed the money and left the bank.
The next day, Cordero was stopped by the Rockford Police for a traffic violation. In his car, Cordero possessed the San Antonio Spurs baseball hat he wore and the blue and white Kane County Cougars umbrella that he carried the previous day during the BMO Harris Bank robbery, as well as a large amount of U.S. currency from the bank robbery.
In addition, Cordero admitted in the plea agreement to robbing the U.S. Bank located at 1107 East State St., Rockford, Ill., on May 8, 2014. According to the plea agreement, Cordero wore a San Antonio Spurs baseball cap during the robbery. Cordero approached a teller at the counter and slid the teller a note that indicated he had a gun. Cordero then asked for large bills, told the teller not to activate any alarms and stated that he had a gun. The teller provided Cordero with money which he grabbed and then left the bank.
Cordero also admitted in the plea agreement that on June 2, 2014, he robbed the Associated Bank located at 4400 Center Terrace, Rockford, Ill. Cordero admitted that he wore an inside out San Antonio Spurs baseball cap and carried a blue and white Kane County Cougars umbrella during the robbery. Cordero approached a teller at the counter and said he needed to make a withdrawal. Cordero handed the teller a blank withdrawal slip, told the teller to give him all the large bills and that he had a gun. The teller removed money, which Cordero grabbed and then left the bank.
Bank robbery carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to 5 years probation, a term of supervised release of up to 3 years following imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and full restitution. The Court must impose a reasonable sentence guided by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines. Sentencing for Cordero is set for January 13, 2015, at 2:30 p.m.
The guilty plea was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert J. Holley, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Chet Epperson, Chief of the Rockford Police Department.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Paccagnini.
Resident of Spain Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to 65 Months in Prison for His Role in $16 Million Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that ANTHONIE R. SPARROW was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court to 65 months in prison for his role in perpetrating a $16 million fraudulent investment scheme that victimized hundreds of investors around the world. SPARROW pled guilty in February 2014 to wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Robert W. Sweet imposed today’s sentence.
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and statements made at the plea proceedings:
From 2002 to January 2005, SPARROW and co-defendant Masroor A. Khan (“Khan”) orchestrated and carried out an extensive fraudulent scheme relating to investments in rare, collectible coins. The defendants solicited victims to invest in rare, collectible coins through Lloyd’s & Associates Asset Management Ltd. (“LAM”), a purported collectible coin and precious metal business run by SPARROW. The victims were directed to wire funds – purportedly for investments in rare coins – to LAM bank accounts in New York that SPARROW controlled. Khan and SPARROW told the victims that these funds would be used to purchase coins that would then be held at Pinnacle Depository Service (“Pinnacle”), a purported coin depository and secure storage area, which was also run by SPARROW.
However, rather than purchase coins with the victims’ funds as the defendants had promised, SPARROW simply diverted the vast majority of the money, totaling approximately $16 million, to a bank account in Cyprus controlled by LAM. To prevent the victims from discovering the theft of their investment funds, SPARROW maintained a website where victims were given false information about the value of the coins they supposedly owned. SPARROW deliberately discouraged victims from coming to view their coins in person and, when certain victims insisted on doing so, he staged elaborate ruses to prevent them from seeing more than a few coins.
Beginning in late 2004, victims began to demand the return of their funds. In response, in January 2005, SPARROW closed the New York office of LAM and fled to Spain, from which he was subsequently extradited after being charged in this case.
At today’s proceeding, Judge Sweet also ordered SPARROW to pay $16 million in forfeiture and $16 million in restitution, and a $200 special assessment fee.
Khan remains a fugitive from the charges contained in the Indictment.
Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. He also thanked the Spanish National Police for their assistance in the arrest and extradition of SPARROW.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander J. Wilson is in charge of the prosecution.
The pending charges against Khan are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Podiatrist Charged with Health Care Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Aileen Gong, D.P.M., 55, of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was charged by indictment, on October 3, 2014, with health care fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The indictment charges that between 2009 and February 2014, Gong, a podiatrist, submitted at least $480,000 in fraudulent claims to Medicare.
According to the indictment, Gong submitted claims for patient visits that never occurred -- including visits that she claimed took place while she was outside of the United States -- and submitted claims for procedures that she did not perform on patients who did visit her office in Philadelphia. It is further alleged that as part of the scheme she knowingly used, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person, that is, the unique Medicare Beneficiary Number of patients.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 184 years in prison and a fine of $3.5 million.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurie Magid.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Click here to view the indictment.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525Pine Ridge Man Indicted for Assaulting Two Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Assaulting a Federal Officer.
Jerel Running Bear, age 24, was indicted on September 23, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 26, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for each count is 8 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Running Bear assaulting two female corrections officers employed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Adult Offenders Facility on July 4, 2014, at Pine Ridge.
The charges are merely accusations and Running Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
Running Bear was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Office Manager and Husband of Lansing Area Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Accepting Kickbacks and for Not Reporting to the Irs Income from Medical Marijuana CertificationsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell sentenced Mohamad Abduljaber, 50, of Okemos, Michigan to three and a half years of imprisonment on charges of receipt of health care kickback payments and falsifying an income tax return, U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles announced today.
The convictions arise from an Indictment which charged that between January 2004 and April 2011 Abduljaber conspired with his wife, Dr. Shannon Wiggins, to receive kickbacks for referring patients for electrodiagnostic testing. Abduljaber served as the office manager of his wife’s medical practice. Abduljaber also admitted signing a false tax return which did not accurately disclose cash income attributable to the billing for medical marijuana certifications. Judge Bell noted that Abduljaber’s conduct indicated a “lack of respect for the law” and that “protection of the public was very important in this matter.” Judge Bell also ordered Abduljaber to pay $285,781 in restitution to Medicaid and the IRS and to forfeit $550,000.
Last month, Judge Bell sentenced Dr. Wiggins to two years of imprisonment for the same crimes and previously sentenced the physical therapist who paid the kickback payments, Chyawan Bansil, to 13 months of imprisonment for billing insurance companies for the same electrodiagnostic testing, which he admitted he never actually performed. In total to date, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has collected $2.25 million in monetary damages on behalf of Medicare, $350,000 in restitution for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, $150,000 in forfeiture from Mr. Bansil, and approximately $400,000.00 in forfeited real property and vehicles from Dr. Wiggins.
The case against Abduljaber and Dr. Wiggins resulted from a joint investigation conducted by the Lansing Police Department, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. The kickback scheme was initially discovered by officers from the Lansing Police Department and personnel from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan who were investigating prescription drug diversion in Lansing, Michigan. After undercover Lansing police officers were referred for suspicious electrodiagnostic testing by Bansil at Dr. Wiggins’s office, federal investigators examined the medical records as well as the financial records of Mr. Bansil and confirmed that Bansil was billing for services that he did not perform. Investigators further determined that Bansil was paying Dr. Wiggins and Abduljaber illegal kickback payments to refer patients for the purported testing.
In its sentencing memorandum, the Government argued that such kickback payments caused Dr. Wiggins to increase her Medicare referrals for electrodiagnostic testing from 24 tests per year to more than 1,600 tests per year. The government also noted that, in addition to the crimes of conviction, Abduljaber was also caught on tape committing food stamp fraud by paying cash to use another person’s Bridge Card.
“The payment and receipt of illegal kickbacks distort the motives of health care professionals and cause unnecessary testing and expenses which increases everyone’s costs,” U.S. Attorney Miles said. “This office will continue to pursue criminal and civil proceedings, employ the resources of our law enforcement and private insurance partners, and protect the public against fraud. Medical practitioners who exploit patients and public or private health care insurance providers for unlawful and selfish financial gain face significant criminal charges and civil remedies. As this case demonstrates, those who attempt to defraud the system through illegal kickback arrangements will suffer the specter of incarceration, treble damages, civil penalties, forfeiture, and future exclusion from participating with Medicare and Medicaid.”
“Paying or receiving kickbacks in exchange for the referral of Medicare or Medicaid patients is illegal,” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “The payment of kickbacks leads to overutilization, corruption of medical decision-making and increased program costs. Allegations of such conduct will be aggressively investigated by the OIG and our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who are unjustly enriched by these schemes are held accountable.”
“The fraud perpetuated by Mohamad Abduljaber and his wife, Dr. Shannon Wiggins, clearly shows that they put greed before the health and safety of their patients. Today’s sentence is the culmination of the diligent investigative work of the IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners to protect the public from those who commit health care fraud,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarod Koopman.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raymond E. Beckering III and Adam Townshend and jointly investigated by the Lansing Police Department, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, HHS-OIG, IRS-CID, DEA, and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.
END
North Minneapolis Heroin Trafficking Organization Indicted for ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced the indictment of eight members of “The Crew,” a North Minneapolis-based heroin trafficking organization, for conspiring to distribute heroin in Minneapolis. The indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by the Southwest Hennepin Drug Task Force (SWHDTF), which is comprised of federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minneapolis Police Department, Minnetonka Police Department, Edina Police Department, Hopkins Police Department, Eden Prairie Police Department, and the St. Louis Park Police Department. The SWHDTF has been investigating “The Crew” since May 2014, as part of an ongoing effort to reduce and eliminate the sale of heroin in Minnesota.
“Those who sell heroin are literally poisoning our children,” said U.S. Attorney Luger. “This investigation and indictment will make North Minneapolis safer for the law-abiding residents who are simply trying to live their lives. Working in collaboration with local and federal law enforcement and prosecutors, we are together making Minneapolis a safer place for our children to grow up.”
Hennepin County Sheriff Richard Stanek said: “This investigation was a collaborative effort, and partnerships such as the Southwest Hennepin Drug Task Force are critical to combatting the heroin crisis in our communities. Law enforcement is fully committed to shutting down the ‘heroin highway’ and the organizations responsible for distributing this deadly drug around the Twin Cities metro area.”
Dan Moren, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA, Minneapolis-St. Paul District Office said: “When law enforcement officials and prosecutors announced the arrests of over 100 heroin traffickers as part of Operation Exile in April, we made a collective promise to our citizens that we would continue the fight against those dealing heroin in Minnesota. Today is yet another reminder to criminal organizations that we don’t go back on our promises.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau said: “The Minneapolis Police Department was proud to partner with law enforcement teams throughout the metro. While the heroin epidemic is still extremely concerning to us, this type of success will let distributors and residents know that we are aggressively investigating and arresting the people who bring these drugs into our community.”
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said: “We are always pleased to work with U.S. Attorney Andy Luger and federal agents to stamp out heroin trafficking in our county. This has been a strong partnership, which is only getting stronger, as we try to eliminate this scourge that has taken too many lives in our communities.”
According to the indictment and documents filed in court, from January 2012 until September 2014, RICHARD LEE ENGLISH a/k/a “Nation,” and MILTON EUGENE INGRAM a/k/a “Meech,” led a heroin distribution network called “The Crew,” that sold heroin in North Minneapolis. ENGLISH was primarily responsible for obtaining wholesale amounts of heroin from out-of-state sources, including sources in Chicago, Ill., and INGRAM led the distribution network in Minneapolis.
According to the indictment, ENGLISH AND INGRAM traveled about two times per month to Chicago, Ill., to buy 300-400 grams of heroin per trip. They would bring the drugs back to Minneapolis, where it was sold in packets of .1 or .2 grams, at a price of approximately $40 per bag. INGRAM was responsible for dispatching drug runner members of The Crew, who together sold more than 5,000 packets of heroin per month for an approximate street value of more than $140,000. The runners included alleged conspirators JOHNNY MARTELL BROWN, LEE ANTOINE HOWELL a/k/a “Lee Ball,” SHANEQUA AMERSON, ORLANDO DONEE PRYOR, RUSSELL ANTHONY GREYER a/k/a “Rello,” DION TERRANCE FISHER, and others.
According to the indictment and documents filed in court, the runners were available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to deliver heroin to customers, who would call a dispatcher at one of three different cellular telephone numbers. Customers were typically directed to go to North Minneapolis and call back for a specific location, which was typically between 8th Street North and 27th Street North, and Oliver Avenue North and Morgan Avenue North. Once a customer would arrive at the specific location, they would place a third call to inform the dispatcher that they had arrived. The dispatcher typically indicated that a runner would arrive shortly with heroin for sale. The Crew would direct multiple customers at the same time to a single location.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Southwest Hennepin Drug Task Force (SWHDTF), which is comprised of federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minneapolis Police Department, Minnetonka Police Department, Edina Police Department, Hopkins Police Department, Eden Prairie Police Department, and the St. Louis Park Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Paulsen.
Defendant Information:
RICHARD LEE ENGLISH a/k/a “Nation,” 37
Chicago, Ill.
Charges:
• Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, 1 count
MILTON EUGENE INGRAM a/k/a “Meech,” 22
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
• Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, 1 count
JOHNNY MARTELL BROWN, 22
Unknown
Charges:
• Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, 1 count
LEE ANTOINE HOWELL a/k/a “Lee Ball,” 32
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
• Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, 1 count
SHANEQUA AMERSON, 20
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
• Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, 1 count
ORLANDO DONEE PRYOR, 21
Chicago, Ill.
Charges:
• Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, 1 count
RUSSELL ANTHONY GREYER a/k/a “Rello,” 26
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
• Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, 1 count
DION TERRANCE FISHER, 31
Chicago, Ill.
Charges:
• Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, 1 count###
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Nampa Woman Sentenced to Controlled Substance DeliveryRead the Press Release
BOISE – Mary Jane Pace, 49, of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced today to three years probation and 90 days home detention for distributing a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Pace appeared today before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.
According to the indictment, plea agreement, and arguments in court, in May of 2012, on two separate occasions, Pace knowingly and intentionally distributed to an undercover police officer, a total of fourteen pills containing oxycodone, a Schedule II narcotic and controlled substance, in exchange for a total of $390 in payment. Pace obtained the controlled substances by prescription from a provider.
“Illegal distribution of prescription painkillers continues to ripple through our community, causing addiction and destroying lives.” said Olson. “We are committed to prosecuting these cases and combating this scourge at all levels of distribution.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) led Tactical Diversion Squad which is comprised of law enforcement personnel from the DEA, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police Department, Idaho State Police, Meridian Police Department, Nampa Police Department and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
Missouri Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Possessing Cocaine with Intent to SellRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a man from Missouri was sentenced to 70 months in prison for possessing more than 3 kilos of cocaine meant for sale.
Michael Nathaniel Williams, 39, of St. Louis, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James for one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He was also sentenced to four years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the July 7, 2014 guilty plea, Williams was traveling through Monroe on Interstate 20 on March 14, 2014 when a Louisiana State Police Trooper conducted a traffic stop. The trooper conducted a search of the vehicle and found 3 kilos of cocaine inside a duffle bag. Williams later admitted that he was transporting cocaine from Texas to Missouri.
The DEA and Louisiana State Police conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. prosecuted the case.
Middlesex County, N.J., Man Admits Multiple Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. - A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man admitted his role in two bank robberies, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced today.
Peter Greer, 40, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to an information charging him with two counts of bank robbery.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Greer admitted using intimidation to rob the Valley National Bank in Newark, New Jersey, on Sept. 27, 2012. Greer entered the bank, approached the bank teller and provided a note that said “give me the money in hundred dollar bills.” The teller complied and Greer fled the bank with the money. Greer also admitted to using intimidation to rob the rob Sovereign Bank, located in Newark on Oct. 31, 2012. Greer entered the bank, approached the bank teller and provided a note that said “I have a gun, give me money.” This time the teller did not comply, and Greer fled the bank without any money.
The bank robbery counts carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, for each count with which he is charged. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark, with the investigation leading to charges. He also thanked the Passaic Police Department and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department for their contribution to the case.The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Corcione of the Criminal Division in Newark, N.J.
Greer, Peter Information
Martinsburg Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Tara Tighe, Public Affairs SpecialistMARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that 34 year old machine operator and Martinsburg resident DAVID CULLEN was sentenced Monday to 151 months in prison and three years of supervised release for distribution of heroin. CULLEN was also ordered to pay a special assessment fee of $100.
During an investigation led by the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, CULLEN misled authorities when he originally agreed to make a series of controlled purchases on behalf of the Task Force, but instead, bought heroin for personal use and gave officers a counterfeit substance. CULLEN pled guilty to distribution of a controlled substance on June 3, 2014.
“We continue to support the efforts of the Drug & Violent Crime Task Force to aggressively investigate heroin sales in the Eastern Panhandle,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “We are confident that law enforcement officials and residents can work collaboratively to minimize drug use and promote safety in our region.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Marijuana Trafficking in WichitaRead the Press Release
Sends Two Men to Federal PrisonWICHITA, KAN. - Two men were sentenced Monday to federal prison for marijuana trafficking in the Wichita area, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.
Jason Giesy, 31, Augusta, Kan., was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting possession of more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.
Evan Woolsey, 28, Wichita, Kan., was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.In his plea,Giesyadmitted that on Aug. 2, 2013, investigators seized approximately 1,000 pounds of marijuana from a residence in Rose Hill, Kan.
According to court records, the investigation began in January 2012 when Wichita police learned that Giesy was selling marijuana from his home in Wichita. During the investigation, Giesy moved to Augusta.
In his plea, Woolsey admitted that investigators found marijuana and firearms when they served a search warrant June 20, 2013, at his home in Wichita.
Co-defendants include:
Jeremy Harris, 32, Wichita, Kan., who is set for trail Nov. 4.
Amanda Harris Renteria, 30, Wichita, Kan., who was sentenced to three years’ probation.Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
Manhattan Man Indicted in Manhattan Federal Court for Producing, Receiving, and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and George Venizelos, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the filing of an Indictment in Manhattan federal court charging MATTHEW VADO, a Manhattan resident, with production of child pornography, receiving child pornography, and possessing child pornography. VADO, who was previously arrested in June 2014, has been detained since his arrest.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “This Office has zero tolerance for those who, like Matthew Vado, would allegedly use the internet and mobile apps as a means to target and victimize children.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge George Venizelos said: “Protecting our young people is some of the most important work we do at the FBI. We will continue to police our communities in search of cunning suspects looking to exploit our children.”
According to the Indictment and the June 17, 2014 Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:
Between June 2013 and June 2014, VADO engaged in multiple chats over the Internet with eight different minor children between the ages of nine and 15. In those chats, VADO induced eight children to send sexually explicit images of themselves to VADO over the internet, and, among other things, sought to persuade one child to engage in a sexual act with a dog. VADO used “Kik Messenger,” a mobile communication application that can be downloaded for use on iPhones and similar mobile devices, to contact at least one child, and also used Kik Messenger to induce and receive sexually explicit images and/or videos of the child and to send pornographic images of himself to the child. VADO employed a username on Kik Messenger that was not his real name.
VADO, 32, is charged with eight counts of production of child pornography, one count of receiving child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography. Each production of child pornography count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The receipt of child pornography count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and the possession of child pornography count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
For information about the status of these federal criminal proceedings, victims may call the Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office at (866) 874-8900.
Persons with information about children with whom VADO may have had inappropriate sexual contact, or from whom he may have solicited sexually explicit images or videos, are urged to contact the FBI hotline established for this investigation at (212) 384-1600, as well as the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office Sex Crimes Hotline at (212) 335-9373. The Manhattan Child Advocacy Center is available to provide services to children who may be victims of VADO’s conduct, including both inappropriate sexual contact and sexually explicit images. The Manhattan Child Advocacy Center can provide information about obtaining immediate medical treatment, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and mental health counseling. The Manhattan Child Advocacy Center can be contacted at:
Manhattan Child Advocacy Center
1753 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10035
(646) 695-6100
Mr. Bharara thanked and praised the investigative work of the FBI in this matter, as well as the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Max Nicholas is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. v. Matthew Vado Indictment
Manhattan Man Charged in White Plains Federal Court with Sexually Exploiting Boy in Sullivan County and Sexual Exploitation, Enticement, and Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the filing of a five-count Indictment in White Plains federal court charging STEPHEN P. BROWN with sexually exploiting a boy in Sullivan County, New York, in 2012 and with attempted sexual exploitation, attempted enticement, and the distribution and possession of child pornography.
On March 4, 2014, BROWN was arrested in Peekskill, New York, by New York State law enforcement authorities. According to allegations in the federal Complaint, filed on June 16, 2014, BROWN’s arrest in Peekskill followed his on-line communications with an undercover officer posing as an 11-year-old-boy. As alleged in the federal Complaint, BROWN made plans to meet the boy at a hotel in Peekskill to engage in sexual activity and to take sexually explicit photographs. BROWN was arrested when he arrived at the designated location to meet the boy.
The Indictment filed today charges BROWN with attempted sexual exploitation and attempted enticement, as had been charged in the federal Complaint. In addition, the Indictment charges that, in August 2012, BROWN engaged in sexually explicit conduct in Sullivan County with a boy under the age of 11 for the purpose of producing sexually explicit photographs of such activity. Finally, the Indictment filed today charges BROWN with receiving, possessing and distributing child pornography in 2012 through 2014.
The federal charges filed follow state charges against BROWN in Manhattan, Westchester County, Sullivan County and Albany County. BROWN will be arraigned in White Plains Federal Court on Wednesday, October 8.
BROWN, 62, faces upon conviction on the charges of sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation, a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison on each count. For attempted enticement, he faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life. For receipt and distribution of child pornography, he faces a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and for possession of child pornography, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Bharara praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York County District Attorney’s Office, the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, the City of New York Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Rockland County Computer Crimes Task Force in connection with this investigation.
The investigation is ongoing. Any individuals who believe they have information concerning STEPHEN P. BROWN that may be relevant to the investigation should contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Goshen, New York, at 1-845-615-1700.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorney Marcia S. Cohen is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. v. Stephen Brown Indictment
Manhattan Man Charged in White Plains Federal Court with Sexually Exploiting Boy in Sullivan County and Sexual Exploitation, Enticement, and Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the filing of a five-count Indictment in White Plains federal court charging STEPHEN P. BROWN with sexually exploiting a boy in Sullivan County, New York, in 2012 and with attempted sexual exploitation, attempted enticement, and the distribution and possession of child pornography.
On March 4, 2014, BROWN was arrested in Peekskill, New York, by New York State law enforcement authorities. According to allegations in the federal Complaint, filed on June 16, 2014, BROWN’s arrest in Peekskill followed his on-line communications with an undercover officer posing as an 11-year-old-boy. As alleged in the federal Complaint, BROWN made plans to meet the boy at a hotel in Peekskill to engage in sexual activity and to take sexually explicit photographs. BROWN was arrested when he arrived at the designated location to meet the boy.
The Indictment filed today charges BROWN with attempted sexual exploitation and attempted enticement, as had been charged in the federal Complaint. In addition, the Indictment charges that, in August 2012, BROWN engaged in sexually explicit conduct in Sullivan County with a boy under the age of 11 for the purpose of producing sexually explicit photographs of such activity. Finally, the Indictment filed today charges BROWN with receiving, possessing and distributing child pornography in 2012 through 2014.
The federal charges filed follow state charges against BROWN in Manhattan, Westchester County, Sullivan County and Albany County. BROWN will be arraigned in White Plains Federal Court on Wednesday, October 8.
BROWN, 62, faces upon conviction on the charges of sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation, a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison on each count. For attempted enticement, he faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life. For receipt and distribution of child pornography, he faces a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and for possession of child pornography, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Bharara praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York County District Attorney’s Office, the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, the City of New York Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Rockland County Computer Crimes Task Force in connection with this investigation.
The investigation is ongoing. Any individuals who believe they have information concerning STEPHEN P. BROWN that may be relevant to the investigation should contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Goshen, New York, at 1-845-615-1700.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorney Marcia S. Cohen is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. v. Matthew Vado Indictment
Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery in Franklin CountyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas man was sentenced Monday to 30 months in federal prison for helping to rob a Franklin County Bank, U.S. Attorney Barr Grissom said.
Robert Martin, 39, Quenemo, Kan., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted he took part in the March 19, 2014, robbery of Goppert State Service Bank at 118 East Franklin Street in Pomona, Kan. He said he drove to the bank with co-defendant Caleb Jeffcoat. He gave Jeffcoat a mask and BB gun that had been altered to make it look more like a real gun. Jeffcoat entered the bank and robbed a teller.
Investigators used video surveillance from a Dollar General store and a gas station in Pomona to identify the robber.
Co-defendants are:
Caleb Jeffcoat, 26, Quenemo, Kan., who is awaiting sentencing.
Christel Collins, 37, Quenemo, Kan., who is awaiting sentencing.Grissom commended the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Ottawa Police Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the FBI, the Franklin County Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask for their work on the case.
Madill Home Builder Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Defrauding InvestorRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – STEVEN RUSSELL HART, 55, of Madill, Oklahoma, was sentenced last week to serve 33 months in prison for defrauding an Oklahoma City investor of more than $700,000, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
During 2009, 2010, and 2011, Hart operated SRC Construction, Inc., which built homes in an Ardmore subdivision called "The Meadows." He funded the construction through Texoma Land Development LLC, an Oklahoma City entity.
On October 15, 2013, a federal grand jury indicted Hart for sending false draw requests to Texoma Land Development. The requests specified specific construction work that SRC had supposedly performed or was in the process of performing. According to the indictment, Hart caused SRC to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay for construction that never took place, including five houses that did not exist. The indictment alleged that he used a portion of these fraudulent proceeds for personal expenses.
Hart pled guilty on April 1, 2014. Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Hart to serve 33 months in prison, ordered him to pay $728,906.75 in restitution, and entered a forfeiture money judgment in the same amount. After release from prison, Hart will be on supervised release for two years.
This sentence is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott E. Williams.
Lead Man Pleads Not Guilty to Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Lead, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Firearms, Possession of Stolen Firearms, and Felon in Possession of Firearms.
Dustin Bomford, age 26, was indicted on September 23, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 29, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for each count is 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Bomford, a convicted felon, breaking into the Box Elder Trading Post on September 8, 2014, and stealing 18 firearms.
The charges are merely accusations and Bomford is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Box Elder Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
Bomford was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Las Vegas Meth Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Saul Candelorio Gastellum-Sanchez, a local illegal drug dealer, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Lloyd D. George to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.
Gastellum-Sanchez, aka “Cervancio Perez-Zazueta,” aka “Bartolo Castillo,” aka “Vampiro,” 29, pleaded guilty in May to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, unlawful re-entry of a deported alien, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
“The defendant was a prolific drug trafficker who was distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and had firearms at hand,” said U.S. Attorney Bogden. “He was a serious threat to public safety and a lengthy sentence of imprisonment was warranted.”
According to Gastellum-Sanchez’ plea agreement, from about June 1, 2012, to June 20, 2013, Gastellum-Sanchez conspired with six co-defendants to distribute 464 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover officer. On May 20, 2013, Gastellum-Sanchez purchased an ATV for $11,000 in cash, which were proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine.
On June19, 2013, a federal search warrant was executed at Gastellum-Sanchez’ residence in Las Vegas, and law enforcement agents recovered over two kilograms of methamphetamine, an AK-47 assault rifle and two semi-automatic handguns. At the time of the crime, Gastellum-Sanchez was residing unlawfully in the United States and had been previously deported in January 2008.
Four of the co-defendants pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison, one is a fugitive, and one is pending trial.
This case was investigated by the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the North Las Vegas Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber M. Craig.
Keystone City Park Now Accessible to All Citizens of the CommunityRead the Press Release
On December 19, 2012, a complaint was filed with the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, pursuant to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alleging the playground equipment at the city park in Keystone, South Dakota, was not accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs.
City officials in Keystone cooperated with the investigation and developed a Master Plan to bring Keystone’s Watson Park in compliance with the ADA. The plan included removing sand and installing wood fiber safety surfaces around the playground equipment, developing a more accessible route to the playground, installing additional playground stations, and renovating the parking lot to include van accessible parking space.
With the modifications, the parking lot is now equipped with accessible parking spaces and appropriate signage for van accessible parking, the sand around the playground has been replaced with a more stable, firm, and slip resistant wood fiber surface, and the gazebo and playgrounds have an accessible route within the playground equipment. These renovations provide an ADA-accessible place for people with disabilities to picnic, relax, and play.
The City of Keystone remains committed to providing accessibility to all individuals. The Department of Justice investigates allegations of ADA violations and provides information about the ADA through a toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) and (800) 514-0383 (TDD), or visit www.ada.gov for more information.
Justice Department Awards Hiring Grant to Farmington Police DepartmentRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez announced that last week the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) awarded a hiring grant to the Farmington Police Department aimed at creating six law enforcement positions to help reduce violence and address other critical law enforcement needs in Farmington, N.M. Nearly $124 million in grants were awarded nationally, including the $750,000 grant for the Farmington Police Department.
“The COPS Office is pleased to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout the country in addressing their most critical public safety issues,” said Ronald L. Davis, Director of the COPS Office. “Funding from this year’s program will allow many cities and counties to apply new sworn personnel to issues related to violent crime, property crime, and school safety.”
The COPS Hiring Program offers grants to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers. The program provides salaries and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.
“This COPS grant has identified a public safety need in Farmington and San Juan County,” said U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez. “Every additional officer on the street helps community safety and we know that the six new officers will help fight crime in San Juan County and improve the lives of the people who live there.”
“The Farmington Police Department is very pleased to have been chosen to receive funding for six additional officers. As our agency continues to develop our community policing program, the additional officers will allow us to work closer with the San Juan Community College and to increase our work in our parks and downtown business area. Currently, we are working with the Public Safety staff of the College to improve campus safety by greater visibility and information sharing, as well as coordinated exercises,” said Chief Steve Hebbe. “We wish to thank all those who helped us obtain this grant and we look forward to improving our level of service with these additional officers.”
Grantees for the 2014 hiring program were selected based on their fiscal needs, local crime rates, and community policing plans.The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS 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 fun the hiring and redeployment of approximately 125,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.
For the entire list of grantees and additional information about 2014 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.
Justice Department Announces Fair Housing Settlement with Montana Builder and EngineerRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that a Montana builder, Gabriel Nistler, and an engineer, Derek Brown, have agreed to pay over $26,000 and remove accessibility barriers at three apartment buildings in Helena, Montana, in order to settle a lawsuit alleging that they had violated the Fair Housing Act.
The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed in 2013 alleging that defendants violated the Fair Housing Act when they designed and constructed an eight-unit property located at 175 and 195 Silsbee Avenue in Helena, Montana, with steps and other features that made them inaccessible to persons with disabilities. Under the terms of the parties’ agreement, the owners and builders of the property, Gabriel and Sommer Nistler and Nistler Engineering LLC, and the designer of the property, Derek Brown and Derek Brown Consulting Inc., must take actions to remove accessibility barriers at the Silsbee Avenue property, and at two other properties they designed and constructed that Gabriel Nistler currently owns. Those two other properties are located at 109 and 111 Reed Avenue and 1220 and 1240 Laurel Street in Helena. The defendants have already taken actions during the course of the litigation to improve accessibility at the Silsbee Avenue property. The corrective actions at the three properties under the settlement include removing steps from sidewalks, installing properly sloped curb ramps to allow persons with disabilities to access their front doors from the parking areas, creating accessible routes from the units to common areas such outside such as mailboxes, providing accessible parking and garage units, moving outlets to accessible locations, and making modifications to the kitchens and bathrooms to improve accessibility. In addition, the defendants will pay $17,500 to Montana Fair Housing Inc., whose investigation revealed the violations at the Silsbee Avenue property and which intervened in the United States’ lawsuit, and $8,500 in civil penalties to the United States.
“The Fair Housing Act ensures that persons with disabilities do not face unnecessary barriers to access to housing of their choice and are able to make full use of that housing,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Molly Moran for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is strongly committed to the enforcement of the fair housing laws that protect the rights of persons with disabilities to have equal opportunities to enjoy the housing of their choice.”
“This is a fair settlement that should be an important reminder to contractors and developers in Montana that persons with disabilities have the right, under the Fair Housing Act, to housing alternatives without barriers,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Cotter for the District of Montana. “Montana builders do not want to exclude buyers or renters with disabilities and Montanans in general do not want persons with disabilities to be further disadvantaged. Fair housing laws must be enforced to give substance to that shared community interest and provide notice that planning and construction must be consistent with its objectives.”
The lawsuit, filed in September 2013, arose as a result of a complaint filed by Montana Fair Housing with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). After HUD investigated the complaint, it issued a charge of discrimination and referred the matter to the Justice Department.
“The Fair Housing Act guarantees the right for people with mobility impairments to feel at home and live in a place that accommodates their disability,” said HUD Assistant Secretary Gustavo Velasquez for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “HUD will continue to work with the Justice Department to enforce the nation’s fair housing laws and create more housing opportunities for persons with disabilities.”
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Justice Department at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at [email protected], or contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or through www.hud.gov.
Jackson Woman Sentenced for Stolen Identity Tax Refund FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Shekeila Jones, 29, of Jackson, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to defraud the United States, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today. She was also ordered to pay restitution to the government in the amount of $55,660.
Jones pled guilty on June 12, 2013 to conspiring with others to illegally obtain the names and social security numbers of others which they then used to file fraudulent federal tax returns for the purpose of obtaining fraudulent refunds. The refunds were then electronically deposited into various bank accounts in Mississippi belonging to Jones and her co-conspirators.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, the Mississippi Department of Corrections and the Mississippi Department of Revenue. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Lemon.If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:
(866) 720-5721
You can also fax information to:
(225) 334-4707
or e-mail it to:
Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.
Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.
Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.
Investment Firm's Founder and Two Former Associates Plead Guilty in Fraudulent Investment Scheme to Market Pharmaceutical OintmentRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Last Friday, LAWRENCE GENE BOTHWELL, 34, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, TOMMY LYNN RICHARDSON, 50, of Ninnekah, Oklahoma, and KENNETH BOYCE, 54, of Pleasant View, Utah, entered guilty pleas related to fraudulent investment scheme to market a pharmaceutical ointment, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
Bothwell was the founder of Bothwell Consulting, LLC, is an Oklahoma limited liability company and investment firm whose principal place of business was in Oklahoma City. Bothwell, Richardson, and Boyce were executives at Bothwell Consulting. Prior to founding Bothwell Consulting, Bothwell worked for the Massachusetts-based developer and owner of a topical ointment called Menastil to develop a website to market Menastil to a wider consumer base. However, Bothwell never acquired any ownership interest or distribution rights in Menastil.
On June 17, 2014, a federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment alleging that the three defendants were engaged in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering for their sale of fraudulent debentures. Specifically, it was alleged that the defendants induced investors to invest in Bothwell Consulting based on false representations that their investments would be used to market Menastil and that the debentures were secured by a multi-million dollar trust, which did not actually exist. Instead, it was alleged that Bothwell, Richardson, and Boyce used the more than one million dollars of fraudulent proceeds for their own personal benefit
Last Friday, the three defendants each entered separate guilty pleas. Bothwell pled guilty to committing money laundering and faces up to ten years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000 at sentencing. Richardson and Boyce each pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine at sentencing. Sentencing hearings will be set by the court in approximately 90 days. Reference is made to the court record for more information.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Sanford C. Coats and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry.
Illinois Man Sentenced for Criminal TrespassRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Chicago, Illinois, man charged with Criminal Trespass pled guilty to and was sentenced on September 30, 2014, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Steven Nichols, age 43, was sentenced to 9 months in custody, 1 year of supervised release, 3-6 months at a Residential Reentry program, $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and ordered to not re-enter the lands of Todd County and the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.
In the summer of 2011, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s Attorney General petitioned the tribal court to bar Nichols, a non-Indian, from entering the lands of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On June 10, 2011, he was served with notice of the proceedings. On September 22, 2011, the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Court entered an Emergency Writ of Exclusion barring him from entering the lands of the Rosebud Reservation, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council also voted to exclude the Defendant from the reservation. On September 23, 2011, a tribal law enforcement officer served him with the exclusionary order and escorted him off of the reservation.
Tribal law enforcement officers later learned that Nichols had re-entered the reservation. On September 9, 2012, officers apprehended him and again transported him off of the reservation. On January 30, 2013, officers learned Nichols was staying at a residence within the reservation. Officers searched for Nichols and found him hiding in a crawl space of the residence. He was arrested on federal criminal trespass charges and transported off the reservation and into federal custody.
On March 14, 2014, Nichols was in a car near Two Strike when a tribal patrol officer encountered him driving towards St. Francis, which is located within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. By being on the reservation, the Defendant did defy orders to leave that were previously communicated to him.
The investigation was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher. Nichols was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to complete his sentence.
Georgia Man Sentenced to 121 Months in Prison for Traveling from New York to New Jersey for Illicit Sexual Conduct with ChildrenRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Georgia man living in Long Island, N.Y., was sentenced today to 121 months in prison for traveling from New York to New Jersey to have sexual contact with a minor, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Richard J. Simone Jr., 23, of Acworth, Ga., previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Mary L. Cooper in Trenton federal court to Count One of an indictment charging him with traveling across state lines for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor. Simone has been in custody since his arrest in September 2013. Judge Cooper imposed the sentence in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Simone admitted that beginning in July 2013, he engaged in numerous graphic communications over the Internet with an individual he believed was the father of a 9-year-old girl. In those communications, Simone discussed having sex with the girl and her minor babysitter. The individual with whom he was corresponding was actually an undercover agent from the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and both of the minors were fictitious. On Sept. 13, 2013, Simone traveled from Long Island to Monmouth County, N.J., for the purpose of having sex with the two minors. Simone was arrested when he arrived at the location where he and the undercover had arranged to meet.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cooper sentenced Simone to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited agents of Homeland Security Investigations, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew M. McLees in Newark; the West Long Branch Borough Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Lawrence L. Mihlon, for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked HSI New York; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, for their assistance with the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to
combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by
the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and
Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe
Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute
individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information
about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fabiana Pierre-Louis and Harvey Bartle, attorney in charge of the U.S. Attorney’s Trenton Office.14-359
Defense counsel: Guy L. Womack Esq., Houston, TexasFour Convicted of Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Tara Tighe, Public Affairs SpecialistMARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four Martinsburg area residents pled guilty to heroin trafficking in Federal court Monday, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced today.
Kimberly Michelle Bailey, 32, of Petersburg, West Virginia, and Brandy Renee Netz, 29, of Martinsburg, West Virginia pled guilty to distributing heroin. Brenda Michelle Sams, 34, of Petersburg, West Virginia, pled guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin. Derwin Lee Harris, 48, of Martinsburg, pled guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin.
Investigations led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force since February 2011 culminated in the convictions of Bailey, Nets, and Sams. An investigation led by the Martinsburg Police Department since July 2013 led to Harris’ conviction.
Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment fee, and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Fort Yates Woman Sentenced for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - U. S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Oct. 6, 2014 Morning Star Brown, 32, Fort Yates, N.D., was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 6 ½ years in prison for voluntary manslaughter.
Brown was charged with second degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon causing the death of Jarret Two Bear on or about March 3, 2013. Brown later changed her plea and pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Judge Hovland also sentenced Brown to three years supervised release and ordered her to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund as well as restitution.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Bureau of Indian Affairs-Standing Rock Agency.
Assistant U. S. attorney Gary Delorme prosecuted the case.
Former President of Central Kentucky Glass Company Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Fraud Involving Installation of Glass and Windows at Ft. Knox High SchoolRead the Press Release
– Charges pending against the company
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The former president of Central Kentucky Glass Company, headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, was sentenced to 27 months in prison by Senior District Judge Thomas B. Russell on Friday, October 3, 2014, after pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud in connection with a multi-million dollar contract at Fort Knox High School, announced David J. Hale, United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. Central Kentucky Glass Company (CKG) was charged separately in a grand jury indictment, with wire fraud, mail fraud and major fraud against the United States.
Dennis Martin, age 52, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, was ordered to pay the Army Corp of Engineers $74,061.88 in restitution and agreed that Barton Malow Company suffered $558,780.44 in losses as a result of the offense. Barton Malow Company and CKG reached a civil settlement for losses due to Martin’s conduct. The restitution owed shall be joint and several with CKG.
According to court records, CKG Company was a subcontractor hired by the prime contractor, Barton Malow Company, as part of a multi-million dollar Army Corps of Engineers project to refurbish Ft. Knox High School. The project included the installation of glass and windows at Fort Knox High School, located in Hardin County, Kentucky. CKG was required to provide certifications that its glass and windows were tested and met contract requirements, including anti-terrorism standards.
Martin admitted that he forged certifications from two testing companies, Bowser-Morner, Inc., and National Certified Testing Laboratories, which falsely reflected that CKG’s glass and windows had been tested and met contract requirements. On October 22, 2008, the forged certifications were faxed from CKG’s office in Kentucky to Barton Malow’s office in Ohio. In fact, CKG’s glass and windows had not been tested per the specifications of the contract, and subsequent tests conducted on behalf of the Army Corp of Engineers indicated that the glass and windows CKG installed at Fort Knox High School did not meet antiterrorism standards.
If convicted, at trial, the company faces a maximum fine of $6,000,000, and a three year period of supervised release.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Weiser and was investigated by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General.
- Former Gun Store Owner Heads to Prison for Firearms Violation
Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to ParticipatngRead the Press Release
IN NASHUA-BASED NATIONWIDE TAX RETURN SCAMCONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Ann Marie Howard Aguiar, 47, of Jacksonville, Florida, has pleaded guilty in United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a nationwide tax refund scheme, announced United States Attorney John P. Kacavas.
Aguiar admitted that she participated in a scheme, organized by former Nashua resident Craig S. Cudhea, to file a large number of false tax returns claiming refunds to which the persons in whose names the returns were filed were not entitled. The scheme, based in Nashua, resulted in the filing of thousands of false claims for tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service.
Cudhea recruited a nationwide network of pastors to solicit members of their congregations to provide their names and social security numbers on the false pretense that the information would be used to secure stimulus funds that they claimed the government was giving to the poor, disabled and unemployed. The pastors led churches in Virginia, Georgia, New York, Texas, South Carolina, Arkansas, Ohio and Nevada. Many congregants at these churches, consisting mostly of low income individuals with limited experience with the IRS, provided their personal identifying information and the pastors forwarded that information to Cudhea.
Cudhea then transmitted the personal identifying information to approximately eight women around the country who he had recruited via the internet to enter the information on electronic tax returns. Cudhea dubbed this group of women his “Angels,” and Aguiar was one of Cudhea’s Angels. Cudhea instructed Aguiar and the other Angels to report certain information on the falsified tax returns, including specific income amounts, withholding, and expenses such as education and child care that would generate credits and refunds. The information reported was always very similar and often identical.Although Aguiar was aware that the financial information she reported was false, she prepared and electronically filed the tax returns with the IRS. Cudhea and his Angels filed more than 5000 false tax returns seeking refunds of approximately $9.4 million. Cudhea paid Aguiar a flat fee for each false return that she prepared that was accepted for processing by the IRS. Cudhea directed the IRS to pay portions of each refund to himself, the pastor who provided the personal identifying information, and sometimes the person in whose name the return was filed. The scheme induced the IRS to pay more than $4 million in false refund claims before it became aware of the fraudulent nature of the claims.
United States Attorney John P. Kacavas said, “Prosecuting cases of financial fraud, particularly cases in which the American taxpayer is the victim, is an essential mission of my office. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute fraudsters and restore stolen monies to the public fisc.”
Aguiar faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and maximum fine of $250,000. She is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2015.
Cudhea, who was charged with conspiracy, wire fraud and other crimes in connection with the scheme, committed suicide after learning that he was being prosecuted. The charges against him have been dismissed.
This case was investigated by the Manchester field office of the IRS’s Criminal Investigation division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Morse.
Farmington, Missouri Pharmacist Indicted on Federal Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – PATRICIA HOEHN allegedly wrote prescriptions for hydrocodone for three different people representing that they were prescribed by a licensed medical doctor. She is also charged with attempting to destroy her cellular telephone so that investigators could not find information about her diversion of these controlled substances.
Hoehn, Farmington, MO, was indicted by a federal grand jury on three felony counts of obtaining a controlled substance by forgery, three felony counts of making false statements relating to a health care matter, one felony count of fraud with identification documents and one felony count of attempting to destroy a cellular telephone to impair official proceeding. She is expected to appear in federal court today.
If convicted, these charges carry penalties ranging from 4 to 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
FBI Arrests Suburban Chicago Man for Allegedly Attempting to Support Terrorism OverseasRead the Press Release
A southwest suburban Bolingbrook man was arrested Saturday night for allegedly attempting to travel overseas to join a foreign terrorist organization operating inside Iraq and Syria, federal law enforcement officials announced today. The defendant, Mohammed Hamzah Khan, 19, a U.S. citizen, was charged with attempting to join the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Khan was taken into custody without incident at O’Hare International Airport by members of the Chicago FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force before he attempted to fly to Vienna, Austria, on his way to Istanbul, Turkey.
Khan was charged in a criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court with one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. He appeared this morning in U.S. District Court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Cox, and remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
According to the complaint affidavit, a roundtrip ticket was purchased for Khan on Sept. 26 to travel from Chicago to Istanbul, departing on Saturday, and returning later this week.
Law enforcement agents observed Khan passing through the security screening checkpoint Saturday afternoon at O’Hare’s international terminal. Federal agents then executed a search warrant at Khan’s residence and recovered multiple handwritten documents that appeared to be drafted by Khan and/or others, which expressed support for ISIL, the affidavit alleges. Some of those documents, including travel plans and materials referencing ISIL and jihad, are described in the complaint affidavit.
Khan was initially approached by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and was later interviewed later by FBI agents at the airport.
Attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The JTTF is comprised of Special Agents of the FBI, officers of the Chicago Police Department, and representatives from an additional 20 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Justice Department’s National Security Division assisted in the investigation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Illinois State Police also provided significant assistance.
The arrest and complaint were announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert J. Holley, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is continuing, they said.
The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Hiller and Angel Krull.
The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
FBI Arrests Suburban Chicago Man for Allegedly Attempting to Support Terrorism OverseasRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A southwest suburban Bolingbrook man was arrested Saturday night for allegedly attempting to travel overseas to join a foreign terrorist organization operating inside Iraq and Syria, federal law enforcement officials announced today. The defendant, MOHAMMED HAMZAH KHAN, 19, a U.S. citizen, was charged with attempting to join the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Khan was taken into custody without incident at O’Hare International Airport by members of the Chicago FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force before he attempted to fly to Vienna, Austria, on his way to Istanbul, Turkey.
Khan was charged in a criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court with one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. He appeared this morning in U.S. District Court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Cox, and remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
According to the complaint affidavit, a roundtrip ticket was purchased for Khan on Sep. 26 to travel from Chicago to Istanbul, departing on Saturday, and returning later this week.
Law enforcement agents observed Khan passing through the security screening checkpoint Saturday afternoon at O’Hare’s international terminal. Federal agents then executed a search warrant at Khan’s residence and recovered multiple handwritten documents that appeared to be drafted by Khan and/or others, which expressed support for ISIL, the affidavit alleges. Some of those documents, including travel plans and materials referencing ISIL and jihad, are described in the complaint affidavit.
Khan was initially approached by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and was later interviewed later by FBI agents at the airport.
Attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The JTTF is comprised of Special Agents of the FBI, officers of the Chicago Police Department, and representatives from an additional 20 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Justice Department’s National Security Division assisted in the investigation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Illinois State Police also provided significant assistance.
The arrest and complaint were announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert J. Holley, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is continuing, they said.
The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Hiller and Angel Krull.
The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Complaint
Edmonds Man who Operated Illegal Money Transmitting Business Sentenced to Two Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A 55-year-old Edmonds, Washington man who moved more than $150 million from overseas sources, through his U.S. bank accounts, and then back overseas, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two years in prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. PAVEL ROMBAKH, who immigrated to the U.S. from Ukraine in the 1990’s, pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business in May 2014. As part of his plea, he forfeited to the government cash and property worth $510,000. At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge James L. Robart stated, “He moved a staggering $150 million…. The money came out of Russia and Cyprus, into the U.S. and was wired out to Latvia, the United Arab Emirates and China. That makes this a serious offense.”
According to records filed in the case, over a five year period, ROMBAKH received wires of more than $150 million from overseas and then wired the funds back out to other accounts. Many of the wires originated in Russia and Cyprus and were promptly re-wired to England, Latvia, the United Arab Emirates, and China. ROMBAKH kept a small percentage of the funds as his fee. Investigators were not able to determine the source of the funds, nor what they were used for overseas. Defense attorneys claimed some of the money went to a mining company in Mongolia, but no evidence corroborating this claim was found in the investigation.
“IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to ensuring the integrity of our nation's banking system,” stated Special Agent in Charge Teri Alexander. “Financial Institutions are regulated by federal law. Rombakh attempted to circumvent that law by acting like a bank but without the necessary oversight that protects our overall financial system.”
The case was investigated by IRS-CI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas Woods and Francis Franze-Nakamura.Drug Trafficker from Belize Was "Popeye" on the Streets of Overland ParkRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A man from Belize who used the alias “Popeye” to peddle methamphetamine on the streets of Overland Park was sentenced Monday to nine years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
John Michael Hernandez, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing methamphetamine and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported. In his plea, he admitted he was using the alias “Popeye” in December 2013 when he began selling methamphetamine to undercover investigators working with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. In a series of transactions, he sold them more than a pound of methamphetamine.
After he was arrested, Homeland Security Investigations used the Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT) and the integrated Automated Fingerpring System (AFIS) to determine Hernandez had previously been convicted of robbery in Los Angeles and deported from the United States to Belize in 2009.
Grissom commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken for their work on the case.Detroit Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Large-scale Heroin Distribution in HuntingtonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Detroit man were sentenced today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Huntington in 2013 and 2014, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Christopher Lamarr-Shawn Harris, also known as “C” and “Caesar,” 28, who previously pleaded guilty in July of 2014 to conspiring to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin, was sentenced to 12 years and three months in federal prison. Denzell Lamar Bunkley, also known as “Chotty” and “King,” 22, who also pleaded guilty in July of 2014 to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, was sentenced to three years and one month.
From at least the summer of 2013 to April 2, 2014, Harris led a conspiracy with Bunkley and others, including Steven Edward Lewis, Jakaiser Wesley Jackson, and Brandon S. Keaton, to distribute heroin, primarily in West Huntington. Harris recruited co-conspirators and frequently arranged for the transportation of heroin from Detroit, Michigan, to Huntington. Harris used multiple locations to store, prepare and distribute heroin, including the Red Roof Inn Hotel located on Route 60 in Huntington and an apartment located at 1416 Jefferson Avenue in West Huntington. In addition to Bunkley, Jackson, and Keaton, Harris also recruited local residents to assist with drug distribution.
On December 31, 2013, officers with the Huntington Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at the Jefferson Avenue apartment. Officers seized approximately 413 grams of heroin and $12,349 in cash during the search. Officers also arrested Harris, Bunkley, and Lewis who were located inside the apartment.
Harris was again arrested on February 20, 2014, in Ohio by the Ohio State Highway Patrol while travelling from Huntington to Detroit. During his arrest, officers seized a total of $24,930 in cash from Harris.
Harris was arrested for a third time on April 2, 2014, after officers received information that he was again present at the Red Roof Inn in Huntington distributing heroin. Officers searched two rooms at the hotel and seized approximately 192 grams of heroin along with $3,000 in cash. Harris, along with Jackson, had arranged to transport the heroin from Detroit to Huntington days prior to the search.During today’s hearing, the Court found Harris responsible for arranging the distribution of over one kilogram of heroin, primarily in West Huntington, during the conspiracy. The Court also found that Harris served as a manager and organizer of the conspiracy and that he maintained a residence in West Huntington for the purpose of distributing heroin.
The Huntington Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the West Virginia State Police, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Marshals Service all participated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of heroin and prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiates and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Dayton Man Sentenced to 240 Months for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DAYTON, OHIO – Eugene Roberts, 59, of Dayton, Ohio was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 240 months in prison and lifetime supervision for distributing child pornography.
Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Kevin R. Cornelius, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Marlon V. Miller, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.
According to court documents, investigators discovered Roberts was sharing sexually explicit images of minors. Specifically, the defendant sent approximately 170 email messages including child pornography to at least 20 other individuals. The recipients of his emails then typically sent child pornography to Roberts in return.
In total, investigators discovered 5,578 images of child pornography from Roberts’ computer; 11 of these images depicted bondage and two depicted bestiality. In addition, they discovered 797 videos, two videos depicting bondage and five videos depicting bestiality.
Roberts was arrested on April 3, 2014 and has remained in custody since. He pleaded guilty on July 2, 2014 to distribution of child pornography.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the cooperative investigation by the FBI and HSI, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Brent Tabacchi and Benjamin Glassman, who represented the United States in this case.Costa Rican Woman Pleads Guilty to Human Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A citizen and resident of Costa Rica pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to smuggle more than 25 undocumented immigrants to the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Clark E. Settles of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Washington, D.C., Field Office made the announcement.
Mercedes Morera Roche, 49, was extradited to the United States from Panama on Aug. 21, 2014, to face charges for smuggling more than 25 undocumented immigrants from Cuba to the United States.
According to her plea agreement, Roche admitted that between 2004 and 2011, she was an organizer of a human smuggling network that provided instructions, fraudulent identity and travel documents, escorts, transport, safe house locations, and other assistance to facilitate the illicit travel of undocumented immigrants to the United States. Roche admitted that in some cases, she provided fraudulent passports so that undocumented immigrants could fly to the United States with the help of corrupt foreign airline and immigration officials. Roche directed the immigrants to destroy the fraudulent documents during the flights before landing at United States airports and instructed the immigrants about engaging with authorities at the airports. In other cases, Roche coordinated the smuggling of undocumented immigrants via land through Latin America and Mexico into the United States. Roche solicited payments of up to $10,000 for each undocumented immigrant.
Roche’s sentencing is scheduled on Dec. 11, 2014, before U.S. District Court Judge Ursula M. Ungaro of the Southern District of Florida.
The investigation was conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
The investigation was conducted by HSI’s Washington, D.C. Field Office with support from the Human Smuggling Trafficking Center and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center. Critical assistance was also provided by HSI’s Miami Field Office and the ICE Attaché Office in Panama. Extradition assistance was provided by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, Interpol Washington and the United States Marshals Service. The Justice Department is grateful for the significant assistance provided by the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Michael Sheckels of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Emery of the Southern District of Florida.
Costa Rican Woman Pleads Guilty to Human Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A citizen and resident of Costa Rica pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to smuggle more than 25 undocumented immigrants to the United States.
U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Clark E. Settles of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Washington, D.C., Field Office made the announcement.
Mercedes Morera Roche, 49, was extradited to the United States from Panama on Aug. 21, 2014, to face charges for smuggling more than 25 undocumented immigrants from Cuba to the United States.
According to her plea agreement, Roche admitted that between 2004 and 2011, she was an organizer of a human smuggling network that provided instructions, fraudulent identity and travel documents, escorts, transport, safe house locations, and other assistance to facilitate the illicit travel of undocumented immigrants to the United States. Roche admitted that in some cases, she provided fraudulent passports so that undocumented immigrants could fly to the United States with the help of corrupt foreign airline and immigration officials. Roche directed the immigrants to destroy the fraudulent documents during the flights before landing at United States airports and instructed the immigrants about engaging with authorities at the airports. In other cases, Roche coordinated the smuggling of undocumented immigrants via land through Latin America and Mexico into the United States. Roche solicited payments of up to $10,000 for each undocumented immigrant.
Roche’s sentencing is scheduled on Dec. 11, 2014, before U.S. District Court Judge Ursula M. Ungaro of the Southern District of Florida.
The investigation was conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
The investigation was conducted by HSI’s Washington, D.C. Field Office with support from the Human Smuggling Trafficking Center and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center. Critical assistance was also provided by HSI’s Miami Field Office and the ICE Attaché Office in Panama. Extradition assistance was provided by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, Interpol Washington and the United States Marshals Service. The Justice Department is grateful for the significant assistance provided by the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Michael Sheckels of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Emery of the Southern District of Florida.
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.
Clearwater Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Gerald Eugene Mayham (41, Clearwater) pleaded guilty today to sex trafficking a child. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2015. Mayham was indicted on May 29, 2014.
In June and July 2013, Mayham conspired with Joel Raymond Nauta to cause a 16-year-old girl to engage in commercial sex acts. Mayham, who knew that the victim was a minor, arranged the sex acts by soliciting men at various locations in Clearwater and Dunedin. To get the victim to comply with the scheme, Mayham threatened her and provided her with drugs. Mayham received the money from the sex acts, which he used to purchase drugs.
On April 29, 2014, Nauta pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy. He will be sentenced on December 17, 2014.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Clearwater Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Largo Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph W. Swanson and Simon A. Gaugush.
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.
Clearfield Woman Participated in Fictitious Income Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Clearfield, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the government, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Juanitha Leach-Anderson, 36, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, from March 2007 to August 23, 2008, Leach-Anderson conspired with another to defraud the Internal Revenue Service, an agency of the United States Department of Treasury, by obtaining and aiding to obtain payment or allowance of false, fictitious and fraudulent claims against the United States. Leach-Anderson and another person prepared or caused to be prepared and filed approximately 111 false, fictitious and fraudulent federal income tax returns wherein they claimed tax refunds totaling approximately $190,279.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 24, 2014, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Leach-Anderson.
Chester County Man Admits to Explosives, Fraud, and Weapons OffensesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Istvan Merchenthaler, 44, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today to all counts in four pending indictments charging him with wire fraud, possession of destructive devices, and related offenses, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Merchenthaler has been in federal custody since February 16, 2013. All of the indictments have been consolidated before United States District Judge Robert F. Kelly. A sentencing hearing is expected to be scheduled for January 2015.
Merchenthaler pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, four counts of money laundering, two counts of filing false tax returns, and two counts of interstate transportation of stolen goods, as charged by the federal grand jury in this District. Specifically, from about May 2006 to February 2013, Merchenthaler claimed to be the founder of PhoneCard USA, a company that was purportedly a “premier distribution source” for prepaid phone cards and cell phones. In reality, Merchenthaler operated a “Ponzi” scheme, stealing over $2 million from over 200 investors and using much of these funds for his own benefit and to perpetuate his scheme. In his scheme, Merchenthaler falsely claimed that PhoneCard USA had “lucrative contracts” with major retail chain stores including Walmart, 7-Eleven, and BJ’s Wholesale Club. Further, Merchenthaler falsely claimed to have friendships with executives at Walmart and 7-Eleven and used their names in a fraudulent e-mail address and bogus contracts.
Merchenthaler also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of unregistered destructive devices and one count of being a fugitive in possession of a firearm and ammunition, as charged by the federal grand jury in this District. Specifically, while he was a fugitive from justice in this District, Merchenthaler possessed approximately 460 improvised explosive devices (“IEDs”), a firearm, and ammunition.
In addition, Merchenthaler also pleaded guilty to two counts of being a fugitive in possession of firearms and ammunition and one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device, as charged by the federal grand jury in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Specifically, while he was a fugitive from justice, Merchenthaler possessed approximately 39 IEDs, a firearm, and 580 rounds of ammunition in the Wilmington, North Carolina area.
Moreover, Merchenthaler pleaded guilty to one count of being a fugitive in possession of firearms and ammunition, one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device, and one count of possession of an illegally manufactured firearm, as charged by the federal grand jury in the District of Maryland. Specifically, while he was a fugitive from justice, Merchenthaler possessed approximately 135 IEDs, 15 firearms, and 11,000 rounds of ammunition in the Rising Sun, Maryland area.
At sentencing, Merchnthaler faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison with a maximum possible statutory sentence of 230 years, a three year period of supervised release, a fine of up to $5.5 million fine, and a $2,200 special assessment. Restitution and forfeiture may also be ordered.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, the Philadelphia Police Bomb Disposal Unit, the Montgomery County Bomb Squad, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the East Whiteland Police Department, the East Whiteland Fire Department, the Malvern Fire Department, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, the Maryland State Police, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vineet Gauri.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525Chemical Company Fined, Placed on Probation for Violating Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Roberts Chemical Company, Inc. of Attleboro, Mass., was fined $200,000 and placed on probation for five years today by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., for violating the Clean Air Act. The company failed to develop and implement a Risk Management Plan (RMP) to minimize the chance of release of ethyl ether from its former Pawtucket, R.I., facility, and to protect workers, the community and emergency and first responders in the event of a release or fire involving ethyl ether. EPA regulations require a company’s RMP to include a “worst case” response plan.
Roberts Chemical Company, Inc. is in the business of storing, distributing and repackaging chemicals, some of which are designated as extremely hazardous. The company pleaded guilty in August 2014 to violating the Clean Air Act.
The sentence is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; John Gauthier, Acting Special Agent in charge of EPA's criminal program in Rhode Island; and Bruce Foucart, Special Agent in charge of HSI Boston
"Protecting communities from hazardous chemical releases is a priority for EPA" said John Gauthier, Acting Special Agent in charge of EPA's criminal program in Rhode Island. "Today's sentence emphasizes the importance of having a Risk Management Plan (RMP). If handled or stored improperly, flammable liquids can injure or even kill. With an RMP in place, workers and emergency responders are better prepared to deal with a chemical accident."
Ethyl ether is a volatile, extremely flammable liquid chemical. EPA regulations require facilities storing more than 10,000 lbs. of ethyl ether to develop and implement a RMP. An investigation by EPA determined that in November and December 2008, Roberts Chemical Company, Inc. failed to develop and implement a RMP while storing 27,467 lbs. of ethyl ether at their former facility at 258 Pine Street in Pawtucket.“We will continue to vigorously investigate those who are determined to line their pockets with the proceeds of crimes against the environment," said Bruce Foucart, special agent in charge of HSI Boston. "The willful falsification of EPA reports and DHS vulnerability assessments posed a triple threat to the national security, public safety, and economic well-being of the State of Rhode Island.”
In addition to paying a $200,000 fine and serving a term of 5 years probation, Roberts Chemical Company, Inc. is required to issue a public apology.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly.
This case was investigated by the U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the REFP Unit of the Office of Environmental Stewardship with EPA's Region 1 office.###
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]Centennial Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
DENVER – Chaval Williams, age 53, of Centennial, CO, was sentenced last week by U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martinez to serve 74 months in federal prison for wire fraud, identity theft and money laundering federal authorities announced. Following his prison sentence, Williams was ordered to serve 3 years on supervised release. Williams was also ordered by Judge Martinez to pay $766,800.81 in restitution. He was ordered to report to a Bureau of Prisons facility once one is designated. Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on June 8, 2011 and pled guilty on May 29, 2013.
According to the indictment and plea agreement, from March 2005, through December 2006, Williams conducted business in the State of Colorado through his company "TCW of Denver, Inc.", during which time he arranged for or assisted buyers to obtain loans for the purchase of homes. He held himself out to others as a real estate investor, involved in the purchase and sale of residential real estate for investment purposes.
Williams with the assistance of others devised a scheme to defraud real estate lenders, particularly by fraudulently securing real estate financing for the purchase of properties, typically through the use of nominee (or "straw") home buyers. Williams informed some of the buyers that they were making a legitimate real estate purchase for investment purposes. In some instances, he made certain buyers aware in the course of assisting them obtain a home loan based on false representations to the lender. In several instances, Williams along with others used the stolen identity and good credit history of two particular individuals.
Williams sometimes provided false information to lenders including proof of employment such as pay stubs or wage and tax statements, bank statements, verifications of employment, rent or deposit, letters of explanation related to buyers' credit history, affidavits of intent to occupy the purchased residence and identification documents.
Furthermore, Williams sometimes caused or assisted in causing lenders to provide a significant portion of lender funds directly to himself or his company TCW of Denver. To make these payments appear legitimate, he sometimes caused false and fictitious promissory notes, payoff statements, or other documents to be presented in connection with the closing of the property. He arranged for home buyers to receive kickbacks as payment for their role in purchasing a home. Williams on several occasions purchased and then resold a home to a buyer within the same day, collecting a substantial profit from the resale and would conceal from the lender the resale of the property. The total loss amount Williams caused to the functional institutions was over 2.4 million dollars.
“The significant prison sentence pronounced in this case is appropriate given the defendant’s criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh. “Mortgage fraud schemes, like the one Williams implemented, not only adversely impact the housing market, they also hurt our entire economy.”
"This is a simple case of pure greed" said Stephen Boyd, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office. "This is evident by the fact that Williams concealed from lenders the purchase and reselling of homes within the same day."
“Identifying and investigating this fraud was only possible through the collaborative effort of several law enforcement agencies and the United States Attorney’s Office,” stated FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Thomas Ravenelle. “We are confident this sentence will deter Williams and others from manipulating home buyers and financial institutions in the future.”
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service.
The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiff Neff.
Cedar Rapids Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Robbery and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who committed four bank robberies and a woman who drove the getaway vehicle for one robbery pled guilty in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Javon Dockery, age 29, from Cedar Rapids, was convicted of four counts of bank robbery and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Bria Daudinot, age 21, from Cedar Rapids, was convicted of one count of bank robbery.
At a plea hearing on October 2, 2014, Dockery admitted that he robbed a Cedar Rapids branch of the US Bank on April 30 and June 26, 2014. He also admitted that he robbed a Cedar Rapids branch of the Guaranty Bank on May 16 and May 29, 2014. Further, Dockery admitted that, during the commission of the June 26 robbery, he brandished a firearm. At a plea hearing today, Daudinot admitted that she aided and abetted Dockery in the June 26 robbery. In a plea agreement, Daudinot admitted that she drove the getaway vehicle for this robbery.
Sentencings before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after presentence reports are prepared. Both Dockery and Daudinot remain in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Dockery faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life in prison, a $1,250,000 fine, a $500 special assessment, and up to 5 years on supervised release following any imprisonment. Daudinot faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and up to 3 years on supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 14-68.
- California Man Appears in Houston on Fraud Charges
California Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A California man who distributed heroin, methamphetamine, and oxycodone in Charleston and Summersville, West Virginia in 2012 and 2013 was sentenced today to 15 years and eight months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Donnell Dwayne Diego, 34, of San Diego, California previously pleaded guilty in April of 2014, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The guilty plea resolved Diego’s involvement in three separate investigations conducted by task force agents in Kanawha and Nicholas counties.
On October 11, 2012 officers from the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) searched Diego’s Central Avenue residence in Charleston and seized two loaded semiautomatic pistols, crack cocaine, and oxycodone tablets. Diego posted bond in Kanawha County Magistrate Court after his arrest and was released from custody. In June and July of 2013, MDENT officers used an informant to make three undercover purchases of methamphetamine from Diego. On July 11, 2013, police executed a search warrant at Diego’s residence and seized more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, more than 50 grams of heroin, and almost $10,000. Diego agreed to speak with police and admitted bringing heroin and methamphetamine from San Diego, California to distribute in West Virginia. Diego posted bond in Kanawha County Magistrate Court after his arrest and was, again, released from custody.
In October of 2013, a federal indictment was returned against Diego charging him with drug and firearm offenses arising from the October 2012 arrest. On November 5, 2013, members of the San Diego County Integrated Narcotic Task Force working drug interdiction in the San Diego, California International Airport seized more than $22,000 from Diego’s carry-on luggage. They were not aware of the federal indictment and did not arrest Diego.
In October and November of 2013, Diego was living at a residence on Scenic Highway near Summersville, West Virginia. Members of the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force (CWVDTF) used an informant to purchase heroin and methamphetamine on several occasions from a man living with Diego. On November 18, 2013, task force agents from both MDENT and CWVDTF executed a search warrant at Diego’s residence. Among other items, police seized more than 30 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 10 grams of heroin, fifteen firearms, and more than $16,000. Diego was not home at the time of the search but drove by the residence while police were there. He refused a Nicholas County Deputy’s command to stop and led police on a vehicle chase several miles along Scenic Highway. The chase came to an end when members of the tactical entry team, who had already cleared the scene of the search warrant, disabled
Diego’s vehicle by shooting out its tires after he drove around their roadblock.
Diego has previously been convicted of several felony offenses in California including burglary and grand theft in 2003 and distribution of drugs in 2004 and 2007.MDENT and CWVDTF conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.