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Monday 8 September 2014
Federal Jury Finds Convicted Felon Illegally Possessed PistolsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - After deliberating for just over ten hours, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, a federal jury of six men and six women found Michael Eugene Gorny guilty of one count of violation federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Gorny, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pa., was tried before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer in Pittsburgh.
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine A. King and Rebecca R. Haywood, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that on or about July 4, 2012, Gorny, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a .40 S&W caliber Glock pistol, and a 9mm caliber Lorcin pistol. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Jan. 28, 2015 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Michael Eugene Gorny.
Duluth Man Sentenced for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Todd Alexander Pell has been sentenced to 29 years in federal prison for producing pornographic images of young boys.
“The repeated acts of sexual abuse committed by Pell are appalling” said United States Attorney Yates. “We applaud the victim who had the courage to come forward and expose this abuse; he likely saved other young boys from the same fate.”
J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “Today’s lengthy prison sentence of Pell removes a dangerous child predator from our community and prevents him from harming others in this manner. In working with our various law enforcement partners in keeping America’s youth safe, the FBI will continue to provide significant assets and resources toward the investigation of violent crimes against children.”
According to United States Attorney Yates, the criminal indictment, and information presented in court: In June 2013, a fourteen (14) year old male reported to Duluth Police that he had been sexually assaulted by Pell from December 2012 through February 2013 at Pell’s residence on Bromley Rowe in Duluth, Ga. Pell initially paid the victim to do yard work, but later propositioned the victim to engage in sex acts with Pell. In late 2012, Pell began taking sexually explicit photos of the victim and sexually abusing him. After each assault by Pell, Pell gave the victim money and took the victim out to eat. Pell also brought two older teens into his home to sexually assault the victim. Pell took photographs of these older males engaged in sex acts with the victim. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement also discovered two additional minor victims who were sexually abused by Pell. During the execution of a search warrant at Pell’s home, law enforcement recovered the camera Pell used to capture the sexual assaults and computers on which child pornography was found.
Pell, 44, of Duluth, Ga., was sentenced by United States District Judge Steve C. Jones to 29 years in prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. The defendant will be required to register as a sex offender when he is released from prison. As part of his plea agreement with federal and state authorities, Pell will also enter a guilty plea to six counts of aggravated sodomy in Gwinnett County Superior Court.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Duluth Police Department and the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office.
This case is being 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Jill E. Steinberg prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.justice.gov/usao/gan.
District Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison in $3 Million Embezzlement Scheme-Defendant Bought House and Trips to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Miami, and Hawaii-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Howard E. Person, Jr., 37, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 46 months in prison on charges stemming from his embezzlement of $3 million from a small business in the District of Columbia, using his employer’s money for the purchase of a house, trips to casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, and other personal expenses.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Kathy A. Michalko, Special Agent in Charge, Washington Field Office, U.S. Secret Service.
Person pled guilty in May 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to interstate transportation of money taken by fraud. He was sentenced by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton. Upon completion of his prison term, Person will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also must pay approximately $3.2 million in restitution and an additional $5,000 in a forfeiture money judgment.
According to the government’s factual proffer, Person was hired to be the Finance Director of a small business in the District of Columbia. As the Finance Director, Person managed and maintained all of the financial accounts and records for the company. He was responsible for and oversaw the company’s payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, invoices, bank accounts, loans, and expense payments. From March 2008 to September 2011, Person diverted money from the company to another account which he exclusively controlled in order to embezzle money from the company. He accomplished the theft by opening a bank account in the name of the company but with himself as the sole person with authority to conduct financial transactions on the account. The owner of the company was not aware of this account and did not authorize Person to maintain a company account solely in his exclusive control.
Person then obtained payment checks which had been mailed or delivered from the company’s clients for payment of work performed; instead of depositing the checks into the authorized company bank account, Person caused them to be deposited into the secret account over which he had exclusive control. Person arranged for clients to make electronic payments to the secret account instead of the authorized account for work performed by the company.
Person also arranged for a finance company to send money to the secret account through its system of financing Accounts Receivable for expected payments for work performed by the company, without the knowledge and permission of the owner.
Through this method of depositing checks, diverting client payments, and financing loans, Person obtained in the secret account approximately $6,545,000, which was due and owing the company.
In order to conceal the theft, Person transferred approximately $3,336,000 from the secret account to the company-authorized account and at times paid legitimate company expenses. He also used fake invoices substantially underreporting the amounts of money due and owing to the company. In this way, Person was able to trick the owner into believing that the amounts of deposits into the authorized account matched the incoming money as reflected on the fake invoices.
Person also obtained debit cards on the secret account enabling him to charge goods and services to be paid by the money in the secret account which was funded by money he stole from the company. Person spent the $3,209,000 in stolen money for his own personal business and enjoyment, including: purchasing his home in the District of Columbia, in an amount in excess of $340,000; paying for trips to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Miami, the Dominican Republic, and Hawaii; transferring money into his personal bank account and into his side-line business account; funding parties and shows; and causing withdrawals of over $55,000 in cash from ATMs and over $35,000 in debit card purchases at casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Chief Lanier, and Special Agent in Charge Michalko expressed appreciation for the work performed by MPD detectives from the Financial Crimes and Fraud Unit as well as by the Special Agents and financial analysts from the U.S. Secret Service. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Criminal Investigator Juan Juarez; Paralegal Specialists Kristy Penny, Donna Galindo and Corinne Kleinman; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Kavanaugh and Anthony Saler; former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Chris Dobbie, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Virginia Cheatham and Bryan Seeley, who prosecuted the case.
14-197Cuyahoga Falls Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Trying to Buy A ChildRead the Press Release
A Cuyahoga Falls man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for attempting to purchase a 10-year-old girl, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Cleveland Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Robert W. Thomas, age 37, was found guilty earlier this year on three counts: offering to buy a child, enticement and receipt and distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
"This sentence is well-deserved given the disturbing nature of the charges," Dettelbach said. “Our office remains committed to working with the FBI and all our law enforcement partners to defend our children and fight human trafficking.”
“This case is the result of outstanding investigative work completed by the FBI and the Alliance Police Department and our partners,” Anthony said. “Law enforcement will continue to proactively and aggressively pursue predators that intend to harm our children.”
"The city of Alliance is very satisfied with the result in this matter," said Law Director Jennifer L. Arnold. "The level of professionalism and cooperation of all the agencies involved was impressive. I was proud to work with everyone involved, especially Detective Shatzer, who spearheaded the investigation."
On January 11, 2014, detectives from the Alliance Police Department arrested a man who was attempting to purchase a 10-year-old female child to keep and use for sexual purposes. The man had posted on an online site asking for anyone willing to arrange a “marriage” of their daughter to him. An Alliance Police Department officer, also assigned to the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, responded to the man’s posting and began a conversation, according to court documents.
Thomas agreed to a meeting with the online undercover officer to purchase for $400 what he believed to be a 10-year-old child. Thomas and the officer, acting in an undercover capacity, met in a business establishment in Alliance and then went outside to complete the “transaction.” As the two approached the undercover officer’s vehicle, Thomas was arrested. At the time of arrest, Thomas had $400 cash in his hand, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Alliance Police Department, with assistance from the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan.
Child Molester Sentenced to 33 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Brad Parham (843) 665-6688
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that Kevin Michael Stehlik has been sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Production of Child Pornography, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a), and Possession of Child Pornography, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B). United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Stehlik to 396 months (33 years) imprisonment, to be followed by supervised release for life, and restitution in the amount of $25,000.00.
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Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Stehlik made numerous video recordings of himself while engaging in sexually explicit acts with a six–year-old child. Agents discovered the videos during the execution of a search warrant at Stehlik’s residence. During a search of Stehlik’s computer, agents also uncovered a significant amount of child pornography depicting sexually explicit images of prepubescent children.
The case was investigated by agents with ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Charleston. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
“While it is heartbreaking to see a registered sex offender gain access to and subsequently sexually abuse a young child, it is a relief to know that Kevin Stehlik will spend the next three decades behind bars,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Spradlin of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Atlanta. “This investigation displayed terrific work by our special agents, who were able to positively identify Stehlik as the child’s abuser in pornography videos by comparing scars and other distinguishing features. Hopefully this lengthy sentence will bring some peace to the victim and family as they work to heal from the damage he so callously inflicted upon them.” United States Attorney Bill Nettles expressed his thanks for “the outstanding investigative work by the Charleston HSI agents which resulted in this predator being brought to justice.”
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 United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.Bushwick Drug Dealer Convicted of Orchestrating Two Contract MurdersRead the Press Release
Earlier today, following three weeks of trial, a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, returned a guilty verdict against Shaun Taylor, also known as “S-Dot,” on charges of murder and narcotics trafficking. These charges arose from the defendant’s participation in a decade-long narcotics trafficking conspiracy in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, in connection with which the defendant orchestrated two contract murders. When sentenced by United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry, the defendant faces a mandatory life term of imprisonment. Taylor’s co-defendant, Timothy Pinkney, pleaded guilty on August 6, 2014, to the murder of Terrance Barnett, and is also awaiting sentencing.
The verdict was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and George Venizelos, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI).
The evidence at trial showed that Taylor hired Pinkney to murder a man who had stolen Taylor’s “drug phone,” the cellular telephone Taylor used to conduct his lucrative narcotics business. Taylor paid Pinkney $1,500 to carry out the murder and mistakenly directed him to Terrance Barnett, who was visiting Brooklyn for the weekend and had no prior relationship with Taylor or Pinkney. On April 29, 2005, just before 10 p.m., Barnett was fatally shot as he stood with a friend on Putnam Avenue in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Two years later, Taylor hired two other men to kill Joseph Vargas. Taylor and his coconspirators targeted Vargas because they feared Vargas might turn against them after they stole a shipment of narcotics destined for Vargas. On June 20, 2007, at 6:20 p.m., at the direction of Taylor, one of the men hired by Taylor shot at Vargas and his brother on DeKalb Avenue in Bushwick. Vargas’s brother survived, but Vargas died at the scene.
“The defendant attempted to insulate himself by hiring young men to carry out brazen acts of violence at his behest, including the murders of Barnett and Vargas. We hope the victims’ families can take some measure of solace in knowing that the individual responsible for their sons’ murders has been brought to justice,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. Ms. Lynch extended her grateful appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug
Enforcement Administration, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Strike Force; and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding work in this case.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys
Matthew Amatruda, David Pitluck, and Tali Farhadian.
The Defendant:
SHAUN TAYLOR
Age:
Brooklyn, NY
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 10-CR-268
Burtonsville Man Admits He Stole $353,506 in Social Security Benefit Checks over A 20 Year PeriodRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Thomas Jefferson Kirby, Jr., age 50, of Burtonsville, Maryland pleaded guilty today to theft of government property.
The plea agreement was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill of the Social Security Administration (SSA) - Office of Inspector General, Philadelphia Field Division.According to his plea agreement, Kirby’s father received social security retirement benefits based on the father’s earnings record. At the time of his father’s death, the benefits were paid by direct deposit to a bank account on which Kirby was a co-signor. Kirby’s father died on April 2, 1994. His death was not reported to SSA. SSA paid a total of $353,506 from April 1994 until December 2013 when the benefits were terminated. At the time benefits were terminated, the father’s monthly benefit amount was $1,820. Kirby used his father’s benefits to pay for his own personal expenses.
Kirby faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Kirby has agreed to pay restitution of $353,506. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm scheduled sentencing for December 16, 2014, at l:30 p.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the Social Security Administration - OIG for its work in the investigation, and thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul K. Nitze, assigned from the Social Security Administration, who is prosecuting the case.
Buffalo Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the IRSRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Keianna A. Jones, 29, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service before Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant conspired with others to submit false claims for income tax refunds. Blank W-2 forms were obtained from local business establishments for use in committing this fraud. Jones also had others obtain legitimate W-2 forms from actual employers and then altered the forms to create new W-2s by changing income and withholding information so as to maximize the refund to be obtained. In working with others, a portion of the refund received would go to the defendant. The loss to the Government as a result of this scheme totaled $54,316.00.
The plea is the result of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge, Shantelle P. Kitchen.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2015, before Judge Skretny.Buffalo Sisters Sentenced for Using Paper as MoneyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Sayonara Heath, 33, and her sister, Sade Heath, 28, both of Buffalo, NY, who were convicted of bank fraud, were sentenced to time served plus two years supervised release by Chief District Court Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who is handling the prosecution, stated that the defendants were part of a conspiracy to defraud local area banks by participating in a “check kiting” scheme. The defendants opened bank accounts and deposited large checks to the accounts. The deposited checks were written on accounts that had insufficient funds or on accounts that had been closed. Before the banks could determine that the checks were not supported by any funds, the defendants withdrew smaller amounts from the accounts. Sayonara Heath received $628.89 from Key Bank and Bank of America, but the intended loss was $4,000. Sade Heath received $1,027.55 from Key Bank and Bank of America, but the intended loss was $16,050.
Co-conspirators Carlique Deberry, Nichole Dean and Antwan Green have also been convicted of bank fraud charges and are awaiting sentencing.
The sentencings are the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tracy Gast.Bucks County Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
William Kinsley, 66, of Langhorne, PA., was charged by indictment, unsealed today, with four counts related to child pornography, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The indictment charges Kinsley with one count of receipt of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, and count of possession of child pornography.
According to the indictment, between October of 2008 and August 2011, Kinsley possessed child pornography on his ThinkPad and on two computers. It is further alleged that on May 29, 2011, Kinsley received and attempted to receive child pornography. The indictment alleges that between January 21, 2011 and February 16, 2011, and on July 28, 2011, Kinsey aided and abetted the distribution of child pornography.
If convicted of all counts, Kinsley faces a maximum possible sentence of 70 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Paul G. Shapiro.
An Indictment 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, 215-861-8525Bakersfield Men Sentenced for Damaging Oil Field FacilitiesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Derek A. Brown, 33, and Bryan T. Schaub, 22, both of Bakersfield, were sentenced today to two years in prison and ordered to pay $240,084 in restitution for conspiring to damage energy facilities, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, in 2011 and 2012, Brown and Schaub stole electronic equipment from the oil field facilities of Chevron, Occidental, Seneca Western Minerals Corporation, Aera Energy, and Berry Petroleum. Among the equipment they stole were programmable logic controllers that electronically control the opening and closing of valves in the oil fields. The theft of a programmable logic controller creates the risk of an oil spill or loss of production if not detected and remedied in time. The total loss of equipment by the oil companies exceeded $200,000.
“Brown and Schaub’s thefts resulted in significant losses in excess of the value of the equipment which was stolen and without any regard for the risk to consumers and the community. Removal of these highly technical controllers resulted in material losses and had the potential to negatively impact both production and prevention of oil spills,” said Special Agent in Charge Monica M. Miller of the FBI’s Sacramento division. “We are thankful for the Kern County Sheriff’s Department for their continued partnership and assistance with the investigation of this matter, the first of its kind in the region.”
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Duce Rice and Michael Tierney prosecuted the case.
Attorney General Holder Announces New Drug Take-Back Effort to Help Tackle Rising Threat of Prescription Drug Addiction and Opioid AbuseRead the Press Release
Calling prescription drug addiction an “urgent and growing threat” to our nation’s public health, Attorney General Eric Holder on Monday announced a new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulation that would allow pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other authorized collectors to serve as authorized drop-off sites for unused prescription drugs. Under the new policy, long-term care facilities will also be able to collect controlled substances turned in by residents of those facilities, and prescription drug users everywhere will have permission to directly mail in their unused medications to authorized collectors.
Attorney General Holder said the new changes will help save lives and protect American families from the increased dangers of prescriptions drug misuse. In 2011 alone, more than half of the 41,300 unintentional drug overdose deaths in the United States involved prescription drugs, and hazardous opioid pain relievers led to about 17,000 of those deaths. Young people are especially susceptible to these dangers. The Attorney General noted that nearly four in 10 teens who have misused or abused a prescription drug have obtained it from their parents’ medicine cabinet.
“These shocking statistics illustrate that prescription drug addiction and abuse represent nothing less than a public health crisis,” the Attorney General said in a video message posted on the Justice Department’s website. “Every day, this crisis touches – and devastates – the lives of Americans from every state, in every region, and from every background and walk of life.”
The new policy announced Monday builds on existing take-back programs launched by the DEA. A recent take-back event coordinated by the DEA last April resulted in the safe return of 390 tons of prescription drugs at nearly 6,100 sites. Over the last four years alone, the DEA and other partnering organizations have taken in over 4.1 million pounds—or more than 2,100 tons—of prescription pills. The DEA’s next take-back event will be on Sept. 27, 2014.
In the video message, the Attorney General described the new policy as evidence of the department’s commitment to ending the national epidemic of prescription drug abuse that has already taken too many lives and hurt too many American families.
The complete text of the Attorney General’s video message is below:
“Prescription drug misuse and abuse is an urgent—and growing—threat to our nation and its citizens. According to a 2013 survey, roughly 6.5 million people ages 12 and older are current nonmedical users of prescription drugs. As recently as 2011, more than half of the 41,300 unintentional drug overdose deaths in the United States involved prescription drugs—and opioid pain relievers were involved in nearly 17,000 of those deaths. Nearly 110 Americans died every day that year from drug overdoses.
“And as we’ve learned from scientific studies, treatment providers, victims, and investigations, prescription drug abuse can easily lead to the abuse of heroin—an addiction that has become increasingly lethal. In fact, in the decade from 2002 to 2011, the annual number of drug poisoning deaths involving heroin doubled, making prescription opioids and heroin some of the most lethal substances in common use.
“These shocking statistics illustrate that prescription drug addiction and abuse represent nothing less than a public health crisis. And every day, this crisis touches – and devastates – the lives of Americans from every state, in every region, and from every background and walk of life.
“The Department of Justice has taken aggressive steps to fight back—by targeting the illegal supply chain; by disrupting so-called “pill mills”; and by expanding public health, education, and law enforcement efforts. But we also recognize that much of this work must start at home. Nearly four in 10 teens who have misused or abused a prescription drug have obtained it from their parents’ medicine cabinet.
“That’s why, today, I am announcing that we are expanding drug take-back efforts – by introducing new ways for people to safely dispose of old or unused prescription drugs. Through new DEA regulations, patients will be allowed to more easily join the fight against prescription drug abuse by dropping off their leftover medications at pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other “authorized collectors.” Beyond authorizing new drop-off sites, the new DEA rule will allow long-term care facilities to assist in the disposal of prescription controlled substances belonging to current or former residents. And most importantly, patients or their family members can mail their prescription controlled substances to an authorized collector using pre-paid mail-back packages that can be obtained right from their pharmacy, or from other locations like libraries and community centers.
“Drug take-back programs on a more limited scale have already proven effective. At a drug take-back event last April, Americans around the country turned in 390 tons of prescription drugs at nearly 6,100 sites coordinated by the DEA—and more than 4,400 state and local law enforcement partners. Over the last four years alone, the DEA and its allies have taken in over 4.1 million pounds—that's more than 2,100 tons—of prescription pills. Once collected, these medications are then responsibly destroyed to ensure that they don’t damage our environment by ending up in landfills or in the water supply. With these new regulations, and with continued take-back events—like the one scheduled in the coming weeks for September 27th—we hope to increase those numbers, and prevent more potentially harmful medications from being misused or abused by young people and others.
“As a lifelong member of America’s law enforcement community—as a former judge and U.S. Attorney—I have seen the devastating consequences of prescription drug abuse firsthand. And as Attorney General—and as a parent—I am committed to ending the national epidemic that has already stolen too many lives and torn apart too many families. I thank you for your help and your partnership in ensuring that we can continue to save lives and protect the futures of our young people.”
For more information, please visit the DEA’s website at www.DEA.gov. The full video of the Attorney General’s message is available at http://www.justice.gov/agwa.php .
Attorney General Holder Announces New Drug Take-Back Effort to Help Tackle Rising Threat of Prescription Drug Addiction and Opioid AbuseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Calling prescription drug addiction an “urgent and growing threat” to our nation’s public health, Attorney General Eric Holder on Monday announced a new Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulation that would allow pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other authorized collectors to serve as authorized drop-off sites for unused prescription drugs. Under the new policy, long-term care facilities will also be able to collect controlled substances turned in by residents of those facilities, and prescription drug users everywhere will have permission to directly mail in their unused medications to authorized collectors.
Attorney General Holder said the new changes will help save lives and protect American families from the increased dangers of prescriptions drug misuse. In 2011 alone, more than half of the 41,300 unintentional drug overdose deaths in the United States involved prescription drugs, and hazardous opioid pain relievers led to about 17,000 of those deaths. Young people are especially susceptible to these dangers. The Attorney General noted that nearly four in 10 teens who have misused or abused a prescription drug have obtained it from their parents’ medicine cabinet.
“These shocking statistics illustrate that prescription drug addiction and abuse represent nothing less than a public health crisis,” the Attorney General said in a video message posted on the Justice Department’s website. “Every day, this crisis touches – and devastates – the lives of Americans from every state, in every region, and from every background and walk of life.”
The new policy announced Monday builds on existing take-back programs launched by the DEA. A recent take-back event coordinated by the DEA last April resulted in the safe return of 390 tons of prescription drugs at nearly 6,100 sites. Over the last four years alone, the DEA and other partnering organizations have taken in over 4.1 million pounds—or more than 2,100 tons—of prescription pills. The DEA’s next take-back event will be on Sept. 27, 2014.
In the video message, the Attorney General described the new policy as evidence of the department’s commitment to ending the national epidemic of prescription drug abuse that has already taken too many lives and hurt too many American families.
The complete text of the Attorney General’s video message is below:
“Prescription drug misuse and abuse is an urgent—and growing—threat to our nation and its citizens. According to a 2013 survey, roughly 6.5 million people ages 12 and older are current nonmedical users of prescription drugs. As recently as 2011, more than half of the 41,300 unintentional drug overdose deaths in the United States involved prescription drugs—and opioid pain relievers were involved in nearly 17,000 of those deaths. Nearly 110 Americans died every day that year from drug overdoses.
“And as we’ve learned from scientific studies, treatment providers, victims, and investigations, prescription drug abuse can easily lead to the abuse of heroin—an addiction that has become increasingly lethal. In fact, in the decade from 2002 to 2011, the annual number of drug poisoning deaths involving heroin doubled, making prescription opioids and heroin some of the most lethal substances in common use.
“These shocking statistics illustrate that prescription drug addiction and abuse represent nothing less than a public health crisis. And every day, this crisis touches – and devastates – the lives of Americans from every state, in every region, and from every background and walk of life.
“The Department of Justice has taken aggressive steps to fight back—by targeting the illegal supply chain; by disrupting so-called “pill mills”; and by expanding public health, education, and law enforcement efforts. But we also recognize that much of this work must start at home. Nearly four in 10 teens who have misused or abused a prescription drug have obtained it from their parents’ medicine cabinet.
“That’s why, today, I am announcing that we are expanding drug take-back efforts – by introducing new ways for people to safely dispose of old or unused prescription drugs. Through new DEA regulations, patients will be allowed to more easily join the fight against prescription drug abuse by dropping off their leftover medications at pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other “authorized collectors.” Beyond authorizing new drop-off sites, the new DEA rule will allow long-term care facilities to assist in the disposal of prescription controlled substances belonging to current or former residents. And most importantly, patients or their family members can mail their prescription controlled substances to an authorized collector using pre-paid mail-back packages that can be obtained right from their pharmacy, or from other locations like libraries and community centers.
“Drug take-back programs on a more limited scale have already proven effective. At a drug take-back event last April, Americans around the country turned in 390 tons of prescription drugs at nearly 6,100 sites coordinated by the DEA—and more than 4,400 state and local law enforcement partners. Over the last four years alone, the DEA and its allies have taken in over 4.1 million pounds—that's more than 2,100 tons—of prescription pills. Once collected, these medications are then responsibly destroyed to ensure that they don’t damage our environment by ending up in landfills or in the water supply. With these new regulations, and with continued take-back events—like the one scheduled in the coming weeks for September 27th—we hope to increase those numbers, and prevent more potentially harmful medications from being misused or abused by young people and others.
“As a lifelong member of America’s law enforcement community—as a former judge and U.S. Attorney—I have seen the devastating consequences of prescription drug abuse firsthand. And as Attorney General—and as a parent—I am committed to ending the national epidemic that has already stolen too many lives and torn apart too many families. I thank you for your help and your partnership in ensuring that we can continue to save lives and protect the futures of our young people.”
For more information, please visit the DEA’s website at www.DEA.gov. The full video of the Attorney General’s message is available at http://www.justice.gov/agwa.php.
Assistant Attorney General Caldwell Announces Sung-Hee Suh <br /> to Serve as Criminal Division Deputy Assistant Attorney GeneralRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division today announced that Sung-Hee Suh has been appointed to serve as Deputy Assistant Attorney General overseeing the Appellate, Capital Case and Fraud Sections.
“Sung-Hee Suh is an exceptional attorney with a depth of experience across the spectrum of the department’s practice areas, from white collar to violent crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. “The Criminal Division continues to attract extraordinary talent both from within government and from the private sector. I am confident that Sung-Hee will be an excellent addition to the Criminal Division.”
Suh returns to the Department of Justice following 15 years at the law firm of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, where she was a partner in the Litigation, Financial Institutions, Securities Enforcement and White Collar Crime, and Regulatory and Compliance practice groups. While in private practice, Suh handled numerous matters involving securities and commodities fraud, public corruption, health care fraud, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, and anti-money laundering and economic sanctions violations.
Prior to joining that law firm, Suh served in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York from 1994 to 1999, including as Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime and Racketeering Section. While at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Suh investigated and prosecuted a wide range of crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering and fraud. She successfully prosecuted the acting boss of the Gambino family and more than 60 other members and associates of organized crime families. She also obtained guilty verdicts against a former managing director of a major securities firm, an attorney and an accountant for operating a Ponzi scheme.
In recognition of her work at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, among other awards, she received the Director’s Award for Superior Performance as an Assistant United States Attorney from the Executive Office for United States Attorneys. In 2011, Suh received the Women of Power and Influence Award from the New York chapter of the National Organization for Women, and in 2012, Suh was recognized in Benchmark Litigation’s inaugural edition of the Top 250 Women in Litigation.
Suh joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office after working as an associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell. She served as a law clerk for the Hon. Robert L. Carter in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. She graduated cum laude from Harvard/Radcliffe College, received a Master of Arts degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School.Another of 20 Defendants Sentenced in Meth Distribution RingRead the Press Release
Two Defendants Still Await Sentencing
BOISE – John Odenwalt, 34, of Mountain Home, Idaho, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. United States District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Odenwalt to serve five years of supervised release following his release from prison. He pleaded guilty to the charge on October 9, 2013.
The conspiracy involved two distribution cells in the Treasure Valley: one led by Jason Holmberg, sentenced on December 16, 2013, to 180 months in prison; the other by Andrew Polney, sentenced on April 7, 2014, to 130 months in prison. Another leading co-defendant, Kenneth Jones, of Sacramento, California, supplied multi-pound shipments of methamphetamine for transport to the Treasure Valley for distribution. Jones was sentenced on January 15, 2014, to 130 months in prison. The group operated from about June 2012, through the time of the various arrests on April 18, 2013, and May 23, 2013. Odenwalt carried methamphetamine from Holmberg to Polney.
A majority of Odenwalt’s co-defendants pleaded guilty and have been sentenced. Henry Horne will be sentenced on October 20, 2014. David Echevarria does not have a sentencing date yet.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, which includes agents of the DEA as well as task force officers from Nampa Police Department.
Alexandria Jury Finds Las Vegas Man Guilty of Kidnapping and MurderRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal jury in Alexandria found a Las Vegas man guilty of kidnapping and murdering a 12-year-old girl.
Thomas Sanders, 57, of Las Vegas, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of kidnapping resulting in death and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the guilt phase of the trial, which started September 3rd and ended September 8th with closing arguments. The jury returned a guilty verdict after deliberating for about an hour.
The case will now move to the penalty phase of the trial, during which the same jury will decide whether Sanders should be put to death or serve a mandatory sentence of life without parole in federal prison. The penalty phase is scheduled to start Tuesday, September 16, 2014.
The FBI, Central Louisiana Safe Streets Task Force, Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Yavapai County Arizona Sheriff’s Office, Coconino County Arizona Sheriff’s Office, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Flanagan, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown and Trial Attorney Julie Mosley of the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section are prosecuting the case.
Friday 5 September 2014
Williamson County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn August 29, 2014, Dennis A. Higgins, a/k/a “Dingo,” 43, of Marion, Ill., pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Evidence at the plea hearing established that, on May 9, 2014, agents executed a search warrant at Higgins’s Marion residence. Agents located two 12 gauge shotguns. Higgins admitted that the guns were his. Because Higgins had previously been convicted of a felony, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The firearm offense carries a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Higgins is currently being held without bond pending a December 10, 2014, sentencing hearing.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The Marion Police Department, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, and Williamson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA
- Marcus Northern, Sr., 54, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The magistrate is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea. Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for 12/8/2014. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITION
- Otis Irvin, Jr , 40 of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of Distribution Of Crack Cocaine. According to documents filed in this case, in 2013, the FBI GRIT Task Force purchased a total 10 grams of crack cocaine during three controlled purchases from Irvin in Gary. This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.
- James Huddleston 42, of Medaryville, Indiana was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $53,790.49 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds And Forfeiture Allegations. According to documents filed in this case, from August 2011 through April 2013, Huddleston, while employed as the business manager for the Lake Ridge Public Schools in Gary, Indiana, embezzled $134,054, caused Lake Ridge to incur associated fees and spent much of the money gambling. Huddleston failed to report the embezzled income to the IRS and owes the IRS $25,000 in taxes as a result of the crime. To date, Huddleston has repaid all but $53,790.49 of the amount of restitution ordered. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gary Bell and Dean Lanter.
- Mario M Stokes 41, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of firearms. According to documents filed in this case, on or about December 4, 2013, law enforcement officers executed a Federal search warrant at 2200 Taney Street, Stokes’ residence. Investigators located a safe in a closet in a bedroom of the residence. Stokes provided the combination to the safe. When asked if there was anything in the safe that they should know about, Stokes stated that the safe contained “some marijuana and some money.” Upon opening the safe, investigators located approximately $11,600 cash and approximately 1.2 pounds of marijuana. Additionally, in the safe was a S&W .40 caliber handgun with a magazine containing 14 rounds of ammunition and 1 round in the chamber. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
- Richard Dickus, 72, of Hebron, Indian, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, 1 year of supervised release and ordered to pay $217,996.35 in restitution to the Social Security Administration after pleading guilty to the felony offense of embezzlement and stealing money from the Social Security Administration. According to documents filed in this case, for over 22 years, from May 1991 through November 2013, Dickus stole and converted to his own use monthly social security benefits of his deceased mother, with the total amount of social security benefits stolen by Dickus being $217,996.35. This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA
- Michael C. Wenger, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors. The magistrate is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea. Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
- Damion D. Alexander, 20, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. According to documents filed in this case, the Fort Wayne Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance call in the 2700 block of Paulding Road East, identifying Alexander as one of the parties involved in the disturbance and who had two active warrants. Alexander fled the scene in a described vehicle and subsequently led FWPD officers in a vehicle pursuit, with Alexander disregarding a stop, driving at a high rate of speed and driving the wrong way on a one way street. During the pursuit, a FWPD Officer observed Alexander’s driver door open and he attempted to run out of the vehicle as the vehicle was still moving. The officer observed that Alexander was holding a black handgun when he exited the vehicle and that he threw the handgun. Alexander fled on foot and a foot chase ensued. The firearm, a loaded Wesson .357 revolver, was recovered in the area that officers saw the handgun being thrown. After Alexander was apprehended, the FWPD officers found 3 rounds of .357 magnum ammunition in Alexander’s right front pants pocket. The ammunition was the same caliber and manufacturer as the ammunition found located in the firearm that was recovered. In the trunk of the vehicle that Alexander had been driving, officers located a second firearm, a loaded Winchester .22 caliber rifle. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
- Billy J. Gonzalez, 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. According to documents filed in this case, this investigation began with controlled buys of powder and crack cocaine and progressed with wiretaps of several cocaine suppliers. Billy Gonzalez was identified as a middle-level supplier of cocaine and marijuana, and he coordinated numerous drug deals among his conspirators. This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, G-Net, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Allen County Drug Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Waycross Man Pleads Guilty to Enticing Minors to Engage in Sex Acts and with Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Brunswick, GA: Donnell Cornelius Shavers, 22, of Waycross, Georgia, pled guilty earlier this week before Chief United States District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to enticement of minors to engage in sex acts and to the production of child pornography. Shavers will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U. S. Probation Office.
The case against Shavers and his codefendant Jacques Donte Taylor arose out of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, with additional assistance from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, which is a nationwide U. S. Department of Justice initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.
Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Crumby is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.
U.S. Department of Justice Awards Fresno Police Department A $500,000 Grant to Combat Gang Violence and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — The Bureau of Justice Assistance, an agency of the United States Department of Justice, has announced a grant to the Fresno Police Department to fund Project Safe Neighborhoods, a violent gang and gun crime reduction program, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today.
“The Attorney General of the United States has directed this office and other federal law enforcement agencies to work together with our state and local partners to protect vulnerable communities from violent gangs and gun crimes through a multitrack approach," said U.S. Attorney Wagner. “That approach includes vigorous, proactive enforcement, but also engagement with communities to enhance prevention and stronger re-entry efforts to reduce recidivism. This grant will help do all of those things in the Calwa area of Fresno.”
Chief Dyer with the Fresno Police Department stated: "The PSN grant will further enable us to reduce violence in our neighborhoods and keep our community safer through strong partnerships with our federal, state and local criminal justice partners."
The grant will be used to fund the law enforcement personnel of the Multi Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (M.A.G.E.C.) partners. The Fresno Police Department, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office will conduct investigations of gang-related violence using the intelligence information and the analysis of crime data. M.A.G.E.C. will refer violent crime cases to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
The grant will also cover the costs of a team of professors and graduate assistants from the California State University, Fresno’s Department of Criminology. They will analyze gun and gang crime and intelligence data to promptly identify emerging crime hot spots. They will use highly advanced computer mapping software and programs that produce simplified maps that can be used for effective decision making.
Due to County jail funding limitations, it is common for gun/gang offenders to be rapidly released from the local facility, at times after a few hours from arrest. Now, three beds in the Fresno County jail will be dedicated to PSN gun/gang offenders.
The grant will also support a public service announcement campaign, which will be launched in newspapers, television, radio, Internet, billboards and on public transportation.
Friends of Calwa- Nature & Nurture. Project funds will be used to fund program staff and the purchase of project related equipment for community beautification (such as shovels, paint, and brushes), youth stipends for enrolled participants, community engagement meetings, facility fees, trainers, field trips (camping trip; zoo), and other project expenses. The program will be conducted within Calwa target area in community centers, churches, schools, parks and affected gang neighborhoods.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) will be responsible for financial oversight of all grant related activities, and it will be managed by the Fresno Police Department Grants Management Unit.
U.S. Attorney Files Civil Action to Forfeit Dinosaur FossilRead the Press Release
A civil complaint was filed yesterday in federal court in the Eastern District of New York to forfeit the fossilized skull and vertebrae of an Alioramus dinosaur (the “Dinosaur Skull”). The Alioramus was a dinosaur that lived in the late Cretaceous period, approximately 65 to 70 million years ago. It is related to the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Tarbosaurus. The Dinosaur Skull was falsely described as a French replica in January 2014 when it was shipped to the United States by Geofossiles, Inc., (“Geofossiles”) a French fossil dealer. Upon its arrival in the United States from France, the Dinosaur Skull was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). When Geofossiles petitioned for the Dinosaur Skull’s release, it conceded that the Dinosaur Skull was a genuine Mongolian fossil but attached forged Mongolian export documents. The complaint alleges that the Dinosaur Skull is the property of Mongolia and that it was imported into the United States contrary to law.
The complaint was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James T. Hayes, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, HSI, New York.
“The extraordinary fossils that continue to be unearthed in Mongolia are not only a source of national pride for the Mongolian people, they are the property of the Mongolian people,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “Property of cultural and historic significance that has been stolen from other countries will not find safe harbor in our ports. We are proud of our ongoing role in the repatriation of stolen and smuggled cultural property to its rightful owners.” Ms. Lynch thanked the Mongolian government and the Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs for their assistance.
“Because of the diligent work of CBP officers and HSI special agents, this prehistoric fossilized skull from Mongolia was intercepted and removed from the stream of commerce,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Hayes. “HSI works with its law enforcement partners to combat the smuggling of cultural property and return seized items to their rightful owners.”
When Geofossiles shipped the Dinosaur Skull to the United States, it falsely described the shipment as a low-value replica made in France. After the Dinosaur Skull was seized, Geofossiles petitioned CBP for its release. In the petition, Geofossiles conceded that the Dinosaur Skull was a genuine fossil, comprised of 70% original material and 30% cast to complete the skull. Geofossiles further admitted that the Dinosaur Skull’s country of origin was Mongolia, not France, and attached a contract to sell the piece for $250,000.
Under Mongolian law, significant fossil finds like the Dinosaur Skull are national property and, even if privately owned, cannot be sold to non-Mongolians or permanently exported. Nonetheless, Geofossiles attached to the petition several documents that purported to be Mongolian records authorizing the sale and export of the Dinosaur Skull from Mongolia to a Korean company in 2006. The records supplied by Geofossiles described the shipment as containing an incongruous combination of fossils and traditional Mongolian structures called “gers.” When Mongolian authorities located the original records for this shipment, they confirmed that only the gers were declared. Thus, the records supplied by Geofossiles were falsified to include fossils.
The government’s case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Karin Orenstein.
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 14-CV-5198(BMC)
Two Men Indicted in Connection with Murder in Chautauqua CountyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted Jonathan Conklin, 43, and Charles Sanford, 30, on charges of carjacking, use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, Conklin and Sanford robbed Mary Whitaker inside her Sherman, NY home on August 20, 2014. Soon after Whitaker answered the door at her home, the defendants shot and killed her. The defendants then stole her vehicle and drove it to Erie, Pennsylvania, where they were arrested on August 22, 2014.
The defendants, who are detained, will be arraigned on September 9, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
The indictment is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Joseph A. Gerace, the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney David W. Foley, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the City of Erie (Pennsylvania) Police Department, under the direction of Chief Randy M. Bowers.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.Two Indicted for Illegally Growing 5,000 Marijuana Plants on Federal LandsRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, OR – Amanda Marshall, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, announced that two defendants were indicted in relation to an illegal marijuana grow on federal land in Jackson County. Humberto Salgado-Salgado, 36, and Juan Albert Lopez-Moroyoqui, 50, were charged with conspiracy and manufacturing marijuana. In addition, Lopez-Moroyoqui was charged with being an alien who illegally returned to the United States after being deported for a drug related conviction.
Salgado-Salgado and Lopez-Moroyoqui were arrested in the marijuana grow on Forest Service Land in rural Jackson County, Oregon on August 18, 2014. Federal and State agents served a search warrant and seized approximately 5,000 marijuana plants.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant should be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, U. S. Forest Service, Department of Homeland Security, and the DEA all assisted in the investigation, and the prosecution is being conducted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Judith Harper.
Two Highlands County Men Plead Guilty to Firearm and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, Amos Rojas, Jr., United States Marshal, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Hugo Barrera, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), John Burke and Addy Villanueva, Special Agents in Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Ft. Myers and Miami Regional Offices, respectively, Susan Benton, Sheriff, Highlands County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Paul C. May, Sheriff, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), and Ken J. Mascara, Sheriff, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office (SLCSO), announce that Alex Guerrier, 29, and Robin Jean Guillaume, 28, both of Highlands County, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking in West Palm Beach.
As to the conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute charge, Guerrier faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison up to a maximum of life in prison, a mandatory minimum term of supervised release of five years, a maximum fine of $10 million and a $100 special assessment. As to the conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute charge, Guillaume faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison up to a maximum of 40 years in prison, a mandatory minimum term of supervised release of four years, a maximum fine of $5 million and a $100 special assessment. As to the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking charge, both defendants face a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison up to a maximum of life in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a maximum $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, Guerrier and Guillame were part of a drug trafficking organization which operated in Highlands, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties within the Southern District of Florida and elsewhere. The drug trafficking organization was responsible for the distribution of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine hydrochloride, cocaine base, commonly referred to as “crack” cocaine, and other illegal narcotics.
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate, and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the DEA, USMS, ATF, FDLE, HCSO, OCSO, and SLCSO. Mr. Ferrer also thanked the Sebring Police Department for their assistance in this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci.
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.
Two Companies to Pay $3.75 Million for Allegedly Causing Submission of Claims for Unreasonable or Unnecessary Rehabilitation Therapy at Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRead the Press Release
Life Care Services LLC (LCS), a manager of skilled nursing facilities based in Des Moines, Iowa, and CoreCare V LLP, doing business as ParkVista, a skilled nursing facility in Fullerton, California, have agreed to pay a total of $3.75 million to the government for causing the submission of false claims to Medicare for unreasonable or unnecessary rehabilitation therapy purportedly provided by RehabCare Group East Inc., a subsidiary of Kindred Healthcare Inc.
“The provision of Medicare benefits must be dictated by patient need, not the fiscal interests of providers,” said Assistant Attorney General Stuart F. Delery for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “ Today’s settlement demonstrates the department’s commitment to safeguarding both Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayer dollars by holding accountable all entities involved in billing for unnecessary services.”
LCS has operated and managed skilled nursing facilities across the country, including ParkVista and, until 2013, a facility in Massachusetts. At the suggestion of LCS, ParkVista and the Massachusetts facility hired RehabCare to provide rehabilitation therapy services at their facilities.
The settlement resolves allegations that ParkVista submitted and LCS caused both ParkVista and the Massachusetts facility to submit false claims for rehabilitation therapy. The government alleges that LCS and ParkVista failed to prevent RehabCare from providing unreasonable or unnecessary therapy to patients in order to increase Medicare reimbursement to the facilities. The government contended that the reported therapy did not reflect the lower amounts of therapy generally provided to patients over the course of their stay.
The settlement further resolves allegations that LCS and ParkVista failed to prevent other RehabCare practices designed to inflate Medicare reimbursement, including: in lieu of using individualized evaluations to determine the level of care most suitable for each patient’s clinical needs, presumptively placing patients in the highest reimbursement level unless it was shown that the patients could not tolerate that amount of therapy; providing the minimum number of minutes of therapy required to bill at the highest reimbursement level while discouraging the provision of therapy in amounts beyond that minimum threshold, despite the Medicare requirement that the amount of care provided be determined by patients’ clinical needs; arbitrarily shifting the number of minutes of planned therapy between therapy disciplines to ensure targeted reimbursement levels were achieved; and reporting estimated or rounded minutes instead of reporting the actual minutes of therapy provided.
“Patients in skilled nursing facilities and the patients’ families should be able to have confidence that the facilities are not allowing therapy companies to manipulate the amount of therapy being provided based on financial motives,” said U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz for the District of Massachusetts. “Settlements like this one show that, when a facility contracts with an outside rehabilitation therapy provider, the facility has a continuing responsibility to ensure that the provider is not engaged in conduct that causes the submission of false claims to Medicare.”
This settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud and marks another achievement for the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announced in May 2009 by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The partnership between the two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered a total of more than $22.4 billion through False Claims Act cases, with more than $14.2 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.
The case was handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General and the FBI . The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Three Wheeling Residents Convicted on Painkiller Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistWHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Three individuals involved in a large prescription painkiller trafficking ring entered pleas of guilty on Friday in Federal court according to United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II.
Steven L. NAMACK, age 65, entered a plea of guilty to “Distribution of Oxycodone.” NAMACK, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 20 years in prison. As part of his plea, NAMACK will forfeit $2,000 which constitutes proceeds of the illegal activity.
Kristyn Elizabeth FETCKO, age 34, entered a plea of guilty to “Distribution of Oxycodone.” FETCKO, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 20 years in prison. As part of her plea, FETCKO will forfeit $3,905 which constitutes proceeds of the illegal activity.
Adam W. BARNES, age 40, entered a plea of guilty to “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Oxycodone.” BARNES, who is in custody pending sentencing on bond, faces up to 4 years in prison.
The last remaining defendant in this case, Brian SCHULTZ, is scheduled for trial on September 23, 2014 before U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Parr handled the cases on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, which includes officers and agents from the Wheeling Police Department, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police-BCI, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force is an Appalachia HITDA-funded initiative.In other court proceedings in Wheeling before Chief Judge John Preston Bailey:
GLENN A. MILLER, age 37, of Moundsville, entered a plea of guilty to “Distribution of Alprazolam within 1,000 feet of a Public Housing Authority.” Miller, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces up to forty years in prison.
Jodi Howell, age 38, of McMechen, entered a plea of guilty to “Possession of a Controlled Substance.” Howell, who is free on bond, faces up to one year in prison.
These cases was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. and investigated by the Marshall County Drug Task Force, consisting of officers and agents from the Moundsville Police Department, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Marshall County Drug Task Force is an Appalachia HITDA-funded initiative.
Three Individuals Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine as A Result of Operation Glass HouseRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that three individuals have been arrested on federal charges as a result of a joint federal, state, and local law enforcement investigation dubbed Operation Glass House. Luis A. Acosta (34, Crescent City) was charged with conspiracy to distribute multiple quantities of pure/actual crystal methamphetamine pursuant to a federal criminal complaint. Enrique Munoz (41, Del Rio, Texas) and Juan Espinoza (33, Crescent City) were each charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to distribute multiple quantities of pure/actual crystal methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute pure/actual crystal methamphetamine. Each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
According to court documents, Acosta, Munoz, and Espinoza participated in a conspiracy to acquire and distribute methamphetamine across state lines. The methamphetamine was ultimately distributed throughout Putnam County, Florida. As a result of Operation Glass House, law enforcement agents seized approximately four kilograms of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Malisa Chokshi.
An indictment/complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Three Howard County Bloods Gang Members and Associates Plead Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Giovanni Wright, a/k/a "G," age 22, of Elkridge, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to participate in a racketeering conspiracy, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and the unlawful transfer of firearms, in connection with his membership in the Bloods gang operating primarily out of Howard County, Maryland. Ryan Gladden, a/k/a "Fats," age 26, and Kyle Austin, a/k/a "Fowdy," age 23, pleaded guilty on September 3 and 4, 2012 respectively, to the racketeering conspiracy.The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Howard County Police Chief Gary L. Gardner; Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts; and Howard County State’s Attorney Dario Broccolino.
The defendants were identified as members of the Bloods as the result of a long term investigation conducted by ATF and the Howard County Police Department. The investigation included four court ordered wiretaps on gang members’ cell phones. The Bloods, a national criminal street gang with members operating in and around Howard County, Maryland, committed violent acts within the gang to maintain discipline, and against rival gangs.According to his plea agreement, Wright was a member of the Bloods since at least 2010. Wright has supported fellow incarcerated gang members, participated in gang meetings and discussions regarding gang sanctions, and planned retaliation against gang members suspected of cooperation.
For example, on February 22, 2012, Wright and a co-defendant robbed a rival gang member at gunpoint. In January 2013, Wright fired a gun at a victim’s residence as he and another co-defendant drove by in a truck. Two innocent bystanders were outside and their car was damaged in the shooting. Wright also sold firearms with and to fellow gang members who were prohibited from possessing the firearms.
According to his plea agreement, Gladden was a resident of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania who played football on a semi-professional team in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He is formerly of Baltimore City and Randallstown, Maryland. Gladden has been a member of the Bloods gang since 2006. He became a leader and knew of violent crimes committed, or being planned by gang members, using guns and other dangerous weapons. He was also involved in drug trafficking in Pennsylvania, including marijuana and prescription pain pills.
According to his plea agreement, Austin has been a member of the Leuders Park Bloods gang operating in Baltimore, and an associate of the Bloods operating in Howard County, since August 2011. Austin sold marijuana, prescription pills and crack cocaine. He provided some of the drug profits to a jailed gang leader through Green Dot card numbers. Additionally, on October 22, 2012, Austin and two associates beat an individual as he was getting off an MTA bus and walking on East Patapsco Avenue in Baltimore, and robbed him of his money and cell phone. Austin was arrested on November 6, 2012.
On May 8, 2013, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants and arrested approximately 20 individuals connected with the Bloods gang, including Wright and Gladden. A search warrant was executed at Wright’s residence and firearms and ammunition were seized.
Wright and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Wright will be sentenced to 18 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2015, at 9:30 a.m.
Gladden faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the racketeering conspiracy. Austin and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Austin will be sentenced to between 60 and 78 months in prison. Judge Russell scheduled their sentencings for December 12 and December 22, 2014, respectively.
To date, 18 defendants have pleaded guilty to their roles in the racketeering and drug conspiracies.
Mr. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Howard County Police Department, Baltimore Police Department and Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in this investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel M. Yasser and Sandra Wilkinson, who are prosecuting the case.Three Companies to Pay $3.75 Million for Submitting False Claims for Rehabilitation TherapyRead the Press Release
Boston – Life Care Services LLC (LCS), a Des Moines, Iowa-based manager of skilled nursing facilities, its affiliate, group purchasing organization Care Purchasing Services LLC (CPS), and CoreCare V, LLP, d/b/a ParkVista, a skilled nursing facility in Fullerton, Calif., have entered into agreements to pay a total of $3.75 million to resolve allegations that they submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims for rehabilitation therapy purportedly provided by RehabCare Group East, Inc. (RehabCare), a subsidiary of Kindred Healthcare, Inc.
“Patients in skilled nursing facilities and their families should have confidence that the facilities are not allowing therapy companies to manipulate the therapy they provide based on financial motives,” said Carmen M. Ortiz, United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. “Settlements like this one show that, when a facility contracts with an outside rehabilitation therapy provider, the facility has a continuing responsibility to ensure that the provider is not engaged in conduct that causes the submission of false claims to Medicare.”
LCS has operated and managed skilled nursing facilities across the country, including ParkVista and, until 2013, a facility in Massachusetts. The settlements resolve allegations that ParkVista submitted, and LCS caused both ParkVista and the Massachusetts facility to submit, false claims that sought inflated amounts of Medicare reimbursement based on the provision of unreasonable or unnecessary rehabilitation therapy that was dictated by financial considerations rather than patient needs. LCS’ affiliate, CPS, referred RehabCare to ParkVista and the Massachusetts facility. The United States alleges that LCS and ParkVista failed to prevent RehabCare from engaging in a pattern and practice of providing high levels of therapy that were not reasonable or necessary during so-called “assessment reference periods,” thereby causing ParkVista and the Massachusetts facility to bill for their Medicare patients at the highest therapy reimbursement level, and then providing less therapy to those same patients outside the assessment reference periods, when the facilities were not required to report to Medicare the amount of therapy RehabCare was providing to their patients. In that way, RehabCare and the facilities “ramped up” Medicare patients’ therapy minutes when it served to maximize the reimbursement rate and correspondingly reduced the patients’ therapy minutes, regardless of patient need, when the time spent on that therapy would not affect the Medicare reimbursement rate. The government alleges that, as a result of RehabCare’s practice of “ramping,” ParkVista and the Massachusetts facility often billed Medicare for their patients’ care at the highest therapy-based levels, even though the patients often were not receiving therapy at those levels.
The settlements further resolve allegations that LCS and ParkVista failed to prevent other RehabCare practices designed to inflate Medicare reimbursement, including: (1) in lieu of using individualized evaluations to determine the level of care most suitable for each patient’s clinical needs, presumptively placing patients in the highest reimbursement level unless it was shown that the patients could not tolerate that amount of therapy; (2) providing the minimum number of minutes of therapy required to bill at the highest reimbursement level while discouraging the provision of therapy in amounts beyond that minimum threshold, despite the Medicare requirement that the amount of care provided be determined by patients’ clinical needs; (3) arbitrarily shifting the number of minutes of planned therapy between therapy disciplines to ensure targeted reimbursement levels were achieved; (4) providing significantly higher amounts of therapy on the final day of an assessment reference period in order to achieve the minimum level of therapy necessary to achieve the highest RUG level; and (5) reporting estimated or rounded minutes instead of reporting the actual minutes of therapy provided.
As recounted in the settlement agreement with LCS and CPS, the United States alleges that LCS had a reduced incentive to monitor RehabCare adequately, since RehabCare was paying CPS three percent of the revenues RehabCare received from those facilities. Finally, the settlement with LCS and CPS resolves the United States’ allegation that CPS accepted a kickback from RehabCare in the form of the “free” services of a RehabCare employee.
“The provision of Medicare benefits must be dictated by patient need, not the fiscal interests of providers,” said Assistant Attorney General Stuart F. Delery for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates the Department’s commitment to safeguarding both Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayer dollars by holding accountable all entities involved in billing for unnecessary services.”
This matter was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was handled by District of Massachusetts Assistant United States Attorneys Gregg Shapiro and Patrick Callahan and Department of Justice Trial Attorneys Christelle Klovers and Rohith Srinivas.
Tampa Crack Cocaine Traffickers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell yesterday sentenced Paul Close (30) to 15 years and six months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine. Close was the last of four individuals to be sentenced in this case. On August 8, 2014, Craig Cooley (36) was sentenced to 17 years and six months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine. Lataurus Wanser (31) was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment for conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. On August 11, 2014, Daniel Brumfield (35) was sentenced to 21 years in prison for conspiring to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine. As part of their sentences, the Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $13,215.00 against each individual, which were the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. In addition, Craig Cooley was ordered to forfeit a 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe, which was traceable to proceeds of the offense. All four individuals pleaded guilty in April and May of this year.
According to court documents, Cooley, Wanser, and Close were supplying crack cocaine to Brumfield. Brumfield arranged to sell the crack cocaine to an undercover detective on several occasions. Cooley also supplied crack cocaine to the detective on four occasions. Wanser and Close each supplied crack cocaine to the detective on one occasion. The total amount of crack cocaine distributed to the undercover detective was 288.93 grams. In addition to selling the drugs to the undercover detective, Brumfield, a previously convicted felon, also sold the detective a loaded .380 caliber handgun and two boxes of .380 caliber ammunition. Due to his previous felony conviction, Brumfield is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.
St. Michaels Fisherman Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Illegally Harvest Fish in the Chesapeake BayRead the Press Release
Worked on Ships that Poached Hundreds of Thousands of Pounds of Striped Bass
Baltimore, Maryland – Lawrence “Daniel” Murphy, age 37, of St. Michaels, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to attempting to violate the Lacey Act by trafficking in illegally harvested striped bass.
The plea agreement was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division Sam Hirsch; Colonel George F. Johnson IV, Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police; and Honora Gordon, Regional Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.According to his plea agreement, Murphy was a “helper” on a vessel owned and operated by Michael Hayden and William Lednum. Murphy admitted that from 2007 to 2011, Hayden and Lednum, with Murphy’s assistance, engaged in a scheme to illegally poach hundreds of thousands of pounds of striped bass from the Chesapeake Bay in violation of Maryland regulations relating to harvest method, amounts, tagging, and reporting. Murphy admitted to being on one of these vessels on the morning of February 1, 2011, when he and his co-conspirators were caught by law enforcement attempting to retrieve striped bass caught before the season opened and by using illegally weighted and/or anchored gill nets left in the water overnight.
Murphy knew that Hayden and Lednum shipped and sold the illegally harvested striped bass to wholesalers in New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.
The investigation in this case started in February 2011 when the Maryland Department of Natural Resources found tens of thousands of pounds of striped bass snagged in illegal, anchored nets before the season officially reopened. The conspirators were seen on the water in the vicinity of the illegal nets. The subsequent investigation unveiled a wider criminal enterprise.
Murphy faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000fine. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III, has scheduled sentencing for December 19, 2014.
Michael D. Hayden, age 42, and William J. Lednum, age 41, both of Tilghman Island, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme and are scheduled to be sentenced on November 4 and 5, 2014, respectively. Another helper employed by Hayden and Lednum, co-defendant Kent Conley Sadler, age 31, also of Tilghman Island, previously pleaded guilty to his participation in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 21, 2014.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Todd W. Gleason and Shennie Patel of the Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Michael Cunningham, who prosecuted the case.
Second Defendant Convicted in $8 Million Fraud Scheme Concerning Purported Alternative Energy TechnologyRead the Press Release
Fraud Scheme Originated in Saranac Lake, New York
LOS ANGELES –A Ventura, California man has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges for his involvement in an $8 million investment scheme that lured investors with false promises relating to the development of an alternative energy technology, Richard S. Hartunian, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York, announced today.
William A. Stehl, 69, pleaded guilty in federal court in Los Angeles on September 2 to five counts: conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, lying to federal agents, two counts of attempting to evade the payment of federal income taxes for calendar years 2003 and 2004, and subscribing to a false federal income tax return for calendar year 2003.
Stehl entered his plea before United States District Judge Terry J. Hatter, Jr., who scheduled a sentencing hearing for December 15, 2014. At sentencing, Stehl faces up to 38 years in federal prison.
Judge Hatter allowed Stehl to enter guilty pleas based on the 1970 United States Supreme Court decision in North Carolina v. Alford, which held there is no constitutional bar to a defendant entering a plea of guilty without acknowledging his guilt, if, the defendant concludes he would be convicted after a trial. Stehl and a co-defendant – Richard M. Rossignol, 64, of Los Angeles, California – were arrested in Oxnard, California four years ago in connection with an indictment filed in the Northern District of New York. Both men were charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Additionally, Stehl was charged with several tax charges and lying to federal agents.
The conspiracy count alleged that from 2001 up to the time of the indictment in March 2010, Stehl, Rossignol and others induced victims to invest money in companies that were purportedly developing or utilizing an alternative energy source Stehl claimed he had developed. Investors were told that one of Stehl’s applications related to the processing of precious metals allegedly contained in a slag pile in Silver City, New Mexico.
Stehl and Rossignol were charged with fraudulently obtaining money from investors by making false representations about the status of the process, claiming that contracts and licensing agreements had either been signed, or were about to be signed, that would result in significant financial returns for the investors. Stehl, Rossignol, and others obtained more than $8 million from more than 300 victims, and attempted to obtain at least an additional $50 million. None of the investors received the returns promised by Stehl and Rossignol, and most of the money obtained was used for personal expenditures.
Stehl was living near Saranac Lake, New York, when the scheme started. Stehl moved to Southern California in late 2005. Fraud victims lived across the nation.
Although the indictment was originally filed in federal court in Binghamton, New York, in October 2012 the case was transferred to the Central District of California to accommodate Stehl, who received injuries in an explosion that occurred in a building in Sylmar, California, on August 9, 2011.
In November 2013, Judge Audrey B. Collins, who previously presided over the case, granted a request by Stehl’s attorneys for a separate trial.
Stehl remains free on bond pending sentencing.
Trial and Sentencing of Co-Defendant Richard Rossignol
Rossignol’s case went to trial in Los Angeles on January 14, 2014. On February 28, the jury convicted Rossignol of the sole count he faced, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. On July 28, Judge Collins sentenced Rossignol to 20 years – the maximum statutory sentence – and immediately remanded him into custody. Judge Collins also ordered Rossignol to pay more than $8.1 million in restitution to the fraud victims. Judge Collins described the fraud as being among the most egregious she had seen in her 20 years on the federal bench.
The investigation in this case was conducted by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office, and the Albany, New York, Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin P. Dooley of the Binghamton branch office in the Northern District of New York. Additional inquiries can be directed to AUSA Dooley at (607) 343-3713, or Executive Assistant John Duncan at (315) 448-0672.
San Antonio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, 42-year-old Jacob Robert Holguin (aka “Friend of Grimm”) was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for distribution of child pornography announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs.
On November 30, 2012, federal authorities executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence. A forensics examination of computer related equipment revealed the presence of more than 2,400 images and approximately 500 videos depicting child pornography some of which the defendant shared with others, including an undercover officer, via the Internet. On June 5, 2013, Holguin pleaded guilty to the distribution charge.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Wannarka and Tracy Thompson prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Retailer Sentenced for Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
Obtained $834,996 in Payments for Food Sales That Never Occurred
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Kim Man Chu, age 39, of Baltimore, to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for wire fraud in connection with a scheme to illegally redeem food stamp benefits in exchange for cash. Judge Motz also previously entered an order that Chu forfeit $834,996 and six firearms along with ammunition.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William G. Squires, Jr. of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Chu owned and operated Long Hing, a convenience store located at 1131 Greenmount Avenue in Baltimore. According to his plea agreement, the store participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp Program. In Maryland, the program provides eligible individuals with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card called the Independence Card, which operates like a debit card. Recipients obtain EBT cards through the state Department of Human Resources, then use the EBT card to purchase approved food items from participating retailers.
Chu knew that it was a violation of SNAP regulations to trade cash for SNAP benefits. Nevertheless, from October 2010 to September 2013, Chu exchanged SNAP benefits for cash at less than face value of the EBT benefits, in violation of the food stamp program rules, and kept up to 50 percent of the benefits for himself. Chu obtained $834,996 in payments for food sales that never occurred.
In separate cases, the 10 convenience store owners or operators indicted in September 2013 in connection with schemes to illegally redeem food stamp benefits in exchange for cash have pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud and/or wire fraud. Abdullah Aljaradi, age 52, and Ahmed Ayedh Al-Jabrati, age 56, both citizens of Yemen residing in Baltimore, were each sentenced to two years in prison, and ordered to pay restitution of $1.2 million. Jung Kim, age 52, of Ellicott City, Maryland, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, and ordered to forfeit $95,453.50 and pay restitution of $205,000. Amara Cisse, age 51, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $654,349.24, and his wife, Fanta Keita was sentenced to two months in prison. John Cunningham, age 55, of Baltimore, was sentenced to two years in prison. Retailer Hyung Cho, age 40, was sentenced to 38 months in prison, and his mother Dae Cho, age 67, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The Chos were also ordered to forfeit $371,439.21 and pay restitution of $1.4 million. Abdo Mohamed Nagi, age 54, a citizen of Yemen residing in Baltimore, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2014.
Two more retailers, Abdulmalik Abdulla, age 37, and Ahmed Mohssen, age 54, both of Baltimore, were indicted in January 2014. A federal jury convicted them on August 8, 2014, following a four day trial, of food stamp fraud and wire fraud. They are scheduled to be sentenced on November 14, 2014.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised USDA’s Office of Inspector General and FBI for their work in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Rosenstein expressed appreciation to Secretary Ted Dallas and the Maryland Department of Human Resources, as well as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Office of Fraud Detection and National Security for their assistance in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen O. Gavin, who prosecuted the case.
Quitman Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. –A Quitman man pleaded guilty to producing child pornography, U.S.Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today.
Christopher Nixon, 22, of Quitman, La., entered a conditional guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes for one count of production of child pornography. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Robert G. James. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, between February 1, 2012 and March 30, 2012, Nixon produced child pornography using a male under the age of 18. Canadian law enforcement discovered the videos during an unrelated investigation in May of 2013. The videos depicted sex acts between Nixon and an underage male.
Nixon faces 15 to 30 years in prison, up to life of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. He also faces forfeiture of the equipment used to produce and store the child pornography. A sentencing date of January 5, 2015 was set.
“This office will continue in its prosecution of anyone who creates, distributes and possesses child pornography,” Finley stated. “Sexual abuse is a growing problem around the world, and it has devastating consequences for the victimized children. Child pornography is also a growing problem. These children suffer physical and mental abuse as these images continue to circulate worldwide across the internet for many years long after they were victims of the initial horrific acts. With this guilty plea, we have stopped the flow of this material from one producer at the source. I would like to thank all who are involved and dedicated to halting the production of child pornography in this district.”
“This case shows anyone who produces child pornography can and will be held accountable for their criminal actions regardless of where in the world the investigation leads or how much time has passed,” said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations-New Orleans. “Sexual abuse scars children for life, and HSI will continue to use all the tools in its arsenal, to include the HSI Operation Predator smartphone app that helped identify and locate Mr. Nixon in this case, to identify the perpetrators of these horrendous acts and seek justice on behalf of their victims.”
Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp.Press AdvisoryRead the Press Release
Press Conference to be held Monday, September 8, 2014 1:30 PM
ALBANY, NEW YORK – United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian will be conducting a press conference Monday, September 8, 2014 at 1:30 PM in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 2nd Floor, James T. Foley Courthouse, 445 Broadway, Albany, NY.
An announcement will be made regarding the sharing of significant asset forfeitures from a drug case with 33 law enforcement agencies.
Press releases will be distributed at the press conference. No other information will be available until the press conference.
Portland Man Sentenced to 2 Years for Pharmacy RobberyRead the Press Release
Contact: Michael J. Conley
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Jason
Campbell, 40, of Portland, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy
to 2 years in prison for pharmacy robbery. Campbell pleaded guilty to the charge on May 14,
2014.According to court records and evidence introduced at the plea hearing, on April 11,
2014, Campbell entered the CVS pharmacy on Congress Street in Portland carrying a backpack.
As he approached the pharmacy counter, he opened the backpack, said he had a “bomb,”
displayed what appeared to be a soda bottle with wires attached to it, and told the pharmacist to
evacuate the CVS and to close the gate in front of the store. He demanded the opioid pain
medications Duragesic (fentanyl), demerol and dilaudid and absconded after being given the
narcotics. He disposed of his outer clothing and the backpack in a nearby trash can. He was
located a short time later in the vicinity of his Portland residence and some of the stolen narcotics
were recovered. The investigation revealed that the bomb was not an explosive device.
In imposing sentence, Judge Levy noted, among other things, that “gas bombs are
designed to cause terror” and that Campbell’s conduct “put many people at risk.” Judge Levy
also cited Campbell’s lack of criminal history and his life-long battle with severe mental health
issues as the basis for the sentence.The investigation was conducted by the Portland Police Department and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation.Pennsylvania Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Make False Statements and Defraud the GovernmentRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – REGINA DANKO, of Ivyland, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to defraud the United States in federal court this morning. Danko, the principal shareholder of Tri-Ark Industries, Inc., a government contracting firm located in the Philadelphia area, admitted to conspiring to make false statements and defraud the government in connection with a five-year contract to provide janitorial services at the Robert A. Young, Jr. federal building in downtown St. Louis.
According to the plea agreement, Danko conspired with others to provide a false joint venture agreement and other false representations to government contracting officials that the firm bidding on the company was owned in the majority and controlled by a service disabled veteran to comply with rules for government contracts set aside for firms owned by such veterans. Danko admitted that the veteran with whom she partnered was merely a straw person and, contrary to her representations to the government, had no duties with the contract and accepted only small annual payment so that his name and status could be used. Danko also admitted the project manager at the Robert A. Young, Jr. building and another employee of Tri-Ark participated in the scheme. From 2007 to 2012, Tri-Ark collected more than $8.7 million dollars under this contract and almost all of the profits earned on the contract were retained by Tri-Ark to the benefit of Danko.
Danko pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. At sentencing, which was set for December 11, 2014, she faces up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 or both. In addition to these penalties, Danko agreed to the criminal forfeiture of more than $2.4 million dollars, which was seized by investigators. Danko has also acquiesced to the non-renewal of a successor contract she held at the Robert A. Young, Jr. building with an unrelated service-disabled veteran.
The case was investigated by the General Services Administration-Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of the Inspector General and the St. Louis Division of the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri.
O.C. Man Whose Company Provided Military Support Services in Iraq Gets 4 Years in Federal Prison for Failing to Report Millions in IncomeRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – The owner of a Huntington Beach-based military contractor who pleaded guilty to federal tax charges for failing to report to the Internal Revenue Service millions of dollars his company received for providing services to the military at Baghdad International Airport was sentenced today to 48 months in federal prison.
Nadim “Nick” Saifan Jr., 48, of Huntington Beach, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cormac J. Carney
Saifan pleaded guilty in May to two counts of attempted tax evasion and specifically admitted that he substantially underreported income on his company’s 2005 corporate tax return and his personal tax return for 2006.
Saifan was the owner and operator of Defense Logistical Support & Services Corporation (DLSS), which provided services to the military and some civilian companies in Iraq. From August 2004 through October 2007, DLSS received nearly $16 million from the United States military for services in Iraq, according to court documents that state Saifan reported only a small fraction of this income on DLSS’s corporate tax returns filed with the IRS. The court documents also show that Saifan used foreign bank accounts, specifically in Lebanon, to conceal his assets and profits from DLSS Corp.
“In addition to failing to report the millions of dollars in taxable income on DLSS Corp.’s tax returns, [Saifan] also used substantial corporate funds for personal purchases and payments to himself, without claiming these distributions and payments as income to himself on his individual tax returns,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo filed with the court. Saifan used corporate money to make approximately $880,000 in down payments on real estate and approximately $292,000 in payments towards vehicles that included a Ferrari and a Rolls-Royce.
Saifan has been in federal custody since Judge Carney revoked Saifan’s bond in May.
The case against Saifan was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and IRS – Criminal Investigation.
Release No. 14-114
Neopit, WI Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney James L. Santelle announced that Myron J. Penass, (age: 21), of Neopit, located on the Menominee Indian Reservation, in the State of Wisconsin, was sentenced on September 4, 2014, in United States District Court to 262 months of imprisonment, followed by a term of 20 years on supervised release. The sentence was the result of a guilty plea by Penass on May 22, 2014, to a federal information charging him with four counts of engaging in a sex act with a person incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct.
The investigation revealed that throughout 2013, Penass, sexually abused a 7-year-old female at a residence on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Penass admitted that he sexually assaulted the victim.
The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin L. Whittemore.
Miami Resident Convicted of Obstruction of Justice by Murder and Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office, and J.D. Patterson, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), announce the conviction of Andres Campo, 26, of Miami. Campo was convicted by a jury on all counts of a 12 count indictment charging him with obstruction of justice by murder, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and a number of related firearms trafficking charges. U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga presided over the trial.
Specifically, Campo was charged with and convicted of conspiring to obstruct justice by murder (18 U.S.C. § 1512); obstruction of justice by murder (18 U.S.C. § 1512); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, resulting in death (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A) and (j)); conspiracy to export firearms without a license (18 U.S.C. § 554); six counts of possessing firearms parts that were intended for illegal exportation (18 U.S.C. § 554); and two counts of possessing a firearm while a fugitive from justice (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(2)). The jury further found the murder was premeditated. At sentencing, Campo faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
According to the evidence at trial, Erik Comesana, the victim, was a straw purchaser in an international arms trafficking organization responsible for the shipment of numerous AR-15 rifles, .50 caliber rifles, and other firearms and firearm parts to Cali, Colombia. The organization was run by Campo, who used Comesana and other straw purchasers to buy firearms and firearm parts from legal firearm dealers in south and central Florida. The firearms and firearm parts were gathered at various locations in Miami, taken apart into smaller pieces, and then hidden inside of boxes of miscellaneous materials that were shipped to Colombia.
In October 2009, Comesana was detained after an ATF Special Agent noticed Comesana’s accomplice purchasing an unusual number of AR-15 lower receivers. Comesana provided a statement to the agents. The investigation continued until March 2011, when Comesana was ultimately arrested and charged with firearms trafficking violations in the Southern District of Florida.
On May 27, 2011, Comesana notified the federal court that he intended to plead guilty. Later that evening, Comesana’s body was found burning in southwest Miami-Dade County, after being murdered in another location. A joint investigation by the MDPD Homicide Bureau and ATF subsequently identified Campo and Carlos Rios as the perpetrators.
According to the evidence at trial, after Comesana was arrested, Campo grew increasingly paranoid about the prospect that Comesana would cooperate with the ongoing federal investigation.
On May 27, 2011, Campo instructed Comesana to appear at a warehouse, purportedly to give him money to pay for Comesana’s attorney. Instead, Comesana was shot twice and died at the scene. Comesana’s body was transported to another location and set on fire. Campo and Rios then fled Florida for a period of time before ultimately returning to resume their arms trafficking business.
During the next year, while searching for Campo and Rios, the investigation continued. On July 3, 2012, both Campo and Rios narrowly missed being arrested when agents searched a home in which their identification and firearms trafficking paraphernalia was found. Ultimately, on July 26, 2012, Campos and Rios were arrested in a Miami motel parking lot, after they emerged from a room that they had rented in a false name. A loaded firearm and an upper AR-15 was recovered from Campo’s vehicle.
Rios previously pled guilty to participating in the murder and received a sentence of life in prison.
Mr. Ferrer thanked the many law enforcement agencies involved in this South Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA) operation. In particular, Mr. Ferrer thanked ATF and MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony LaCosta and Seth M. Schlessinger.
The South Florida HIDTA was established in 1990. This program, made up of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, fosters intra-agency cooperation among law enforcement agencies in South Florida and involves them in developing a strategy to target the region’s drug-related threats to public safety. The South Florida HIDTA uses the funding provided by the Office of National Drug Control Policy that sponsors a variety of law enforcement initiatives that target the region’s illicit drug threats.
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.
Member of Hartford Drug Trafficking Ring Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HECTOR QUINONES, also known as “Jumbe,” 52, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a Hartford-based narcotics trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s South End. The investigation specifically targeted a heroin and cocaine trafficking organization headed by Angel Rosa, also known as “Little” and “Daddy,” and his cousin, Angel Rosa, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab.” Little supervised the drug trafficking ring, which included several other family members, through fear and intimidation. Mo Betta managed the daily operations of the organization, facilitated the delivery and transportation of large quantities of heroin, and supervised numerous drug sellers who distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area. At times, Little and Mo Betta used, or threatened to use, violence to ensure the success of the organization.
QUINONES’ role in the conspiracy included the street sale of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine.
As a result of this investigation, 21 individuals were charged with various federal offenses, and law enforcement officers seized narcotics, one firearm, approximately $230,000 in cash, eight vehicles and jewelry.
QUINONES has been detained since his arrest on April 11, 2013. On January 31, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.
QUINONES’ extensive criminal history includes a 2004 arrest and conviction for selling heroin at Park and Zion Streets, and three convictions of violent felonies, including robbery in the first degree, assault in the second degree with a firearm, and assault on a peace officer.
Angel Rosa aka “Little” and Angel Rosa aka “Mo Betta” each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin. On May 15, 2014, “Little” was sentenced to 235 months of imprisonment, and on April 29, 2014, “Mo Betta” was sentenced to 165 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction and Connecticut National Guard. The Connecticut State Police’s Emergency Services Unit, Hartford Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, Capital Region Emergency Response Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the New Britain, East Hartford, Wethersfield and Manchester Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and Patrick Caruso.PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Mannford Woman Sentenced to 6 Months Home Detention and 5 Years Probation for Fraudulently Receiving over $30,000 in FEMA Disaster ReliefRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. — Kerry Lynn Rowell, 42, of Mannford, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Gregory K. Frizzell to six months of home detention with electronic monitoring, to be followed by five years of probation, for fraudulently obtaining Federal Emergency Disaster Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance benefits made available to victims of the August 2012 Mannford wildfires, announced United States Attorney Danny C. Williams Sr. for the Northern District of Oklahoma. As part of the sentencing, the Court ordered Rowell to pay restitution in the amount of $31,400 to FEMA.
Rowell pleaded guilty to the charge on May 2, 2014 and was charged by information on March 18, 2014.
According to the plea agreement, from August 23, 2012 to September 23, 2013, Rowell made false statements and provided false documents to support her application for FEMA disaster assistance. Rowell claimed her primary residence and personal property, including appliances and televisions, were destroyed by the wildfires, when in fact she did not reside at that residence and the personal property was not in the residence. The house was actually owned by her mother and was uninhabited, dilapidated, and had no utility service. Rowell fraudulently received $31,400 in FEMA disaster assistance benefits.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. McLoughlin prosecuted on behalf of the United States.
If someone has any questions about how assistance benefits may be spent, has made a mistake when reporting damage, or has misrepresented losses, he or she may correct the situation immediately by calling the toll-free FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the speech or hearing impaired.
Anyone with information that an individual may have defrauded the government in connection with a disaster may call the toll-free DHS’s OIG Hotline at 1-800-323-8603. Complaints may be made anonymously and confidentially.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney and FBI Assistant Director Announce the Repatriation of Nine Stolen Miguel Cabrera Paintings to the Republic of PeruRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and George Venizelos, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the repatriation of nine stolen 18th century paintings to the Republic of Peru.
Miguel Cabrera was an 18th century Mexican painter. He is considered one of the most important painters of his time in New Spain, an area that included present-day Mexico and Central America. Cabrera painted for the Archbishop and for the Jesuit order, and therefore many of Cabrera’s works were religious in nature. Of the nine paintings that are being returned to Peru, “Resurrection of Lazarus” is perhaps the most recognized and the finest example of Cabrera’s talent.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “We are pleased to return these nine Miguel Cabrera paintings. They are part of Peru’s cultural heritage, but they were stolen from a church in Lima six years ago and smuggled out of Peru to be trafficked on the international art market. Our Office is committed to ensuring that stolen artwork, especially when it is an important part of a nation’s cultural heritage, does not find a safe haven for resale in the Southern District of New York or elsewhere in the U.S.”
FBI Assistant Director George Venizelos said: “The theft of priceless artifacts deprives people of their religious and cultural heritage and corrupts the legitimate markets for works of art. The FBI will continue to commit investigative resources and work with law enforcement agencies around the world to recover these works of art and bring to justice criminals who steal these precious pieces. We are pleased to be able to return these paintings to the government of Peru.”
In 2008, nine paintings by Miguel Cabrera were reported as having been stolen from a church in Lima, Peru. Eight of the paintings were consigned to Jackson’s International Auctioneers & Appraisers in Cedar Falls, Iowa, which brought the paintings to the attention of law enforcement, assisted in identifying them as the stolen paintings, and turned them over to the FBI.
The FBI conducted an investigation and confirmed that the eight paintings were among those that had been stolen from the church in Lima. The art dealer who had consigned the paintings to the auction house was told that the paintings were stolen, and he has signed a stipulation relinquishing any right, title and interest in the paintings so they may rightfully be returned to Peru. That stipulation was approved yesterday by U.S. District Judge Denise Cote.
The ninth missing painting by Miguel Cabrera, “Resurrection of Lazarus,” was discovered to be at an auction house in New York City. The FBI took possession of the painting in early 2014, after determining it was the stolen painting. The person who had consigned that painting to the auction house was notified that the painting had been stolen from Peru, and he also agreed to relinquish any right, title and interest in the painting so it may be repatriated to Peru. The stipulation signed by the consignor of “Resurrection of Lazarus” was also approved yesterday by Judge Cote.
Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the FBI and thanked the Peruvian Embassy and the Peruvian Consulate in New York for their assistance in coordinating the repatriation of the paintings.
Ambassador Harold Forsyth of the Republic of Peru said: “The close cooperation between Peru, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI continues to produce concrete results. These pieces belong to the cultural heritage of Peru and their recovery shows that our two countries continue in fighting together against this evil form of international crime, because it steals our identity and denies the world the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of our history.”
The case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Unit. Sharon Cohen Levin, Chief of the Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine I. Magdo are in charge of the matter.
Ludlow Man Sentenced for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
Boston – A Ludlow man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Springfield today for child exploitation charges.
James Pease, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 15 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. In May 2014, Pease pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
During 2010 and 2012, Pease surreptitiously recorded minor females while they showered. From 2006 to 2012, Pease also received and possessed child pornography which he obtained from the Internet.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Leigh Alistair Barzey, Resident Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, made the announcement today. The case was prosecuted by Alex J. Grant of Ortiz’s Springfield Branch Unit.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Lebanon Car Dealer Indicted for Fraudulent Titles, Falsified Mileage on Dozens of VehiclesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Lebanon, Mo., automobile dealer has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a mail fraud scheme in which he sold dozens of vehicles with fraudulent titles that greatly underreported the actual mileage of the vehicles.
Kenneth W. Smith, 60, of Lebanon, was charged in a seven-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Aug. 26, 2014. That indictment has been unsealed and made public upon Smith’s arrest and initial court appearance.
Smith operates Cars Unlimited in Lebanon. According to today’s indictment, Smith obtained fraudulent replacement titles for dozens of vehicles that were sold by Cars Unlimited between February 2010 and Nov. 7, 2011. Smith (operating through Cars Unlimited) allegedly applied for and received 54 replacement titles from the state of Missouri, each of which underreported the vehicle’s actual mileage between 95,000 and 209,000 miles. Smith allegedly resold these 54 vehicles at auto auctions using the fraudulent replacement titles. These 54 vehicles were sold for an aggregate total of approximately $346,450.
Beginning in February 2010, when Smith purchased vehicles (through Cars Unlimited) at auto auctions, the vehicle titles he received showed each vehicle's actual mileage. After purchasing a vehicle, Smith allegedly submitted an "Application for Missouri Title and License" seeking a replacement title for the vehicle. Although he sought a replacement title, the indictment says, he in fact possessed the original title for the vehicle.
In each of those instances, Smith allegedly forged the signatures of the previous owner of the vehicle. The state of Missouri prepared a replacement title that was mailed to Smith at Cars Unlimited.
The federal indictment charges Smith with seven counts of mail fraud.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Milligan. It was investigated by the FBI and the Missouri Department of Revenue.
- Laredoan Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Pornography
Keshena, WI Man Sentenced to Prison for Aggravated Assault of a ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney James L. Santelle announced that Richard J. Schreiber, (age: 21), of Keshena, located on the Menominee Indian Reservation, in the State of Wisconsin, was sentenced on September 4, 2014, in United States District Court to 53 months of imprisonment, followed by a term of three years on supervised release. The sentence was the result of a guilty plea by Schreiber on May 22, 2014, to a federal information charging him with one count of assault of a child resulting in serious bodily injury.
The investigation revealed that on two occasions Schreiber abused a 20-month-old male at a residence on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Schreiber admitted that he assaulted the victim.
The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin L. Whittemore.