Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Thursday 28 August 2014
Man from Mexico Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mexican man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assaulting, Resisting and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Jorge Trujillo, age 21, was indicted on August 19, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on August 25, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is a 10 year mandatory minimum, up to life, in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and up to $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about August 5, 2014, Trujillo unlawfully assaulted a juvenile male and two women with a dangerous weapon, that is, a knife and also assaulted an officer while that officer was engaged in the performance of his official duties.
The charges are merely accusations and Trujillo is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Trujillo was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Possession of A Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Gustavo Alfaro-Garcia, 36, of Salt lake City, Utah, and Mirella Ileana Garcia, 27, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of a stolen firearm, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Co-defendant, Maria Garcia, 26, of Salt Lake City, pleaded guilty to the same charge on August 13, 2014.
According to the plea agreements, on June 18, 2013, the individuals were stopped by the Idaho State Police while traveling southbound on Interstate 15, in Oneida County, Idaho. Inside the vehicle officers found numerous stolen firearms including a Smith and Wesson .357 caliber revolver, which had been stolen from a residence in Arimo, Idaho. Earlier that day, a witness had seen the individuals enter the residence where the gun was stolen.
The crime is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release.
Sentencing is set for November 19, 2014, before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Pocatello. Maria Garcia’s sentencing is set for October 22, 2014, also before Judge Winmill.
The case was the result of an investigation by the Idaho State Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
MS-13 Gang Member from Jamaica, Queens Indicted for Murder of 19-Year-Old Man in Long IslandRead the Press Release
Earlier today, an indictment was unsealed charging the defendant, Byron Lopez, with conspiracy to commit murder in-aid-of racketeering, murder in-aid-of racketeering, obstruction-of-justice murder and firearms offenses.1 If convicted, Lopez will face mandatory life imprisonment. Lopez, who was arrested this morning, was presented for arraignment earlier today at the United States Courthouse in Brooklyn, New York.
The charges and arrest were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James T. Hayes, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York Field Office; James Higgins, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms, New York Field Division (ATF); and William J. Bratton, Commissioner, New York City Police Department.
“This Office has a long history of prosecuting and convicting members of the MS-13 gang, which for years has pursued its particularly brutal brand of violence and lawlessness in neighborhoods throughout Queens and Long Island,” stated U.S. Attorney Lynch. “This prosecution, which brings another member of the gang to justice for a murder that disrupted one of our communities earlier this year, is part of our ongoing mission to dismantle MS-13 wherever and whenever it rears its head in this district.” Ms. Lynch thanked the Suffolk County Police Department for its assistance with the investigation.
"Today’s arrest of Byron Lopez, a member of the violent MS-13 street gang who is alleged to have coordinated the murder of a fellow gang member and other violent crimes, is yet another step in the efforts of law enforcement to attack the leadership of MS-13 and put an end to their menacing criminal conduct," said James T. Hayes Jr., special agent in charge of HSI. “HSI is proud of its partnerships with law enforcement agencies in Suffolk County, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York that further investigations against violent criminal street gangs that present significant threats to public safety."
As alleged in court documents, Lopez is a member of the Jamaica, Queens chapter of the violent street gang La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as “MS-13.” On February 25, 2014, Lopez and other members of the gang directed the victim, fellow gang member Sidney Valverde, to travel to Long Island under the false pretense that they needed him to assist in gang business there. In fact, Lopez and his co-conspirators planned to kill Valverde because they believed that he was providing information about the gang’s activities to federal law enforcement. After Valverde traveled to Long Island, the conspirators shot him in the back of the head and left his body on Miller Place Beach in Suffolk County, where it was discovered by a beachcomber approximately two weeks later.
The indictment of Lopez is the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of the MS-13, a violent international street gang comprised primarily of immigrants from El Salvador and Honduras. With numerous chapters, or “cliques,” through the United States, MS-13 has a significant presence in Queens and is the largest street gang in Long Island. Since 2003, more than 250 MS-13 members, including dozens of clique leaders, have been convicted on federal felony charges in the Eastern District of New York. More than 150 of those MS-13 members have been convicted on federal racketeering charges. Since 2010 alone, this Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 20 murders in the Eastern District of New York, and has convicted more than 35 MS-13 members in connection with those murders.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Darren A. LaVerne and Alixandra E. Smith.
The Defendant:
BYRON LOPEZ, also known as “Viruz”
Age: 23
___________________________________________________________________________
1 The charges contained in the indictments are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Las Vegas Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Failing to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A local lawyer who served as U.S. Attorney for Nevada from 1975 to 1977, pleaded guilty today to failing to file federal individual and corporate income tax returns from 2006 to 2010, and agreed to pay restitution to the IRS of approximately $290,000, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.
“Regardless of one’s occupation, job title or position, everyone is responsible for filing and paying taxes on all of their income,” said United States Attorney Bogden. “It is important that American taxpayers understand and feel confident that everyone is playing by the same rules in filing and paying their taxes.”
Lawrence J. Semenza, II, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan to three misdemeanor counts of willful failure to file a tax return. According to the guilty plea agreement, Semenza operated his law practice in Las Vegas as a subchapter C personal service corporation. For the years 2006 through 2010, Semenza individually had taxable income of approximately $655,000, and the corporation had taxable income of approximately $345,000, but Semenza failed to file individual or corporate income tax returns for those years, and failed to pay the tax due and owing to the IRS, totaling about $290,000.Semenza is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 3, 2014. The maximum penalty for each count is one year in prison and a fine of not more than $100,000.
The case is being investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Johnson and Nicholas D. Dickinson.Las Vegas Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Failing to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A local lawyer who served as U.S. Attorney for Nevada from 1975 to 1977, pleaded guilty today to failing to file federal individual and corporate income tax returns from 2006 to 2010, and agreed to pay restitution to the IRS of approximately $290,000, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.
“Regardless of one’s occupation, job title or position, everyone is responsible for filing and paying taxes on all of their income,” said United States Attorney Bogden. “It is important that American taxpayers understand and feel confident that everyone is playing by the same rules in filing and paying their taxes.”
Lawrence J. Semenza, II, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan to three misdemeanor counts of willful failure to file a tax return. According to the guilty plea agreement, Semenza operated his law practice in Las Vegas as a subchapter C personal service corporation. For the years 2006 through 2010, Semenza individually had taxable income of approximately $655,000, and the corporation had taxable income of approximately $345,000, but Semenza failed to file individual or corporate income tax returns for those years, and failed to pay the tax due and owing to the IRS, totaling about $290,000.Semenza is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 3, 2014. The maximum penalty for each count is one year in prison and a fine of not more than $100,000.
The case is being investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Johnson and Nicholas D. Dickinson.Lakemoor Man Who Teaches in Buffalo Grove Middle School Arrested on Federal Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO ― A middle school teacher in northwest suburban Buffalo Grove was arrested this morning on federal charges for allegedly receiving child pornography and persuading a minor to produce pornographic images of himself. The defendant, JOHN C. VASTIS, also known as “Pete,” 51, of Lakemoor, which straddles Lake and McHenry counties, was arrested at his home early this morning by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations at the same time they executed a federal search warrant.
Vastis is a teacher at the Meridian Middle School in Aptakisic-Tripp District 102 in Buffalo Grove. There are no allegations of any sexual exploitation of any students. School district officials are cooperating with the investigation.
Vastis was charged with two counts of producing child pornography and one count of receiving child pornography. He appeared before Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole and was ordered to remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which was scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday in U.S. District Court.
Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call HSI’s toll-free tip line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or go to http://www.ice.gov/predator/# for further information. Callers may remain anonymous.. Callers may remain anonymous.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 15, HSI agents and local police executed a state search warrant at the residence of a 17-year-old youth who was suspected of possessing and distributing child pornography. The youth, identified as “Minor A,” told agents that he began communicating via Skype and text messages with an adult he identified as “Pete” when he was 16-years-old in September 2013. Agents later identified “Pete” as Vastis, the charges allege. Agents then analyzed data from Minor A’s computer and cell phone and recovered more than 3,200 lines of chat messages between Minor A and “Pete.” Excerpts of those chats are detailed in the complaint affidavit.
The sexual exploitation of a minor charges allege that on Jan. 18 and March 3, 2014, Vastis persuaded, induced, and enticed Minor A to produce pornographic images of himself and send them to Vastis. He was also charged with receiving a video containing child pornography on July 13.
Each count of producing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison, while receiving child pornography carries a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years, and each count carries a $250,000 maximum fine. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The arrest and charges were announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Gary Hartwig, Special Agent-in-Charge of HSI in Chicago. The Lakemoor Police Department, together with state and local HSI task force officers and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, are assisting in the investigation. The Buffalo Grove Police Department is also cooperating with the investigation. The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kness.
The investigation is being conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since its launch in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 10,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2013, more than 2,000 individuals were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative.
A complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Complaint
Justice Department Asks Court to Dismiss Saint Elizabeths Hospital Case After Conditions Improved Under Consent DecreeRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department asked a federal court to dismiss the injunction to address civil rights violations at Saint Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C., because the District of Columbia and the Department of Behavioral Health have significantly improved the care and treatment of persons confined to Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Saint Elizabeths is the district’s facility for treating individuals with mental health conditions. The reforms, which were implemented following requirements under a court order, have ensured that persons at Saint Elizabeths Hospital are discharged to the community with adequate supports to live in integrated settings. Further, the reforms resulted in important improvements in integrated treatment planning, psychological and psychiatric services, nursing care and protection from assault.
In 2006, the department notified the district that conditions at Saint Elizabeths Hospital violated the constitutional and federal statutory rights of individuals at the hospital. In 2007, the department and the district entered into a court enforceable settlement agreement to implement the necessary reforms. Since entering the settlement agreement, the department, with the help of a team of experts, has monitored the implementation of the reforms and provided technical assistance to facility officials.
Under the settlement agreement, district officials have made steady progress toward improving the care and treatment at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. By June 2014, the district had achieved and maintained substantial compliance with all required remedial measures by replacing a dangerous facility through the construction of a new hospital and increased clinical staff as well as reforming the discharge planning and community placement process. Further, the district lowered the population at Saint Elizabeths Hospital by nearly 50 percent. The district will continue its partnership with the local protection and advocacy group, University Legal Services, after dismissal of the lawsuit. The parties have filed a notice with the court detailing the ongoing monitoring that will be conducted by University Legal Services.
“We commend the district and the Department of Behavioral Health for their commitment to reform the clinical practices at Saint Elizabeths Hospital,” said Molly Moran, Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. “The leadership of the Department of Behavioral Health and of Saint Elizabeths Hospital have made significant and often difficult decisions to change the clinical culture at Saint Elizabeths Hospital and ensure that persons confined to hospital were appropriately discharged and integrated into the community with adequate supports. They strongly supported the required changes and provided the time, energy and resources necessary to achieve reform.”
The department initiated the investigation of Saint Elizabeths Hospital under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These statutes give the Department of Justice authority to protect the constitutional and federal statutory rights of individuals with mental health conditions confined to mental health hospitals. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt
Related Materials:
Joint Motion for Final Dismissal with Notice Letter
Jury Convicts Ville Platte Man of Robbing St. Landry Parish Truck Stop CasinoRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –After a three-day trial, a federal jury found a Ville Platte man guilty of taking part in an armed robbery in which more than $11,000 was taken from a truck stop store and casino in St. Landry Parish, U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced.
The trial started on Monday and ended Wednesday for Arinskie Tryvon Orlandeze Jones, 24, of Ville Platte, La. United States District Judge Richard T. Haik presided over the trial. The jury deliberated for more than four hours before finding Jones guilty of one count of interference with commerce by robbery. Jones faces up to 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
Jones, and two other Ville Platte men, Ronald James Doomes, 26, and Steven Dudley Nelson, 25, were indicted on October 24, 2012, on charges that they took part in an armed robbery on April 8, 2011, at the Tiger Trax Truckstop #7 and Video Joker II Casino located in St. Landry Parish.
Previously, Doomes was found guilty of one count of armed robbery and one count of use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence after a federal trial ending on August 1, 2014. Doomes’ sentencing date is November 15, 2014. Nelson pleaded guilty to those same charges on October 28, 2013. His sentencing is set for September 19, 2014. Doomes and Nelson face prison terms of seven years to life. All three defendants also face up to $250,000 in fines.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a Department of Justice initiative designed to reduce firearm crimes by removing dangerous and persistent felons from the community and promote firearm safety. The PSN attorneys prosecute a variety of federal firearms violations listed in Titles 18 and 26 of the U.S. Code, including illegal possession of firearms and commission of crimes with firearms.
The FBI, ATF and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph T. Mickel and David C. Joseph prosecuted the case.
John Acosta-bermudez Imprisoned for Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that John Acosta-Bermudez, 52, a Colombian citizen who has landed immigrant status in Canada, was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington to 13 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge that he reentered the United States after having been deported. Mr. Acosta-Bermudez has been detained without bail since his arrest last March.
According to court papers, immigration officials at the Route 5 Port-of-Entry in Derby Line observed a black vehicle enter the United States in mid-morning on March 29, 2014. The car did not stop at the Port for inspection, but instead headed south on Interstate 91. A Border Patrol agent followed and stopped the car on the highway. Acosta-Bermudez was driving and an undocumented alien was the passenger. Acosta-Bermudez has twice been deported from the United States following a New York robbery conviction and a federal passport fraud conviction. As a deportee, Acosta-Bermudez cannot return to the United States without the advance permission of the Attorney General.
Acosta-Bermudez is represented by Mark Kaplan. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
James Moorcroft Pleads Not Guilty in Stolen Truck/tractor CaperRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that James Moorcroft, 49, of Brookfield, Vermont, pleaded not guilty yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington to charges that he possessed a number of vehicles and tractors which had crossed state lines after being stolen. U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy released Moorcroft on conditions pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
On August 13, 2014, a federal grand jury in Rutland returned a seven count indictment accusing Moorcroft of possessing six trucks and two farm tractors which had been transported across state lines after being stolen. According to the indictment, between 2000 and 2012, Moorcroft orchestrated the thefts of eight trucks and tractors from locations in Vermont, New York, Massachusetts and Maine. The indictment charges that Moorcroft then transported the stolen equipment to a farm he lives on in Brookfield, where he used the vehicles. Moorcroft allegedly stripped the vehicle identification numbers off the stolen equipment, affixed replacement VINs and registered the vehicles in Vermont.
In February 2014, police in Connecticut examined one of the stolen vehicles at the home a relative of Moorcroft's and discovered that the public VIN did not match a confidential VIN hidden within the vehicle. At that point, authorities theorize, Moorcroft panicked and decided to dispose of the stolen equipment he had on his farm. In February and March 2014, authorities recovered all eight stolen trucks and tractors after they had been abandoned or moved to locations in Vermont, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Investment Company Owner Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Glen Galemmo, 49, who owned Queen City Investments and other investment companies in the Cincinnati area, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 188 months in prison for soliciting millions of dollars from his company’s investors between 2005 and July 2013 and spending the money rather than investing it.
Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio and Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS) announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Herman Weber.
Galemmo, who now lives in South Carolina, pleaded guilty on January 15, 2014 to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. According to court documents, Galemmo lured investors with promotional materials falsely claiming returns of more than 30 percent over seven years.
“What makes Galemmo’s conduct so egregious – and separates him from a defendant who embezzles money from his employer or commits mortgage fraud – is that he lied to investors on a daily basis, over and over again, over the course of many years, and in so doing, he destroyed the financial future of countless individuals,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Glatfelter told the court prior to sentencing.
For eight years, Galemmo operated a “Ponzi scheme” using money from new investors to pay off earlier investors. Galemmo received approximately $87 million cumulatively from individual investors, trusts, charitable organizations, and retirement accounts. During this time, Galemmo also received approximately $29 million from some of these investors in the form of short-term loans. The vast majority of these funds were never invested in anything. Galemmo used the investor accounts as his personal bank, paying country club fees, taking luxurious vacations and buying real estate, clothing and jewelry.
Galemmo sent fraudulent monthly statements to investors. To create the monthly statements, each client's principal investment balance was merely multiplied by a fictitious percentage of return, consistent with the returns that Galemmo had promised to his clients. The statements showed positive account balances and fictitious earnings, when in fact, the money had not been invested as promised. Investigators identified approximately 140 victims of Galemmo’s scheme.
Galemmo agreed to forfeit three pieces of real estate, including a condo in Marco Island, Florida, the contents of bank and investment accounts and five vehicles. The government also is asking the court to order that Galemmo forfeit more than $5 million in cash and investments, including some cash and investments that Galemmo transferred to his wife in an attempt to avoid the government seizing the assets. If the court orders the forfeiture, the forfeited property will go toward victim restitution.
“A person who creates a web of financial lies will soon be caught up in it. Mr Galemmo offered rates of return of over 30% to his clients and unfortunately these were false promises,” said Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the investigation by IRS special agents as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Glatfelter and Tim Mangan, who are prosecuting the case.
Indictment for Growing over 22,000 Marijuana Plants in Lassen National ForestRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Mexican national Christian Rubio with conspiracy to cultivate marijuana, cultivation of marijuana, and depredation of public lands and resources, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, on August 14, 2014, law enforcement agents entered a marijuana cultivation site in the Lassen National Forest and located more than 22,000 marijuana plants and over one ton of processed marijuana. Rubio was arrested after at the site. The marijuana cultivation caused significant damage to the land and natural resources of the Lassen National Forest.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service and the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olusere Olowoyeye is prosecuting the case.
The sentence for the conspiracy charge is five to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. The sentence for the manufacture of marijuana charges is up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The sentence for depredation of public lands and resources charge is up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Houlka MS Woman Pleads Guilty to Misprison of a Felony (Concealment of Methamphetamine)Read the Press Release
Muskogee, Oklahoma - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that DEJA MONET PHILLIPS, age 18, of Houlka, Mississippi, pled guilty to Misprison of a Felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 6.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Information alleged that on or about March 6, 2014, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant assisted another individual in concealing a large quantity of methamphetamine and failed to report it to law enforcement when the opportunity arose.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.
The statutory range of punishment is up 3 years and $250,000.00 fine.
Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Waters represented the United States.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 15 Years for His Role in A Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEMENTRIUS NAVE, also known as Cunny, age 35, of Hartford, was sentenced on August 21, 2014, to 15 years of imprisonment by United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson for his role in a narcotics conspiracy. Upon completion of his prison term, NAVE will be placed on supervised release for five years. Federal agents arrested NAVE on February 12, 2012, following a wiretap investigation that targeted NAVE and his co-conspirators in the unlawful distribution of narcotics. The co-conspirators charged with NAVE included Rakent BUNKLEY, also known as “Kent Street,” Tyrone CRUMP, also known as KT, Justin POWELL, also known as “Jus,” and KEVIN ALLEN, all of whom have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. NAVE was held in custody since his arrest.
NAVE pleaded guilty in November 2013 to conspiring to distribute crack cocaine. According to court filings and statements made in court, NAVE was indicted in 2012 as part of Operation Vinefield, an investigation conducted by the FBI-sponsored Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes and Gang Task Force into gang and narcotics activity on Vine and Enfield Streets in Hartford’s North End. A total of 38 individuals were charged in multiple indictments as part of Operation Vinefield. Federal, state and local investigators began investigating NAVE immediately after he was released from the Connecticut Department of Correction on November 4, 2011.NAVE has an extensive criminal history that includes a prior federal conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. NAVE also gained local notoriety in 2006 when two women were murdered on separate occasions while being with NAVE. On January 30, 2006, Wendy Williams was shot and killed while she sat in a car in the Nelton Court housing project. According to the Hartford Police Department, NAVE was in the car and the apparent target when Williams was murdered. On February 23, 2006, Sara Palenza was killed when she was shot in the head while a passenger in a car driven by NAVE on Albany Avenue.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, and Connecticut State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Grove City Woman Pleads Guilty in Illegal Alien Case and to Failing to File an Income Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS – Jennifer A. Quintana, 38, of Grove City, Ohio, owner and operator of Quintana Construction, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count inducing one or more illegal aliens to enter the U.S. and to one count of willfully failing to file a federal income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Carter M. Stewart, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge James Vanderberg, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and Special Agent in Charge Marlon Miller, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.
According to court documents, Quintana Construction, which is operated out of Jennifer Quintana’s residence, is a construction labor contracting business that provided labor for framing assembly and apartment/condominium construction in the greater Columbus, Ohio area. Jennifer Quintana is married to Felix Quintana. Felix Quintana is a citizen of the country of Mexico and is documented to work in the U.S. Felix Quintana organized and supervised the workforce for Quintana Construction and was considered the on-site supervisor.
From January 2005 through November 2009, Quintana Construction knowingly used the labor of undocumented illegal aliens to do construction work on various job sites. The investigation revealed that in 2007, 15 undocumented illegal aliens were utilized by Quintana Construction and in 2008, 14 undocumented illegal aliens were used. For each year, the illegal aliens were the primary work force used by Quintana Construction. The undocumented illegal alien employees had no authorization to seek or maintain gainful employment in the U.S.
Jennifer Quintana submitted false forms to the IRS stating that workers were sub-contractors of Quintana Construction with valid taxpayer identification numbers, when in fact she knew they were undocumented illegal alien workers.
In 2007, Jennifer Quintana filed 18 Forms 1099-MISC with the IRS on behalf of Quintana Construction which reported nonemployee compensation paid to sub-contractors. Of these 18 Forms 1099-MISC, 15 were rejected by the IRS for not having matching names and taxpayer identification numbers. In addition, of the 18 Forms 1099-MISC, 10 of them had also been rejected by the IRS in a prior year. Upon acknowledgement of these rejected Forms 1099-MISC and receipt of the IRS Form CP2100, which reports such rejections, Quintana Construction was obligated to begin backup employment tax withholdings for those individuals, reporting such backup withholdings on a Form 945, Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax, and was obligated to pay to the IRS any applicable collected backup withholdings, which Jennifer Quintana failed to do.
For tax year 2008, Quintana Construction, by and through Jennifer Quintana, paid wages in the form of non-employee compensation to her employees totaling $220,669.00, which was subject to backup withholding of federal income taxes totaling $61,787.32.
Inducing one or more illegal aliens to enter the U.S is punishable by a fine of up to $500,000 and three years of organizational supervision. Willfully failing to file a federal income tax return with the IRS is punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of not more than $10,000, and one year of supervised release
In addition, Jennifer Quintana agreed to cease doing business as a labor contracting firm for the construction industry.
Judge Sargus will schedule a sentencing hearing following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the investigation by IRS, the Department of Labor, and ICE, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas W. Squires, who is representing the United States in this case.
Grand Jury Indicts Shoshone Man for Producing, Viewing and Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE - William Roger Wilkinson, 53, of Shoshone, Idaho, was indicted August 12, 2014, by a federal grand jury for two counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of access with intent to view child pornography, and one count of transportation of child pornography in interstate commerce, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. He made his initial appearance on the charges today, where he entered a not guilty plea. Trial is set for November 4, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.
The indictment alleges that on November 3, 2012, and again on December 9, 2012, Wilkinson knowingly used, persuaded, induced, enticed or coerced an eight-year-old child to take part in sexually explicit conduct and produced visual depictions of that conduct. The indictment also alleges that between June and October 2013, Wilkinson knowingly accessed with intent to view one or more visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Last, the indictment alleges that between November 1 and November 12, 2013, Wilkinson transported child pornography images depicting sexually explicit conduct involving eleven separate minors in interstate commerce. The indictment also calls for the forfeiture of real and personal property associated with the offenses.
The combined charges of sexual exploitation of children, accessing with intent to view child pornography and transportation of child pornography are punishable by up to 90 years in prison, a maximum fine of $750,000, and at least 5 years up to lifetime of supervised release. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Idaho and Utah, and the Lincoln County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Department.
An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Ginseng Root Poacher Sentenced to Jail TimeRead the Press Release
Another Poacher Sentenced To Jail For The Illegal Harvesting Of 298 Ginseng Roots
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis L. Howell sentenced Billy Joe Hurley, 46, of Bryson City, N.C. to serve five months and fifteen days in jail for the illegal possession or harvesting of American ginseng from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Steve Kloster, Acting Chief Ranger of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cindy MacLeod, Acting Superintendent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park join U.S. Attorney Tompkins in making today’s announcement.
“Illegally harvesting American ginseng from federally protected land areas poses a serious danger to a plant that is part of our national heritage. It is also a crime, and my office will continue to work closely with National Park Service Rangers to prosecute poachers who profit from the illegal harvesting and sale of this endangered national resource,” said U.S. Attorney Tompkins.
“Our rangers remain committed to protecting ginseng which is now locally threatened by poaching and recently placed on the North Carolina watch list for plants in peril due to exploitation,” said Acting Chief Ranger Steve Kloster. “We are hopeful that this conviction will serve as a deterrent to others considering illegally taking this special resource.”
“I am proud of the rangers who work to protect ginseng from poachers,” said Acting Superintendent Cindy MacLeod. “Ginseng is a precious resource, a difficult plant to grow, and one that we have been using losing to illegal and unsustainable harvests as the forests are being robbed of younger and younger plants.”
According to today’s sentencing hearing and filed documents, on June 28, 2014, Hurley admitted to illegally possessing 83 American ginseng roots he had illegally dug from areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hurley pleaded guilty to the poaching charge, which marked his fourth such conviction. Staff of the National Park Service replanted the recovered viable roots but estimate that at best, 50% of the replanted roots are likely to survive.
At today’s sentencing hearing, a National Park Service botanist testified that the American ginseng species is under severe pressure from poachers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and may not be sustainable if it continues to be harvested illegally. During the hearing, a special agent with of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also testified that financial gain is likely to continue to drive poachers and that fresh ginseng can bring up to $200 per pound on the black market.
In a separate case, on August 6, 2014, Christopher Ian Jacobson, 31, of Cosby, Tenn. was sentenced to 80 days in prison and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. Jacobson pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of 298 roots of ginseng.
American ginseng is a native plant in the Smoky Mountains. These wild roots are also a highly prized tonic, particularly in Asian markets. Dried ginseng roots are used in medicines, teas, and other health products. American ginseng was recently placed in North Carolina’s Watch Category 5B, which includes generally widespread species that are in commercial demand and are often collected and sold in high volume. This category was created to bring attention to the issue, since such high volume collection is unsustainable in the long run.
Ginseng harvest in the park has always been illegal. It is legal to harvest ginseng outside the park on private lands or with a permit in certain Forest Service areas during the harvesting season. Park scientists have realized these slow-growing native plants could disappear because harvesting means taking the entire ginseng root. Each year law enforcement rangers seize between 500 and 1000 illegally poached ginseng roots. Over the years, park biologists have marked and replanted over 15,000 roots seized by law enforcement. Monitoring indicates that many of these roots have survived and are again thriving in these mountains.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the National Park Service remind the public that gathering ginseng on federal lands, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a federal crime. The Smokies are the largest fully protected reserve known for wild ginseng. This plant was formerly abundant throughout the eastern mountains, but due to overharvesting, populations have been significantly reduced to isolated patches. The roots poached in this park are usually young, between the ages of 5 and 10 years, and have not yet reached their full reproductive capacity. In time, the park’s populations might recover if poaching ceased.
The investigation of the case was handled by Park Rangers of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park assisted by special agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville handled the prosecution.
To report illegal harvesting activities of American ginseng within the Smokies, please call the Law Enforcement Desk of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 1-865-436-1230.
Four Indicted for Cultivation in Shasta-Trinity National ForestRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today, charging four defendants with conspiracy to cultivate marijuana, cultivation of marijuana, and depredation of public lands and resources, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, Arturo Alcazar-Tapia, 30; Isidro Alcazar-Tapia, 25; Victor Manuel Alvarez-Contreras, 19; and Ricky Martin Huerta, 20, all of Eureka, conspired together to grow marijuana at two sites in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Trinity County. The marijuana was then packaged for distribution at a house in Eureka.
According to court documents, on August 4, 2014, agents executed a search warrant at the defendants’ home in Eureka. They found 33 pounds of processed marijuana divided into one‑pound packages and more than $6,000 in cash. The next two days the agents searched two marijuana cultivation sites in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest: one near Big French Creek and one near Hobo Gulch Road. Approximately 7,980 marijuana plants were eradicated from the first site and 13,642 marijuana plants at the next. The marijuana cultivation caused significant damage to the land and natural resources of the National Forest, an area that provides habitat for several threatened and endangered animal species.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, North State Marijuana Team, and the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christiaan Highsmith is prosecuting the case.
The sentence for the conspiracy charge is five to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. The sentence for the manufacture of marijuana charges is up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The sentence for depredation of public lands and resources charge is up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Four Family Members Plead Guilty to Defrauding IRS of over $5 MillionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Four family members who operated a temporary employment agency pleaded guilty yesterday to charges relating to a scheme to hide $25 million in employees’ wages from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Margaret Mathes,67, Boseba Prum, 47, Sam Pich, 63, and Thaworn Promket, 52, all of Lowell, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service, mail fraud, and to violating laws against structuring monetary transactions to avoid reporting requirements. Prum also pleaded guilty to 10 counts of filing false employment tax returns, six counts of mail fraud, and two counts of structuring monetary transactions. Pich also pleaded guilty to 17 counts of assisting the filing of false employment tax return, six counts of mail fraud and two counts of structuring monetary transactions. Promket also pleaded guilty to seven counts of filing false employment tax returns, six counts of mail fraud and two counts of structuring monetary transactions. The defendants were indicted in September 2013, and on Nov. 24, 2014 they are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. Senior District Judge Mark L. Wolf.
The defendants ran a temporary employment agency providing both short-term and long-term unskilled labor to companies in and around Lowell, including those in the packaging and food services industries. Between 2004 and 2009, the agency operated under the name International Temp Agency (INT) and JP Company.
Between 2004 and 2009, the defendants reported to the IRS that their temporary employees made about $2.2 million in wages, when the real figure was nearly $30 million. The defendants also defrauded the agency’s workers compensation insurer, Granite State Insurance Co., by hiding the true number of temporary workers the defendants employed, thus avoiding about $880,000 in insurance premiums. As part of the conspiracy to help cover up the unreported worker wages, the defendants withdrew cash from about 20 bank accounts and paid their temporary workers “off the books.” To further ensure that they would not be caught, the defendants structured these bank transactions – over 4300 in all – so they could withdraw the cash needed to pay the workers without triggering federal reporting requirements.
Each of the statutes provide a maximum penalty of between five and 20 years in prison. The statutes also provide for substantial fines and up to three years of supervised release. Note that actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Anthony DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Massachusetts Insurance Fraud Bureau, made the announcement today. The investigation was undertaken jointly by the IRS, the FBI, and the Massachusetts Insurance Fraud Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Andrew E. Lelling of Ortiz’s Economic Crimes Unit.
Four Cleveland Men Indicted for Trafficking in Counterfeit TrademarksRead the Press Release
A federal indictment was filed today charging four individuals with trafficking in counterfeit trademarks, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Osama Iwais, age 36, Samer Iwais, age 31, Tarek Iwais, age 35, and Kalid Iwais, age 36, all of Cleveland, Ohio, are named in the one-count indictment.
The indictment alleges that between December 13, 2011, and March 7, 2012, the defendants did intentionally traffic, attempt to traffic and aid and abet the trafficking and attempted trafficking in goods, specifically, Ralph Lauren Polo shirts, boots and shorts, Ugg boots, Nike footwear, Timberland boots, Gucci footwear, New Era hats, True Religion jeans, North Face jackets and Lacoste boots, while knowingly using on or in connection with said merchandise counterfeit trademarks which were identical to and substantially indistinguishable from marks that were in use for such goods, and which were registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The indictment alleges that the merchandise in question, if genuine, had an aggregate value of approximately $95,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert W. Kern following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cleveland Police Department.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fort Hall Man Pleads Guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Dulton Earl Johnson, 23, of Fort Hall, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2013.
According to court documents, from July 30, 2013, to September 2, 2013, Johnson lived with a woman and several of her minor children in Fort Hall. During that time period, Johnson physically assaulted the woman’s nineteen-month-old daughter on multiple occasions. The assaults resulted in eleven different bone fractures or other serious injuries. The injuries were ultimately discovered when the infant was taken to Primary Children’s Hospital in Utah for surgery on the most recent fracture. In an interview with law enforcement officers, Johnson admitted to causing the injuries.
Johnson’s charge is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release.
Sentencing is set for November 19, 2014, before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
The case was investigated by the Fort Hall Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
Former VA Employee Sentenced for Stealing Government FundsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Zerry Feaster has been sentenced for stealing over $80,000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where she worked as a secretary, and making false statements.
“Rather than supporting the men and women who have served our country honorably, Ms. Feaster stole from the VA to gamble and buy herself luxury goods at Coach and Tiffany,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates.
“Feaster’s betrayal of the public trust for personal gain is reprehensible” said Special Agent in Charge Monty Stokes, Office of Inspector General, U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “The VA OIG will vigorously investigate allegations of the misuse of public funds whether for the funds whenever the funds are related to VA programs and operations.”
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: Feaster was employed as a secretary in the Police Services Division at the Atlanta VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Decatur, Ga. From February 2010 through February 2012, Feaster stole over $80,000 from the VA by misusing her government-issued credit card. The credit card was supposed to be used to purchase office supplies and other equipment for the Police Services Division at the Atlanta VAMC. Feaster instead misused her government-issued credit card to purchase pre-paid gift cards, which she then used to buy personal items, such as luxury accessories and jewelry, as well as to gamble. Feaster attempted to hide the gift cards purchases by creating and submitting fake purchase orders to the VA, falsely claiming that she was using the government credit card to buy office supplies and equipment.
Feaster, 46, of Ellenwood, Ga., has been sentenced to one year, one month in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $88,264.47. Feaster was convicted of these charges on June 27, 2017, after she pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft of government funds, and five counts of making false statements.
This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary L. Webb 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 home page for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division is http://www.justice.gov/usao/gan/.
Former Turnpike Employee Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Production ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Jeannette, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
John S. Longo, 57, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Longo, a retired employee of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, from June 2009 through November 2010, requested another adult produce and send him digital images depicting the sexual exploitation of a child victim who was 12 years of age. The images included those produced on January 30, 2010, of the minor victim by the other adult.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered Longo be detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Longo.
Former Secretary-Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Theft of Union Treasury FundsRead the Press Release
The former Secretary-Treasurer of Security Police Fire Professionals of America Local 287 pleaded guilty today to theft from a labor organization in violation of his fiduciary responsibilities as a union officer.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and District Director Mark Wheeler of the Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Washington District Office made the announcement.
Milton Hilliard, 47, of Fort Washington, Maryland, was the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 287, which represents security guards employed by Coastal International Security at various locations in Washington, D.C. At the plea hearing, he acknowledged that, between September 2008 and December 2010, he made dozens of unauthorized personal purchases using union funds. Specifically, he used the Local 287 debit card to purchase $11,303.92 in personal items at places such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Maryland Speedy Tag & Title, DARCARS Toyota, H&R Block, Golden Corral, Five Below and others. During the same period, Hilliard made 29 unauthorized cash withdrawals, totaling $23,308.50, from the Local 287 treasury.
Hillard pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan in the District of Columbia. Sentencing is set for Nov. 18, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Washington District Office. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Vincent J. Falvo Jr. of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.Former Lee Police Chief Charged with Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Chief of the Lee Police Department (LPD) was charged today in U.S. District Court in Springfield with wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering.
Joseph Buffis, 56, of Pittsfield, Mass., was charged today in a superseding indictment with three counts of wire fraud, mail fraud, and four counts of money laundering. On Aug. 8, 2013, Buffis was charged in an initial indictment with extortion and three counts of money laundering.According to the superseding indictment, as the Lee Police Chief, Buffis solicited public donations on behalf of the Edward J. Laliberte Toy Fund (Toy Fund), ostensibly to use for toy purchases, primarily by sending notices on LPD letterhead to a local newspaper, The Berskshire Eagle, for publications in its print and online editions. The Eagle regularly published Buffis’ Toy Fund notices. Buffis’ notices were materially fraudulent and false in that they failed to disclose that Buffis was using a substantial part of the donations for his personal use. Based upon Buffis’s solicitations, individuals provided both cash and check donations to the Toy Fund for distribution to needy families. In addition, others donated toys to the Toy Fund, thus providing Buffis with a reserve of toys that he could provide to applicants without having to use Toy Fund monies.
As alleged in the superseding indictment, from January 2007 through December 2011, Buffis deposited 706 checks into the Toy Fund account from 343 different donors totaling $52,105. During this same period, Buffis deposited cash into the Toy Fund account only once: a deposit of $145 on Nov. 23, 2010. Buffis wrote only one Toy Fund check of $250 to a needy family in December 2009. From Jan. 1, 2007 through Jan. 31, 2012, Buffis wrote approximately 53 checks totaling approximately $51,044, a substantial portion of which he used for the benefit of himself and his family. These checks included checks written to Buffis and/or “Cash” and deposited into accounts which he owned with family members.
Also, in February 2012, Buffis extorted a $4,000 check Adonation,@ payable to the Toy Fund from two individuals who were facing prostitution-related charges. Buffis then deposited the check into the Toy Fund’s bank account and quickly withdrew $3,990 of these funds in three checks that he wrote to “Cash” but deposited into a joint bank account that he operated with his wife. Buffis used the diverted funds to pay various personal expenses. When law enforcement commenced an investigation into this activity, Buffis repeatedly lied about the disposition of these funds.
In addition, soon after Buffis became Chief in 2011, he arranged for the Town of Lee to provide the LPD with four iPhones – one for himself and three for other LPD officers. Rather than distribute the three iPhones to his LPD officers, Buffis gave them to his wife and their two children for their own personal use. From October 2011 to August 2013, Buffis caused the Town of Lee to mail Verizon Wireless a series of checks totaling approximately $5,091 for the phones he gave to his wife and children.
The charging statutes provide a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 on each count. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Timothy P. Alben, Commissioner of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of Ortiz's Springfield Branch Office.
The details contained in the superseding indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Council Candidate Sentenced to 60 Days in Jail for Filing A False Statement on Campaign Finance Report-Campaign Secretly Received More Than $140,000 from D.C. Businessman-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jeff Smith, 40, of Washington, D.C., a former candidate for the Council of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 60 days in jail, in addition to a year of probation and a $10,000 fine, for filing a false and misleading report with the District of Columbia’s Office of Campaign Finance that concealed campaign contributions in excess of those permitted under D.C. campaign finance laws.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Timothy A. Gallagher, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Thomas J. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
Smith pled guilty to the felony charge in June 2014 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Anita Josey-Herring. Judge Josey-Herring’s sentence imposes six months of incarceration, but suspends all but 60 days of the time; requires Smith to serve one year of probation, during which time he is to perform 400 hours of community service; and imposes a fine of $10,000, the statutory maximum for his offense.
The charge involved contributions to Smith’s 2010 campaign for the Ward 1 seat on the Council of the District of Columbia. Smith admitted that more than $140,000 was secretly channeled to his campaign from businessman Jeffrey E. Thompson. Smith lost the election.
Smith is one of two Council candidates to plead guilty to charges in recent months. Kelvin Robinson, 53, pled guilty on June 3, 2014, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to a charge of conspiring to violate District of Columbia campaign finance laws by defrauding the District of Columbia’s Office of Campaign Finance. He is awaiting sentencing.
Thompson is the former chairman, chief executive officer, and majority owner of Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio and Associates (TCBA), a corporation that provided accounting, management, consulting, and tax services. He also is the former chairman, chief executive officer, and owner of D.C. Healthcare Systems, Inc. (DCHSI), an investment holding and for-profit corporation. Both companies generated millions of dollars in government contracts.
Thompson and six others earlier pled guilty to charges involving Thompson’s illegal contributions to numerous federal and District of Columbia campaigns. In addition to Robinson, who also admitted receiving excess contributions from Thompson, the others who have pled guilty include Eugenia C. Harris, a business owner in the District of Columbia; Lee A. Calhoun, an executive for TCBA; Stanley Straughter, the owner of a business based in Philadelphia; Vernon Hawkins, who was a volunteer advisor in 2010 for a 2010 mayoral campaign; and Troy White, the owner of a marketing company based in New York.
Another person, former District of Columbia Council member Michael A. Brown, pled guilty to charges in an unrelated bribery investigation. In those proceedings, he publicly admitted that his campaign committees had secretly received money from Thompson.
As part of Thompson’s guilty plea, on March 10, 2014, he agreed to cooperate fully in an ongoing investigation. No date has been set for his sentencing.
“Jeff Smith now faces incarceration because he secretly financed his campaign for the District of Columbia Council with more than $140,000 from one of the District’s biggest contractors,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “He kept the true source of this money – businessman Jeffrey Thompson – from the public by filing false campaign reports. Despite all his illegal spending, Jeff Smith lost the election, and now his criminal activity has been exposed. He is among three candidates so far to admit receiving dirty money from Jeff Thompson, who has pled guilty to his crimes and is continuing to cooperate in our investigation. We remain determined to hold accountable all those who benefited from Jeff Thompson’s illegal campaign spending.”
“Accepting and concealing illegal contributions for a political campaign will not be overlooked or downplayed,” said Acting Assistant Director in Charge Gallagher. “Today, Mr. Smith accepted his penalty for undermining campaign finance laws in the District of Columbia. Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to investigate corruption, no matter at what level, in the District of Columbia.”
According to a statement of offense submitted as part of Smith’s guilty plea, from at least December 2009 through December 2010, Smith, Thompson and others acted to make and to receive – and to conceal – campaign contributions in excess of those permitted under the District of Columbia Campaign Act.
Smith admitted that Thompson, with his knowledge, provided more than $140,000 of in-kind contributions, contributions which were concealed from the Office of Campaign Finance. Smith provided a budget to Thompson in March 2010, seeking $140,975 for voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts for his campaign. Then, from March 2010 until September 2010, Thompson used funds, via TCBA and DCHSI, to provide more than $140,000 in coordination with and in support of Smith’s campaign committee. At least part of this money was spent on campaign services and materials.
The District of Columbia Campaign Act imposes limits on the amount of money that can be contributed to a District of Columbia candidate and that candidate’s principal campaign committee. It also prohibits any person or corporation from making a contribution in the name of another, including by reimbursement. Finally, it requires principal campaign committees to file periodic reports of receipts and disbursements.
The law limits the amount that an individual or entity can contribute in the aggregate in the primary and general elections of a candidate seeking election to a Ward seat to $500.
In his plea, Smith admitted that, acting on behalf of his campaign committee, he filed, that is, authorized to be filed, a false and misleading report to the D.C. Office of Campaign Finance in December 2010. The report concealed the excessive and unreported in-kind contributions provided directly and indirectly by Thompson.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Acting Assistant Director in Charge Gallagher, and Special Agent in Charge Kelly commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and IRS-CI.
They also expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael K. Atkinson, Jonathan P. Hooks, Ellen Chubin Epstein, Lionel André, and Ephraim “Fry” Wernick, of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, who are prosecuting cases in the investigation.
Finally, they acknowledged the efforts of others who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Deborah Connor, Chief of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section, as well as Criminal Investigators Matthew J. Kutz, Mark Crawford, Melissa Matthews, and Durand Odom; Forensic Accountants Crystal Boodoo and Maria Boodoo; Paralegal Specialists Krishawn Graham, Tasha Harris, and Corrine Kleinman; Former Paralegal Specialists Shanna Hays and Nicole Wattelet; and Legal Assistant Angela Lawrence.
14-186Former Cook County Employee Arrested for Allegedly Swindling $330,000 from $10.3 Million U.S. Flood Relief GrantRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A former Cook County employee who managed a $10.3 million federal grant to assist county residents who were impacted by floods in 2008 was arrested today on federal charges for allegedly engaging in a fraud scheme with several contractors and swindling at least $330,000 from the program. A vendor who allegedly kicked-back more than $100,000 was indicted together with the former county official.
BARRY CROALL, 45, of Montgomery, Ill., was a county program manager who oversaw disbursement of the grant funds for Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He was charged with two counts of wire fraud and one count of federal program theft in a five-count indictment that was returned by a federal grand jury yesterday and unsealed today following his arrest.
Croall was scheduled to be arraigned at 3:30 p.m. today before U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood in Courtroom 1725 in the Dirksen United States Courthouse.
RONALD FORD, 57, of Country Club Hills, who operated Strategic Management Services S.M.S. LLC, was charged with one count each of conspiracy and federal program theft. He was not arrested and is scheduled to be arraigned at 11 a.m. tomorrow before Judge Wood.
According to the indictment, between April 2010 and January 2011, Croall arranged for Strategic Management Services, a nonprofit corporation, and three other companies to perform services that were eligible to be paid for with grant funds. Croall allegedly arranged for the businesses to submit false documents inflating the amount of compensation they were entitled to and then obtained portions of the grant payments they received as kick-backs.
Croall allegedly used the funds for his own personal use, including mortgage payments for rental properties he owned in Yorkville through his company, Dove US; the purchase of a condominium unit in Yorkville; credit card payments; homeowner association fees; and an automobile. The indictment seeks forfeiture of at least $330,000 and the Yorkville condo.
The indictment alleges that Croall arranged for Strategic Management Services and Companies A and B to perform certain work on homes eligible for payment under the grant, including damage assessments, inspections, coordination of contractor visits, and related work. Strategic Management and Company A submitted invoices indicating that they had performed work at specified rates on approximately 900 and 500 homes, respectively, but the invoices allegedly overstated the number of homes and the amount of work that was performed.
As part of the scheme, Croall allegedly directed Strategic Management and other companies to submit their invoices to a nonprofit corporation, rather than to Cook County, for payment. Strategic Management and Companies A and B submitted a series of invoices in 2010, totaling approximately $741,000, to the nonprofit corporation, and the county then paid funds from the grant to the nonprofit corporation, based in part on Croall’s approval. Croall also allegedly arranged for Company C to install 1,000 appliances in eligible homes and to pay a commission to Company A as part of the scheme.
Croall then allegedly devised ways to obtain funds from the various vendors, including being employed by Company B as an independent contractor for a two-year term at $72,000 a year. Ford allegedly kicked-back at least $108,000 in cash to Croall.
The arrest and indictment were announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert J. Holley, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Patrick Blanchard, Cook County Inspector General.
The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay Jenkins.
Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or an alternate fine of twice the loss or twice the gain, whichever is greater, and restitution is mandatory. Each count of federal program theft carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Indictment
Former Assistant Manager at Yosemite Area Hotel Indicted for Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and TheftRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment today against Jason Wilson, 34, formerly of Yosemite, charging him with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and taking property from Yosemite Lodge, in Yosemite National Park, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, between October 2011 and December 2012, Wilson manipulated approximately 50 reservations, and took approximately $87,800 in funds to which he was not entitled while assistant manager at Yosemite Lodge, a privately owned hotel located in Yosemite National Park.
According to the indictment, when guests of the lodge checked out after paying for their stay, Wilson would cause the lodge to refund the charges sometimes fabricating reasons for the refund, such as there were mice or bed bugs in the room. Rather than credit the guest’s credit card, however, Wilson directed the credit to his own personal debit card or his wife’s. In other transactions, Wilson reversed a “did not appear” charge if a guest did not cancel the reservation and did not appear for the reservation. After the guest’s credit card was charged for the non-appearance, Wilson reversed the charge, but had the credit deposited into his own account and not the guest’s.
This case is the product of an investigation by National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch. Assistant United States Attorney Mia A. Giacomazzi is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of aggravated identity theft, Wilson faces a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. If convicted of wire fraud or theft in a special territory, Wilson faces five to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
First Guilty Plea in International Conspiracy on Federal Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – The first defendant of eighteen indicted in a nine-count federal indictment filed in the Southern District of Mississippi against defendants in South Africa, Canada, Indiana, California, New York and Wisconsin, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Raymond R Parmer, Jr.
Dennis Brian Ladden, 73 years old, formerly of Wisconsin, entered the guilty plea before United States District Judge Sul Ozerden on Wednesday, August 27, 2014. Ladden faces a maximum of five years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of post-release supervision. Ladden admitted an on-line relationship led to receiving and attempting to cash a credit card cash advance check fraudulently obtained by co-conspirators using the victim’s personal identifying information and credit card information. He also admitted notifying co-conspirators that he had been contacted by federal agents regarding an investigation.
Sentencing for Dennis Brian Ladden is set for November 19, 2014 before United States District Judge Sul Ozerden.
The indictment alleges a West African transnational organized crime enterprise involved in numerous complex financial fraud schemes over the internet. This mass marketing fraud includes romance scams, re-shipping scams, fraudulent check scams and work-at-home scams, along with bank, financial and credit card account take-overs.
The case in Mississippi is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Annette Williams and Scott Gilbert.If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:
(866) 720-5721
You can also fax information to:
(225) 334-4707
or e-mail it to:
Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.
Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.
Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.
Final Defendant Sentenced to Federal Prison in San Antonio's Duffle Bag Mafia Drug Distribution/Firearms Smuggling OperationRead the Press Release
In San Antonio, 37-year-old Jesus Carmona of San Antonio received 101 months in federal prison for his role in a drug distribution and firearms smuggling operation announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Robert Elder, Houston Division, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Janice Ayala, San Antonio Division and San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
During yesterday’s sentencing hearing, United States District Judge Xavier Rodriguez sentenced Carmona to 41 months incarceration for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and 60 months incarceration for possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Charges against Carmona and nine other individuals stem from parallel investigations by ATF, HSI and SAPD which focused on firearms straw purchasing, violent gang activity and drug trafficking by members and associates of the Duffle Bag Mafia in San Antonio.
On September 26, 2013, Carmona pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting that he supplied co-defendants marijuana and cocaine in exchange for firearms. According to court records, one of those firearms, an AK-47 assault rifle, was previously used by 25-year-old Arnoldo Lopez (a.k.a. “Looney”), a member of the Duffle Bag Mafia, in a drive-by shooting on April 1, 2012, that resulted in the death of Joshua Arturo Pagan and Anthony Guevarro. That firearm was subsequently smuggled to the Los Zetas cartel in Mexico.
Last month, Lopez was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for various drug and firearms offenses. On September 5, 2013, Lopez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute “crack” cocaine, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and six counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. According to court records, on October 4, 2012, Lopez and others were apprehended by the San Antonio Police Department Gang Unit while in possession of distributable quantities of “crack” cocaine as well as four firearms including one assault rifle, two shotguns and a semi-automatic pistol. Prior to his arrest, HSI agents were investigating a firearms straw purchasing operation wherein Lopez directed other individuals to purchase dozens of firearms under false pretenses. The weapons purchased included AK-47 and AR-15 type assault rifles which were destined for the Los Zetas cartel.
On August 7, 2014, 33-year-old Yolanda Hernandez was sentenced to 75 months incarceration after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute “crack” cocaine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
On February 26, 2014, 31-year-old Michael Gutierrez was sentenced to 248 months in federal prison for his role in the drug distribution scheme. Six co-defendants in the firearms straw purchasing scheme have been sentenced to terms ranging from three years probation to 57 months in federal prison.
“This investigation is an outstanding example of where cooperative efforts of ATF, HSI, and the San Antonio Police Department can lead. Anytime we get criminals of this magnitude off the streets is a good day for our citizens,” stated ATF SAC Robert Elder.
“Those who engage in and/or facilitate the straw purchasing and smuggling of weaponry, and related items, will face serious consequences. HSI, ATF, and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to making communities safer by bringing violent criminals to justice and preventing or seizing firearms before they fall into the hands of transnational criminal organizations who pose a threat to public safety both here and abroad,” stated HSI SAC Janice Ayala.
“The best police work in the world is all for naught without a successful prosecution. We thank all of our law enforcement partners for the teamwork, and we thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their guidance and hard work. This criminal organization repeatedly demonstrated their total disregard for the law and we are proud to be part of the effort to dismantle them and bring them to justice,” stated San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
Assistant United States Attorneys Russell Leachman and Bettina Richardson prosecuted these cases on behalf of the Government.
Federal Indictment: Jewelry Store Owner Knowingly Purchased Stolen JewelryRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - The owner of a Topeka jewelry store appeared in federal court Thursday on charges of knowingly buying stolen jewelry that he melted and sold for more than $430,500 as scrap gold, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
John O. Dasher, 53, Silver Lake, Kan., is charged with one count of interstate transportation of stolen property and 32 counts of money laundering. The indictment alleges that while he owned and operated The Diamond House at 1801 S.W. Gage Boulevard in Topeka he knowingly purchased stolen jewelry from individuals who committed home invasions in and around Topeka.
He purchased the jewelry at a fraction of its actual value and melted it down to sell as gold scrap. He sent the gold through the U.S. Postal Service to precious metal wholesalers including Pop Gems International, Gold Empire and Coinex, Inc. From November 2008 to April 2013, the companies paid Dasher a total of more than $430,500 for scrap gold.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods, and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $500,000 on each money laundering count.
The Topeka Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Eldon Business Owner Indicted for MarijuanaRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that an Eldon, Mo., business owner has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute.
Earl Dewayne Witt, 52, of Eldon, was charged in an indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014. The indictment was unsealed and made public today at Witt’s initial court appearance.
Witt is the owner of U Wrench It, located at 3035 Hwy. 52, in Eldon. The federal indictment alleges that he was in possession of marijuana, which he intended to distribute, on July 26, 2014.
Dickinson cautioned that the charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart J. Zander. It was investigated by Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force.East Brunswick, N.J., Man Admits Distributing Child Sex Abuse Images from His Home ComputerRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. - An East Brunswick, New Jersey, man admitted today to sharing images of child sexual abuse from his home computer, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Armia Alber, 28, entered his guilty plea today before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with distributing images of child pornography over the Internet. Alber was initially arrested in July 2013.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made during Alber’s guilty plea proceeding:
Alber admitted that between March and July 2013, he was a member of an online peer-to-peer file sharing network and had more than 600 images or videos of children being sexually abused. Alber also admitted he made images and videos of child pornography available for other members to download from his “shared” folder. During this period, a law enforcement agent successfully downloaded multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse from Alber’s computer.
On July 25, 2013, federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Alber’s residence. The agents recovered two computer hard drives, both of which contained numerous images and videos of child pornography.
As part of his guilty plea, Alber agreed to forfeit the computers and computer accessories he used to commit the offense. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The distribution of child pornography count to which Alber pleaded guilty carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is currently scheduled for Dec. 16, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew M. McLees, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the East Brunswick Police Department for their roles in the search and arrest.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Hafetz of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark.14-299
Defense counsel: Assistant Federal Public Defender Carol Gillen Esq., Newark
Alber, Armia Information
Eagle Butte Man Charged with Possession of A Firearm by A Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Philip Nordvold, age 36, was indicted on August 19, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 22, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about February 22, 2014, Nordvold, having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, knowingly received and possessed a firearm.
The charge is merely an accusation and Nordvold is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.
Nordvold was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with Assault with A Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Diego Ramon Lara, age 22, was indicted on August 19, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 22, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about May 24, 2014, Lara unlawfully assaulted an adult male victim with a pickup truck with intent to do bodily harm to the victim.
The charge is merely an accusation and Lara is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.
Lara was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Dupree Man Sentenced for Assault by Striking, Beating and WoundingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Dupree, South Dakota, man charged with Assault by Striking, Beating and Wounding pled guilty to the charge and was sentenced on August 26, 2014, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Lester Delbert Clown, age 31, was sentenced to 1 year in custody, 1 year of supervised release, and $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from an incident that took place on December 11, 2013, at No Heart Housing near Eagle Butte, when Clown and the victim got into a verbal argument. The argument escalated and Clown assaulted the victim.
The investigation was conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson. Clown was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.
Disc Jockey for High School Parties Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Three MinorsRead the Press Release
A former disc jockey for high school parties was sentenced to serve 40 years in prison today in the District of Puerto Rico for sexually exploiting minors.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico and Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) in San Juan made the announcement .
According to court records, Eduardo Santiago-Rivera, 45, was a disc jockey who met his victims at area high school parties and on various social networking sites. Santiago-Rivera admitted that in June and July 2012, he caused at least three minors, who ranged in age from 12 to 15, to engage in sexual activity for the purpose of creating videos. Santiago-Rivera used “ooVoo,” an Internet-based video chat program, to direct and coerce the minors to undress and to engage in various sexual acts. Santiago-Rivera also recorded himself engaging in sexual acts with one of the minors.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Jay A. Garcia-Gregory of the District of Puerto Rico, Santiago-Rivera was additionally ordered to serve a 15-year term of supervised release following his release from prison, during which his access to computers, the Internet and minors will be restricted, and he will be obligated to register as a sex offender. Judge Garcia-Gregory will issue an order for restitution to be paid by Santiago-Garcia to the families of the victims in 60 days. Santiago-Rivera pleaded guilty on Jan. 13, 2014, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille L. Vélez Rivé in the District of Puerto Rico to nine counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. He was charged by superseding indictment on May 13, 2013.
The investigation was conducted by ICE HSI. The case was prosecuted by Criminal Division Trial Attorneys Amy E. Larson of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Mark Angehr of the Public Integrity Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshal Morgan of the District of Puerto Rico.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .Detroit-Area Man Indicted for Attempting to Conceal Evidence<br /> in Connection with Upcoming Trial for $30 Million <br /> Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Detroit -area man was indicted today for obstruction of justice in connection with his alleged attempts to conceal evidence relevant to his upcoming trial for an alleged health care fraud scheme with estimated losses exceeding $30 million.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade of the Eastern District of Michigan, Special Agent in Charge Paul M. Abbate of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Chicago Regional Office made the announcement.
Zafar Mehmood, 48, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, is currently awaiting trial for his alleged role in a health care fraud scheme involving, among other allegations, the submission of fraudulent claims to Medicare for services that were medically unnecessary or never provided. Mehmood allegedly used at least four home health agencies in the Detroit area, including Access Care Home Care Inc., Patient Care Home Care Inc., Hands On Healing Home Care Inc. and All State Home Care Inc., to perpetrate his fraud.
According to today’s indictment, on July 25, 2014, and again on July 28, 2014, Mehmood attempted to alter and conceal records and documents, which included several patient files, with the intent to impair their integrity and availability for use in his upcoming trial.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Nathan Dimock, Niall O’Donnell, and A. Brendan Stewart of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged nearly 1,900 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $6 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to: www.stopmedicarefraud.govDenver Felon Found Guilty of Gun and Drug Distribution Charges Following Jury TrialRead the Press Release
DENVER – A jury in U.S. District Court in Denver yesterday found Maurice Alyn Mickling, age 28, of Denver, guilty of gun and drug distribution charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced. The three-day jury trial was heard before U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before delivering their verdicts. The defendant, who appeared at the trial in custody, was remanded after the jury verdict was read. Mickling is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Moore on November 19, 2014. Mickling was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on January 7, 2014.
According to court documents as well as facts presented during the trial, in December of 2013 Mickling, who was wanted for parole violations, was located at the Ramada Inn on Colfax and Marion. The Denver SWAT Team was called because of Mickling’s prior violent felony convictions and because he was believed to be armed. As SWAT arrived, Mickling saw the team, and immediately ran. The defendant got to the corner of the parking lot, threw a loaded hand gun high into the air over the fence, dropped a bag, and then jumped the fence. Mickling through the firearm so far that it flew across the street and hit a female bystander in the leg.Once Mickling was over the fence he slipped on some ice, and was immediately apprehended by officers. Inside the dropped bag was 3.6 grams of crack and a digital scale, which is traditionally used for drug distribution. He also had $756 in cash on his person.
“The streets of Denver are safer thanks to the work of the Denver Police Department and the ATF,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh. “This drug dealer with a gun has been convicted of serious crimes, for which he faces a long period of incarceration at sentencing as a result.”
“We know from experience that the use of crime guns and illegal narcotics go hand-in-hand,” said Luke Franey, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Denver Field Division. “Armed narcotics traffickers are a scourge to our society and will not be tolerated. We will continue to fight violent crime by investigating and arresting those who seek to reduce the quality of life in our communities. ATF will continue our great collaboration with the Denver Police Department who is similarly dedicated to this mission.”
Mickling faces not more than 10 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He faces not more than 30 years imprisonment and up to a $2,000,000 fine for unlawfully possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance (crack cocaine). Lastly, he faces not less than 5 years, and up to life in federal prison, and a fine of not more than $5,000,000 for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which will run consecutive with the sentence for the drug trafficking offense.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Sibert and David Tonini.
Delaware Woman Indicted on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Kristen E. Jacobs, 32, of Bear, DE, was charged today by indictment with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, and attempt to possess oxycodone with intent to distribute, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the indictment, the defendant and her co-conspirators obtained personal information of doctors and patients; used it to create false and fraudulent “prescriptions” for oxycodone, a dangerous Schedule II controlled substance that is widely abused; filled the fraudulent “prescriptions” at various pharmacies in the tri-state area; then sold the oxycodone illegally.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years imprisonment, a three-year period of supervised release, and a $2 million fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Delaware State Police and the Lower Paxton Township Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary E. Crawley.
Click here to view the indictment
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525Delaware County Man Charged with Possessing A Firearm in A Federal FacilityRead the Press Release
Melvin Anthony Ramos, 55, of Linwood, PA, was charged today by Indictment with possessing a firearm in a federal facility and making false statements, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the indictment, on August 11, 2014, Ramos entered the William J. Green, Jr. Building, at 600 Arch Street in Philadelphia, with a loaded .40-caliber Glock pistol. It is further alleged that Ramos falsely stated that he was currently employed as an officer with the University of Pennsylvania Police Department (“UPPD”) when, as he knew, he was no longer a police officer with the UPPD.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of six years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vineet Gauri.
Click here to view the indictment
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525Defendant Extradited to U.S. to Face Terrorism ChargesRead the Press Release
Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Ahmad made his initial appearance today in federal court in Phoenix, Arizona, on federal terrorism offenses, announced John P. Carlin, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, John S. Leonardo, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona and Douglas G. Price, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Phoenix Division. The charges stem from Al-Ahmad’s alleged participation in a conspiracy to use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to attack U.S. military personnel in Iraq from approximately 2005 to 2010.
Al-Ahmad was originally charged under seal with terrorism-related offenses in May 2011. He was subsequently arrested in Turkey on May 17, 2011, based upon those charges and an Interpol Red Notice, and was detained there pending completion of extradition proceedings. Al-Ahmad was extradited from Turkey yesterday and arrived in Arizona on the same day.
Following his appearance, Al-Ahmad was placed in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, pending a status conference on the issue of detention on Sept. 8, 2014. A trial date is set for Oct. 7, 2014.
On Aug. 12, 2014, a federal grand jury in the District of Arizona returned a superseding indictment charging Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Ahmad, a Syrian national, with multiple charges related to Al-Ahmad’s alleged participation in a conspiracy, from approximately 2005 to 2010, to supply component parts to the 1920 Revolution Brigades – an Iraqi insurgent group – for use in IEDs that were employed against U.S. military personnel in Iraq during that time period. The charges include conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction (IEDs); conspiracy to maliciously damage or destroy U.S. government property by means of an explosive; possession of a destructive device during a crime of violence and aiding and abetting; conspiracy to commit extraterritorial murder of a U.S. national, and providing material support to terrorists.
If convicted of the offenses alleged in the indictment, Al-Ahmad would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison.
An indictment is merely a formal allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Phoenix Division Joint Terrorism Task Force with substantial assistance from various other government agencies. The case is being prosecuted by the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance in this matter.Related Materials:
Superseding Indictment
Defendant Enters Guilty Plea Admitting to Delivery of Heroin Resulting in Death of 21 Year Old Salem WomanRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - Sergio Quezada-Lopez, 35, of Mexico, appeared on Monday, August 25, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Michael Simon and entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin in quantities of 1 kilogram or more that resulted in death. The maximum sentence is life and the charge carries a mandatory minimum 20 years imprisonment. The defendant is scheduled to appear for sentencing on December 1, 2014.
The investigation began on April 16, 2012 when police officers responded to the Keizer, Oregon residence of 21 year old Laurin Putnam, who was found deceased. The initial investigation indicated that her death was likely caused by a heroin overdose and later confirmed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office. Soon after her death, investigators learned the identity of the last person in the chain that was responsible for distributing the heroin to Putnam that caused her death. From there, investigators were able to identify several conspirators and move six levels up the chain of distribution to Sergio Quezada-Lopez. During the investigation, agents learned that Sergio Quezada-Lopez was a high level member of a large scale conspiracy involving the distribution of significant quantities of heroin in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Colorado.
Quezada-Lopez’s role in the conspiracy involved his taking over and operating a network of stash houses in Portland and Vancouver, Washington. He would receive orders for heroin and then direct it’s delivery to customers. Co-conspirators collected cash payments and then transferred the money to Quezada-Lopez. During searches of stash houses, agents seized over four pounds of heroin, additional quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine, drug ledgers, identification documents, packaging materials, two guns, and over $20,000 in US Currency. In one of the stash houses, Quezada-Lopez’ fingerprints were found on a drug ledger along with an identification document bearing his photograph. Soon thereafter, agents were able to listen to a telephone conversation between Quezada-Lopez and a co-conspirator where Quezada-Lopez described an amount of heroin that should be delivered. He was arrested on April 20, 2012, less than a week after Ms. Putnam’s death.
The investigation of the case was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) through its Salem DEA Drug Task Force, and the Keizer Police Department with assistance from the Salem Police Department; the Marion County Sheriff's Office; the Oregon State Police; the Washington County Interagency Narcotics Team (WIN); the Portland Police Bureau; the Oregon State Medical Examiner; the Clark-Skamania Drug Task Force; the Oregon Department of Justice; and, the Portland based Highway Interdiction Team.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kemp Strickland and Kathleen Bickers.
Clarksville Man Sentenced to Life in PrisonIn Large Scale Drug Conspiracy ProsecutionRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – August 28, 2014 – Chris Young a/k/a Soulja C, 26, of Clarksville, Tennessee, was sentenced to life In prison today, announced David Rivera, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Young was convicted at a jury trial of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Young also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Young was one of 32 defendants charged in a lengthy investigation focusing on drug trafficking in the Clarksville area. He was arrested near the Genesis Teen Learning Center in Clarksville, Tennessee as he was meeting with a co-defendant and attempting to obtain a large quantity of cocaine. A loaded firearm, $10,000 in cash, and other evidence was seized from Young. At the time, Young was on state community corrections for two other drug felony convictions, and had a previous history of unlawful possession of firearms. He was convicted after a two week trial along with two other Clarksville residents, Demetrius Duncan a/k/a Whirley and Alto Parnell a/k/a Al-Pistol a/k/a A.P. Duncan and Parnell are pending sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, Tennessee Bureau Investigation, and Clarksville Police Department, with assistance from other state, local, and federal agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sunny A.M. Koshy and Lynne T. Ingram represented the United States.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
A former member of the military who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq was sentenced in federal court today to serve a five year term of probation.
Matthew James Stover, 31, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the sentence after pleading guilty on November 14, 2013, to one count of possessing a semi-automatic assault rifle and ammunition as an unlawful drug user.
In a plea agreement, Stover admitted he possessed an AR-15 assault rifle, a magazine containing 59 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition, another magazine for the weapon, and about 600 additional rounds of .223 caliber ammunition on August 15, 2013, when a State of Iowa search warrant was executed at his residence. The warrant was executed after Marion, Iowa, Police officers encountered Stover after he purchased marijuana in a park in Marion.
Stover was sentenced on August 24, 2014, in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Stover was sentenced to serve a 5 year term of probation with special conditions requiring continued mental health treatment, abstinence from the use of alcohol or drugs, remote alcohol testing, and not being permitted in the unsupervised presence of a child under the age of 12, including his minor daughter. The sentence represented a downward departure from the advisory federal sentencing guidelines range of 30-37 months imprisonment.At the sentencing hearing begun August 14, and concluded on August 24, Judge Reade noted Stover has been diagnosed as suffering from several mental health conditions, including PTSD, that predated and post-dated his military service. Further, while Stover has performed well under pre-trial treatment and supervision, Judge Reade noted he had a history of non-compliance with drug and mental health treatment, as well as a history of violence. Reade noted Stover had previously assaulted his wife and choked his stepson, and in March 2012 caused an injury to his infant daughter that resulted in her skull being crushed.
The court also noted that Stover had made statements, in the months prior to his arrest, indicating he wanted to go back to Afghanistan to kill and engage in radical jihad. These statements raised concerns with family members as well as local and federal law enforcement officers.
In imposing the sentence, the court noted this was not a “run of the mill case” and indicated it was reluctant to interfere with defendant’s mental health treatment that he has been receiving from the VA for about the past year. Further, defendant had an opportunity for employment with the VA and has been fully compliant with the conditions of treatment for the past year. In light of this, the court placed defendant on probation and imposed several conditions of probation intend to minimize defendant’s risk to the community. The court cautioned Stover that should he violate his conditions of probation, he would likely be sentenced to serve at least 30 months, and as much as 120 months, in federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Murphy and investigated by the Marion, Iowa, Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-CR-68-LRR.
Career Offender Sentenced to Fifteen and a Half Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Jonathan Madrid, 28, of Roswell, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., for his methamphetamine trafficking conviction. Madrid was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison to be followed by four years of supervised release.
Madrid was arrested on June 25, 2013, based on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. On April 4, 2014, Madrid pled guilty to an indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Chaves County, N.M., on June 6, 2013.
Court filings reflect that Madrid was charged based on evidence developed by an ATF investigation. As part of that investigation, ATF executed a federal search warrant and searched the vehicle that Madrid was driving on June 6, 2013. As a result, agents seized multiple small baggies of methamphetamine, a digital scale and $168.00 from Madrid’s pocket. ATF also seized a firearm from the trunk of the vehicle and ammunition from the cab of the vehicle. According to court filings, Madrid had previously been convicted of possession of cocaine and tampering with evidence, trafficking in a controlled substance, aggravated sexual assault of a child and felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez said that Madrid was being prosecuted as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Calhoun City MS Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Muskogee, Oklahoma - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that BRANDON JEVAR PITTMAN, 32, of Calhoun City, Mississippi, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The defendant was indicted in June 2014.
The Indictment alleged that on or about March 6, 2014, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.
The statutory range of punishment is not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment and/or up to a $5,000,000.00 fine.
Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Waters represented the United States.
Brunswick Men Indicted on Federal Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: James Chapman
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II and Deputy Assistant
Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, Ronald A. Cimino,
announced today that F. William Messier, 70, and David E. Robinson, 75, both of Brunswick,
Maine, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Portland and charged with conspiracy to defraud
the United States by impeding and impairing the Internal Revenue Services (IRS). Messier was
also charged with failure to file income tax returns for the years 2008 through 2012, and
corruptly endeavoring to impede the IRS.According to the court documents, Messier has not filed a federal income tax return since
1997. The IRS assessed taxes, interest and penalties against Messier totaling $172,000 for the
years 2000 to 2004. In addition, from 2006 to 2012, Messier earned more than $390,000 in gross
income from renting antennae space on radio communication towers that Messier owned and by
renting access to his property to customers who constructed their own communications towers or
located electronic equipment on the property.David E. Robinson claims to be the “Interim Attorney General” of the “Maine Republic
Free State.” The indictment alleges that after the IRS sent Notices of Levy to Messier’s
customers, Robinson and Messier took a number of steps beginning in 2012 to obstruct and
impede the IRS, including presenting the IRS with a fake and worthless money order for the
amount due by Messier, and sending threatening and harassing documents to Messier’s
customers urging them not to cooperate with the IRS.Messier faces up to 13 years in prison and fines totaling $1,000,000 if convicted on all
counts. Robinson faces up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendants are
scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Portland on September 5, 2014 at 9:00 and 9:30
a.m.The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless
proven guilty in a court of law.Bronx Man Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court to Managing A Large-Scale Counterfeit Credit Card SchemeRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that LUIS GUSTAVO TAVAREZ pled guilty in Manhattan federal court to managing a large-scale counterfeit credit card scheme involving nearly 200 stolen credit card numbers and over $600,000 dollars in losses to victims. TAVAREZ was charged in May 2014, and pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Sullivan.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Luis Tavarez bought stolen credit card information from cybercriminals, and spent the next year lining his pockets with other people’s money. Today’s guilty plea ensures that he will spend time paying for that decision.”
According to the allegations in the Criminal Complaint and Information, and statements made at related court proceedings:
From April 2013 through April 2014, TAVAREZ and his co-conspirators obtained stolen credit card information from computer hackers and “carding” websites, which are Internet-based forums in which users sell and exchange stolen credit card numbers. TAVAREZ encoded that stolen account information onto counterfeit credit cards, which he and a team of accomplices used to make hundreds of unauthorized purchases of store gift cards and merchandise at national retail chains in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The gift cards and retail items were then sold to others or returned to the stores for a cash refund.
As part of the scheme, the defendants and their co-conspirators obtained stolen account information for almost 200 credit card accounts and used that stolen information to make more than $600,000 in unauthorized purchases.
TAVAREZ, 34, of Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of seven and a half years in prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
TAVAREZ is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2014 before Judge Sullivan.
Four other defendants were charged alongside TAVAREZ in connection with the scheme. Two of the defendants, Anthony Reynoso and Plinio Pineda Lopez, previously pled guilty to participating in the fraud. The charges against the remaining defendants, Vicente D. Espinal and Warner Alvarez Almanzar, are merely allegations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Secret Service. He also thanked Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance with this case.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wilson is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. v. Luis Tavarez Information
Brevard County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Involving A Minor VictimRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Jonathan Tyler Prive (26, West Melbourne) pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of attempting to induce a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity using the Internet. Prive faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life in federal prison, as well as a potential life term of supervised release. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Prive was indicted on February 19, 2014.
According to court documents, in September and October of 2013, an undercover agent with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into an individual identified to be Michael Glenn Glascock. The undercover investigation revealed that Glascock was sexually abusing a three-year-old minor victim, producing child pornography images of the minor victim, and distributing some of these images to others. Law enforcement agents eventually arrested Glascock at his residence in Brevard County, located the minor victim, and executed a search warrant at Glascock’s residence. A forensic examination of Glascock’s electronic devices and a review of his email accounts revealed emails between Prive and Glascock. In these emails, the two individuals discussed a prior incident where Prive sexually abused the minor victim at Glascock’s home, while Glascock was present. After discovering these emails, the undercover agent used Glascock’s email account to initiate online communication with Prive.
On November 4, 2013 and November 5, 2013, Prive communicated with the undercover agent, via the Internet and emails, and arranged to meet the undercover agent, who was posing as Glascock in these emails, for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual activity with the minor victim a second time. Prive agreed to meet at a residence in Brevard County, where Prive thought the minor victim would be present. Agents followed Prive as he travelled to the street where this residence was located. Before Prive arrived at the residence, agents stopped him and recovered a packet of lubricant that he had brought with him for his planned meeting with the minor victim.
During a subsequent interview with agents, Prive admitted that he was the user of the email account that had communicated with Glascock and the undercover agent regarding the sexual abuse of the minor victim. Prive also admitted to the agents that he had in fact engaged in illegal sexually activity with the minor victim and that he planned to engage in the sexual abuse of the minor victim a second time when he travelled to the Brevard County residence on November 5, 2013.
On August 18, 2014, Glascock also pleaded guilty to federal charges of production of child pornography and attempted online enticement of a minor. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
This case was investigated by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.