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10 September 2014
Five Amarillo Residents Sentenced in Illegal Gambling CaseRead the Press Release
AMARILLO, Texas — Five residents of Amarillo, Texas, who pleaded guilty earlier this year to their roles in an illegal gambling conspiracy, were sentenced on Friday, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.
U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson sentenced the four below-listed defendants, who each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to conduct an illegal gambling business, as follows:
Anthony Diaz, 44, nine months in federal prison and a $2,000 fine
Jessica Rios, 35, 12 months in federal prison
Mario Castillo, 37, 13 months in federal prison and a $2,000 fine
Raul Montes, 48, three months in federal prison and a $1,000 fine
In addition, Judge Robinson sentenced Santino Castillo, 31, who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, to 15 months in federal prison and a $3,000 fine. In addition, Castillo was ordered to forfeit a retail strip center on 8th Street in Amarillo; a building on 7th Street in Amarillo; a 2010 Ford truck; approximately $118,000.00 in cash; and approximately $180,000.00 seized from three bank accounts.
According to documents filed in the case, Santino Castillo owned Payless Liquors and T’s Laundromat, located at 1910 SE 8th Street, Suites 100 and 200, respectively, in Amarillo. Sometime in 2011, he organized an illegal gambling business in Suite 300 of 1910 SE 8th Street, known to its operators and customers as Mario’s or G’s. In 2013, he organized an illegal gambling business located at 823 SW 7th Street in Amarillo, known to its customers as Adams. Both illegal gambling businesses housed numerous gambling-type, electronic video game machines and generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits. Mario Castillo (Santino Castillo’s brother) managed Payless Liquors, as well as the 8th Street gambling business, and Anthony Diaz and Jessica Rios (Diaz’s sister) worked there. Raul Montes cashed checks tendered by customers to play at the two gambling businesses at a local money service business.
In late September 2013, after undercover officers observing the gambling activity, law enforcement agents executed search warrants at the two gambling business locations, as well as at Santino Castillo’s residence on Parkwood. During the searches of the businesses, officers discovered and seized over 75 gambling machines and nearly $8,000 in cash. At the residence, law enforcement located approximately $78,421 in cash that was involved in Castillo’s laundering activity.
In late September 2013, law enforcement also executed a search warrant at the residence of Anthony Diaz and Raul Montes and seized approximately $12,277 in cash from the illegal gambling business.
In a related case earlier this year, Conrad Nava was convicted and sentenced for participating in the operation of the 7th Street gambling business. Law enforcement agents searched his residence in late September 2013 and found close to $40,000 in gambling cash there.
The FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John de la Garza and Brian Poe of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Dallas, Texas led the prosecution.
Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Announce the Unveiling of Additional Assets to Aid in the Efforts to Reduce Accidental Firearm Deaths Among ChildrenRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that in a continuing effort to promote an educational program about firearm safety and awareness, Louisiana Law Enforcement for Gun Safety is unveiling two additional demonstration trailers on September 23, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association, 1175 Nicholson Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802.
Louisiana Law Enforcement for Gun Safety was created in response to the alarmingly high rate of accidental firearm injuries and deaths among children in Louisiana. The program uses certified firearm instructors to teach parents and children about gun safety through an interactive presentation involving live demonstrations and the distribution of gunlocks. The Project aims to (1) identify the hazards of unsecured firearms, why children are fascinated with firearms, and ways to safely maintain firearms; (2) identify distinguishing characteristics between real and toy guns; and (3) illustrate the destructive force of firearms through the use of the demonstration trailer.
Presentations are conducted at schools, camps and community events. Since its inception in June 2013, the Program has reached approximately 22,100 children and distributed 300 gunlocks to adults.
The demonstration trailers will be geographically disbursed throughout the state and will be housed by Baton Rouge City Constable’s Office, Gretna Police Department and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office. The program is available for use by all Louisiana law enforcement agencies in Louisiana through the endorsements of the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Middle, Eastern and Western Districts, Baton Rouge City Constable’s Office, Louisiana Department of Corrections, Louisiana Sheriff’s Association, Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Louisiana City Marshals and City Constables Association, Louisiana District Attorneys Association, Louisiana State Police, and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.
Federal Inmate at Canaan Penitentiary Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Assault Another InmateRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that an inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Canaan, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to being involved in a conspiracy to assault another inmate with a dangerous weapon.
Johnnie Williams, age 36, formerly of Memphis, Tennessee, entered the guilty plea before United States Magistrate Judge Thomas M. Blewitt, in federal court in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
United States Attorney Peter Smith stated that the victim was another inmate who sustained a minor injury when Williams stabbed him with a sharpened weapon commonly referred to as a shank. Charges are pending against the other alleged conspirator who wielded a mace-type weapon constructed from a lock attached to a sock who also attempted to assault the victim inmate before being subdued by correctional officers. The assault occurred in February 2014.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Special Investigation Section at USP-Canaan. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In this particular case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Greenville, South Carolina, returned Indictment(s) against the following: Greenville Resident Indicted for Conspiracy
Sandy Ann Emery, age 33, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged with conspiracy to steal mail and to possess stolen mail, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. The maximum penalty Emery could receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or five years imprisonment. This case was investigated by agents of the United States Postal Inspection Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr., of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Foreign Nationals Charged with Illegal Re-entry
Benancio Gonzalez-Perez, Gonzalo Antonio Mejia-Urutia, Jose Matias Vicente, Mateo Betancourt-Serrano, Duly Orellano-David and Faris Lagos-Ramos are each charged with illegal re-entry to the United States, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326. The maximum penalty each could receive, depending on his prior criminal history, is two to twenty years imprisonment. These cases were investigated by Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), agents and are assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these Indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Charleston, South Carolina, returned Indictment(s) against the following: Goose Creek Man Indicted for Child Pornography
Matthew Bormann, age 28, of Goose Creek, was charged in a 1-count Indictment with Possession of Child Pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A. The maximum penalty that Bormann could receive is 20 years imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of the Department of Homeland Security and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.
Walterboro Men Indicted for Counterfeiting
Johnathan Needham, age 27, Kerry Needham, age 52, Kerry Canady, age 26, and Dustin Beach, age 20, all of Walterboro, were charged in a 2 -count Indictment with Making and Passing Counterfeit Currency, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 471 and 472. The maximum penalty that Needham, Needham, Canady, and Beach could receive is 20 years imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and the Colleton County Sheriff=s Office and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these Indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.Emery Woman Pays $60,000 for Defrauding GovernmentRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that the United States reached a settlement with an Emery, South Dakota, woman in a civil case involving false claims.
Jolene K. Schulz, 57, was a property manager for several low income housing projects. From 2006 through 2010, Schulz entered false information on reports for projects she managed and submitted those documents to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Program (RD). USDA-RD made direct loans to these housing projects and provided interest credit, rental assistance subsidies, and management fees based on information Schulz submitted.
Schulz was previously indicted by a grand jury in 2012 and pled guilty for Use of A False Document (Class D felony) 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(3). (See, United States v. Jolene K. Schulz; 12CR40044-1). A criminal judgment was entered against Schulz on July 15, 2013, ordering her, in part, to make restitution in the amount of $38,814.09 to the housing projects.In addition to the criminal restitution, the United States reached a civil settlement with Schulz, and on September 8, 2014, she paid the government $60,000 to settle claims under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733; and the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3801-3812.
The False Claims Act imposes civil liability on persons and companies who knowingly submit false claims to the government, or causes another to submit a false claim to the government, or knowingly makes a false record or statement to get a false claim or benefit paid by the government. Persons who submit a false claim must pay to the United States a civil penalty of not less than $5,500 and not more than $11,000 for each false claim, plus up to three times the amount of damages which the government sustained.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office places a high priority on criminal and civil enforcement in cases involving all types of fraud committed against the government, and it works with various law enforcement agencies to identify and investigate these matters.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the USDA, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John E. Haak and Cheryl Schrempp DuPris prosecuted the criminal and civil cases respectively.
Eddington Man Sentenced to over Six Years on Firearms and Heroin ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that
Nicholas McDonald, 33, of Eddington, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by
Chief Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 75 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm by a felon. He pleaded guilty on March 4, 2014.According to Court records, on April 5, 2013, the defendant was arrested after he fled from a vehicle that was stopped by law enforcement agents in Holden, Maine. He was found hiding in the woods nearby. Following his arrest, he was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment where agents discovered a package of heroin concealed inside his body. In the vehicle, agents found a safe containing a Sig Sauer Model P226, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, a digital scale, and items typically used to package illegal drugs. The defendant’s DNA was found on the safe and firearm. He was prohibited from possession firearms because he was convicted in
Maine in 2006 of felony failure to report to serve a sentence of imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the
Holden Police Department, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the Brewer Police Department, the Maine State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact by Force was sentenced on September 9, 2014, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Brad Lee Red Bear, age 24, was sentenced to 120 months in custody, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Red Bear was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force by a federal grand jury on February 12, 2014. He pled guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact by Force on June 18, 2014.
The conviction arose from an incident on December 25, 2013, at Eagle Butte, when Red Bear knowingly caused the minor victim to engage in sexual contact with him after hitting the victim in the head with a bottle.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson prosecuted the case.
Red Bear was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.
EOIR Announces Change to Immigration Judges Hearing Cases Out of ArtesiaRead the Press Release
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) today announced that, effective September 29, 2014, it will assign immigration cases originating at the Artesia, N.M., hearing location to immigration judges at the Denver Immigration Court in Denver rather than immigration judges at the Headquarters Immigration Court in Arlington, Va.
As the Headquarters Immigration Court immigration judges do, the Denver immigration judges assigned to Artesia cases will hear those cases via video-teleconference (VTC). Denver immigration judges will hear all Artesia removal cases except those few in which a Headquarters immigration judge has already begun to hear evidence on contested issues. Denver immigration judges will also conduct credible fear reviews in cases that the Department of Homeland Security referred to EOIR on or after September 29, 2014. Credible fear reviews referred before September 29, 2014, and all cases in which a Headquarters immigration judge has begun to hear evidence on contested issues will remain before the Headquarters immigration judge. All parties will receive appropriate notice prior to their hearings. Please note that filings for Artesia cases should be submitted to the Denver immigration court location unless the Headquarters immigration judge retains the case.
With this realignment, most cases originating in Artesia will be heard by judges sitting in the same time zone and Federal judicial circuit as the respondents.
- EOIR -
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) is an agency within the Department of Justice. Under delegated authority from the Attorney General, immigration judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals interpret and adjudicate immigration cases according to United States immigration laws. EOIR’s immigration judges conduct administrative court proceedings in immigration courts located throughout the nation. They determine whether foreign-born individuals—whom the Department of Homeland Security charges with violating immigration law—should be ordered removed from the United States or should be granted relief from removal and be permitted to remain in this country. The Board of Immigration Appeals primarily reviews appeals of decisions by immigration judges. EOIR’s Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer adjudicates immigration-related employment cases. EOIR is committed to ensuring fairness in all of the cases it adjudicates.
Cromwell, Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Cromwell, Conn. man pleaded guilty yesterday to child exploitation charges in federal court in Bridgeport.
Samuel DiProto, 63, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer to receiving child pornography. DiProto was charged in March 2013. Sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2014.
From 2009 through March 2013, DiProto downloaded child pornography from the Internet. A Connecticut State Police detective discovered DiProto’s child pornography after logging into a publicly available Internet file sharing network. The investigator discovered downloaded images and videos of child pornography from a computer connected to the network with an Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to DiProto.DiProto’s conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. The statutory maximum penalty is 20 years in prison to be followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release. 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; Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Connecticut State Police Colonel Brian F. Meraviglia made the announcement today.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Smyth, Chief of Ortiz’s Springfield Branch Unit, and Assistant United States Attorney Neeraj N. Patel in the District of Connecticut.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Coal City Man Sentenced to Thirty Months for Distribution of OxycodoneRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Harry D. Rhodes, Jr., 49 of Coal City, West Virginia was sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment for a federal drug charge. Rhodes previously pled guilty in May of 2014, to selling oxycodone, a powerful and addictive prescription pain medication, to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place in Coal City, near Beckley, West Virginia.
This case was investigated by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The United States Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Chicopee Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chicopee man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Springfield to failing to register as a sex offender.
Joseph Trombley, 35, had been indicted in September 2013, and peladed guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Ponsor. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 17, 2014.
From February 2013 to August 2013, Trombley traveled from Massachusetts to numerous other states and eventually arrived in Colorado. During that period, Trombley had outstanding arrest warrants for probation violations in a number of criminal cases from Massachusetts state court. Following a 2006 conviction for unnatural acts with a child under 16 in Northampton District Court, Trombley was required to register as a sex offender; however, he failed to do so in any of the states in which he resided between May 2013 and August 2013.The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, five years to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. 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 and John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal of the U. S. Marshals Service, District of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Alex Grant of Ortiz’s Springfield Branch Unit.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Chamico President and Employees Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite announced today that CHARLES E. “CHUCK” MIZELL, JR., age 44, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana; JAMES CREEL, age 48, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana; WILLIAM DARRYL KING, age 47, a resident of Angie, Louisiana; and TENILLE NIELSON, age 34, a resident of Franklinton, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud for their participation in a scheme to defraud the Louisiana Workforce Commission of unemployment benefits. MIZELL also pleaded guilty to five counts of mail fraud.
In April 2014, MIZELL, CREEL, KING, and NIELSON were indicted, along with JACQUELINE MYERS, JERRY ATHEY, DAVID LOWE, TERRY CASTILOW, and ROGER NADEAU, for mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. According to the indictment, beginning at a time unknown, but no later than on or about September 24, 2009, and continuing through on or about January 11, 2014, MIZELL, CASTILOW, KING, LOWE, CREEL, ATHEY, NIELSON, MYERS, and NADEAU conspired to defraud the Louisiana Workforce Commission (“LWC”) of money and property by means of false and fraudulent representations, pretenses and promises, well knowing the representations, pretenses and promises were false, and mailed and caused to be mailed through the United States Postal Service unemployment (“UI”) benefit claim forms for the purpose of obtaining UI benefits to which they were not entitled. Specifically, at the time CASTILOW, KING, LOWE, CREEL, ATHEY, NIELSON, MYERS, and NADEAU applied for UI benefits and made weekly representations to LWC that they were unemployed and not getting paid, MIZELL actually employed them at Chamico, Inc., a Bogalusa construction company that concentrates on public, municipal, and industrial contracts.
MIZELL was the President of Chamico and, according to the factual bases, he asked those employees to fraudulently file for unemployment so that he would not have to pay their full salaries during tough economic times for Chamico. The employees would each get cash from Chamico during the weeks they were claiming unemployment benefits and reporting that they were not working and not getting any income from work.
MIZELL, KING, NIELSON, and CREEL each face not more than five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release on the conspiracy conviction. MIZELL faces an additional sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release on each of the five counts of mail fraud. Sentencing for all defendants is scheduled on December 17, 2014.
The trial of ROGER NADEAU, the only remaining defendant, is scheduled for September 15, 2014.
The case was investigated by the Department of Labor-OIG and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Louisiana Workforce Commission. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Greenfield.
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Businessman Pleads Guilty to Selling Putrid Pork MeatRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – José Suàrez, owner of Joshua Enterprises, Inc., dedicated to food salvage and distribution, pleaded guilty today to selling meat products that were unfit for human consumption, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Suàrez is facing a possible sentence of three years in prison.
The defendant pleaded guilty to count one of the Information. According to the charging documents, from on or about April 8, 2009 through October 27, 2010, in the District of Puerto Rico, the defendant José Suàrez sold or offered for sale, meat products, specifically, pork shoulder picnics, which were adulterated and unfit for use as human food at the time of such sale or at the time the pork shoulder picnics were offered for sale.
The defendant, José Suàrez accepted for storage, 52,859 pounds of pork shoulders. The pork shoulders were received from an individual who worked for the transporter, Horizon Lines. The defendant was informed by this individual that the pork shoulders had suffered temperature abuse during transport. Subsequently, the pork shoulder picnics were offered for sale by the employee of Horizon Lines to various buyers. Suàrez was invited to also make an offer to purchase them. He did in fact purchase 52,859 pounds of pork shoulders.
On October 27, 2010, the USDA sampled two of the remaining pork shoulders in storage and determined that it was not fit for human consumption. As a result, defendant José Suàrez agreed to destroy the remaining 12,143 pounds of pork shoulders. According to available information, none of the buyers reported that consumers had become ill as a result of ingesting or eating the pork shoulders.
The case was investigated by the US Department of Agriculture and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mariana Bauzà-Almonte.
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Boynton Beach Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempting to Entice A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Dave Aronberg, State Attorney, Office of the State Attorney for Palm Beach County, Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and Jeffrey S. Katz, Chief, Boynton Beach Police Department, announce that Herman N. Reed, Jr., 35, of Boynton Beach, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Upon release from prison, Reed will have to register as a sex offender.
Reed pled guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b), on June 25, 2014. According to court documents, Reed spent months exchanging text messages of a sexual nature with a 16 year old customer he met at an AT&T retail store where he was employed. The minor became uncomfortable with Reed’s messages and reported the incident to the Boynton Beach Police Department. A Boynton Beach Detective assumed the minor’s identity and continued to communicate with Reed. Reed made plans to meet the minor to engage in sexual activity and was arrested when he arrived at the prearranged location. The investigation also revealed Reed’s cell phone contained an unrelated exchange of messages and images of child pornography with a 14 year old minor.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and is led by 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 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.
Mr. Ferrer and State Attorney Dave Aronberg commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI and the Boynton Beach Police Department. This case was adopted from state prosecution in cooperation with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office and the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandy Galler and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Assistant State Attorney Gregory Schiller.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of OxycodoneRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Raymond Edmonds, 43, of Beckley, West Virginia pled guilty in federal court in Beckley to distribution of oxycodone. Edmonds admitted that on March 18, 2014, he sold oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Burmeister Avenue in Beckley. Edmonds faces a sentence of up to twenty years and a $1,000,000 fine. This case was investigated by the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and is being prosecuted under the Beckley Pill Initiative directed by the United States Attorney’s Office.
This case is also part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger set the sentencing for January 8, 2015.
Beckley Area Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of OxycodoneRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Steven D. Benko, 29, of Beckley, West Virginia, plead guilty in federal court in Beckley to distribution of oxycodone. Benko admitted that on March 5, 2014, he sold oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Antonio Avenue in Beckley. Benko faces a sentence of up to twenty years and a $1,000,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and is being prosecuted under the Beckley Pill Initiative directed by the United States Attorney’s Office.
This case is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger set the sentencing for January 14, 2015.
Baltimore Felon Exiled to 8 Years in Prison for Possessing A GunRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced James Epps, age 34, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to eight years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a gun and ammunition.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; and Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts.
The evidence showed that on July 5, 2010, Baltimore police officers were in the area of North Patterson Park and East Jefferson Street in Baltimore attempting to locate Epps in order to serve a federal arrest warrant for an alleged probation violation. When the officers saw Epps crossing the intersection, they arrested him and seized a loaded pistol. Epps had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a gun.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Debra L. Dwyer, who prosecuted the case.
Attorney General Recognizes Western District of Virginia Ausa Jeb TerrienRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Assistant United States Attorney Jeb Terrien of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia was one of 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Western District of Virginia was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
Assistant United States Attorney Jeb T. Terrien is recognized for his leadership in a three-year undercover investigation of a contraband cigarette trafficking network that resulted in the successful prosecution of 26 defendants and the forfeiture of over $10 million. Working with two Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, AUSA Terrien supervised a long-running undercover operation that involved a commercial warehouse in which agents bought and sold untaxed and contraband cigarettes.
This investigation uncovered criminal enterprises that spanned multiple states and foreign countries, and involved domestic and international money laundering, contraband and counterfeit cigarette trafficking, drug smuggling, and other offenses. When one particular defendant went to trial, AUSA Terrien and his trial team presented almost 500 exhibits to obtain a conviction. AUSA Terrien’s diligent and persistent work over the course of this long-running investigation led to the issuance of six separate indictments and numerous guilty pleas.
“AUSA Terrien and the agents who worked these cases devoted countless hours to this investigation, which resulted in numerous convictions and tens of millions of dollars in forfeited assets,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “The trafficking of counterfeit and untaxed cigarettes deprives Americans of tax revenue and will be vigorously prosecuted by this Department.”
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Attorney General Recognizes Two Maryland Assistant U.S. AttorneysRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Assistant United States Attorneys Sandra Wilkinson and Martin J. Clarke of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Maryland were among the 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.The District of Maryland was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wilkinson and Clarke received an award for “Superior Performance as an AUSA – Criminal,” for their prosecution of Jose Joaquin Morales, age 37, of Baltimore, Maryland, who was sentenced to life in prison for using a cell phone to arrange the murder-for-hire of Robert Long. According to evidence presented at his two week trial, Long and Morales were co-defendants in a series of theft cases in Baltimore City Circuit Court. Long had agreed to testify against Morales and detectives used Long’s information to obtain a search warrant at Morales’ home, seizing a large amount of stolen construction equipment. Six days later, on March 24, 2008, Long was dead. Witnesses, including his former attorney, Stanley Needleman, testified that Morales ordered the murder to prevent Long, who was also an employee of Morales, from testifying against him.
The prosecution of Morales resulted in the exoneration of Demetrius Smith, who was serving life in state prison for Long’s murder -- a crime he did not commit.
“This case resulted in the exoneration of an innocent man and the conviction of the real killer,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Attorney General Recognizes Two District of North Dakota EmployeesRead the Press Release
ATTORNEY GENERAL RECOGNIZES DISTRICT EMPLOYEE(S)
WASHINGTON – Former First Assistant U. S. Attorney Lynn Jordheim and Supervisory Paralegal Lou Ann Lee of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of North Dakota were one of 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The District of North Dakota was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
In Washington, U.S. Attorney Timothy Purdon said, "Lynn and Lou Ann represent a spirit of public service at the North Dakota United States Attorney's Office that is second to none. In their long and distinguished careers they have worked very hard, every day to seek justice for victims of crime and to keep our communities safe. We are very proud of both of them for receiving the U.S Attorney communities’ highest award."
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
Lynn C. Jordheim (District of North Dakota) is recognized for contributing for more than 26 years to the management and success of the United States Attorney’s office (USAO) for the District of North Dakota. He began his career prosecuting criminal and civil cases, and has served as a managing AUSA, Criminal Chief, First Assistant United States Attorney, and Acting United States Attorney. He has been a trusted resource for seven United States Attorneys. His ability to listen, analyze, and thoughtfully respond to issues are among his most distinguishing Characteristics and he recognizes that the success of the USAO depends on the safety and well-being of dedicated people who serve. His exceptional management during the statewide floods from 2009 to 2011, and later during unprecedented population growth in western North Dakota, is worthy of special recognition. Mr. Jordheim remains a champion, friend, mentor, and protector of all USAO staff.
Lou Ann Lee (District of North Dakota) is recognized for her crucial work on many major prosecutions over the last 25 years. In the district, she supervises all paralegals, masterfully manages discovery, conducts research and drafts documents, prepares charts, and handles the presentation of electronic evidence. Ms. Lee helped assemble and present more than 200 exhibits and 17 hours of videotape in a three-week trial regarding the gruesome murders of two young children. Immediately after that case, she organized and presented tens of thousands of pages of exhibits and created summary charts amassed from more than 56 electronic storage devices in a child pornography trial. The latter project occurred during the government shutdown when she was the only paralegal serving the entire office. Her superior performance in a litigative support role continues to inspire others and contributes greatly to the district’s success.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Attorney General Recognizes Southern District of Florida Trial TeamRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, announces that today in Washington, D.C. Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson presented the Director’s Award of Superior Performance by a Litigative Team to those responsible for the prosecution of United States v. Pikerson Mentor, et.al. at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building. The Southern District of Florida was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony.
The recipients of the Superior Performance by a Litigative Team include, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony W. Lacosta, Roy Altman and Marlene Rodriguez. These Assistant U.S. Attorneys were among 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized; from the United States Postal Inspection Service, Juan Vargas, Otto Fernandez and Delfin Alvarez; from the Miami-Dade Police Department, Michael Brajdic and Douglas McCoy; and from the Internal Revenue Service, Roberto Lopez.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
The litigative team was recognized for the successful identification, arrest and prosecution of Pikerson Mentor for the murder of Bruce Parton, a United States Postal Service (USPS) Letter Carrier. On December 6, 2010, Bruce Parton was murdered by Mentor while delivering mail. Mentor fled from the scene in Parton’s postal truck and was followed by two accomplices in a getaway car. The conspirators made off with Parton’s USPS Arrow Key and, during the next six months, used that stolen key to facilitate a massive identity theft and tax fraud scheme. After collecting, reviewing, and organizing thousands of pages of phone, debit card, and tax records over a span of two years, the team successfully identified the defendants involved in the murder and identity theft. Following a two-week trial involving approximately 40 witnesses, Mentor was convicted on all 14 counts of the indictment and sentenced to life in prison. His accomplices, Saubnet Politesse and Wilfred Georges, were sentenced to 21 years and 15 years in prison, respectively. Four other members of the identity theft ring received prison sentences of up to three years.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Wifredo A. Ferrer said, “I am very proud of the extraordinary talent and dedication of this year’s award recipients. It was because of the collective efforts of these committed public servants that Pikerson Mentor and his conspirators were brought to justice for the senseless and ruthless murder of Bruce Parton, a hard-working and dedicated mail carrier. I am honored to count them as colleagues.”
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Attorney General Recognizes Outstanding Work by Seattle Police Department Reform TeamRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Five current or former members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington were honored today in Washington D.C. for their work on the Seattle Police Department Pattern and Practice investigation, and resulting consent decree on police reforms. The recognized team included Attorneys J. Michael Diaz, Rebecca S. Cohen, Kerry J. Keefe, Thomas A. Bates and paralegal Shannon K. Connery. The case was one of a number of cases recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder at the 30th Annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
In his prepared remarks, Attorney General Holder told the awardees, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
“This case is a national model,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. “At each stage the team worked to ensure the voice of the community was heard, the important work of the police was advanced and our neighborhoods were made more safe. The relationship between police and the people they serve is critical to civil society.”
The litigation team in Seattle was recognized along with members of the Civil Rights Division in Washington D.C. for their outstanding work on the Civil Rights Pattern and Practice investigation of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and the implementation of the court-ordered consent decree.
In making the award the Justice Department noted that “the team worked thoroughly and timely to investigate allegations of excessive use of force and discriminatory policing by the Seattle Police Department. Their work produced a findings letter in less than one year, as well as a consent decree that requires comprehensive and monitored reform of the SPD. The team’s efforts in civil rights enforcement helped move Seattle toward meaningful police reform, and serve as a collaborative model for future investigations.”
The Western District of Washington was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
Monty Wilkinson, the Director of the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys told the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
The Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit www.justice.gov/usao.
Assistant United States Attorney Kerry J. Keefe heads the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington. Assistant United States Attorney J. Michael Diaz serves as the division’s Civil Rights Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington. Shannon K. Connery is a paralegal with the Western District of Washington who provided broad support for the case. Thomas A. Bates is the former Executive Assistant U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington. He has since left the U. S. Attorney’s Office.
Attorney General Recognizes Northern District of Georgia EmployeesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Assistant United States Attorneys Glenn D. Baker, William G. Traynor, Dahil D. Goss, J. Russell Phillips, Stephen H. McClain, Investigator Donna J. Davis, IT Solutions Manager Michael Laskowski, and Paralegal Specialist Barbara A. McIntosh of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Georgia were among the 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Northern District of Georgia was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
“We are fortunate to have public servants of the highest caliber working to seek justice on behalf of the citizens of this district,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. “Each of these deserving award recipients is remarkably talented and dedicated to protecting our community.”
The EOUSA Director’s Awards recipients from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia are as follows:
- AUSAs Russell Phillips and Steve McClain received a Director’s Award for Superior Performance as AUSAs in recognition of their investigation and conviction of Andrew S. Mackey and his common-law-wife, Inger Jensen, who operated a $12 million Ponzi scheme that victimized more than 150 investors throughout the United States. Mackey and Jensen pretended to be financial experts who, acting as ASM Financial Funding Corporation, invested funds for “sophisticated investors” and promised earnings of 20% per month. They never generated any return on their investments however, and lost all of the principal they invested. Most of the Georgia victims were members of the same church who invested because their pastor did so and appeared to be receiving huge returns. A jury convicted Mackey and Inger on 15 counts of wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy after an eight-day trial. Mackey was sentenced to serve 27 years, and Jensen was sentenced to serve 14 years. Mackey’s sentence is the longest ever in the Northern District of Georgia for a case of this type.
- AUSAs Glenn D. Baker, William G. Traynor, and Dahil D. Goss; Investigator Donna J. Davis; and Paralegal Specialist Barbara A. McIntosh received a Director’s Award for Superior Performance by a Litigative Team for their investigation and prosecution of George Houser for healthcare and tax fraud. Houser was a nursing home owner who accepted $32.9 million in Medicare and Medicaid funds while his operation of the nursing homes exhibited a long term pattern and practice of conditions that were so poor that any services provided were of no value to the residents. The residents of three nursing homes went hungry and lived in abominable conditions. One resident’s physician removed a cockroach that had burrowed deep into the resident’s ear when she was hospitalized for dehydration and malnutrition. Also, a nurse from another nursing home, who had been called in to assist, described her shock when she found one bed-ridden resident covered from her neck to her feet with small black bugs, and the woman's eyes matted shut from lack of care and cleaning.
After a four-week trial, Houser was found guilty of conspiring to defraud the Medicare and Georgia Medicaid programs by billing for services he did not provide in the operation of three nursing homes between 2004 and 2007. At Houser’s sentencing, the district judge described the conditions at the nursing homes as “barbaric, inhumane and uncivilized,” and commented that if he had a case alleging these same conditions in a prison, he would close that prison on Eighth Amendment grounds. The court sentenced Houser to 20 years in prison. The significant sentence Houser received generated considerable awareness at both the local and national levels.
- IT Solutions Manager Michael Laskowski is being recognized as part of the team whose innovative work helped migrate the entire community of 94 United States Attorneys’ offices and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys to the Microsoft Office suite during 2013. This initiative achieved a major milestone in transforming the community’s ability to work with mobile devices and applications essential to functioning in the 21st century law enforcement environment. The team harnessed the transition to develop powerful new ways for attorneys and their colleagues to work. They created the Word USATab that includes many custom features for legal documents, such as embedding the Lexis and Westlaw Table-of-Authorities for citation style formatting and legal entity insertion. The team also created a set of standardized intelligent templates to automate the reuse of content and legal references and reduce keyboarding and mistakes. This effort saved $820,875 in fiscal year 2013, with savings expected to continue into the future.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Attorney General Recognizes New Jersey U.S. Attorney's Office EmployeeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Public Affairs Officer Rebekah E. Carmichael of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Jersey was one of 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington, D.C.
The District of New Jersey was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Attorney General Holder told the awardees said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
Since her arrival in the District of New Jersey in the spring of 2010, Ms. Carmichael has enhanced the professionalism of the Public Affairs Office and worked with the media to keep the public well-informed about the important work of the office. Her thoughtful recommendations to the U.S. Attorney on opportunities to speak or write publicly on issues of concern in New Jersey and nationwide have raised awareness of the office’s work, as well as promoted its outreach efforts to the state’s diverse communities.
“Rebekah has worked tirelessly to improve our communication with the public we serve about the office’s critically important law enforcement mission,” U.S. Attorney Fishman said. “Her professionalism, messaging ability, excellent writing and editing skills, work ethic and devotion to her job ensure that the public is fully informed about the scope of our office’s mission and the extraordinary success of the dedicated lawyers and support staff who carry it out.”
Ms. Carmichael’s reputation for excellence in the DOJ public affairs community resulted in her appointment to a six–month detail (September 2012-March 2013) as the senior public affairs specialist and on-record spokesperson for the Criminal Division in Washington. She was responsible for fielding and responding to media inquiries, developing communications plans, enhancing relationships with news media and other stakeholders, and succinctly explaining and advocating official positions.
Ms. Carmichael is routinely called upon by public affairs officers in other districts for guidance on media-related matters, and played a significant role in developing the public affairs officer training course at the National Advocacy Center in South Carolina, where she regularly serves as an instructor. In 2013, she led the District of New Jersey’s entry into social media, starting its first Twitter feed, which now has more than 1,100 followers.
Ms. Carmichael and Christina DiIorio Sterling, of the District of Massachusetts, are the first-ever recipients of the award for Superior Performance in Public Affairs.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
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Attorney General Recognizes Hawaii AttorneyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Kenneth M. Sorenson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Hawaii and Senior Trial Attorney (STA) Robert E. Wallace of the National Security Division of the Department of Justice were two of 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The District of Hawaii was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
AUSA Sorenson and STA Wallace are recognized for their excellence in prosecuting Noshir Gowadia, a bellwether case for the Department of Justice. Gowadia, an engineer who participated in the development of the B-2 “stealth” bomber for the United States, assisted the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the design and testing of a stealthy cruise missile. He also communicated national defense and classified information to the PRC. After a four-month trial in United States District Court in Honolulu, Gowadia was convicted of conspiracy to design and test a stealthy cruise missile for the PRC, multiple espionage violations, tax fraud, and money laundering. On January 24, 2011, Chief District Judge Susan Oki Mollway sentenced Gowadia to 32 years in prison. The conviction and sentence were affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on July 28, 2014.
Florence T. Nakakuni, United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, said that the challenges facing AUSA Sorenson and STA Wallace in presenting the Gowadia case were remarkably complex and daunting. Hundreds of classified documents, facts and critical design concepts underlying one of our nation's most critical defense capabilities, stealth, were either required to prove the elements of the multiple espionage counts, or were designated as necessary evidence by the defense. The proof required complex classified engineering, military and classification concepts to be presented in an understandable fashion.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Attorney General Recognizes Federal Prosecutor from Utah at Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – An Assistant U.S. Attorney from Utah was one of 243 employees of the U.S. Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., Wednesday morning.
Andrew Choate, who worked full-time as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office from 2010 through June of this year while employed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, received an award for Superior Performance as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Utah was one of 44 offices from around the nation represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
Choate is the coordinator of the Immigration Crimes Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The office prosecutes hundreds of cases each year involving illegal aliens who have re-entered the United States after previous deportations and have been involved in new criminal conduct. Choate also coordinates efforts in the office to partner with local agencies in investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases.
In June of this year, Choate was hired by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. He will continue working in the same general areas of immigration and human trafficking while taking on other issues as a member of the office’s National Security Section.
“During his tenure as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Mr. Choate demonstrated his commitment to protecting Utah communities from violent criminals, worked with vulnerable victims of human trafficking cases, and has been willing to take on any other pressing needs in the office. He became a valuable, productive member of our office during his term as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and we are pleased that his hard work has been recognized by the Department of Justice,” Acting U.S. Attorney Carlie Christensen said today.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Attorney General Recognizes District of Az EmployeesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney John S. Leonardo
DISTRICT of ARIZONA
________________________________________________________________________WASHINGTON –Seven current and former members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Arizona, along with four special agents of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), were among those recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The District of Arizona was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony, where they were the recipients of two distinguished awards. This event was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”“I am very proud of this recognition by the Attorney General of the efforts and accomplishments of those in our office who work very hard every day to accomplish our mission of serving the American people,” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo.
First, the award for “Superior Performance by a Litigative Team” recognizes the outstanding work of our office and Homeland Security Investigations in “Operation In Plain Sight,” a complex investigation which resulted in the convictions of 73 defendants for their roles in an extensive human smuggling operation. The defendants had been responsible for transporting and harboring thousands of illegal aliens using licensed shuttle companies operating in Nogales and Tucson. The individual award recipients include: current team members of our office - Alexis Ball, Lisa Jennis, Joseph Koehler, and Sandy Solis; former members of our office - Jeff Martino, Brian Sardelli, and Munish Sharda; and our law enforcement partners from HSI - Carolyn Callahan, Adam Carpenter, Christopher Frazier, and Liza Lugo.
The second award was given to Dimitra Sampson for “Superior Performance in Indian Country.” Dimitra was recognized for her extraordinary accomplishments in advancing programmatic goals of the District’s Indian Country Public Safety Initiative and in prosecuting cases under the Major Crimes Act. In addition to trying a high volume of cases involving homicide, sexual assault and child abuse, in her role as trial liaison she developed tribal-federal task forces, which conducted very successful community drug sweeps. These operations were very well received and there is now a demand from other Tribal communities to replicate them.
Attorney General Recognizes District EmployeesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Assistant United States Attorneys Billy J. Williams, Tim Simmons, Craig Gabriel, and Gary Sussman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Oregon, were among 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The District of Oregon was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony, which was held today in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Billy Williams, Tim Simmons, and Craig Gabriel all serve as Tribal Liaisons for the District of Oregon. They are recognized for their achievements in promoting the safety of Indian Tribal communities, establishing trusted government-to-government relationships, and prosecuting Indian Country cases. They have instituted concrete changes in Indian Country to promote safety and improve law enforcement, with a particular emphasis on advancing the welfare of Indian youth. They have built the partnerships necessary to have effective Indian Country law enforcement, and employed those resources to aggressively prosecute the most dangerous offenders, resulting in a dramatic increase in prosecutions and an equally dramatic reduction in Indian Country crimes and violence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Sussman has served as the Project Safe Childhood (PSC) Coordinator for over seven years, and the award recognizes the impact of his work as a leader in developing partnerships with state and local law enforcement and his success in the area of prosecuting sexual predators. During his time as the PSC Coordinator, Sussman has worked directly with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that investigate child sexual abuse and exploitation offenses to increase the number, type, quality, and complexity of cases. He has encouraged state and local prosecutors to refer appropriate cases for federal prosecution, and to coordinate joint federal/state prosecution of particularly serious offenders. As a result, many dangerous sexual predators are now serving substantial federal prison sentences. PSC prosecutions doubled between FY 2011 and FY 2012.
“It is an honor and a privilege to work with these dedicated professionals,” said U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall. “My Indian Country team works tirelessly to fulfill the United States’ trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations by protecting Indian treaty and ancestral rights, and by facilitating partnerships between tribal officials and both federal and state law enforcement and regulatory agencies.” Ms. Marshall added, “Further, the phenomenal commitment of Oregon's Project Safe Childhood Coordinator, AUSA Sussman, in changing the landscape for sexual predators in the District of Oregon by cultivating strong partnerships with state and federal law enforcement, has greatly impacted our ability to bring successful prosecutions of these cases. Enhancing safety in Indian Country and fighting child exploitation has been, and will continue to be top priorities for this office.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Attorney General Recognizes District EmployeesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) Gregg L. Sullivan, Perry H. Piper, Jeffrey E. Theodore, and A. William Mackie of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Tennessee were four of 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Eastern District of Tennessee was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
AUSAs Piper and Sullivan were recognized for the successful prosecution of Walter Cardin, a safety manager for the Shaw Group, a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) nuclear power plant contractor. Cardin falsified injury information at three TVA nuclear power plant sites for several years and hid and misclassified injuries so that the Shaw Group could collect safety bonuses of over $2.5 million from TVA. Cardin’s fraud impaired the safety of the work environment at nuclear sites. The prosecution team reviewed over 500,000 documents, interviewed hundreds of individuals, and presented over 60 witnesses during a 10-day trial to establish Cardin’s guilt. After conviction on all counts, Cardin was sentenced to 78 months in prison.
AUSAs Theodore and Mackie were recognized for their dedication and exemplary skills in the successful prosecution of Darren Huff. Huff, a militia leader and a self-proclaimed “potential domestic terrorist,” travelled to Madisonville, Tenn., with other armed militia members for the purpose of arresting public officials and taking over the courthouse. Huff and his militia followers abandoned their plan when they were met with an overwhelming law enforcement presence. Although prosecution options were limited, AUSAs Theodore and Mackie creatively employed an obscure, seldom-used criminal statute to charge Huff. Although there had been no reported convictions under the statute, the AUSAs determined the offense of transporting a firearm in interstate commerce with the intent to commit a civil disorder was a viable charge. They skillfully managed fearful witnesses at trial in order to secure a conviction in the highly-publicized case.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
“The Eastern District of Tennessee is fortunate to have many quality federal prosecutors. The awards given to these particular AUSAs highlight their accomplishments and achievements in cases involving national security concerns, the highest priority for the Department of Justice. It is gratifying that these AUSAs are recognized nationally for their exceptional work,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Killian.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Attorney General Recognizes District EmployeesRead the Press Release
DALLAS – Several employees of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, who were members of the District’s prosecution team in what became known as the Dallas City Council public corruption case, were recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Northern District of Texas was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
Attorney General Holder and EOUSA Director Wilkinson recognized U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña, who, at that time was the Deputy Criminal Chief in charge of the District’s Fraud and Public Corruption section; Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham; Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton; and paralegal specialists Diana Christensen and Lisa Anderson. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus Bush, who is now with the Department’s Office of International Affairs, as well as three special agents with the FBI’s Dallas Division, David Garcia, Allen Wilson and Donald Sherman, were also recognized.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
Each of the 16 defendants charged in the Dallas City Council case either pleaded guilty or were found guilty by a jury. Four jury trials resulted in the conviction of eight defendants, including one trial that lasted more than 16 weeks. Public officials, Texas State Representative Gladys “Terri” Hodge, Dallas City Council members James Fantroy and Donald Hill, and Dallas City Planning Commissioner D’Angelo Lee, were convicted. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans, Louisiana affirmed the convictions and sentences.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/eousa/
Attorney General Recognizes District EmployeeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Amy Ray, Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Appellate Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina was one of 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Western District of North Carolina was one of the 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
AUSA Ray was recognized for her outstanding appellate advocacy in United States v. Simmons, a significant appellate decision that impacted hundreds of federal criminal cases. She also is recognized for her leadership in advising other districts and in working with the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and the Solicitor General’s office in determining the Department’s positions on the many legal issues that arose as a result of Simmons. AUSA Ray handled not only the Simmons appeal, but also two other Simmons-related appeals, United States v. Powell and United States v. Miller. Both Powell and Miller were significant appeals for which numerous cases were held in abeyance. AUSA Ray has not only been outstanding in her advocacy on behalf of the Department in the wake of Simmons, but she has become a national expert at the United States Attorney’s office level on Simmons and its consequences.
Ms. Ray received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Virginia and her law degree from Florida State University. She is originally from Mount Dora, Florida.
“Amy Ray is a very deserving recipient of this prestigious award. The award recognizes her exemplary work and outstanding achievements as an appellate lawyer. Amy is a talented Assistant United States Attorney, a committed public servant, and is dedicated to furthering the mission of the Department of Justice in enforcing the laws of our nation and protecting the rights of our citizens,” said Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Attorney General Holder Recognizes Alaska Prosecutors and Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced that Steven E. Skrocki, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Yvonne Lamoureux, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Traci D. Ross, Victim-Witness Specialist, Sean Robinson, Lead Paralegal, Monica Valenzuela, Paralegal, and Jodi Bradison, IT Specialist (District of Alaska); Richard Sutherland and Sandra L. Klein (Federal Bureau of Investigation); Avery Thompson (Fairbanks Police Department); and Sgt. Scott Johnson of the Alaska State Troopers who was tragically killed on May 1, 2014, as well as Roger L. Hudson, Lead Attorney (Retired) (Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior), were among the 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) at the 30th Annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington, D.C.
The District of Alaska was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
During his remarks at the ceremony, Attorney General Holder made special mention of the ultimate sacrifice made by Alaska State Trooper Scott Johnson, stating “we salute the contributions – and mark the profound sacrifices – of our brave men and women in law enforcement. These extraordinary individuals risk their lives to protect their fellow citizens and bring criminals to justice – serving with distinction, with integrity, and with uncommon valor. All too often – in the service of their country, and by virtue of the oaths they have sworn – some are called to make the ultimate sacrifice. And one of these fallen heroes, Alaska State Trooper Scott Johnson, is among the award recipients we recognize this morning. We are both honored and humbled to be joined today by Trooper Johnson’s widow, Brandy, who traveled from Alaska to be here with us. Our nation owes Brandy, her husband, and every member of their family a debt of gratitude that we can never hope to repay. But what we can do, what we must do, and what we pledge to do – all of us, here and now – is to carry on the work for which Trooper Johnson gave his life; to lift up his story, so it can guide and inspire generations to come; and to do everything in our power to ensure that anyone who commits an act of violence against a law enforcement officer is found, caught, and brought to justice.” In response, the hundreds assembled in the great room spontaneously rose and gave a standing ovation in honor of Trooper Johnson.Roger L. Hudson, Lead Attorney (Retired) (United States Department of the Interior), was recognized for his indispensable contribution towards obtaining an affirmed judgment in United States v. Dennis Torrey, et al., a case which involved a thirty-year history of illegal occupation of a Native Alaskan allotment by the defendant. From the filing of the first case in 1985, through ancillary cases in state court and bankruptcy court, to the issuance of the Ninth Circuit’s mandate in August 2013, Mr. Hudson provided the factual continuity and legal acumen that ensured a successful conclusion of this action. He provided invaluable counsel to the several Assistant U.S. Attorneys who worked on the case as well, and secured resolution for the Native Alaskan family whose traditional lifestyle had been interrupted for a generation.
Steven E. Skrocki, Yvonne Lamoureux, Traci D. Ross, Monica Valenzuela, Sean Robinson, and Jodi Bradison (District of Alaska); Richard Sutherland and Sandra L. Klein (Federal Bureau of Investigation); Avery Thompson (Fairbanks Police Department); and, Sgt. Scott Johnson (Deceased) (Alaska State Troopers), were recognized for their superior performance in the related cases of United States v. Cox, Barney, and Vernon and United States v. Lonnie and Karen Vernon. Sergeant Johnson’s widow, Brandy Johnson, traveled to Washington, D.C. to receive the award on her late husband’s behalf. During a six-week trial against three militia members, the team presented evidence of the defendants’ plans to murder state and federal officials, including Alaska State Troopers, United States Marshals, and Transportation and Security Administration employees. The defendants were convicted of conspiracy to murder federal officials, solicitation to commit murder, and numerous weapons violations involving silencers, hand grenades, and other destructive devices. After the guilty verdicts in this first case, the Vernons pleaded guilty to conspiracy to murder a federal judge, members of his family, and an IRS revenue officer.
United States Attorney Karen Loeffler stated, “I am proud of all of our award recipients from the District of Alaska. Roger Hudson has been an invaluable partner working with all of our Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Civil Division for the past 30 years on a myriad of issues involving the many facets of the Department of the Interior. The successful investigation and prosecution of the Cox and Vernon cases were a prime example of the excellent collaboration and coordination between and among law enforcement agencies in Alaska. Working together, this team diffused a dangerous situation and obtained a just result for dangerous criminal behavior.”
Attorney General Eric Holder Recognizes Northern District of Iowa Litigation TeamRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON -- Several members of a litigation team led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Iowa were among 243 federal employees recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C. The Iowa team received a Director’s Award for Superior Performance by a Litigative Team in recognition of their outstanding work in Operation Cedar Valley Junction. The Iowa awardees were Assistant United States Attorneys Richard L. Murphy, Sean R. Berry, C.J. Williams, Matthew J. Cole, and Peter E. Deegan, Jr.; Paralegal Specialists Maureen C. Oviatt (Ret.) and Sali Van Weelden; Victim/Witness Coordinator Shari Konarske; Litigation Support Specialist Lee Cline Meyer; Department of Homeland Security Special Agent Michael D. Fischels; and FBI Special Agent Randy Van Gent (Ret.).
The Northern District of Iowa was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
Operation Cedar Valley Junction was a successful investigation and prosecution of corporate wrongdoers in Northern Iowa. In 2008, immigration agents conducted a worksite enforcement action at Agriprocessors, Inc. The investigation into the corporation revealed instances of child labor and wage and hour violations. The team also discovered the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) had been defrauding Agriprocessors’ primary lender in several ways resulting in a $27 million financial fraud. A four-week jury trial and conviction of the company’s CEO for an array of financial crimes culminated in a 27-year sentence.
“I join Attorney General Holder and Director Wilkinson in congratulating the Cedar Valley Junction team on their receipt of this prestigious award.”
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Attorney General Eric Holder Recognizes Michigan ProsecutorsRead the Press Release
J. Michael Buckley and Roy Kranz, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Michigan, were two of 243 members of the U.S. Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade joined Holder at the ceremony to recognize employees of the Eastern District of Michigan, one of 44 districts represented at the Great Hall in the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Attorney General Holder told the awardees, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
J. Michael Buckley was recognized for his outstanding investigation and prosecution of a sophisticated conspiracy to defraud the cash-strapped and financially vulnerable Detroit Public Schools System out of more than $3 million. Eight individuals were convicted in the fraud and kickback scheme which centered around a sham health and wellness program for school employees. Sherry Washington, a prominent local art dealer who was the driving force behind the scheme, was convicted after a jury trial and sentenced to seven years in prison, one of the longest prison sentences in the Eastern District of Michigan for a non-public official in a federal corruption case. Washington’s conviction and sentence were affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in a published opinion that established new precedent favorable to enforcing corruption cases.
Roy R. Kranz was recognized for his prosecution of violent crime in Indian Country. For the past five years, Kranz has handled almost all of the Indian Country cases in the Eastern District of Michigan. During that period, he has dramatically increased the number of prosecutions in this district. He has developed innovative methods for using the grand jury process and monitoring jailhouse calls to develop evidence, securing convictions in cases that would otherwise have been declined for insufficient evidence. Kranz also has provided training to Indian Country law enforcement officers, and meets regularly with leaders of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe to determine how best to serve the tribe.
“We are very proud of the outstanding service performed by AUSAs Buckley and Kranz on behalf of the people of the Eastern District of Michigan,” McQuade said. “Both are skilled trial attorneys who dedicate extra hours of time to finding innovative ways to protect victims of crime through prosecution. They work nights, weekends and holidays with no overtime pay because they care deeply about delivering justice to the people they serve.”
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Attorney General Eric Holder Recognizes District of Massachusetts EmployeesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston were recognized today by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony in Washington D.C.
Assistant United States Attorneys Richard L. Hoffman, Neil J. Gallagher, Jr., Linda M. Ricci, Forensic Auditor Lori Moccaldi, Public Affairs Officer Christina DiIorio-Sterling, and former AUSA Patricia M. Connolly were among the members of the Department of Justice recognized by the Attorney General in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”
In the category of Superior Performance by a Litigative Team, Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Hoffman, Neil Gallagher and Linda Ricci, along with paralegal Lori Moccaldi were recognized for the exceptional investigation and prosecution of a complex money laundering scheme dubbed “Operation Fire and Ice.” The team obtained the conviction of high-level money launderers in Colombia and the seizure of more than 120 banks accounts which had a substantial deterrent on criminal financial markets in Venezuela and Colombia.
In March 2009, the DEA launched the undercover money laundering investigation which resulted in the seizure of more than $151 million. The seizure froze the entire “permuta” market for several days and was widely reported in the news in South America as well as the front page of the Wall Street Journal. The prosecution of Rama K. Vyasulu, one of the principals who opened the bank accounts used to launder millions in drug proceeds, and the resulting seizure, shut down a parallel criminal market that was used to launder millions of dollars of drug money through Venezuela and Colombia. The investigation resulted in the indictment, extradition and conviction of 12 defendants from Colombia for laundering drug proceeds for La Oficinia de Envigado, a violent drug cartel and organized crime group based on Medellín, Colombia. The DEA executed more than 50 seizure warrants that led to the seizure of more than $10 million in tainted proceeds in U.S. bank accounts.
Lori Moccaldi, a Forensic Auditor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston, oversaw the analysis of voluminous bank records and other financial data. The initial phase of the case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Scott Paccagnini of the Asset Forfeiture Money Laundering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Hoffman and Neil Gallagher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts. The second phase of the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Linda Ricci and Neil Gallagher, also of the U.S. Attorney Office in Massachusetts.
Christina DiIorio-Sterling received the Director’s Award for Superior Performance in Public Affairs. DiIorio-Sterling was recognized for her extraordinary efforts during the Boston Marathon bombing case and the capture and subsequent trial of FBI Top 10 fugitive, James “Whitey” Bulger.
Following the explosions at the Boston Marathon, Ms. Sterling assembled and managed a team to inform the nation about this unprecedented incident. Her work during the chaotic days following the bombing was instrumental in providing information that the public could trust. In addition to managing a joint information center, she was responsible for the coordination of press conferences attended by hundreds of media outlets from around the world, and populated with leaders from the highest levels of federal, state and local government.
On the evening of Bulger’s capture, Ms. Sterling coordinated the media coverage, working through the night to prepare statements, field questions from the press and organize a press conference. Her use of social media introduced the public to the USAO in a novel way and paved the path for the ground-breaking efforts she later employed during the Boston Marathon Bombing case.
Patricia M. Connolly received the James Robert Browning Award for Exceptional Service. Connolly was recognized for her dedication to the DOJ community while serving as the Executive Office for United States Attorneys Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) and Health Care Fraud (HCF) Coordinator from 2007 to 2013.
“Each and every day, the employees of the U.S. Attorney’s Office demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing the cause of justice,” said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz. “Their work is not solely motivated by winning cases, but by preserving public safety in communities across Massachusetts. I am honored to work alongside these committed public servants, and proud to recognize their hard work and tremendous accomplishments.”
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Attorney General Eric Holder RecognizesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – WASHINGTON – Assistant United States Attorneys John P. McAdams and Lee H. Vilker of the United States Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island are among 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The District of Rhode Island was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”
EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee H. Vilker and John P. McAdams successfully investigated and prosecuted a complex 15-year fraud and identity theft scheme that preyed upon terminally ill hospice patients in the case United States v. Joseph Caramadre and Raymour Radhakrishnan. The defendants fraudulently obtained identity information of terminally ill people by posing as philanthropists through advertisements in a religious newspaper. They used the identity information to obtain millions of dollars, by purchasing investments containing death benefit features in the names of the terminally ill.
The majority of victims and witnesses were deceased, but Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vilker and McAdams obtained an unprecedented number of pre-indictment depositions of several terminally ill hospice patients before they died. Both defendants pleaded guilty one week into what was expected to be a four-month trial. The lead defendant subsequently moved to withdraw his guilty plea, leading to a four-day evidentiary hearing. The case also included complex proof issues for calculating the approximately $46 million in restitution.
“The recognition by the Department of Justice today of the outstanding work by Assistant United States Attorneys Lee Vilker and John McAdams in United States versus Joseph Caramadre, et al., was well-deserved,” commented United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha. “These two prosecutors, ably assisted by an equally talented team of support staff and law enforcement agents, worked for years to ensure that the voices of victims, many of whom are now deceased, could be heard and justice could be done. I am incredibly proud of their dedication and commitment to the people of Rhode Island.”
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao .
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[email protected]Arvada Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
Shannon Conley, age 19, of Arvada, Colorado, pleaded guilty this morning before U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney John Walsh for the District of Colorado and Special Agent in Charge Thomas Ravenelle of the FBI Denver Division announced. Conley is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Moore on January 23, 2015. The defendant appeared at the change of plea hearing in custody, and was remanded at its conclusion.
According to court documents, including the stipulated facts in the plea agreement, from about February 2014 and continuing through April 8, 2014, Conley and a co-conspirator unlawfully worked together and with other individuals known and unknown to commit an offense against the United States, and specifically to provide and attempt to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, specifically Al-Qaeda (AQ) and its affiliates, including Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), aka the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), aka the Islamic State of Iraq and Al Sham (ISIS), aka the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The conspiracy occurred, in part, when Conley met the co-conspirator on the Internet. During their communications, they shared their view of Islam as requiring participation in violent jihad. The co-conspirator communicated to Conley that he was an active member of an Al-Qaeda (AQ) affiliate fighting in Syria known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Al Sham (ISIS). The two then decided to become engaged, and together, they worked to have Conley travel to Syria to join her new fiancé. Before traveling to Syria, Conley refined and obtained additional training and skills in order to provide support and assistance to any AQ and/or ISIS fighter. Conley also intended to fight if it became necessary to do so.
In furtherance of the conspiracy, Conley joined the U.S. Army Explorers (USAE) to be trained in U.S. military tactics and in firearms. She traveled to Texas and attended the USAE training. She also obtained first aid/nursing certification and National Rifle Association certification. Conley knew that ISIS was a designated foreign terrorist organization. In fact, on numerous occasions, Special Agents with the FBI met with her in attempts to persuade her not to carry out her plans to travel overseas to provide support to a foreign terrorist organization and to engage in violent jihad. On March 29, 2014, the co-conspirator, together with others, arranged for an airline ticket to be purchased for Conley to travel to Turkey, departing from Denver on April 8, 2014. On April 8, 2014, Conley traveled to Denver International Airport and attempted to board the flight to Turkey. She was then arrested by FBI agents.
A subsequent search of Conley’s home revealed DVDs of Anwar Al-Awlaki lectures and a number of books and articles about Al-Qaeda, its affiliate groups, and jihad. Agents also recovered shooting targets labeled with the number of rounds fired and distances.
Conley faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 for conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Arvada Police Department.
The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Holloway, with the assistance of Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Related Materials:
Shannon Conley Plea Agreement
Arvada Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to A Designated Foreign Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
Click here for a copy of the Shannon Conley plea agreement
DENVER – Shannon Conley, age 19, of Arvada, Colorado, pled guilty this morning before U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney John Walsh and FBI Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Thomas Ravenelle announced. Conley will be sentenced by Judge Moore on January 23, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. The defendant appeared at the change of plea hearing in custody, and was remanded at its conclusion.
According to court documents, including the stipulated facts in the plea agreement, from about sometime in February 2014 and continuing through April 8, 2014, Conley and a co-conspirator did unlawfully work together and with other individuals known and unknown to commit an offense against the United States, specifically to provide and attempt to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, specifically Al-Qaeda (AQ) and its affiliates, including Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), a/k/a the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), a/k/a the Islamic State of Iraq and Al Sham (ISIS), a/k/a the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The conspiracy was accomplished, in part, when Conley met the co-conspirator on the internet. During their communications, they shared their view of Islam as requiring participation in violent jihad. The co-conspirator communicated to Conley that he was an active member of an Al-Qaeda (AQ) affiliate fighting in Syria known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Al Sham (ISIS). The two then decided to become engaged; and, together they worked to have Conley travel to Syria to join her new fiancé. Before traveling to Syria, Conley refined and obtained additional training and skills in order to provide support and assistance to any AQ and/or ISIS fighter. Conley also intended to fight if it became necessary to do so.
In furtherance of the conspiracy, Conley joined the U.S. Army Explorers (USAE) to be trained in U.S. military tactics and in firearms. She traveled to Texas and attended the USAE training. She also obtained first aid/nursing certification and National Rifle Association certification. Conley knew that ISIS was a designated foreign terrorist organization. In fact, on numerous occasions, Special Agents with the FBI met with her in extraordinary attempts to persuade her not to carry out her plans to travel overseas to provide support to a foreign terrorist organization and to engage in violent jihad. On March 29, 2014, the co-conspirator, together with others, arranged for an airline ticket to be purchased for Conley to travel to Turkey, departing from Denver on April 8, 2014. On April 8, 2014, Conley traveled to Denver International Airport and attempted to board the flight to Turkey. She was then arrested by FBI agents.
A subsequent search of Conley’s home revealed DVDs of Anwar Al-Awlaki lectures and a number of books and articles about Al-Qaeda, its affiliate groups, and jihad. Agents also recovered shooting targets labeled with the number of rounds fired and distances.
Conley faces not more than 5 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Arvada Police Department.
The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Holloway, with the assistance of Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Alamogordo Women Sentenced for Conspiracy to Fraudulently Obtain Prescription DrugsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Two women from Alamogordo, N.M., were sentenced in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., this morning for participating in a conspiracy to obtain prescription drugs by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception and subterfuge by filling fraudulent prescriptions at retail pharmacies. Sharon Carter, 57, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release. Her co-defendant Connie Coble, 52, was sentenced to 36 days of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release.
Carter and Coble were charged in a 66-count indictment filed on March 19, 2014. Count 1 of the indictment charged both women with conspiracy to fraudulently obtain Hydrocodone, a prescription painkiller, by filling fraudulent prescriptions at retail pharmacies in Doña Ana and Otero Counties, N.M., between Aug. 10, 2013 and Sept. 30, 2013. Count 2 charged Carter alone with unlawfully distributing Hydrocodone between Dec. 2011 and Dec. 2013 in Otero County, and Counts 3 through 66 charged Carter alone with fraudulently obtaining Hydrocodone on dates between April 20, 2013 and Dec. 19, 2013.
Carter was arrested on Dec. 19, 2013, based on a criminal complaint and has been in federal custody since that time. She entered a guilty plea to all 66 counts of the indictment on April 30, 2014, without the benefit of any plea agreement.
Coble was arrested on March 21, 2014. On June 17, 2014, Coble pled guilty to Count 1 of the indictment, the sole charge against her, under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In her plea agreement, Coble admitted that between Aug. 10, 2013 and Sept. 30, 2013, she conspired with Carter to fill fraudulent prescriptions for Hydrocodone at various pharmacies in Doña Ana and Otero Counties.
According to Coble’s plea agreement, Carter posed as a doctor and called in prescriptions for non-existent persons and Coble went with Carter to the pharmacies to pick up the Hydrocodone after the prescriptions had been filled. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, Carter and her accomplices passed 184 fraudulent prescriptions and unlawfully obtained 18,480 pills.
This case was investigated by the Tactical Diversion Squad of the El Paso Division of the DEA with assistance from the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Alamogordo Department of Public Safety, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gould of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squads combine DEA resources with those of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in an innovative effort to investigate, disrupt and dismantle those suspected of violating the Controlled Substances Act or other appropriate federal, state or local statutes pertaining to the diversion of licit pharmaceutical controlled substances or listed chemicals.
9 September 2014
Wilkes-Barre Man Charged with Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today the filing of a criminal information charging Shawn Morse, age 42, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, with distributing cocaine on numerous occasions between 2010 and April 2, 2013.
United States Attorney Peter Smith stated that the charge is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office; and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In this particular case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is twenty years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
West Virginia Man Sentenced to 15 Years on Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistCLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Lost Creek, West Virginia man, with three prior felony convictions has been sentenced to Federal prison for possessing a gun.
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that Anthony Scott MOATS, age 40, of Lost Creek, was sentenced to 15 years in prison as a result of his conviction for “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” MOATS, who has prior felony convictions for burglary, drug distribution, and bank theft, possessed a firearm in September of 2013 in Monongalia County. MOATS was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service.
In other matters, Troy EVANS, age 38, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release for “Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine” in Monongalia County, West Virginia. EVANS was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal.
Steven JIMERSON, age 26, of East Point, Michigan, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release for “Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone” in Monongalia County. JIMERSON was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal.
The EVANS and JIMERSON cases were investigated by the Mon Valley Drug Task Force.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley.
Charles ADKINS, age 54, of Fairmont, West Virginia, entered pleas of guilty to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration” and one count of “Obstruction of Justice.” ADKINS was sentenced to 51 months in prison and five years of supervised release. ADKINS’ co-defendant Loretta MEREDITH, age 58, of Jamestown, New York, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison and one year of supervised release for “Conspiracy to Attempt to Obstruct Justice.” ADKINS was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal and MEREDITH is free on bond and will self-report to prison. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn A. Morgan and investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police.
Duane Philip MCATEE, age 44, of Salem, West Virginia, was sentenced to 35 months in prison and one year of supervised release for “Obstruction of Tax Administration.” MCATEE was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti and investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lisa Nicole SMITH, age 25, of Fairmont, was sentenced to six months in prison and six months of home detention for “Possession of Pseudoephedrine to be used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” SMITH, who is free on bond, will self-report to prison. This case was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin and investigated by the Three Rivers Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.Gary Allen STEWART, age 31, of Sutton, West Virginia, was sentenced to 4 months in prison and one year of supervised release for “Obstruction of Correspondence.” STEWART, who is free on bond, will self-report to prison. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri and investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.W.Va. Man Sentenced to 15 Years on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA - A Belington, West Virginia man has been sentenced to fifteen years in Federal prison after being convicted of possessing sexually explicit images of children.
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that Charles Edgar WARE, age 64, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for “Possession of Child Pornography, Second Offense.” WARE, who had a previous felony for mailing material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, was convicted of possessing child pornography that had been transported via his computer. WARE was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal. After serving his sentence WARE will be subject to ten years of supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin handled the matter for the government and the investigation was conducted by the Bridgeport, West Virginia, Police Department.
Chief U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.Utah Resident Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Claims for Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
A Spanish Fork, Utah, man was sentenced today to serve 33 months in prison for filing false claims for income tax refunds, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced.
U.S. District Judge Dee Benson also ordered Stanley J. Wardle to pay $29,527 in restitution to the IRS and to serve three years of supervised released upon his release from prison.
On Dec. 9, 2013, immediately before his trial was to begin, Wardle pleaded guilty to nine counts of filing false claims for a tax refund. According to the indictment, in January 2009, Wardle filed a false individual income tax return which sought a refund of $32,115. Additionally, between December 2008 and May 2009, Wardle prepared eight false tax returns on behalf of others, seeking more than $600,000 in refunds.
This case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Michael Romano and Stuart Wexler of the Tax Division.
U.S. Department of Justice Awards $500,000 Crime-Fighting Grant to New JerseyRead the Press Release
Office of Justice Programs Funds U.S. Attorney-led Violence Reduction Effort in Jersey City
NEWARK, N.J. - The U.S. Department of Justice today awarded a $500,000 grant to New Jersey for a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program designed to reduce crime in Jersey City by focusing law enforcement efforts on gang and gun violence, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
The New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office worked with partners in Jersey City and the N.J. Department of Law and Public Safety’s Division of Criminal Justice to develop the application that successfully competed against others from across the country.
“The goal of this project is to reduce violent crime in one of New Jersey’s largest and most densely populated cities,” U.S. Attorney Fishman said. “To do that, this grant will fund state-of-the-art methods to analyze criminal activity, improve information sharing among law enforcement agencies and collaboration with the community, and do a better job of getting services to where they are most needed.”
U.S. Attorney Fishman said Jersey City has made substantial progress in addressing gun crime and gang violence, particularly through its participation in the Violent Enterprise Source Targeting (VEST) Program, which was developed to dismantle criminal organizations through multi-agency collaboration to share intelligence, target the most violent offenders, and conduct sustained enforcement operations and coordinated prosecutions.
Jersey City plans to use the $500,000 PSN grant to expand and amplify the federal, state and local partnerships created by VEST. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide effort to reduce gang and gun violence by networking existing local programs and providing them with additional tools.
The New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office is responsible for establishing a collaborative PSN task force of federal, state, and local law enforcement and other community members to implement gang violence and gun crime enforcement, intervention and prevention initiatives within the district. The PSN Task Force will be expanded to include community partners, Rutgers University, as well as law enforcement. The law enforcement arm includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, the N.J. State Police, the N.J., Department of Corrections, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Hudson County Sheriff’s Office and Jersey City Police Department. On the community level, collaborators will include the City of Jersey City, Rutgers University, Jersey City Employment and Training Program, which operates Jersey City’s reentry program led by former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey, Jersey City Public Schools, Jersey City Department of Recreation, Urban Concerns, Boys & Girls Club of Hudson County, Jersey City Housing Authority, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Jersey City, Jersey City Medical Center, Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, Urban League of Hudson County, and a network of additional non-profit and faith-based partners.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Welcomes Six New ProsecutorsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that six new Assistant United States Attorneys were sworn into office on September 8, 2014 by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, Chief United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia.Kimberly S. Easterling comes to the Middle District from the District Attorney’s Office in Augusta, Georgia, where she served as an Assistant District Attorney. She earned her law degree from Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law in 2002. Following law school, Ms. Easterling served as law clerk at The Dozier Law Firm in Macon, Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Spanish Area Studies from Fordham University in Bronx, New York and is fluent in Spanish. Ms. Easterling will be prosecuting cases in the Criminal Division in Macon.
Lindsay H. Feinberg is a 2008 graduate of Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 2005. Following law school, Ms. Feinberg served as law clerk for Michigan Supreme Court Justice Maura D. Corrigan; Bibb County Superior Court Judges S. Phillip Brown and Howard Z. Simms; and U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle. Ms. Feinberg will serve in the District’s Appellate Division in Macon.
Aimee Jackson Hall graduated cum laude from Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law in 2007. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree magna cum laude in Psychology and Political Science from Mercer University in 1999. She was a partner in the law firm of Sell & Melton, in Macon, Georgia, prior to coming to the United States Attorney’s Office. She will serve in the Civil Division in Macon.
Elizabeth Howard served in the United States Attorney’s Office as student law clerk and law clerk while attending Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law, from which she graduated in 2012. Ms. Howard was employed as an Assistant Solicitor General in the Bibb County Office of the Solicitor General, in Macon, prior to joining the United States Attorney’s Office. She will prosecute Federal cases in the District’s Criminal Division in Macon.
Brittany F. Reese graduated summa cum laude from Presbyterian College, in Clinton, South Carolina, in 2007, with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, and cum laude from the Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law in 2010. She served as Intern for Justice James E. Moore, Supreme Court of South Carolina as well as for Judge Harris Adams, Georgia Court of Appeals; and as Criminal Intern with the 8th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Greenwood, South Carolina. Ms. Reese later served as law clerk for Judges Lamar Sizemore, Edgar W. Ennis, Jr.; Tilman E. Self, III; and S. Phillip Brown in Bibb Superior Court. She was then employed by the law firm of Alston & Byrd in Atlanta, Georgia. She joins the Civil Division in Macon.
Todd P. Swanson comes to the United States Attorney’s Office from the law firm of Chilivis, Cochran, Larkins & Bever in Atlanta, Georgia. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology cum laude from the University of Illinois in 2004 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2007. Mr. Swanson will serve in the District’s Civil Division in Macon.
Inquiries regarding this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom's Statement on the Shooting Death of Cpl. Jason HarwoodRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom released the following statement Tuesday on the shooting death of Cpl. Jason Harwood of the Topeka Police Department, who was the third Topeka officer to be shot and killed in the line of duty in the past 21 months.
“Our hearts go out to the family of Cpl. Jason Harwood and to the men and women of the Topeka Police Department.”
“The tragic fact is that every year dozens of police officers in this nation are killed by gunfire. The FBI’s preliminary statistics for 2013 show that 27 officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2013. Offenders used firearms in 26 of the 27 deaths.”
“In many cases, officers are killed by armed felons. That is one reason our office will continue to put a top priority on the federal prosecution of convicted felons who possess firearms. If we can save one life, the effort will have been worth it.”
Two Charged with Armed Robbery of Roseville Pawn ShopRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced a complaint charging DERRICK LYNCH, 51, and MARVIN SPENCER, 51, both of St. Paul, Minnesota, with armed robbery in violation of the Hobbs Act and using, carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The defendants are charged with robbing Pawn America, a pawn shop in Roseville, MN, on July 21, 2014. The defendants made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Saint Paul on September 9, 2014. Their next court appearance is expected on September 11, 2014.
According to the criminal complaint and documents filed in court, on July 21, 2014, at approximately 5:30 p.m., LYNCH and SPENCER used a semi-automatic handgun to rob Pawn America of approximately $200,000 worth of jewelry. SPENCER fired a number of shots in the direction of several store employees, hitting one of them in the ankle. While SPENCER was shooting, LYNCH smashed a display case from which he collected the jewelry.
According to documents filed in court, LYNCH was apprehended in Woodbury, Minnesota, on August 8, 2014. SPENCER was arrested in Moline, Illinois, on August 20, 2014. Both defendants subsequently admitted to robbing Pawn America. SPENCER also admitted to discharging a firearm during the robbery.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Hollenhorst.
U.S. Attorney Luger thanked the Roseville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for conducting the investigation. U.S. Attorney Luger also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for their help in apprehending the defendants.
Defendant Information: DERRICK LYNCH
St. Paul, MN
Charges: • Violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Hobbs Act robbery), 1 count
• Violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (using, carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence), 1 count
MARVIN SPENCER
St. Paul, MN
Charges: • Violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Hobbs Act robbery), 1 count
• Violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (using, carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence), 1 countThree New York Men Indicted for Credit Card Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Three New York men were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit and committing credit card fraud, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Indicted are: Mohammad Parvez, age 23, of Brooklyn, New York; Fazly Azzam, age 22, of Brooklyn, New York; and Shaha Jalal, age 35, of New York, New York.
The indictment alleges that in August 2014, Parvez, Azzam and Jalal conspired with each other to commit fraud in connection with access devices. The defendants illegally obtained credit card account numbers assigned to more than 100 credit cards. An unidentified member of the conspiracy electronically encoded the illegally obtained credit card numbers onto credit cards embossed with the names of Parvez, Azzam and Jalal. Using these credit cards, the defendants obtained and attempted to obtain property and services from retail stores, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Secret Service. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
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.
Three in Custody on Federal Charges Stemming from the Murder of A Southlake, Texas, Man in May 2013Read the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas — Three Mexican citizens are in federal custody following their arrest last Friday, September 5, 2014, in McAllen, Texas, on federal charges stemming from the murder of a Southlake, Texas, man in May 2013. The announcement was made this afternoon at a press conference, held at Southlake’s Department of Public Safety, by Stephen Mylett, Chief of the Southlake Police Department; John Parker, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Texas; Diego Rodriguez, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI Dallas Division; and Daniel R. Salter, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division.
“The Southlake Police Department could not have been successful without the assistance of our regional partners,” said Chief Mylett. “Over the past year, a great deal of work has been conducted in order to bring those responsible for Mr. Chapa’s murder to justice. Through this collaborative effort, three individuals were identified as having played a principal role in the conspiracy to commit this heinous murder.”
Jesus Gerardo Ledezma-Cepeda, a/k/a “Chuy” and “Juan Ramos,” 58, is charged in a federal indictment, returned in early July 2014 by a federal grand jury in Fort Worth, Texas, and unsealed yesterday, with one count of interstate stalking resulting in death and aiding and abetting. He was arrested on the Anzalduas International Bridge at the checkpoint.
Two others were arrested on the same charge as outlined in a federal criminal complaint filed on Friday, September 5, 2014, and unsealed this afternoon. Jesus Gerardo Ledezma-Campano, 30, was also arrested on the Anzalduas International Bridge at the checkpoint. Jose Luis Cepeda-Cortes, 58, who is legally in the U.S. on a green card, was arrested at a residence in Edinburg, Texas. Ledezma-Cepeda is Ledezma-Campano’s father and Cepeda-Cortes’s cousin.
Two of the defendants made their initial appearances yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in McAllen. Defendant Ledezma-Campano made his initial appearance this morning; his preliminary, detention and identity hearings are set for 11:00 a.m. on Friday in federal court in McAllen. The Northern District of Texas is coordinating with the U.S. Marshals Service to transport the defendants to the Northern District for prosecution.
“Today I commend the dedicated and relentless efforts of the FBI, assisted by the DEA, who, along with the Southlake Police Department, led this extensive investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for Mr. Chapa’s murder last year,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker. “I also want to thank our other law enforcement partners who assisted in this 16-month-long investigation — ATF, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office and the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office. These law enforcement agencies have a proven history of working extremely well together and I’m very proud of that fact.”
“I am proud for our collective agencies, and for the community, that we are able to make these arrest announcements today,” said Special Agent in Charge Rodriguez. “While the investigation of this heinous, public crime remains ongoing, residents can be assured that your safety and protection is of greatest concern to law enforcement.”
“This is a perfect example of cooperative and effective law enforcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Salter. “The long arm of the law is far reaching and the efforts of these investigators and prosecutors has asssured that those responsible face justice in the courts of the United States of America.”
On May 22, 2013, at approximately 6:47 p.m., Juan Jesus Guerrero Chapa was ambushed and shot multiple times with a 9mm pistol while seated in a Range Rover vehicle that was parked in Southlake Town Square. Video surveillance showed an individual exit the rear passenger side of a Toyota Sequoia after it pulled behind Mr. Chapa’s vehicle, and then walk to the passenger side where Mr. Chapa was seated. A few seconds later, the Sequoia drove away and Mr. Chapa was dead.
According to documents filed in the case, beginning on approximately March 1, 2011 and continuing to May 22, 2013, the three defendants traveled in interstate and foreign commerce from Mexico to Southlake, and elsewhere, with the intent to kill Mr. Chapa.
Cepeda-Cortes used email in an effort to locate Mr. Chapa, exchanging personal information regarding Mr. Chapa’s family, photographs of Mr. Chapa’s residence, vehicles associated with Mr. Chapa’s family and personal information about Mr. Chapa. In addition, at various times during this period, the defendants rented an apartment in Grapevine, Texas, where they stayed while tracking Mr. Chapa.
The defendants used various means to track Mr. Chapa and members of his family. Cepeda-Cortes purchased surveillance cameras that were placed in various locations in Mr. Chapa’s neighborhood. In addition, while in the area, the defendants purchased and rented several vehicles that, according to the complaint, allowed them to change vehicles often and use non-descript rental vehicles to avoid detection by Mr. Chapa and his family. They placed automobile tracking devices on their vehicles, as well as vehicles owned and operated by Mr. Chapa and his relatives, including the Range Rover Mr. Chapa was in when he was murdered.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offenses charged and must be made under oath before a U.S. magistrate judge. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The government has 30 days to present the case to a federal grand jury for indictment. The maximum statutory penalty for the offense as charged is life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are expected.