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17 July 2014
Thug Relations Gang Member Convicted of Racketeering Conspiracy and Multiple MurdersRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Antonio J. Fuller, 23, of Newport News, Va., was convicted yesterday by a federal jury of participating in a racketeering conspiracy, murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering, firearm charges and a drug conspiracy involving crack cocaine.
The racketeering conspiracy included the murders of Andre Horton and Andre Julius Johnson on May 17, 2009 and the murder of Christian Hatch on Nov. 4, 2009, as well as the attempted murder of other individuals occupying Hatch’s apartment at Mariner’s Landing in Newport News. The murder of Christian Hatch involved rival gang members.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Royce E. Curtin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Richard W. Myers, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after the verdict was accepted by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson.
Fuller was indicted on July 17, 2013, along with co-defendants Kevin Ashby and Mustafah Kalil Muhammad. According to court documents, Fuller, Ashby and Muhammad were part of a criminal organization known locally as “Thug Relations.” The gang members protected their criminal enterprise and activities through murder, attempted murder, witness intimidation, robbery and narcotics distribution.
Fuller faces a maximum penalty of life in prison when he is sentenced on Oct. 27, 2014. Muhammad pleaded guilty in April 2014 and will be sentenced on July 23, 2014. Ashby pleaded guilty in March 2014 and was sentenced to life in prison on June 26, 2014.
This investigation was led by FBI and the Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the Newport News Police and the Virginia State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard J. Zlotnick and Lisa R. McKeel, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt from the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Section, are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:13-cr-72.Three New York Men Charged Federally with Fraudulent Possession of Credit CardsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the United States Secret Service, announced today that three New York men have been charged with Possession of Fifteen or More Counterfeit or Unauthorized Access Devices today by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Danilo Vargas, age 25, Dawill Miguel Almonte, age 22, and Jeriel Delosangeles, age 25, allegedly possessed approximately 62 counterfeit credit cards. The charges arose out of a car stop by the Pennsylvania State Police in York County in November 2013.
If convicted, Vargas, Almonte, and Delosangeles face a term of imprisonment of up to ten years and fines up to $250,000.
This investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service and Pennsylvania State Police. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
*****Three Individuals Charged in Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Ricky Butler, Catherine Jarrett and Randy Jarrett have been charged by Criminal Complaint with conspiracy to commit access device fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. In addition, Ricky Butler is charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two year consecutive sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryEllen Kresse, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, between July 2013 and February 2014, Butler, Catherine Jarett, Randy Jarrett, and others conspired to execute a scheme which involved taking control of legitimate credit card accounts. Without the true account holder’s knowledge or authority, the defendants obtained new or replacement credit cards which were then used to make unauthorized purchases at Wal-Mart stores and other retail establishments in New York and Pennsylvania.
The purchases, which were mostly store gift cards in large dollar amounts, were made by women who had been solicited by Butler and others to travel with Butler and use the fraudulently obtained credit cards. Three of those women - Danielle Hamilton, Tiara Baker and Tamika Favors - have already been charged with access device fraud in connection with their use of such unauthorized cards. According to the complaint, the scheme involved 95 credit card accounts at five financial institutions which were used to conduct over 1,000 fraudulent transactions totaling over $850,000 in actual losses. In addition, close to 200 fraudulent transactions, totaling approximately $193,000, were attempted, but ultimately declined.
The Criminal Complaint is the result of an investigation on the part of the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Shelly Binkowski, and the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tracy Gast.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.Three Charged in White Plains Federal Court in Connection with December 2013 HomicideRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, George Venizelos, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Charles Gardner, the Commissioner of the Yonkers Police Department, announced today the unsealing of charges against DA’QUAN JOHNSON, a/k/a “Bloody,” a/k/a “Buddha,” JAMES JOHNSON, a/k/a “Jimmy,” and KENNETH MOORE, a/k/a “Doogie” for a fatal shooting related to gang rivalry in Yonkers.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “Once again we charge another senseless killing of a bystander by rival street gangs and drug dealers underscoring the continuing need to dismantle these violent groups, who not only threaten each other but everyone around them. We and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to this goal.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge George Venizelos stated: “Members and associates of street gangs viciously defend their respective territories, at times aligning themselves with each other to engage in acts of violence against anyone who dares to encroach on the area they control. In this case, murder served as the final result in the constant violence between two gangs. Eradicating gangs and stamping out the violence they bring to our neighborhoods remain top priorities for the FBI. The people of our communities deserve the right to live in a society that is free from violence. One in which walking to the corner store or sending children to school doesn’t trigger the fear of violence lurking around every bend.”
Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner stated: “The arrest of these violent individuals will make the streets of Yonkers a safer place. While working with our federal and local law enforcement partners we continue to make progress in aggressively pursuing and removing violent gang members from our community. Gang members operating in Yonkers should be warned that they may be the target of other ongoing investigations and they will ultimately be held accountable for their actions. I would like to specifically thank the US Attorney’s office for the Southern District of NY and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force for their tenacious efforts in this investigation.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in White Plains federal court and other documents in the public record:
DA’QUAN JOHNSON, JAMES JOHNSON, and MOORE are members and affiliates of the “Grimy Motherfuckers,” or “GMF,” a local, street-level gang operating in and around the Schlobohm Housing Project in Yonkers, New York. At its inception, GMF was aligned with the Strip Boyz, a different street gang that was likewise based in the Schlobohm Housing Project in Yonkers and was made up of members one generation older than most GMF members. GMF and the Strip Boyz controlled crack cocaine and marijuana sales in and around the Schlobohm Housing Project and were allied in disputes with rival gang members, including members of the Cliff Street Gangsters and the Elm Street Wolves, two gangs from the east side of Nepperhan Avenue in Yonkers.
In late June and early July 2012, federal authorities arrested 20 members of the Strip Boyz on charges of narcotics distribution and/or firearm offenses in a case captioned United States v. Mark David, S1 12 Cr. 214 (ER) (S.D.N.Y.). All 20 defendants have pled guilty in satisfaction of the charges.
The federal arrests of the Strip Boyz left GMF the dominant gang in the area around the Schlobohm Housing Project, and GMF members have continued to engage in acts of violence and intimidation to preserve the dominance of the Schlobohm Housing Project and the surrounding areas that they previously shared with the Strip Boyz. Above all, GMF members are aligned in their ongoing disputes with rival gangs in southwest Yonkers, among them a gang based in the vicinity of Highland Avenue known as “Highland.”
The dispute between GMF and Highland resulted in members of those gangs committing numerous acts of violence against one another. With regard to the conduct that underlies the Indictment, on December 27, 2013, a shooting occurred in the vicinity of Palisade Avenue and Elm Street in Yonkers, which is territory controlled by GMF. After the shooting occurred, members of GMF received information that the individuals responsible for it were members of Highland. In retaliation for the shooting, the same night, DA’QUAN JOHNSON and KENNETH MOORE, along with other GMF members, traveled to territory controlled by Highland with the intent of retaliating. A GMF member then shot into a crowd that had congregated for a candlelight vigil at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Jackson Street. One of the bullets hit Tyrone Arthur in the chest, killing him. After the murder, JAMES JOHNSON took custody of the murder weapon and hid it from law enforcement.
DA’QUAN JOHNSON, 23, of Yonkers, and MOORE, 24, of Mount Vernon, New York are charged with conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1959(a)(5); murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(1) and 2; and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(j). JAMES JOHNSON, 22, of Yonkers, is charged with being an accessory after the fact to the murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 3.
DA’QUON JOHNSON and JAMES JOHNSON were arrested this morning in Yonkers. They were presented before United States Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy. KENNETH MOORE arrested in Georgia and presented in Atlanta federal court.
Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Westchester Violent Crimes Task Force, which is comprised of agents and detectives of the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the City of Yonkers Police Department, the Westchester County Police, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. He also thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and the Atlanta Field Office of the FBI. He added that the investigation is continuing.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division and Violent Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Hartman is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States v. Da’Quan Johnson et al., 14 Cr. 476
COUNT CHARGE DEFENDANTS MAXIMUM PENALTIES
1 Conspiracy to murder in aid of racketeering
DA’QUAN JOHNSON, a/k/a “Bloody,” a/k/a “Buddha,” and KENNETH MOORE, a/k/a “Doogie”
10 years in prison
2 Murder in aid of racketeering
DA’QUAN JOHNSON, a/k/a “Bloody,” a/k/a “Buddha,” and KENNETH MOORE, a/k/a “Doogie”
Mandatory life in prison or the death penalty
3 Carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence, resulting in the death of another
DA’QUAN JOHNSON, a/k/a “Bloody,” a/k/a “Buddha,” and KENNETH MOORE, a/k/a “Doogie” Life in prison or the death penalty
Mandatory minimum 10 years in prison consecutive to any other sentence
4 Accessory after the fact to murder
JAMES JOHNSON, a/k/a “Jimmy”
15 years in prison
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Johnson et al - Indictment_Redacted
Three Beckley-area Men Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that three Beckley area men were sentenced in federal court in Beckley. Melvin Brooks, age 42, of Beaver, West Virginia, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. Brooks previously pled guilty in March 2014 to distribution of a quantity of oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Beaver Avenue in Beckley.
Ronnie Tolliver, age 57, of MacArthur, West Virginia, was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment. Tolliver previously pled guilty in March 2014 to distribution of a quantity of hydromorphone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Bethel Road in MacArthur.
Joseph Underwood, age 39, of Stanaford, West Virginia, was also sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment. Underwood previously pled guilty in April 2014 to distribution of a quantity of oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Cunningham Avenue in Stanaford.
All three cases were investigated by the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and are being prosecuted under the Beckley Pill Initiative directed by the United States Attorney’s Office.
These cases are 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.
All three defendants were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger.
Three Bakersfield Men Charged in Drug Distribution RingRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment today against Manuel Riviera-Felix, a.k.a. Felipe Garcia, 26, , Edi Vega Bustamante, 21, and Juan Angel Lopez, 32, charging all three with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced . Riviera-Felix and Bustamante are also charged separately in two counts with distribution of methamphetamine and Lopez alone is charged in a separate count with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. All three defendants are residents of Bakersfield, CA.
According to court documents, the three men conspired to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was the product of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation by: the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the Bakersfield Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Delaney is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, all three defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Temple Couple Enters Guilty Pleas in Connection with A Postal Theft Scheme Involving in Excess of 50,000 Pieces of United States MailRead the Press Release
More than 2,000 individuals victimized as a result of the defendants' scheme
In Waco, two individuals await sentencing after pleading guilty to federal charges in connection with a postal theft scheme involving more than 50,000 pieces of mail and over $500,000 in other U.S. Government property from U.S. Post Offices in approximately 80 cities and towns across Texas announced U.S. Attorney Robert Pitman and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Inspector in Charge Robert Weymss, Houston Division.
Appearing this afternoon before United States District Judge Walter S. Smith, Jr., 39-year-old Charles Hattenbach of Temple, TX, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to steal mail, one count of bank fraud, one count of theft of Government property and three counts of aggravated identity theft. Last month, Hattenbach’s co-defendant, 28-year-old Kathryn Hubbert of Temple, TX, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to steal mail, one count of bank fraud, one count of theft of Government property and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
According to court records, from December 2013 until March 2014, the defendants conspired to steal U.S. mail and other Government property by breaking into U.S. Post Offices and blue mail receptacle boxes located outside of post offices in an area stretching from Midland to College Station and from Dallas to San Antonio. The defendants stole credit cards, personal checks, business checks, money orders, postage, W-2s, tax returns, items which contained personal identifying information, cash, gift cards and other items belonging to more than 2,000 victims.
The defendants also devised a scheme to defraud several financial institutions, including Extraco Bank in Round Rock, TX, by endorsing and depositing stolen money orders and checks. The defendants subsequently withdrew the deposits causing the financial institutions to lose more than $80,000. The defendants also activated numerous credit cards using victims’ personal identifying information, including names, social security numbers and driver’s license numbers and dates of birth, which they had previously stolen from the mail.
“We take very seriously the integrity of the U.S. mail and will continue to work with the Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners to apprehend and prosecute people who, like the defendants in this case, target the mail to facilitate their criminal enterprises,” stated United States Attorney Robert Pitman.
The defendants targeted United States Post Offices, collection boxes, parcel lockers and post office boxes in the following cities and towns: Alvarado, Austin (Balcones, Bluebonnet, Main, McNeil, Mockingbird, Northcross, South Campus, Southeast, and Town North branches), Bangs, Belton, Blanket, Brenham, Bryan, Buchanan Dam, Buckholts, Burton, Cameron, Campbellton, Carmine, Cedar Park, Chapel Hill, Clifton, Coleman, College Station, Colorado City, Copperas Cove, Corpus Christi (Gulfway branch), Dripping Springs, Early, Elgin, Florence, Gause, Georgetown, Gustine, Harker Heights, Hearne, Heidenheimer, Hewitt, Hillsboro, Holland, Hutto, Jerrell, Jonesboro, Kemper, Killeen, Lampasas, Lawn, Leander, Ledbetter, Liberty Hill, Lockhart, Loraine, Lorena, May, McDade, Meridian, Merkel, Midland, Milano, Millican, Mound, Navasota, Nolanville, Novice, Paige, Pendleton, Pflugerville, Red Oak, Rising Star, Roby, Rockport, Rogers, Rosebud, Round Rock, Salado, San Angelo, San Marcos, Santa Anna, Sinton, Sterling City, Sweetwater, Taylor, Temple, Thorndale, Treat, Troy, Tye, Valley Mills, Waco (Highlander and Woodway branches), Walnut Springs, Washington and Weir.
Hattenbach, who remains in federal custody, is scheduled to be sentenced at 1:00pm on September 10, 2014, before Judge Smith. Sentencing for Hubbert, who is currently on bond, is scheduled for 1:00pm on August 20, 2014, before Judge Smith. Hattenbach and Hubbert face up to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to steal U.S. Mail; up to 30 years in federal prison for bank fraud; up to ten years in federal prison for theft of Government property; and, consecutive two-year federal prison terms for each aggravated identity theft charge. A restitution amount, consisting of stolen funds, proceeds derived from the scheme, losses incurred by victims and property damage among other things, will be determined at sentencing.
“The Postal Inspection Service has sought those who steal mail for hundreds of years. The ability to use the mail in a safe and secure manner is at the core of the Postal Inspection Service's mission,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Robert Weymss.
This case resulted from an investigation conducted by USPIS and the Bell County Organized Crime Task Force (BCOTF). The BCOTF is comprised of investigators from the United States Marshals Service, Bell County Sheriff’s Office and police departments from Temple, Belton, Killeen, Copperas Cove and Harker Heights. Assistant United States Attorney Greg Gloff is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Tampa Man Sentenced in Mail Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Randy Dale Barber (42, Tampa, Florida) to 5 years’ probation for conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The Court also ordered Barber to forfeit $413,106, and to pay restitution to Hitachi Data Systems (“HDS”) in the amount of $37,921.20. Barber pleaded guilty on February 28, 2014. Previously, on July 10, 2014, U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell sentenced separately charged mail fraud co-conspirator Michael J. Dragoni (48, Riverview, Florida) to 5 years of probation, with 8 months of home detention. In addition, the Court sentenced two companies used by Dragoni, as part of the conspiracy, namely Fortis Data Systems, LLC (“FDS”) and Greencloud LLC (“Greencloud”) to 5 years of probation. Dragoni, FDS and Greencloud were ordered to forfeit $498,706 and to pay restitution to HDS in the amount of $37,921.20. Dragoni, FDS and Greencloud pleaded guilty on April 24, 2014.
According to plea agreements filed in the cases, from about August 2009 through at least August 2011, Dragoni and Barber, using Dragoni’s companies FDS and Greencloud, conspired to defraud HDS by making materially false statements to HDS in order to purchase computer equipment for resale to Hajian, who in turn resold the equipment to his client, Mahmood Akbari, and UAE company Patco Group, Ltd. By late 2009, Dragoni, Barber and Hajian knew that HDS refused to sell computer equipment to Hajian, and his customers Akbari and Patco, because HDS believed that the equipment was being diverted to unauthorized end users. In order to deceive HDS and purchase the computer equipment, Dragoni and Barber made false statements regarding the purchaser, end user, and location of installation of the equipment that they were purchasing. To facilitate the conspiracy, they used front companies to make equipment purchases on their behalf. The conspirators then caused the equipment to be shipped to Dubai.
In another case arising from the same investigation, on April 30, 2014, Judge Bucklew sentenced John Alexander Talley (42, Seattle, Washington) to 30 months in federal prison for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transaction Regulations. The Court also sentenced Talley’s company, Tallyho Peripherals, Inc. d/b/a Enterprise Solutions Systems, to 1 year of probation. Talley and Tallyho pleaded guilty on September 18, 2013.
According to court documents, from about 2009 to about September 2012, Talley and his company conspired with others, including Mohammed Reza “Ray” Hajian, to unlawfully export sophisticated enterprise level computer equipment from the United States to Iran, and to provide computer information technology (IT) support services for the equipment, all in violation of the United States embargo. Talley’s role was to provide training and computer IT support to ensure that the computer equipment operated in Iran. In an effort to conceal their activities, the conspirators in the United States caused shipments of the computers and related equipment, as well as the payments for same, to travel to and from the United States and Iran through the United Arab Emirates. Similarly, payments for Talley’s support services were wired through the UAE.
On July 11, 2012, Hajian and three of his companies, RH International LLC, Nexiant LLC, and P & P Computers LLC, pleaded guilty to charges involving the same conspiracy to violate the Iranian Embargo and to a conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transaction Regulations. On October 18, 2012, Hajian was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison.
On September 12, 2013, two Iranian nationals, Mahmood Akbari, a/k/a John Wasserman and Reza Hajigholamali, and three UAE front companies, Patco Group Ltd., Managed Systems and Services (FZC), and TGO General Trading LLC, were indicted in connection with the same conspiracy. Charges against those parties included a conspiracy to violate the International Economic Powers Act, and a conspiracy to commit international money laundering. According to the superseding indictment in that case, Hajian was selling the sophisticated computer equipment and services at issue to Akbari. If convicted, Akbari and Hajigholamali face a maximum penalty of up to 40 years in federal prison.
“This investigation demonstrates HSI’s commitment to protecting our citizens by ensuring critical U.S. technologies don’t fall into the hands of our foreign enemies,” said Susan L. McCormick, special agent in charge for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa.
"The cooperative efforts between the Department of Commerce and the Department of Homeland Security have proven once again that anyone who conspires to violate U.S. embargo sanctions and illegally export sensitive U.S. technology to state sponsors of terrorism will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting the National Security of the United States remains our top priority and we will continue to dismantle and disrupt andy networks attempting the same illegal activities," said Robert Luzzi, Special Agent in Charge, Office of Export Enforcement's, Miami Field Office.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Bini and Trial Attorney Mariclaire Rourke of the Counterespionage Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, National Security Division.
Sulphur Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. –A Sulphur man was sentenced to 180 months in prison and five years of supervised released for possessing multiple firearms illegally, U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today.
Todd Allen Booth, 33, of Sulphur, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi for one count of possessing firearms after having been convicted of multiple felonies. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea on March 27, 2014, law enforcement officers executed a warrant at Booth’s residence on July 10, 2012, and found eight firearms and ammunition. Of the firearms, three were shotguns, two were rifles and three were handguns. At the sentencing hearing today, the prosecution introduced records showing Booth was previously convicted of three residential burglaries. Booth was convicted of simple burglary in two separate matters in the 14th Judicial District Court in Calcasieu Parish in May of 2003. He was also convicted of burglary in Orange County, Texas, in June of 2001.These three prior convictions subject him to a mandatory jail term of not less than 15 years and not more than life under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative designed to reduce firearm crimes by removing dangerous and persistent felons from the community and promote firearm safety
The ATF, FBI, and the Calcasieu Anti-drug Team investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.
Shiprock Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Involuntary Manslaughter and Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Samantha Deal, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Shiprock, N.M., pleaded guilty today to an indictment charging her with involuntary manslaughter and assault charges. Deal entered her guilty plea without the benefit of a plea agreement.
Deal was arrested on July 17, 2013, based on an indictment charging her with one count of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. According to the indictment, Deal was driving while under the influence of alcohol in San Juan County on Feb. 4, 2013, when she killed a woman and seriously injured two other individuals.
At sentencing, Deal faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison on the involuntary manslaughter charge and a maximum penalty of ten years in prison for each of the two assault charges. Her sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Farmington office of the FBI, the Shiprock office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and the New Mexico State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Y. Ramirez.
Sallisaw Man Sentenced to 100 Months, $56,750 for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Muskogee, Oklahoma - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that WILLIAM LEO RUMINER, age 48, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 100 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release and a $56,750.00 money judgment for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Section 846.
The charge is a result from an investigation by the Sallisaw Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The defendant was indicted in August 2013 and pled guilty in October 2013.
The Indictment alleged that beginning on an unknown date and time but as early as August, 2012, and continuing until the present, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and elsewhere, the defendant and others did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate and agree together, to distribute 50 Grams of more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending transportation to the designated federal prison at which he will serve his nonparolable sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Waters represented the United States.
Queens Woman Pleads Guilty to Possession of Counterfeit $100 BillsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Michele Sergeant, 31, of Queens, N.Y., pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit bank notes before U.S. District Court Judge Frank P. Geraci. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, who is handling the case, stated that on September 22, 2013, New York State Troopers stopped the defendant in a vehicle on Interstate 390 in the town of Wayland in Steuben County. The car was traveling at 102 mph in a 65 mph zone. During a search, troopers found marijuana in the car and the defendant and her co-defendant were arrested. Following their arrest, troopers located $8,700 in $100 bank notes inside the car along with a financial ledger book. Inside the ledger were columns which showed dollar amounts and abbreviations for retail locations. The New York State Police contacted the United States Secret Service for investigative assistance.
Secret Service Agents determined that the 87 $100 bills recovered were actually sophisticated counterfeit bills, complete with water marks, color shifting ink, and embedded security strips. They further determined that the ledger notations were references to Home Depot, Lowes, Target, and Wal-Mart stores. As part of the investigation, Secret Service Agents reviewed store surveillance video from the dates and times of the transactions listed in the ledger. The defendant, and a co-defendant, were identified on video surveillance from several area stores passing counterfeit $100 bank notes. Subsequent investigation determined that Sergeant had passed an additional $14,100 in counterfeit $100 bank notes within the Western District of New York. At the time the defendant passed the counterfeit bills here, she was on release for similar conduct in the State of Massachusetts.
As part of the investigation, Secret Service Agents learned that Sergeant and her co-defendant, O’neal Walker, were also identified passing counterfeit $100 bank notes in several other states. Specifically, they passed $2,000 in counterfeit $100 bank notes in Ohio; $600 in counterfeit $100 bank notes in Massachusetts; $13,500 in counterfeit $100 bank notes in Syracuse, within the Northern District of New York; $19,700 in counterfeit $100 bank notes in Michigan; and $6,800 in counterfeit $100 bank notes in Arkansas. The total loss due to Sergeant’s actions was $65,300.The guilty plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge, Tracy Gast, and Investigators and Troopers of the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Scott Crosier.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Geraci.Philadelphia Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violation in HarrisburgRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jose Juan Albertorio-Garcia, 45, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg. The indictment charges Garcia with Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of Drug Trafficking and five counts of Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charges against Garcia are a result of allegations that Garcia was supplying heroin for distribution in Harrisburg from June 2013 through March 2014. In addition, Garcia is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking at the time of his arrest.
If convicted, Garcia faces a statutory maximum of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police as part of a continuing initiative to combat violent crime in Harrisburg. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
Palm Beach Gardens Resident Sentenced to 170 Months in Prison in Timeshare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announce that Gregory Fusca, 46, of Palm Beach Gardens, was sentenced to 170 months in prison, in connection with his operation of RC Innovations, Inc. (RCI), a fraudulent timeshare company located in Palm Beach County.
According to the information and plea documents filed with the court, Fusca and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud timeshare owners throughout the United States. Between March 2010 and January 2011, telemarketers contacted hundreds of victims throughout the United States and collected and attempted to collect more than $2.6 million in advanced fees for timeshare marketing and sales services, which were never provided. The telemarketers solicited clients through at least eight boiler rooms, all located in Palm Beach County. The telemarketers would make false and misleading representations to the timeshare owners regarding RCI’s services. Among the false representations, the telemarketers claimed that: RCI had buyers for their timeshare units; RCI had closing scheduled for their timeshares; and that RCI would actively market their timeshares to potential buyers.
Fusca, along with the other owners of RCI, was responsible for running the boiler rooms and overseeing the finances. When dividing the fraudulent profits, Fusca and the other owners kept a percentage of all sales generated by the boiler rooms for themselves and then paid the managers a percentage of the sales for their respective boiler room and the salesmen a percentage of their sales.
Fusca also engaged in a second fraud scheme in which he and his co-conspirators posed as Department of Justice and State of Florida employees, promising to send purported restitution payments to victims of earlier timeshare frauds if the victims agreed to send advance fees.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrienne Rabinowitz.
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.
Owner of Metro East Title Company Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling Escrow Funds from Clients and StructuringRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsKaren Strasser Steinke, age 65, of Millstadt, Illinois, was sentenced to twenty-one [21] months imprisonment followed by three [3] years supervised release as a result of her convictions for Wire Fraud in a scheme to defraud clients of Metro East Title, and Structuring of Financial Transactions to Avoid Currency Transaction Reporting Requirements, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Restitution was made in full to the victims prior to the sentencing.
Karen Strasser Steinke was an officer, owner and operator of Metro East Title Company. As such, operating as a title insurance agent, she received money on behalf of others, which included escrow, settlement and closing funds. At all times Karen Strasser Steinke was required to hold these funds as a fiduciary in a fiduciary trust account. On or about July 16, 2013, R. L. and M. L. purchased real property in St. Clair County, Illinois, and Metro East served as the settlement agent for the transaction. As part of the transaction, the proceeds paid were to be used to satisfy a mortgage against the real property for $76,864.98 held by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. $84,109.57 of purchase funds were deposited into Metro East's escrow account, however the fiduciary funds were misused by Karen Strasser Steinke. On or about August 7, 2013, Metro East served as a settlement and escrow agent pursuant to an escrow disbursement agreement in connection with a real property transaction between the Columbia American Legion, Columbia Post 581 District 22, American Legion Department of Illinois, which acted as the seller to the transaction, and the City of Columbia, the buyer. The City of Columbia deposited $407,960.04 into the escrow account of Metro East which was to serve as the source for the ultimate escrow and settlement disbursals however the fiduciary funds were misused by Karen Strasser Steinke. There was evidence that Karen Steinke embezzled the funds to support a gambling habit. Karen Steinke structured the deposit of cash into bank accounts to replenish part of the money that she had taken to attempt to avoid detection.
The successful prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service with the assistance of the Columbia, IL police department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Newark Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Three Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. - A Newark man was sentenced today to 240 months in prison for his role in three armed carjackings that occurred in one day in Newark and Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Louis Holmes, 25, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with three counts of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm during the course of a violent crime. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and in statements made in court:
Holmes admitted he participated with several other men in three carjackings that were committed in Newark and Jersey City on March 27, 2012. He said they agreed to take vehicles from their victims by force. Holmes also admitted that during the first carjacking, which occurred in Newark, he left the vehicle that he was traveling in with the other men, approached the targeted car’s driver, pointed a handgun at the driver and ordered the driver to exit the vehicle and leave the keys inside. Before driving away in the car, he robbed the driver and the passenger of their personal effects, including their cell phones.
Holmes also admitted that, in the second carjacking, which occurred in Jersey City, he again approached the car’s driver, pointed a handgun at the driver and threatened the driver by demanding his wallet and car keys. He then also pointed the handgun at the vehicle’s passenger, demanding the passenger exit the car, before driving away in the car. Holmes admitted that in the third carjacking, which was in Newark, he approached the driver of the car when the driver was outside the car, pointed a handgun at the driver, threatened the driver and demanded the car’s keys. Holmes then drove off in the third car.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Holmes to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford; the Newark Police Department, under the leadership of Director Eugene Venable; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray; and criminal investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark for the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara F. Merin, Courtney Oliva, and Lisa M. Colone of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Peter Carter Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
New Haven Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing NarcoticsRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL SMITH, also known as “Smitty” and “Fingers,” 44, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.
SMITH was charged as a result of “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven. Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants, and seizures of narcotics and firearms.
On January 13, 2014, a jury found SMITH guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base.
According to the evidence presented during his trial, investigators received court-authorization to monitor three of SMITH’s telephones. The investigation revealed that SMITH conspired to receive and distribute large quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine. In addition, on October 27, 2011, SMITH sold approximately 6.6 grams of crack cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement.
SMITH has been detained since his arrest on May 22, 2012. On that date, law enforcement search an apartment connected to SMITH and recovered items used to convert cocaine into crack cocaine, as well as approximately $2000 in cash.
SMITH has a prior state firearms conviction, and seven prior felony drug convictions.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.
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(203) 821-3722 [email protected]National and International Leadership of MS-13 Indicted in New Jersey for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gang Leaders in California and El Salvador Conspired with East Coast Members to Create Cohesive National Organization Based on Drug Trafficking, Extortion and Violence
NEWARK, N.J. – A dozen top-ranking members of the violent international street gang “Mara Salvatrucha” (MS-13) – including the California man claiming control over the gang’s United States operations – are charged by indictment with racketeering, drug trafficking and related crimes, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced today.
Jose Juan Rodriguez-Juarez, 34, allegedly served as the leader of MS-13’s “national program.” This program, also known as the “unification of the barrio,” sought to bring all of MS-13’s local sets, or “cliques,” in the United States under a single, cohesive leadership structure, led by Rodriguez-Juarez and his deputies, including Amilcar Romero, 44, and Joel Antonio Cortez, 40.
“Members and leaders of MS-13 allegedly conspired to bring all United States cliques under a central command,” said U.S. Attorney Fishman. “According to the charges, the defendants wanted to use this new formalized structure to open new drug distribution channels facilitated by cartel alliances and bloodshed. Today’s indictment reaches gang leaders and members responsible for crime and violence in New Jersey, whether they were on the streets of Jersey City or on smuggled cell phones in a California or Central American jail.”
“Dismantling violent gangs is a continuing priority for the FBI,” Aaron T. Ford, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Newark Division, said. “Our efforts to address gang violence are not new, but we are working with our partners with increased manpower and increased urgency to address current circumstances. This cooperation is, and will continue to be, a critical factor for successfully defending threats that endanger the citizens of New Jersey.”
According to the indictment returned today, documents in this and related cases and statements made in court:
The goals of the national program were to increase the nationwide collection of extortion proceeds, known as “rent,” and to use these rent-collection networks to establish new drug distribution channels from California to the East Coast. Rodriguez-Juarez and other Mara Salvatrucha leaders allegedly struck a deal with the Mexican Mafia, a California prison gang, and certain Mexican drug cartels, including La Familia Michoacana, to supply methamphetamine and other drugs at cheap prices to MS-13 gang members on the East Coast, including in New Jersey.
Three MS-13 leaders in El Salvador and multiple clique leaders in New Jersey played a role in ordering – or “greenlighting” – the murder of a rival gang member in Hudson County, New Jersey, in November 2013. Law enforcement learned of the murder plot during the course of this investigation and arrested multiple conspirators before it could be completed.
All but one of the defendants are currently in law enforcement custody. Many of the gang’s top leaders conducted criminal activity while incarcerated in California, Virginia, or El Salvador -- typically by using contraband cell phones smuggled into the prison facilities. The five New Jersey-based defendants, who were charged by criminal complaint in March 2014 for the murder plot, are scheduled to make their initial appearances on the indictment tomorrow, July 18, 2014, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court. The remaining defendants will make their initial appearances on dates to be determined.
In autumn 2013, Rodriguez-Juarez declared himself the leader of the new national program for MS-13 in the United States. He was also a made member, or “carnale,” in the Mexican Mafia, and he leveraged his status within the powerful prison gang to assert control over all MS-13 activities in the United States. Within MS-13, Rodriguez-Juarez was known by his gang moniker, “Dreamer,” but when he assumed control of the national program, he became known as “Sacerdote,” Spanish for “the priest.”
Amilcar Romero, 45, and Joel Antonio Cortez, 40, served as two of Rodriguez-Juarez’s top deputies. In autumn 2013, Rodriguez-Juarez assigned Romero to serve as the primary point-of-contact between the leadership of MS-13 in the United States and El Salvador, while Cortez assumed responsibility for recruiting MS-13 cliques on the East Coast to join the national program. Both are also alleged to have ordered acts of violence on the East Coast, including Cortez’s authorization of the November 2013 murder plot in Hudson County. Another defendant, Pedro Romero-Cruz, 28, who is incarcerated in a Virginia state prison, served as the regional leader of a program in northern Virginia and facilitated the trafficking of methamphetamine to New Jersey. Romero-Cruz also discussed efforts to expand the gang’s activity to Spain, explaining in a phone call how the expansion would be lucrative for the gang.
Carlos Sandoval-Batres, 40, currently incarcerated in a Salvadoran prison, was a top member of the gang’s leadership in El Salvador and assisted efforts to create the new “national program” in the United States. Sandoval-Batres, along with two other Salvadoran leaders, Jose Elias Garcia-Hernandez, 35, and Cristian Linares-Rodriguez, 34, also authorized the November 2013 Hudson County murder plot.
Carlos Andrew Valdez, 27, served as the leader, or “First Word,” of a northern New Jersey clique known as “Hudson Locotes Salvatrucha.” Marvin Garcia-Cruz, 31, served as the leader of another Hudson County clique, known as “Pinos Locos Salvatrucha.” They are charged along with three other members of the Hudson Locotes clique for their role in the November 2013 murder plot. Valdez and others worked with Cortez and other top gang leaders to bring all of New Jersey’s MS-13 cliques under the control of Rodriguez-Juarez’ national program. Valdez and others focused on resolving issues created when leaders of “Plainfield Locos Salvatrucha,” a Plainfield, New Jersey, clique, were arrested by federal law enforcement in autumn 2013.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ford in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. The investigation involved multiple FBI Field Offices, with substantial assistance provided by the FBI Field Office in Los Angeles. U.S. Attorney Fishman also thanked the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Gaetano T. Gregory; and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Grace Park, for their work on this case. He also acknowledged the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central District of California for their assistance in the ongoing investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James M. Donnelly and Andrew J. Bruck of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defendants Charged, Penalties Per Count
Count
Charge
Defendants
Maximum Potential Penalty
Racketeering Conspiracy
Rodriguez-Juarez
Amilcar Romero
Cortez
Romero-Cruz
Sandoval-Batres
Valdez
Rudy GutierrezLife in prison
(Rodriguez-Juarez, Amilcar Romero, Cortez, Romero-Cruz)20 years in prison
(All others)
$250,000 fineDrug Distribution Conspiracy
Rodriguez-Juarez
Amilcar Romero
Cortez
Romero-CruzLife in prison
$10 million fineDrug Distribution
Cortez
Romero-CruzLife in prison
$10 million fineConspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
Cortez
Sandoval-Batres
Garcia-Hernandez
Linares-Rodriguez
Valdez
Gutierrez
Hector Carranza-Solis
Luis Lopez-Guzman
Marvin Garcia-Cruz10 years in prison
$250,000 fineConspiracy to Possess Firearm
Garcia-Hernandez
Linares-Rodriguez
Valdez
Gutierrez
Carranza-Solis
Lopez-Guzman
Garcia-Cruz20 years in prison
$250,000 fineConspiracy to Use Interstate Facility to Commit Violent Crime
Cortez
Sandoval-Batres
Garcia-Hernandez
Linares-Rodriguez
Valdez
Gutierrez
Carranza-Solis
Lopez-Guzman
Garcia-CruzFive years in prison
$250,000 fineConspiracy to Use Interstate Facility to Distribute Proceeds of Unlawful Activity
Rodriguez-Juarez
Amilcar Romero
Cortez
Romero-Cruz
Sandoval-Batres
Valdez
Rudy GutierrezFive years in prison
$250,000 fineCharged Defendants
Last NameFirst Name
a/k/a
Age
Rodriguez-Juarez
Jose Juan
“Sacerdote”
34
Romero
Amilcar
“Chi-Chi”
45
Cortez
Joel Antonio
“Pee Wee”
40
Romero-Cruz
Pedro
“Payaso”
28
Sandoval-Batres
Carlos
“Trusty”
40
Linares-Rodriguez
Cristian
“Burro”
34
Garcia-Hernandez
Jose Elias
“Eterno”
35
Valdez
Carlos Andrew
“Catracho”
27
Carranza-Solis
Hector
“Blacky”
30
Gutierrez
Rudy
“Chiky”
22
Lopez-Guzman a/k/a Lopez-Mendez
Luis
“Nino”
24
Garcia-Cruz
Marvin
“Buffalo”
31
Rodriguez-Juarez, Jose Juan et. al. Indictment
Multi-Agency Law Enforcement Operation Tackles Gun Violence and Drug Trafficking in Broward CountyRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael J. Satz, Broward State Attorney, Hugo J. Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF), Amos Rojas, Jr., U.S. Marshal, U.S. Marshal’s Service (USMS), and Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO), announce the results of a concerted multi-agency effort to combat the crime and violence associated with illegal firearm and drug trafficking activity in Broward County. To that end, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Broward State Attorney’s Office, and federal and state law enforcement cooperated in a number of joint investigations and prosecutions targeting illegal firearms and drug trafficking. This joint effort resulted in 16 individuals being charged with federal and state firearm and narcotics offenses.
Of those charged, federal charges have been brought against three individuals. The federal criminal complaints filed on July 1, 2014 and unsealed today, charge: Freddy Lee Gardner, 49, of Plantation, with armed career criminal in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g) and 924(e); Kasheem Antonio Saddoo, 23, of Lauderhill, with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(k); and Antonio James, 19, of Lauderhill, with possession of a short barreled rifle, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5841, 5861(d), 5861(e) and 5871.
Additionally, law enforcement seized: 10 firearms, including one short barreled rifle; 45 grams of cocaine powder; 16 grams of crack cocaine; 95 grams of Molly powder; 74 capsules of Molly; and 149 grams of marijuana.
The defendants are scheduled to make their respective initial appearances on Friday, July 18, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lurana S. Snow.
This investigation is, in large part, the result of the Violence Reduction Partnership, launched by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Through the Partnership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its federal and local law enforcement allies have sought to dismantle the most violent criminal networks in local neighborhoods, while simultaneously working with community leaders and concerned citizens to mentor at-risk youths, provide jobs and job training to young families, and help probationers and parolees successfully re-enter society.
United States Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “Today, we announce the results of the most recent partnership between federal and state law enforcement to combat violent crime in our communities. The goal of the Violence Reduction Partnership is to help neighborhoods plagued with violent crime shake off the cycle of violence and make those neighborhoods safer for all residents. Enforcement of federal criminal statutes is an integral component of our holistic approach to community building. But we cannot arrest our way out of violent crime. For that reason, our Partnership also focuses on community-partnering, crime prevention, and reentry assistance for offenders attempting to put their pasts behind them and build healthy, productive lives in our community. The results of this investigation clearly illustrate that we remain committed to this comprehensive approach.”
“These arrests are a good example of state and federal law-enforcement agencies working together proactively to make our communities safer,” said Broward State Attorney Mike Satz. “We are going to continue this state-federal partnership and aggressively work together to reduce illegal firearms and drug trafficking.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Hugo J. Barrera added, “This case illustrates law enforcement’s commitment to remain united in its war on violent crime. Those who choose to live outside the rule of law will be brought to justice.”
U.S. Marshal Amos Rojas, Jr. stated, “Today, as a result of the Violence Reduction Partnership, and these significant indictments, our community is a much safer place to live. The U.S. Marshals Service will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies and the United States Attorney’s Office to reduce and eliminate gun violence and crime in our cities.”
“The key to the success of this operation is in the proactive nature of the enforcement. With the help of our federal partners, our V.I.P.E.R. unit was able to identify, locate and arrest these violent criminals,” Sheriff Scott Israel said. “We will never know how many crimes were prevented by taking these illegal weapons off the streets, but that’s a statistic I can live without.”
Mr. Ferrer thanked the many law enforcement agencies involved in this South Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA) operation. In particular, Mr. Ferrer thanked the Broward State Attorney’s Office and commended the investigative efforts of ATF, USMS, and BSO. The federal cases resulting from this operation are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Chase.
The South Florida HIDTA was established in 1990. This program, made up of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, fosters intra-agency cooperation among law enforcement agencies in South Florida and involves them in developing a strategy to target the region’s drug-related threats to public safety. The South Florida HIDTA uses the funding provided by the Office of National Drug Control Policy that sponsors a variety of law enforcement initiatives that target the region’s illicit drug threats.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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.
Mounds View Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS—Today in federal court, a 27-year-old Mounds View man pleaded guilty to one count of Distribution of Heroin. Andrew Terrell Davis, Jr., who was indicted on May 12, 2014, entered his guilty plea this morning in Minneapolis before United States District Court Chief Judge Michael J. Davis.
According to the plea agreement, the defendant conducted a drug transaction with an undercover police officer in south Minneapolis. The undercover officer gave the defendant $700 and received 5.19 grams of heroin in return from the defendant. On a separate occasion, the defendant conducted a similar drug transaction with the undercover officer wherein the defendant provided 48.15 grams of heroin in exchange for $5,000. On April 17, 2014, law enforcement executed a search warrant of the defendant’s residence and recovered 16 grams of heroin and 56 grams of cocaine.
For his crime, Davis faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a supervised release term of three years. Judge Davis will determine his sentence at a future hearing, yet to be scheduled.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Dakota County Drug Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Newberry.Monroe County Man Charged with Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a criminal Information was filed today charging a Monroe County resident with distributing crack cocaine during a seven-month time period.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the Information alleges that Dominic Darby, age 31, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) in Monroe County from October 2013 to April 30, 2014.
The charge stems from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Darby faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine if he is convicted of the charge.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 20 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.
Mineral Man Sentenced on Kidnapping, Interstate Domestic Violence and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – A Louisa County man who was convicted of kidnapping his estranged wife, transporting her to West Virginia and sexually assaulting her, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville.
Thomas Earl Faulls, 48, of Mineral, Va., was convicted by a jury earlier this year of one count of kidnapping, one count of interstate domestic violence and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Today in District Court, he was sentenced to 295 months in federal prison and 15 years of supervised release thereafter. Because the jury found that the kidnapping conviction involved a sex offense as well, Faulls was further ordered to register as a sex offender upon his release.
“Mr. Faulls carefully planned and executed a scheme to kidnap and assault his estranged wife,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “His actions were the culmination of a long-running pattern of abuse he visited upon the victim in this case. If not for the brave actions of the victim, this incident could have had a more tragic ending.”
According to evidence presented during the February 2014 jury trial, and other hearings, by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy S. Healey, Faulls and the victim were married for more than 20 years before the victim ended the marriage due to a long history of domestic abuse by the defendant. When the victim finally decided to leave her husband, Faulls engaged in escalating threatening and assaultive behavior against his ex-wife, including the display of a firearm, a claim of possession of a firearm, striking his ex-wife’s vehicle and making a threat or suggestion that he would kill his ex-wife.
On August 22, 2012, Faulls called his estranged wife and requested that she come to the home they formerly shared in Mineral, Va., and transport him to his truck, which he claimed was in the shop for repairs. The victim agreed and met him at the home later that evening. Unbeknownst to the victim, in preparation for the encounter Faulls had parked his truck behind the home and out-of-sight. The defendant had packed the truck with clothes and camping gear. He also disabled the front passenger door handle and window, thus making it impossible to escape through that door. Upon arrival, Faulls threatened to bind the victim and showed her zip ties that he previously fashioned into constraints. The defendant also brought thousands of dollars of cash and a shotgun. He also discarded the victim’s cell phone. Faulls also rebuffed various family members’ attempts to check on the well-being of the victim.
The evidence at trial showed that the victim was transported, against her will, to West Virginia, where she and the defendant stayed the night in a hotel. The following morning, against her will, the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim.
The victim ultimately made a decision to get the defendant drunk at a local restaurant, and while they were walking back to the hotel through a nearby neighborhood, the victim was able to run and solicit help from two good Samaritans who called 911 and drove her to find local law enforcement.
Following his arrest and prior to his trial, Faulls made several jailhouse phone calls during which he attempted to convince his mother to contact the victim in the case and persuade her to change her story and drop the charges against him.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office and the Greenbrier, West Virginia, Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Nancy S. Healey and Robert Abendroth prosecuted the case for the United States.
Miami-Dade Resident Pleads Guilty in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Donnell Young, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Paula Reid, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, announce that Karla A. Wilkerson, 26, of Miami, pled guilty to one count of possession of fifteen or more access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3), and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A. Sentencing is scheduled for October 10, 2014. At sentencing, the defendant faces up to ten years in prison for the access device charge, and a mandatory term of two years in prison, consecutive to any other term in prison, for the aggravated identity theft charge.
According to court documents, in April 2013, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a residence associated with Wilkerson and found a variety of papers reflecting the personal identifying information (PII) — including names and social security numbers — of approximately 62 individuals, together with hand-written notations regarding the filing of fraudulent tax returns. The seized documents were processed for latent fingerprints. Approximately 156 latent fingerprints throughout the pages reflecting the PII of other individuals were positively matched as Wilkerson’s fingerprints. Additional investigation reflected fraudulent tax returns were filed using many of those 62 social security numbers. In total, Wilkerson is responsible for filing fraudulent tax returns in the amount of $118,522; however, not all of this money was paid by the Internal Revenue Service.
Court documents also state that when Wilkerson was arrested on May 29, 2014, she admitted she had filed fraudulent tax returns using other individuals’ names and social security numbers, which had been stolen from various places. She further admitted the 62 unique pieces of PII discovered in the residence belonged to her.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the USSS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Galvin.
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.
Miami-Dade Resident Pleads Guilty in Identity Theft Tax Fraud Scheme Involving Thousands of Individuals’ Personal Identifying InformationRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Donnell Young, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and Ronald J. Verrochio, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, announce that William Hernandez, 29, of Miami, pled guilty to one count of possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3), and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A. Sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2014. At sentencing, the defendant faces up to ten years in prison for the unauthorized access device charge, and a mandatory term of two years in prison, consecutive to any other term in prison, for the aggravated identity theft charge.
According to court documents, on October 17, 2013, a cooperating defendant with the initials O.C. advised the IRS that Hernandez sold him personal identifying information (PII) that O.C. used as part of a stolen identity refund fraud scheme internally referred to as “the lotto scheme.” The lotto scheme listed the same address for unrelated taxpayers and the tax returns contained Forms W-2G, purportedly issued by the Florida Department of the Lottery, for alleged lottery winnings. On or around January 18, 2012, a lotto scheme tax return for tax year 2011 was filed with Hernandez’s PII requesting an $18,744.00 tax refund. Hernandez later admitted that O.C. filed a false return for Hernandez using the lotto scheme because Hernandez needed money.
Court documents also state that on March 28, 2014, during a recorded conversation, O.C. asked Hernandez to provide PII to another cooperating witness (CW) in exchange for payment. Hernandez agreed. Hernandez told O.C. that he would be able to provide the CW with names because he had thousands of names at his house.
According to court documents, IRS executed a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence and found thousands of PII. Hernandez told the IRS that he allowed O.C. to open a tax business in Hernandez’s name using Hernandez’s grandmother’s address. Hernandez also said that the stolen identities and identifying information in his possession were “for real people.” Some of the identities were for individuals who were “old” and some were for individuals who were deceased. Additionally, Hernandez admitted he knew that the stolen identities were being utilized for tax returns prepared by O.C.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, ICE-HSI and USPIS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertha R. Mitrani.
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.
Members of Violent Bloods Street Gang Charged with Murder and Other Racketeering OffensesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. - Four alleged members of Sex Money Murder, a subset of the Bloods street gang, were indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges of murder, attempted murder, racketeering, robbery, weapons offenses and drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Narik Wilson, a/k/a “Spaz,” 29, Emil Rutledge, a/k/a “Diddy,” 26, Laquan Reed, a/k/a “Drama,” 25, and Rajohn Wilson, a/k/a “1090,” 23, all of Newark, were charged in a 14-count superseding indictment in connection with their alleged membership in Sex Money Murder. Narik Wilson, the leader of the gang, is charged in all 14 counts, which include charges related to murder in aid of racketeering. Narik Wilson was previously charged with drug distribution and firearm possession on Oct. 7, 2011.
Rutledge is charged with 11 counts, including murder in aid of racketeering. Reed is charged with six counts, including felony murder. Rajohn Wilson is charged with three counts, which include charges related to attempted murder.
All four men are already in custody on related charges and are expected to appear in Newark federal court on a date to be determined.
“The offenses charged in today’s indictment are a checklist of the activities associated with a violent street gang that has plagued Newark for years,” U.S. Attorney Fishman said. “Illegal guns, violent assaults, murder – members of this gang allegedly used all of them to maintain control over the illicit drug trafficking that is the lifeblood of their criminal enterprise. Today’s charges call them to account for these crimes.”
“Drug dealing, illegal weapons and gang violence destroy the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford, Newark Division. “The charges in this indictment should reassure the residents of Newark and New Jersey that we will continue to aggressively address gang violence through increased investigative strategies and a multi-agency approach.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The Bloods street gang is organized into subgroups that operate in specific geographic locations. Sex Money Murder is the Bloods subgroup that operates primarily in Essex County, New Jersey. From 2007, Sex Money Murder controlled the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine in the area surrounding Martin Luther King Boulevard and Spruce Street in Newark. The gang primarily consisted of neighborhood friends and family members who joined at a young age. In addition, the gang was organized along typical Bloods governing rules, hierarchal power structures, and visible demonstrations of gang affiliations, including tattoos. The gang also stored and circulated numerous firearms from apartments located at 725 Martin Luther Blvd. and 90 Spruce St.
Under the leadership of Narik Wilson, and with the assistance of Rutledge, Reed, and Rajohn Wilson, gang members allegedly engaged in a wide range of violent criminal activity in order to deter rival gangs, secure their drug distribution business, and silence people they believed were cooperating with law enforcement. These acts included numerous murders, shootings, robberies and auto thefts.
Other members of Sex Money Murder are currently serving prison sentences in state and federal prison for gang-related crimes.
Among the charges are several attempted murders and murders including:
- Oct. 29, 2010- Rutledge and others allegedly attempted to murder a rival gang member, (described as “Victim 3” in the indictment) at Narik Wilson’s direction.
- June 16, 2011- Rutledge and others allegedly attempted to murder rival gang members, (described as “Victim 4,” “Victim 5,” “Victim 6,” and “Victim 7” in the indictment) at Narik Wilson’s direction.
- July 14, 2011- Rutledge and others allegedly murdered a rival gang member, (described as “Victim 8” in the indictment) at Narik Wilson’s direction.
- July 31, 2011- Laquan Reed and others allegedly murdered an individual (described as “Victim 9” in the indictment) while attempting to carjack the victim’s vehicle.
The counts in the Superseding Indictment carry the following maximum penalties:
Count
Offense
Defendant(s)
Maximum Penalties
Racketeering
Narik Wilson, Emil Rutledge, Laquan Reed, Rajohn Wilson
Life in prison (death eligible); $250,000 fine
2
Racketeering conspiracy
Narik Wilson, Emil Rutledge, Laquan Reed, Rajohn Wilson
Life in prison; $250,000 fine
3
Attempted murder in aid of racketeering
Narik Wilson, Emil Rutledge
10 years in prison; $250,000 fine
4
Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
20 years in prison; $250,000 fine
5
Use of a firearm during a violent crime
Life in prison; $250,000 fine
6
Attempted murder in aid of racketeering
10 years in prison; $250,000
7
Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
20 years in prison; $250,000 fine
8
Use of a firearm during a violent crime
Life in prison; $250,000 fine
9
Murder in aid of racketeering
Life in prison (death eligible); $250,000 fine
10
Use of a firearm during a violent crime
Life in prison; $250,000 fine
11
Attempted murder in aid of racketeering
Narik Wilson, Laquan Reed
10 years in prison; $250,000 fine
12
Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
20 years in prison; $250,000 fine
13
Use of a firearm during a violent crime
Life in prison; $250,000 fine
14
Conspiracy to use a firearm during a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime conspiracy
Narik Wilson, Emil Rutledge, Laquan Reed, Rajohn Wilson
20 years in prison; $250,000 fine
The investigation into the criminal activities of Sex Money Murder was a combined effort by federal and local law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray; the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando V. Fontoura; and the Newark Police Department with the investigation – with the significant assistance of special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski; and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stephanie R. Shoemaker.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael H. Robertson and Dara Govan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.14-253
Wilson, Narik et. al. Superseding Indictment
Louisville Daycare Owner/Operator Charged with Fraud in Seeking Child Care Payments from Kentucky AgencyRead the Press Release
– Lottie Carisa Burgos, owner of ABC Village Daycare, alleged to have falsified daycare attendance figures and qualifications of daycare workers
LOUISVILLE, Ky. –David J. Hale, United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, announced today the indictment of a Louisville daycare owner on charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering.
Lottie Carisa Burgos, the owner and operator of ABC Village Daycare, was charged in a 20-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2014. Burgos made an initial appearance in federal court today following her arrest.
Burgos operated ABC Village Daycare at two locations, 1801 West Market Street, Louisville, Kentucky, and 2823 7th Street Road, Louisville, Kentucky. According to the indictment, Burgos or others acting at her direction falsified a wide range of information which was a condition of payment for child care services from Kentucky’s Department for Community Based Services. The Department for Community Based Services provides child care benefits to low-income working parents and guardians. Burgos or others acting at her direction are alleged to have falsified the following information: high school diplomas, negative tuberculosis tests and CPR certificates of ABC Village Daycare employees; the employment status of parents; the number of children who attended the daycare centers; and the number of days children attended the daycare centers. In 12 separate counts, the indictment charges Burgos committed wire fraud on occasions ranging from March 2011 through March 2013. The fraud charges detailed in the indictment are associated with payments from the Department for Community Based Services totaling $275,576. At Burgos’ initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge James Moyer, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Weiser stated that the total loss was approximately 1.4 million dollars.
The indictment includes two charges that Burgos twice committed aggravated identity theft: in August 2011 she used without authority the name of another, unidentified person on a fraudulent CPR certificate to prove that person was CPR-certified; and in January 2012 she used without authority the name of another, unidentified person to bill for child care services that were not actually rendered.
The indictment also charges Burgos with six counts of money laundering, alleging that she engaged in various financial transactions with money derived from her wire-fraud scheme on six different occasions ranging from September 2011 through May 2012.
If convicted of all counts, Burgos faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison, a maximum sentence of 304 years in prison, a maximum fine of $5,000,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. The Court may also order that the defendant make restitution to the victim agency.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Weiser and was investigated by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Leavenworth Woman Sentenced for Failing to Report Inmate's EscapeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. A woman who worked at the Grossman Center in Leavenworth has been sentenced to two years on federal probation for failing to report that she knew it when an inmate left the facility to avoid a drug test, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Jessica Wilmer-Davis, 34, Leavenworth, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of misprision, or failing to report a federal crime. In her plea, she admitted that while she was a contract employee working as a cook she began an intimate relationship with Joshua Spurgeon, an inmate at the facility. Spurgeon was allowed to leave the facility only to go to work or approved medical appointments.
On Dec. 8, 2013, Spurgeon told Wilmer-Davis he was going to leave the facility without permission because of an upcoming drug test. On Dec. 9, when Spurgeon turned up missing, Wilmer-Davis was asked if she knew anything about his disappearance. She did not disclose that he had told her he planned to escape.
Grissom commended the U.S. Marshals Service, the Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Lancaster Woman Charged with Concealing A FugitiveRead the Press Release
Heather Murphy, 23, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was charged today by indictment with one count of concealing a fugitive, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshal and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurie Magid.
Click here to view the indictment
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525Lake City Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announced today that Ronald Charles Waters (65, Lake City) pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography. Waters faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a potential life term of supervision. Waters was arrested on November 20, 2013 in Lake City. He has been in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since that time.
According to court documents, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) determined that several individuals had received an email containing images of child pornography. Further investigation revealed that the email address subscriber was listed as “R. Waters,” and the account was traced to a residence in Lake City where Waters resided. HSI agents interviewed Waters at his residence, at which time Waters consented to a search of his computer. Three images depicting child pornography were found on the computer. The images were located in deleted space.
On November 20, 2013, HSI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Waters’ residence. Waters was present and agreed to speak with the agents. During the interview, Waters stated that he was the only one who had access to his computer media. A forensic analysis of the computer revealed that it contained at least two videos and at least 16 images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Jacksonville Sheriff=s Office, and the Lake City Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Killeen Area Man Found Guilty of Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Bobby Barrett, aka “Black,” 30, has been convicted of sex trafficking of a minor who was under 18 with force, fraud or coercion, and transporting her across state lines for the purpose of engaging in prostitution, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. The jury returned its verdicts against the Killeen area man after a four-day trial and less than two hours of deliberation.
Barrett was found guilty of one count each of sex trafficking of a minor and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
The federal charges brought against Barrett are the result of an investigation conducted by the Houston Innocence Lost Task Force, led by the FBI and the Shreveport, La., Police Department (SPD). The investigation began in October 2013 after the victim was detained during an enforcement operation in Houston. Barrett bonded her out and then transported her across state lines to Louisiana where ads for prostitution services were posted. SPD arrested her in another operation less than two weeks later along with Barrett and another woman.
Testimony at trial revealed Barrett posted no less than 26 Internet prostitution ads from his phone. Barrett rented hotel rooms for the prostitution dates and supplied the victim and another woman with marijuana. The victim, a 17-year-old minor, testified she was the person depicted in seductive settings for the purpose of some of the advertisements for prostitution posted online. She said that at the time of the incidents, Barrett not only knew she was 17, but her High School identification was found in his pocket. Moreover, the minor testified she feared Barrett and that he cut her face during an altercation just prior to his arrest.
In addition to the victim’s description, an expert further testified as to how this subculture operates. Barrett took all monies the minor victim earned.
Forensic analysis of Barrett’s cell phone conducted by the FBI revealed pictures of multiple victims that were used in Backpage ads posted on the Internet. Phone records also confirmed that Barrett posted multiple ads on Backpage, including at least two minors under the age of 18. Hotel records verified that Barrett traveled out of state with the victims.
U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison, who presided over the trial, has set sentencing for Oct. 15, 2014. At that time, Barrett faces up to 40 years in federal prison for sex trafficking of a minor and a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment for transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Upon completion of any prison term imposed, Barrett also faces a maximum of a life term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie N. Searle and Sherri L. Zack, was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."Keymar Man Exiled to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced Christopher Stevens, age 23, of Keymar, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of stolen firearms. Judge Russell ordered that six years of the federal sentence will be served consecutive to state sentences that Stevens is currently serving.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Captain Thomas J. Ledwell, Chief of the Frederick Police Department; Frederick County Sheriff Charles A. “Chuck” Jenkins; and Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to Stevens’ plea agreement, on January 27, 2013, he and an accomplice broke into a sporting goods store, gaining entry through the roof of the building. Stevens stole 12 firearms from the store and hid them at his mother’s residence. Stevens and his accomplice then distributed 10 of the guns to an individual whom they believed to be a member of a “Crips” gang section located in Frederick, Maryland. At least one of the stolen firearms was used in a shooting in Frederick. Stevens also bartered at least one of the stolen guns in exchange for tattoos.
On March 5, 2013, Stevens was the rear passenger in a car stopped by a Maryland State Police trooper. A police drug detection canine that was brought to the scene alerted positively for the presence of drugs in the car. The occupants were removed from the car prior to a search. While exiting the car, the front seat passenger told the trooper that there was a gun under the front seat and neither of the other passengers knew of the gun. The gun, an unloaded semi-automatic handgun, was recovered. Investigation revealed that the gun had one obliterated serial number, but a second serial number was discovered, which revealed that the gun had been stolen in the sporting goods store robbery. Witnesses were found who would testify that Stevens brought the seized firearm into the car and when the car was stopped by the trooper, Stevens asked Myers to claim that the gun was his.
According to his plea agreement, Stevens also told several witnesses that the seized gun was his and that he had stolen it in the sporting goods store robbery. The government also obtained recordings of conversations with Stevens and individuals who were incarcerated in which Stevens admitted his participation in the firearms robbery from the sporting goods store.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Frederick Police Department, Maryland State Police and Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney John F. Purcell, who prosecuted the case.
Kentucky Man Indicted on Multiple Counts Related to Sexual Exploitation of A ChildRead the Press Release
A Kentucky man was indicted on multiple counts for activity related to taking a 13-year-old across state lines to engage in illicit sexual activity, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Cleveland office.
Shawn J. Bivens, 33, of Vanceburg, Kentucky, was charged with sexual exploitation of a child, transporting visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, transportation of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
The indictment charges that from on or about January 21, 2014, through on or about February 28, 2014, and again from on or about February 28, 2014, through on or about March 2, 2014, Bivens, used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced a minor -- that is, a 13 year-old girl -- to engage in sexually explicit conduct, for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, and knowing and having reason to know that such visual depiction would be transported, using any means or facility of interstate and foreign commerce, and in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce.
The indictment also charges that from on or about February 28, 2014, through on or about March 2, 2014, Bivens knowingly traveled in interstate commerce, from Kentucky to Ohio, for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a 13-year-old girl.
From on or about February 28, 2014, through on or about March 2, 2014, Bivens knowingly transported, using any means of interstate and foreign commerce and in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce, numerous computer files, which files contained visual depictions of a real minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to the indictment.
From on or about May 3, 2014, through on or about May 8, 2014, Bivens knowingly transported an individual who had not attained the age of 18 years, that is a 13-year-old girl, in interstate commerce from the Ohio to Kentucky, with the intent that such 13-year-old girl engage in sexual activity for which Bivens could be charged with a criminal offense.
If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan. The case was investigated by the Elyria Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lewis County, Kentucky, Sheriff’s Department.
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.
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Orange County Clerk of Courts in Florida to Ensure Equal Access to Court Records for Blind IndividualsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the Orange County Clerk of Courts in Florida to remedy violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The settlement resolves allegations that the Orange County Clerk of Courts failed to provide a blind attorney with electronic court documents in an accessible format readable by his screen reader technology, despite repeated requests. Indeed, a motion filed in one of his cases included over 20 exhibits, the majority of which were not provided in an accessible format for over four months.
Under the settlement agreement, the Orange County Clerk of Courts will provide individuals with disabilities with any document in the official court record in an accessible format upon request, and ensure that the Clerk of Courts’ website is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including blind individuals, in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA, available at http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/. The Clerk of Courts will also pay $10,000 in damages to the complaining attorney and undergo training on the ADA and WCAG 2.0 AA accessibility requirements.
“The Civil Rights Division commends the Orange County Clerk of Courts for working with us to ensure equal access to the official court record for individuals with disabilities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division. “Access to court documents is critical to ensuring that individuals with vision impairments and other disabilities have full and equal access to the courts—a right fundamental to our justice system.”
Under the ADA and its implementing regulations, Florida clerks of court are required to make their programs, services and activities accessible to qualified individuals with disabilities. The official court record is a program, service and activity of the clerk of courts. Those interested in finding out more about this settlement or the obligations of state and local government entities under the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or access the ADA website. ADA complaints may be filed by email
Justice Department Files Lawsuit Alleging Violations of Federal Law and Executive Order by Federal ContractorRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced the filing of a lawsuit today against Entergy Corporation for violating Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. The lawsuit alleges that the defendant violated these laws and the executive order when it refused to comply with federal contractor requirements to submit proof of required affirmative action programs to the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). Because Entergy has refused to supply documentation and cooperate with auditing attempts, OFCCP has been unable to determine if Entergy is in compliance with its affirmative action obligations.
“Government contractors that choose to accept federal funds also agree to abide by laws and regulations aimed at preventing employment discrimination,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division. “When a government contractor, like Entergy, refuses to adhere to the obligations it accepted as a federal contractor, that refusal undermines the public trust that taxpayers expect in ensuring that public funding is used in a manner that complies with both federal law and agency regulations.”
“This issue has been litigated and re-litigated many times, and the courts have been clear: companies that profit from federal contracts must comply with our requests for proof that they are meeting their obligations,” said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu. “Entergy already earns more than $1 billion in taxpayer-funded contracts to provide services to the government. We shouldn’t have to spend more of those dollars taking them to court because they refuse to abide by the law. So, I urge Entergy Chairman and CEO Leo Denault to respect our nation’s hard-won civil rights laws.”
Entergy, as a federal contractor, is prohibited from discriminating against employees and job applicants because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. The company is also required to take affirmative action to employ qualified women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans. To determine compliance with those affirmative action and non-discrimination requirements, government contractors, including Entergy, are required to develop and maintain written affirmative action programs, retain personnel and employment records, and provide OFCCP access to those documents during compliance reviews or investigations. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction requiring Entergy to comply with its obligations, including its obligation to produce documents requested by OFCCP within 30 days of the request.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, alleges that since May 2012, Entergy has refused OFCCP’s repeated requests to turn over its written affirmative action programs and other records requested as part of the routine compliance review of 11 Entergy locations in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
The Department of Labor referred this matter to the Department of Justice when Entergy refused to submit the documents requested by OFCCP even after receiving notices to show cause why enforcement proceedings should not be initiated.
The case is being handled by Senior Trial Attorney Valerie Meyer of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section.
More information about OFCCP is available on its website. Additional information about the Employment Litigation Section is available on the division website.
Jamie Gene Thompson Imprisoned for Access Device FraudRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Jamie Gene Thompson, 47, a California native who most recently lived in Vermont, was sentenced on July 15, 2014 in United States District Court in Brattleboro to 30 months of imprisonment upon his guilty plea to a charge of access device fraud. U.S. District Judge J. Garvan Murtha also ordered that Thompson serve a three-year term of supervised release following completion of his prison sentence and pay restitution in the amount of $65,143.47. Thompson has been incarcerated since his arrest in California in March 2013.
On February 27, 2013, a federal grand jury in Rutland returned a one-count indictment charging Thompson with access device fraud. Thompson pled guilty to the charge last October. According to court records, in about 2010, Thompson became a live-in care provider for an elderly couple in Charlotte. Thompson's duties involved providing medical and physical assistance and transportation. He also handled some of the couple's finances. Between September and October 2012 Thompson defrauded the couple by using one of their credit cards to make about 80 unauthorized purchases of goods and services which totaled approximately $9,000. He also made about $46,000 in unauthorized withdrawals from an investment account the couple had at Wells Fargo. The Wells Fargo funds were used to pay down balances on personal credit cards which had been issued to Thompson.
This case was investigated by the Vermont State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Thompson is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Jamestown Man Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Victor Anguiera, 31, of Celeron, N.Y., who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking activities, was sentenced to 180 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. The defendant was also ordered to forfeit $100,000 in proceeds from drug trafficking activities.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Duszkiewicz, who handled the case, stated that on March 17, 2011, based on information obtained through a wiretap investigation, the defendant was arrested in Celeron, N.Y. by Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department deputies. At the time of his arrest, deputies seized approximately a ½ kilogram of heroin and two firearms. During a subsequent search of several locations, deputies also seized additional quantities of heroin, cocaine, firearms, vehicles and approximately $300,000 in United States currency.
Anguiera and seven others were arrested in this heroin trafficking investigation. All defendants have been convicted. Anguiera was the target of the wiretap investigation.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Acting Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Lieutenant David Bentley, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Joseph Gerace, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Harry Snellings.Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Charles Franklin Hudson, Jr. (38, Jacksonville) yesterday pleaded guilty to two counts of using a minor to produce videos depicting child pornography. Hudson faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release on each count. Hudson was arrested in Jacksonville on January 8, 2014, and has been in custody since that time.
According to court documents, on January 6, 2014, an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) was dispatched to a residence in Jacksonville in response to a call regarding allegations of sexual battery on a minor child. Subsequently, JSO Sex Crimes detectives interviewed the minor child, who indicated that she has been sexually abused by Hudson.
On January 8, 2014, JSO detectives obtained a search warrant for Hudson’s residence in Jacksonville. Hudson was arrested later that day. During the execution of the search warrant at his residence, officers discovered, among other things, numerous items of digital media including multiple computers, cameras, SD cards, CDs and DVDs. Located in the attic of the residence was a backpack containing cameras, sex devices and restraints, along with several pill bottles bearing Hudson’s name. One of the pill bottles contained five SD media cards. Subsequent forensic analysis of the media cards revealed that they contained approximately 90 video and image files that depicted sexually explicit conduct involving Hudson. At least two of the videos, which had been produced by Hudson, depicted Hudson and a minor child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Jacksonville Child Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography, Faces A Mandatory Sentence of Life ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Christopher Richard Cloonan (44, Jacksonville) yesterday pleaded guilty to using a minor child to produce images depicting child pornography. Cloonan is a registered child sex offender. He was convicted of two counts of attempted sexual battery on a child less than 12 years old on November 18, 1991, in Charlotte County. Because of his prior child sex convictions, Cloonan faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Cloonan was arrested on March 12, 2014 at his residence in Jacksonville, and he has been in custody since that time.
According to court documents, in early March 2014, an undercover officer (“UC”) with the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department posted an advertisement on a website known to be frequented by individuals who have a sexual interest in children and incest. On March 8, 2014, Cloonan, using a particular screen name, responded to the ad and expressed interest and experience in sexual activity with a minor child.
On March 11, 2014, Cloonan sent the UC an email with two images attached. Both images were produced by Cloonan and depicted an infant engaged in sexually explicit conduct. A few minutes later, Cloonan sent the UC another email with two more explicit images of the same infant.
On March 12, 2014, the FBI’s investigation revealed that the Internet Protocol (IP) address used to send the pornographic images belonged to Cloonen. He was also identified as the subscriber of the Internet account. Also, on the same date, Cloonan and the UC continued their online communications. In several different emails, Cloonan discussed his fantasies about sexual activities with children. At 5:33 p.m., Cloonan typed “Society is coming down so hard on ‘child molesters’ etc now, we are in danger everyday as lovers of children are not seen as different from those who hurt and kill them.”
A search warrant was issued for Cloonan’s residence on March 12, 2014. That evening, FBI agents and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) personnel executed the warrant, at which time Cloonan came out of the residence holding a smartphone. He was placed under arrest. A preliminary analysis of Cloonan’s smartphone revealed that it contained at least 85 images of child pornography, mostly depicting infants and toddlers. Two of the pornographic images were of the infant child that Cloonan had previously taken and sent to the UC by email. Additional images depicting adults performing sexual acts on infants were also found on the phone.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Washington, D.C., the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE AT 813-274-6000.
Insurance Business Owner Convicted of Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury yesterday found Luis Pomales guilty of filing fraudulent claims with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Pomales faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 6, 2014.
Pomales was indicted on March 12, 2014.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Pomales filed a false claim for a tax refund for the 2008 tax year. On April 15, 2009, Pomales submitted a 2008 IRS Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, with two Forms 1099-OID claiming interest income that was never earned. The fraudulent tax return and the Forms 1099-OID reflected $271,650 of taxable interest and $271,640 of federal withholding, which caused the IRS to issue a refund check for $196,872, an amount to which Pomales was not entitled.
Pomales deposited the United States Treasury check for $196,872 into an account at a local bank on June 22, 2009 and spent approximately $170,000 of the proceeds in the following six months.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs Jr.DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE AT 813-274-6000.
Illinois Man Sentenced for Smuggling Counterfeit Goods and Drugs into the U.S.<br />Read the Press Release
An Illinois man, who previously pleaded guilty to trafficking in counterfeit goods and introducing counterfeit drugs into interstate commerce in violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, was sentenced today to serve 41 months in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson for the Southern District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Brian Moskowitz of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.
Fayez Al-Jabri, 45, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nancy F. Atlas in the Southern District of Texas. In addition to his prison term, Al-Jabri will serve three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $15,066 in restitution and forfeit $47,750.
According to court documents, Al-Jabri conspired to smuggle more than 26,000 counterfeit Viagra tablets from China into the United States for further distribution. As part of that conspiracy, between July 2011 and October 2012, Al-Jabri and his co-conspirator shipped thousands of counterfeit Viagra tablets from Chicago to an undercover agent in Houston, Texas. HSI submitted all of the tablets seized during the investigation to both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Pfizer, Viagra’s manufacturer, for analysis. Both the FDA and Pfizer identified the tablets as counterfeit and misbranded Viagra.
Al-Jabri and Jamal Khattab, 49, of Katy, Texas, were indicted on Aug. 22, 2012. On March 21, 2014, Al-Jabri pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, to introduce misbranded prescription drugs into interstate commerce and to import such goods contrary to U.S. law; one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods; and one count of introducing counterfeit drugs into interstate commerce in violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Khattab pleaded guilty on Dec. 3, 2013, to the same charges, and his sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 14, 2014.
This matter was investigated by HSI, the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, the Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service and police departments in Houston and Chicago. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Deputy Chief for Litigation John H. Zacharia of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kebharu Smith and Jennifer Lowery of the Southern District of Texas.Illinois Man Sentenced for Trafficking Counterfeit Goods and Drugs into the U.S.Read the Press Release
HOUSTON - An Illinois man, who previously pleaded guilty to trafficking in counterfeit goods and introducing counterfeit drugs into interstate commerce in violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, was sentenced today to serve 41 months in prison.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Brian Moskowitz of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.
Fayez Al-Jabri, 45, of Chicago, Ill., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nancy F. Atlas. In addition to his prison term, Al-Jabri will serve three years of supervised release and must pay $15,066.92 in restitution. On March 21, 2014, Al-Jabri pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, to introduce misbranded prescription drugs into interstate commerce and to import such goods contrary to U.S. law; one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods; and one count of introducing counterfeit drugs into interstate commerce in violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
Al-Jabri was indicted on Aug. 22, 2012, along with one other individual, Jamal Khattab, 49, of Katy, for their respective roles in the conspiracy. Khattab pleaded guilty on Dec. 3, 2013, to the same charges, and his sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 14, 2014. According to court documents, Al-Jabri conspired to traffic in more than 26,000 counterfeit Viagra tablets over the course of the conspiracy, including the shipping of thousands of counterfeit Viagra tablets from Chicago to an undercover agent in Houston from July 2011 through October 2012. HSI submitted all of the tablets seized during the investigation to both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Pfizer, Viagra’s manufacturer, for analysis. Both the FDA and Pfizer identified the tablets as counterfeit and misbranded Viagra.
This matter was investigated by HSI, the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service and police departments in Houston and Chicago. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kebharu Smith and Jennifer Lowery and Assistant Deputy Chief for Litigation John H. Zacharia of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
Illegal Alien with Assault Style Shotgun Sentenced to Almost Three Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that JUAN FLORES-FLORES, also known as Luis Carlos Flores and Luis Carlos Valdez, age 30, of Mexico, was sentenced this morning by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to thirty-three (33) months in prison for being an illegal alien in possession of an assault style shotgun.
Today’s sentence stems from a burglary investigation by the Baton Rouge City Police Department on January 11, 2014. While investigating a burglary complaint, the police identified the defendant’s vehicle as matching the description of a vehicle seen in the vicinity of two reported burglaries. Police stopped the vehicle, observed the assault style shotgun in plain view, and arrested the defendant. The shotgun had been reported stolen from a burglarized pawn shop. The defendant, a resident of Mexico, was illegally in the United States, having been previously removed from this country on at least three prior occasions.
U.S. Attorney Green stated: “This office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to remove illegal guns from our streets.”
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), through their Baton Rouge Enforcement and Removal Operations Office, and the Baton Rouge City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III.
Hummelstown Man Charged Federally with Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Devonte Betts, 20, of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg. The indictment charges Betts with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and two counts of Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charges against Betts are a result of allegations that Betts was in the vicinity of 13th and Market Streets, Harrisburg, on June 6, 2014, in possession of two firearms, as well as heroin and crack cocaine.
If convicted, Betts faces a statutory maximum of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police as part of the ongoing cooperative effort to combat violent crime in the City. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.
Hoboken Woman Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Embezzling over $400, 000 from EmployerRead the Press Release
WAYCROSS, GA – Angela Diane Griffis, 46, of Hoboken, Georgia, was sentenced last week to 57 months in prison by United States District Court Chief Judge Lisa Godbey Wood after earlier pleading guilty to embezzling over $400,000 from her employer.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea and sentencing hearings, Griffis was employed as the office manager of a pediatric medical practice group in Waycross, Georgia. Over the course of nearly six years, Griffis schemed to embezzle from her employer by preparing fraudulent checks and electronic transfers for her own benefit. To cover up the scheme, Griffis made fraudulent entries in her employer’s accounting records to make it appear as if the fraudulent expenses were legitimate when, in fact, they were not. The stolen money was used to finance Griffis’s lavish lifestyle, including paying for numerous vacations, shopping sprees, and other personal expenses. As part of the sentence, Griffis was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $406,545.26 to the victims.
United States Attorney Edward Tarver stated, “Protecting our community from financial fraud and economic crimes, whether occurring in the public or private sector, is a top priority for this Office. Griffis’s embezzlement scheme inflicted upon her employer and the community an unnecessary harm well beyond the direct financial impact. This United States Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute financial crimes.”
The case was jointly investigated by the FBI and the Waycross Police Department, Criminal Investigations Section. Assistant United States Attorney T. Shane Mayes prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.
Harrisburg Man Charged with Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Nicholas Rivera, 40, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The indictment charges Rivera with five counts of Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the charges against Rivera are a result of allegations that Rivera was selling cocaine and heroin in Harrisburg from March 2014 through May 2014.
If convicted, Rivera faces a statutory maximum 20 years’ imprisonment.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Dauphin County Drug Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Taylor.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
Hallandale Resident Pleads Guilty and Is Sentenced in Attempted Extortion, Bank Robbery and Product Tampering Cases to 188 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Paul Wysopal, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tampa Field Office, Aaron T. Ford, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Jersey Field Office, and Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO), announce that defendant Brian Henderson, 50, of Hallandale, pled guilty and was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Frederico A. Moreno in three separate cases involving attempted extortion, bank robbery and product tampering. Henderson was sentenced to 188 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentences imposed, as detailed below, are to run concurrently. These cases are the result of a joint investigation conducted by the FBI Miami Field Office, the Tampa Field Office and the New Jersey Field Office.
Brian Henderson pled guilty in the following cases:
Attempted Extortion Case: 14-CR-60044-Scola
Henderson pled guilty to ten counts of an 11-count indictment that charged Henderson with: attempted interference with commerce by extortion, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a) (Count 1); using an instrument of interstate and foreign commerce to make a threat to destroy property by explosives, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e) (Counts 2, 4, 6 and 8); transmitting a communication in interstate and foreign commerce to extort money by damaging and destroying buildings, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(d) (Counts 3, 5, 7 and 9); and attempting to destroy property by explosives, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i) (Count 10). According to the indictment, Henderson attempted to extort money from Publix Super Markets, Inc. (Publix), by the use of actual and threatened force, violence and fear of economic loss. As set forth in the factual statement for the guilty pleas, Henderson attempted to obtain money from Publix by sending several threatening emails to Publix in which he threatened to damage Publix stores through the use of explosive devices. In furtherance of his attempt to extort money from Publix, Henderson placed, and caused to be detonated, a pipe bomb at the Publix Super Market located in Dania.
Henderson was sentenced to 188 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release on Counts 1 and 10; 120 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release on Counts 2, 4, 6 and 8; and to 24 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release on Counts 3, 5, 7 and 9.
Bank Robbery Case: 14-CR-60004-Scola
Henderson pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with bank robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a). According to the factual statement, Henderson presented a demand note to Chase Bank in which he threatened to detonate a bomb around his neck if the teller did not give him $40,000 in $100 bills. Law enforcement officers confronted Henderson when he departed the bank with the money and subsequently arrested him. Henderson was sentenced to 188 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Product Tampering Case: 14-CR-60154-Scola
Henderson pled guilty to an information that charged him with threatening to tamper with a consumer product with reckless disregard for the risk that another person would be placed in danger of death or bodily injury, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1365(d). According to the factual statement, Henderson emailed an extortionate demand to a company in New Jersey in which he threatened to put poison in 20 containers of a product distributed by the company and place those containers on the shelves of 20 different stores unless he was paid a sum of money. Henderson was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Case No. 14-CR-60154-Scola was originally prosecuted and investigated by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, under the direction of U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman, and special agents of the FBI, under the Direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford, Newark Division, prior to being consolidated with other cases in the Southern District of Florida for purposes of Henderson’s guilty plea.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Miami Field Office, Tampa Field Office and the New Jersey Field Office, and the BSO Bomb Squad. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Walleisa.
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.
Government Files Suit Against Missouri Neurosurgeon and Medical Device Supplier for Violations of the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback StatuteRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a complaint against Midwest Neurosurgeons L.L.C. and its owner, Dr. Sanjay Fonn, M.D., and DS Medical L.L.C. and its owner, Deborah Seeger, for allegedly violating the Medicare Anti-Kickback Statute and the False Claims Act by conspiring to solicit and receive commissions from medical device manufacturers related to the purchase of spinal implants and supplies used during spinal fusion surgeries performed by Dr. Fonn.
“The Department of Justice remains committed to protecting federal healthcare programs from unscrupulous providers who seek to take advantage of those programs,” said Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Division Stuart F. Delery. “We are particularly concerned about schemes such as this one that not only waste taxpayer money but also pose a potential risk to patient safety.”
The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs. It is intended to ensure that a physician’s medical judgment is not compromised by improper financial incentives and is instead based upon the best interests of the patient.
The government’s complaint alleges that Dr. Fonn, 46, and his fiancée, Ms. Seeger, 47, both of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, incorporated D.S. Medical L.L.C. to serve as the distributor of medical devices and supplies to Dr. Fonn and his neurosurgery practice, Midwest Neurosurgeons L.L.C., in Missouri. Through D.S. Medical, Ms. Seeger demanded and was paid exorbitant commissions by medical device manufacturers for medical devices and supplies purchased by the hospital where Dr. Fonn performed spinal fusion surgeries. The hospital’s purchases were based on Dr. Fonn’s decision to use those devices and supplies during operations he performed. According to the complaint, once DS Medical started operating, Dr. Fonn altered the way he practiced medicine, generally using more spinal implants in each of his surgeries while performing more surgeries than he typically performed before or after DS Medical was operating. The commissions paid to D.S. Medical and Ms. Seeger by the manufacturers were allegedly used to purchase a house where Dr. Fonn and Seeger cohabited, a boat, an airplane and various home improvements, which they shared.
The allegations in the U.S. complaint were originally brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act by several physicians, a spinal implant sales person, and a former employee of Midwest Neurosurgeons. Under the False Claims Act, a person that submits false or fraudulent claims to the government is liable for three times the government’s damages, plus civil penalties for each false claim. The act permits private citizens to sue on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. The United States is entitled to intervene in such a lawsuit, as it has done in this case.
The Commercial Litigation Branch of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, filed this case on behalf of the United States with the assistance of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the FBI.
The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Paul Cairns, Terry Cleaver, M.D., Kyle Colle, M.D., Scott Gibbs, M.D., Paul Tolentino, M.D., Kevin Vaught, M.D., and Daniel Henson v. D.S. Medical, L.L.C., Midwest Neurosurgeons, L.L.C., Sonjay Fonn, M.D., and Deborah Seeger, No. 1:12 CV 00004 SNLJ (E.D. Mo.). The complaint filed by the government contains allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Garland TX Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Muskogee, Oklahoma - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that KENNETH TODD PUCKETT, age 40, of Garland, Texas, was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
The charge is a result from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The defendant pled guilty in January 2014.
The Information alleged that on or about September 4, 2013, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending transportation to the designated federal prison at which he will serve his nonparolable sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Four Hartford Men Indicted as Part of Project Longevity InvestigationRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned indictments against four Hartford residents allegedly involved in drug trafficking and associated criminal activity in the Garden Street area of Hartford known as the “Chicken Coop.” The indictments were returned on July 16, 2014.
KEITH SHEPARD, also known as “Pretty,” 23, is charged with four counts of distributing crack cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that on four occasions in June 2014, SHEPARD possessed and distributed crack cocaine. The indictment further alleges that on June 20, 2014, SHEPARD, who previously had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, possessed a .380 caliber Taurus pistol. He has been in custody since his arrest on June 23, 2014.
GARY PIERCE, also known as “GP,” 27, is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that on May 11, 2014, PIERCE, who previously had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, possessed a .45 caliber Taurus pistol. He has been in custody since his arrest on that date.
COURTNEY GRAVELY, also known as “Ceasar” and “Ceas,” 29, is charged with six counts of distributing crack cocaine and one count of possessing crack cocaine with intent to distribute it. The indictment alleges that on six occasions in June and July 2014, GRAVELY possessed and distributed crack cocaine, and, on July 9, 2014, he possessed with intent to distribute crack cocaine. He has been in custody since his arrest on July 9.
JAMES DUDLEY, also known as “Pooka,” 28, is charged with five counts of distributing crack cocaine, one count of maintaining a drug distribution premises, one count of being a felon in possession of firearms, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The indictment alleges that in June and July 2014, DUDLEY manufactured crack cocaine in an apartment at 2505 Main Street in Hartford, and then distributed the drug on multiple occasions. The indictment further alleges that on July 9, 2014, DUDLEY, who previously had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, possessed a .380 caliber Taurus pistol and a .22 caliber Ruger rifle. He has been in custody since his arrest on July 9.
This prosecution stems from Project Longevity, a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence. A critical component of the Project Longevity strategy is the “call-in,” a face-to-face meeting where Project Longevity partners engage group members and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. The alleged criminal activity engaged in by the four defendants occurred after a call-in that was held on April 1, 2014, and was attended by associates of the defendants.
U.S. Attorney Daly stated that the investigation is ongoing.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of crack cocaine carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.
With respect to the firearms counts, it is against federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. The charge of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
DUDLEY faces an additional five-year consecutive term of incarceration if convicted of possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. He also faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $500,000 if convicted of maintaining a drug distribution premises.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
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(203) 821-3722 [email protected]Four Convicted in Sex Trafficking, Harboring and Money Laundering InvestigationRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Four people have entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens relating to their roles in a sex trafficking, harboring and money laundering organization, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
Abel Medeles aka Chito, 64, and Odelia Hernandez, 45, both of Houston, entered their respective pleas this morning before U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. as did Eduardo Guzman Gonzales aka Miguel Rojas or El Pantera, 30, Alberto Mendez Flores aka Ardilla, 25, both Mexican citizens illegally residing in the U.S.
As part of their pleas, all admitted they worked for Las Palmas II, a cantina located in Houston. They all knew the cantina concealed, harbored and shielded illegal aliens who worked there from detection by law enforcement and that the owners were profiting from such concealment. As part of their employment, they aided in the operation of the business and their conduct substantially facilitated the concealment, harboring and shielding of the employees and patrons of the Las Palmas II, whom they all knew were illegally in the U.S.
Medeles operated the Las Palmas II parking lot. It was part of his job to notify his co-conspirators inside the cantina of any law enforcement presence he observed in order for his co-conspirators to be able to conceal from law enforcement the illegal activities in the Las Palmas II. Similarly, on at least one occasion, Hernandez told co-conspirators to lock the doors when she realized law enforcement was coming.
Gonzales and Flores managed the cantina. They paid the owners $20,000 each week out of the money received from the operation of the Las Palmas II and kept all the monies received in excess of that amount.
The cases against the others charged in relation to the investigation remain pending. They are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty through due process of law.
Judge Werlein has set sentencing for Medeles and Hernandez on Oct. 10, 2014, while Gonzales and Flores will be sentenced the following week. At that time, each faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. They all will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The three-year investigation was conducted as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) and includes FBI, Harris County Sheriff?s Office, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Department of State, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Houston Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ruben R. Perez and Joe Magliolo are prosecuting.