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Monday 31 March 2014
Clarksburg Resident Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison on Heroin and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistCLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced that Judge Keeley sentenced JUSTIN ZACHARY ROSA a/k/a “PEE WEE,” age 20, of Clarksburg, to 125 months in prison and three years of supervised release for “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” and “Possession of a Firearm by an Unlawful User and Addict to Heroin.” Judge Irene Keeley also ordered the forfeiture of $4,822.46 in United States currency which constitutes proceeds obtained from the illegal activity, a cellular phone, a Smith and Wesson revolver and $4,720 in counterfeit U.S. currency. ROSA was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution.
In other sentencings:
LEROY ROUSSEAU a/k/a “BLACK,” age 25, of Clarksburg and formerly of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 84 months in prison and six years of supervised release for “Employment and Use of a Person Under 18 Years of Age in Drug Operations” and “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” As part of his plea, ROUSSSEAU forfeited a Haskell .45 caliber pistol as property used to commit the charged offenses. ROUSSEAU was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution. ROUSSEAU’s co-defendants, FRANCESCA STRAKAL a/k/a “ROCKY,” age 21, and TALYA KEENER, age 22, of Clarksburg, were sentenced to three years of probation for “Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premise.”
NICOLE BENNETT, age 33, of Clarksburg, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for “Intentional Harassment to Dissuade Another Person from Assisting in Criminal Prosecution.”
“Ensuring the safety of witnesses is paramount and persons who intentionally harass federal witnesses, particular juvenile witnesses, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld in reaction to the sentencing of BENNETT.These cases were prosecuted by Criminal Chief Shawn A. Morgan and investigated by the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
RONALD STARKEY, age 29, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release for “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” This case was investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley
BEN PHARES, age 27, of Kingwood, West Virginia, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and prosecuted by Wesley.
MICHAEL MATHENA, age 28, of Clarksburg, entered a plea of guilty and was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison for “Attempted Escape.” MATHENA was confined at the Bannum Place Halfway House in Clarksburg where he was serving the remainder of a sentence for violating supervised release conditions for a federal drug office. On November 14, 2013, MATHENA left the halfway house and did not return and was arrested on November 19, 2013, in Monongah, West Virginia. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar and investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Case Update: Central Valley Marijuana TraffickersRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Marijuana cultivators from Kern, Stanislaus, and Fresno Counties entered guilty pleas today in two cases and were sentenced in another for their involvement in separate large-scale marijuana cultivation operations, according to U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner.
Kern County Marijuana Cultivation/Processing Operation (1:13-cr-00028 AWI)Bernabe Hernandez, 53, of Arvin, Calif., entered a guilty plea to conspiring to cultivate, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and agreed to forfeit the 29 acre agricultural parcel that he owned and used to grow the marijuana. According to court documents, Hernandez is the owner and resident of property on Wheeler Ridge Road in Arvin where Kern County Sheriff deputies found and seized 1,387 pounds of processed marijuana and 338 marijuana plants during the execution of a search warrant there. They also found scales, packaging material, and ammunition and seized $3,179 in drug proceeds from Hernandez’s residence on the property. Hernandez also agreed to forfeit the money seized from his residence.
Hernandez faces a maximum prison term of 20 years, along with a fine of up to $1 million. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 9, 2014. His actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory sentencing factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is handling the criminal case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Mardel Jones is handling the forfeiture of assets.Modesto Man Pleads Guilty in River Marijuana Operation (1:12CR342 AWI)
Symery Saykganya, 57, of Modesto, Calif., also entered a guilty plea to conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana grown beside the San Joaquin River in the vicinity of Newman in Stanislaus County. In pleading guilty, Saykganya acknowledged that he and four other men cultivated 907 marijuana plants. During the execution of a search warrant at the grow site, agents also found a firearm and saw that water from the San Joaquin River had been diverted to irrigate the marijuana plants.
Saykganya faces a maximum prison term of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million. His actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory sentencing factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 16, 2014.The case was investigated by federal agents from the DEA and Stanislaus Drug Enforcement Agency, a multi-agency drug task force in Modesto.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Fresno County Ag Grow (1:12CR2341 LJO)
Paul Nokham, also known as Bountheung Nokham, 49, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to two years for conspiring to cultivate, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana grown on an agricultural parcel on Marks Avenue in rural southwest Fresno. During the execution of a federal search warrant there, narcotics agents found Nokham with four other men, 2,932 marijuana plants, and a firearm. The men claimed the plants were being grown for medical reasons. While federal law does not recognize the medical use of marijuana, several of the men acknowledged that the operation was for profit, in violation of California law. In pleading guilty, Nokham acknowledged that he was in Fresno to work and was planning to take processed marijuana back to Las Vegas. Nevada does not recognize the medical use of marijuana.
The case against Nokham was investigated by the DEA and Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Karen A. Escobar prosecuted the cases against Saykganya and Nokham.
Buffalo Man Arrested, Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y - - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Jason Zaifert, 33, of Buffalo, N.Y., was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti, who is handling the case, stated that law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at defendant’s residence during which they seized various electronic items. Among the items seized, a computer that contained images of child pornography.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is being detained.
The arrest is the culmination of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of James C. Spero, Special Agent in Charge.
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.Apopka Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of Drugs, Guns and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Jermal Marquis Chambers (25, Apopka) today pleaded guilty to possession of firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Chambers faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on May 7, 2013, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) responded to the scene of a shooting in Apopka in which multiple attackers used multiple firearms to shoot at several victims. Evidence retrieved at the scene included .40 caliber, 9 mm, and .45 caliber shell casings. One victim was severely injured with a gunshot wound to his pelvis.
During the afternoon of May 7, 2013, unknown assailants shot at Chambers and his uncle outside an apartment complex. No one was injured during the incident.
Late in the evening on May 9, 2013, OCSO responded to another scene of a shooting in Apopka. Multiple attackers had fired bullets into a house where Chambers lived. A subsequent examination of the residence revealed approximately 68 bullet holes in the structure, along with fired cartridges from at least three firearms of different calibers near the structure.
During the execution of a search warrant at the residence, agents found several canvas bags holding a stash of cocaine and related drug paraphernalia, seven firearms, including a .223 caliber assault rifle, a nine millimeter pistol, two .38 caliber pistols, a 12-gauge shotgun, a .22 caliber rifle, and a .40 caliber pistol, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition for these firearms. A forensic examination of shell casings recovered from the first shooting incident on May 7, 2013, revealed that they were fired from the assault rifle found in Chambers’ home. DNA evidence also established that Chambers had held the .22 caliber rifle.
Chambers was previously convicted of felony burglary in 2006 and was, therefore, prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bruce S Ambrose.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Julie Leon, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in communities where law enforcement efforts are focused.
Antonio Pena-Arguelles Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
In San Antonio, 58-year-old Antonio Pena-Arguelles, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for his role in a money laundering conspiracy announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman of the Western District of Texas, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas, Acting Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple, Houston Division, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Special Agent In Charge Steve McCollough, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent In Charge Janice Ayala and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.
Appearing before U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia this afternoon, Pena-Arguelles pleaded guilty to a one-count Superseding Information filed today charging him with conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition to the prison sentence imposed, Pena-Arguelles agreed to forfeit to the federal government approximately $5.5 million in U.S. currency and real estate property.
Pena-Arguelles remains in federal custody.
This matter was investigated by the DEA, IRS-Criminal Investigation, HSI and the Texas Attorney General’s Office and prosecuted with the assistance of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
Activity for March 20, 2014Read the Press Release
Wyoming Man Charged with Assault on a Federal Officer
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on March 20, 2014, Kevin Paul Brown, a 23-year-old Northern Arapaho Tribal Member, was charged in an indictment with one count of assault on a Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 111(a)(1) and 111(b). The charge against Mr. Brown stems from an incident that occurred on November 16, 2013, on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Mr. Brown is facing a potential twenty (20) year term of imprisonment, and could be ordered to pay restitution, a fine, and special assessment.Wyoming Man Charged with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on March 20, 2014, Dustin James Friday, a 23-year-old Northern Arapaho Tribal Member, was charged in an indictment with one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6) and 1153. The charge against Mr. Friday stems from an incident that occurred on January 14, 2014 on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Mr. Friday is facing a potential ten (10) year term of imprisonment, and could be ordered to pay restitution, a fine, and special assessment.Northern Arapaho Man Charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm
Christopher A. Crofts, U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming, announced that on March 20, 2014, Matthew Lawrence Antelope, a 29-year-old Northern Arapaho Tribal Member from the Wind River Indian Reservation, was charged in an Indictment with one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3) and 1153. The charge against Mr. Antelope stems from a stabbing incident with occurred on January 28, 2014, on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Mr. Antelope is facing a potential ten (10) year term of imprisonment, and could be ordered to pay a fine of not more than $250,000, restitution and a special assessment.
Saturday 29 March 2014
Information: Federal Court ArraignmentsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office today announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Ostby in Billings on March 25, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- LSUM MANLEY CAIBAIOSAI, a 35-year-old resident of Hobbema, Alberta, appeared on charges of theft of government property and false statements. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, Caibaiosai faces 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. PACER Case Reference: 13-44
- AN DALE FREESE, a 47-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of sexual abuse of a minor. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, FREESE faces life imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and lifetime supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference: 14-19
- LE HANDRAN, a 33 year-old resident of Scobey, appeared on charges of acquiring a controlled substances by fraud, forgery, deception. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, HANDRAN faces 4 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. PACER Case Reference: 14-36
- N WILLARD HUNN, a 47 year-old resident of Great Falls, appeared on charges of distribution of Vicodin resulting in death, distribution of Vicodin, Soma, Ambiem, and Xanax, and distribution of dextro-amphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, HUNN faces 20 years imprisonment, $1,000.000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. PACER Case Reference: 14-28
- NSING ZACHARY ROCK ABOVE, a 29-year-old resident of Crow Agency, appeared on charges of assault resulting in seriously bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, ROCK ABOVE faces 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. PACER Case Reference: 14-35
- VA ESTELLE THREE IRONS, a 23-year-old resident of Crow Agency, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, THREE IRONS faces 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. PACER Case Reference: 14-34
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Lynch in Missoula on March 26, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- RRY WARREN ERVIN, JR., a 38-year-old resident of Bozeman, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, ERVIN, faces 40 years imprisonment, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force. PACER Case Reference: 14-04-BU-DLC
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Holter in Great Falls on March 27, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- GAN ROSE FLYING, a 26-year-old resident of Harlem, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, FLYING faces 20 years imprisonment, $1,000,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. PACER Case Reference: 14-16
- AN ANTONIO MALDONADO-AXUME, a 23-year-old resident of Honduras, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, MALDONADO-AXUME faces 20 years imprisonment, $1,000,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. PACER Case Reference: 14-16
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Ostby in Billings on March 27, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- IAN KEITH HARVEY, a 41 year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, HARVEY faces 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. PACER Case Reference: 14-29
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Lynch in Missoula on March 27, 2014 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- AD JEFFREY HENDRIX, a 28-year-old-resident of Missoula, appeared on charges of possession of stolen firearms. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, HENDRIX faces 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Missoula Police Department. PACER Case Reference: 14-06
- LISSA A. WALLACE: a 28 year-old-resident of Billings, appeared on charges of wire fraud, theft of government property, and fraud. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, WALLACE faces 20 years imprisonment, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. PACER Case Reference: 14-13
The indictment is merely a formal charging document. It is not proof of guilt and all persons indicted are presumed to be innocent of any crime until proof of guilt is established by trial or guilty plea.
The U.S. Attorney's Office is currently transitioning its media program to new media contacts. Resources and this transition may affect the amount of information the office can process and disclose in a timely manner. Therefore, if any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html.
To access the district court's calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
Friday 28 March 2014
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITION (before Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen)
Joseph Smith, 23, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 30 months term of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release on his guilty plea to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute heroin.According to documents filed in this case, local law enforcement officers were notified of Smith’s involvement in the distribution of heroin.After investigations were conducted, it was determined that Smith drove another individual to various locations to deliver narcotics.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS (before District Judge Theresa L. Springmann)
Jose Noe Perea Casteneda, 41, of Goshen, Indiana was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possess a controlled substance. Supervised release was not ordered as defendant may be subject to deportation.According to documents filed in this case, Castenda was a supplier of cocaine to several individuals distributing narcotics in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.
Deangelo Copeland, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release for armed bank robbery and was also sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release for carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.The firearms sentence is to be served consecutively to the armed bank robbery sentence.Copeland was also sentenced to pay $16,405.39 in restitution.According to documents filed in this case, in April 2013, a local credit union was robbed by two assailants.Local law enforcement investigations determined that Copeland assisted in the robbery’s planning and execution.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.
Sergio Alvarez-Arellano, 26, of Warsaw, Indiana was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possessing with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, namely 500 grams or more of cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, Alvarez-Arellano was a supplier of cocaine to several individuals distributing narcotics in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.
Walnut Creek Real Estate Investor Indicted for FraudRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A federal grand jury in Oakland yesterday returned a two-count indictment charging Benny Chetcuti, Jr. with wire fraud, stemming from Chetcuti’s Walnut Creek, Calif., based real estate investment business, announced United States Attorney Melinda Haag and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Johnson.
According to the Indictment, as early as Oct. 2002 and continuing through June 2010, Chetcuti allegedly defrauded private investors who loaned money to him and his business, Chetcuti & Associates. Chetcuti started Chetcuti & Associates in 1998 for the purpose of purchasing homes, renovating them, and selling them within a short time period. Chetcuti financed his business, in part, by obtaining loans from private investors in exchange for promissory notes that were supposed to be secured by interests in real properties. The Indictment alleges that Chetcuti defrauded investors by misrepresenting how much debt was already secured by the properties, falsely promising to record deeds of trust that would have secured the investors’ interests in the properties, directing others to impersonate lenders or title company officers in telephone calls, and forging letters purportedly written by lenders and title company officers.
A summons was issued upon filing of the Indictment. Chetcuti is scheduled to make his initial appearance on April 2, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. before the Honorable Kandis A. Westmore, United States Magistrate Court Judge in Oakland.
The maximum statutory penalty for each count of wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross loss or gain resulting from the offenses, plus restitution and forfeiture, if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Andrew S. Huang is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Vanessa Quant. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Please note, an Indictment contains only allegations against a defendant and, as with all defendants, Benny Chetcuti, Jr. must be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
(Chetcuti indictment )
Wallingford Woman Admits Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGELA D. MARTIN, also known as Angela Haussmann, 29, of Wallingford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport to one count of production of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2013, MARTIN sexually abused a female child, filmed the abuse with her cell phone, and then emailed the video to another individual in California. The victim was approximately three years old at the time of the abuse.
In addition to filming and distributing the video of the sexual abuse that she inflicted on the female child, MARTIN possessed and distributed other child pornography that she received from individuals with whom she was communicating via email, text messaging, and chat applications.
MARTIN is a registered sex offender as the result of a prior felony conviction in the state of Connecticut for second degree sexual assault of a minor.
MARTIN is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven on June 20, 2014, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 50 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on MARTIN’s criminal history.
MARTIN has been detained since her arrest on September 19, 2013.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Wallingford Police Department, and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]United States Attorney Announces “Working Hard, Making A Difference” Award WinnerRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Montana Michael W. Cotter announced today that Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Victim Specialist Wendy Bremner, of Browning Montana, is the District of Montana's "Working Hard, Making A Difference" award winner. The award was created to recognize individuals in Indian Country who have made significant contributions to public safety.
Wendy Bremner is one of nine Native Americans, nationwide, that work as BIA Victim Specialists. As a Victim Specialist, Bremner helps crime victims navigate within the criminal justice system assuring that crime victims' rights are honored.
Bremner is an exceptional Victim Specialist" said United States Attorney Michael Cotter, "She addresses the needs of crime victims in a caring and professional way, enabling her
The volume of work in Blackfeet is breathtaking. Despite the great needs, Bremner is tireless. She is a reliable and valuable partner to the law enforcement team at Blackfeet. She has touched hundreds of lives. We are grateful for her service."
BIA Victim Specialist Supervisor Linda Bearcrane said, "Wendy's role as a Victim Specialist is devoted to helping Native Americans during very traumatic circumstances. The Office of Justice Services is fortunate to have Wendy as a victim services provider who treats victims with dignity and respect. I am delighted that Wendy Bremner is being recognized for the outstanding service she provides the people of Blackfeet Reservation."
For more information regarding the BIA's Victim Services Office:
- tp://www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/BIA/OJS/VictimServices/index.htm
For a Digital Story Telling Workshop video featuring Wendy Bremner:
- tps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7AVc9CdOD0
Union Official Sentenced to Probation with Home Confinement for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Butler County resident was sentenced on Thursday in federal court to three years probation, including six months home confinement, and restitution of $13,496.00 on his conviction of embezzlement from a labor union, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Court Nora Barry Fischer imposed sentence upon Duane Rill, of Cranberry Township, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, Rill, a Secretary-Treasurer of the Berry Metal Employees’ Association, an independent union, stole $13,496.00 from the union by writing and cashing unauthorized union checks and by making an unauthorized cash withdrawal during the period from March 23, 2007, to November 20, 2009.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Rill.
Two Armed Robbers Exiled to over 11 Years in Prison for Stealing Prescription Drugs and Cash from A Woodbine PharmacyRead the Press Release
Tied up the Pharmacist and Store Clerk, and Took the Pharmacist’s Car
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Anthony Sering and Anthony Alascio, both age 28, of Anne Arundel County, today each to 135 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit robbery. Judge Hollander also entered an order that the defendants pay $4,095 in restitution.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Howard County Police Chief William McMahon; and Howard County State’s Attorney Dario Broccolino.
According to their plea agreements, on December 28, 2012 the defendants took a car from a relative of Alascio without permission and drove to a neighborhood near a pharmacy in Woodbine, Maryland. They parked the car in front of the garage of a residence. The owner of the residence became suspicious and called police.
The defendants left the car and walked to the pharmacy, wearing disguises. One of the defendants pointed a gun at the pharmacist and demanded prescription drugs and cash. The other defendant restrained the store clerk with plastic zip ties around her hands and ankles, and ordered her to lie face down on the bathroom floor. After the defendants took a total of $7,287.52 in drugs and cash, they used duct tape to restrain the pharmacist’s wrists and ankles and placed her face down on the floor next to the clerk. The defendants left, taking the pharmacist’s car. They drove back to the car they had parked in front of the residence. The resident, who was standing at a window inside his home, saw Alascio. Alascio spoke to the resident. The defendants loaded the drugs and cash into the parked car and sped off.
A police officer arrived at the residence and saw the defendants drive away at a high rate of speed. The officer pursued them. The defendants led police on an eight mile chase that sometimes exceeded 100 miles per hour, until Sering crashed the car into another vehicle at the intersection of Route 70 and Route 32 in Howard County. The defendants were arrested, and the stolen drugs and cash were seized. The resident who had called the police was driven to the scene and identified Alascio as the person who had parked in front of his house and who spoke to him.
The defendants were initially detained in the Howard County Detention Center. They were overheard during phone calls admitting to the robbery.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Howard County Police Department and Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney A. David Copperthite, who prosecuted the case.
Timonium Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Thomas Warren Stickney, age 22, of Timonium, Maryland, today to five years in prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for distribution of child pornography. Judge Motz ordered that upon his release from prison, Stickney must register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.
According to Stickney’s plea agreement, on December 13, 2012, Stickney sent an image and video, each depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, to an individual with whom he was communicating on-line. The individual reported the incident to Baltimore County Police detectives, who assumed the online identity of the individual. In an undercover capacity, a Baltimore County Police detective communicated with Stickney and requested another video, which Stickney supplied. Stickney then asked the detective to meet him for sexual purposes. The detective, still in an undercover capacity, informed Stickney that he would have to drop off his young nephew before he could meet with Stickney. Stickney suggested that the detective bring his nephew along so that they could engage in sexually explicit conduct with the nephew. Stickney was arrested when he arrived at a local motel for the meeting. A search recovered two condoms from Stickney’s front pants pocket, as well as a cellular phone from the front console of the car, and a laptop computer and external hard drive from a back pack on the front passenger seat.
A search warrant was obtained for Stickney’s car and residence. A subsequent forensic examination of the laptop, external hard drive and other digital media seized from Stickney’s home showed that there were approximately 14,350 images and 203 video files of minors, including prepubescent minors, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. These included depictions of sadistic and masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the HSI Baltimore, FBI, Baltimore County Police Department, Crimes Against Children Unit, and the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Judson T. Mihok, who prosecuted the case.
Three Ordered to Prison in Multi-Million Dollar Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Former Houston resident Walter Ryan Macapaz has been ordered to prison along with Houston businessman Tony David Maldonado and attorney and former mortgage loan officer Buffy Marie Lawrence for their roles in a scheme to defraud residential mortgage lenders of more than $22 million in loans, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen L. Morris and Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cruz.
Today, U.S. District Judge Gray Miller, who accepted the guilty pleas, handed Macapaz, 36, a sentence of 108 months in federal prison, while Maldonado, 33, and Lawrence, 42, will serve respective sentences of 24 and 12 months. All three defendants will be required to serve a term of three years of supervised release following completion of their prison terms. In handing down the sentences, Judge Miller noted the seriousness of the offenses.
A fourth defendant, attorney and former title company escrow officer Lisa Carol Ross, 52, of Missouri City, also pleaded guilty in the case and was sentenced to 13 months in prison on May 17, 2013.All were indicted in 2011 for a scheme to defraud residential mortgage lenders. The conspirators used fraudulent documents to help borrowers qualify for mortgage loans to purchase condominium units in the Commerce Towers building located on Main Street in downtown Houston as well as residential homes in the Houston area. The documents had false and misleading information about the borrowers’ income, assets, liabilities, employment status, bank deposits, rental payments, intent to use properties as a primary residence and source of funds used to close the real estate transactions.
Macapaz and Lawrence have admitted they knowingly arranged for borrowers to submit the false documents to mortgage lenders in order to obtain loans, while Maldonado has admitted he knowingly created some of the false documentation.
Previously released on bond, Macapaz was taken into custody following the sentencing today where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Maldonado and Lawrence were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The investigation leading to the charges was conducted by the FBI, IRS-CI, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General and Houston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney John Lewis is prosecuting the case.
Statement by Attorney General Eric Holder <br /> on Federal Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages in MichiganRead the Press Release
Attorney General Eric Holder issued the following statement today on the status of same-sex marriages performed in the state of Michigan:
“I have determined that the same-sex marriages performed last Saturday in Michigan will be recognized by the federal government. These families will be eligible for all relevant federal benefits on the same terms as other same-sex marriages. The Governor of Michigan has made clear that the marriages that took place on Saturday were lawful and valid when entered into, although Michigan will not extend state rights and benefits tied to these marriages pending further legal proceedings. For purposes of federal law, as I announced in January with respect to similarly situated same-sex couples in Utah, these Michigan couples will not be asked to wait for further resolution in the courts before they may seek federal benefits to which they are entitled.
“Last June’s decision by the Supreme Court in United States v. Windsor was a victory for equal protection under the law and a historic step toward equality for all American families. The Department of Justice continues to work with its federal partners to implement this decision across the government. And we will remain steadfast in our commitment to realizing our country’s founding ideals of equality, opportunity, and justice for all.”
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office Announced the Following Activity in Federal Court:Read the Press Release
PLEAS (before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein):
David Diederich, 58, of La Porte, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The magistrate is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.Sentencing has been set for 6/26/2014.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Brittany Coburn, 23, of La Porte, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of obstructing the mail. The magistrate is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Office of the Inspector General.Sentencing has been set for 6/11/2014.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.
DISPOSITIONS( before District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr..)
Evan Vanator, 23, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm while being an illegal user of controlled substances.According to documents filed in this case, Vanator possessed a Keltec semi-automatic handgun in his residence in St. Joseph County, Indiana. Vanator was also an illegal user of marijuana during his possession of this firearm. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Robert Lyons, 32, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of manufacturing marijuana.According to documents filed in this case, in May 2013, law enforcement officers discovered marijuana growth system in Lyons’ residence. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Smith County Convicted Sex Offender Indicted for Interstate Transportation of Minors for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
Department of Justice
Office of Public AffairsTYLER, Texas — A 31-year-old convicted sex offender from Tyler, Texas has been indicted on child exploitation charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Anthony Nelson, also known as Flip, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Mar. 26, 2014 and charged with transportation of minors, transportation, and penalties for registered sex offenders.
According to the indictment, in November and December 2013, Nelson, a previously convicted sex offender, transported individuals, including two minors, across state lines with the intent that they engage in prostitution.
If convicted of all counts, Nelson will receive life in federal prison.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI), the Louisiana State Police, the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, the Shreveport Police Department, the Longview Police Department, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office, the Smith County Sheriff's Office, the Tyler Police Department, the ATF, the DEA, and the Smith County District Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld is prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that an indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
####Sixth Defendant Pleads Guilty in Plot to Rob Florida PNC Banks at GunpointRead 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, John A. Bolduc, Chief, Port St. Lucie Police Department, Ken J. Mascara, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Sean Baldwin Chief, Ft. Pierce Police Department, J. Michelle Morris, Chief, Sebastian Police Department, Deryl Loar, Sheriff, Indian River Sheriff’s Office, announce that Joe JR Desilien, 24, of West Palm Beach, pled guilty yesterday to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a); interfering with commerce by robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1951(a) and 2; and, using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)and 2. Sentencing has been set for July 14, 2014 before U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez, in Ft. Pierce.
At sentencing, Desilien faces up to 20 years in prison, followed by a term of supervised release of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery charge, and for the interfering with commerce by robbery charge; and, a mandatory minimum of seven years, consecutive to any sentence imposed, and may impose a statutory maximum term of life imprisonment, followed by a term of supervised release of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000 for the charge of using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, between June 8, 2013 and July 8, 2013, employees of five PNC bank branches, located in the counties of Indian River, Volusia, Hillsborough, and St. Lucie Counties, were robbed at gunpoint by three black males, whose faces were covered, wearing gloves. In all of the robberies, one male would brandish a handgun, and two males would jump the tellers’ counters demanding money.
On June 20, 2013, at approximately 9:50 a.m., three black males entered the PNC Bank, at 1090 Dunlawton Avenue, Port Orange, Volusia County, Florida with faces covered and wearing gloves. One male brandished a firearm at bank employees, two jumped the teller counters, and demanded and took United States currency. The three males were picked up by a fourth, driving a stolen Blue Jeep, which was found abandoned nearby. Anthony Isaac Johnson, Paul Edward Moore, and Alan Demetrius Bradford remained in cellular phone contact with one another before and after the robbery.
On July 1, 2013, at approximately 9:50 a.m., three black males entered the PNC Bank, at 12951 Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, with faces covered, wearing gloves. One male brandished a firearm at the bank employees and two males jumped the teller counters, with another remaining in the lobby area. They demanded and took United States currency. The three males fled the bank in a stolen Dodge Intrepid. While in the area of the PNC bank and the site the vehicle was stolen, Raven Simone Sayers and Bradford remained in cellular phone contact with each other. The stolen vehicle was abandoned in a housing development near the PNC bank. On this date, Sayers was in possession of a leased vehicle.
According to court documents, during the night of July 7, 2013, into the early morning hours of July 8, 2013, Sayers, Ivory Lee Robinson, Tomaleesha Jeffie Laqua McKeliver, Moore, Desilien, Herbert Lenorris Smith, Jr., Johnson, and Bradford, planned and agreed to rob two St. Lucie County PNC banks at gun point. In order to carry out the two robberies, the group separated into two teams. The plan was for each team to have a female as a getaway driver and three males. Sayers and McKeliver agreed to be the robbery getaway drivers. Each team would steal a van, rob each of the banks at gunpoint, with their faces covered, leave the bank in the van, and transfer into the getaway vehicles, in order to flee the area. Sayers and McKeliver drove rental cars. The two teams travelled from Palm Beach County to St. Lucie County in the two rented cars. While en route, the two teams remained in cellular phone contact with one another. Once in St. Lucie County, the teams scouted PNC Banks and escape routes and stole two vans in Ft. Pierce for use in the two bank robberies.
Later on July 8, 2013, between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., St Lucie County PNC Banks located at 5493 NW St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie, and 4156 Okeechobee Road, Fort Pierce, were robbed at gunpoint, almost simultaneously. After the Ft. Pierce and Port St. Lucie PNC bank robberies, McKeliver, Johnson, Robinson and Bradford were arrested after a police pursuit, and Moore was arrested near the bank. Law enforcement eventually identified, located, arrested and charged Sayers, Smith, and Desilien, who escaped back to Palm Beach County.
Previously sentenced in this case were Robinson, 22, and McKeliver, 22, both of West Palm Beach, by U.S. District Judge Donald L. Graham. Robinson, a career offender, was sentenced to 262 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release on February 27, 2014; McKeliver was sentenced to 102 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release on December 16, 2013. Sayers, 23, of Hallandale, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez to 162 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release on March 11, 2014.
Smith pled guilty on January 29, 2014 to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a) and 2, and one count of using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)and 2. Sentencing for Smith has been set for May 21, 2014 before U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez in Ft. Pierce.
Bradford pled guilty on February 4, 2014 to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a); two counts of interfering with commerce by robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1951(a) and 2; two counts of using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)and 2; and, felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 2. Sentencing for Bradford has been set for May 22, 2014 before U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez in Ft. Pierce.
A jury trial for the remaining defendants, Moore and Johnson, is set for May 19, 2014 before U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez in Ft. Pierce.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, Port St. Lucie Police Department, Ft. Pierce Police Department, Sebastian Police Department, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Indian River Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Port Orange Police Department, and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Lineberger
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.
Shreveport Businesses to Be Closed in Connection with Money Laundering Operation on PremisesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Mike’s Auto Sales Inc. and A-1 Auto Finance Company were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote. Mike’s Auto Sales was ordered to pay a $500,000 fine, and A-1 Auto Finance was ordered to pay a $350,000 fine. The businesses were also ordered to forfeit $1.3 million in illegal proceeds and the business real estate, buildings, and vehicle inventory belonging to the companies. In addition to the sentenced imposed, the businesses were given five years of probation.
The two businesses, represented by company president Michael Paul Boyter, 51, of Shreveport, each entered guilty pleas on August, 26, 2013, to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
According to evidence presented at the guilty pleas, the owners and operators of Mike’s Auto Sales and A-1 Auto Finance engaged in a conspiracy to commit money laundering beginning in 1996 through November 2010. The scheme concerned the sale and financing of used and new vehicles to individuals who derived, or represented that they derived, significant income from the distribution of illegal drugs. The operators of the businesses knowingly accepted cash proceeds from drug dealers, allowed vehicle purchases in the names of nominees, and falsified records of payments received. They provided false information to multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Shreveport Police Department and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, to facilitate the release of vehicles seized from drug dealers.
In 2009 and 2010, the FBI conducted multiple “sting” operations directing cooperating individuals to purchase vehicles in the names of nominees and using large cash payments toward the purchase of those vehicles. These operations proved that the defendants readily accepted large amounts of money thought to be drug proceeds and skimmed cash from down payments by manipulating records to show lower sales prices and reduced amounts of down payments. In connection with these activities, Boyter pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion.
Boyter was sentenced on February 18, 2014, to 60 months in prison for wire fraud and tax charges. He was also ordered to pay $290,381 in restitution and a $200,000 fine. Company secretary and treasurer, Anthony Reuben Riley, 49, of Shreveport, was also sentenced on February 18, 2014, to 15 months in prison for the failure to file Form 8300 and was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine. IRS Form 8300 is required when cash payments of more than $10,000 are received in a trade or business and is used by the government to track individuals that evade taxes and those who profit from criminal activities.
“Those who do business with drug dealers will be brought to justice,” Finley stated. “The owners and operators of these businesses sought to not only profit from the criminal element in our communities, but to lie on their tax forms and other documents to make even more illegal profits. This judgment serves as a warning to those who would use their property to stage illegal business transactions - you will be caught, and you can lose everything.” Finley also stated, “I want to thank this extremely dedicated prosecution and investigative team for their hard work on this case.”
This case is part of an investigation called Operation NOMAS conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint multi-agency group consisting of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with a cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking.
Operation NOMAS was a jointly conducted investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, Louisiana State Police, the Louisiana National Guard Counter-Drug Task Force, and the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office in Marshall, Texas, also assisted. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison D. Bushnell and Cytheria D. Jernigan, and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Willis prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney Finley is available for comment by phone, (337) 262-6888.
Scranton Man Sentenced to 12 1/2 Years in Prison for Receiving, Distributing, and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that today in federal court in Scranton, a man was sentenced for the receipt, distribution, and possession of thousands of images and videos of child pornography.
Senior United States District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik sentenced Daniel Albert Mall, age 35, of Scranton, to 151-months of imprisonment followed by a 10-year term of supervised release. Mall also faces a lifetime sexual offender registration requirement pursuant to the Adam Walsh Act.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, the case against Mall stems from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Mall was indicted by a grand jury in July 2012 with committing the offenses between 2001 and 2012. He was arrested May 2012. Prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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."
Schenectady Man Arraigned on Fraud Scheme Involving False Advertisements of Motor VehiclesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – On Thursday, March 27, 2014, FREDERICK HOLLINGSHED, a/k/a FRANKLIN HOLLINGSHED, 47, of Schenectady, NY, was arraigned on a ten-count indictment charging him with wire fraud, misuse of a social security number, and possession with intent to use or transfer false identification documents by United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge William Leege. Judge Hummel ordered that HOLLINGSHED be detained pending trial in this matter. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each of the eight wire fraud counts and up to five years on each of the other counts. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.
According to the indictment: HOLLINGSHED obtained $66,001.80 from people who believed that they were buying motor vehicles advertised on websites and through electronic mail. In reality, no vehicles were ever actually for sale. In addition, HOLLINGSHED misrepresented his social security number on a bank account application and possessed seven fraudulent social security cards.
The prosecution resulted from an investigation by the United States Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean O’Dowd.
The indictment merely sets forth an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the charges are proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
Queens Man Sentenced for Bribery of A Public OfficialRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – YANG CHIA TIEN, a/k/a ANDREW TIEN, 62, of Queens, NY, was sentenced on March 25, 2014 to 69 months in federal prison on three counts of bribery of a public official by Chief United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas DiNicola, and New York State Police Special Investigations Unit Major Thomas G. Marmion.
On November 14, 2013, a federal jury in Albany convicted TIEN of making three payments totaling $51,000 to a person he believed to be an immigration official to try to obtain green cards for illegal aliens from Malaysia and China. In reality, the recipient of the payments was an undercover law enforcement officer with Homeland Security Investigations.
The prosecution resulted from a joint undercover investigation by ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and the New York State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean O’Dowd.
Orlando Felon Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge John Antoon, II sentenced Brian K. Hatten (34, Orlando) today to 16 years and 4 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. A federal jury found Hatten guilty on January 7, 2014.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, officers from the Orlando Police Department arrested Hatten after he ran from them upon seeing a patrol car at an intersection west of downtown Orlando. During his flight from officers, Hatten became entangled on a fence. During a subsequent search, officers found packages of marijuana in Hatten’s pockets. A semi-automatic pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition, a cell phone, and a receipt belonging to Hatten were located on the pavement near where he became entangled on the fence. Further investigation revealed that Hatten had at least seven previous felony convictions, including various drug offenses, robbery, battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault with a firearm and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. As such, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs Jr.
It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program—a nationwide gun violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Julie Leon, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement officials.
The case is also part of ATF’s Frontline Strategy to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in communities where law enforcement efforts are focused.
Operator of ‘Mobile ID Theft Lab’ Sentenced to Prison for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
The man who forged multiple ID documents and financial documents for mail thieves in Snohomish County was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 65 months in prison, five years of supervised release and $59,177 in restitution, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. MICHAEL JOHN SURYAN, 54, formerly of Everett, Washington was arrested in January 2013, in a Shoreline, Washington motel where he had set up a mobile identity manufacturing operation. Using documents his co-schemers stole from burglaries, mail thefts and car prowls, SURYAN manufactured fake IDs, and forged checks with the co-schemers listed as the payees. A search of the room revealed more than 50 fake Washington State driver’s licenses, handwritten notes listing the names, addresses and personal information (including dates of birth, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and credit card or checking account information) for numerous victims. In all the evidence revealed the identities of more than 200 people had been stolen. At sentencing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones noted SURYAN was addicted to methamphetamine but his greed and his crime “had a grave impact on the citizens of the community.”
According to records filed in the case, SURYAN and several co-schemers used stolen identity information to commit various types of bank fraud. SURYAN would make false checks payable to the co-schemers in their real names, and would also make checks payable to those whose identities had been stolen, providing his co-schemers with fake drivers’ licenses that matched the names on the checks. The stolen checks recovered in the hotel room exceeded $50,000 in value. SURYAN also opened lines of credit in victims’ names at various department stores and made more than $30,000 in purchases. The total monetary loss from the scheme was nearly $113,000.
In asking for a lengthy prison sentence, prosecutors noted that SURYAN’s operation not only enriched him, but also helped thieves and burglars profit from the information they stole. SURYAN “served as a lynchpin of identity theft activity in Snohomish County in the latter half of 2012; the forgery service provided by the defendant helped incentivize countless break-ins of mailboxes, homes, and vehicles by criminals searching for victim data. Moreover, the defendant did not provide his services as a forger for free; the defendant’s business model depended entirely on thieves’ continued victimization of the community,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.
The case was investigated by the Everett Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ehren Reynolds.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Laron Hawkins, age 26, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Hawkins to 6 years, 3 months in prison. After his release from prison Hawkins will begin a 3 year term of supervised release.
On September 13, 2013, Omaha police officers stopped a car Hawkins was driving after they saw him commit a traffic violation. As they made contact with Hawkins, they saw he had a small quantity of marijuana in his lap. A search of the vehicle was done and a stolen .45 caliber handgun was found under his seat. Hawkins had previously been convicted of a felony offense and, as such, is prohibited by law from possessing firearms.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
North Hills Man Sentenced for Defrauding First Niagara Bank and Evading TaxesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County man was sentenced today in federal court to three days imprisonment, five years supervised release with six months home detention, and restitution of $226,846 on his convictions of bank fraud and tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed sentence upon Kevin R. Gallagher.
According to information presented to the court, from November 2010, and continuing until January 2012, Gallagher knowingly executed a scheme to defraud First Niagara Bank. In connection with the scheme to defraud, Gallagher fraudulently obtained corporate checks of his employer, A&S Steel Buildings Corporation, made payable to subcontractors and forged the signatures of the subcontractor payees. It was a part of the scheme that Gallagher deposited the forged checks, which totaled $179,695, into his personal bank account at First Niagara Bank. Gallagher also willfully evaded income tax owed by him for tax year 2011. The total amount of tax loss to the federal government as a result of Gallagher's tax evasion is $53,151.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Gallagher.
Mt. Vernon Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsRoman Victor Dymashok, 45, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and a citizen of Ukraine, pled guilty on Thursday in United States District Court in Benton to an information charging him with three counts of making false statements in relation to the purchase of three different firearms, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Specifically, the information alleged that Dymashok provided false information regarding his use of marijuana on three federal background check forms he completed between January 2010 and July 2011. The firearms he purchased included two .223 caliber semi-automatic rifles and a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Sentencing was set for July 10, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the United States District Courthouse in Benton. At that time, Dymashok faces up to 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow his incarceration on each of the three counts. Dymashok will also be required to forfeit the three firearms, as well as others he possessed, to the United States.
Dymashok has been held in custody since his arrest on these charges in May 2013. He was again remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await sentencing.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Illinois State Police, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Member of "Black P-Stones" Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Enrique Omar Hinton, a.k.a. “Rico,” 26, of Newport News, pleaded guilty today to racketeering conspiracy, as well as possessing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Dana J. Boente, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; David A. O’Neil, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Royce E. Curtin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by United States Magistrate Judge Tommy E. Miller.
Hinton was charged in a superseding indictment returned on December 9, 2013, with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, possessing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. Hinton faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the racketeering conspiracy charge and a mandatory consecutive sentence of ten years to life in prison on the firearm charge when he is sentenced on June 26, 2014, in Norfolk.
In a statement of facts filed with his plea agreement, Hinton admitted that he was a member of a violent street gang called the Black P-Stones, also referred to as the P-Stone Bloods and Cobra Stones, which operated as a criminal enterprise located primarily in the Beechmont, Courthouse Green, and Woodview neighborhoods in the Denbigh area of Newport News. The Black P-Stones engaged in various criminal activities including murders, robberies, illegal drug trafficking, and obstruction of justice. Hinton joined the gang in approximately 2005 and held the rank of “Foot Soldier.” As a Foot Soldier, Hinton sold marijuana for the gang, possessed firearms, attended gang meetings, and planned and participated in the gang’s criminal activities. On December 10, 2008, Hinton and co-conspirators participated in a shooting in Williamsburg to retaliate against a rival gang member who exhibited disrespect toward a co-conspirator’s girlfriend. During the shooting, approximately seven to eight bullets were fired at the rival gang member’s home, with bullets entering the home’s living room and front door while two people were inside. Hinton further admitted that on July 13, 2009, he testified falsely before a federal grand jury for the purpose of obstructing the grand jury’s investigation of the Black P-Stones and the December 10, 2008, shooting in which he and co-conspirators participated.
The investigation of this case was led by the FBI’s Safe Streets Peninsula Task Force, with the assistance of the Newport News Police Department and the James City County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Eric M. Hurt and Trial Attorney Louis A. Crisostomo of the Organized Crime and Gang Section in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on https://pcl.uscourts.gov.
Massachusetts Fugitive Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms and Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Darcie N. McElwee
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Gary
Irving, a/k/a “Gregory Irving” and “Gregg Irving,” 53, of Gorham, Maine, pleaded guilty
yesterday in U.S. District Court to being a fugitive in possession of firearms and aggravated
identity theft.Court records reveal that Irving was arrested on March 27, 2013 on an outstanding
fugitive warrant from Massachusetts for a 1979 conviction for violent rape and other
crimes. Irving had been living under a false identity in Maine since 1981, had been fraudulently
using his brother’s name and social security number, and used an incorrect date of birth to renew
his driver’s license. At the time of Irving’s apprehension, he had nine firearms in his home.He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the firearms charge and a
consecutive 2 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the identity theft charge. He will be
sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.The investigation was conducted by the Massachusetts and Maine State Police, the
Gorham Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector
General.Maryland Man Sentenced to 17-Year Prison Term for 2010 Murder in Southeast Washington-Slaying Took Place in Attempted Robbery-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rafael Douglas, 20, of Capitol Heights, Md., was sentenced today to a 17-year prison term for his role in a murder that took place in broad daylight during an attempted robbery in Southeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Douglas pled guilty in August 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to second-degree murder while armed. He was sentenced by the Honorable Robert E. Morin. Upon completion of his prison term, Douglas will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, Douglas and two other men made plans to rob workers who were making repairs to a building in the 4600 block of Hillside Road SE. On the afternoon of May 28, 2010, one of the men, Javon Hale, dropped Douglas and the second accomplice off on Hillside Road. Douglas and the second accomplice then approached the workers for the purpose of robbing them, including the victim, Manuel De Jesus Sanchez, 29.
After they approached Mr. Sanchez, a physical confrontation ensued, and Douglas’s accomplice pulled out a gun and fatally shot the victim in the chest. Hale, 19, of Capitol Heights, Md., has been sentenced to 15 years in prison on a charge of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence while armed, and other unrelated offenses. The alleged gunman was later killed in an unrelated shooting.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the detectives, officers and crime scene technicians who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Bradford and Jeffrey Pearlman; former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharad Khandelwal; Victim/Witness Advocate Melissa Milam; Paralegal Specialist Kendra Johnson; and Litigation Technology Specialist Josh Ellen. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan M. Taylor, who prosecuted the case.
14-074Marietta Industrial Enterprises, Inc. Ordered to Pay $55,000 for Violating Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Fred Alverson
Public Affairs Officer
COLUMBUS, OHIO -- Marietta Industrial Enterprises, Inc. (MIE) has been ordered to pay a $37,500 fine and make a $12,500 community service payment to the Warren Township Fire Department for failing to report violations of the company’s permit in connection with its mineral processing operation.
Carter Stewart, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Randall K. Ashe, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, and Craig W. Butler, Director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
Company president William Scott Elliott was sentenced to serve 48 consecutive hours in jail followed by five months and 28 days of home confinement with electronic monitoring. He was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. Elliott pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of being an accessory after the fact for failing to notify Ohio Environmental Protection Agency of the violations.
In addition to the fine and community service, the company will perform 416 hours of community service (at least 208 of those hours must be performed by Elliott), serve three years of probation, conduct an environmental audit of their facilities and correct any deficiencies identified in that audit.
According to court documents, one of MIE’s manufacturing processes is crushing medium carbon ferromanganese alloy, referred to as medium carbon, in a mill line. Emissions from the mill lines are captured by equipment known as a baghouse using a large electric fan to ensure that air pollution from the facility is limited. According to court documents, company employees began turning off the fan when processing medium carbon sometime in 2006. In May 2009, Elliott learned that the baghouse fans were being turned off when medium carbon was crushed and put an end to the practice.
MIE’s permit calls for the company to disclose any instances that the baghouse has not operated properly in its quarterly and annual reports to Ohio EPA. Between 2006 and 2009, MIE never reported that the baghouse fans were turned off during the processing of medium carbon. From July 19, 2009 through August 10, 2010, Elliott, on behalf of MIE, submitted reports to Ohio EPA. None of the reports stated that the baghouse fans were turned off during the processing of medium carbon.
“Mr. Elliott and his company endangered Ohioans by allowing hazardous air pollutants to be emitted when they could have and should have been operating existing pollution control equipment,” Attorney General Mike DeWine said. “I will aggressively prosecute anyone who intentionally threatens Ohio families with this kind of irresponsible behavior.”
“This success is a result of the work of dedicated investigative experts at Ohio EPA’s Office of Special Investigations who work with our partners to prosecute these cases,” said Ohio EPA Director Craig W. Butler.
This case was jointly investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio EPA, and the U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division, all members of the Central Ohio Environmental Crimes Task Force. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Beeson and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Michael Marous prosecuted the case.
Man Pleads Guilty in Juno Beach Endangered Sea Turtle Egg Taking CaseRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and William H. Calvert, Supervisory Law Enforcement Officer, United States Fish & Wildlife Service, West Palm Beach, announce that Kenneth Cornelius Coleman, 52, of Riviera Beach, entered a guilty plea today before U.S. District Judge William Zloch to one count of unlawfully transporting endangered sea turtle eggs in violation of the Lacey Act, 16 U.S.C. §3372. Sea turtle eggs are protected under the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. §1538. At sentencing, Coleman faces up to five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.
According to the Information and other court documents, on July 3, 2013, Loggerhead Marine Life Center beach/sea turtle surveyors discovered disturbed sea turtle nests in the area of the beach crossover at 840 Ocean Drive in Juno Beach. Nearby, a trail of six sea turtle eggs were found in the sand. Probing marks were visible in the disturbed nests.
Juno Beach Police officers responded. At the beach crossover near 840 Ocean Drive, officers found a wooden stick that appeared to have been used to probe the turtle nests, as well as three canvas bags. A blue bag with the name Celtic Tours was discovered and found to contain 213 sea turtle eggs. DNA analysis of this bag concluded that the DNA profile previously obtained from Kenneth C. Coleman matched the DNA on the bag.
Experts at the Loggerhead Marine Life Center, including biologist and sea turtle expert Kelly Martin, found that one of the nests disturbed on July 3, 2013 was a Green Sea Turtle nest (endangered species), and the other three were Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests (threatened species), both species are protected under Federal Law. The total of 219 sea turtle eggs were reburied in an attempt to allow them to continue to mature and to hatch.
On July 4, 2013, four more sea turtle nests were found to have been disturbed and to be missing turtle eggs: three Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests and one Green Sea Turtle nest. These were in the area of the beach crossover near 70 Celestial Way in Juno Beach, not far from the disturbed nests from the day before. Also near that location, Juno Beach police officers discovered a backpack which contained 97 sea turtle eggs. These eggs were reburied as well. Coleman was later contacted on the beach near where these nests were disturbed. Officers detained him on suspicion of sea turtle egg poaching at which point Coleman spontaneously stated, “I don’t know nothing about no turtle eggs.”
Biologist Kelly Martin examined the eggs and confirmed that the 219 eggs found on July 13, 2013 and the 97 eggs found on July 4, 2013 were in fact sea turtle eggs. Because sea turtle eggs are illegal contraband, it is very difficult to establish a precise market value for the eggs. However, based upon research done by the Fish and Wildlife Service, the retail black market value of the sea turtle eggs in this area is estimated to be approximately $3.00 per egg, and in some cases as much as $5.00 per egg. For the 316 sea turtle eggs found in this case, the total value is estimated to be between $948 and $1,580. This value is therefore more than $350.00.
Coleman was previously charged and pled guilty to violating the Lacey Act by transporting endangered sea turtle eggs in 2010 in Case No. 10-80124-CR-Ryskamp. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison in that case.
U.S. Attorney Ferrer commended the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Juno Beach Police Department and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for their work in the case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Jorgensen.
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.
Life in Federal Prison for Midland Aryan Circle Member for Distributing Methamphetamine and Retaliating Against A WitnessRead the Press Release
In Midland this afternoon, 26-year-old Aryan Circle member Kevin Dwain Rickman (a.k.a. “Birdie”) of Midland, was sentenced to life in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and retaliating against a witness announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas E. Lindquist, El Paso Division.
On September 23, 2013, Rickman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of retaliating against a witness or victim. By pleading guilty, Rickman admitted that between June 2005 and June 2013, he and others conspired to distribute ounce quantities of methamphetamine in the Permian Basin area. Rickman also admitted that on May 5, 2013, he knowingly caused bodily injury to an individual for providing information to law enforcement.
“Today’s sentencing of Mr. Rickman, a documented Aryan Circle member, serves as a strong message to the community of Midland and Odessa that the FBI is committed to pursue individuals who have violated the law and hold them accountable for their illegal actions. This sentencing concludes an 18-month investigation by the FBI, Odessa Police Department, Midland County and the Ector County Sheriff’s Department and furthers the partnership between law enforcement agencies in combating violent criminal offenders,” stated FBI SAC Lindquist.
Lawrence Physician, AuthorConvicted on Tax Evasion ChargesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. –A federal jury today convicted a Lawrence physician and author of tax evasion, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Mary C. Vernon, 61, Lawrence, Kan., was convicted on five counts of tax evasion. Vernon, who practiced in Lawrence and Shawnee, specialized in treating obesity. She authored a book with the late Dr. Robert Atkins titled, “Atkins Diabetes Revolution.” She also provided medical services and served as medical director for a number of nursing homes.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that she earned approximately $588,686 for services she provided in 2003 and 2004 to Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., a company that sold weight loss programs and products. From 2005 to 2008 she earned an additional $190,000 to promote Dr. Atkins’ nutritional theories.
From 1999 to 2007, the Internal Revenue Service attempted to collect taxes, interest and penalties that Vernon owed and failed to pay from 1991 through 2005. The IRS collected approximately $2 million in taxes, interest and penalties through levies and seizures.
In 2003, Vernon hired an attorney to create a corporation called Rockledge Medical Services. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Rockledge Medical Services was a sham corporation that Vernon used to avoid paying taxes.
She evaded paying incomes taxes for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service, Matthew J. Kluge, Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Lakewood Man Indicted for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Lakewood man who worked at a tax-preparation business was charged with conspiring to file false income tax returns, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of the Cincinnati Field Office of Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.
Godrich Machuta, 34, was charged in a 39-count indictment with conspiracy to defraud the United States, making false claims, wire fraud and other charges. He is accused of preparing or assisting in the preparation of false tax returns in which false claims of more than $158,000 were made, according to the indictment.
Machuta worked for Cleveland-based Paglory Tax Services in 2010 and 2011. During that time, he and Mwale Kakusa conspired to fraudulently obtain funds from the United States by filing income tax returns with false, fictitious or fraudulent claims, according to the information.
Kakusa has pleaded guilty to preparing more than a dozen tax returns that made false refund claims of approximately $52,468. He awaits sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin J. Roberts following an investigation by IRS-CI.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Katy Man Charged with Multiple Crimes Including Possession of Explosive MaterialsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Robert James Talbot Jr., 38, has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint alleging attempted interference with commerce by robbery, solicitation to commit a crime of violence and possession of an explosive material, specifically Composition 4 (C4), announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Special Agent in Charge Stephen L. Morris of the FBI.
Talbot, formerly of Batavia, N.Y., and now a resident of Katy, was arrested yesterday following an eight-month undercover investigation by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). He is expected to make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances Stacy today at 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m., at which time the U.S. expects to request his detention pending further criminal proceedings.
According to the complaint, filed late yesterday, Talbot espoused his desire to recruit five to six other like-minded individuals to blow up government buildings, rob banks and kill law enforcement officers. Talbot allegedly created a Facebook page titled “American Insurgent Movement” (AIM). The complaint alleges he described that page as:
“a Pre-Constitutionalist Community that offers those who seek True patriotism and are looking for absolute Freedom by doing the Will of God. Who want to restore America Pre-Constitutionally and look forward to stopping the Regime with action by bloodshed.”
The criminal complaint further alleges Talbot made several postings on the page between Jan. 30, 2014, and Feb. 9, 2014, seeking people interested in “walking away from your life…to stop the regime.”
On March 15, 2014, Talbot allegedly posted again to the page:
“In a few weeks me and my team are goin active for Operation Liberty…I will not be able to post no more. We will be the revolution, things will happen nation wide or in the states. They will call us many names and spin things around on media. Just remember we fight to stop Marxism, liberalism, Central banking Cartels and the New World Order. I will try to find someone to take over this community page, but most of the guys who are admins are part of my unit. I will have a website up in 2 months…The funding is unlimited since the banking cartel will be forced to fund our movements.”
The complaint alleges that on March 20, 2014, Talbot conducted surveillance of multiple financial institutions in the Northwest Houston area, monitoring the movements of people entering and exiting the banks. Talbot also allegedly followed an armored car, watching how personnel exited the vehicle and whether the carrier was picking up or dropping off bags.
On March 22, 2014, Talbot sent $500 as a down payment for the explosive devices he had requested, according to the complaint.
Two days later, Talbot allegedly claimed to have quit his job and was preparing for an upcoming armored car robbery. On March 27, 2014, Talbot and others met at a storage facility in Houston with the intent to conduct an armor car robbery that morning, according to allegations. Talbot allegedly provided detailed maps of the target financial institution as well as escape routes in order to quickly evade law enforcement. The complaint further alleges he placed two explosive devices made of C4 into his black backpack and allegedly stated he would place the explosive device on the vehicle. He further instructed the group how to block the armor car with their vehicle to prevent it from leaving the location and provided a “manifesto” which was read to the group. “We must rebel. There is no other option no. Blood and bullets are the only two things that will change this world, short of divine action.”
While en route to conduct the armored car robbery, Talbot was arrested and taken into custody by the FBI Houston Division Special Weapons and Tactics team.
If convicted, he faces up to a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a possible $250,000 fine for the attempted robbery as well as another 10 years imprisonment and $100,000 fine for each of the remaining charges.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s JTTF, which includes personnel from the FBI, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Secret Service, Houston and Houston Metro Police Departments and the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and Jim McAlister are prosecuting.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Justice Department Opens Criminal Investigation into Officer-Involved Shooting in Albuquerque, New MexicoRead the Press Release
The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into the March 16, 2014 Albuquerque Police Department officer-involved shooting resulting in the death of James M. Boyd in Albuquerque, N.M. The independent investigation will be conducted by the Department of Justice’s Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Experienced federal prosecutors will determine whether the evidence generated by the investigation reveals a prosecutable violation of any of the limited federal criminal civil rights statutes within the Justice Department’s jurisdiction, and whether federal prosecution is appropriate.
Jose Alvarado, Aka Chewee, Sentenced in Federal Court to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Engaging in A Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Binghamton, New YorkRead the Press Release
The Plea And Sentencing Of Jose Alvarado Resulted From An Investigation Into Drug Trafficking Activities of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN) Gang Members And Their Associates in the Binghamton, New York area.
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK - United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian announced that Jose Alvarado, aka Chewee, 25 years old from Binghamton, New York, was sentenced today in federal court in Binghamton, New York to 20 years in federal prison and to be followed by 10 years of post-release supervision.
The investigation leading to today’s sentencing of Jose Alvarado was conducted by members of a task force comprised of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Binghamton, New York; FBI Albany Field Office; Broome County District Attorney’s Office; Binghamton Police Department; New York State Police; Broome County Sheriff’s Office; Johnson City Police Department; Endicott Police Department; and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
Following an extensive investigation by the task force, Jose Alvarado and several others were indicted by a federal grand jury. On October 3, 2013, Alvarado pled guilty to Count 1 of single-count Indictment 12-CR-445. Count 1 charges from about May of 2011 through September of 2012, in Broome County, in the Northern District of New York and elsewhere, defendants Luis Masso-Diaz, aka Wewe; Jose Alvarado, aka Chewee; Reynaldo Bones, aka Javy; Victor Texidor, aka Machito; Jose Alicea, aka Papo; and others conspired to knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one or more controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. That violation involved 280 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(A); 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(B); 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(B); oxycontin, percocet, and morphine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(C); and vicodin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(E).
Reynaldo Bones, aka Javy, 28 years old from Binghamton, New York, was previously also sentenced in federal court to 135 months in federal prison and 5 years of post-release supervision. The remaining defendants are awaiting sentencing and remain in custody with the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
Joint Statement by Attorney General Eric Holder and Director of National Intelligence <br /> James Clapper on the Declassification of Renewal of Collection <br /> Under Section 215 of the Usa Patriot Act (50 U.S.C. Sec. 1861))Read the Press Release
Attorney General Eric Holder and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper released the following joint statement Friday:
“Earlier this year in a speech at the Department of Justice, President Obama announced a transition that would end the Section 215 bulk telephony metadata program as it existed, and that the government would establish a mechanism that preserves the capabilities we need without the government holding this bulk data. As a first step in that transition, the President directed the Attorney General to work with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) to ensure that, absent a true emergency, the telephony metadata can only be queried after a judicial finding that there is a reasonable, articulable suspicion that the selection term is associated with an approved international terrorist organization. The President also directed that the query results must be limited to metadata within two hops of the selection term instead of three. These two changes were put into effect on Feb. 5, 2014, when the FISC granted the government’s motion to amend its Jan. 3, 2014, primary order approving the production of telephony metadata collection under Section 215. Following a review for declassification the Jan. 3 primary order, the government’s motion to amend that order, and the order granting the motion were posted to the FISC’s website, as well as the Office of the Director of National Intelligence website and icontherecord.tumblr.com.
“In addition to directing those immediate changes to the program, the President also directed the Intelligence Community and the Attorney General to develop options for a new approach to match the capabilities and fill gaps that the Section 215 program was designed to address without the government holding this metadata. He instructed us to report back to him with options for alternative approaches before the program came up for reauthorization on March 28. Consistent with the President’s direction, we provided him with alternative approaches for consideration.
“After carefully considering the available options, the President announced yesterday that the best path forward is that the government should not collect or hold this data in bulk, and that it should remain at the telephone companies with a legal mechanism in place that would allow the government to obtain data pursuant to individual orders from the FISC approving the use of specific numbers for such queries. The President also noted that legislation would be required to implement this option.
“Given that this legislation is not yet in place, and given the importance of maintaining this capability, the President directed the Department of Justice to seek a 90-day reauthorization of the existing program, which includes the modifications that he directed in January. Consistent with both the President’s direction, and with prior declassification decisions, in light of the significant and continuing public interest in the telephony metadata collection program, DNI Clapper declassified the fact that the United States filed an application with the FISC to reauthorize the existing program as previously modified for 90 days, and that today the FISC issued an order approving the government’s application. The order issued today expires on June 20, 2014. The Administration is undertaking a declassification review of this most recent court order. When the review is complete the ODNI will post the documents to its website and icontherecord.tumblr.com.”Jersey City Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Jewelry StoreRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Jersey City man admitted today to committing an armed robbery of a jewelry store in Hudson County, N.J., U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Mouhamadou Lamine Amar, 20, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Mary L. Cooper in Trenton federal court to an indictment charging him with committing a Hobbs Act robbery and with brandishing a firearm during the robbery.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On June 28, 2013, Amar entered a jewelry store in Jersey City and held a gun to a store employee’s head. He grabbed and pushed the employee when the employee tried to flee. He tied up the employee and threatened to shoot the employee if the employee tried to escape. Amar was arrested inside the store while still in possession of the firearm.
The Hobbs Act robbery count to which Amar pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The count of brandishing a firearm during a violent crime carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each count also carries a maximum $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss arising out of the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for July 10, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents, detectives and investigators assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), under the direction of FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. The JTTF comprises law enforcement officers from numerous federal, state and local agencies throughout New Jersey. U.S. Attorney Fishman also thanked the Jersey City Police Department and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for their work on this case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Jeffrey B. Steinfeld Esq., Newark
Amar, Mouhamadou Lamine Indictment
Jeremy Smith Pleads Not Guilty to Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Jeremy Smith, 36, who until recently had lived in Troy, New York, pleaded not guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to a charge that travelled in interstate commerce without updating his registration under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy ordered that Smith be detained pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
On February 12, 2014, a federal grand jury in Rutland returned an indictment charging Smith with violating the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Smith was arrested by U.S. Marshals in South Carolina on February 21 and has been in custody since then. According to the indictment and court records, Smith was convicted in Bennington, Vermont in 1999 of sexual assault on a minor. That conviction requires him to register as a sex offender with officials of any state where he resides or to which he moves. In early 2011, after being released from prison in Vermont, Smith moved to New York. However, he did not register as a sex offender with New York officials. Under federal law, when a sex offender moves from one state to another, he has three days to update his registration.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge against Smith is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
If convicted, Smith faces up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Smith is represented by Assistant Federal Defender David McColgin. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Information: Federal Court Initial AppearancesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office today announced that the following individuals have been arrested, charged, and made initial appearances on criminal complaints in "Operation Pale Mule." If convicted of the most serious charges in the complaints, each defendant faces possible penalties of life imprisonment, five years supervised release and $10,000,000 in fines. The investigation is a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Task Force. The prosecution is part of Project Safe Bakken, a cooperative effort between federal and state prosecutors and federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in Montana and North Dakota.
- Casey Patrick Fleming
- Age: 41
- Hometown: Taft, California
- Charge: Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (21 U.S.C. � 846 & 841)
- Desiree Margarita Jimenez
Age: 30
o Hometown: Taft, California
o Charge: Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (21 U.S.C. � 846 & 841)
- Mario Albert Villegas
o Age: 31
o Hometown: Los Angeles, California
o Charge: Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (21 U.S.C. � 846 & 841)
- David Delcarmen
o Age: 32
o Hometown: Los Angeles, California
o Charge: Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (21 U.S.C. � 846 & 841)
- Gerardo Lopez Martinez
o Age: 35
o Hometown: Los Angeles, California
o Charge: Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (21 U.S.C. � 846 & 841)
- Kathrine Sue Neel a/k/a Catherine Sue Neel
o Age: 49
o Hometown: Taft, California
o Charge: Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (21 U.S.C. � 846 & 841)
- Cody William Simpson
o Age: 25
o Hometown: Taft, California
o Charge: Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (21 U.S.C. � 846 & 841)
- David Lee Barnard, Jr.
o Age: 43
o Hometown: Billings, Montana
o Charge: Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (21 U.S.C. � 846 & 841)
- David Lee Goffena
o Age: 45
o Hometown: Roundup, Montana
o Charge: Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (21 U.S.C. � 846 & 841)
- Kirsta Elaine Goffena
o Age: 38
o Hometown: Roundup, Montana
o Charge: Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (21 U.S.C. � 846 & 841)
- Brandon Scott Robey
o Age: 38
o Hometown: Billings, Montana
o Charge: Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (21 U.S.C. � 846 & 841)
A criminal complaint is merely a written statement of the essential facts constituting the offense(s) charged. It is not proof of guilt and all persons charged are presumed to be innocent of any crime until proof of guilt is established by trial or guilty plea.
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Indictment Charges Two Men with the Arson Death of Branford Woman in 2006Read the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Branford Police Chief Kevin Halloran today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven hasreturned an indictment charging JOHN VAILETTE, also known as “John John” and “Snagglepuss,” 42, and STEVEN MARTONE, also known as “Crash,” 45, with committing an arson in Branford in 2006 that caused the death Kathy Hardy.
The indictment was returned on March 26. MARTONE was arrested this morning at his home in North Branford. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and is detained pending a hearing that is scheduled for April 2. VAILETTE is currently incarcerated in federal prison.
As alleged in the indictment, at approximately 8:45 a.m. on the morning of March 7, 2006, the Branford Emergency Communications Center received 911 calls reporting a fire at 27 Little Bay Lane in Branford, a single-family home rented by Kathy Hardy. After members of the Branford Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire, firefighters located the body of Kathy Hardy, 39, on the second floor of the residence. Fire Department investigators ultimately determined that the fire was initiated by accelerants located in the first floor living room area and on the staircase leading to the second floor of the dwelling. An autopsy performed on Kathy Hardy concluded that the cause of death was smoke inhalation, and her death was classified as a homicide.
The indictment alleges that approximately two days after the fire, investigators located a truck regularly used by VAILETTE, which had been hidden in New Haven for a period of time in the aftermath of the fire. The truck, which was found at the home of another close associate of VAILETTE’s, contained a silver serving platter and jewelry that belonged to Kathy Hardy. The indictment also alleges that, after the fire, both VAILETTE and MARTONE made incriminating statements to other individuals.
“These two defendants are charged with setting the fire that killed Kathy Hardy, a mother of three, in 2006,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “This lengthy, complex and ongoing investigation is being conducted with great care and professionalism by dedicated members of the FBI and Branford Police Department, with the assistance of state and local fire investigators. I want to thank them and our state partners from the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office for their diligence and excellent work in this ongoing investigation. Together, we seek justice for Ms. Hardy, her family and loved ones.”
“The action today is the result of extensive collaboration and cooperation by law enforcement agencies at the municipal, state and federal levels, and all of these agencies are to be commended for their commitment and dedication to resolving this tragic case,” stated Chief State’s Attorney Kane.
“This was a callous and horrific crime,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick. “That the dedicated investigators never relented in their pursuit of justice is a tribute to them and their respective agencies. I’d like to thank the Branford Police and Fire Departments as well as the Connecticut State Police - Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit for their perseverance in securing an indictment and for their steadfast commitment to the rest of the judicial process.”
“The horrific death of Kathy Hardy and subsequent arduous investigation has been at the forefront of Branford Police Department for the past eight years,” stated Branford Police Chief Halloran. “The scope of this investigation would have been impossible without the support of the New Haven office of the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, Branford Fire Department, and other local, state and federal agencies involved in the investigation.”
If convicted of the charge of committing an arson resulting in death, VAILETTE and MARTONE face up to a lifetime term of imprisonment, or death, should the government pursue the death penalty in this matter.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Branford Police Department and the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Gailor and Kevin M. Shay.
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[email protected]Illegal Alien Carrying Numerous Assault-Style Rifles in His Vehicle’s Trunk Is Sentenced to 40 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Jesus Gonzales, 25, who pleaded guilty in May 2013 to a one-count indictment charging possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn to 40 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.
According to documents filed in the case, on October 25, 2012, officers with the Dallas Police Department responded to a suspicious car call in the 2500 block of Wentworth Drive in Dallas. After locating the car and observing it commit traffic violations, officers pulled it over; Jesus Gonzales was the driver.
Gonzales gave officers consent to search the vehicle, and officers found 15 assault-style rifles individually wrapped in plastic in the car’s trunk. Gonzales did not have a driver’s license and admitted being in the U.S. illegally.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dallas Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taly Haffar prosecuted.
Husband and Wife Arrested for Operating Clinic to Defraud MedicareRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Miami residents Gladys Fuertes (40) and her husband Mario Fuertes (38) with conspiracy, healthcare fraud, aggravated identity theft, and obstructing a healthcare investigation. The Fuerteses were arrested on Wednesday morning in Miami. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison on each of the conspiracy and healthcare fraud counts and five years on each of the obstruction counts, as well as mandatory sentences of two years in prison for each of the aggravated identity theft counts. The indictment also notifies the couple that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $266,423.20, which is traceable to the proceeds of the alleged criminal conduct.
According to the indictment, Gladys and Mario Fuertes established and operated a sham clinic in Coral Gables, Florida, for the purpose of committing healthcare fraud. The clinic was called Gables Medical and Therapy Center. The Fuerteses allegedly employed unlicensed medical professionals and misused the Medicare billing numbers of other medical professionals, without their knowledge, in order to claim that they rendered medical treatment to Gables patients. Gladys and Mario Fuertes also paid a co-conspirator to recruit Medicare beneficiaries for Gables, and to drive patients to the clinic for basic and sham medical services.
Once recruited, Gladys and Mario Fuertes urged the Gables patients to enroll in Universal’s Medicare Part C and Part D plans. They believed Universal paid a relatively high percentage of its claims. Gladys and Mario Fuertes fraudulently billed Universal and caused Universal’s Medicare Part C plan to be billed for Gables patients’ supposed treatments. The treatments included expensive HIV-related treatments that patients never actually received. Gladys and Mario Fuertes also billed Universal and caused Universal to be billed for services that required a physician’s presence when no licensed physician was present or rendered the service.
The defendants and their co-conspirators paid the Medicare beneficiaries, who were recruited to come to Gables for their Medicare identification numbers, to allow Gables to bill Universal for services that were never rendered. In addition, Gladys and Mario Fuertes facilitated the provision of fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances, including Oxycodone, to Gables patients. In some cases, the signatures on the prescriptions were forged. The patients who received these Oxycodone prescriptions were assisted in filling them by a co-conspirator. The co-conspirator also purchased the pills from some of the patients and sold them on the street.
Once they learned of the federal healthcare fraud investigation into their actions, Gladys and Mario Fuertes instructed Gables patients to lie to law enforcement agents and otherwise obstruct a federal investigation into health care fraud at Gables. The Fuerteses also provided altered Medicare billing documentation to federal agents investigating their activities.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mandy Riedel and Kelley Howard-Allen.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged more than 1,700 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $5.5 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
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Houston Man Convicted of Hoax Bomb ThreatRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Cody Matthew Tackett, 23, has entered a plea of guilty to a criminal information charging him with making a hoax bomb threat, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
Tackett has admitted he willfully sent a false threatening communication through an instrument of interstate commerce to the University of St. Thomas - Houston, concerning an attempt to unlawfully damage real property by means of an explosive. Specifically, on November 20, 2013, he sent an email to school officials stating that there was a bomb on the campus.
U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr., who accepted the plea, has permitted Tackett to remain on bond pending sentencing, scheduled for June 20, 2014. At that time, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
FBI investigated the case which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig Feazel.Hogsett Announces Sentencing of Anderson Man on Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Counselor had illegal arsenal of four dozen guns, more than ten thousand rounds of ammunition
INDIANAPOLIS – Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that Dr. Bruce E. Jones, Ph.D., age 66, of Anderson, has been sentenced to 100 months (over eight years) by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. The defendant is a previously licensed family and addiction counselor in Madison County.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of prosecutors and our law enforcement partners, we have brought to justice a person whose total disregard for the rule of law was a danger to this community,” Hogsett said. “This case represents exactly what our Violent Crime Initiative is all about – collaborating across jurisdictions to make Central Indiana a safer place to live and work.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Jones said, “Felons are prohibited from possessing firearms and the FBI will vigorously pursue individuals that violate the law."
An investigation of Jones was launched by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2010, and search warrants were executed in May of that year. Investigators found evidence of federal firearms violations at three different properties owned by Jones. This included two locations in Madison County, as well as a cabin in rural Montana. The FBI was assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as local law enforcement agencies.
All told, those search warrants revealed an illegal arsenal of four dozen firearms and 14,000 rounds of ammunition. Jones was not entitled to possess these weapons due to his 1984 conviction for dealing in a controlled substance. The defendant served three years in prison for that crime, but later became a practicing counselor with a doctorate degree.
This sentencing comes as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). Launched in March 2011, the VCI has produced a dramatic increase in the number of gun-related charges brought federally. In the year preceding the initiative, there were just 14 defendants charged with federal gun crimes by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In the nearly three years since, more than 225 defendants have been charged.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Shepard who prosecuted the case for the government, Jones also must forfeit 47 firearms, pay a $12,000 fine and will serve three years of supervised release after his sentence. Jones is also scheduled to go to trial in June on federal health care fraud charges.
Hillsdale Police Lieutenant & Officer Indicted on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – LIEUTENANT PARRISH SWANSON and OFFICER RAYMOND STEPHENS are charged with conspiracy to distribute and attempted distribution of heroin.
According to the indictment, during March 2014, Swanson and Stephens agreed to assist an associate, a suspected drug dealer, rob or what is more commonly referred to as "rip off," a drug courier of an amount of heroin within the City of Hillsdale. The associate agreed to pay Swanson and Stephens cash for their assistance in this "rip off." On March 20, 2014, Stephens, while on duty as a Hillsdale police officer, approached the drug courier and robbed him of approximately four ounces of suspected heroin. He later met with the associate and gave him the heroin in exchange for $900 cash. Stephens then gave Swanson $200 of the $900 per their previous agreement.
Swanson, St. Louis, and Stevens, St. Charles, were each indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday on one felony count each of conspiracy to distribute heroin and attempt to distribute heroin. They were arrested by FBI agents this morning.
If convicted, each count of the indictment carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $1 million. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Hal Goldsmith and John Bodenhausen are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.