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26 November 2013
Former Nolensville Police Officer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Kenneth Lee, 53, of Nashville, Tenn., was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to 12 months and a day in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for honest services mail fraud, announced David Rivera, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Lee was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 1, 2012, and charged with extortion and mail fraud arising from his solicitation of payment from a woman in exchange for not arresting her. Lee pleaded guilty on July 29, 2012, to honest services mail fraud.
“Law enforcement officers who choose to step across the line can expect to face federal prosecution and time in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney David Rivera. “The honest, hard-working men and women of the greater law enforcement community are never tolerable of those who violate their oath and abuse their power.”
According to the testimony at the plea hearing, on August 17, 2011, while employed as a Nolensville police officer, Lee stopped a woman for a suspected traffic violation. After learning that she did not have a driver’s license, Lee told her he would not arrest her if she paid him $200. Lee also acknowledged that he subsequently received three separate money orders totaling $200.
In imposing the sentence Chief U.S. District Judge William J. Haynes, Jr., stated that he was troubled that the victim of the crime was poor and that a child was present when the defendant asked for money in lieu of arresting the victim.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Scarlett Singleton and Jimmie Lynn Ramsaur.
Former New Jersey Union Officer Convicted of Embezzling Union FundsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. - A former union officer from Local 164 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) was convicted today of embezzling funds by ensuring his then-girlfriend got paid by the union for unauthorized and unnecessary work, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Richard “Buzzy” Dressel, 64, of Montvale, N.J., was convicted of one count each of conspiracy to embezzle and embezzlement from the union, the first two counts of the indictment against him. He was acquitted on other substantive embezzlement counts. The jury returned the verdict after nearly three days of deliberation following a nine-day trial before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial: While the principal officer of the Local 164 IBEW, Dressel put his girlfriend on the payroll from March 2008 to March 2010, when her work provided no genuine benefit to the union or its members. He created an unnecessary position as an in-house caterer for her. Additionally, he padded her income – and indirectly his own – by giving her an office job she didn’t perform, providing her with an additional salary and a fringe benefit package. In all, Dressel embezzled $221,530 in this way.
Each count carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is currently scheduled for March 12, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Garcia, New York Regional Office; and special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, under the direction of Jonathan Kay, Director for the New York Regional Office, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty verdict.
The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Grady O’Malley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Kearney of the office’s Criminal Division in Newark.13-452
Defense counsel: Jeffrey Smith Esq.; Alice Penna Esq., Teaneck, N.J.
Former Miami Securities Professional Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud in Connection with Multi-State Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael B. Steinbach, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Drew J. Breakspear, Commissioner, State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation, Bureau of Financial Investigations, announce that Daniel Paez, 27, of Miami, Florida, pled guilty today to one count of securities fraud before U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas, in connection with a scheme to defraud investors in Florida and several states. Paez faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been set for February 4, 2014 before Judge Dimitrouleas in Ft. Lauderdale.
According to court documents, Paez was the President of Fly High Investments, Inc., a Miami-Dade investment fund. From in or around September 2010, through in or around April 2012, Paez obtained more than $500,000 in funds from investors via telephone solicitations and through the Internet. Paez told investors that Fly High Investments was a hedge fund that managed more than $50 million, and he promised investors that their money would be invested in safe and secure investments. Paez also promised a fixed rate of return and that investors could withdraw their money whenever they wished. Instead, according to the Information, Paez spent the bulk of the money raised from investors at casinos, and also withdrew large amounts of cash for his personal benefit. Paez did invest certain investor monies in stocks and other securities, but often in high risk investments or penny stocks that were materially different than the specific investments promised to investors during their sales pitch.
When investors contacted Fly High Investments and Paez to inquire about the status of their funds, Paez misled investors into believing their money was safe and had been invested profitably. Paez ultimately stopped returning calls and ignored requests for the return of investor funds. According to the Information, there were approximately 17 victim investors who were located in Florida and other states, including California, South Dakota, New Jersey and Minnesota. None of these investors received any return on their investment and they lost all of the money they invested with Fly High Investments and Paez.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation, Bureau of Financial Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerrob Duffy.
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.
Former Health Management Associates (HMA) Executive Indicted for Obstruction-Related OffenseRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Joshua S. Putter (48, Needham, Massachusetts) with destruction, alteration or falsification of records in federal investigations. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in federal prison.
Putter made his initial appearance and arraignment in federal court today, and was released on bond. A status conference hearing is set for December 9, 2013, before the Honorable John E. Steele. The case has been scheduled for the January 2014 trial calendar.
According to the indictment, on or about October 7, 2008, Putter knowingly falsified, or made false entry in a document, with the intent to impede, obstruct or influence any matter within the jurisdiction of any department of agency of the United States.
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 was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David G. Lazarus and Chief Assistant United States Attorney Nicole H. Waid.
Former Apartment ManagerSentenced for Theft of Federal Housing FundsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. A former Kansas City, Kan., apartment manager has been sentenced to 54 months in prison for theft of Section 8 housing program funds, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. In addition, she was ordered to pay more than $303,000 in restitution.
Mary Amador, 28, formerly of Kansas City, Kan., who worked as an assistant property manager at Terrace Pointe Apartments, 641 S. 71st Terrace in Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced Monday. She pleaded guilty to 40 counts as charged, including theft of public money, aggravated identity theft and making false statements.
In her plea, Amador admitted a federal investigation revealed that numerous residents of Terrace Pointe were foreign citizens who were in the United States unlawfully. In exchange for bribes, Amador accepted counterfeit citizenship documents and falsely reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that the tenants were eligible to receive Section 8 housing subsidies.
Co-defendants include: Martin Ramirez, who was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay more than $21,000 restitution.
Grissom commended Housing Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.
Brenda R. Aguirre-Rodriguez, who was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay more than $21,000 in restitution.
Ruben A. Solorio-Guzman, who was sentenced to time served and ordered to play more than $22,000 in restitution.
Rosa Isela Limas-Caldera, who was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay more than $20,000 restitution.
Araceli Ramirez, who was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay more than $22,000 in restitution.
Karla Herrera-Morales, who is set for sentencing Dec. 2.
Candelaria Morales, who was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay more than $17,000 restitution.
Estela Cervantez, who was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay more than $5,000 restitution.
Karina Soto-Lopez, who was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay more than $5,000 restitution.Florida Man Sentenced in Connection with Stolen Identity Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – DWAYNE DENARD JOHNSON, Wesley Chapel, Florida, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for his role in a stolen identity tax fraud scheme lead by his wife, Tania Henderson, from their home in suburban Tampa. Johnson is the fifth person involved in the scheme charged and convicted in the Eastern District of Missouri.
According to his August plea agreement, Johnson admitted to helping his wife and others use the identities and social security numbers of hundreds of people to file phony tax returns and collect the refunds generated by those returns. In all, the scheme has been found to have involved more than 400 stolen identities and generated more than $1.8 million in refunds, about half of which was intercepted by the IRS before coming under the control of the fraudsters.
His wife, Tania Henderson, Wesley Chapel, Florida, was sentenced in July to 144 months in prison for her role in leading a stolen identity tax fraud scheme during 2012.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Albus handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Five Indicted Federally in Drug and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
POCATELLO — A federal grand jury in Pocatello today returned a superseding indictment charging California residents Reynalda Estrada-Gutierrez, 37, of Bakersfield; Porfirio Gutierrez, 36, of Los Angeles; Araxy Suarez, 21, of Downey; and Raquel Rios, 23, and Angelina Nava, 31, both of Burley, Idaho, on six counts of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. All but Suarez were also charged with conspiring to launder money. Estrada-Gutierrez was additionally charged with unlawfully possessing a handgun.
The defendants were arrested on November 6, 2013; four are in custody on state charges. The indictment alleges that between April 19, 2013, and November 6, 2013, the defendants conspired to distribute and possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment also alleges that Estrada-Gutierrez, Rios, and Gutierrez collectively distributed methamphetamine on three occasions, and that Gutierrez, Suarez, and Nava possessed with the intent to deliver methamphetamine on the date of their arrest. Also between April 19 and November 6, 2013, all but Suarez are alleged to have conspired to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce and involving the proceeds of drug trafficking activities, with the intent to further the drug trafficking and to conceal the source of the money.
Federal drug trafficking charges are generally punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million, and three years of supervised release. Where the defendants are charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, they face a minimum term of ten years, up to life, in prison, a fine up to $10 million, and a minimum of five years supervised release. Money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $500,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Unlawful possession of a firearm is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. The government is seeking forfeiture of assets derived from and involved in the criminal conduct.
A trial is set for December 30, 2013, before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
The charges are the result of a joint investigation by the Minidoka and Cassia County Sheriffs’ Offices and Idaho State Police, with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Final of Five Defendants Enters Guilty Plea to Home Invasion Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – JAMES CLARK, Saint Louis, Missouri, entered his guilty plea today before the Honorable Catherine D. Perry. Clark pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Clark is the last of five defendants to plead guilty in connection with an April 2013 conspiracy in which the five men agreed to, among other things, arm themselves, make entry into a house located in south Saint Louis City and rob between 22 and 30 kilograms of cocaine from inside the residence.
In preparation for the robbery, Clark possessed a Glock make, Model 19, nine millimeter caliber pistol with an extended magazine loaded with 33 rounds of ammunition. Co-defendant Tray Ferguson armed himself with a Springfield Armory make, Model XD, .45 caliber pistol loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition; an additional .45 caliber magazine loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition; and a Glock make, Model 22, .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition. Co-defendant Ricky Turner possessed a Colt, Model Python, .357 caliber revolver; 15 rounds of ammunition; and a loaded Hi Point, Model C9, nine millimeter caliber pistol.
In addition to Clark’s guilty plea this morning, co-defendant TRAY FERGUSON, entered his guilty plea on July 31, 2013, to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Co-defendant Tramaine Ellis, pleaded guilty on October 10, 2013, to one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Co-defendant Ricky Turner, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on November 14, 2013. Co-defendant Ahmad Britton, entered his guilty plea on November 21, 2013, to distribution of more than 28 grams of cocaine base (crack); conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine and conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Each defendant faces maximum possible penalties ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment. Sentencing for each will occur in early 2014. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. Sentencings have been set as follows: Ferguson: December 18, 2013; Ellis: January 2, 2014; Britton: February 11, 2014; Turner: February 6, 2014; and Clark: March 4, 2014.
The guilty plea of each defendant comes as a result of the proactive investigation initiated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the Spring of 2013 to reduce violent crime within the City of Saint Louis.
Final Four Convicted in Operation Prison Cell Ordered to PrisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The final four people convicted in the large-scale racketeering case involving the McConnell Unit in Beeville have been ordered to federal prison, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Houston.
With the exception of Juan Ledezma, who was convicted following a two-day trial, 28 others pleaded guilty to varying counts of racketeering or other charges. Senior U.S. District Judge Hayden Head, who accepted the guilty pleas and presided over the trial, handed down the final sentences against all convicted in the case at hearings that concluded late yesterday.
“’Operation Prison Cell’ is a very appropriate name for this investigation in that it describes where those responsible for the corruption, trafficking and violence uncovered in this case will spend a considerable portion of the rest of their lives,” said Moskowitz. “Unfortunately, while we expect convicted criminals to act like criminals, we will not tolerate those entrusted to serve the public to do the same, and these sentences send an unmistakable message to both the corrupted and their corruptors that we will catch you and punish you for your crimes.”
Considered “facilitators” in the case, Melissa Lozano, 29, of San Antonio, was convicted on one count of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), while Craig Owens, 29, of Kileen, and Karla Sanchez, 26, of Houston, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. Yesterday, Lozano was ordered to serve 15 months in federal prison, and Owens and Sanchez received sentences of 60 and 24 months, respectively.
The remaining seven facilitators were sentenced last month. Yvonne Sandoval, 37, of Corpus Christi, Maria Fernanda Hidalgo, 32, of McAllen, and Lindsey Elaine Savage, 30, of Copperas Cove, were all also convicted of RICO and received sentences of 18 months, 12 months plus one day, and 38 months, respectively. The four others pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. Juanita Beltran Mendez, 50, of Bishop, will be on probation for five years, while Nancy Star Onega, 27, and Donna Sorise, 57, both of Hialeah, Fla., and Maria Rose Rodriguez, 35, of Alamo, will serve sentences of 60, 71 and 66 months, respectively.
Four others charged in the case – Aaron Trevino, 37, of Lockhart, Christopher Karl Owens, 33, of Killeen, Christopher Smith, 28, of Chester, and Ledezma, 40, of Brownsville – were considered “inmates” in the overall scheme and were at one time or another in TDCJ custody during the conspiracy. Owens was sentenced yesterday to serve a total of 151 months in prison for the RICO conviction. Trevino also pleaded guilty to the RICO count and received a total of 198 months in federal prison, while Smith entered a plea to money laundering and received time served, approximately 10 months of incarceration. Ledezma, who was found guilty by a Corpus Christi federal jury of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, will serve a total of 360 months in federal prison for the three counts of conviction.
The former McConnell Unit employees had already received their sentences. Former guards Stephanie Deming, 24, Lela Ysolde Hinojosa, 52, and Arturo Salas, 23, all of Beeville, Christy Nesloney, 27, of Cuero, James Randal Standlea, 25, of Mathis, Desiree Silguero, 43, of McAllen, Emmanuel Cotto, 32, of San Antonio, Megan Brook Morales, 24, of Bulverde, Lakeisha Jeanette Reid, 25, of Austin, Jaime Jorge Garza, 38, of Santa Elena, and Oscar Juraidini, 25, of Brownsville, were all convicted of one count of RICO as was contract mental health professional Kimberly Koenig, 32, of Victoria. Nesloney was previously sentenced to 28 months in federal prison, while Deming and Reid will respectively serve 27 and 24 months. Salas and Juraidini will each serve 22 months. Hinojosa and Morales each received 21-month terms of incarceration, while Garza will be in prison for 15 months. Silguero and Cotto will serve five months to be immediately followed by another five months on home confinement. Standlea and Koening will be on probation for three years.
Other McConnell Unit Guards Jamar Tremayne Green 30, of Refugio, Casey Simmons, 25, of Kenedy, and Justin Leonard, 24, of Cypress, were convicted of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute ecstasy, marijuana and cocaine, respectively. Simmons was sentenced to three years of probation, while Green and Leonard will serve five months in prison plus five months of home confinement.
There are still two fugitives in the case and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests.
The arrests came as a result of a joint effort between TDCJ-Office of Inspector General and federal authorities to attempt to break the “culture of corruption” that permeated the McConnell Unit Prison during a period between 2005 to the present. State and federal authorities worked together in a determined effort to disrupt and dismantle the violent criminal gangs who were profiting through the corruption of guards at the prison.
Correction officers assisted prisoners incarcerated in the TDCJ McConnell Unit Prison in Beeville by smuggling cellular telephones and drugs into the prison system. The drugs and phones were then sold inside the prison to other inmates. The phones were used by inmates to assist in their coordination of criminal activities outside the prison.
During Ledezma’s trial, the jury heard testimony that Ledezma acted as an intermediary between drug traffickers in south Texas and Mexico. He had connections to drug suppliers and, utilizing the illegally smuggled cell phones, coordinated with other prisoners to organize drug deals inside and outside the prison. Jurors heard that prisoners had made phone calls to Ledezma while in the McConnell Unit. In these calls, Ledezma agreed to help arrange for six pounds of methamphetamine to be purchased in Corpus Christi and distributed in Arkansas. The buyers of the methamphetamine were to pay more than $20,000 per pound of the drug.
The overall investigation was initiated in 2009 when several Aryan Circle Gang Members were apprehended attempting to transport stolen vehicles from Corpus Christi to Brownsville. The vehicles were destined to be smuggled across the border and sold to Mexico Cartel members. The operation was coordinated by inmates incarcerated at the McConnell Unit through the use of the illegal cell phones.
A subsequent investigation led to a December 2010 federal indictment charging 14 alleged members and associates of the Raza Unida Street and Prison Gang with committing violent acts to support racketeering (VICAR). These violent acts included home invasions, shootings and conspiracy to commit murder. During the course of the investigation, agents and officers seized approximately 13 pounds of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of more than $300,000. Additionally, seven assault rifles, 14 pistols, five shotguns, five bullet proof vests and approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition were seized from the gang. All were subsequently convicted, two of whom were sentenced to life imprisonment.
The overall case is the result of a four-year investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, TDCJ-Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Corpus Christi Police Department Gang and Organized Crime Units, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bee County District Attorney’s office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Patterson and Michael Hess.
Enfield Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for Selling Crack, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NATHAN SNAPE, 37, of Enfield, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2012, Enfield Police made three controlled purchases of crack cocaine from SNAPE. On January 10, 2013, SNAPE was arrested at his Enfield apartment, where he was found in possession of an additional quantity of crack.
At the time of the offense, SNAPE was serving a period of federal supervised release stemming from a previous conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In 2003, SNAPE was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. In 2011, he received an additional six months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
On June 27, 2013, SNAPE pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and he admitted to having violated the terms of his supervised release.
Judge Hall sentenced SNAPE to 24 months of imprisonment for the crack offense and a consecutive 18 months of imprisonment for violating his supervised release.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Enfield Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
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(203) 821-3722 [email protected]Eagle Butte Man Charged with LarcenyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury.
Torin DeWitt, age 25, was indicted on November 14, 2013, for Larceny. DeWitt appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 21, 2013, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, an additional 2 years of supervised release upon revocation, and a mandatory $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely accusations, and DeWitt is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The Indictment alleges that on September 30, 2012, October 23, 2013, and October 25, 2013, DeWitt stole 2 vehicles and monies not belonging to him.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
DeWitt was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has not been set.
Dubuque Man Sentenced to over Four Years' Imprisonment for Distribution of Cocaine Near A PlaygroundRead the Press Release
A Dubuque man who sold cocaine from his residence near a playground was sentenced November 25, 2013, to more than four years in federal prison.
Shannon Huntington, age 43, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 20, 2013, guilty plea to two counts of distribution of cocaine near a protected location and one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute near a protected location.
At the plea hearing, Huntington admitted he twice sold cocaine to law enforcement officers in January 2013 from his residence near Flat Iron Park in Dubuque. On January 18, 2013, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Huntington’s residence and found 396 grams of cocaine which Huntington intended to sell in Dubuque.
Huntington was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Huntington was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $300 was imposed. He must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Huntington is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force consisting of officers from the Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque County Sheriff=s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-CR-1006.
Denver Man Sentenced to 100 Years in Federal Prison for Advertising Child Pornography and Other Child Pornography Related CrimesRead the Press Release
DENVER – Richard Franklin, a.k.a “westfaliaimplant”, age 45 of Denver, Colorado, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Wiley Y. Daniel to serve 1200 months (100 years) in federal prison for advertising child pornography, receipt of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Today’s sentence, one of the longest child pornography sentences in Colorado history, essentially means the defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison. Judge Daniel also ordered Franklin to serve a lifetime of supervised release. The defendant, who appeared at the hearing in custody, was remanded.
Franklin was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on June 8, 2011. He was found guilty on August 27, 2013, following a seven-day jury trial. He was sentenced today, November 26, 2013.
According to court documents, as well as facts presented at trial, from May 11, 2009 and January 5, 2011, Franklin knowingly made, printed or published any notice or advertisement offering to receive, exchange or distribute child pornography to anyone who was a member of his online trading circle. Further, the defendant knowingly received and distributed child pornography using the Internet. Lastly, Franklin knowingly possessed images of child pornography.
In total, the defendant possessed multiple hard drives containing over 200,000 images of child pornography. Franklin used a file trading software to allow others to preview and browse his collection and to chat with fellow child pornography traders. Part of the trading of images was to encourage purveyors to produce new child pornography videos. As a result of this investigation, two young children, both under 12 years old, were rescued from their abusers.
When imposing sentence, the Court stated that the crimes of the defendant were “pernicious and evil” and “must be dealt with in the most severe way.”
“The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood continues to work aggressively to protect children from those who would exploit them,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh. “In cases such as this, we work diligently to punish those who provide these horrible images, with the goal of reducing both the availability and demand.”
“The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue those who prey on children, especially those who advertise, trade and/or produce child pornography,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Thomas Ravenelle. “Crimes of this nature threatened to destroy our most precious resource, offend every sensibility, and cannot be tolerated. The FBI and our partners will spare no expense or resource to bring them to justice.”
This case was investigate by the Denver and Phoenix Field Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Franklin was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Judith Smith and Alecia Riewerts Wolak.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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, PSC 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 PSC, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ For more information about Internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources."
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Defendant Sentenced to 5 Years’ Imprisonment for Exporting Stolen Luxury Cars Worth over $1 Million to AfricaRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Yasser Lawani was sentenced to 5 years in prison following his March 13, 2013, guilty plea to two separate criminal schemes: (1) conspiring to export to Africa luxury vehicles stolen from rental car companies and valued at more than $1 million, and (2) filing fraudulent federal tax returns that sought more than $200,000 from the federal government. The defendant had testified at the October 2013 trial of his brother, Thierno Lawani, who was convicted by a jury in the Eastern District of New York for his participation in the scheme to export stolen motor vehicles. Yasser Lawani’s sentence reflected the sentencing court’s judgment that he made false statements during his trial testimony. The sentence also included a term of supervised release of three years and an order that Lawani make restitution in the amount of $72,985 to his victims.
The sentence was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James T. Hayes, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York; and Shantelle P. Kitchen, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Criminal Investigation, New Jersey.
“The defendant devised and executed two brazen schemes that defrauded rental car companies and the U.S. government out of more than a million dollars and resulted in the theft of dozens of individuals’ identities, for the sole purpose of personal gain,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “In addition, the defendant lied under oath at a federal trial. The defendant’s fraud and deception have now earned him a new home in federal prison. Today’s sentencing sends a message to others who seek to profit from similar schemes and underscores the seriousness with which our justice system views the commission of perjury.” Ms. Lynch expressed her grateful appreciation to HSI and the IRS, and thanked the New York City Police Department, the Port Authority Police Department, and the Office of the Queens County District Attorney for their assistance.
Over a period of several months in 2012, the defendant and his brother used fraudulent Canadian driver’s licenses and fraudulent credit cards to rent and then steal luxury cars from a variety of rental car agencies, including the Hertz Corporation. The defendant and his brother then drove the stolen cars to a warehouse in Newark, New Jersey, where the cars were loaded into shipping containers bound for Africa. At least 35 cars were stolen during the course of the scheme. The defendant’s brother, Thierno Lawani, was convicted in October 2013 of conspiracy to export motor vehicles, attempted exportation of motor vehicles, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and false statements. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 28, 2013.
Between 2010 and 2012, the defendant filed 53 fraudulent federal income tax returns, each of which claimed a refund of taxes. In total, these fraudulent tax returns claimed in excess of $200,000 in refunds; the defendant actually received and stole $72,985 in connection with those returns. In filing the fraudulent returns, the defendant utilized the identities of 43 individuals.
Today’s sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Margo K. Brodie.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alixandra E. Smith.
The Defendant
YASSER LAWANI
Age: 30
Lindenwold, New Jersey / Cotonou, BeninEDNY Docket No. 13-CR-139 (MKB)
Dallas Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography Offenses Involving Prepubescent MinorRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Ulises Sandoval, 26, of Dallas, appeared this morning before U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade and pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of prepubescent child pornography. Sandoval, who is in custody, faces a statutory sentence of not less than 15 or more than 30 years in federal prison on the production count and a statutory maximum of 20 years in federal prison on the possession count. In addition, each count carries a maximum statutory fine of $250,000 and up to a lifetime of supervised release. Sentencing is set for March 5, 2014, before Judge Kinkeade. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.
According to the factual resume filed in the case, special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information that a person, later identified as Sandoval, was trading images of child pornography over email. They executed a search warrant at his home on September 25, 2013, and arrested him.
Sandoval admitted using his email address to join a website for the purpose of trading images and videos of child pornography, and he also admitted using email to meet individuals with a similar interest in child pornography to trade child pornography with them. He admitted taking photographs of “Jane Doe,” who was less than seven years old at the time, while he engaged in sexually explicit conduct with her, and then sharing those images with others.
Forensic analysis located images of child pornography on Sandoval’s laptop computer. Sandoval admitted that he had more than 2500 child pornography images and videos on his hard drive and some of those depicted sadistic and or violent conduct; 21 of the files depicted infants and toddlers.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative, which was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab “resources.”
The investigation is being conducted by ICE HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Camille Sparks is in charge of the prosecution.
DC Man Charged with Assaulting Prison GuardRead the Press Release
Elijah Francis, 43, of the District of Columbia was charged today by Indictment with assaulting a federal corrections officer at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia, on May 21, 2013, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison, five years supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yvonne Osirim.
Click here to view the indictment
An Indictment or Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525Computer Company Owner Sentenced to Prison, Ordered to Pay Restitution for Defrauding CustomersRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 30 months in jail and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $422,740.87 on his conviction of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Jeffrey Stephen Kodba, 32, of Erie, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Kodba was the President and owner/operator for JSK Computer Services and Asset Recovery. From in and around April 2006, to in and around June 2011, Kodba executed a scheme to defraud numerous customers out of approximately $422,740.87 by repeatedly shipping scrap metal and broken computer equipment to customers who ordered and paid for computer equipment that was represented by Kodba to be working and in good condition. When customers then requested refunds of the money they had wired to Kodba, he refused to return the victims’ money or send equipment which corresponded to the customers’ legitimate expectations.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone noted Kodba’s extensive criminal history and the significant impact on the victims.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kodba.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced for Providing A Gun to A FelonRead the Press Release
A man who provided a gun to a felon was sentenced November 25, 2013, to more than three years in federal prison.
Demetrius Hardiman, age 19, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 6, 2013, guilty plea to one count of transferring a firearm to a prohibited person.
At the plea hearing, Hardiman admitted that on May 8, 2013, he knowingly gave a gun to his brother, a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms. Cedar Rapids Police Officers encountered Hardiman and his brother at 1:15 a.m. and discovered that Hardiman=s brother, a felon, unlawfully possessed a cocked and loaded 9mm handgun. Hardiman told officers that he stole the gun the year before and had his brother carry the gun that night for protection. Hardiman had been breaking into unlocked cars that night and intended to use the gun if confronted by the cars’ owners.
Hardiman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Hardiman was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hardiman is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 13-0037.Casamero Lake, N.M., Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting a Person During a Home InvasionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Kirby Cleveland, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Casamero Lake, N.M., was sentenced this morning to two years in federal prison for his assault conviction. He will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Cleveland was arrested in July 2012, based on a criminal complaint and subsequently indicted and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and aggravated burglary. According to the criminal complaint, on May 14, 2012, Cleveland forcefully entered into a residence located on the Navajo Indian Reservation, armed with a baseball bat and assaulted a Navajo woman.
In July 2013, Cleveland pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and admitted assaulting the victim on May 14, 2012, at her family’s home. According to his plea agreement, Cleveland went to the victim’s home looking for individuals who had threatened him earlier in the day.
This case was investigated by the Crownpoint office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob Wishard and Novaline D. Wilson.
Career Bank Robber Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
In Waco this afternoon, 42-year-old Michael Harrison Mathews of Cedar Hill, TX, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for robbing a Hillsboro, TX, bank earlier this year and for being a career criminal announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent In Charge Armando Fernandez, San Antonio Division.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Walter S. Smith ordered that Mathews pay a $1,000 fine and be placed under supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.
On October 13, 2013, Mathews pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. By pleading guilty, Mathews admitted that on July 3, 2013, he robbed the Wells Fargo branch in Hillsboro, TX. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers subsequently arrested Mathews following a 25-mile high-speed chase on Interstate 35. At the time of Mathews’ arrest, authorities recovered approximately $730 stolen from the bank. Mathews’ criminal history revealed that since 2005, he was responsible for a total of nine bank robberies in the Dallas area, Waco, Austin and Houston.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Condron.
Bronx man indicted for use of fraudulent immigration documentRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Abdus Samad, 44, of Bronx, N.Y., with using a fraudulent immigration document. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Moscati, who is handling the case, stated that on August 22, 2013, Samad attempted to re-enter the United States from Canada at the Lewiston Bridge. The defendant presented a United States Passport which he obtained by making false statements in the application process. The Government alleges Samad failed to disclose his prior use of an alias in his initial asylum application with the Government.
The Indictment was the culmination of an investigation on the part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero and the United States Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Buffalo, New York Resident Agent in Charge Roy B. Stillman.
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.Birmingham Man Convicted in Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM -- A federal jury late Monday convicted a Birmingham man in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine between Birmingham and Austin, Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clay A. Morris.
Following a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor, the jury convicted ARTAVIS DESMOND McGOWAN, 40, of conspiring with DONALDO FIGUEROA CRUZ, 34, of Austin, Texas, and others, to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine in Jefferson County between August 2011 and October 2011.
Figueroa pleaded guilty in July to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and concealing $110,000 in a hidden compartment behind the bumper of a Lexus sedan in order to secret the money out of the country. Figueroa was sentenced Nov. 6 to 10 years in federal prison.
"McGowan and his conspirators are among the prime movers of illicit drugs into our community and they made hundreds of thousands of dollars selling it," Vance said. "These drugs devastate neighborhoods and fuel violent crime, so it is particularly important that we prosecute those like McGowan who are indifferent to the shattered lives they leave behind when they profiteer off of dangerous drugs," she said."The DEA and the U.S. Attorney's Office, along with our state and local counterparts, worked tirelessly during the investigation of Artavis McGowan," Morris said. "Our partnership with the law enforcement community in Birmingham is dedicated to making our community safer and taking dangerous criminals off the streets of Alabama."
On Oct. 5, 2011, DEA agents seized six bricks of cocaine and other drugs from a home located at 1156 Skyline Drive in Birmingham. Also seized from the house was $341,679 cash. McGowan and his confederates used the home as a "stash" house to remove cocaine from drug "load" vehicles driven from Austin to Birmingham. The basement of the home also was used to process drugs and money, according to evidence at trial.
Evidence further showed that McGowan's fingerprints were found on two of the 46 kilogram wrappers found in the trash in the basement of the Skyline Drive home. In May of this year, DEA agents executed a search warrant at 108 Page Ave. in Birmingham where they found McGowan with more than $61,000 cash.
McGowan is scheduled for sentencing Feb. 25. He faces a sentence of 20 years to life in prison.
The DEA investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory R. Dimler prosecuted.Alien Smuggler SentencedRead the Press Release
Defendant Who Transported Illegal Alien Sentenced to Two Years Supervised Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK –TRUDIAN SIMMONDS, age 31, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to “time served” (7 days) and five months of home detention for transporting an illegal alien within the United States by United States District Court Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Wade Laughman, Patrol Agent-in-Charge, United States Border Patrol. Simmonds, who was found guilty on May 22, 2013 following a three-day jury trial, will serve the five months of home detention during two years of supervised release.
On August 9, 2012, Simmonds entered the United States alone from Canada at the Massena Port of Entry and then drove to a parking lot on the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation where she picked up a Jamaican citizen who had illegally entered the United States from Canada earlier that day. Simmonds was transporting the man away from the border area when she was stopped and arrested by Border Patrol agents.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol, Massena, New York.
Algonquin Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — An Algonquin, Ill. man pleaded guilty today in federal court before U.S. District Court Judge Philip G. Reinhard to possessing child pornography that had crossed state lines. JOHN CARLSON, 38, admitted that in August 2011 he possessed images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Carlson’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 9, 2014, at 11:00 a.m.
Carlson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment of at least 5 years and up to life, and a fine of up to $250,000. The Court must impose a reasonable sentence guided by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The sentencing was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert J. Holley, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Algonquin Police Department assisted in the investigation.
The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Love.
Plea Agreement
Alamogordo Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Bank in Hatch, N.M., in October 2012Read the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Kenneth Morral, 32, of Alamogordo, N.M., was sentenced this morning to 100 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for robbing the First New Mexico Bank in Hatch, N.M., on Oct. 19, 2012.
Court filings reflect that the First New Mexico Bank was robbed on Oct. 19, 2012, by two men who approached two bank tellers and verbally demanded money. After obtaining money from the bank tellers, the men drove away in a grey colored vehicle. On Oct. 21, 2012, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported to the FBI the discovery of an abandoned car that matched the description of the getaway car. The FBI found evidence in the vicinity of the vehicle linking it to the bank robbery and a check of the vehicle’s VIN led investigators to Ricky J. Garcia, 49, of Los Lunas, N.M. Garcia was arrested on Oct. 22, 2012, after sources identified him as one of the men who perpetrated the bank robbery. Garcia pleaded guilty to bank robbery on Jan. 15, 2013.
Morral was identified as the other bank robber by a source on Oct. 25, 2012, and was arrested in Gallup, N.M., by the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 14, 2012. Morral pleaded guilty to a bank robbery charge on May 15, 2013.
Jacleen Lorraine Henderson, 30, of Los Lunas, assisted Garcia and Morral in the aftermath of the bank robbery awhen Garcia’s vehicle broke down by arranging for them to be picked up and by using proceeds of the bank robbery to purchase a vehicle and other items. Henderson was arrested on Nov. 1, 2012, and charged with being an accessory after the fact. She pleaded guilty to that charge on Jan. 29, 2013, and was sentenced on July 23, 2013, to 15 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luis A. Martinez and E. Garreth Winstead of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office, and investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and the Hatch Police Department with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office.
25 November 2013
church photographer sentenced to multiple life sentences for sexual exploitation of childrenRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul announced today that Daryl Vonneida, 63, of Dix, N.Y., who was convicted by a jury of 14 counts related to the sexual exploitation of children, including production of child pornography, transporting minors in interstate commerce for illegal sexual activity and possession of child pornography, was sentenced to life in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa J. Miller, who handled the case, stated that the defendant was sentenced life in prison on each of the counts of production of child pornography and transportation. Judge Siragusa also sentenced the defendant to 20 years on each of the possession of child pornography counts, all to be served concurrently.
“This case sends a clear message that if you victimize a child, you could spend the rest of your life behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “It also reminds all of us that child predators can include persons who work in positions of trust, and that we must continue to be vigilant with respect to those who interact with our children.”
Vonneida was charged after two minor children came forward with allegations of abuse by the defendant. Members of the New York State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at the defendant's residence in September 2011 and recovered videos produced by Vonneida in which he coerced four children to engage in sexually explicit conduct. The defendant admitted to producing the videos and to taking the children to Hershey Park, PA and Splash Lagoon in Erie, PA.
Evidence presented by the Government at trial showed that the defendant used his position as a volunteer photographer at a church in Horseheads to gain the trust of the parents and the victims.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian P. Boetig, and members of the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Mark Koss.
For more information, the public is encouraged to visit the following websites, which contain helpful information about protecting children from exploitation and abduction:
NY Sex Offender Registry http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/nsor/
DOJ National Sex Offender Public Website http://www.nsopw.gov/
What you can do to protect your child (NCJRS) https://www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/psc_english_02/intro.html
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Department of Justice
OJJDP Publications?Child Protection http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/pubs/missing.htmlNational Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) http://www.missingkids.com
NCMEC’s website to teach children about dangers on the Internet http://www.netsmartz.org
The Federal Bureau of Investigation?s Crime Against Children Program webpage http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/crimesmain.htm
Woonsocket Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Eddie Carrasquillo, 29, of Woonsocket, was sentenced on Friday to 121 months in federal prison for trafficking cocaine and maintaining a drug related property, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New England Field Division, and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas S. Carey.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith also ordered Carrasquillo to serve seven years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Carrasquillo pleaded guilty on May 16, 2013, as charged in a federal indictment returned in February 2013, to one count each of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine and maintaining a drug related premises.
As a result of the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately one kilogram of cocaine, $409,120 in cash and a 2007 Honda vehicle.
According to information provided to the court, in January 2013, the Woonsocket Police Department’s Vice Unit received information and complaints about a suspected drug-house operating in a residential neighborhood near downtown Woonsocket. Area residents complained of a steady stream of vehicle traffic and visitors to and from the residence. In response, on January 9, 2013, Woonsocket Police and R.I. DEA Drug Task Force agents began a surveillance of the residence, and they recovered discarded items from the building’s trash that were consistent with items used in the preparation and distribution of drugs.
According to information provided to the court, on January 10, 2013, A Rhode Island State Police trooper stopped a vehicle shortly after it left the suspected drug-house. Inside the vehicle, the trooper discovered more than $78,000 in cash and a drug hide.
About 90 minutes later, Woonsocket Police attempted to stop a second vehicle which was seen arriving and leaving from the suspected drug-house. After stopping briefly, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed but was stopped a short time later. Officers located and recovered a digital scale, a kilo of cocaine weighing 6.2 pounds, and a quantity of crack cocaine that had been tossed from the vehicle. The driver, Paul Noriega, 27, of Warwick was arrested.
Noriega, who has been detained since his arrest, pleaded guilty on March 8, 2013, in U.S. District Court, to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13, 2013.
According to information presented to the court, a short time after Noriega’s vehicle was stopped, Carrasquillo was detained after leaving the drug-house, which was also his residence, in his 2007 Honda. A court authorized search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of $176,575 in cash found stashed in a laundry bag and two empty kilogram wrappers, which later tested positive for the presence of cocaine. A court authorized search of a bank safety deposit box in the name of Carrasquillo and a woman with whom he lived, resulted in the seizure of $154,520 in cash.
Carrasquillo has been detained since his arrest.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Valley Grove Man Gets 72 Months for Prescription Pill TraffickingRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-7725 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistFollow us on Twitter @NDWVnews
Marshall County Resident Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a Handgun
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld, II, announced that JAMES W. FERGUSON, age 38, of Valley Grove, West Virginia, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release for “Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone” in the Wheeling area from late 2011 to May 18, 2012. FERGUSON served as a redistributor of painkillers for the leader of a drug trafficking organization based in Wheeling. The investigation leading to the charges included extensive surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, executions of search warrants, and seizures of narcotics, automobiles, and United States Currency.
FERGUSON, who was sentenced by District Court Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard and investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, consisting of officers from the Wheeling Police Department, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department, West Virginia State Police-BCI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
A Marshall County man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the illegal possession of a firearm after an argument at a business in Glen Dale. JOHN CHARLES MYERS, age 50, of Glen Dale, West Virginia, was sentenced by Chief District Court Judge John Preston Bailey to 18 months in prison and two years of supervised release. MYERS was convicted after a two day jury trial of “Possession of a Firearm while under a Domestic Violence Protection Order.”
The offense occurred on April 7, 2012, when MYERS got into an argument with patrons at the Rainbow Inn in Glen Dale and then vowed to return with a gun. MYERS left the area and retrieved a loaded 9 millimeter Taurus pistol from his home and then returned to the bar.
Police arrived shortly thereafter and found the pistol and a loaded magazine to be in the possession of MYERS along with a small amount of marijuana. Further investigation revealed that MYERS was subject to a 100-year family violence protective order. MYERS, who is free on bond, will self-report to the designated Federal institution on January 23, 2014.
SCOTT P. CORKRAN, JR., age 25, of Triadelphia, West Virginia, was sentenced by Judge Bailey to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release for “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” The court also ordered the forfeiture of two firearms and ammunition. CORKRAN was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution.The MYERS and CORKRAN cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Perri and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Glen Dale Police Department.
JAMES A. ACCONCIA, JR., age 48, of Newell, West Virginia, was sentenced by Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. to 28 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and JAMES A. ACCONICA, III, age 26, of Weirton, West Virginia, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and three years of supervised release for the “Distribution of Heroin.” Both were remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin and was investigated by the the Hancock/Brooke/Weirton Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, consisting of officers from the Weirton Police Department, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
United States Attorney's Office Announces School Outreach Program to Reduce Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, announces the kick-off of another year for the United States Attorney Office’s school outreach program to reduce gun violence. The effort, part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative to reduce gun and gang crime in America, has already reached almost 2,000 middle and high school students so far, just this school year. As part of the initiative, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Middle District of Florida have made presentations to students and staff in Columbia, Duval and Flagler counties.
“It is important that we educate our youth and communities about the dangers and long-term impact of gun violence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lee Bentley. “A single injury or death creates victims far beyond that one individual. It can, and does, have an effect on an entire community. We are committed to being a partner in helping our communities reduce these types of devastating crimes.”
The outreach program focuses on the impact of gun violence in our communities and provides students with common sense steps that they can take to stay safe and out of trouble. Anyone interested in scheduling a presentation or receiving more information about the program is encouraged to contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (904) 301-6301.
Two South Texas Men Convicted of Trafficking Methamphetamine in HoustonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Two men from the South Texas area have pleaded guilty to trafficking approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine in Houston in May 2013, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Roberto Carlos Garza, 23, and Alexander Chavez, 34, both of Rio Grande City, each pleaded guilty earlier today to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes.
At the hearing, both Garza and Chavez admitted to having set up a methamphetamine transaction between themselves and other persons on May 17, 2013, for approximately 22 pounds of methamphetamine at a price of $15,000 per pound. The following day, Garza and Chavez each agreed to bring the drugs to a parking lot near the Houstonian Hotel in Houston and deliver it to another person.
At approximately 12:58 p.m. on May 18, 2013, agents observed a gray Honda CR-V arrive at the location driven by Chavez with Garza riding as a passenger. Shortly after arrival, and while they were still in the vehicle, agents attempted to take Garza and Chavez into custody. Identifying themselves as law enforcement officers and wearing law enforcement identification, agents ordered them out of the vehicle. Chavez attempted to flee, driving in reverse and striking another vehicle, then driving forward and accelerating rapidly towards two agents who were on foot.
Fearing for his life, one of the agents fired two rounds from his service weapon toward Chavez while attempting to move out of the way and avoid being hit. The agent believed Chavez was attempting to run him over and had no choice but to fire his weapon toward the vehicle to avoid being run over and possibly killed. The rounds appeared to strike Chavez, and the CR-V veered to the side, struck two other vehicles and came to a stop.
Garza was then taken into custody and Chavez was treated at the scene until an ambulance arrived and transported him to a hospital for treatment. Agents subsequently seized three plastic containers containing methamphetamine from the rear area of the Honda CR-V. The methamphetamine had a net weight of 4.946 kilograms, was 90.1% pure and had been imported into the United States from Mexico.
Judge Hughes has set sentencing for Feb. 25, 2013, at which time they each face at least 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine. They have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Houston Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arthur R. Jones.
Two Florida Residents Sentenced on Bribery ChargesRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-7725 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistFollow us on Twitter @NDWVnews
CLARKSBURG, WV – Two Palm Bay, Florida, residents were sentenced to federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Irene M. Keeley on corruption charges.
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that JASON NOEL SQUIRES, age 28, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release and NIKOLE MONIQUE WATKINS, age 24, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. SQUIRES and WATKINS were sent to prison as a result of both being convicted of the felony offense of “Conspiracy to Commit Bribery of a Public Official and Bribery of a Public Official.”
SQUIRES, a correctional officer at FCI Gilmer, admitted that between January 1, 2012, and August 14, 2012, he smuggled tobacco into the prison on multiple occasions. SQUIRES then provided the tobacco to inmates and in exchange, the inmates arranged to have contacts outside of the prison send money to WATKINS, who was the girlfriend of SQUIRES, via Western Union and Postal money grams. WATKINS was aware that SQUIRES was smuggling contraband to inmates. SQUIRES and WATKINS received approximately $40,000 for the tobacco that SQUIRES smuggled into the prison, for which the Court ordered restitution to be made.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Flower and investigated by the United States Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Special Investigative Services Unit at FCI Gilmer.
If members of the public have information regarding corruption in their community they are encouraged to call the West Virginia Public Corruption Hotline at 855-WVA-FEDS (855-982-3337), or to send an email to [email protected]. All tips received by the hotline will be reviewed by a state or federal agency and then a determination will be made if a full investigation is warranted. Callers may choose to remain anonymous.
Two Experienced U.S. Attorney’s Office Employees to RetireRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama - Kent Brunson, an Assistant United States Attorney since 1978 and Bertha Moore, a legal assistant since 1979 are retiring from the U.S. Attorney’s Office this week. Brunson and Moore have been with the Department of Justice for a combined total of nearly 70 years.
Kent Brunson began his career with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1978. Brunson spent ten years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney before being promoted to the Deputy Criminal Chief in 1988 where he served until 1990. In 1990, Brunson returned to prosecuting cases as an Assistant U.S. Attorney until 2011 when U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. requested Brunson serve as Beck’s Senior Litigation Counsel. Brunson served in such capacity until this year when U.S. Attorney Beck called on Brunson to be his First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Brunson has served as the First Assistant until his retirement.
Bertha Moore began her career in 1979 as a legal clerk with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. She served as such until 1984 when she became a legal technician. In 1987, Moore was again promoted to the position of paralegal assistant and in 1995 Moore became a paralegal specialist. In 2005, Leura Canary, who was U.S. Attorney at the time, chose Moore to be her executive assistant. When George Beck was appointed U.S. Attorney in 2010, Mr. Beck asked Moore to continue in the executive assistant position. Mrs. Moore agreed and she remained the executive assistant to the U.S. Attorney until her retirement.
Both Mr. Brunson and Mrs. Moore have served under five U.S. Attorneys and received numerous awards from the Department of Justice. Their institutional knowledge and experience can never be replaced. Not only has the U.S. Attorney’s Office lost two crucial employees, but due to Sequestration, the U.S. Attorney’s Office cannot hire replacements.
“It has been an honor to serve the Middle District of Alabama as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for so many years,” stated Kent Brunson. “This career has been very fulfilling, but I am looking forward to opening another chapter in my life full of hunting and fishing.”
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve my Government and the people of this district for so long,” stated Bertha Moore. “This office has provided me with an extended family that I will always cherish and fond memories to take home with me, but it is time that I begin the next phase of my life.”
“Kent Brunson has been a close friend of mine for nearly 40 years,” stated George L. Beck, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. “I hate to see him leave this office both from a personal and professional standpoint. Kent has been an asset to this office and has personally helped me throughout my tenure as the U.S. Attorney. His absence will leave a large void in the office. I have only known Bertha for two years, but her help to me and the office is immeasurable. She is professional, efficient and gracious. Her knowledge of and experience in the Department of Justice has enhanced the way this office has run for the last 34 years. She will be missed.”
Mr. Brunson and Mrs. Moore’s will remain at the U.S. Attorney’s Office through the end of November.
PRESS CONTACT: Clark Morris
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (334) 551-1755
Fax: (334) 223-7617Two Defendants Sentenced in $28.5 Million Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - Two defendants convicted for their roles in a $28 million drug trafficking conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Sentenced today were: Victor Hernandez-Delgado, 60, Kansas City, Mo., who was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison.
Jorge Cisneros-Saucedo, 41, Kansas City, Kan., who was sentenced to 120 months.Both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. In their pleas, they admitted they were part of a drug trafficking organization that in October 2010 became the target of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Investigators worked to identify both suppliers and customers of co-defendant Djuane Sykes. As the investigation broadened, it came to include the distribution of more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.
The investigation yielded the seizure and forfeiture of more than $2 million in cash, 194 firearms, 29 vehicles, 26 kilograms of cocaine and three kilograms of crack.
In their pleas, the defendants admitted that Cisneros-Saucedo supplied drugs to Hernandez-Delgado. On Aug. 21, 2011, investigators intercepted a call between the two men in which they discussed the fact Cisneros-Saucedo had only nine ounces of cocaine left. On Aug. 23, 20011, investigators intercepted a call in which the two men arranged to meet for a drug deal.
In addition, investigators intercepted calls in which Cisneros-Saucedo:
- Asked another co-defendant if he could provide him with 1.5 kilograms of cocaine.
- Asked another co-defendant if he could “get me a half a pig,” meaning half a kilogram of cocaine.
- Told another co-defendant how he had changed telephone numbers about 10 times, which was a method of avoiding detection by law enforcement.
- Talked to another co-defendant about the fact a female courier was transporting 997 grams of cocaine on a Los Paisanos commuter bus. Law enforcement officers stopped the bus and seized the drugs.
- Received cocaine delivered to his home.
Co-defendants include: Martin Munoz-Rodriguez, who was sentenced to 168 months.
Lucinda Scott, who was sentenced to 120 months.
Jesse Trevino, who was sentenced to 70 months.
Eduardo Perez-Alcala, who is awaiting sentencing.
Hector Aguilera, who is awaiting sentencing.
Gerardo Flores-Avila, who is awaiting sentencing.
Juan Rudolfo Martinez-Bejarano, who is awaiting sentencing.
Juana Perez-Alcala, who is awaiting sentencing.
Djuane E. Sykes, who is awaiting sentencing.
Juan Flores, who is awaiting sentencing.
Jorge Reyes, who is set for sentencing Dec. 3.
Luis Felipe Cruz, who is awaiting sentencing.
Javier Limas-Carmona, who is set to resume jury trial Dec. 2.
Adriana Fierro-Decarlos, who is awaiting sentencing.
Nolberto Garcia, who is set for jury trial March 3.
Thomas Seth Harris, who is set to resume jury trial Dec. 2.
Robert Vasquez, who is set to resume jury trial Dec. 2.
Omar Flaco, who is awaiting sentencing.
Jesus Barrera-Barron, who is set for sentencing Dec. 10.
Hiram Martinez-Bejarano, who is set for sentencing Dec. 10.
Alfredo Marquez, who is set for sentencing Dec. 17.
Ildefonso Guevara-Quintana, who is awaiting sentencing.
Jose Juan Rojas-Rosario, who is set for sentencing Dec. 6.
Ralph Mayo, who is awaiting sentencing.
James Stallings, who is set for sentencing Dec. 9.
Ataven Tatum, who is set for sentencing Jan. 7.
Marvin Lee Ellis, who is set to resume jury trial Dec. 2.
Julius Smith, who is awaiting sentencing.
Juvon Smith, who is awaiting sentencing.
Richard Kirkendoll, who is awaiting sentencing.
John Doran, who is awaiting sentencing.
Vernon Brown, who is set to resume jury trial for trial Dec. 2.
Riko Carter, who is awaiting sentencing.
Kyle Stephen, who is set to resume jury trial Dec. 2.
Carlos Gilchrist, who is set for sentencing Dec. 10.
Armando Martinez, who is set for sentencing Dec. 6.
Ralph McKinney, who is set for sentencing Dec. 6.
Lazaro Garciga, who is set for sentencing Dec. 3.
Tohima Corralez, who is awaiting sentencing.
Delfino Hernandez-Martinez, who is awaiting sentencing.
Francisco Javier Lozoya-Renteria, who is awaiting sentencing.
Theoplis L. Ellis, who is set for sentencing Dec. 9.
Luis Anselmo Ortega-Flores, who is awaiting sentencing.Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead for their work on the case.
Three Individuals in Southern District of Texas to Receive Attorney General AwardRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Attorney General Eric Holder announced today that 270 Justice Department employees and 53 individuals, including one former and two current Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Southern District of Texas, will receive an Attorney General Award. These annual awards recognize department employees and other individuals for their dedication to carrying out the Department of Justice’s mission.
“Despite significant challenges, evolving threats, and unprecedented budgetary difficulties, these dedicated employees have exemplified the very best of what it means to serve the American people,” said Holder. “Over the past year, each of them has gone above and beyond the call of duty to carry out the Justice Department’s critical mission and protect our fellow citizens. Some of these remarkable men and women have placed their own lives at great risk in order to save others. All of these employees and their families have made tremendous sacrifices in the name of public service. I am proud, and humbled, to count them as colleagues. And I congratulate them on this prestigious and well-deserved recognition.”
AUSAs Jason Varnado and Kristine Rollinson and former AUSA Gregg Costa (now a U.S. District Judge in the Southern District of Texas) will be honored with the John Marshall Award for Trial of Litigation.
“The prosecution efforts demonstrated by these three AUSAs exemplified the highest standards that all attorneys in the Department of Justice attempt to achieve,” said United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. “It is a true demonstration of the high quality work of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
TheJohn Marshall Awards are the Department of Justice’s highest awards offered to attorneys, for contributions and excellence in specialized areas of legal performance.
The John Marshall Award for Trial of Litigation is being presented to Varnado, Rollinson and Costa from the Southern District of Texas along with a team of attorneys from the Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia for the successful prosecution of Allen Stanford, a perpetrator of one of the largest white collar crimes in history. The tenacity and skill of this team of attorneys directly led to a 110-year prison conviction for devastating the lives of more than 30,000 victims in a fraudulent scheme that cost the perpetrator’s investors more than $7 billion in losses. Over the course of two hard-fought jury trials, this team’s work ethic and meticulous attention to detail proved successful in finding justice for these victims.
Also being honored in this case are Trial Attorney Andrew H. Warren and Deputy Chiefs Jeffrey A. Goldbergand William J. Stellmach of the Fraud Section of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division as well as Kondi Kleinman, AUSA in the District of Columbia and former Trial Attorney for the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section.
Three Detained on Federal Charges in Alleged Arson-for-Hire SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Three individuals have been charged in federal court in Providence and are detained for allegedly conspiring and setting fire to an occupied multi-family dwelling in Providence in an alleged arson-for-profit scheme, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Divisionof the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven M. Paré.
A federal indictment returned today charges Abraham Kerkula, 20, of Providence, and Gbabia Kollie, 27, of Johnston City, Tenn., with one count each of conspiracy to commit arson and arson affecting interstate commerce. A third defendant, Nakele Freeman, 19, of Providence, is detained in federal custody on an information filed with the court on December 9, 2013, charging him with one count each of conspiracy to commit arson and arson affecting interstate commerce. It is alleged that the three conspired and set fire to an occupied dwelling at 31-33 Ida Street in Providence, in the early morning hours of November 2, 2013.
Freeman and Kerkula were arrested on federal criminal complaints on November 15, 2013, and ordered detained by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond. Gbabia Kollie, who was removed from an outbound international flight leaving Atlanta for Liberia and arrested by ATF agents on December 5, 2013, was ordered detained by a U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge in Atlanta. Kollie will be transported back to Rhode Island for prosecution.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, it is alleged that on November 1, 2013, Freeman asked Kerkula to give him a ride to a location where he, Freeman, was going to set fire to a building for “a lot of money.” Freeman and Kerkula allegedly traveled together to at least two retail outlets where Freeman allegedly purchased several items, including a five-gallon gasoline storage container and gloves. They allegedly also traveled together to a local supermarket where Freeman allegedly filled the storage container with gasoline.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, it is alleged that just after midnight, while Freeman was engaged in a series of telephone conversations with another individual, Kerkula and Freeman located and drove past the targeted property several times. A short time later, Kerkula allegedly drove back to the targeted property where Freeman allegedly removed the gasoline and other items from the vehicle and entered the property using keys he and Kerkula had retrieved earlier in the day.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, it is alleged that Freeman entered a vacant third floor apartment where he spread gasoline, and a fire ignited. Freeman fled the building and returned to the vehicle at a pre-determined location on a nearby side street. Once in the vehicle it is alleged that Freeman stated to Kerkula that the fire had not gone as planned.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, it is alleged that Kollie arranged with Freeman to set fire to building in return for a payment of $7,000. It is alleged that Kollie was the person with whom Freeman had several telephone conversations while in the vehicle with Kerkula.
The investigation into the circumstances leading up to the fire and into the fire by ATF and the Providence Fire Department’s Fire Inspection Office is continuing.An indictment and a criminal complaint are merely allegations and are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Conspiracy to commit arson and arson affecting interstate commerce are punishable by a statutory penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland.To assist the media and the public, a glossary of federal judicial terms and procedures is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/justice101/
Contact: 401-709-5357
[email protected]Tax Defier, Former NFL Player Convicted of Filing Fraudulent Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Gregory P. Boyd faces up to nine years in federal prison after a jury in Austin convicted him last week of filing income tax returns that did not accurately reflect his income, announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Special Agent In Charge Steve McCullough.
Last Thursday, jurors convicted Boyd of three counts of filing fraudulent income tax returns. Evidence and testimony presented during trial revealed that Boyd knowingly filed false income tax returns for 2004, 2005 and 2006. On each tax return, Boyd declared that he received zero income when in fact, he received roughly $180,000 in 2004, about $390,000 in 2005, and approximately $225,000 in 2006. The parties stipulated that Boyd owed income tax in the amount of $26,688 for 2004, at least $102,237 for 2005, and $49,155 for 2006.
Evidence at trial revealed that Boyd had not paid income taxes on any of the years 2004 through 2011. Boyd, who played football at the University of Arizona and then played in the NFL during the 1973 and 1974 seasons, worked in the field of real estate development during 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Boyd testified during the trial that he believed his tax returns were true and complied with the law, based on ideas he learned from the book “Cracking the Code” by Peter Eric Hendrickson. Hendrickson appeared at trial in Austin last week and testified as a witness for the defense. Boyd specifically testified that he believed, based on Hendrickson’s book, that the income tax applies only to the income of federal government employees and federal government contractors, as well as income derived from investments in federal government securities.
“Tax crimes cheat not only the government, but also every honest citizen who follows the rules and meets his or her obligations. We owe it to these citizens to bring justice to those who willfully break the tax laws,” stated U.S. Attorney Robert Pitman.
Boyd remains on a $25,000 unsecured bond pending sentencing scheduled for 9:00am on February 10, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks in Austin.
“Taxpayers need to be aware that frivolous tax arguments and schemes can land them in prison. All of these arguments have been repeatedly defeated in our courts, to include the Supreme Court. Mr. Boyd found out the hard way that Juries understand that we all must pay our taxes to keep our society free and functioning,” stated Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Special Agent In Charge Steve McCullough.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan Buie.
Task Force Investigation Leads to Indictment of Four Individuals on Heroin ChargesRead the Press Release
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CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that an investigation by the Greater Harrison County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force has led to a federal indictment of four individuals for heroin trafficking.
TRAYVON TERELL SNOE, age 22, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; MEGAN LEE GRAEBER, age 28, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; CRYSTAL DAWN ROTH, age 31, of Meadowbrook, West Virginia; and, SAMANTA COTTRILL, age 22, of Hepzibah, West Virginia, were named in a five-count Indictment charging each with “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin” from August of 2013 to October 29, 2013, in the Harrison County area.
SNOE and GRAEBER each face a total of four counts; ROTH faces a total of three counts; and, COTTRILL faces two counts.
In addition to the conspiracy charge, other charges include “Distribution of Heroin,” “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of Pierpont Community and Technical College” and “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is seeking to forfeit $2,104 that was seized on October 29, 2013. Said currency is alleged to be proceeds obtained from the illegal activity.
The defendants each face up to twenty years in prison on the conspiracy, distribution and possession with intent to distribute charges and up to forty years in prison on the protected location charge.
The case was investigated by the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force consists of officers from the Bridgeport Police Department; Clarksburg Police Department; Drug Enforcement Administration; West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service; and, the United States Marshals Service. The case will be prosecuted by Criminal Chief Shawn A. Morgan.All of the charges contained in the above-referenced indictment are merely accusations and not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Sabine SettlementRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Walt Green and Louisiana State Attorney General James “Buddy” Caldwell announced today that the United States and the State of Louisiana have reached a civil settlement with defendants, SABINE OPTICAL LABORATORIES, INC. d/b/a THE VISION CENTER (“SABINE”), DR. CARL CARNAGGIO, SR., DR. CARL CARNAGGIO, JR. and LORI CARNAGGIO (collectively “SABINE DEFENDANTS”) and Cypress Optical Laboratory, LLC, a SABINE-affiliated company. According to the terms of the settlement, SABINE paid $1,200,000 to the United States and the State of Louisiana, $819,960 of which constitutes the federal share and $380,040 of which constitutes the state share of costs reimbursed to the Medicaid program, which is a Federal-State matching entitlement program providing medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources.
The settlement concludes a two-and-a-half-year investigation into a major health care fraud “whistle blower” or “qui tam” law suit filed in March 2011 by a former SABINE employee under the qui tam provision of the Federal and State False Claims Acts. This provision allows a private person, known as a “relator,” who has information concerning the submission of false or fraudulent claims to government programs such as Medicaid, to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the United States and the State of Louisiana and receive a portion (between 15-25 percent) of any recovered damages. The lawsuit remains under seal during the investigation until the Court orders otherwise.
The settlement resolves allegations that from August 2005 through April 30, 2012, the SABINE DEFENDANTS violated the Federal and State False Claims Acts (and unlawfully enriched themselves) by improperly billing Medicaid for services performed by an unauthorized provider using the Medicaid provider number of another provider, for adjustment and dispensing services that were never performed, for worthless services due to an excessive number of Medicaid patients being seen in one day, and for lenses that were never made.
In September 2012, the Court ordered a partial lift of the seal enabling the United States, the State of Louisiana, and the SABINE DEFENDANTS to engage in extensive discussions and negotiations which ultimately led to the signing of the Settlement Agreement. The SABINE DEFENDANTS fully cooperated during all stages of the process. The Settlement Agreement is neither an admission of liability by the SABINE DEFENDANTS nor a concession by the United States or the State of Louisiana regarding the merits of the claims. Also, in accord with the terms of the Settlement Agreement, the qui tam lawsuit has been dismissed with prejudice as to the Relator and the State of Louisiana, with prejudice as to the United States as to those elements that are coextensive with the Covered Conduct identified in the Settlement Agreement, but without prejudice as to the United States as to any conduct that falls outside the scope of the Covered Conduct.
Acting United States Attorney Walt Green stated, “Our office has made fighting health care fraud a top priority in this district, through criminal and civil prosecutions against those who violated federal health care laws. This case demonstrates our steadfast commitment to this mission. By using available federal civil remedies such as the False Claims Act—the particular remedy used in this case—we not only recover millions of dollars from those who have unlawfully enriched themselves at the expense of our nation’s taxpayers, but we send a clear and strong message to would-be fraudsters and those who would seek to play fast and loose with this nation’s health care laws and programs that we will not allow them to profit from their unlawful and fraudulent schemes.”
Attorney General Buddy Caldwell said, “This case serves as a successful example of ensuring that those who attempt to abuse our Medicaid program reap the consequences of their actions. We’re pleased that hundreds of thousands of dollars will be returned to Louisiana’s Medicaid fund and pay for programs that serve some of our most vulnerable citizens.” Caldwell added, “In addition to protecting Medicaid and Louisiana taxpayers, we are committed to sustaining a pro-business environment where those who cheat do not profit at our citizens’ expense, or at the expense of businesses that play fair.”
The investigation of the “whistle blower” or “qui tam” lawsuit was conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, headed by Assistant United States Attorney, James L. Nelson, who serves as the office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement and Civil Health Care Fraud Coordinator, with the assistance of Celia Bailey, the office’s Health Care Fraud Paralegal Specialist, and Michelle Martin, the office’s ACE Investigator; the Louisiana Department of Justice Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), headed by Assistant Attorney General Nick Diez, with the assistance of MFCU Investigator Virginia Brandt; and the Baton Rouge Office of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, headed by now-retired by Bill Root, Resident-Agent-in-Charge (RAC) and presently by RAC Barbara Alleman, with the assistance of OIG Investigator Michele Louviere.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 5 1/2 Years in Prison for Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell today sentenced Laquan Bell (23, Reading, Pennsylvania) to five and a half years in federal prison for credit card fraud. Bell pleaded guilty on July 22, 2013.
According to court documents, earlier this year, Bell led other co-conspirators in the theft of credit card numbers and means of identification of more than 400 persons, in central Florida. Specifically, Bell travelled to Florida from his home in the Northeast and recruited retail workers to use skimming devices to swipe customers’ credit cards, thus stealing the customers’ credit card numbers and other information contained on the cards. Bell paid his co-conspirators in exchanged for skimming the cards, and then used the stolen credit card numbers and information to make approximately $211,000.00 in fraudulent purchases.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Irick.
Ogallala Man Sentenced to 35 Months for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Ryan D. Freitag, 28, of Ogallala, Nebraska was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for possessing child pornography. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Freitag to a 35 month term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison Freitag will serve a ten year term of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Freitag entered into an internet relationship with a 15 year old girl residing in West Virginia. The girl sent a series of images to Freitag consisting of erotica and child pornography. The child pornography consisted of the girl engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol revealed Freitag as the individual receiving child pornography. He also sent photographs of his genitalia to the fifteen year old girl.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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
North Carolina Resident Sentenced on Pill Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
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Eleven Others Appear for Pleas and Sentencing
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that a North Carolina resident was sentenced to prison as a result of his conviction on an oxycodone conspiracy charge.
REGINALD SCOTT, age 45, was sentenced by District Court Judge Irene M. Keeley to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release for “Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone.” SCOTT admitted to selling oxycodone in Morgantown, WV, between September of 2011 to April 21, 2012. The Court also ordered the forfeiture of $10,000 which constituted proceeds from the illegal activity. SCOTT was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley and investigated by the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
Judge Keeley also sentenced the following defendants:
SHANE LEWIS GILLESPIE, age 24, of Clarksburg, was sentenced to 40 months in prison and two years of supervised release for “Possession of a Firearm by an Unlawful User of and Addict to a Controlled Substance.” GILLESPIE was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution. This case was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Shawn A. Morgan and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Clarksburg Police Department and the Belpre, Ohio, Police Department.
TIMOTHY LINGO, age 30, of Westover, West Virginia, was sentenced to 34 months in prison and two years of supervised release for “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” LINGO was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution. This case was and investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
CHRISTOPER WEAVER, age 37, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release for the “Distribution of Cocaine.” WEAVER was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution. This case was investigated by West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations.JENNA HANSLER, age 27, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release for the “Distribution of Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of the Carlone Street Apartments.” HANSLER, who is free on bond, will self-report to the designated Federal institution on January 29, 2014. This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fairmont Police Department.
The LINGO, WEAVER and HANSLER cases were prosecuted by Wesley.
The following defendants entered pleas before Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull:
LEROY ROUSSEAU a/k/a “BLACK,” age 25, of Clarksburg and formerly of Washington, D.C. entered pleas of guilty to “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 or intended to be used to commit the charged offenses. ROUSSEAU, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 40 years in prison. ROUSSEAU’s co-defendants, FRANCESCA STRAKAL a/k/a “ROCKY,” age 20, and TALYA KEENER, age 22, of Clarksburg, entered pleas of guilty to “Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premise.” STRAKAL and KEENER, who are free on bond pending sentencing, each face up to 20 years in prison.
JUSTIN ZACHARY ROSA a/k/a “PEE WEE,” age 19 and NICHOLE NIKKI PIERCE, age 21, of Clarksburg, entered pleas of guilty to “Distribution of Heroin.” ROSA also entered a plea of guilty to “Possession of a Firearm by an Unlawful User and Addict to Heroin.” PIERCE, also entered a plea of guilty to “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” As part of the plea, ROSA will forfeit $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 and PIERCE, who are in custody pending sentencing, each face up to 20 years in prison on the distribution charge and up to 10 years on the firearms charge.
MICHAEL JOHN GRIFFIN, age 34, of Clarksburg, entered a plea of guilty to “Distribution of Heroin.” GRIFFIN, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 20 years in prison.
NICOLE BENNETT, age 33, of Clarksburg, entered a plea of guilty to “Intentional Harassment to Dissuade Another Person from Assisting in Criminal Prosecution.” BENNETT, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 40 years in prison.The ROUSSEAU, ROSA, GRIFFIN and BENNETT cases were investigated by the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force consisting of officers from the Bridgeport Police Department; Clarksburg Police Department; Drug Enforcement Administration; West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service; and, the United States Marshals Service. The cases were prosecuted by Morgan, and the United States Secret Service also assisted with the ROSA investigation.
BEN PHARES, age 26, of Kingwood, West Virginia, entered a plea of guilty to “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” PHARES, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 40 years in prison. This case was prosecuted by Wesley and was investigated by the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
FRANCISCO GONZALEZ-AYALA, age 44, entered a plea of guilty to entering the United States, after having been previously deported, without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General of the United States to reapply for admission to the United States.
GONZALEZ-AYALA faces up to 20 years in prison due to prior aggravated felony offense. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri and was investigated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE/HIS).
Norfolk Man Sentenced to Eighteen Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Darrin L. Mucker, 40, of Norfolk, Nebraska was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for producing child pornography. The Honorable John M. Gerrard sentenced Mucker to 18 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison Mucker will begin a 20 year term of supervised release.
Mucker posed as a teenager on MeetMe.com. MeetMe.com is a social networking service used by teens. Mucker sent indecent and obscene messages to children including a sexually explicit image of a child. Mucker communicated with at least 15 girls ranging in age from 12-15 years. The girls were living in various states in the United States and one in Canada. Mucker asked for and received images and videos from many of the girls engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On at least one occasion he threatened to post the nude images he received of a fourteen year old girl on the internet if she didn’t send him more.
The Nebraska State Patrol was able to trace the Internet Protocol (IP) address used on various MeetMe.com accounts back to Mucker. A search warrant was executed on his Norfolk residence on April 9, 2013. A tablet computer revealed dozens of close up images of child pornographic images sent by young girls to Mucker. Mucker admitted to receiving child pornography from girls he met on the internet by webcam, video and email.
U. S. Attorney Deborah R. Gilg expressed her gratitude to the Nebraska State Patrol and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their investigation of this matter. Victims were located in Ohio, Alaska, Calgary and multiple other jurisdictions. The investigation resulted in a significant child predator receiving a substantial sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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.
Milton Woman Indicted for Bomb ThreatsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA -- Eboni Parker, age 33, of Milton, was arrested and charged today with two counts of maliciously conveying false information of a bomb threat, announced United States Attorney Pamela C. Marsh, Northern District of Florida.
A two count indictment issued on November 20, 2013, alleges that on January 30, 2013, and February 20, 2013, Parker made, aided, or abetted the making of false bomb threats through the use of a cellular telephone. On those dates, Gulf Power Company received telephonic bomb threats to their Milton office.
Parker appeared today for her initial appearance and arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Timothy at the U.S. District Court in Pensacola, Florida. Parker pleaded not guilty to the charges and her trial is scheduled for January 6, 2014, before Senior United States District Judge Lacey Collier.
The defendant is facing a maximum sentence of ten years and a $250,000 fine on each count.
U.S. Attorney Marsh praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, whose joint investigation led to the indictment in the case.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall J. Hensel.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial in a court of law.
Mexican National Heads to Prison for Illegal Re-entry Despite Fraudulently Obtaining Texas Birth CertificateRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Mexican National Felipe Oviedo-Cerda, aka Felipe Telles-Sanchez or Mario Trevino-Leal, 55, has been ordered to prison for illegally re-entering the country, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. A federal jury in McAllen convicted Oviedo-Cerda on Aug. 27, 2013, following a two-day trial and approximately two hours of deliberations.
Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa, who presided over the trial, handed Oviedo-Cerda a 63-month sentence. At the hearing today, additional evidence was presented concerning the defendant’s lengthy criminal history. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hinojosa took this into consideration as well as his current conviction which resulted in an upward departure and a lengthy period of confinement. As an illegal alien, Oviedo-Cerda is expected to face deportation proceedings following his release from prison.
During trial, the government presented documentary evidence and witness testimony illustrating Oviedo-Cerda’s unlawful entry despite being an aggravated felon. Since his first deportation in 1984, the evidence showed he had relied upon numerous aliases and other false information to avoid detection by law enforcement and immigration authorities.
In 2002 and while in federal custody pending a similar indictment, Oviedo-Cerda fraudulently obtained a delayed birth certificate from the State of Texas reflecting that he was born in Rio Grande City in 1958. The Department of Vital Statistics later flagged this document only to re-issue the birth certificate in 2008 to him after had been released from federal prison, deported and provided additional false documentation. The evidence at trial indicated Oviedo-Cerda had resided in the United States since 2008 by relying upon this birth certificate and other false documents.
At trial, the government also relied upon expert fingerprint testimony to connect Oviedo-Cerda to his long history of aliases and false identities. Other witnesses with personal knowledge of the defendant testified that despite his birth in Zacatecas, Mexico, Oviedo-Cerda used forged, altered and fraudulent documents to obtain the delayed birth certificate under the name Felipe Telles. Based upon this evidence, the Texas Department of Vital Statistics has again flagged this birth certificate.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that the Texas delayed birth certificate proved he was born in Rio Grande City and/or proved the valid birth certificate at least gave him status to be in the country when apprehended. The jury disagreed and found him guilty as charged.
Oviedo-Cerda has been in custody since his arrest Sept. 23, 2011, where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
This case was investigated by Border Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Grady J. Leupold.
Maryland Resident Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
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(304) 234-7725 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistFollow us on Twitter @NDWVnews
Eighteen Others Appear for Pleas and Sentencing
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that a Frederick, Maryland, resident was sentenced 10 ten years in prison for trafficking in crack cocaine.
MARTIN CAIN FELDER, age 34, was sentenced by District Court Judge Gina M. Groh to 120 months in prison and four years of supervised release for “Possession with Intent to Distribute More than 28 grams of Crack Cocaine.” FELDER, was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution. his case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti and investigated by the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, consisting of officers from the West Virginia State Police - Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, as well as uniformed officers of the West Virginia State Police.
JOHN ANDREW REDMAN, age 33, of Martinsburg, was sentenced to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release for the “Distribution of Crack Cocaine.” REDMAN, who is free on bond, will self-report to prison on December 2, 2013.
Judge Groh also sentenced the following defendants:
CHARLOTTE JENKINS, age 39, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release for the “Distribution of Heroin.” JENKINS was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution.
AKEYLAH HUMPHREY, age 24, of Martinsburg, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and three years of supervised release for “Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine.” HUMPHREY, who is free on bond, will self-report to prison on January 6, 2014.
The REDMAN and HUMPHREY cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas. The JENKINS case was prosecuted by Camilletti. These cases were investigated by the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, consisting of officers from the West Virginia State Police - Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Martinsburg Police Department, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department.
The following entered pleas before Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert:
ANTHONY ALLEN PENNINGTON, age 24, of Wardsford, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty to “Traveling in Interstate Commerce with the Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct.” If convicted, PENNINGTON faces up to 30 years in prison. This case was investigated by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department.
TIMOTHY WILLIAMS, age 24, of Martinsburg, entered a plea of guilty to “Conspiracy to Distribute More than 28 Grams of Crack Cocaine.” WILLIAMS, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 40 years in prison. Co-defendant DERRICK WELLS, JR., age 24, of Martinsburg, entered a plea of guilty to “Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine.” WELLS, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 20 years in prison and co-defendant ASHLEY SEAL, age 25, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, entered pleas of guilty to “Distribution of Crack Cocaine.” SEAL, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 20 years in prison.
PENNINGTON and WILLIAMS were prosecuted by Douglas.
ADAM BRADY, age 20, of Martinsburg, entered a plea of guilty to “Distribution of Crack Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of the Burke Street Elementary School.” BRADY, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 40 years in prison. Co-defendant MONICA GREEN, age 35, of Martinsburg, entered a plea of guilty to “Distribution of Crack Cocaine.” GREEN, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 20 years in prison. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin.
JOSEA LORENZO HICKS, age 35, of Washington, D.C., entered a plea of guilty to “Distribution of Crack Cocaine.” HICKS, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 20 years in prison. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower.
These cases were investigated the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, consisting of officers from the West Virginia State Police - Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
THEOFANIS MAVROUDIS, age 45, of Charles Town, West Virginia, entered a plea of guilty to “Failure to Register as Sex Offender.” MAVROUDIS, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to ten years in prison. This case was prosecuted by Douglas and investigated by the United States Marshals Service.CHARLES WILLIAM JONES, III, a/k/a “TREY,” age 27, of Pasadena, Maryland, entered a plea of guilty to “Possession of Firearms by a Drug User.” JONES, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 10 years in prison.
CODY ASHBY, age 21, of Martinsburg, entered a plea of guilty to “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” ASHBY, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 10 years in prison.
MATTHEW TODD CRIM, entered a plea of guilty to “Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.” CRIM, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 10 years in prison.
The JONES, ASHBY and CRIM cases were prosecuted by Camilletti and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Exploses, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and the West Virginia State Police.
BRANDON L. WHITE, age 29, of Martinsburg, entered a plea of guilty to “Stealing Public Money.” WHITE, who is free on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 10 years in prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. and investigated by the Veterans Administration, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division.
BRANDON BARTLEY, age 30, and TARA BARTLEY, age 28, of Martinsburg, entered pleas of guilty to “Prescription Fraud.” The defendants, who are free on bond pending sentencing, each face up to 4 years in prison. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
RENE GONZALEZ-BERMUDEZ, age 27, entered a plea of guilty to entering the United States, after having been previously deported, without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General of the United States to reapply for admission to the United States. GONZALEZ-BERMUDEZ faces up to 2 years in and deportation. This case was investigated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE/HIS).
The BARTLEY and GONZALEZ-BERMUDEZ cases were prosecuted by Camilletti.
Mandan Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
BISMARCK– U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Nov. 25, 2013, James A. Siegrist, a/k/a James A. Robinson, 33, Mandan, N.D., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland on a charge of possession of firearm by a convicted felon and a charge of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. Siegrist was convicted of the charges by a federal jury on Aug. 28, 2013.
Judge Hovland sentenced Siegrist to seven years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Siegrist was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund.
On July 25, 2012, near Glen Ullin, N.D., Siegrist was handling a .45 caliber handgun when it discharged and struck a woman in the leg. On March 19, 2013, in Mandan, N.D., Siegrist was arrested for an outstanding warrant and found to be in possession of three handguns and 94 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Two of the handguns were concealed on his body and one handgun was located in his vehicle. The Court ordered that Siegrist’s interest in all the firearms and ammunition be forfeited to the United States.
Siegrist was prohibited from possessing either a firearm or ammunition by virtue of multiple felony convictions, including possession of a controlled substance, forgery, counterfeiting, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of property.The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Morton County Sheriff’s Office and the Mandan Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Using A Communication Device to Entice A MinorRead the Press Release
In Midland this afternoon, 21-year-old Juan Carlos Venegas, a Mexican citizen formerly living in Crane, TX, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for using a communication device to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent In Charge Dennis Ulrich.
On September 5, 2013, a federal jury convicted Venegas of knowingly using his cell phone on several occasions in June 2012 to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity with him. Venegas fled to Mexico shortly after being arrested by Crane County Sheriff’s deputies in July 2012. On February 16, 2013, approximately eight months after his initial arrest, Venegas was apprehended in Del Rio, TX, while attempting to re-enter the United States from Mexico. He has remained in federal custody ever since.
This investigation was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Crane County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Austin Berry.
Man Sentenced to 10 Years Prison for Beating Victim to Death with BatRead the Press Release
PHOENIX - On Nov. 25, 2013, Renfo Lee Woody, 30, of Many Farms, Ariz., a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake to 10 years imprisonment following a guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter. Woody pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter on Aug. 27, 2013.
As part of the plea agreement, Woody admitted that he entered the victim’s home on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation on April 5, 2013, and beat the victim in the head and body with an aluminum baseball bat. The victim died the next day from injuries sustained as a result of the beating.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christine Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-13-08086-PCT-NVW
RELEASE NUMBER: 2013-088_WoodyFor more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Macon County Sheriff’s Investigator Indicted for Unlawfully Detaining and Assaulting Handcuffed Man at County JailRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama - J. Keith McCray, a criminal investigator with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Alabama for violating the rights of a man he unlawfully seized and assaulted, announce George L. Beck, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
McCray, 41, is charged with two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of witness tampering. On July 4, 2013, the victim was going door to door in McCray’s neighborhood attempting to sell alarm systems. According to the indictment, McCray unlawfully seized the victim using a firearm. McCray then took the victim to jail. At the jail, McCray struck the victim while he was handcuffed, resulting in bodily injury. The indictment further alleges that McCray engaged in witness tampering when he intimidated the victim and corruptly persuaded him not to file a complaint for the assault.
If convicted, McCray could face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each deprivation-of-rights charge. He could face a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the witness tampering charge. McCray=s trial is yet to be scheduled.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerusha T. Adams of the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Chiraag Bains of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
PRESS CONTACT: Clark Morris
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (334) 551-1755
Fax: (334) 223-7617Louisville, Kentucky Man Guilty of Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
– Plea Agreement also resolves separate pending state court child sexual abuse case
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A Louisville, Kentucky, man pleaded guilty today in United States District Court before United States Magistrate Judge James D. Moyer to a single-count federal Indictment charging him with violating federal child pornography laws, namely, the production of child pornography, announced David J. Hale, United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky.
Jamar Garrett a/k/a Darnell Hamilton, age 35, admitted in court that during June through July, 2012, he represented himself as Darnell Hamilton and lived in Jefferson County, Kentucky. During that time period, he rented a room in a home (where a nine-year-old female child also lived). On July 1, 2012, Garrett engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the nine-year-old female child. He used his cellular telephone to record the sexual activity in the form of a video. Approximately one week later, an adult living in the home viewed the contents of the cellular telephone, confronted the child, and called the police to report the matter.
According to court records, Garrett fled the jurisdiction. However, Louisville Metro Police obtained a federal arrest warrant for Garrett, which was recorded in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Law enforcement officials arrested Garrett on the outstanding warrant when he was stopped for a traffic violation in Toledo, Ohio.
Under the terms of the Plea Agreement, which calls for a 22½ year term of imprisonment followed by a life term of Supervised Release, Garrett will plead guilty in Jefferson Circuit Court to sexually abusing a child under the age of 12. The Jefferson Circuit Court case involves a different victim than the federal case. The anticipated 10-year state court sentence will run concurrently with the federal sentence. Sentencing is scheduled before Senior Judge Thomas B. Russell on February 18, 2014, at 12:30 p.m. in Louisville, Kentucky.
Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case. The Louisville Metro Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit conducted the investigation.
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."