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25 October 2013
District Man Sentenced to 10-Year Prison Term for Drug Distribution and Gun Charges-Traffic Stop Led to Defendant’s Arrest-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Guthrie Wright, 47, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 10-year prison term on federal narcotics distribution and weapon charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr.
Wright pled guilty in July 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to charges of unlawful possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. The plea, which called for a 10-year sentence, was contingent upon the approval of the Honorable Beryl A. Howell. Judge Howell accepted the plea agreement today and sentenced Wright accordingly. Upon completion of his prison term, Wright will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, at about 1:45 a.m. on Nov. 9, 2012, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers stopped Wright’s vehicle for traffic violations in the 2400 block of 9th Street NW. The officers then arrested Wright for possession of an open container of alcohol.
During a search of Wright, MPD officers recovered several narcotics packaged for sale, including about 3.9 grams of cocaine. The officers later conducted a consensual search of Wright’s belongings at his mother’s apartment in Northwest Washington, where he had been staying. During the search, they found additional packaged drugs, including about 48.9 grams of cocaine, drug distribution paraphernalia, and two fully loaded handguns. One handgun was found in a backpack that also held the recovered narcotics and a document addressed to Wright.
Wright has seven previous convictions. His last conviction, which occurred in 2001, was for possession with the intent to distribute heroin.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the MPD officers who participated in Wright’s arrest and recovered the drugs and firearms. He also acknowledged the efforts of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham, who prosecuted the case.
13-368District Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Woman at Apartment Complex in Northwest Washington-Defendant Was Identified Through Video Surveillance-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jahlani Brown, 21, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to a charge stemming from the recent sexual assault of a rental office employee at an apartment building in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Brown pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to first-degree sexual abuse. The Honorable John Ramsey Johnson scheduled sentencing for Jan. 10, 2014. In addition to prison time, Brown will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
According to the government’s evidence, on Sept. 17, 2013, at about 9 a.m., the victim reported to her office in the Shaw area of Northwest Washington and began preparing for her workday. Brown, who was captured on video surveillance, entered the office and locked the door. He sexually assaulted, threatened, and robbed the victim before leaving the office.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) released surveillance images to the media in hopes of generating information, and neighboring businesses and community members cooperated with law enforcement in getting the word out about the attack. Brown was arrested two days after the assault and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work performed by those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit. He also praised those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist D’Yvonne Key and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mervin A. Bourne, Jr., who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
13-370Delaware Woman Sentenced to 81 Months on Fraud and Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. - Charles M. Oberly, III, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Carolyn Wall, age 37, of Newark, Delaware, was sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Sue L. Robinson, United States District Judge for the District of Delaware, to 81 months imprisonment and full restitution, after being convicted by a jury of 30 counts of fraud and identity theft. The defendant was convicted of violations of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud); 18 U.S.C. § 1028(a)(7) (Identity Theft), 18 U.S.C. § 1029(a)(3) and (c)(1)(a) (Access Device Fraud), 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B) (Fraudulent Use of a Social Security Number), and 18 U.S.C. §1028A (Aggravated Identity Theft).
From in or around July 2010 through in or around May 2011, the defendant engaged in a check fraud and identity theft scheme. The defendant used a sophisticated computer software program, specialty check paper, and a particular type of “MICR compliant” check-writing ink to make hundreds of counterfeit checks. The defendant also utilized real bank names and routing numbers, but the account numbers on the checks were fabricated. The defendant and other members of the scheme then presented these fraudulent checks at area retail stores, including Acme, Wal-Mart, Happy Harry’s, Lowe’s, Boscov’s, Target, Safeway, Best Buy and Kohl’s. Checks created by the defendant were presented to retail stores more than 700 times, and more than 250 of the checks were honored, costing the stores more than $100,000 in less than a year.
In order to bypass the stores’ security systems, the defendant and the other members of the scheme amassed more than 200 names and social security numbers of individuals in Delaware and elsewhere. More than 65 social security numbers were used in attempts to cash the fraudulent checks. The defendant also collected a significant amount of driver’s licenses and other identification documents for the members of the scheme to use in cashing the fraudulent checks.
The defendant also used the Social Security number of another person to obtain the lease on her residence, as well as to obtain cable and power service.
The defendant admitted during the trial that she had been involved in creating fraudulent checks for nearly ten years. The defendant was arrested for her role in check fraud activities in 2008, in Stafford County, Virginia. The defendant was convicted of felony forgery and false statement charges in Virginia, and she served nearly two years in prison. The defendant was released and placed on probation in early June 2010. She began making fraudulent checks within a few weeks, in July 2010.
The defendant was convicted of all thirty counts of the Indictment, following a six-day jury trial in April, 2013. The sentence handed down by Judge Robinson yesterday represents a mandatory consecutive 24-month term of imprisonment on the Aggravated Identity Theft charges (18 U.S.C. §1028A), and a 57- month term of imprisonment on the remaining counts.
U.S. Attorney Oberly said of the sentence, “This case should send a clear signal that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware takes this type of persistent, organized, and far-reaching identity theft scheme very seriously. I applaud the commitment of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, to vigorously investigate identity theft and financial fraud cases that harm innocent citizens. We will seek incarceration where necessary to deter offenders such as Ms. Wall and to protect the community from future harm.”
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, and it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Paxton.DEA Holds Prescription Drug Take-Back Event October 26Read the Press Release
With public participation at an all-time high after six prior events in three years, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its national, tribal, and community partners will hold a seventh National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at thousands of sites across America on Saturday the 26th. These Take Back Days give the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs. Collection sites are open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Prescription drugs that languish in medicine cabinets create a public health and safety concern because they are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high; almost twice as many Americans (6.8 million) currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those abusing cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and inhalants combined, according to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Floridians participating in DEA’s six previous Take-Back Days turned in nearly 45 tons—of prescription drugs, and had a record setting event this past April collecting over 13 tons of expired or unwanted medication at more than 229 sites operated by over 160 of DEA’s law enforcement partners.
U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “I encourage everyone to take advantage of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on October 26. At a time when prescription drug abuse is causing more deaths than illicit drugs, this is a tremendous opportunity to safely dispose and rid your homes of expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs, and the possible misuse or abuse of these drugs.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Mark R. Trouville stated, “I applaud all Floridians who have participated in these Take-Back events. Their actions have reflected a strong commitment to protecting their families and the community. The DEA will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to host these public safety events to greatly reduce the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs.”
The public can find a nearby collection site by visiting www.dea.gov, clicking on the “Got Drugs?” icon, and following the links to a database where they can enter their zip code. Or they can call 1-800-882-9539.
DEA is in the process of drafting regulations to implement the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” (the patient or patient’s caregiver, including the owners of animals being treated by veterinarians) of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances.
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.
Columbia County Men Charged in Internet "Bath Salts" and "Spice" Trafficking NetworkRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the unsealing of a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Williamsport on October 10, 2013 charging Paul Chomiak, Lindsay Lee-Lampshire, Adam Stein, and Kyle Savitski with mail fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substance analogues, distribution of controlled substance analogues, conspiracy to introduce and introduction of misbranded drugs, and conspiracy to commit money laundering offenses. The indictment also charged four businesses allegedly used to commit the offenses, Reflectionz and Symplegades Requiem, both based in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania and Anima Entertainment, LLC and Extelligence Internet Services based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The indictment was unsealed following the arrests.
According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, the indictment alleges that from September 2009 through the present, Chomiak, Lee-Lampshire, Stein, and Savitski marketed and distributed controlled substance analogues and misbranded drugs, commonly referred to as “bath salts” and “spice,” using Internet web sites and two stores in Bloomsburg operated as Symplegades Requiem and Reflectionz. The indictment alleges that the defendants fraudulently marketed the products as novelties not for human consumption, when in fact the products were being used to obtain the same physical effects as controlled substances.
Chomiak, age 47, and Stein, age 23, and Savitski, age 23, reside in Bloomsburg. Lee-Lampshire, age 30, is a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Food and Drug Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Columbia County Drug Task Force. Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
Collin County Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
Department of Justice
Office of Public AffairsPLANO, Texas – A 27-year-old McKinney, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Quincy Reshawn Gilstrap pleaded guilty on Aug. 21, 2012, to charges of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison on Oct. 24, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell.
According to information presented in court, in December 2011, Gilstrap was arrested by Plano Police for a drug offense and evading arrest and found in possession of a firearm. Further investigation revealed Gilstrap had been previously convicted in Collin County, Texas for evading arrest in 2004, manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance in 2008 and robbery in 2008. Convicted felons are prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. A federal grand jury returned an indictment in March 2012 charging Gilstrap with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Plano Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey M. Batson.Car Stop Robber Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – Na Phoun Chhim, 28, of North Chesterfield, Va., was sentenced today to 150 months in prison for robbery and for brandishing a firearm during that robbery. Chhim was also ordered to pay $1500 in restitution to the victims. In addition to being ordered to pay restitution, Chhim was also ordered to forfeit two firearms (not used in the robbery) and ammunition for three different firearms, each of which was recovered from inside Chhim’s residence.
Dana J. Boente, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jeffrey C. Mazanec, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; and Colonel Thierry Dupuis, Chief of Police for the Chesterfield County Police Department made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
In a statement of facts filed in support of this guilty plea, Chhim admitted that he entered the Car Stop, a convenience store located on Jefferson Davis Highway in Northern Chesterfield, Virginia, a few minutes before noon. He “racked,” and then brandished, a black handgun. Chhim did not speak during the robbery, but motioned first to the clerk to put money into a bag, and then motioned to one of the owners to remove United States currency from a drawer. During the robbery, Chhim also brandished the firearm in the direction of a customer. The total amount of money Chhim stole from the Car Stop was $1500.
After stealing the money, Chhim ran from the store in the direction of Alcott Road. Shortly thereafter, Chesterfield police responded to the crime scene. A tracking K-9 named Alvin, and his partner, Officer Moody, tracked a scent from the Car Stop, through a wooded area, and up to a shed located behind the Chhim family residence. It was later learned that Chhim lived in this shed, which he used as his bedroom. Several eyewitnesses reported that they had observed an individual jumping over a fence, and then enter the shed. A short while later, Chhim was observed leaving the shed in his father’s truck. The stolen money and the firearm that was brandished during the robbery were never found.
Store security video showed the robber wearing a gray Champion® sweatshirt, and gray Champion® sweatpants, with a white cloth covering his face. Clothing matching the clothes worn by the robber was found inside Chhim’s bedroom. An eyewitness also reported seeing the suspect’s red boxer shorts as he jumped over a fence. At the time of his arrest, Chhim was wearing red pajama pants and red boxer shorts. Forensic evidence, including DNA analysis and fingerprints, also linked Chhim to the crime. Chhim entered a plea of guilty to both charges on July 30, 2013, just days before trial was scheduled to commence.
This case was investigated by the Chesterfield County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Angela Mastandrea-Miller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on https://pcl.uscourts.gov.British Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for 2009 Hammer Attack on College Campus-Defendant Fled United States for Four Years After Assault-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON Mohammed Niazi, 46, of the United Kingdom, was sentenced today to five years in prison on charges stemming from a hammer attack on a George Washington University student in a campus bathroom, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr.
Niazi was found guilty in August 2013 by a jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and carrying a dangerous weapon. He was sentenced by the Honorable Stuart G. Nash.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on Oct. 9, 2009, at about 3 p.m., Niazi entered Duques Hall, an academic building in the 2200 block of G Street NW. He entered a men’s bathroom on the second floor and began striking the victim in the back of the head with a metal hammer. The victim attempted to defend himself against Niazi, who continued the attack inside a foyer located between the hallway and the main bathroom. As the bleeding victim stumbled out of the bathroom, students rushed to his aid. Niazi fled down the stairs and out of the building.
Detectives with the George Washington University Police Department and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) obtained images of the suspect from security video taken in Duques Hall and issued a campus-wide e-mail alert. A response to the alert led police to a coffee shop nearby where Niazi had been seen shortly before the attack. Using security video and credit card transaction records from the coffee shop, police were able to obtain Niazi=s name and his Virginia driver=s license photo.
The day after the attack, Niazi purchased an airline ticket to London, and he fled the country the very next day. On April 4, 2013, Niazi was apprehended when he tried to travel through Panama and was returned to the United States to face charges. He has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen expressed his appreciation to the Metropolitan Police Department, the George Washington University Police Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. U.S. Attorney Machen also commended the work of Paralegals Allison Gregory Daniels, Victim Advocate Jennifer Clark, and Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling. Finally, he commended former Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Scruggs, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Sroka, who indicted and tried the case.
13-367Bossier City Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Counterfeiting $20 Bills in ApartmentRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Dakota Mallory Robinson, 25, of Bossier City, La., was sentenced Thursday before U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release for making counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Robinson pleaded guilty July 24, 2013.According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, a duplex manager called the Bossier City Police Department to report that a maintenance worker had observed Robinson making counterfeit money in his apartment with the door open to the public. A search of the apartment February 8, 2013 revealed $2,020 worth of counterfeit $20 bills, a printer, uncut sheets of counterfeit $20 bills and other related items.
The U.S. Secret Service, Shreveport Office and Bossier City Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Blackfoot Man Sentenced for Simple Assault and Abusive Sexual Contact with A ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a man from Blackfoot, South Dakota, convicted of Simple Assault and Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child was sentenced on October 23, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Ta-Sunka-Hinz Thunder Hawk, age 18, was sentenced to 24 months in custody, 5 years of supervised release, and a $110 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Thunder Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury on two separate cases, and on July 23, 2013, Thunder Hawk pled guilty to Simple Assault in the first case and to Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child in the second case.
In the first case, Thunder Hawk went into a room at the Tiospaye Topa High School in March of 2013 and grabbed a female school employee in a bear hug. The victim was forced to struggle in order to get free.
In the second case, in March 2013, Thunder Hawk had sexual contact with a child under the age of 12 at a residence near Blackfoot.The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Division conducted the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson.
Thunder Hawk was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.
Amos Patton Charged with Two Felonies Following Shooting at Millington National Guard Recruiting StationRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Amos Patton, 42, of Cordova, TN, was charged today in a criminal complaint with one count of assault within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, and one count of carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a federal crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III; Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis
# # # #
Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, A. Todd McCall; Naval Criminal Investigative
Service Special Agent Michael C. Cote; and Millington Police Chief Rita Stanback.
According to the affidavit filed with the complaint, on October 24, 2013 Patton was directed by his commanders to come to the Tennessee Army National Guard Recruiting Center, located at
5650 Attu, Millington, TN. During this meeting, Patton was notified that he was being relieved of duty, recommended for reduction in rank, and recommended for separation from the active guard reserve because of misconduct.
Following the meeting, Patton was directed to return government equipment believed to be in his government vehicle. When he returned from the car, Patton had in his possession a “fanny pack.”
When he attempted to access the pack, one of the Tennessee Army National Guardsmen yelled
“Gun.”
At that point, a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) attempted to subdue Patton. Patton was able to fire his weapon, and rounds struck three Tennessee Army National Guard personnel in the room. Patton ran from the building, followed by the senior NCO, who caught Patton, subdued him, and held him until the Millington Police Department arrived and took Patton into custody. The handgun was recovered at the scene of the shooting.
If convicted, Patton could receive up to 20 years for the assault charge and could receive a minimum of 10 years for the firearms charge. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the FBI and the NCIS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Godwin is representing the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to His Involvement in an<br /> Identity Theft Scheme Using Stolen Prisoner Names and a Corrupt Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
Harvey James pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft for his role in a Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (“SIRF”) scheme , announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama George L. Beck Jr.
According to court documents and court proceedings, Harvey James obtained stolen identities from individuals who had access to inmate information from the Alabama Department of Corrections. For several years, James, his sister, Jacqueline Slaton, and others used those inmate names to file false federal and state tax returns. James and Slaton directed some of the false refunds to be sent to either prepaid debit cards or issued via check. In 2012, James and Slaton enlisted the assistance of U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Vernon Harrison in the scheme. Harrison, who provided James and his co-conspirators with mailing addresses to which they could mail debit cards, retrieved the debit cards from the mail and delivered them to James and his co-conspirators. In exchange, Harrison received substantial payments. Between 2010 and 2012, James and his co-conspirators filed hundreds of federal and state income tax returns that claimed over $1,000,000 in fraudulent tax refunds.
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. James faces a minimum sentence of two years in prison and a maximum sentence of twenty-two years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a maximum fine of $250,000. Slaton already pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 70 months in prison. In July 2013, Harrison was found guilty by a jury for his role in the scheme. Harrison will be sentenced on Oct. 31, 2013.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the IRS - Criminal Investigation. Trial Attorneys Jason H. Poole and Michael Boteler of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Brown are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/tax.
24 October 2013
Yakima Felon Sentenced to 112 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Spokane – Michael C. Ormsby, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Antonio Victor Mirelez, age 26, of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced today after having previously pleading guilty to the crime of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Mirelez to a 112 month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a three year term of court supervision following release from Federal prison.
According to information disclosed during the court proceedings, on February 1, 2013, law enforcement officers with the Yakima City Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle Mirelez was driving. The law enforcement officers apprehended Mirelez after he attempted to flee. The officers subsequently discovered an Enfield rifle, .303 caliber, model No. 4 MK1 inside the vehicle Mirelez had been driving. Mirelez was charged with being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and he pleaded guilty to that crime on July 23, 2013. He has been in custody since mid-June.
Michael C. Ormsby said, "Prosecuting firearms-related crimes continues to be a priority for the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington. In this case, the Yakima City Police Department partnered with Special Agents working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to successfully prosecute this Federal case. Previously convicted felons should be aware that there are serious criminal penalties connected with possessing any firearm and that we are committed to aggressively prosecute the cases."
This investigation was conducted by the Yakima City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Benjamin D. Seal, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
WASHINGTON – Tarrish Tellis of Montgomery County, Ala., Pleaded Guilty Today to Conspiracy, Theft of Public Funds and Aggravated Identity Theft, Announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S.Read the Press Release
ALABAMA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO STEALING TAX REFUNDS
According to court documents, Tellis obtained and used the stolen means of identification of individuals, including their names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers, for the purpose of filing false federal income tax returns. Tellis instructed his co-conspirators and others to provide him with bank account numbers for accounts at financial institutions that were used to receive the fraudulently obtained tax refunds. Tellis used the account numbers and stolen means of identification to file false tax returns that claimed over $700,000 in false refunds. As a result of his plea, Tellis faces a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 per count.
This case was investigated by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Criminal Investigation. Trial Attorneys Charles M. Edgar Jr. and Michael Boteler of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.
13-1133Vaughn SentencingRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA - Acting United States Attorney Walt Green announced the sentencing of a former Operations Manager in connection with a wide ranging and ongoing investigation into corruption and fraud involving compliance with federal environmental laws.
U.S. District Judge James J. Brady sentenced MICHAEL J. VAUGHN, age 33, of Addis, Louisiana, to 12 months incarceration at a federal half-way house, a five year term of probation, forfeiture of approximately $23,000, and restitution to the victims in an amount to be determined.
The defendant’s sentence is the result of his pleading guilty to making false statements within the jurisdiction of the federal government and conspiring to defraud the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and to violate the Safe Drinking Water Act. Such convictions stem from actions he took while serving as the Operations Manager of FAS Environmental Services, a transportation and disposal company based in Belle River, Louisiana. In that role, the defendant oversaw all operations and employees at the company.
While working as the FAS Operations Manager, the defendant took over $22,000 in kickbacks during 2011 and 2012 from a wastewater brokerage firm in exchange for illegally using an FAS injection well in Belle River to dispose of over 380,000 gallons of industrial wastewater in violation of the Federal Safe Water Drinking Act. As part of the scheme, the defendant and his fellow conspirators created and used over 100 false documents, including manifests and work orders, in addition to submitting false reports to regulators in Baton Rouge. Such false and fraudulent documents were designed to conceal the scheme from federal and state government officials and the brokerage firm’s unsuspecting clients.
FAS ownership was unaware of the defendant’s scheme, which resulted in the misuse of FAS resources to the sole benefit of the defendant personally and his fellow conspirators. FAS has cooperated fully throughout the investigation and terminated the defendant’s employment with the company upon learning of the scheme.
Acting U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Prosecuting corporate fraud and violations of our nation’s environmental laws continues to be a high priority for this office. We look forward to continuing to work with our very able federal, state, and local partners to aggressively pursue such important matters.”
Ivan Vikin, Special Agent-in-Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Louisiana, stated: “One of EPA’s primary missions is to ensure that federal laws protecting human health and the environment are enforced fairly and effectively. Violators who submit false information and illegally dispose of waste into injection wells undermine the government’s efforts to protect the public and the environment. These illegal actions cannot and will not be tolerated. EPA and its partner agencies will vigorously pursue those who knowingly falsify official information and place the public at potential risk.”
Secretary Peggy Hatch of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality stated: “Breaking the law and disregarding Louisiana’s environmental regulations can have serious consequences. With federal and state governments aggressively working together to enforce federal and state environmental laws, we can provide the citizens of Louisiana with a better environment and quality of life.”
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by this office, the Criminal Investigation Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson who serves as the Senior Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.
United States Attorney's Office<br /> Is Now on TwitterRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana has opened a Twitter account to assist in providing the citizens in our communities with information about news, events, and special announcements through this social media channel, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite, Jr.
“We want to use social media in a responsible fashion to ensure that justice reaches all citizens of Southeast Louisiana,” Polite said. “The Office’s Twitter account will help inform the public about the work we are doing with taxpayer dollars. Further, increased awareness of our efforts will have a deterrent effect on crime.”
To follow us on Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/EDLAnews, or add our Twitter address, @EDLAnews, to your smartphone Twitter app. In addition to Twitter, the U.S. Attorney’s Office also maintains a website that is the primary source of information relating to all functions of the office. Please visit us at http://www.justice.gov/usao/lae.
United States Attorney's Office Supports the Drug Enforcement Administration's Nationwide Drug Take-Back DayRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, the Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement encourage all citizens to safely dispose of unwanted and expired medicines by participating in the Nationwide Drug Take-Back Day on October 26, 2013 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.Unwanted or expired medications and drugs may be turned in for disposal at the locations listed below: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office – Walmart – 5955 Zebulon Road – Macon, GA
Macon Police Department - 600 Pio Nono Avenue – Macon, GA
Cook County Sheriff’s Office – 1000 County Farm Road – Adel, GA
Early County Sheriff’s Office – Harvey’s Supermarket – 12246 Columbia Street – Blakely, GA
Eatonton Police Department – 214 West Marion Street – Eatonton, GA
Forsyth Police Department – 220 South Kimball Street – Forsyth, GA
Ft. Benning Military Police – Ft. Benning Main Exchange – Bldg. 9222 Marne Road - Ft. Benning, GA
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office – 1 James Little Street – Carnesville, GA
Hart County Sheriff’s Office – 890 Vickery Street – Hartwell, GA
Jones County Sheriff’s Department – 123 Holmer Hawkins Drive – Gray, GA
Lee County Sheriff’s Office – 119 Pinewood Road – Leesburg, GA
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office – 145 L. Carey Bittick Drive – Forsyth, GA
Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office – 119 Old Monticello Road – Milledgeville, GA
Hancock County Sheriff’s Department – 67 Spring Street – Sparta, GA
Madison Police Department – 118 N. Main Street – Madison, GA
Milledgeville Police Department – 125 W. McIntosh Street – Milledgeville, GA
Washington Co. Sheriff’s Department – 1735 Kaolin Road – Sandersville, GA
Wilkinson Co. Sheriff’s Department – 108 Bacon Street – Irwinton, GA
Miller County Sheriff’s Office – 300 West Pine Street – Colquitt, GA
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office – 208 Court Street – Donalsonville, GA
Sylvester Police Department – Glenn’s Corner Pharmacy – 631 E. Franklin St. – Sylvester, GAJoin the effort, find a Take-Back location near you and take the pledge to stop prescription medicine abuse. Go to http://www.justice.gov/dea/index.shtml for more information.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
United States Attorney Announces Guilty Verdict Against Anderson Man on Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that Dr. Bruce E. Jones, PhD, age 66, of Anderson, has been found guilty of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition after a four day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. The defendant, a previously licensed family and addiction counselor in Madison County, now faces up to thirty years in federal prison.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of prosecutors and our law enforcement partners, we have brought to justice a person whose total disregard for the rule of law was a danger to this community,” Hogsett said. “This case represents exactly what our Violent Crime Initiative is all about – collaborating across jurisdictions to make Central Indiana a safer place to live and work.”
An investigation of Jones was launched by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2010, and search warrants were executed in May of that year. Investigators found evidence of federal firearms violations at three different properties owned by Jones. This included two locations in Madison County, as well as a cabin in rural Montana. The FBI was assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as local law enforcement agencies.
All told, those search warrants revealed an illegal arsenal of four dozen firearms and 14,000 rounds of ammunition. Jones was not entitled to possess these weapons due to his 1984 conviction for dealing in a controlled substance. The defendant served three years in prison for that crime, but later became a practicing counselor with a doctorate degree.
This indictment comes as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). Launched in March 2011, the VCI has produced a dramatic increase in the number of gun-related charges brought federally. In the year preceding the initiative, there were just 14 defendants charged with federal gun crimes by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In the nearly two years since, more than 200 defendants have been charged.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley Shepard and Nicholas Surmacz, who prosecuted the case for the government, Jones now faces up to ten years in prison and significant fines on each federal gun charge. He was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service today, where he will remain until a scheduled sentencing hearing on February 20, 2014, in Indianapolis. Jones is also scheduled to go to trial in January on federal health care fraud charges.
An Indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for North Texas Joins the Dallas Area Drug Prevention PartnershipRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Saldaña Encourages Participation in
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 26, 2013DALLAS — U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas announced that the district has joined the Dallas Area Drug Prevention Partnership to promote its campaign, entitled the “Medicine Abuse Project,” designed to target prescription drug abuse in our communities. The campaign will bring together families, communities, industry, health care professionals, educators, government officials and law enforcement to curb teen medicine abuse, and ultimately save lives.
“I’m honored to work with local partners, including the Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse, the Dallas Area Drug Prevention Partnership and various police departments, as well as with our federal partner, the Drug Enforcement Administration, to encourage the public to rid their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs by turning them in to designated collection sites this Saturday, October 26, National Prescription Take Back Day,” said U.S. Attorney Saldaña.
“Prescription drug abuse has become a serious public health and safety issue and it is the Nation’s fastest-growing drug problem,” said Dan R. Salter, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Dallas Field Division. “Oftentimes, the most common source for access to prescription drugs is the home medicine cabinet. With the National Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign, we are aggressively reaching out to individuals to encourage them to rid their households of unused prescription drugs. In working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, our state and local law enforcement partners, the medical community, anti-drug coalitions and a concerned public, we can eliminate a major source of abused drugs through the Drug Take-Back campaign and the Medicine Abuse Project.”
Visit http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/ for the drop off location closest to you. The service is free and anonymous; no questions will be asked.
Two Plead Guilty to Money Laundering Conspiracy in $10.5 Million Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two men from Miami have pleaded guilty to laundering millions of dollars obtained through a $10.5 million Medicare fraud scheme using shell companies they controlled.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida A. Lee Bentley III, Special Agent in Charge Paul Wysopal of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher B. Dennis of the U.S. Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) region including all of Florida made the announcement.
Rafael Roche, 43, and Alain Remy, 35, pleaded guilty on Oct. 24, 2013, and Oct. 23, 2013, respectively, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to an indictment charging them with conspiracy to commit money laundering involving the proceeds of a health care fraud scheme. Remy is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 16, 2014; Roche’s sentencing date has yet to be scheduled. They each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
According to documents filed in the case, Roche, Remy and others conspired to engage in financial and monetary transactions of health care fraud proceeds from Renew Therapy Center of Port St. Lucie LLC (Renew Therapy), a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility. From November 2007 through August 2009, Renew Therapy submitted approximately $10,549,361 in fraudulent claims for reimbursement to Medicare for therapy services that were not legitimately prescribed and not legitimately provided to Medicare beneficiaries. As a result of those fraudulent claims, Medicare deposited approximately $6,248,056 into a Renew Therapy bank account. The fraud proceeds in that account were subsequently disbursed to various entities, including a combined total of $1,847,222 to Ariguanabo Investment Group Inc. and IRE Diagnostic Center Inc., shell companies that Roche and Remy controlled.
Court records indicate that more than $1.2 million was laundered through Ariguanabo Investment Group between Feb. 5, 2009, and Sep. 22, 2009. The money was subsequently removed from the Ariguanabo Investment Group bank account to various individuals and entities, including to Ibiza Future Planning Inc., a shell company that Remy established and controlled.
More than $600,000 was laundered through IRE Diagnostic Center from Aug. 7, 2008, and Jan. 29, 2009. The money was subsequently removed from the IRE Diagnostic Center bank account to various individuals and entities, including to A&R Medical Services of South Florida Inc., another shell company that Roche and Remy established and controlled.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher J. Hunter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged more than 1,500 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $5 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Team (HEAT), go to: www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
Two Men Involved in Organized Crime-controlled Gambling Ring Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two men involved in organized crime-controlled gambling businesses were sentenced today in Hartford federal court. U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant sentenced RICHARD UVA, 45, of Trumbull, to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. UVA was also ordered to forfeit $250,000. VICTOR AMERENO, 43, of Stamford, was sentenced to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit $15,000.
According to court documents and statements made in court, after a long-term investigation led by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Stamford Police Department, UVA, AMERENO, Dean DePreta and 17 other individuals were charged with various offenses related to their involvement in an illegal Internet sports bookmaking operation and illegal card gambling clubs in Stamford and Hamden. UVA and DePreta are alleged associates of the Gambino organized crime family.
The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that UVA assisted DePreta’s operation of a large-scale sports bookmaking business in which gamblers placed bets with offshore Internet sports-gambling websites, particularly www.44wager.com based in Costa Rica. UVA served as the “master agent” for the bookmaking operation and supervised a network of bookmakers, including AMERENO.
In addition, DePreta, UVA and others operated a card gambling club at 2965 State Street in Hamden, where a house percentage, commonly referred to as a “rake,” was collected from every hand played. UVA supervised the club’s operation.
UVA has also admitted that he committed acts of extortion while participating in this racketeering enterprise ad collected “tribute” payments from independent sports bookmakers operating in Connecticut. A portion of the payments were delivered to Gambino Family associates in New York.
FBI analysis of the sports-betting web site utilized by the co-defendants has determined that the total gross revenues of the Stamford-based gambling operation were nearly $1.7 million from October 2010 to June 2011.
On April 28, 2011, investigators executed a search warrant at UVA’s former residence in Stamford and seized approximately $175,000 in cash.
UVA has been released on bond since his arrest on June 13, 2012. On August 5, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to violate the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
DePreta pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on October 9, 2013, he was sentenced to 71 months of imprisonment, fined $50,000 and was ordered to forfeit $300,000.
AMERENO pleaded guilty on April 1, 2013 to one count of operating an illegal gambling business.
To date, 18 defendants who have pleaded guilty have agreed to forfeit approximately $1.4 million.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Connecticut State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hal Chen and Peter Jongbloed.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 [email protected]Trespasser Fined $255,000 for Unauthorized Removal and Sale of Sand and Gravel from Public LandRead the Press Release
DENVER – Today, the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado, John F. Walsh, announces the recovery of $255,000 as part of a settlement of allegations that Merial I. Currier and Currier Gravel Pit, Inc. operated a gravel mining pit on public land, without obtaining authorization from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The United States alleges that Currier trespassed on BLM-administered land, as follows. Between 1991 and 2010, Currier operated a 9-acre gravel mining pit on BLM-administered public land near Collbran, Colorado, located in the NE1/4 of the SE1/4 of Section 12, Township 9 South, Range 93 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian, Colorado. Currier operated this pit without ever obtaining the necessary authorization from the BLM to remove and sell sand and gravel from the pit. Currier removed an estimated 153,439 short tons of sand and gravel -- over 300 million pounds -- and sold it. The United States alleges Currier or her predecessor in interest, Carleton Currier, also constructed a 4-acre reservoir on BLM land near Colbran, again without any permission or authorization from the BLM.
“Taking minerals from public land without a permit harms the people of the United States,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh. “If you do it, there will be swift and certain consequences.”
“The BLM manages the public’s land for the benefit of the public. This settlement reaffirms the importance of people understanding where public land boundaries are and having the proper permits to operate on public land,” said Colorado Acting Assoc. State Director John Mehlhoff.
A settlement was reached whereby Currier will pay $255,000 for the estimated 153,439 short tons of sand and gravel that Currier removed and sold. In addition to the monetary settlement, Currier also agreed to ensure that reclamation is performed for the damaged land and to dismiss an appeal contesting the United States’ ownership of the trespassed land that she had previously filed with the Interior Board of Land Appeals.
Currier has denied the allegations of trespass. The settlement agreement shall not be construed as an admission of liability, wrongdoing, or guilt on the part of Currier.
This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Rocque.
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Tony Ray Many Guns Sentenced in U.S. District CourtRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on October 21, 2013, before Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, TONY RAY MANY GUNS, a 36-year-old resident of Browning and an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe, was sentenced to a term of:
- ison: 30 months
- ecial Assessment: $100
- pervised Release: 3 years
MANY GUNS was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:
On February 28, 2013, MANY GUNS' wife was sleeping at a friend's home in Browning, which is within the exterior boundaries of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. At approximately 2:00 a.m., MANY GUNS showed up at the residence after drinking "downtown." He knocked on the bedroom window so that his wife would let him inside, but she did not open the window. MANY GUNS instead entered the house through the front door and was angry that his wife failed to aid in his entrance. While they were both in bed, MANY GUNS began to hit his wife by striking her in the mouth and in the cheek with a closed fist. The victim started to return blows but soon rolled onto her stomach and buried her face in the mattress in an effort to protect herself.
MANY GUNS continued to hit the victim and eventually stuck her index finger in his mouth and bit down "as hard as he could." In an effort to get MANY GUNS to release her finger, the victim used her left hand to dig into MANY GUNS' eye. MANY GUNS let go and then used both of his hands to strangle the victim. The victim recalled making gasping and choking noises and began to pray out loud. MANY GUNS said, "You better pray."
The physical altercation stopped for a short time, and MANY GUNS told the victim that he wanted something to eat. He mad the victim go with him. Once in the kitchen, the victim said something that angered him. MANY GUNS responded by slamming her into the wall near the refrigerator. He then grabbed the victim around the neck and strangled her until she lost consciousness. The victim did not know how long she was unconscious, but when she regained consciousness, MANY GUNS was holding her up by her arms in the same spot. She reached out and pushed at MANY GUNS and slapped him in the face. MANY GUNS returned fire, using a closed fist to strike her in the mouth, which caused bleeding. MANY GUNS gave the victim a towel and said, "Don't bleed on my floor."
The next day, the victim soaked her finger in an attempt to prevent infection. The victim eventually told him, "It felt like you were [going] [to] bite my finger off." MANY GUNS responded, "I was trying to." He then told her that she should not try to fight back.
The victim went to the hospital because her finger became infected and she was unable to move it. The injury to the victim's finger was extremely painful. She received Lortab, which is a narcotic drug, for the pain and was required to go through IV therapy.
On March 4, 2013, MANY GUNS was interviewed about the victim's finger. MANY GUNS initially said that he did not remember anything happening to the victim's finger. After further questioning, MANY GUNS eventually recalled that the victim was upset and yelled that she hated him. While trying to get the victim to calm down, MANY GUNS stated that the victim reached forward and pressed a finger into his eyes. MANY GUNS claimed that was when he bit her finger. MANY GUNS acknowledged that he bit the victim's finger for one minute and remembered that she was screaming, crying, and bleeding profusely.
Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that he will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, he does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.
The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Toledo Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Fraud, Identity TheftRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was sentenced to more than eight years in prison for an identity theft scheme in which he defrauded banks out of $62,000, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Jermain R. Stevenson, age 23, pleaded guilty earlier this year to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
He admitted to using the Internet to gain personal information from people, including their names, Social Security numbers and credit card numbers, which he then used to defraud banks that issued credit cards. He used the information he obtained to purchase approximately $62,000 in goods and services from 2010 through 2012, according to court documents.
During his sentencing hearing, evidence was presented that demonstrated that Stevenson continued to access computers from prison and directed others to illegally transfer money from Western Union, Liberty Reserve and other services in order to continue the fraudulent scheme.
The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph R. Wilson.
Three Co-Conspirators Sentenced for Trafficking Meth in Idaho Falls AreaRead the Press Release
Leader of the Drug Organization Gets 35 Year Prison Sentence
POCATELLO – U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced today that three co-defendants—Fausto Enrique Urias, Benito Vasquez Joya and Misti Chapman—were sentenced to serve federal prison sentences for their involvement in an Eastern Idaho meth trafficking operation. The defendants appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
Fausto Urias, 32, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was sentenced today to 35 years in prison followed by ten years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Judge Winmill ordered Urias to forfeit $100,000 to the United States and imposed a $5,000 fine. Urias’ sentence was the result of the court finding the defendant responsible for a significant amount of methamphetamine and that the defendant was the leader/organizer of a criminal organization. Additionally, the court found that the defendant possessed guns in connection with the offense, and that the defendant used violence and threats of violence in carrying out the offense. Finally, the court found that the offense constituted a pattern of criminal conduct from which the defendant derived his livelihood.
Urias’ co-defendant, Benito Joya, 58, of Rigby Idaho, was sentenced on Wednesday to 121 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
Misti Chapman, 30, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release and 80 hours of community service for distribution of methamphetamine. Chapman was also charged with violating a previously imposed term of supervised release. She was sentenced to 21 months in prison concurrent with the sentenced imposed for the drug offense, for a total term of incarceration of 21 months.
In addition to Urias, Joya and Chapman, three other individuals charged in the federal indictment, all from Idaho Falls, pleaded guilty in August 2013 to related drug trafficking offenses. Marco Antonio Echeverria, 25, will be sentenced on December 5 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Erica Rodriguez, 33, will be sentenced on December 4 for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine; and Juan Carlos Garcia, 36, will be sentenced on December 16 for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
According to plea agreements filed in the case, between November 2009 and October 23, 2012, Urias and Garcia conspired to possess and distribute methamphetamine to other individuals in the Idaho Falls area. Urias and Garcia were previously convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance in Bonneville County, Idaho, on November 9, 2004, and June 7, 2005, respectively.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), including the Idaho State Police, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bonneville County Sheriff's Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Madison County Sheriff's Office, Rexburg Police Department, Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Other federal agencies participating in the OCDETF program include the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
Thomas Mark Marceau Sentenced in U.S. District CourtRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on October 22, 2013, before Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, THOMAS MARK MARCEAU, a 28-year-old resident of Browning and an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe, was sentenced to a term of:
- ison: 48 months
- ecial Assessment: $200
- pervised Release: 15 years
MARCEAU was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to (2) counts of abusive sexual contact.
In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:
X.X. disclosed to an FBI agent that MARCEAU had molested him. The assault occurred sometime between the years of 2007 through 2009, and X.X. was less than 12-years-old during the commission of the offense, which occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. MARCEAU was in his early twenties.
When interviewed about the sexual assault of X.X., MARCEAU stated that he was close with X.X. When asked about the inappropriate contact that he had with X.X., MARCEAU acknowledged that such sexual contact occurred.
Y.Y. was also less than 12-years-old when he disclosed to law enforcement that MARCEAU had molested him. The molestations perpetrated against Y.Y. occurred between 2007 and 2012. As with X.X., MARCEAU was in his twenties when the molestations against Y.Y. occurred. Y.Y. explained that MARCEAU had been molesting him since Y.Y. was 6-years-old.
Agents also interviewed MARCEAU about sexual contact with Y.Y. MARCEAU admitted that the sexual contact occurred.
Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that he will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, he does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.
The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Talladega County Man Pleads Guilty to Murder for HireRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM -- A Talladega County man pleaded guilty today in federal court to attempting to hire a member of the Ku Klux Klan to murder an African-American neighbor he suspected of raping his wife, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Schwein Jr.
ALLEN WAYNE DENSEN MORGAN, 29, of Munford, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Karon O. Bowdre to one count of using and causing someone else to use interstate facilities and travel -- a telephone and a motor vehicle -- with the intent to commit a murder-for hire. Morgan's sentencing is scheduled Feb. 27.
“The defendant attempted to arrange the brutal murder of his neighbor as vengeance for a perceived wrong,” said Jocelyn Samuels, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. “The Justice Department will prosecute with vigor those who seek violent vigilantism.”
"This defendant’s effort to solicit a murder for hire is a federal crime," Vance said. "The prosecution here was swift and the punishment will be in a federal penitentiary. Future wrongdoers are on notice that we vigorously prosecute these crimes."
Federal officials arrested Morgan in August after he told FBI agents posing as members of the KKK that he would pay them to murder his neighbor. Morgan admitted he offered a watch, a necklace and a gun as payment for the murder and gave explicit details for the man's torture and murder.
Morgan's efforts to arrange the paid murder of his neighbor unfolded as follows, according to his plea:
Morgan talked to an undercover FBI agent by telephone on Aug. 22, who identified himself as a KKK member. The men arranged to meet three days later at an Oxford motel to discuss payment for the murder. In that phone conversation, Morgan used a racial slur to describe the man he wanted killed and bragged that he had just fired several shots toward the man to intimidate him. Morgan also described, in detail, how he wanted the man "hung from a tree like a deer and gutted," to have body parts cut off, and to "die a slow, painful death."
Morgan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pat Meadows and John B. Felton of the Northern District of Alabama and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney David Reese are prosecuting the case.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Illegal Drugs, FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing methamphetamine and a firearm.
Allewa T. Whitley, 32, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 20 years in federal prison without parole.
On May 9, 2013, Whitley pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Springfield police officers searched Whitley’s apartment on Feb. 22, 2011, and found multiple components of an active methamphetamine lab and evidence of distribution. Officers also located multiple amounts of methamphetamine in various bags, including one bag that contained 84.7 grams of methamphetamine at 100 percent purity level. Another bag contained 57.63 grams of methamphetamine. Officers found $1,736 in Whitley’s car. Whitley had 7.35 grams of methamphetamine and $2,000 on his person.
Officers also found a North American Arms .22-caliber revolver in Whitley’s apartment. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Whitley has prior felony convictions for distributing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a chemical with intent to create a controlled substance, burglary and tampering.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ami Harshad Miller and Cynthia J. Hyde. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Silver City Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Trevor Lee Thayer, 42, of Silver City, N.M., pleaded guilty this afternoon in Las Cruces federal court to violating the federal firearms laws by unlawfully possessing a short barreled rifle and unlawfully possessing a silencer.
Thayer was indicted in Feb. 2013, and was charged with (1) unlawful possession of a short barreled rifle, (2) unlawful possession of a silencer, (3) unlawfully manufacturing a silencer, (4) manufacturing marijuana, and (5) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In Aug. 2013, the indictment was superseded to add the additional charge of (6) maintaining premises for the purpose of manufacturing marijuana. According to the superseding indictment, offenses were committed in Grant County, N.M., in Aug. 2012.
During his plea hearing, Thayer entered guilty pleas to Counts 1 and 2 of the superseding indictment charging him with unlawful possession of a short barreled rifle and unlawful possession of a silencer. In his plea agreement, Thayer admitted committing these two offenses on Aug. 15, 2012, in Grant County, N.M., by illegally possessing a grey silencer and a weapon, which was made from a Ruger, Model 10/22, .22 caliber rifle and with a barrel length of less than 16 inches, that were not registered to him in the National Registration and Transfer Record.
At sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled, Thayer faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison on each of the two charges. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Thayer is required to forfeit seven firearms and more than 2000 rounds of ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces offices of the DEA and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the New Mexico Motor Transportation Police and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Amanda L. Gould of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
Shiloh Man Indicted for Possession of Unregistered Destructive DevicesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Justin A. Vangilder, of Shiloh, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing unregistered destructive devices.
The indictment alleges that on October 3, 2013, Vangilder possessed three unregistered explosive destructive devices more commonly known as “pipe bombs,” which comprised of plastic or metal pipes with end caps containing energetic material, smokeless powder, fuses and shrapnel. The charge carries maximum penalties of 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge and is entitled to a fair trial at which the United States must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Illinois State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jungmin Lee.
Sentences for October 18 – 23, 2013Read the Press Release
Gale M. Nation, 43, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 23, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 200-350 grams of methamphetamine. Nation was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She received 36 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Phillip Edward Downs, 27, of Afton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 22, 2013, for three counts of making false statements in connection with the purchase of a firearm and three counts of transferring a firearm to a convicted felon. Downs was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received 18 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $600.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Patrick A. Flores, 36, of Fort Collins, Colorado, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 21, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 735 grams of methamphetamine. Flores was arrested in Fort Collins, Colorado. He received 144 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Johnny Wade, 46, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 18, 2013, on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing between 1.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectible amount of methamphetamine; one count of possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and one count of possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Wade was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 135 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 special assessment and a $700.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Saratoga Man Sentenced to 16 Months for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Jonathan Jianguo Jiang was sentenced yesterday to 16 months imprisonment for failing to report capital gains for the sale of his company, announced United States Attorney Melinda Haag and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge José M. Martinez.
Jiang, 48, of Saratoga, Calif., incorporated SecureM in the Cayman Islands on January 28, 2004. He was the director, president, and sole shareholder of SecureM. On April 17, 2004, SecureM was sold to a UK company for at least $8,600,000. Jiang willfully omitted the capital gains from his 2004, 2005 and 2006 federal income tax returns, notwithstanding the fact that he received capital gains of at least $2.9 million between 2004 and 2006 from the sale of SecureM. Jiang’s willful omissions resulted in $467,336 of additional tax due.
Jiang, was charged on March 6, 2012, with one count of income tax evasion for the 2004 tax year. He pleaded guilty on March 3, 2013.
The sentence was handed down by The Honorable Lucy H. Koh, U.S. District Court Judge. Jiang was also sentenced to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered to pay $467,336 in restitution. Jiang will begin serving the sentence on March 14, 2014.
Jiang also paid his civil tax liability, which includes penalties and interest, of over $3,000,000.
Cynthia Stier is the Assistant United States Attorney who is prosecuting this case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
(Jiang information )
Salesman of Roofing Company in South Jersey Admits Filing False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A salesman for a South Jersey roofing company, pleaded guilty today to filing false income tax returns for 2007 and 2008, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman, District of New Jersey, and Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the U.S. Department of Justice, announced.
Keith Brown, a salesman for Kenal (d/b/a Ken Morton Roofing and Siding) a residential roofing company located in Pitman, N.J., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with filing false income tax returns for tax years 2007 and 2008.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From early 2007 through the end of 2008, Brown received 10 percent commission on each roofing job that he sold. A portion of this commission was paid to him by payroll check, the amounts of which were reported on his W-2 forms, Wage and Tax Statements. Brown, however, received the majority of his commissions in cash, which were not reported on the W-2s issued to him. Brown failed to report the cash portion of his commissions when he filed his tax returns for tax years 2007 and 2008.
For the 2007 and 2008 tax years, Brown had unreported income of $236,302 and $278,453, respectively. The result of Brown’s filing false tax returns caused a loss to the IRS of $141,382.
The tax charge to which Brown pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and restitution to the IRS. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 4, 2014.
Assistant Attorney General for the Tax Division Keneally and U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of IRS B Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Shantelle P. Kitchen, for their work in the investigation of the case.
The government is represented by Tax Division Trial Attorneys Jessica Moran and Tino Lisella.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/tax.
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Defense counsel: Bruce Cassidy Esq., Princeton, N.J.Brown, Keith Information
Salem Pair Faces Drug and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland, Ohio, returned a six-count indictment charging Charles S. Wilson, Jr., age 40, and Sandra R. Wilson, age 42, both of Salem, Ohio, with conspiracy; cultivation and distribution of marijuana; possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing marijuana; conspiracy to launder money and money laundering.
The indictment charges that beginning at least as early as June 2013, and continuing through September 2013, the Wilsons conspired with each other and diverse others to manufacture (cultivate) and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. As part of the conspiracy, the Wilsons cultivated more than 100 marijuana plants which they knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute. The indictment further charges that the Wilsons maintained a residence in Salem, Ohio, for the purpose of cultivating and distributing the marijuana.
The Wilsons are also charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and one count of engaging in a financial transaction using proceeds of marijuana trafficking.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including each of the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, each of the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An indictment in only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Retired Radio Personality Charged in New Jersey with Attempted Transportation of A Minor for Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A retired radio personality was arrested today for attempting to transport a 7-year-old girl from Bergen County, N.J., to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, for the purpose of sexually abusing the girl, New Jersey U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
David Herman, 77, of Airmont, N.Y., and St. Croix, was arrested by special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) at the airport in St. Croix, where he expected to meet the child. He is scheduled to appear tomorrow, Oct. 25, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon for an initial appearance in St. Croix federal court.
According to documents filed in this case:
Beginning in November 2012, Herman initiated a series of chats on a Web site with an undercover officer from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office in New Jersey. Herman believed that he was communicating with a 36-year-old single mother with a 6-year-old daughter.
Over the course of the following months, Herman had multiple telephone and online communications with the officer during which he indicated his desire to engage in sexual activity with the officer’s fictitious daughter. Herman also attempted to arrange illegal sexual encounters with the child in New York and Bergen County, N.J.
In early 2013, Herman told the undercover that he would like to fly the pair down to spend a few days with him in St. Croix so that he could engage in sexual activity with the daughter. On Sept. 30, 2013, Herman purchased airline tickets for them to fly from LaGuardia Airport to St. Croix.
The count of attempting to transport a minor in interstate commerce with the intent that the minor engage in illegal sexual activity is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The charge also carries a maximum $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of ICE HSI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew McLees in Newark and Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and detectives of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John L. Molinelli, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Navarro and Cari Fais of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Herman, David Complaint
Puerto Rico Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2009 Mass ShootingRead the Press Release
David Oquendo-Rivas, 29, was sentenced today to life in prison for his role in the murder of eight people and an unborn child during a mass shooting at a Puerto Rico nightclub in 2009.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez made the announcement.Oquendo-Rivas and his co-defendant, Alexis Candelario-Santana, were convicted by a federal jury on March 8, 2013. Oquendo-Rivas was convicted of 28 counts of committing violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity and nine counts of using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. These offenses occurred on Oct. 17, 2009, in what became known as the “La Tómbola Massacre.” Candelario-Santana was sentenced to life in prison on Aug. 28, 2013.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Oquendo-Rivas was recruited by Candelario-Santana in 2009 to assist Candelario-Santana in reinstituting control over his drug trafficking organization, which operated principally in Sabana Seca, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. The organization purchased drugs in bulk, processed and packaged the drugs, and sold them at Sabana Seca through numerous sellers, runners and enforcers under Candelario-Santana’s control. The organization sold crack, cocaine, heroin and marijuana, and members of the organization routinely possessed firearms to protect its drug points.On Oct. 17, 2009, the new leader of Candelario-Santana’s drug trafficking organization, who had displaced Candelario-Santana, held the grand opening of a nightclub he had rented and refurbished called La Tómbola, located in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, complete with a popular live band and a festive Paso Fino horse parade, known as a “cabalgata.” The event was heavily attended, with families congregating inside and outside the establishment, most of whom had nothing to do with the drug trafficking organization and merely resided in the general area. At approximately 11:50 p.m., Oquendo-Rivas, Candelario-Santana and others – all of whom were heavily armed – drove to La Tómbola. When they arrived, they immediately opened fire indiscriminately on all the patrons located outside, many of whom were women, children and elderly people. Oquendo-Rivas and Candelario-Santana stormed into the La Tómbola, and Candelario-Santana was heard to yell “no one gets out alive” as they opened fire on the people inside.
In all, eight people and an 8-month unborn child were killed as a result of the gunfire at La Tómbola, and 19 other victims were shot and injured. The evidence introduced at trial demonstrated that 335 expended shell-casings were recovered from the La Tómbola crime scene. The ballistics evidence established that three AK-47-type assault rifles, one AR-15-type assault rifle, eight 9mm semi-automatic pistols, three 40-caliber semi-automatic pistols, and two 45-caliber semi-automatic pistols were used in the attack.
Oquendo-Rivas and another individual were discovered several days following the massacre with three pistols, one of which was scientifically matched to the La Tómbola massacre.The case was investigated by the FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department, with the collaboration of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Instituto de Ciencias Forenses; and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney María Dominguez-Victoriano and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcela C. Mateo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and Trial Attorney Bruce R. Hegyi of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section.
President of New Jersey-Based Textile Company Charged with Defrauding Investors in the United States and People’s Republic of ChinaRead the Press Release
Phony Investment Schemes Allegedly Made More than $10 Million
NEWARK, N.J. – The president of a purported textile wholesale distributor headquartered in Hackensack, N.J., was arrested at home early this morning by special agents of the FBI and the U.S. Treasury Department for allegedly defrauding investors in the United States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) of more than $10 million in investment fraud schemes, New Jersey U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Sara Rong Liu, 52, of Mahwah, N.J., is charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud. She is expected to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.
According to the complaint unsealed today:
Liu is the president of Westone Inc., a company purportedly involved in the wholesale distribution of textiles as well as interior design. From approximately October 2010 through October 2013, Liu falsely represented to victim investors, among other things, that Westone had been awarded a lucrative $156.6 million contract by the New York City Department of Design and Construction Fund (NYC DDC).
The NYC DDC never awarded the defendant or her company any such contract.
In 2011, Liu told investors there was a problem with the contract that required Westone to pay certain fees before the NYC DDC would release contract payments to the defendant and her company.
To support her false claims, Liu created, or caused to be created, a number of fictitious contracts, emails and other documents, including documents purportedly from, among others: the NYC DDC, which stated she had been awarded the contract to provide “Design, Construction, and Construction Support Services for the Design, Manufacture, and Supply of Good Quality Home & Office Interior Textile Products and Finishing” in and around the New York metropolitan area; the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; the Treasury Department; the FBI; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, among others. Liu emailed a number of these documents to the victim investors from whom she solicited funds. She characterized the funds as short-term loans, which would be repaid immediately upon the release of the first contract payment of $52.2 million from the NYC DDC.Investors gave Liu millions. Between approximately October 2010 and February 2012, Liu obtained approximately $530,000 from a single investor located in Virginia. The victim wired most of that money into an account controlled by the defendant in New Jersey.
In another scheme, Liu told victim investors that she stood to receive more than $17 million from a deceased uncle’s estate in the PRC, but first had to pay taxes related to her uncle’s estate before she could receive the money. Liu represented to investors that if they helped her to pay the taxes, she would share the inheritance with them.
In all, the defendant obtained more than approximately $10 million in illegitimate proceeds from victim investors located both in the United States and the PRC.
The wire fraud count carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss resulting from the crime.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark, and the United States Treasury Department, Office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Geary, Washington Field Division, with the investigation leading to the arrest and charges.
The government is represented by Deputy Chief Gurbir Grewal and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Mendelsohn of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought in coordination with President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed nearly 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,900 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.stopfraud.gov.
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Defense counsel: Assistant Federal Public Defender Lisa Mack Esq., Newark
Liu, Sara Complaint
Physician Sentenced to 48 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Health Care Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Dr. Daniel K. Leong – Who Owned South Dallas Community Medical Center – is Also Ordered to Pay Nearly $900,000 in Restitution
DALLAS — Dr. Daniel K. Leong, 59, who owned South Dallas Community Medical Center (SDCMC) on Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dallas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade to 48 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $865,163 in restitution for his role in a conspiracy to defraud Medicare and Medicaid. Leong must surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on January 15, 2014. Today’s announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.
Specifically, on the day his federal trial was to begin in January 2013, Leong pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Leong’s coconspirator in the case, Cal Graves, who worked as a physician assistant at the SDCMC, pleaded guilty to the same offense and was sentenced in February 2013 to a three-year term of probation and ordered to pay $294,946 in restitution.
According to documents filed in the case, by falsely representing that office visits and diagnostics were medically necessary, patients at SDCMC were prescribed controlled substances in exchange for submitting themselves to diagnostic tests. This ensured that they would return to the clinic the next month, thus making themselves available for more tests. Often, patients would exaggerate their pain level to provide a basis for a prescription for narcotics. Leong benefitted from the exaggeration because it gave him “cover” to order more tests. The patients were rarely referred to specialists for their persistent pain, and this process was repeated for up to several years without any actual treatment for some patients.
Leong and Graves frequently ordered tests known as electromyograms (EMG) that are used to diagnose neurological and neuromuscular problems. These tests are also highly-reimbursable by Medicare and Medicaid. Often, the test results were never read and Graves did not have the proper training to read them.
In February 2010, Leong signed a blank prescription that reflected his authority to prescribe controlled substances. He instructed Graves and other SDCMC staff to copy this prescription as needed. When patients came to SDCMC, Graves used the pre-signed prescriptions.
Medicare and Medicaid would not have paid claims for office visits, diagnostic testing or prescriptions if they had known either that the services were medically unnecessary and that Leong did not prescribe the medications.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mindy Sauter. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations are part of the Health Care Fraud Prevention & Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), a joint initiative announced in May 2009 between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged more than 1,500 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $5 billion. In addition, HHS’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, is taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to: www.stopmedicarefraud.gov
Orange County Man Sentenced for Mortgage FraudRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Michael B. Steinbach, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announce that defendant Bhardwaaj “Deo” Seecharan, 53, of Orange County, was sentenced yesterday for his participation in an extensive mortgage fraud scheme. The defendant was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez to 60 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In addition, Bhardwaaj Seecharan was ordered to pay $2,040,343.14 in restitution to the victim banks.
Bhardwaaj Seecharan previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud involving $3.5 million in diverted real estate escrow funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1349 and 1344.
According to statements made in court and publicly filed documents in the case, on December 9, 2010, Bhardwaaj Seecharan, his wife Gergawattie “Kamla” Seecharan, and two others were indicted on bank fraud, conspiracy, money laundering and related mortgage fraud charges. According to the charges, the Seecharans, along with their two co-defendants, conspired to solicit mainly Guyanese residents of Florida and other states to act as straw buyers on fraudulent applications for more than $50 million worth of mortgage loans in connection with the purchase of more than 150 homes in Indian River County, Miami-Dade County, and elsewhere. Approximately 80 individuals served as straw buyers of properties in Vero Lake Estates (VLE), in Indian River County, and other developments. This scheme resulted in the issuance of more than $50 million in fraudulent mortgage loans. The proceeds were then used to buy more properties, sustain the deception, service preexisting mortgage loans in the scheme, and pay kickbacks to the straw buyers.
In addition, Kamla Seecharan and codefendant Linda Rovetto unlawfully diverted more than $3.5 million in mortgage loans from real estate closing escrow accounts to Raviworld New Homes, Inc., a company managed by Kamla Seecharan’s husband and codefendant Bhardwaaj Seecharan.
Linda Rovetto was sentenced on August 21, 2012, by Judge Martinez to 42 months in prison for her part in the bank fraud. Kamla Seecharan was sentenced on September 25, 2012, to 121 months in prison.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. Mr. Ferrer also thanked the State of Florida Office of Financial Regulation, Bureau of Finance, West Palm Beach Regional Office for their work on this investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
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.
October Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 24 indictments charging 24 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Oscar Aguilar-Pablo, age 28, of Lexington, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 16, 2013, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Aurelio Alanis-Morales, age 37, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 15, 2013, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Edgar Barajas, age 25, of Omaha, is charged in a two count indictment. Count I alleges that on or about September 26, 2013, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up Life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment alleges that on or about September 26, 2013, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. The maximum possible penalty is imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 4 year team of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment, including but not limited to $30,043 in United States currency, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Marisa Cardona, age 24, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count indictment. Count I of the Indictment alleges from on or about August 30, 2013, the defendant concealed a person from arrest. The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment alleges that on or about August 30, 2013, Cardona provided a false statement to the U.S. Marshals Service. The maximum possible penalty for this count includes 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Toledo Domingo-Felipe, age 38, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 8, 2013, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Juan Manuel Hernandez-Valdez, age 23, of Bellevue, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 22, 2013, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.* Lori Jenkins, age 47, of Omaha, was charged with two counts of felon in possession of ammunition. Specifically on August 2, 2013, she possessed Brenneke 12 gauge classic magnum shells and on August 20, 2013 she possessed Remington 9 mm ammunition. The maximum possible penalty for each count is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Raymond Kudera, age 37, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the indictment alleges from on or about May 2012 to on or about August 15, 2012, the defendant did receive and attempted to receive child pornography. If convicted, the maximum possible penalty is imprisonment of not less than 5 years or more than 20 years, a fine of $250,000, 5 years up to Life supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the indictment alleges from on or about May 2012 to on or about August 15, 2012 Kudera did knowingly access with intent to view a computer disk and any other material that contained an image of child pornography. The maximum possibly penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, $250,00 fine, 5 years up to Life supervised release and $100 special accessment.
* Justin Lauritsen, age 38, of Homer, Nebraska, is charged with four counts of uttering and possessing forged and counterfeit checks. Each of the four counts is punishable by 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, and a $100 special assessment.
* Gustavo Puig Lopez, age 38, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 8, 2013, following deportation as an aggravated felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Nicolas Mejia-Cruz, age 22, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 11, 2013, following deportation as an aggravated felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.* Antwan Mitchem, age 39, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base (i.e., “crack cocaine”). The maximum possible penalty is not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment, including but not limited to $22,480 in United States currency, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Gerardo Morales-Ramirez, age 26, of South Sioux City, Iowa, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about July 28, 2013, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Stanley Nixon, age 24, of Bellevue, Nebraska, is charged with two counts of uttering and possessing forged and counterfeit checks. Each of the two counts is punishable by 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, and a $100 special assessment.
* Christian Ozuna-Pacheco, age 29, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 11, 2013, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Roberto Pablo-Lucas, age 37, of Fremont, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 27, 2013, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Pedro Romero-DeLaCruz, age 27, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 27, 2013, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Robert Salts, age 34, of Fremont, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine on or about September 18, 2013. The maximum penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 4 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Sergio Solache-Valle, age 37, of Holdrege, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 16, 2013, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Hector Tomas Galvez Quebodo, age 31, of Norfolk, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 20, 2013, following deportation as an aggravated felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Santiago Velasquez-Lopez, age 50, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 8, 2013, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Allen Williams, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine on or about September 24, 2013. The maximum possible penalty is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to Life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Donald James Wilson, age 43, of Bothell, Washington, is charged with eight counts of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud ConAgra. Donald Wilson, the defendant, was a Division Vice President of Sales and Marketing for ConAgra’s western region of the United States and worked out of Bothell, Washington. Wilson allegedly caused the submission of fraudulent invoices to ConAgra seeking payment for promotional activities purportedly performed on ConAgra’s behalf. The indictment alleges the promotional activity never took place. It is alleged that Wilson’s false claims caused losses to ConAgra in the approximate amount of $605,592.50. Each of the eight counts is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, and a $100 special assessment.
* Adan Zarate-Cobain, age 31, of Dodge City, Kansas, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about August 9, 2013. The maximum possible penalty is imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 4 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.Norwalk Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Extorting $200,000 from Fairfield County VictimRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH CASOLO, 45, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for extorting approximately $200,000 from a Fairfield County businessman.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately September 2010 and December 2011, CASOLO extorted money from a small-business owner in Fairfield County by impersonating organized crime figures. CASOLO threatened the victim in person, in phone conversations and in text messages using multiple personas, repeatedly stating or implying that if the victim failed to make the extortion payments, the victim, the victim’s spouse, and the victim’s daughter would be harmed with violence. CASOLO also enlisted the assistance of an individual who identified himself as “Lorenzo,” the organized crime family’s “enforcer,” and made multiple threatening calls to the victim at CASOLO’s direction.
The investigation has revealed that the victim made more than $200,000 in cash payments to CASOLO as a result of his threats. CASOLO shared a portion of these funds with the individual who played the role of “Lorenzo.”
CASOLO has been detained since his arrest on November 20, 2012. On August 1, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of extortion.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Connecticut State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hal Chen.
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U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 [email protected]Northern California Man Sentenced on Federal Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On October 23, 2013, David Gabriel Morago, age 34, of Redwood Valley, California, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge James E. Gritzner to 110 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute at least 100 kilograms of marijuana, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Morago was also ordered to serve four years of supervised release following the imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
Beginning in approximately October 2010 and continuing until about October 27, 2012, Morago conspired with other persons to distribute marijuana in the Davenport, Iowa, area. On multiple occasions Morago packaged multiple kilograms of marijuana at or near his residence in California, and then assisted persons in concealing that packaged marijuana in vehicles for transport from Northern California to the Davenport area. The marijuana was delivered to recipients specified by Morago for those recipients’ further distribution. Recipients of marijuana included co-defendants John Michael Masterson, formerly of Davenport, and Autumn E. Skelton, formerly of Port Byron, Illinois. On October 8, 2013, Chief Judge Gritzner sentenced Masterson to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release following imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Skelton has pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and is awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency - Quad Cities Metropolitan Enforcement Group; Davenport, Iowa, Police Department; South Dakota Highway Patrol; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Mendocino County California Sherriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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North Tonawanda Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a three-count indictment charging Thomas A. Sparks, 21, of North Tonawanda, N.Y., with receipt and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on June 25, 2013, the defendant knowingly received 94 images of child pornography. Sparks also possessed a SanDisk Cruzer Glide 4GB USB Flash Drive which contained images of child pornography. Some of these images depicted a prepubescent minor and a minor under 12 years old.
The indictment is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Brian P. Boetig, Special Agent in Charge.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.Non-Native Man from Albuquerque Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Tribal Officer on Taos PuebloRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Dallas Chase Barth, 22, of Albuquerque, N.M., pleaded guilty this morning to a felony information charging Barth, a non-native, with assaulting an Indian with a dangerous weapon on Aug. 28, 2013, in Taos Pueblo.
Barth was arrested on Aug. 29, 2013, based on a criminal complaint charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon. According to the criminal complaint, on Aug. 28, 2013, Barth stole a van belonging to a U.S. Postal Service contractor that contained U.S. mail from outside a convenience store in Espanola, N.M., and led officers from several law enforcement agencies on a high speed chase to Taos Pueblo. Barth continued speeding through Taos Pueblo lands pursued by two tribal police officers in marked police vehicles.
Barth’s escapade ended when he drove to a dead end, made a U-turn, and began driving at a high rate of speed towards the two tribal officers who were standing by their parked police vehicles. One of the tribal officers had to jump out of the way in order to avoid being hit by Barth’s van and the other tribal officer, a member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribe, narrowly escaped injury by moving towards the rear of his police vehicle. Shortly thereafter, Barth was arrested after crashing the van.
In his plea agreement, Barth admitted leading a high speed chase that began in Espanola and ended in Taos Pueblo while driving recklessly and at high speeds as he attempted to flee from officers from several law enforcement agencies. Barth further admitted driving towards two tribal officers, including one who is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, at a high rate of speed with the intention of causing bodily harm to them and without any justification or excuse.
At sentencing, Barth faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. Barth has been in federal custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Santa Fe office of the FBI and the Northern Pueblos Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety, the New Mexico State Police, Taos County Sheriff’s Office and Rio Arriba Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Niki Tapia-Brito.Night Out on Crime AddressRead the Press Release
US Attorney Polite addresses attendees at last night’s Night Out On Crime Event with Mayor Landrieu and other community leaders.
Night Out on CrimeRead the Press Release
Mr. Aaron Daste, Dr. Gail Armant Lemelle, US Attny Polite, and Mr. Aaron McDonald at Night Out On Crime event in New Orleans, Louisisana.
Nelson Travis Alexander Sentenced in U.S. District CourtRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on October 22, 2013, before Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, NELSON TRAVIS ALEXANDER, a 47-year-old resident of Box Elder and an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Indian Tribe, was sentenced to a term of:
- ison: 27 months
- ecial Assessment: $100
- pervised Release: 3 years
ALEXANDER was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna R. Jackson, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:
On December 2, 2012, ALEXANDER intentionally assaulted K.A., striking her in the face with his closed fists and causing her serious bodily injury.
ALEXANDER's assault on K.A. came without warning, breaking her nose, fracturing her jaw, and causing extreme swelling to her face. She was flown to the hospital in Great Falls and hospitalized for several days.
The assault occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Rocky Boy(s Indian Reservation.
Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that ALEXANDER will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, ALEXANDER does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Movie Theater Credit Card Thief Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY JOHNSON, 50, of Philadelphia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 192 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing credit cards and identities from women who were victimized in Connecticut movie theaters. On October 22, 2012, a jury found JOHNSON guilty of multiple counts of unauthorized use of an access device and aggravated identity theft.
According to the evidence presented during his trial, JOHNSON, with the assistance of female accomplices engaged in a credit card fraud and identity theft scheme at several movie theaters in Connecticut. In one incident that occurred on December 27, 2008, JOHNSON and Lashirelle Bryant entered a movie theater in Greenwich and sat directly behind their intended victim. While the movie was playing, JOHNSON crawled on the floor and stole three credit cards from a female victim’s purse. JOHNSON and Bryant then left the theater and JOHNSON used equipment to produce a driver’s license in the victim’s name, but with Bryant’s photograph. JOHNSON and Bryant then used the stolen credit cards to make more than $50,000 in unauthorized purchases. The purchases included gift cards, clothing, electronics, designer sunglasses and a $10,000 Rolex watch.
JOHNSON also traveled to Connecticut on at least three occasions between April and August 2010 and stole credit cards from female patrons at theaters in Greenwich, Fairfield and Colchester. JOHNSON produced false driver’s licenses in each victim’s name, but with a photograph of Jamie McGowan, his female accomplice on these trips. McGowan, at JOHNSON’s direction, used the stolen credit cards and fraudulent identification to purchase thousands of dollars in gift cards and retail items, and also to make more than $5,000 in cash advances at the Mohegan Sun Casino.
McGowan testified at trial that she participated in JOHNSON’s credit card theft scheme for more than a year. During that time, a “good weekend” yielded between $50,000 and $70,000 and a “bad weekend” yielded between $20,000 and $30,000. McGowan stated that most weekends were “good weekends.”
Trial testimony also revealed that JOHNSON committed similar crimes in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Hawaii.
JOHNSON has an extensive criminal history dating to his first arrest at the age of 12, and he began this credit card fraud and identity theft scheme in July 2008, shortly after completing a 71-month federal sentence for jewelry theft.
JOHNSON has been in custody since October 2010 after he was arrested in Indiana on a violation of supervised release warrant from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
On June 22, 2012, Lashirelle Bryant and Jamie McGowan each pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized use of an access device and one count of aggravated identity theft. On November 29, 2012, McGowan was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment. Bryant awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greenwich, Fairfield and Waterford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Paul H. McConnell.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
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(203) 821-3722 [email protected]Metro Area Drug Dealer Sentenced to over 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Franklin Harold Barney, age 31, of Laurel, Maryland, today to 121 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, and phencyclidine (PCP). Judge Bredar also entered an order requiring that Barney forfeit three handguns and $105,880 in cash seized during the investigation.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gary Tuggle of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Kevin Davis; Howard County Police Chief William McMahon; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Chief Richard McLaughlin of the Laurel Police Department.
According to Barney’s plea agreement, during July, 2010, Barney was identified as a large-scale narcotics trafficker in the Anne Arundel, Howard and Prince George’s County areas. Based on that information, from August 2010 through May 2011, a confidential source and an undercover officer made a series of crack cocaine purchases from both Barney and Joseph Padro Hill. During one of these transactions, the source met Barney at an apartment in Laurel, where Barney was observed to be cooking crack cocaine, readying it for distribution. John Anderson, whose apartment it was, was also present.Beginning in April, 2011, law enforcement obtained authorization to wiretap the phones used by Barney, Hill and Anderson. Based on those intercepted communications, surveillance of Barney’s activities, and search warrants executed at Barney’s home, Barney and the other members of the conspiracy were responsible for distributing at least 280 grams of crack cocaine, at least five kilograms of powder cocaine, and at least one kilogram each of heroin and PCP.
Joseph Padro Hill, age 31, and John Anderson, age 72, both of Laurel, were previously sentenced to two years in prison and two months in prison, respectively.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA, FBI Anne Arundel, Howard and Prince George’s County Police Departments and the Laurel Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke Carey, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.Maryland Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder While Armed in 2012 Shooting Death in Southeast Washington-Victim and Defendant Were Close Family Friends-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Grant Johnson, 39, of Bladensburg, Md., was found guilty by a jury today of first-degree premeditated murder while armed for the May 2012 slaying of a Maryland man, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In addition to the first-degree murder charge, the jury found Johnson guilty of second-degree murder while armed, armed robbery, and several firearms offenses. The Honorable Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. scheduled sentencing for Feb. 21, 2014.
According to the government’s evidence, the victim, Ricardo Lancaster, 32, drove his company truck to the 800 block of Burns Street SE on May 30, 2012. He arrived at 11:22 p.m. with several hundred dollars to purchase a quantity of marijuana from Johnson. Johnson and Mr. Lancaster were old family friends, having grown up together in the 700 block of Adrian Street SE. Since childhood, Johnson was widely known as the best friend of Mr. Lancaster’s brother.
Sitting in the passenger seat of Mr. Lancaster’s company truck, Johnson shot Mr. Lancaster once in the right cheek at close range. He then went to the driver’s side of the vehicle, where Mr. Lancaster was still seated, and through the open window, shot him, again at close range, in the neck. Mr. Lancaster was found dead the next morning, still seated in the driver’s seat of his company vehicle on Burns Street. His personal cell phone was missing and he had $3 on his person. No marijuana was in the car. Hours after the murder, Johnson provided his girlfriend with several hundred dollars in cash for his share of the rent.
When asked by his best friend – Mr. Lancaster’s brother – whether he had seen or spoken to Mr. Lancaster prior to the murder, Johnson lied, claiming that he had not. The government’s evidence included cell phone records that showed that Mr. Lancaster and Johnson were in repeated contact the night of the murder, and Johnson’s DNA was found on a Doritos bag discarded on the passenger side floor of Mr. Lancaster’s company vehicle.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of the detectives, officers, and crime scene technicians who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department. He also expressed appreciation to the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team. He commended the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Marian Russell, Sandra Lane, Kendra Johnson, and Fern Rhedrick; Lead Paralegal Specialist Sharon Newman; Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker; Victim Witness Security Specialist Katina Adams-Washington; Intelligence Specialists Lawrence Grasso and Zachary McMenamin, and Litigation Technology Specialist Thomas “Ron” Royal. Finally, he recognized the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberley Nielsen and Robert Feitel, who investigated the case and prosecuted the case at trial.
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