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20 September 2013
Marshall County Woman Imprisoned for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Felicia C. Adams, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi, and
Daniel P. McMullen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi, announced that:Kimberly Cray Burk, 45, of Byhalia, Mississippi, was sentenced Monday, September 16, by Senior U.S. District Judge Neal B. Biggers, Jr. in Oxford, Mississippi. Burk had previously pled guilty to embezzling money from her employer via a wire fraud scheme. Burk was sentenced to 96 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,406,470.25 in restitution to Mid-South Maintenance, Inc. Burk was also sentenced to 3 years supervised release following the term of imprisonment. Burk remained in custody.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Clay Joyner.
Contact: John Marshall Alexander, Chief of Criminal Division, United States Attorney’s Office, Oxford, Mississippi (662) 234-3351.
Local Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – MICHAEL FLOERCHINGER pled guilty late Thursday afternoon to possession of child pornography, after three days of trial before United States District Judge Henry Autrey.
Floerchinger, St. Louis, MO, pled guilty to one felony count of possession of child pornography. Judge Autrey set sentencing for December 9, 2013.
Possession of child pornography carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Special Investigations Unit of St Louis County Police Department, the Regional Computer Crime Education and Enforcement Group (RCCEEG) and Investigator Donya Jackson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney’s Matthew Drake and Erin Granger are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Local Developer Indicted for Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.– U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. and Acting Assistant Attorney Robert G. Dreher, of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a five count Indictment charging William L. Huntress, 57, of Buffalo, N.Y., and two companies he controlled, Acquest Development, LLC and Acquest Transit, LLC, with conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of justice. In addition, Huntress and the companies are charged with making a false statement and concealing material facts, and criminal contempt. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
According to the indictment, in January 2006, the defendants purchased a 97-acre piece of property at 10880 Transit Road in Amherst, N.Y. Prior to the purchase, the defendants obtained a wetland delineation for the site which concluded that 76.3 acres or 79% of the site qualified as federally jurisdictional wetlands. After the purchase, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began an investigation to determine whether the site contained federal wetlands and was within the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. As part of that investigation, the EPA sought information from the defendants, including a request for any prior wetland delineations conducted.
Also according to the indictment, the defendants failed to disclose the existence of their prior wetland delineation, and made false statements regarding activity that was occurring on the site. The indictment further states that in a civil lawsuit involving defendant Acquest Transit, the United States District Court for the Western District of New York enjoined that company and its officers, agents and employees from performing any further earthmoving activity. However, in May 2010, defendant Huntress hired a local farmer to conduct agricultural and earthmoving activity on the site.
The same defendants were charged in an indictment on November 9, 2011. That indictment was dismissed by the District Court in an order dated March 25, 2013.
The Indictment is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-In-Charge, Vernesa Jones-Allen. The evidence was presented to the Grand Jury by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mango and Trial Attorney Gleason, who will handle the trial of the case.
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.Lead Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Structuring Financial TransactionsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Lead, South Dakota, man convicted of Unlawful Structure of Transactions to Evade Reporting Requirements was sentenced on September 13, 2013, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
David Olmsted, a/k/a Dale Cooper, Jr., age 60, was sentenced to 3 years’ probation, and was ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $178,867.08 in restitution to individuals who purchased dinar from Olmsted but did not receive it.
In February 2011, Olmsted arranged for shipments of Iraqi Dinars, the country’s currency, to be sent from the country of Jordan to the United States in split shipments. Olmsted was aware that every currency shipment had to reported if the value exceeded $10,000, so he split the shipments to avoid exceeding that amount and to avoid having to report the shipments to the Department of Treasury. He pled guilty on May 21, 2013.Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Piedmont Regional Jail to Reform Medical and Mental Health Care at the FacilityRead the Press Release
Today the Department of Justice filed a complaint and a simultaneous settlement agreement in the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to ensure that prisoners at the Piedmont Regional Jail in Farmville, Va., receive appropriate medical and mental health care. In March 2011, the Justice Department launched an investigation, using its authority under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), into allegations that the Piedmont Regional Jail was not providing prisoners with constitutionally adequate medical care. In September 2012, the Justice Department released its findings that deficiencies in medical and mental health care at the jail exposed prisoners to an unreasonable risk of serious harm, and thus violated the Constitution. Among other things, the Department found inadequate staffing; insufficient procedures to screen and assess medical and mental health problems; and the absence of a chronic care program to treat conditions such as seizures, heart disease and hypertension. The agreement filed today resolves the Justice Department’s investigation of the Piedmont Regional Jail.
The agreement requires the jail to employ adequate, and sufficiently-credentialed, medical and mental health personnel; perform timely screening and appropriate health assessments of prisoners; establish a chronic care program and an acceptable sick call process; provide clear policies and sufficient training to its staff; exclude certain essential services and follow-up services from co-payments, and otherwise reduce co-payments so that prisoners are not deterred from seeking needed health care. The agreement also requires the jail to develop and track data to analyze the performance of medical and mental health staff and work with an independent monitor to implement the changes described in the agreement and to evaluate the jail’s success in effecting meaningful reform.
“While an offender is serving his or her sentence, the government has a duty under the Constitution to make sure that person does not suffer unreasonably, by providing sufficient medical and mental health care,” said Jocelyn Samuels, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. “We commend the Piedmont Regional Jail Authority and the leadership at the Jail for their cooperation and for taking the necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of the individuals under their care.”
The investigation was conducted by the Special Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt .
Justice Department Prevails in “Stars” Tax Shelter Case, Court Imposes over $100 Million in PenaltiesRead the Press Release
On Friday, the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., ruled that a subsidiary of the BB&T Corporation was not entitled to $660 million in tax benefits that BB&T claimed based on its participation in an abusive tax shelter known as Structured Trust Advantaged Repackaged Securities (STARS). Judge Thomas C. Wheeler, who delivered the opinion of the Court, imposed $112 million in penalties.
Barclays Bank PLC and KPMG LLP jointly developed and marketed the STARS transaction to subvert the foreign tax credit rules and generate illicit tax benefits to be shared among the transaction’s participants. BB&T additionally employed Sidley & Austin LLP to provide tax advice supporting the transaction. After hearing evidence during a month-long trial in March, Judge Wheeler ruled for the United States “on all grounds,” determining that BB&T, Barclays, KPMG and Sidley Austin’s conduct with regard to STARS was “nothing short of reprehensible,” and that the considerable effort put into the transaction was a “waste of human potential.”
“It is an affront to all taxpayers who work hard and do the right thing when our largest corporations rely on abusive schemes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes,” said Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division, hailing the Court of Federal Claims’ opinion. “Today’s ruling sends a strong message that no matter how sophisticated the scheme, these sham tax shelters will not stand.”
Assistant Attorney General Keneally thanked the agents and attorneys at the Internal Revenue Service who assisted the Justice Department, as well as Tax Division Senior Litigation Counsel Dennis Donohue, Trial Attorneys John Schoenecker, Kari Larson, Raagnee Beri, William Farrior, and Special Attorney Allen Kline.
Justice Department Participates in Child Cyber Safety Night at Nationals Park, Saturday, September 21stRead the Press Release
Child Cyber Safety Night at the Ballpark is the latest effort by the Justice Department and its law enforcement and community partners to encourage parents to speak with their children about online and cell phone safety and provide prevention materials. As part of the event, the Department will receive the Washington Nationals Spirit Award. Deputy Attorney General James Cole will be recognized in an on field ceremony at Nationals Park along with Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Administrator Robert L. Listenbee, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Valerie Parlave and public outreach organization I Know Better founder Steve Schankman.
The spirit award will be announced at 6:20 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, before the 7:05 p.m. Major League Baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Miami Marlins.
In a new public service announcement to be released at the game, Attorney General Eric Holder will emphasize the importance of creating an ongoing dialogue with children about safe use of technology.
“As a parent, I understand the opportunities – and the challenges – that new technologies present for America’s young people. It’s up to each of us to start a dialogue with our kids about safe Internet and cell phone practices,” said Attorney General Holder in the public service announcement. “Together, we can ensure that our kids are safe and protected – both online and off.”
Resources for parents and children will be available at the Community Clubhouse at the Center Field Plaza when the gates open Saturday through the 3rd inning of the game.
OJJDP provides national leadership, coordination and resources to prevent and respond to juvenile delinquency and victimization.
For more on Internet and cell phone safety, please visit: www.projectyouthsafety.org/cybersafe.Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Alex Schauffler at [email protected] and Kelly McMahon at [email protected].
Jury Convicts Priest of Illegal Interstate Transportation of A MinorRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Fred Alverson
Public Affairs Officer
CINCINNATI – A U.S. District Court jury has convicted Robert Frank Poandl, 72, of Fairfield, Ohio of one count of interstate transportation of a minor for illicit purposes, a federal law known as the Mann Act.
Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Kevin R. Cornelius, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), William Hayes, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Ohio and Michigan; and agencies in the Greater Cincinnati Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced the verdict reached today following a trial that began September 16 before U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.
According to trial testimony, in August 1991, Poandl transported a ten-year old boy from Cincinnati to Spencer, West Virginia where he sexually assaulted the child. The crime was not disclosed until the victim came forward in 2009. The crime is punishable by a sentence ranging from zero to ten years in prison. Judge Barrett will set a date for sentencing.
“Today’s verdict should give victims courage to come forward, even if the abuse happened years ago,” U.S. Attorney Stewart said.
A federal grand jury indicted Poandl, known as “Father Bob”, in November 2012. FBI agents arrested him at the Glenmary Missioners in Fairfield, Ohio. He has been on house arrest with electronic monitoring since his arrest.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Stewart commended the investigation by FBI agents and investigators with the Greater Cincinnati ICAC and the West Virginia State Police, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christy Muncy and Timothy Oakley.
Agencies participating in the Greater Cincinnati ICAC, in addition to FBI and HSI Agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office include the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters, Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil, and the police departments in Amberley Village, Blue Ash, Cincinnati, and West Chester.
Jury Convicts Identity ThiefRead the Press Release
Cora Ford Used Stolen Identities of the Homeless and Disabled to File Fraudulent Tax Returns for Refunds
ATLANTA - Cora Cadia Ford has been found guilty by a jury following a three-day trial on 30 counts of mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and filing false claims with the Government.
“This defendant took advantage of some of the most disadvantaged members of our community,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. “Her greed drove her to use the identities of people who were homeless, mentally challenged, and physically disabled. She not only stole taxpayer money, she callously left her victims without their much-needed disability payments.”
IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Veronica Hyman-Pillot said, “Individuals who commit refund fraud and identity theft of this magnitude and with this degree of trickery, dishonesty and deceit, deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. IRS Criminal Investigation, along with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office, remain vigilant in identifying, investigating and prosecuting those individuals who seek to willfully defraud the United States Treasury and blatantly disregard the victims of their schemes.”
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: from approximately January 2007 to May 2011, Ford prepared and filed false tax returns with the IRS, using the names and social security numbers of the poor, homeless and disabled. Ford intentionally prepared each tax return with false information so that it would generate a tax refund. Ford obtained the tax refund checks and deposited them into her own bank account or cashed the checks at check-cashing stores, and used the money for her own benefit. As a result of Ford’s crimes, many of the victims whose names and social security numbers were stolen had their social security disability benefits reduced or eliminated for a period of time.
Ford obtained the victims’ names and social security numbers in a variety of ways. In some instances, Ford convinced the victims to provide her with their identifying information so that she could apply on their behalf for a homeless grant with the Government. In fact, no such Government grant existed. In other instances, Ford, who also ran a small church with her now-deceased husband, told her victims that she would file a tax return on their behalf and it would be “a gift from God.” In fact, Ford used the victims’ identifying information to prepare and file false tax returns, and kept the entire tax refund for herself. One victim, who testified that her social security disability benefits were reduced to approximately $27 per month as a result of Ford’s crimes, causing her to be unable to afford her own medications, stated that the defendant’s crimes had ruined her life.
The mail fraud charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and each false claim charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. The aggravated identity theft charges carry at least one mandatory two-year consecutive sentence to any other sentence imposed. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
Sentencing for Ford, 55, of Stone Mountain, Ga., is scheduled for December 16, 2013, at 10:30 am before United States District Judge Thomas W. Thrash.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas J. Krepp and Steven D. Grimberg are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.justice.gov/usao/gan.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Receiving Child Pornography over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida -United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard sentenced William Douglas Smith, III (29, Jacksonville) to 6 years and 10 months in prison for receiving child pornography over the Internet. He was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Smith pleaded guilty on June 3, 2013, and has been in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since August 27, 2013.
According to court documents, an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in Jacksonville, began an investigation to identify individuals that had access to and/or were trading images and videos depicting child pornography over the Internet. The agent determined that a computer using a particular internet protocol (IP) address in the Jacksonville area was hosting images of child pornography using a file sharing program. The agent made a connection to this computer through the Internet and downloaded several video files directly from this computer. Each of the videos depicted young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Further investigation revealed that the IP address resolved back to Smith’s Jacksonville residence.
On December 6, 2012, FBI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Smith's residence and seized, among other things, five computers and 66 compact discs. A subsequent forensic analysis of the computer used by Smith revealed that it contained more than 250 videos of child pornography. During an interview with law enforcement, Smith admitted to accumulating and collection child pornography and said that he enjoyed "the naughtiness of it." He stated that child pornography videos "get your heart going."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Bribe an Immigration OfficialRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Amjad Israr, age 46, a Pakistani citizen living in Cheshire, Connecticut, today to 15 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after Israr pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe an immigration official in order to obtain lawful permanent residence (green card) and employment authorization documents.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); District Director Gregory Collett of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Baltimore District Office; and Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, Israr operated multiple convenience stores in Connecticut, called Krauszer’s. Israr entered the United States in 1994 using another person’s Pakistani passport that he had purchased in Pakistan and has no legal immigration status in the United States.Beginning in December 2011, Israr began working with a Maryland attorney who told Israr that he knew an immigration official who was willing, in return for payments of money, to provide immigration documents, which would permit Israr to legally live and work in the United States. Unbeknownst to the attorney and Israr, the attorney’s immigration contact was actually an undercover agent posing as a public official.
Israr agreed to pay the attorney approximately $30,000 for the immigration documents, knowing that a substantial portion of the payment would be provided to the purported USCIS official in exchange for the immigration documents. Israr and the attorney met with the undercover agent on August 25, 2011. During the meeting, Israr’s fingerprints and photos were taken by the undercover agent in order to prepare the immigration documents for Israr. On one of the immigration forms later submitted to the undercover agent by the attorney, Israr falsely represented that he was married to a U.S. citizen, and the wife’s name and personal identification information provided on the form were all fake. In January 2012, Israr received a green card issued by the undercover agent, which he used to enter the United States on February 4, April 12 and July 17, 2012.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised HSI Baltimore, USCIS Baltimore District Office and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Gregory R. Bockin, who are prosecuting the case.
Greater Harrison Drug Task Force Investigations Lead to Indictments and Arrests of Two Harrison County Residents on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-7725 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistFollow us on Twitter @NDWVnews
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - Two Harrison County residents were arrested on September 20, 2013, pursuant to Indictments returned by a Federal Grand Jury.
According to United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II:
EVAN MICHAEL SHAW, age 22, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was named in a five-count Indictment charging him with two counts of “Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” one count of “Distribution of Buprenorphine within 1,000 Feet of West Virginia Junior College,” and one count of “Distribution of Buprenorphine.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office is seeking to forfeit $906 in United States currency which constitutes proceeds obtained from the illegal activity as well as four cellular phones.
SHAW faces up to 20 years in prison on the three heroin distribution and possession charges, up to 10 years in prison on the buprenorphine distribution and up to 20 years in prison on the buprenorphine distribution within 1,000 feet WV Junior College charge.
MICHAEL JOHN LUTHER GRIFFIN, age 34, of Clarksburg, was named in an three-count Indictment charging him with two counts of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of the North View Elementary School,” and one count of Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of the Oakmound Apartments.” GRIFFIN faces up to 40 years in prison on each charge.
GRIFFIN and SHAW appeared before Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert and were released on bond pending their arraignments scheduled for September 25, 2013, before Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull.
The cases were investigated by the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force consists of officers from the Bridgeport Police Department; Clarksburg Police Department; Drug Enforcement Administration; West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service; and, the United States Marshals Service. The cases will be prosecuted by Criminal Chief Shawn A. Morgan.
All of the charges contained in the above-referenced indictment are merely accusations and not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.Georgia Contractor Pleads Guilty to Fraud Against Alberici Constructors, Inc.Read the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –KENNETH MARC SIMMONS, who ran a business which supplied materials to an Alberici Constructors, Inc. project in Arlington, Virginia, pled guilty to participating in a scheme to defraud Alberici by inflating invoices.
Kenneth Marc Simmons, La Grange GA, pled guilty to two felony counts of mail fraud and two felony counts of wire fraud before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry. Sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2013.
According to court documents, Clone Jefferson Oliver was the project manager for Alberici on a project to build a water treatment plant in Arlington County, Virginia. Work on the project began in September 2006 and the cost of the project was $238,000,000. Simmons and Oliver participated in a scheme to defraud Alberici through the preparation and submission of inflated invoices and false change orders for materials provided to the project by Simmons' business, Industrial and Municipal Supply (IMS). When IMS received payment on the bad invoices, Simmons kept a share and then forwarded money in the nature of kickbacks to Oliver. Simmons made many of the payments to a corporation formed by Oliver called Advanced Construction Solutions, which had the same initials (ACS) as another supplier to the Arlington project, American Construction Services. The indictment refers to Oliver's company as the "fake ACS" while the latter company is referred to as the “real ACS.” Simmons admitted that, in the scheme, Alberici was overbilled in the amount of $4.8 million from 2006 through 2011.
Co-defendant Clone Jefferson Oliver, Apollo Beach FL, former vice-president of St. Louis-based Alberici Constructors, Inc., was indicted in June on seven counts of mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering, and awaits trial.
Each count of mail and wire fraud with each carries a maximum prison term of 20 years in prison and/or fines to $250,000. Oliver is charged in two additional counts of money laundering with each count carrying a maximum prison term of 10 years and/or a fine up to $250,000. If convicted, each defendant would be subject to an order of restitution in favor of Alberici.Simmons will be liable to pay restitution to Alberici in the amount of $4.8 million. Simmons told the court that, as part of his agreement with the Government, he would agree to the forfeiture of $1.1 million from an investment account in addition to $143,000 from other accounts. The parties advised the court that Simmons also forfeited assets prior to the guilty plea, including $200,000 from a property in Dadeville, AL, $23,000 from the sale of two motorcycles and $47,000 from the sale of a boat and a boat slip. The money generated by these forfeitures will be paid over to Alberici as part of the restitution. Simmons agreed that he will be liable to pay restitution of that part of the $4.8 million loss remaining after these forfeiture payments.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys James E. Crowe, Jr., Anthony Franks and Richard Finneran are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Defendant Oliver is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Vice President of University Medical Center in Lubbock Is Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison on Mail Fraud ConvictionRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — Robert Gregory Bruce, aka Greg Bruce, 46, of Lubbock, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to serve 51 months in federal prison following his guilty plea in June 2013 to one count of mail fraud and aiding and abetting. In addition, Judge Cummings ordered that Bruce pay $737,492 in restitution to University Medical Center (UMC) and its insurer, advising Bruce, “with bad choices come bad consequences.” Bruce voluntarily allowed the government to seize his retirement account at UMC prior to sentencing; those funds will be used to make restitution. Today’s announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.
According to documents filed in the case, beginning in June 2007 and continuing to December 12, 2011, Bruce conspired with Rodolpho Reyes Mata, aka Rudy Mata, to submit false and fraudulent invoices for two companies, B.R. Media Monitoring (an alter ego of Bruce) and ATAM Technology Solutions, knowing that the submission of such invoices would cause UMC to pay the fake invoices. Over the course of the conspiracy, Bruce and Mata caused UMC to pay approximately $681,908 on invoices for fake companies that did not provide goods or services as described in the invoices. Bruce used these funds, in part, to pay Mata’s personal living expenses, educational expenses, and travel and entertainment expenses. Mata, 40, of San Antonio, Texas, pleaded guilty in July 2013 to the same offense and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Cummings on October 18, 2013.
Bruce also admitted that he used a UMC credit card to make unauthorized payments and purchases of approximately $55,584.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda R. Burch prosecuted.
Former Employee Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Exxon Mobil of More Than $1 MillionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Garry W. Arnold, of Dayton, has pleaded guilty to defrauding Exxon Mobil, his former employer, and causing a loss of more than $1 million, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
Arnold was employed by the Exxon Mobil Chemical Company from 2004 through 2010 at the company’s Baytown Olefins Plant. His job responsibilities included overseeing the maintenance and repair of numerous large furnaces located at the plant, including ordering replacement parts and coordinating the purchase, delivery and installation of these parts.
Arnold also controlled and was part owner of Metal Blinds Unlimited Inc. During the relevant time period, Metal Blinds had minimal legitimate business operations, had no employees other than Arnold himself and it operated out of his residence.
Beginning in or around January 2004 and continuing through April 2010, Arnold carried out a fraudulent invoicing scheme which caused Exxon to pay at least $1 million for furnace parts and fabrication services that were never provided, were provided with materials already owned by Exxon or for which it paid an excessive amount. Arnold and another person shared the proceeds of the scheme by having Exxon send the payment checks to a company the other person owned, after which the other person caused that company to make payments to a sham corporation owned by Arnold. The other individual also made payments to Arnold for legitimate work done by One Source Industrial for Exxon and other clients, again by making regular payments by check to Metal Blinds.
In total, the scheme resulted in Exxon creating approximately 78 purchase orders and paying at least $1 million to One Source Industrial for work purportedly done by Metal Blinds. Arnold received at least $1 million in association with these invoices through his sham corporation. The other company also paid approximately $310,253.20 to Arnold as part of the concealed profit-sharing agreement.
U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr., who accepted Garza’s plea today, has set sentencing for Dec. 13, 2013. At that time, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the pecuniary gain or loss.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pearson.
Former Dolton Police Officer Sentenced to 75 Months in Prison for Violating Civil Rights of Two Men He Beat with BatonRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A former south suburban Dolton police officer was sentenced today to 75 months in federal prison for violating the civil rights of two men by using excessive force against them with his baton outside a Dolton nightclub in May 2009. The defendant, KEVIN FLETCHER, 36, of South Holland, who was convicted at trial in May, was sentenced on two counts of violating the victims’ civil right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a person acting under color of law. The judge and the jury had the benefit of video surveillance recordings that captured most of the scene.
“There was only one person who was out of control that night and that was Mr. Fletcher,” U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo said in imposing the sentence in Federal Court in Chicago. The judge said she took into account Fletcher’s anger that night, that he lied when he testified at trial, and had expressed no contrition, while also noting that “being a policeman is a hard job.”
Fletcher joined the Dolton Police Department in October 2006. The evidence at trial showed that at approximately 2 a.m. on May 17, 2009, he and other officers were working crowd control outside the former Mr. Ricky’s 141 Club, as it and other bars along Chicago Road near 141st Street in Dolton were closing. While performing his duties as a police officer, Fletcher used an expandable metal police baton as a dangerous weapon to strike two victims, Michael McPherson and Laurence Williams, once each in the head. The jury found that both victims suffered bodily injury, and the evidence showed that both required hospital treatment and staples to close their head wounds.
Fletcher “had used lethal force against two unarmed victims who had merely mouthed off to him,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Cunniff Church argued at sentencing. “With each of these baton strikes [Fletcher] gave the community reason to doubt law enforcement, reason to challenge its authority, reason to believe that law enforcement cannot be trusted. He inflicted violence into the community that he had sworn to protect.”
Ms. Church, together with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Tinos Diamantatos, argued during the trial that Fletcher was offended by the victims cursing at him as he directed them to depart the Chicago Road area after leaving the nightclub, and then abused his authority by striking them each over the head with his baton to “teach them a lesson.” Fletcher made no effort or attempt to arrest either victim and departed the scene after striking them with his baton, without rendering or summoning any medical aid. Both victims, as well as Fletcher, testified at the trial.
The sentence was announced by Gary S. Shapiro, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert J. Shields, Jr., Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division assisted in the investigation.
Former City of Marion Water Department Manager SentencedRead the Press Release
Had Embezzled Funds from the City of Marion
Linda Heyde, 59, of Marion, Illinois, was sentenced today in federal court to twenty-four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $524,100.67 and a $300 special assessment, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced. Heyde pled guilty to three counts of theft and embezzlement from a local government that receives federal funds.
“The public should be able to rely upon employees of government just as they rely upon officials. This sentence should serve a reminder that public employment is a public trust. The citizens of Southern Illinois deserve no less.” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
Heyde was employed as the manager of the City of Marion Water Department from 1996 through May of 2012. After her theft of funds came to light, an audit was conducted that determined that there was over $500,000 in missing funds for a three year period of May 2009 through April 2012. Linda Heyde admitted as part of the plea to embezzling funds from the City of Marion's Water Department in each of those fiscal years but contested the total loss amount.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the City of Marion Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Former Baltimore City Firefighter Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - Jamar Marvin Simmons, a/k/a “Mar,” age 30, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to sex trafficking of a minor, in connection with a prostitution business he ran with co-defendant Franklin Roosevelt Coit, a/k/a “Frank,” and “Nitty,” age 34, also of Baltimore. Coit pleaded guilty to the same charge, on August 1, 2013. Simmons was a Baltimore City firefighter at the time of the offense.
The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein.
According to their plea agreements, Simmons and Coit established and operated a brothel in Baltimore City, first at 2218 Madison Avenue and subsequently at a warehouse located at 208 Madison Avenue. Simmons and Coit also rented hotel rooms and another dwelling in Maryland that were also used for prostitution. Simmons and Coit falsely advertised positions online for exotic dancing and an escort service to recruit females, including at least one minor female, from inside and outside the state of Maryland and arranged to transport the women from various locations outside Maryland, including Delaware, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, South Dakota, and Virginia to Maryland to engage in prostitution. Many of the women recruited by Simmons and Coit were in financial distress, had no place to live, or were otherwise unusually vulnerable.Simmons and Coit took sexually explicit photographs of the females they recruited, used a computer to post the photographs on the “escort” section of an online advertising website, and listed telephone numbers on the website where the females could be reached to schedule a “date,” or a commercial sex act. Simmons set the pricing for the commercial sex acts and instructed the females on how to set “dates” over the telephone, and how to avoid detection by law enforcement. Simmons and Coit collected and shared the cash proceeds of the prostitution business and used a firearm and ammunition to protect the prostitution business and its cash proceeds.
Simmons and Coit face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for sex trafficking of a minor. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III has scheduled sentencing for Simmons on December 13, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. and for Coit on November 1, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.
The case was investigated by the FBI-led Maryland Child Exploitation Task Force (MCETF), created in 2010 to combat child prostitution, with members from10 state and federal law enforcement agencies. The Task Force coordinates with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Maryland State Police Child Recovery Unit to identify missing children being advertised online for prostitution.
MCETF partners with the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, formed in 2007 to discover and rescue victims of human trafficking while identifying and prosecuting offenders. Members include federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as victim service providers and local community members. For more information about the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md/Human-Trafficking/index.html.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Yasser, who is prosecuting the case.Former Accountant of Adult Entertainment Businesses Charged with Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Michael J. DePalma, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), announce that Paul Anthony Ruggieri, of Parkland, Florida, was charged in a nine-count Indictment with one count of conspiring to defraud the lawful functions of the Internal Revenue Service, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and eight counts of aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns, in violation of Title 26, U.S.C. Section 7206(2). Defendant Ruggieri made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dave Lee Brannon.
According to the charges, Ruggieri provided accounting and return preparation services to Anthony Andreozzi, F & A Concepts, Inc. (F & A) and Galaxy Communications, Inc. (Galaxy), two adult entertainment businesses owned and operated by Andreozzi in the State of Florida. Defendant Ruggieri also provided accounting services to the general public through his business, Strategic Accounting Alliance. As stated in the Indictment, Ruggieri and Andreozzi conspired for the purpose of unlawfully enriching themselves by engaging in a fraudulent scheme to evade the payment of federal income taxes.
As alleged in Indictment, Andreozzi diverted corporate receipts of F & A and Galaxy for his own personal use. In order to conceal his diversion of corporate funds, Andreozzi instructed Ruggieri to falsify the corporate books and records by classifying certain personal expenditures of Andreozzi as business expenses. Ruggieri and Andreozzi caused the preparation and filing of false corporate tax returns for F & A and Galaxy, in that the corporate returns included fraudulent business expenses which reduced each corporations’ income. Ruggieri and Andreozzi also caused the filing of false personal income tax returns for Andreozzi for calendar years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, in that the personal returns failed to include the diverted corporate income, thereby understating on Andreozzi’s personal returns his total income and tax due and owing.
Andreozzi was charged on September 9, 2013, with conspiring to defraud the United States.
If convicted, Ruggieri faces a maximum statutory sentence of up to five years in prison for the conspiracy charge, and three years in prison on each count of willfully aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie D. Evans.
An Indictment is only an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Foreign National Sentenced for Narcotics and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
Juan Gamino-Salinas, 25, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison on September 20, 2013, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Gamino-Salinas was sentenced in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis.
On June 19, 2013, Gamino-Salinas pled guilty to five felony charges: 1) Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; 2) Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine; 3) Illegal Re-Entry After Deportation; 4) Possession of a Counterfeit Permanent Resident Card; and 5) Misuse of a Social Security Number.
On February 2, 2013, Illinois State Police stopped Gamino-Salinas’ car on Interstate 70 near Marine, IL, for speeding. Gamino-Salinas consented to the search of his vehicle. Inside Gamino-Salinas’ car, police found an ounce of cocaine and just under two ounces of methamphetamine. Police also found and seized drug ledgers; $2,250 in cash; and drug paraphernalia, including two scales and dozens of clear plastic baggies.
Subsequent to Gamino-Salinas’ arrest, Immigration and Customs and Enforcement agents determined that he had been previously deported to Mexico twice in 2009, and that he possessed false U.S. identification documents, bearing a fictitious name.
Gamino-Salinas has been detained since his arrest in February.
The investigation which resulted in Gamino-Salinas’ arrest and conviction was conducted by the Illinois State Police; the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Five Men Charged with Robberies at Businesses in TopekaRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - Federal charges are filed against five men accused of robberies at Topeka businesses, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
A federal indictment unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Topeka charges the men in connection with three armed robberies at local businesses including:- Check Into Cash, 3711 S.W. Plaza Drive in Topeka, July 25, 2013.
- EZ Payday Advance, 2613 S.W. 21st in Topeka, July 29, 2013.
- Family Dollar, 2616 S.E. 6th in Topeka, Aug. 3, 2013.
Defendants named in the indictment are:
- Quartez Norwood, 31, Topeka, Kan., three counts of robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm in connection with all three robberies.
- Henry Levelle Davis, 40, Topeka, Kan., two counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in connection with the robberies at Check Into Cash and EZ Payday Advance.
- Robert Wayne Redmond, 41, Topeka, Kan., two counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in connection with the robberies at Check Into Cash and EZ Payday Advance.
- Henry Earl Sirvira, 45, Topeka, Kan., two counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in connection with robberies at EZ Payday Advance and Family Dollar.
- Xavier Leron Sims, 26, Topeka, Kan., one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in connection with the robbery at Family Dollar.
Topeka police and the FBI arrested Davis, Redmond and Sims on Thursday. Norwood and Sirvira are in custody in California and Utah respectively on unrelated charges.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each robbery count, and a penalty of not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on each firearm charge. The Topeka Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Federal Jury Finds California Man Guilty of Assaulting a Federal Officer in the Carson National ForestRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury sitting in Albuquerque returned a guilty verdict late yesterday afternoon against Michael James Axworthy, 58, originally of Lynwood, Calif., for assaulting a federal officer in the Carson National Forest after a two-day trial. The United States dismissed two related misdemeanor offenses. The guilty verdict was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Steven C. Yarbrough and Special Agent in Charge Robin L. Poague of the Southwestern Region of the U.S. Forest Service.
Axworthy was arrested on June 4, 2013, on a criminal complaint charging him with the following three misdemeanor offenses: (1) assaulting a federal officer, (2) unlawfully using the forest as a residence, and (3) having a campfire in violation of fire restrictions. The United States subsequently filed a misdemeanor information charging Axworthy with those three offenses.
Trial of this case began on Sept. 18, 2013, and concluded yesterday afternoon when the jury returned a guilty verdict on the assault charge and the United States dismissed the other two charges.
The evidence at trial established that on June 2, 2013, a U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer received a tip that a man was living in the Carson National Forest and had a campfire burning during Stage One fire restrictions. Based on information from the tipster, the officer went to a location within the Forest where he observed a white tent. After announcing himself as a law enforcement officer, the officer approached the tent and observed a man, later identified as Axworthy, inside. After the officer repeatedly directed Axworthy to step outside the tent, Axworthy came out of the tent and walked towards the officer at an accelerated pace while holding his left hand tucked behind his left thigh. Axworthy was aggravated and upset as he refused to comply with the officer’s demands that he identify the object he was hiding. When he was within five feet of the officer, Axworthy revealed the object in his hand, a small radio, and continued walking towards the officer while yelling at the officer. When the officer told Axworthy to back off and present identification, Axworthy slapped the officer’s hand and started to walk away. As Axworthy turned away from the officer, he placed his hand in his waist area, which led the officer to believe that Axworthy might have a weapon. The officer subsequently arrested Axworthy following a brief confrontation during which Axworthy resisted the officer’s attempts to apprehend him.
At sentencing, Axworthy faces a maximum penalty of twelve months in prison and a $100,000 fine. His sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William J. Pfulgrath and Raquel Ruiz-Velez.
Federal Jury Convicts Men of Las Vegas Home Invasion RobberyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Following a nine-day jury trial, a federal jury has convicted two Arizona men of committing a home invasion robbery in North Las Vegas, Nev., during May 2012, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.
Joseph Andrade, 19, and Julian Gaytan, 20, both of Phoenix, Arizona, were convicted this afternoon of one count of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in furtherance of racketeering activity, two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering activity.
They are scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 19, 2013, and face up to five years in prison on the conspiracy charge, up to 20 years in prison on the interstate travel charge, and at least 32 consecutive years in prison on the brandishing charges, as well as fines of up to $1 million.
“This successful prosecution was part of our expanded Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) program which focuses on violent robberies and other crimes involving the use of firearms by recidivist felons,” said U.S. Attorney Bogden. “This case should serve notice that persons who commit such violent criminal acts will be prosecuted, and when convicted, they will face the prospects of serving very lengthy prison sentences. I would like to thank our prosecution team and law enforcement partners for taking these violent criminals off our streets.”
According to the court records and evidence introduced at trial, on Saturday, May 19, 2012, Andrade, Gaytan, and two co-defendants, Perla Ramirez, 22, and David Duran, 30, also both from Phoenix, Ariz., drove from Phoenix to Las Vegas with the intent to commit a home invasion robbery at a designated residence in North Las Vegas. The defendants drove to the residence and caused one of the occupants to open the front door. The defendants entered the residence brandishing guns and ordered all seven of the occupants of the home to the floor. The defendants threatened to kill the occupants if they did not tell them where money and/or jewelry were located. The defendants ransacked the home in order to locate money or valuable property and stole cash, cellular telephones, jewelry and other property before exiting the residence and either fleeing on foot or returning to their vehicle. North Las Vegas Police Officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 10:30 p.m. following a call from the occupant of a home across the street where one of the female minor victims had run and advised that men had broken into her house with guns.
Defendants Andrade and Ramirez were arrested outside the residence immediately following the robbery. Gaytan was arrested in Phoenix about six weeks following the robbery, and Duran, who fled the scene, has not yet been arrested and is a fugitive.
Ramirez pleaded guilty on Sept. 3, 2013, to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in furtherance of racketeering activity, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 5, 2013.
The investigation was conducted by the North Las Vegas Police Department and FBI, as part of the Safe Streets Task Force and PSN program. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cristina D. Silva and Phillip N. Smith, Jr.Federal Grand Jury in Brooklyn Hands Down Indictment in Maralit Gun Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Federal Grand Jury In Brooklyn Hands Down Indictment In Maralit Gun Trafficking Case
Duryea ManRead the Press Release
Sentenced For Cocaine Distribution
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Senior United States District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik has sentenced Joseph Crawford, age 34, of Duryea, Pennsylvania, to 35 months’ imprisonment for transporting cocaine from New York City to Luzerne County and distributing it on numerous occasions between 2011 and May 1, 2012.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.
According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith in additional to the 35-month term of imprisonment, Judge Kosik also ordered that Crawford be placed on supervised release for a period of three years following the service of his sentence.Dominican National Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison<br /> in Puerto Rican Identity Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
A Dominican national was sentenced today to serve 42 months in prison for her role in trafficking the identities of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens and corresponding identity documents, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Rosa E. Rodríguez-Vélez of the District of Puerto Rico; Acting Director John Sandweg of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); Chief Postal Inspector Guy J. Cottrell of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Director Gregory B. Starr of the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS); and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Chief Richard Weber.
Arelis Abreu-Ramos, formerly of Philadelphia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gustavo A. Gelpí in the District of Puerto Rico. In addition to Abreu-Ramos’s prison term, Judge Gelpí ordered her removal from the United States to the Dominican Republic after the completion of her sentence.
On June 13, 2013, Abreu-Ramos pleaded guilty in Puerto Rico to one count of conspiracy to commit identification fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit human smuggling for financial gain.
Abreu-Ramos was charged in a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Puerto Rico on March 22, 2012. To date, a total of 53 individuals have been charged for their roles in the identity trafficking scheme, and 42 defendants have pleaded guilty.
Court documents allege that individuals located in the Savarona area of Caguas, Puerto Rico (Savarona suppliers), obtained Puerto Rican identities and corresponding identity documents. Other conspirators located in various cities throughout the United States (identity brokers) allegedly solicited customers and sold Social Security cards and corresponding Puerto Rico birth certificates for prices ranging from $700 to $2,500 per set. The superseding indictment alleges that identity brokers ordered the identity documents from the Savarona suppliers, on behalf of the customers, by making coded telephone calls. The conspirators are charged with using text messages, money transfer services, and express, priority or regular U.S. mail to complete their illicit transactions.
Court documents allege that some of the conspirators assumed a Puerto Rican identity themselves and used that identity in connection with the trafficking operation. Their customers generally obtained the identity documents to assume the identity of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens and to obtain additional identification documents, such as legitimate state driver’s licenses. Some customers allegedly obtained the documents to commit financial fraud and attempted to obtain a U.S. passport.
According to court documents, various identity brokers were operating in Rockford, Ill.; DeKalb, Ill.; Aurora, Ill.; Seymour, Ind.; Columbus, Ind.; Indianapolis; Hartford, Conn.; Clewiston, Fla.; Lilburn, Ga.; Norcross, Ga.; Salisbury, Md.; Columbus, Ohio; Fairfield, Ohio; Dorchester, Mass.; Lawrence, Mass.; Salem, Mass.; Worcester, Mass.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Nebraska City, Neb.; Elizabeth, N.J.; Burlington, N.C.; Hickory, N.C.; Hazelton, Pa.; Philadelphia; Houston; Abingdon, Va.; Albertville, Ala.; and Providence, R.I.
Abreu-Ramos admitted that she operated as an identity broker in the Philadelphia area, and that she was a manager and supervisor in the conspiracy. According to court documents, in June 2011, an unauthorized alien in Arlington, Va., applied for a U.S. passport using legitimate Puerto Rico identity documents that had been supplied by Abreu-Ramos. Law enforcement agents uncovered the fraudulent application and prevented the issuance of the U.S. passport.
Abreu-Ramos is the 29th defendant to be sentenced in this case.
The charges are the result of Operation Island Express, an ongoing, nationally-coordinated investigation led by the ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Chicago Office and USPIS, DSS and IRS-CI offices in Chicago, in coordination with the ICE-HSI San Juan Office and the DSS Resident Office in Puerto Rico. The Illinois Secretary of State Police; Elgin, Ill., Police Department; Seymour, Ind., Police Department; and Indiana State Police provided substantial assistance. The ICE-HSI Assistant Attaché office in the Dominican Republic and International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center (IOC-2) as well as various ICE, USPIS, DSS and IRS-CI offices around the country provided invaluable support.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys James S. Yoon, Hope S. Olds, Courtney B. Schaefer and Christina Giffin of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, with the assistance of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, and the support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Illinois, Southern District of Indiana, District of Connecticut, District of Massachusetts, District of Nebraska, Middle District of North Carolina, Southern District of Ohio, Middle District of Pennsylvania, District of Rhode Island, Southern District of Texas and Western District of Virginia provided substantial assistance.
Potential victims and the public may obtain information about the case at: www.justice.gov/criminal/vns/caseup/beltrerj.html . Anyone who believes their identity may have been compromised in relation to this investigation may contact the ICE toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) and its online tip form at www.ice.gov/tipline . Anyone who may have information about particular crimes in this case should also report it to the ICE tip line or website.
Anyone who believes that they have been a victim of identity theft, or wants information about preventing identity theft, may obtain helpful information and complaint forms on various government websites including the Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Website, www.ftc.gov/idtheft . Additional resources regarding identity theft can be found at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/pubs/ID_theft/idtheft.html ; www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html ; www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/cyber/identity_theft ; and www.irs.gov/privacy/article/0,,id=186436,00.html .
District Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Sexually Assaulting Woman After Entering Her Apartment-Cellphone and Other Evidence Tied Him to the Crime-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Domingo Martinez, 26, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to eight years in prison on charges stemming from a home invasion in which he sexually assaulted a woman who had been asleep in her apartment, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Martinez pled guilty in June 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count each of second-degree burglary and assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse. He was sentenced by the Honorable John Ramsey Johnson. Martinez also will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
According to the government’s evidence, at about 2:30 a.m. on May 16, 2013, Martinez appeared inside a woman’s apartment in the 6700 block of 14th Street NW. The woman woke up to see him, wearing a shirt wrapped around his head that served as a mask. He held what at first appeared to be a gun and sexually accosted her.
Once Martinez was close enough to touch her, the victim realized that the object in his hand was a cellphone, not a gun. At this point, she decided to fight back and she bit him on the shoulder during a struggle. He pushed her, causing her to fall, and then ran away.
The victim pursued Martinez through a hallway and grabbed the shirt from his head. As he continued fleeing, he dropped the cellphone, which the victim also picked up. She then ran back to her apartment, locked the door behind her, and called 911 for help.
Based upon the telephone records for the abandoned cellphone, and its contents, including time-stamped photographs and video, police identified Martinez as a suspect and arrested him on May 21, 2013. He lived in the building where the attack took place. At the time of his arrest, Martinez had a bite mark, not yet fully healed, on his left shoulder.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department. He also praised the efforts of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Criminal Investigator John Marsh, Victim/Witness Advocate Melissa Milam, and Paralegal Specialist D’Yvonne Key. Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Heide L. Herrmann, who prosecuted the matter.
13-325District Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for 2012 Slaying in Northwest Washington-Defendant Stabbed Victim During Confrontation on Street-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Herbert G. Hayes, 41, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for fatally stabbing a man last year in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Hayes was found guilty by a jury in July 2013, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Russell F. Canan sentenced him today. Upon completion of his prison term, Hayes will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on May 18, 2012 at about 9:30 p.m., Hayes chased the victim, John Wesley Griffin, 42, down the sidewalk in the 1200 block of North Capitol Street NW. As the chase continued, Mr. Griffin yelled, “Police, police!” Mr. Griffin ran into the street and Hayes followed him. Mr. Griffin then turned and faced Hayes, putting up his fists to fight. At that point, Hayes stabbed him. Mr. Griffin staggered to the sidewalk and then collapsed. Hayes stood over him, and with knife in hand, shouted an expletive about the police before fleeing the scene. Mr. Griffin died as a result of his wounds.
Hayes was arrested on May 21, 2012, and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of the detectives, officers and mobile crime scene technicians who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Mia Beamon, Victim/Witness Advocate Tamara Ince; Litigation Technology Specialists Kimberly Smith and Ron Royal, and Interns Daniel Fletcher and Lauren Sparks. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Melinda Williams and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Chris Dobbie, who secured the indictment in the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrienne Dedjinou, who prosecuted the case.
13-326District Man Found Guilty of Series of Car Loan Scams That Cheated Victims Out of More Than $185,000- Posed as Car Dealer to Swindle Victims to Buy Cars He Did Not Own -Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON -- Benjamin Grey, 33, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury today of a total of 21 federal charges, including five counts of bank fraud and seven counts of wire fraud, in connection with a scheme in which he posed as a car dealer to defraud individuals and banks of more than $185,000.
The verdicts, which followed a trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, were announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Kathy A. Michalko,Special Agent in Charge, Washington Field Office, U.S. Secret Service, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The jury returned guilty verdicts on all charges. The Honorable Ellen S. Huvelle scheduled sentencing for Dec. 17, 2013. Grey faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine on each bank fraud and wire fraud charge.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Grey claimed to run car dealerships named Planet Cars and GreyMaxx. He persuaded various individuals to apply for car loans to buy luxury cars, such as BMWs, from him and Planet Cars. After each bank or credit union granted the loan, and gave the applicant a loan check to buy the car, Grey took the money and spent it. Afterwards, however, Grey never produced the promised car, and avoided contact with the victim. In fact, Grey never owned the cars in question.
As the evidence showed, each auto loan was between $29,000 and $35,000. After the scheme, each victim was left without the car – but with the car loan coming due. Some victims tried to pay the loans, even though they had been swindled; another declared bankruptcy, devastating her credit. The lending institutions lost the amounts loaned. The individual victims included an Army veteran who had served in Iraq.
Meanwhile, Grey spent the loan checks at bars, nightclubs, and retail establishments in and around the D.C. area, running up bar tabs in the thousands of dollars.
In addition, the evidence at trial showed that Grey executed other, similar confidence schemes. In August and September 2010, Grey defrauded a would-be business partner out of $34,000 by pretending that the money would finance their purchase and re-sale of luxury cars. Similarly, in April 2010, Grey – holding himself out as the owner of Planet Cars – pretended to buy a car from a legitimate car dealership in Bethesda, Md., using a worthless check drawn on a Planet Cars bank account that had been closed for a year.
In announcing the verdicts, U.S. Attorney Machen, Special Agent in Charge Michalko and Chief Lanier expressed appreciation for the work done by those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and Secret Service. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Krishawn Graham, Lenisse Edloe, and Tasha Harris, and Legal Assistant Angela Lawrence. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Friedman, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Hooks and Christopher Kavanaugh, who investigated and tried the case.
13-328Disrupting A Flight Gets Italian Citizen Six Month Prison TermRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Massmio Fiorani, 35, of Italy, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday to six months in prison for interference with a flight crew. Fiorani interfered with the duties of crew members and attendants on board a U.S. Airways flight from Barcelona to Philadelphia on August 7, 2013. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Harvey Bartle ordered Fiorani to pay $25,000 restitution to U.S. Airways. Following his release, Fiorani will have an administrative proceeding with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Tinicum Township Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525Director of Non-Profit Sentenced in BP Claims Fund Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael B. Steinbach, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Ronald J. Verrochio, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, Paula Reid, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, and Richard L. Walker, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General - Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigation, and Jessie Panuccio, Executive Director, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, announced that Jean Mari Lindor, 32, of Homestead, Florida, was sentenced in federal court in Miami today, for his participation in filing false claims in connection with the Deepwater Horizon explosion and pollution incident in the Gulf of Mexico. Lindor was convicted on charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft, all in connection with fraudulent claims filed by the defendant seeking lost income against the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, the filing of fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service, and false claims for unemployment compensation against the State of Florida, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1343, 1029(a)(2) and (b)(1), and 2.
U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore, who presided over the trial in the matter, sentenced Lindor to 286 months’ in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for December 4, 2014.
According to the Indictment and evidence presented at trial, in June 2010, BP established the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) for the purpose of administering, mediating, and settling certain claims of individuals and businesses for costs, damages, and other losses incurred as a result of oil discharges due to the April 20, 2010 explosion and fire on the Deepwater Horizon, an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico that had been drilling an exploration well. In August 2010, the GCCF began receiving and processing such claims of individuals and businesses for costs, damages, and other losses they had incurred as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident, paying the claims from a $20 billion Trust Fund established for that purpose.
Lindor also used unauthorized access devices during the scheme, consisting of the unique GCCF Claim numbers assigned to his fictitious claims, and without which he would have been unable to communicate with the GCCF, or cause payments to be issued to them. Moreover, Lindor also sought unemployment compensation for more than a year from the State of Florida, falsely certifying that he was not earning income when, in fact, he was actively directing the scheme at Noula.
Furthermore, the evidence at trial showed that Lindor possessed and used without lawful authority the social security numbers of two identity theft victims to file fraudulent tax claims against the IRS, and directed the refunds into either his personal bank account or to bank debit cards.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Secret Service, Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate. Mr. Ferrer would also like to thank the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF). This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Watts-FitzGerald.
Members of the public can report fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, including the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, through the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Disaster Fraud Hotline at 877-NCDF-GCF (623-3423), the Disaster Fraud Fax at 225-334-4707, or the Disaster Fraud e-mail at [email protected].
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.
Denver Man Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Term for Possessing Sawed-off Shotgun and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
DENVER – Anthony Russell, age 44, of Denver, was sentenced this week by U.S. District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer to serve 168 months (14 years) in federal prison for possessing a sawed-off shotgun and for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney John Walsh and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Andrew Traver announced. Following his prison sentence, Judge Brimmer ordered Russell to serve 5 years on supervised release. The defendant appeared at the sentencing hearing in custody, and was remanded at its conclusion.
Russell was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on April 25, 2013. He pled guilty before Judge Brimmer on June 26, 2013. He was sentenced on September 16, 2013.
According to court documents, including the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, on February 4, 2013, Denver Police officers executed a search warrant at Russell’s residence. During the lawful search officers found two 12 gauge shotguns, both with shortened barrels. Both also had four rounds of ammunition. Law enforcement also located a glass jar containing methamphetamine and a chrome plated revolver. In the garage officers located a glass jar that contained a two layered liquid, which included a batch of methamphetamine oil. There was also a bottle containing a white powdery substance. According to facts that came out during sentencing, Russell was manufacturing methamphetamine at his residence while his minor step-daughter lived there. The total amount of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine located at the defendant’s residence was 570 grams. The defendant also had prior felony convictions.
“The ATF, working with local law enforcement like the Denver Police Department, are targeting the worst of the worst when it comes to illegal gun possession and drug trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh. “The 14 year prison sentence handed down in this case demonstrates that possessing an illegal firearm and illegal drugs results in a lengthy loss of personal liberty.”
“A convicted felon who continues to possess illegal crime guns and manufacturers methamphetamine is clearly a danger to this community,” said Denver Special Agent in Charge Andrew Traver. “ATF will continue to work with the Denver Police Department in an attempt to apprehend and remove anyone who blatantly disregards the safety of our citizens.”
This case was investigated by the Denver Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Russell was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Sibert.
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Clarkston Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Spokane - Michael C. Ormsby, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Francisco Munguia Diaz a.k.a Glen Munguia Cadenas, age 38, of Clarkson, Washington, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty in June, 2013 to Distributing Five Grams or More of Pure Methamphetamine. Senior United States District Court Judge Justin L. Quackenbush sentenced Diaz to a ten-year term of imprisonment and a four-year term of court supervision following release from Federal prison. In addition, Diaz forfeited $185,073 in drug trafficking proceeds, three vehicles, and jewelry to state and Federal authorities. Diaz has been in federal custody since May 8, 2013.
Michael C. Ormsby said: "I commend the officers from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Quad City Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their tireless efforts in investigating this methamphetamine case. Their strong working partnership is reflected by the successful prosecution of this case. Federal and local law enforcement officers in the Eastern District of Washington continue to work together to root out the scourge of drug trafficking in this District. With their assistance, the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington is committed to prosecuting aggressively and seeking appropriate punishment for traffickers distributing controlled substances in our communities."
The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Quad City Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by George J.C. Jacobs, III, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
13-CR-00061-JLQ
Centreville Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on September 20, 2013, Valerie W. Johnson, 56, of Centreville, Illinois, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging that she engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud. Sentencing has been set for January 9, 2014, in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois. Johnson will face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
During her plea hearing, Johnson admitted that she had submitted false and fraudulent bills in relation to her receipt of personal assistant services in the Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. Johnson admitted to falsely billing the program for $7,842.46 for services that were supposed to be performed by her son. During the days Johnson claimed her son provided services, her son was residing, working and attending school approximately 225 miles away in Springfield, Missouri.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Illinois State Police’s Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian and William E. Coonan.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General or call 1-800-447-8477.
Canadian Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute “molly”Read the Press Release
Defendant Caught Smuggling Over 128 Pounds MDMA into the United States from Canada ALBANY, NEW YORK – JOEL CUNNINGHAM, age 30, of Ottawa, Canada, pled guilty today in Albany before United States District Court Judge Glen T. Suddaby to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent-in-Charge James Spero. CUNNINGHAM faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and is being detained pending his sentencing.
During the plea proceeding, CUNNINGHAM admitted that, on April 9, 2013, he loaded a sport utility vehicle with 58,183 grams of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Hydrochloride (commonly known as “Molly”) and then drove the sport utility vehicle from Canada into the United States through an unmanned border, intending to take the “Molly” to New York City for redistribution.
CUNNINGHAM was observed entering the United States from Canada through an unmanned border crossing in the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation. Members of the Border Enforcement Security Task Force in Massena, New York followed CUNNINGHAM and later stopped him. Law enforcement officers searched the sport utility vehicle and found the “Molly,” as well as over $140K in U.S. currency, in hidden compartments and duffel bags.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 7, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in Albany. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Wayne Myers.
Buffalo Attorney Pleads Guilty to Submitting False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Buffalo, N.Y.-- -The United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York announced today that Lisa M. Yaeger, 49, of Buffalo, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to three misdemeanor charges of submitting false documents to the Internal Revenue Service. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a fine of $100,000 or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gretchen L. Wylegala, who handled the case, stated that the defendant, an attorney who was employed in a variety of public positions, also maintained a private practice. Yaeger failed to report substantial amounts of income she received from her private practice in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. The tax loss attributable to the undisclosed income exceeded $22,000.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigative Division, under the direction of Special Agent- in-Charge Toni M. Weirauch.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 10, 2014, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.Avon Lake Woman Pleads Guilty to Human Trafficking and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
An Avon Lake woman pleaded guilty today to human trafficking and drug trafficking crimes after forcing four women, including two teens, to have sex for money, law enforcement officials said.
Ashley Onysko, 23, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking and drug trafficking. She is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 14, 2014
“This woman helped force teens to have sex for money,” said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “These activities happen all around us and it’s the responsibility of the community and law enforcement to work together to end these crimes.”
“The defendants in this case used narcotics to gain control over their victims and forced them to engage in sex acts while lining their own pockets with money,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will utilize all necessary resources to bring to justice those that victimize our youth.”
“This is an example of local police and federal law enforcement working together to make our community safer,” said Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely.
Onysko’s co-defendant, Jeremy Mack, 37, of Elyria, is awaiting trial.
Between December 2012 and April 9, 2013, Mack and Onysko conspired together to provide heroin to four victims with drugs, including heroin and cocaine and then, after the victims incurred drug debts, used force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel them to engage in commercial sex acts.
They did this, in part, by posting photographs the victims on backpage.com on a user account that Mack and Onysko created on Dec. 25, 2012, according to the indictment.
At various times, Mack told and caused others to tell the victims that they needed to engage in commercial sex acts to repay the drug debts. The victims did, after which she turned over all proceeds to Mack and/or Onysko, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bridget M. Brennan and Carole Skutnik following an investigation by the FBI and Elyria Police Department.
Arlington Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Richard Creech, 45, of Arlington, Va., was sentenced today to 84 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for distribution of child pornography.
Kathleen M. Kahoe, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Scot R. Rittenberg of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Claude M. Hilton.
Creech pleaded guilty on May 24, 2013. According to court documents, Creech used a peer-to-peer file sharing program to collect and share child pornography videos, including numerous videos of children between 5 and 12 years old being raped and sexually abused. In total, Creech’s child pornography collection included over 1,100 images and 1,300 videos of children being sexually exploited. Creech also wrote and distributed dozens of stories about children being raped, and he had a 170-page electronic book entitled “How To Practice Child Love,” which provided a step-by-step guide on how to target vulnerable children, coerce them into a sexual relationship, and avoid getting caught.
This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Northern Virginia-District of Columbia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Gardner and Jay Prabhu prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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.Angel Cortez-Granados, Member of the Granados-Hernandez Sex Trafficking Organization, Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Earlier today, Angel Cortez-Granados was sentenced in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, to 15 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for the sex trafficking of two victims. In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay $145,815 in restitution to the two victims. On September 20, 2011, Homeland Security Investigations arrested Cortez-Granados as part of an ongoing investigation into the Granados Sex Trafficking organization. The investigation has resulted in the successful prosecution of five Granados family members including Cortez-Granados’s cousins, Eleuterio Granados-Hernandez and Samuel Granados-Hernandez.
The sentence was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James T. Hayes, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Sandra L. Townes.
“Angel Cortez-Granados ruthlessly exploited his victims, using threats of violence to force them into a form of sexual slavery. The significant sentence imposed today is an important step in restoring dignity to the defendant’s victims,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “This sentence reflects our ongoing commitment to eradicate the sex trafficking of young girls.” Ms. Lynch thanked the HSI agents who investigated the case and extended her grateful appreciation to the organizations that provided services and advocacy to the victims in this case, including Sanctuary for Families, Polaris Project, and the law firms of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP and Steptoe & Johnson LLP.
On March 2, 2012, Cortez-Granados pled guilty to engaging in sex trafficking between April 2011 and August 2011, by smuggling an individual identified in court filings as Jane Doe 1 from Mexico illegally into the United States and forcing her to engage in prostitution.
According to court filings, Cortez-Granados smuggled 21-year-old Jane Doe 1 and another individual identified as 21-year-old Jane Doe 2 from Mexico into the United States for the purpose of trafficking them as prostitutes. When Jane Doe 1 refused to engage in commercial sex acts, Cortez-Granados placed a knife to her throat and threatened that she would never see her children again. Ultimately, Cortez-Granados forced both Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 to work as prostitutes and provide all of their earnings to him. Jane Doe 1 worked for the defendant in the New York area, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina from 2006 to 2011, and Jane Doe 2 worked for the defendant in North Carolina from April 2010 until September 2011.
At the sentencing proceeding, Jane Doe 2 stated that Cortez-Granados “forced me to prostitute to myself to 100 clients per week to reach a quota of $1,500 dollars.” Jane Doe 2 stated throughout her time with Cortez-Granados, she “felt like a prisoner.” Finally, Jane Doe 2 asked the Court for “justice to be done for myself and my family.”
As set forth in court filings, Cortez-Granados’s cousins, Eleuterio Granados-Hernandez and Samuel Granados-Hernandez, also smuggled young women from Mexico illegally into the United States, forced them to work as prostitutes in New York City and elsewhere, and collected profits from their activities. Both have pleaded guilty to sex trafficking in a separate case, and each faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
The government’s case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Soumya Dayananda.
The Defendant
ANGEL CORTEZ-GRANADOS
Age: 26
MexicoE.D.N.Y. Docket No. CR-11-657 (SLT)
Anchorage Physician indicted for wire fraudRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska - Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Feldis announced today that an Anchorage physician was indicted by a federal grand jury in Anchorage, Alaska, on wire fraud charges.
Dr. Michael Brandner, 64, of Anchorage, Alaska, was charged with seven counts of wire fraud for engaging in a scheme to defraud his wife and the Alaska State Courts. The indictment alleges that Brandner transferred over $4,000,000 out of the United States to Panama in 2007 and 2008 as part of this scheme. The indictment charges that Brandner provided false documents to the court to support his claims that the money had been loaned to a foreign entity and was unavailable to be disbursed as part of divorce proceedings. In 2011, Brandner secretly returned the money to the United States, then totaling $4,656,061.85, in the name of a shell corporation. This money was seized in Irvine, California, and is the subject of civil forfeiture proceedings in federal court in Los Angeles.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that Brandner faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The indictment also includes a criminal forfeiture provision. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon a number of factors, including the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska is partnering with the Department of Justice Tax Division in the prosecution of this case.
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.
Allentown Pair Charged in Sex Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - Deshawn King, 33, and Daniel Blount, 31, both of Allentown, PA, are charged by Indictment , unsealed today, with running a sex trafficking operation, incorporating heroin as a means of punishing and controlling their victims. King and Blount are both charged with conspiring to commit sex trafficking of women by force, fraud, and coercion; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of attempted sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. King and Blount were taken in to federal custody today. The indictment was announced by United States Attorney Zane David Memeger and Special Agent-in-Charge John P. Kelleghan with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations.
According to the indictment, between October 2012 and April 2013, King and Blount recruited and enticed heroin-addicted women to perform commercial sex acts at their direction by promising a continuous supply of money and heroin. It is further alleged that the defendants used the website “backpage.com” to post sexually explicit photos of the women in advertising them for commercial sex acts. “Johns” (men wanting to have sex with the recruited women) called the telephone number posted in the ad and met the women at hotels designated and paid for by the defendants. It is further alleged that King and Blount provided heroin to the women as a means of control or withheld the heroin as a form of punishment, causing the women to suffer withdrawal; used physical force, including a taser, and threats of force against the women to cause or attempt to cause them to continue performing commercial sex acts; and received and kept all the proceeds generated by the women engaging in commercial sex acts. The defendants also threatened to kill at least two of the victims and took turns raping at least one of the victims.
“The defendants in this case preyed on vulnerable women, dehumanized them, threatened and abused them, and sold them for their own profit,” said Memeger. “These defendants made a living through a horrific form of modern day slavery. We will not tolerate this type of criminal inhumanity and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to eradicate sex trafficking.”
“Homeland Security Investigations, working in collaboration with the Allentown Police Department and our law enforcement partners, will use all of our resources to investigate and arrest individuals engaged in sex trafficking. This cold, heartless enterprise, where criminals risk individuals’ lives, will not be tolerated.” said John Kelleghan, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. “This case highlights the importance of law enforcement cooperation to apprehend human traffickers while working to provide assistance to the victims who were exploited.”
If convicted, both defendants face a maximum possible sentence of life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 15 years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Allentown Police Department and the Office of the Lehigh County District Attorney. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sherri A. Stephan.
Click here to view the indictment
An Indictment/Information/Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525Alexandria Man Sentenced for CounterfeitingRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Raja Khalid Jamaleddin, 33, of Alexandria, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possessing more than $8,600 worth of counterfeit dollar bills. He was also ordered to pay an $8,000 fine. Jamaleddin pleaded guilty June 18, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, authorities received information that Jamaleddin was keeping illegal items at a storage unit. Authorities searched a storage unit on October 5, 2012 that Jamaleddin was renting in Alexandria and found $8,648 worth of counterfeit $1,000s, $50s, $20s and $2s in addition to other illegal items. The serial number on one of the counterfeit $1,000 bills matched a bill Jamaleddin pawned in 2011.Homeland Security Investigations and the Alexandria Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
20-count Indictment Returned for Rico Violations, Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering, Federal Gun Control, and Controlled Substances ActsRead the Press Release
DELOYD JONES, age 21; BYRON JONES, age 23; SIDNEY PATTERSON, age 22; ERVIN SPOONER, age 25; ROMALIS PARKER, age 20; NYSON JONES, age 29; TRE CLEMENTS, age 22; ANDREALIE LEWIS, age 34; MORRIS SUMMERS, age 22; TYONE BURTON, age 20; TYRON BURTON, age 19; and PERRY WILSON, age 22; were charged on September 19, 2013 in a 20-count indictment for Violations of the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization Act, Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering, Federal Gun Control Act, and Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite, Jr. The indictment was unsealed today.
This case arises out of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The investigation targeted an area which exhibited a disproportionate amount of violent crimes and narcotics trafficking. During the course of the investigation, specific individuals were identified as the main perpetrators of many of the violent acts and much of the narcotics distribution which occurred in the 8th Ward of New Orleans. This group controlled narcotics distribution activities through violence and threats of violence, to include murder, attempted murder, and assaults. They were referred to as Ride or Die or “R.O.D.”
The indictment charges DELOYD JONES with RICO Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses; Murder in Aid of Racketeering (3 counts); Causing Death Through the Use of a Firearm (3 counts); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts); and, Use and Carrying of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Offense (2 counts).
BYRON JONES is charged with RICO Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses; Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Causing Death Through the Use of a Firearm; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts); and, Use and Carrying of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Offense (2 counts).
SIDNEY PATTERSON is charged with RICO Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering; Use and Carrying of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Offense; Murder in Aid of Racketeering; and, Causing Death Through the Use of a Firearm.
ERVIN SPOONER is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses; and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
ROMALIS PARKER, NYSON JONES, TRE CLEMENTS, ANDREALIE LEWIS, MORRIS SUMMERS, TYONE BURTON, TYRON BURTON, and PERRY WILSON are all charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana, and Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses.
BYRON JONES and SIDNEY PATTERSON are charged with murdering Travis Arnold on February 24, 2010. DELOYD JONES is charged with murdering Rodney Coleman on November 9, 2010. DELOYD JONES is charged with murdering Devin Hutton on January 17, 2011. DELOYD JONES and SIDNEY PATTERSON are charged with murdering Corey Blue on January 18, 2011. DELOYD JONES, BYRON JONES and SIDNEY PATTERSON each face a maximum term of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
ERVIN SPOONER, ROMALIS PARKER, NYSON JONES, TRE CLEMENTS, ANDREALIE LEWIS, MORRIS SUMMERS, TYONE BURTON, TYRON BURTON, and PERRY WILSON each face up to 20 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
U. S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of the Multi-Agency Gang Unit led by the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian C. Ebarb on assignment from the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.
(Download Indictment )
19 September 2013
Zachary Lee Blaseg Sentenced in U.S. District CourtRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on September 18, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy, ZACHARY LEE BLASEG, a 36-year-old resident of Livingston, was sentenced to a term of:
- Prison: 78 months
- Special Assessment: $100
- Forfeiture: computers and DVDs
- Supervised Release: 15 years
BLASEG was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to possession of child pornography.
In an Offer of Proof filed by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ole Olson, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:
In June and July of 2012, an agent for the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation was conducting an online Internet investigation to identify persons using peer-to-peer file sharing networks to download, distribute, and possess child pornography. The agent downloaded several files containing child pornography from an IP address that he later determined was assigned to an address in Livingston.
On October 15, 2012, the agent obtained and executed a search warrant on the address in Livingston. After conducting forensic previews of the computers found in the residence, the agent seized two custom computer towers from a bedroom being rented by BLASEG.
Later that day, the agent made contact with BLASEG on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman. The agent placed BLASEG under arrest on an unrelated traffic warrant. BLASEG agreed to a recorded interview with the agent and admitted that he lived at the address in Livingston. He admitted that the two computers that the Agent seized were his computers by confirming the description of these computers. He admitted that he had been searching for and downloading child pornography using these computers. BLASEG confirmed that the agent would find a large amount of child pornography on both computers.
A forensic examiner conducted a forensic examination on the computers seized from BLASEG's bedroom. Between the two computer towers, the examiner found a total of 477 videos of child pornography and 2,299 images of child pornography. Some of the images portrayed prepubescent children. Some of the images portrayed children engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct.
Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that BLASEG will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, BLASEG 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 Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
Winchester Resident Arrested for Impersonating A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
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MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A 36-year old Winchester, Virginia, resident was arrested on September 19, 2013, pursuant to an Indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury.
According to United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, TALBERT FOSTER DEHAVEN, III was named in a 4-count Indictment charging him with three counts of “Impersonating an Officer,” and one count of “Possessing a United States Marshal Badge.” DEHAVEN is alleged to have claimed to be a U.S. Marshal engaged in the location and apprehension of a wanted criminal.DEHAVEN faces up to three years in prison on the impersonation charges and up to six months in prison on the possession charge.
This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul T. Camilletti and was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
All of the charges contained in the above-referenced indictment are merely accusations and not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Virginia Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison in Shooting of Security Guard at Family Research CouncilDefendant Targeted Organization in Planned AttackRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Floyd Lee Corkins, II, 29, was sentenced today to 25 years in prison on three felony charges, including a terrorism offense, in the August 2012 shooting of a security guard at the Family Research Council in downtown Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Corkins, of Herndon, Va., pled guilty in February 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to charges of committing an act of terrorism while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition. The Honorable Chief Judge Richard W. Roberts sentenced him. Upon completion of his prison term, he will be placed on five years of supervised release.
Corkins has been in custody since his arrest after the Aug. 15, 2012 shooting.
This marked the first time that a defendant has been charged with and convicted of committing an act of terrorism under a provision of the District of Columbia’s Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002 that covers criminal actions committed with the intent to “intimidate or coerce a significant portion of the civilian population of the District of Columbia or the United States.”
According to the government’s evidence, on Aug. 15, 2012, at about 10:45 a.m., Corkins entered the office of the Family Research Council (FRC), at 801 G Street NW, and encountered an unarmed security guard. Corkins retrieved a firearm from his backpack and pointed it at the security guard. The security guard charged Corkins and a struggle ensued, during which Corkins fired three shots, striking the guard in the arm. Despite the gunshot wound and Corkins’s subsequent discharges of the gun, the security guard, Leonardo Johnson, heroically succeeded in disarming the defendant and forcing him to the ground and onto his belly.
According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Corkins targeted the Family Research Council because of its views, including its advocacy against recognition of gay marriage. He entered the building with the intention of shooting and killing as many employees of the organization as he could.
“A security guard’s heroism is the only thing that prevented Floyd Corkins, II from carrying out a mass shooting intended to kill as many people as possible,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Our entire community is thankful to the hero who stood up to this heinous attack. Today’s 25-year prison sentence demonstrates the steep price to be paid for turning to violence to terrorize your political enemies.”
“Acts of terrorism, like the one that Mr. Corkins admitted to committing in pursuit of political aim, are horrific events that instill a sense of fear on our community,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “The FBI applauds the heroic acts of the security guard who deterred Mr. Corkins from inflicting harm on additional victims. With our law enforcement partners, the FBI will respond to, secure and investigate scenes and bring violent actors to justice.”
“I want to commend FRC employee Leonardo Johnson for his heroism and the first responding officers for their quick assessment of the situation, which brought stability and control to the chaos,” said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. “As recent events have shown us, quick thinking and bravery during incidents like this can save many lives.”
According to the statement of offense, Corkins purchased a semiautomatic pistol from a store in Virginia on Aug. 9, 2012, and picked up the weapon the following day. On the afternoon of Aug. 13, he rehearsed his planned trip to the Family Research Council. On the night before the shooting, Corkins returned to the gun store and engaged in shooting practice.
On the morning of Aug. 15, 2012, Corkins rode Metrorail from Virginia and into the District of Columbia, got off at the Gallery Place stop, and went to the Family Research Council. To gain access into the building, he falsely told the security guard, Mr. Johnson, that he was there for an interview as a prospective intern. Upon gaining entry, Corkins approached the receptionist desk, which Mr. Johnson was manning, intending to shoot and kill him. However, Mr. Johnson fought back and, as the two men scuffled, Corkins fired his gun three times, striking Mr. Johnson once in his left arm in the process. After Mr. Johnson subdued Corkins, Corkins stated, “It’s not about you,” but about the organization’s policies. He also was heard making remarks such as, “I don’t like these people, and I don’t like what they stand for.”
In a search after the shooting, MPD officers discovered two fully loaded magazine clips in one of Corkins’s front pants pockets, as well as a Metro card and a handwritten list containing the names of the Family Research Council and three other organizations that openly identify themselves as having socially conservative agendas. A search of Corkins’s backpack turned up, among other items, a box of 50 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. They also found 15 individually wrapped sandwiches that Corkins had purchased the previous day from Chick-fil-A.
Corkins later made statements to the FBI in which he said that he was a political activist and considered the Family Research Council to be a lobbying group. He also stated that he intended to kill as many people as possible and smother the Chick-fil-A sandwiches into their faces. Among other things, he said, “Chick-fil-A came out against gay marriage so I was going to use that as a statement.”
Corkins also revealed the steps he took in planning the attack, saying that he had been thinking about perpetrating similar violence for years but never carried out an attack. Had he not been stopped at the Family Research Council, he stated, he planned to go to the second organization on the list he was carrying and wage a similar shooting there.
Mr. Johnson, who also was the building’s manager, underwent emergency surgery in which metal plates were inserted into his left arm so that shattered bones could heal. Numerous bullet fragments remain in his arms, and he was unable to work for months.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave and Chief Lanier expressed their appreciation to all those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the MPD. They also expressed appreciation to those who provided assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan M. Malis; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney George P. Varghese; Paralegal Specialists Selena Zuhoski and Devron Elliott; Legal Assistant Donice Adams; Litigation Technology Specialist Paul Howell, and Victim/Witness Advocate Yvonne Bryant.
Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann H. Petalas and T. Patrick Martin, of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who prosecuted the case.
13-322Violent White Supremacist Prison Gang Member Sentenced to More Than Eight Years for Prison Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Chief U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway today sentenced Scott Michael Patrick (48, Portland, Oregon) to 8 years and 4 months in federal prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He was found guilty by a federal jury on June 12, 2013. Patrick will begin serving the sentence upon completion of his current federal sentence, which was imposed following a federal conviction for bank robbery. Patrick has been held in isolation due to his violent past and association with a violent white supremacist prison group.
According to court documents, Patrick, who was an inmate at the Coleman Correctional Complex, carried out a plan to viciously attack the victim. On February 3, 2007, Patrick went to the victim's assigned unit where he began shadow boxing and stretching inside of another inmate's cell before attacking the victim. After the victim walked past the cell, Patrick and another inmate began brutally beating the victim. A third inmate joined in the fight and stabbed the victim six times while Patrick continued to strike the victim until he collapsed to the floor, smacking his head against a metal kick plate. Patrick is a member of the Aryan Resistance Movement, a violent white supremacist prison gang.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vincent A. Citro and James D. Mandolfo.
Vince Lee Whiteman Sentenced in U.S. District CourtRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on September 19, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy, VINCE LEE WHITEMAN, a 23-year-old resident of Lame Deer and an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, was sentenced to a term of:
- Prison: 62 months, consecutive to another sentence
- Special Assessment: $200
- Supervised Release: 3 years
WHITEMAN was sentenced after a federal district court trial in which he was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and aiding and abetting assault with a dangerous weapon.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan P. McCarthy prosecuted the case for the United States.
At trial, the following evidence and testimony was presented to the jury.
On the evening of July 29, 2011, the victim was with his nephew and they were drinking together. At some point they met up with WHITEMAN and then, later, met up with Zachary Knows His Gun. All four drove to Soldier Gulch Road where they parked the car and continued to drink. The victim and Knows His Gun were in the back seat of the car. WHITEMAN had a knife with him.
An argument about who was tougher led Knows His Gun to ask WHITEMAN for his knife. WHITEMAN gave him his knife. Knows His Gun then stabbed the victim in the neck. The victim fought back, which resulted in WHITEMAN joining the fight and, according to the victim and Knows His Gun, also stabbing the victim in the neck. The victim got out of the car and was able to run away. The victim identified both Knows His Gun and WHITEMAN as the assailants.
After hiding in the hills for a period of time, the victim went to a house for help.
WHITEMAN was interviewed and admitted that he gave Knows His Gun his knife, but claimed that he did not know why Knows His Gun wanted the knife. He denied stabbing or assaulting the victim and, in fact, claimed that he pulled Knows His Gun away from the victim and tried to help the victim.
Knows His Gun, the nephew, and another witness were interviewed and described the knife that WHITEMAN was carrying the day of the assault. Knows His Gun and the other witness provided law enforcement with drawings of the knife during the investigation.
WHITEMAN was arrested on tribal charges and his pants, which appeared to have blood on them, were seized. DNA analysis confirmed that the major contributor of the DNA extracted from the blood stain on WHITEMAN's pants was the victim's.
Knows His Gun pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and is serving a 37-month federal sentence.
Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that WHITEMAN will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, WHITEMAN 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.
Two Union County, N.J., Women Indicted in Phony Check SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two Union County, N.J., women were indicted by a federal grand jury today for their roles in a wide-ranging counterfeit check scheme, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Synethia Bland, 29, and Latisha White, 28, both of Elizabeth, N.J., were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and three counts of bank fraud, all of which caused losses of at least $400,000.According to the indictment and other documents filed in this case:
Between October 2009 and May of 2012, Bland and White created more than 150 counterfeit checks, most or all of which were in amounts of less than $5,000. Bland and White recruited numerous individuals who either held bank accounts at TD Bank or would be willing to open a new account at that bank. Bland and White induced them to participate in their scheme by promising to share some of the proceeds.
After obtaining the cooperation of an account holder, Bland and White would deposit one of their counterfeit checks into that person’s bank account. Within a day or two of such a deposit, and before the bank realized that the deposited check was counterfeit, Bland and White would arrange to draw down the funds credited by the deposit. Funds were drawn through ATM withdrawals, cash withdrawals at banks and the purchase of money orders and merchandise.
Bland and White orchestrated the deposits of more than $600,000 in counterfeit checks into more than 120 different bank accounts. Among such deposits were the deposits of counterfeit checks in the amounts of $4,529 on July 12, 2010; $4,865 on Feb. 13, 2012, and $4,725 on May 2, 2012.
Each of the four charges is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment and complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James Mottola; postal inspectors under the direction of U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge Maria L. Kelokates; investigators at the Union County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Grace H. Park; and investigators at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bohdan Vitvitsky of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.
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Defense counsel: Bland: Rubin Sinins Esq., Springfield, N.J.
White: Ruth M. Liebesman Esq., Paramus, N.J.Bland, Synethia et al Indictment
Two Fujikura Ltd. Executives Indicted for Roles in Fixing Prices on <br /> Automobile Parts Sold to Subaru to Be Installed in U.S. CarsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Detroit returned an indictment against two Fujikura Ltd. executives for their roles in an international conspiracy to fix prices of auto parts used in automotive wire harnesses sold to Subaru and installed in U.S. cars, the Department of Justice announced today.
The indictment, filed today in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, in Detroit, charges Ryoji Fukudome and Toshihiko Nagashima, both Japanese nationals, with participating in a conspiracy to fix prices of automotive wire harnesses sold to Fuji Heavy Industries–an automaker more commonly known by its brand name, Subaru–for installation in automobiles sold in the United States and elsewhere.
Fukudome was employed by Fujikura as general manager of the Automotive Global Marketing Department from April 2001 to April 2006 and Nagashima was employed by Fujikura as manager of the Fujikura Wire Harness Center in Ohta, Japan, from July 1994 to April 2006, and as general manager of the Automotive Global Marketing Department from April 2006 to April 2009.
Fujikura is a Toyko-based manufacturer of automotive wire harnesses. Automotive wire harnesses are automotive electrical distribution systems used to direct and control electronic components, wiring and circuit boards. Fujikura pleaded guilty to its role in the conspiracy in June 2012, and was sentenced to pay a $20 million criminal fine.
The indictment alleges, among other things, that from at least as early as September 2005 until at least February 2010, Fukudome, Nagashima and their co-conspirators attended meetings in Japan to reach collusive agreements to rig bids and allocate the supply of automotive wire harnesses sold to Subaru. The indictment alleges that Fukudome, Nagashima and their co-conspirators had further communications to monitor and enforce the collusive agreements.
“International cartels targeting U.S. businesses and consumers pose a serious threat to our competitive market place,” said Scott D. Hammond, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division’s criminal enforcement program. “The Antitrust Division is working closely with competition enforcers abroad to ensure that there are no safe harbors for executives who engage in international cartel crimes.”
“Those who engage in price fixing, bid rigging and other fraudulent schemes harm the automotive industry by driving up costs for vehicle makers and buyers,” said John Robert Shoup, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Detroit Division. “The FBI is committed to pursuing and prosecuting these individuals for their crimes.”Fukudome and Nagashima are charged with price fixing in violation of the Sherman Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine for individuals. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
Including Fukudome and Nagashima, 11 companies and 18 executives have been charged in the Justice Department’s ongoing investigation into the automotive parts industry. To date, more than $874 million in criminal fines have been imposed and 14 individuals have been sentenced to pay criminal fines and to serve prison sentences ranging from a year and a day to two years each. One other executive has agreed to serve time in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 25, 2013.
The charges are the result of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the automotive parts industry, which is being conducted by each of the Antitrust Division’s criminal enforcement sections and the FBI. Today’s charges were brought by the Antitrust Division’s National Criminal Enforcement Section and the FBI’s Detroit Field Office, with the assistance of the FBI headquarters’ International Corruption Unit. Anyone with information on price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct related to other products in the automotive parts industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258, visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html or call the FBI’s Detroit Field Office at 313-965-2323.