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Thursday 23 May 2013
Former Controller of Stamford Company Admits Embezzlng More Than $3.4 MillionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS J. TUREY, 64, of Norwalk, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport to one count of wire fraud related to his embezzlement of more than $3.4 million.
According to court documents and statements made in court, TUREY served as the controller for a market research company located in Stamford. As controller, TUREY’s responsibilities included aggregating the company’s monthly revenue and expense results, managing the company’s accounts receivable, performing financial analysis and reporting, and overseeing the company’s bookkeeper. TUREY also was responsible for the company’s general ledger and was in charge of conducting the company’s bank reconciliations. Between August 2005 and January 2013, TUREY embezzled approximately $3,462,435 from the company by writing checks to himself or to a fictitious entity for his personal benefit, and depositing those funds into bank accounts he controlled. TUREY made numerous false entries in the company’s books and records to conceal this scheme.
The majority of the embezzled funds were subsequently transferred into TUREY’s online brokerage account.
TUREY is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven on August 20, 2013, at which time TUREY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He has been released on a $300,000 bond since his arrest on February 14, 2013.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul A. Murphy.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Former Chicago Police Officer and Two Members of Latin Kings Street Gang Sentenced in Indiana for Racketeering<br /> Conspiracy and Related CrimesRead the Press Release
A former Chicago police officer and two members of the Latin Kings street gang were sentenced to prison today in Hammond, Ind., federal court for racketeering conspiracy and related crimes.
Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana made the announcement following the sentencing hearings before U.S. District Judge Rudy Lozano in the Northern District of Indiana.
A former officer with the Chicago Police Department, Antonio C. Martinez, Jr., 40, of Chicago, was sentenced today to 144 months in prison after pleading guilty on Nov. 18, 2011, to racketeering, drug, and robbery conspiracies and other related charges. According to court records, Martinez and another officer committed armed robberies on behalf of a Latin Kings gang member – in some instances while in uniform and driving police-issued vehicles. They stole drugs, weapons and cash, and in some instances they were given a portion of the funds they stole as payment for committing the armed robberies.
Hiluterio Chavez, aka “Tails,” 37, of Chicago, was sentenced today to 240 months in prison after pleading guilty on Jan. 24, 2012, to racketeering and drug conspiracies. Chavez, who became a Latin Kings member at an earlier age, admitted in court that he traveled with other Latin Kings leadership from the Chicago area to Texas to facilitate the organization of the Latin Kings in Texas and to ensure their allegiance to the Chicago Latin Kings. Among other crimes, Chavez participated in a robbery with Martinez and presented himself as a law enforcement officer.
Jermaine Ellis, aka “J-Dub,” 21, of Chicago, was sentenced today to 205 months in prison after pleading guilty on July 30, 2010, to racketeering conspiracy. Ellis, who also became a Latin Kings member at an early age, admitted that while a juvenile he participated in the shooting deaths of James Walsh and Gonzalo Diaz in Griffith, Ind., on Feb. 25, 2007.
Court records allege that the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States. The Latin Kings is a well-organized street gang that has specific leadership and is composed of regions that include multiple chapters.
The Latin Kings enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, assault and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the Latin Kings. Members are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, including taking on assignments often referred to as “missions.”
Twenty-three Latin Kings members and associates have been indicted in this case. Aside from Martinez, Ellis and Chavez, 19 of the other defendants pleaded guilty and one remains a fugitive.
This case was investigated by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; ICE Homeland Security Investigations; the National Gang Intelligence Center; the Chicago Police Department; the Houston Police Department; the Griffith Police Department; the Highland Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; and the East Chicago Police Department.The case is being prosecuted by Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and David J. Nozick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana. Andrew Porter of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois provided significant assistance.
Five Men Charged with Kidnapping Meriden Residents, Robbing Fairfield Jewelry StoreRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph P. Faughnan, United States Marshal for the District of Connecticut; Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara and Meriden Police Chief Jeffry Cossette today announced that five individuals have been charged by federal criminal complaint for their participation in the kidnapping of four Meriden residents and the robbery of a Fairfield jewelry store on April 11, 2013.
“We applaud the excellent work of the investigative agencies, the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the Fairfield and Meriden Police Departments, who are responsible for these swift arrests,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Daly. “Our Office thanks them for their professionalism and dynamic work in this difficult and important investigation.”
“This is an outstanding example of the positive results that occur when investigative agencies from all levels of government and jurisdictions work together for a common goal,” stated U.S. Marshal Faughnan. “Fortunately these individuals were arrested before committing similar crimes that place the lives of innocent persons at risk.”
“Today’s arrests are yet another example of how dedicated and talented investigators from multiple agencies worked together to quickly identify and apprehend those responsible for violent crimes,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “This investigation will continue until there is justice for the victims.”
“This is a great example of Connecticut law enforcement working together,” stated Fairfield Police Chief MacNamara. “I want to thank the Fairfield and Meriden officers and detectives, as well as the U.S. Marshals in Connecticut, the Connecticut FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. These individuals tried to exploit our jurisdictional boundaries and this group of law enforcement proved those boundaries are just lines on a map.”
As alleged in criminal complaints that were unsealed today, at approximately 9:00 p.m. on April 11, at least four men wearing masks and gloves, two of whom were armed with handguns, broke into an apartment on Gravel Street in Meriden, Conn., bound four victims with duct tape and covered their heads with pillowcases, towels and jackets. Three of the perpetrators then forced two of the victims into a victim’s vehicle and drove to Lenox Jewelers in Fairfield, Conn., where the two victims worked. At the store, the perpetrators stole jewelry, watches and loose diamonds valued at between four and five million dollars. They then fled in the victim’s car, leaving the two victims bound inside the store.
The following five individuals are charged with federal kidnapping, robbery and firearms offenses:
TIMOTHY FORBES, 31, of Allentown, Pa.
WILLIAM DAVIS, 25, of Allentown, Pa.
JEFFREY HOUSTON, 26, of Allentown, Pa.
CHRISTOPHER GAY, 27, of Bronx, N.Y.
KASAM HENNIX, 39, of Easton, Pa.FORBES has been in custody in Pennsylvania since his arrest on state charges earlier this month.
DAVIS, HOUSTON, GAY and HENNIX were arrested yesterday. A search of DAVIS’s residence resulted in the seizure of jewelry, high-end watches and approximately $60,000 in cash. A search of GAY’s Bronx hotel room led to the seizure of more jewelry, watches and approximately $50,000 in cash.HOUSTON and GAY appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport, Conn., and were ordered detained. DAVIS and HENNIX appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry S. Perkin in Allentown and are also detained.
Each of the defendants is charged with kidnapping, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, Hobbs Act Robbery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which carries a consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to have this matter presented to a grand jury and, in the event an indictment is returned, he is entitled to a trial at which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the United States Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fairfield Police Department and Meriden Police Department. Acting U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and FBI in New York and Pennsylvania; the York, Allentown and Bethlehem Police Departments in Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracy Lee Dayton and Douglas P. Morabito.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Five Convicted in Home Invasion ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – A federal jury returned guilty verdicts late yesterday against five defendants charged in a conspiracy to commit an armed home invasion robbery against another drug dealer in Philadelphia. Robert Lamar Whitfield, 33, Marlon Graham, 22, Kenneth Parnell, 27, Kareem Long, 23, and Frank Thompson, 35, all of Philadelphia, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, attempted possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime. The case was presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Juan R. Sanchez who has not yet scheduled sentencing hearings for the defendants. Four of the five face a 15 year mandatory minimum sentence, up to life in prison; defendant Frank Thompson faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison.
Beginning in June 2012, the defendants put in motion a plan to steal, by force, cocaine and drug proceeds from the home of an individual they believed to be another drug dealer and attempted to carry out their plan on July 18, 2012. The plan was thwarted when agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Violent Crime Task Force moved in to arrest the armed defendants during preparations.
In addition to the prison term, each defendant also faces five years of supervised release, fines of up to $20 million, and a $500 special assessment.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Philadelphia Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys V. Paige Pratter and Jeanine Linehan.UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525Felon Convicted of Possessing Gun Used in Prior ShootingRead the Press Release
A man who had a firearm hidden under his seat during a traffic stop in Waterloo was convicted by a jury today after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Delvonn Battle, 31, from Des Moines, Iowa, was convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon. The verdict was returned this afternoon following about one hour of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Battle was riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle pulled over by Waterloo police officers just before midnight on January 13, 2012. The vehicle was driven by Ryan Marshall. A third occupant was in the rear passenger seat. All three occupants were from Des Moines. Based on inconsistent statements by the three occupants and other suspicious behavior, officers searched the vehicle. A loaded Ruger 9 millimeter pistol was found directly under Battle’s seat.
State crime lab evidence showed that the pistol located under Battle’s seat was the exact same firearm used in a shooting at a gas station in Des Moines just one month earlier. Battle was identified by an eyewitness as the shooter in the gas station shooting.
The driver of the vehicle, Ryan Marshall, was convicted of transporting a firearm as a felon earlier this year following a state jury trial in Black Hawk County. Marshall was not charged in the federal case.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Battle remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Battle faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and up to three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Lightfoot and was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department Violent Crime Apprehension Team (VCAT), and the Des Moines Police Department.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-CR-2005.
Federal Inmate Charged with Possessing HeroinRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Loretto, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The indictment named Carlos Alberto Prieto, 47, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on Mar. 19, 2013, Prieto was in possession of heroin.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Grand Jury in Fort Wayne Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on May 22, 2013:
Rico Parrish, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was charged in a single count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about May 17, 2013. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Christopher Seals, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was charged in a three count Indictment with armed bank robbery, use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about February 14, 2013. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Armando Herrera-Velasquez, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 1 count of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013. Manuel Herrera, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 2 counts of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013 and maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing cocaine from on or about November 20, 2012, to on or about February 19, 2013. Elida Herrera, 51, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 2 counts of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013 and maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing cocaine from on or about November 20, 2012, to on or about February 19, 2013. Maria Patricia Herrera, 52, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 1 count of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013. Efren Paniagua-Pizano, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 1 count of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013. Luis Tapia, 42, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 1 count of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013, and maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing cocaine from on
or about July 28, 2012, to on or about February 19, 2013. Juan Perez, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana is charged in 1 count of a 3 count Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine from on or about July 2011 to on or about February 2013. This case was superseded to include defendant Perez in the conspiracy. These charges were filed as a result of this investigation conducted by the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and Fort Wayne Police Department. The New Haven Police Department, Steuben County Sheriff's Department, Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit, South Bend Police Department, and IMAGE Drug Task Force assisted with this investigation. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
##END##Ervin Salgado Osorio Found Guilty in U.S. Federal CourtRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office announced that on May 22, 2013, in Helena, after a federal district court trial before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, ERVIN SALGADO OSORIO, a 32-year-old resident of Toppenish, Washington, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. Sentencing is set for September 11, 2013. He is currently detained.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette L. Stewart prosecuted the case for the United States.
OSORIO faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 5 years and could be sentenced to 40 years, a $2,000,000 fine, and 4 years supervised release on each charge.
The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the Helena Police Department, the Lewis & Clark Sheriff's Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Emile SentencingRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA- United States Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr. announced today that NAEEMAH EMILE, age 47, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Brian A. Jackson to twenty-eight (28) months of imprisonment.
EMILE previously pled guilty to money laundering and possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of “crack” cocaine and hydrocodone. In connection with her guilty plea, EMILE admitted that on May 2, 2012, EMILE and Beverly A. Smith traveled together to a local bank, where EMILE provided one of the tellers with a large bag containing $28,000 and seventy-nine (79) grams of “crack” cocaine. EMILE, who had an account at this bank, requested the teller to convert the $28,000 into a cashier’s check. That day, instead of using cash to pay for a new car they intended to purchase, they planned to pay for it with a cashier’s check so that this transaction would not be reported to the Internal Revenue Service. When the teller found the “crack” cocaine in the large bag given to her by EMILE, the police were called and the two women were taken into custody. During the investigation, law enforcement agents learned that EMILE had allowed Smith to use her residence to store “crack” cocaine and cash Smith made selling “crack” to various customers.
On July 6, 2012, during the execution of a search warrant at EMILE’s residence, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, law-enforcement agents found Smith trying to flush approximately 18 grams of “crack” cocaine down the toilet. EMILE was in the kitchen at the time.
On July 16, 2012, during an undercover transaction, law enforcement agents purchased a small quantity of hydrocodone from EMILE and Smith, at the latter’s residence, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
U.S. Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr. stated, “This case demonstrates our continued efforts to stymie the drug trade and preventing drug traffickers from using and hiding their drug profits.”
“Federal laws that regulate the reporting of financial transactions are in place to detect and stop illegal activities. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to enforcing these laws and eliminating the laundering of illegal profits,” stated Special Agent in Charge, Gabriel Grchan, IRS Criminal Investigation.
Tony James, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration likewise, stated, “The DEA, in conjunction with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies will continue to pursue those violating federal drug trafficking and money laundering laws.”
The investigation of this matter was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Baton Rouge City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Piedrahita and Lane Ewing.
Dupree Man Arraigned on Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Dupree, South Dakota man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Jeryn Big Eagle, age 37, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 15, 2013. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 21, 2013 and pled not guilty to the indictment.
The maximum penalty on each count upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both, and a period of supervised release of 3 years. The charges are merely accusations and Big Eagle is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Big Eagle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. A trial date has not been set.
Detroit Man Charged with Use of Counterfeit Debit CardsRead the Press Release
A crimininal information was filed charging Tyrone Nix, 22, of Detroit, with illegal possessing and using counterfeit debit cards, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the United States Secret Service. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas A. Karol.
An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Deported Alien Charged with Illegal Re-entry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A citizen of Mexico has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of re-entry into the United States after deportation, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The indictment named Pedro Vidal-Garcia, 41, formerly from Mexico, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on May 3, 2013, Pedro Vidal-Garcia, an alien, who had been removed from the United States on Sept. 28, 2004, and on April 5, 2009, was found in Pittsburgh without having been given permission to re-enter the United States.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of two years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Dallas Woman Indicted in Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Estela Martinez, 53, of Dallas, made her first appearance in federal court this afternoon for the felony offense of bankruptcy fraud, as charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Dallas earlier this week. She pleaded not guilty and U.S. Magistrate Judge David L. Horan released her on bond. Today’s announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.
The indictment alleges that from January 2011 through November 2012, Martinez filed several fraudulent bankruptcy petitions concerning, or in relation to, bankruptcy proceedings. She also allegedly made several false, fraudulent and material statements regarding her social security number in four Chapter 13 voluntary bankruptcy petitions. The indictment further alleges that Martinez repeatedly sought to defraud her creditors, by her efforts to delay, and frustrated the ability of the mortgage holder to foreclose on her residence.
A federal indictment is an accusation by a grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, however, the offense of bankruptcy fraud carries a maximum statutory penalty of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation is being conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Jarvis is in charge of the prosecution.
Convicted Bank Robber Indicted on Federal Escape ChargesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a grand jury in Williamsport has returned a one-count indictment today charging a convicted bank robber with escaping from federal custody while serving his federal bank robbery sentence.
According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Daniel Warren Gaudio, age 56, formerly of California, is charged with escape from the Capital Pavilion Residential Reentry Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on March 9, 2013. At the time of the escape, Gaudio was serving a sentence of 110 months for robbing the Sovereign Bank Branch in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania on May 9, 2005, transporting a Ford pick-up truck stolen in Las Vegas, Nevada and used in the bank robbery, and robbing another bank in Kentucky.
On March 12, 2013, the United States Marshals obtained a criminal complaint and warrant for Gaudio’s arrest on the escape charge.
On April 19, 2013, Gaudio was apprehended in Venice, California in connection with new bank robbery charges. According to a federal criminal complaint filed in Los Angeles on April 22, 2013, Gaudio allegedly robbed a USBANK branch in Manhattan Beach, California.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Prosecution of this matter has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel, in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilty is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In this particular case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute is five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
Cleveland Man Indicted for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted for robbing a bank in Middleburg Heights, Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment alleges Marc S. Easton, 44, robbed a Key Bank located in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, and stole approximately $10,997.15 from the bank.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Bell, following investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Charlotte Man Pleads Guilty to Securities FraudRead the Press Release
Defendant Operated $8.9 Million Ponzi Scheme Through Hedge Fund
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Stephen E. Maiden, 40, of Charlotte, has pleaded guilty to securities fraud for carrying out an $8.9 million Ponzi scheme, announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Maiden entered his guilty plea this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler.
Joining U.S. Attorney Tompkins in making today’s announcement is John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division.
A criminal bill of information filed on February 21, 2013, charged Maiden with conducting a Ponzi scheme through his hedge fund Maiden Capital Opportunity Fund (Maiden Capital) which was based in Charlotte. According to the bill of information, Maiden formed his hedge fund in October 2006 and touted his past educational and professional experience, which included stints at Chase Securities, Inc. as an investment banker and Mangan & McColl Partners as an investment analyst, to attract investors from Charlotte and elsewhere.
Based on information in court documents and court proceedings, beginning in at least February 2009, Maiden routinely transmitted bogus account statements to victims and to Maiden Capital’s fund administrator which falsely reported favorable returns both monthly and from the fund’s inception. For example, in June 2011, Maiden transmitted a bogus account statement which reported an estimated monthly net return of 1.3% and a 56 month inception-to-date net return of 81.3%. The account statement noted that in the same 30 month time period, the Russell 2000 and S&P 500 had gains of 24.5% and 11.3% respectively. In truth and fact, according to the charging document, Maiden completely fabricated these returns and by February 2009 had lost the majority of the fund’s assets in failed investments. To keep the scheme going, Maiden used money from new investors to satisfy withdrawal requests made by other fund investors, falsely characterizing the transactions as payments from Maiden Capital’s successful operations. As a result of his conduct, Maiden caused a total loss to victims of at least $8.9 million.
Maiden pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud and was released on bond. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both. Maiden has agreed to pay restitution the amount of which will be determined by the Court at sentencing. A sentencing date for the defendant has not been set yet.
The investigation was handled by the FBI. The prosecutions were handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mark T. Odulio, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
This matter relates to the work of Charlotte’s Securities Fraud Task Force, a group made up of the FBI, the securities division of the N.C. Secretary of State’s office, the N.C. Attorney General’s Office, the IRS criminal division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The multi-agency Task Force promotes collaboration between the agencies in the fight against corporate fraud, insider trading, accounting fraud, market manipulation schemes, and other finance-related crimes.
Career Offender from Cincinnati Sentenced to 262 Months for Possession of A Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, KY - A Cincinnati man, who has several prior criminal convictions, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity in northern Kentucky.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Amul Thapar sentenced 35 year-old Mitchell Blankumsee and also ordered that he be placed on supervised release for five years after he completes his prison term. Blankumsee received an enhanced sentence because he qualifies as a career offender, which means he had two or more drug trafficking or violent crime convictions at the time of his most recent offense.
In this case, Blankumsee admitted to distributing and selling heroin in Newport, KY., on July 24, 2012. He also possessed crack cocaine and a loaded firearm at the time of his arrest on August 29, 2012. Blankumsee acknowledged that he intended to sell the crack cocaine and that he possessed the firearm to assist him in trafficking drugs.
Blankumsee was previously convicted of selling crack cocaine, in Kenton County, in 1998; of possession of cocaine, in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1999; and of trafficking in crack cocaine, in Campbell County, in 2005. He was released from prison for his 2005 offense shortly before committing this most recent offense.
Blankumsee entered his guilty plea on February 1, 2013. Under federal law, Blankumsee must serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence.
Kerry B. Harvey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Stuart L. Lowrey, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (Louisville Field Division), jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, the Newport Police Department, and the Highland Heights Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke.
Camden Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of A Stolen Semiautomatic HandgunRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden man with prior felony convictions was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a semiautomatic handgun, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Bryon Goodman, 28, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an Indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Kugler imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
On Feb. 7, 2012, Goodman knowingly possessed a loaded Ruger P89 9mm semiautomatic handgun at a Crown Fried Chicken restaurant in Camden. Camden police observed Goodman rolling a marijuana cigarette. Goodman was searched and found with the handgun, as well as various illegal drugs, including crack, heroin, and marijuana.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler sentenced Goodman to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Cannon in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the N.J. State Police, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Camden Police Department for their roles in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson M. Oswald of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
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Defense counsel: Christopher H. O’Malley Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, CamdenCamden Man Admits Conspiracy to Steal Checks from MailRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden man today admitted his role in a scheme in which he and others stole business checks from the U.S. Mail in New Jersey and Connecticut, altered them, and cashed them using a series of conspirators, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Michael A. Ingalls, Jr., 35, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle in Camden federal court to an Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of possession of stolen mail.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Ingalls and others stole checks from curbside U.S. mailboxes in business industrial parks in Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties in New Jersey. Ingalls and his co-conspirators (including Ibn Muhammad, 35, of Camden) would then recruit a conspirator to cash the stolen checks. Once they identified a person to cash the check, Ingalls and Muhammad would then alter the stolen checks so that the name of the “payee” of the check would match the name of the recruited check casher. Ingalls, Muhammad and the check casher would then travel to a bank where the check casher would cash the check.
Ingalls, Muhammad and their conspirators cashed or attempted to cash more than 100 stolen and altered business checks worth more than $600,000. The scheme resulted in a total loss of more than $300,000 to the victim banks.
Ingalls is also charged with possession of mail stolen from business industrial parks in Brookfield, Conn. The stolen mail was found after Ingalls was stopped for speeding by the N.J. State Police in Middlesex County while headed southbound on the N.J. Turnpike in the early morning hours of Feb. 27, 2011.
On the count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, Ingalls faces a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense. On the count of possession of stolen mail, Ingalls faces a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 5, 2013.
Muhammad pleaded guilty Dec. 3, 2012, before Judge Simandle to bank fraud and theft of mail. He is currently in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2013. One of Ingalls’ and Muhammad’s conspirators, Andrew Fortune, 62, of Camden, was arrested March 11, 2013, on a criminal complaint and charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud for his role in the fraudulent scheme. His case is pending.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Karen V. Higgins, and troopers from the N.J., State Police, under the direction of Col. Rick Fuentes, for the investigation leading to today's guilty plea.
The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. Smith and Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
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Defense counsel: Richard Sparaco Esq., Cherry Hill, N.J.
Ingalls, Michael Information
Business Owners Indicted for $2.8 Million Scheme to Defraud the ArmyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Kansas City, Mo., business owner and her employee are among three individuals and two businesses have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $2.8 million fraud scheme to sell counterfeit and modified computer equipment to the U.S. Army.
Virgie Dillard, 70, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., her business, Missouri Office Systems and Supplies, Inc., and an employee, Roland Evans, 43, of Lee’s Summit, and Mark Morgan, 45, of Newport Coast, Calif., and his business, PRM Technology Equipment, LLC, were charged in a 12-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of Evans and Morgan. Dillard is expected to self-surrender to federal authorities.
The federal indictment alleges that, after receiving a series of contracts in 2009 and 2010 to provide the Army with products from Cisco Systems, Inc., Missouri Office Systems and Supplies (MOSS) instead provided counterfeit products and Cisco products that were used and modified post-manufacture and were obtained outside Cisco’s authorized distribution channels.
The Army Recreation Machine Program (ARMP) contracted with MOSS to provide Cisco network hardware – such as transceivers and switches – that allows computers to communicate with other computers.
Dillard is the president and CEO of MOSS, located in Kansas City, which advertises itself as a company specializing in selling all types of office machines, including computers, software and other office furniture and supplies. Evans handled all of the contracts MOSS had for Cisco products, including all of the contracts MOSS had with ARMP for Cisco products.
MOSS fulfilled 13 contracts for ARMP between August 2009 and August 2010, totaling $2,828,126. The largest of these was a $2,156,548 contract for more than 2,500 Cisco parts to be shipped to 23 ARMP locations around the country. In each of these contracts, according to the indictment, MOSS sourced products from PRM Technology Equipment.
PRM, which does business through several entities created by Morgan, was headquartered in Charlotte, N. Carolina, at Morgan’s former residence. (In July 2012, Morgan moved to California.) PRM holds itself out to be a wholesale distributor of Cisco and other computer products, and claims to have substantially discounted pricing on new equipment due to direct relationships with manufacturers.
Morgan allegedly obtained products from several sources that provided counterfeit Cisco products and Cisco products that were used and modified post-manufacture outside of Cisco authorized distribution channels. Morgan allegedly purchased counterfeit computer products from sources in China and Hong Kong and imported them into the United States.
According to the indictment, Morgan paid Evans a total of $83,403 in a series of bonus payments for products ordered from PRM.
When asked by representatives from ARMP and Cisco as to the source of these products, the indictment says, Dillard and Evans falsely stated the products were new, genuine Cisco goods and services, provided from Cisco’s authorized distribution channels and protected by full Cisco warranties. The indictment alleges that Dillard and Evans repeatedly made false representations in meetings, phone conferences, and other communications to employees of the U.S. Army, ARMP, and Cisco that MOSS had supplied goods and services as required by contract.
Morgan allegedly helped Dillard and Evans conceal him as the true source of the products. Morgan, Dillard and Evans repeatedly made false representations through fraudulent documentation (including fraudulent purchase orders and invoices) that was provided to the U.S. Army, ARMP, and Cisco, according to the indictment.
The indictment quotes from a telephone call that Dillard allegedly made to Morgan on Aug. 24, 2011, in response to a Cisco employee again requesting documents to show where the products had been sourced. Dillard left Morgan a voicemail stating, “Hey Mark. This is Virgie. I need you to call me and help me figure out what to tell these people as to where I got this stuff from to keep from tell (sic) them I got it from you … I’m hoping you would call me back and help me figure out what to say.”
When an employee from ARMP notified Evans that 40 percent of the transceivers were failing, the indictment says, Evans e-mailed an employee of ARMP regarding the return of faulty items and misrepresented that Morgan was working for Cisco.
In addition to the conspiracy, the defendants are charged together in 10 counts of wire fraud. Evans is also charged with being a felon in possession of firearms. The indictment alleges that Evans, who has a prior felony conviction, was in possession of a Lorcin .380 pistol and a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun on Nov. 15, 2011.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require all of the defendants to forfeit any property derived from the proceeds of the alleged offenses, including a $2,828,126 money judgment.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew P. Wolesky. It was investigated by the FBI, the Department of Defense – Office of Inspector General and the Department of Homeland Security.
Buffalo Man Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Buffalo, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Jesus Antonio Cotto, 43, of Buffalo, N.Y., who was convicted following a jury trial of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to 78 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas S. Duszkiewicz and Frank T. Pimentel, who handled the case, stated that the defendant attempted to sell cocaine to a confidential informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration. As a result, law enforcement officers searched Cotto's Buffalo residence and recovered an additional amount of cocaine, a handgun, scale and the wrappings from 3 kilograms of cocaine.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Brian R. Crowell, Special Agent in Charge, New York Region, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Frank J. Christiano, Resident Agent in Charge.
Brownsville Money Launderer and Former Fugitive Headed to PrisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Leonel de La Torre, of Brownsville, has been ordered to prison for nearly 14 years for his involvement in a money laundering conspiracy operating in South Texas as well as other states, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.
De la Torre, 32, was one of six people originally charged in an indictment returned in July 2006. He had been a fugitive until his capture earlier this year. He subsequently pleaded guilty Feb. 27, 2013, to conspiracy to launder funds generated by narcotics trafficking.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack handed him a sentence of 165 months in federal prison which will be followed by a three-year-term of supervised release.
De la Torre admitted he helped lead a group of individuals who transported cocaine from South Texas for distribution in Houston as well as in Ohio and Michigan. He further acknowledged he helped lead the “laundering” of those funds generated by the cocaine business. The funds were moved through the banking system using both domestic and international means. The group invested in real estate to help conceal the illegal source of the funds.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Muschenheim as part of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force.
Bernhard SentencingRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA—The United States Attorney’s Office announced that today JAMES M. BERNHARD, III, age 37, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Brian A. Jackson to twenty-seven (27) months of imprisonment. BERNHARD was also ordered to pay a fine of $10,000. BERNARD will also be required to serve a two-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
BERNHARD had previously pled guilty to wire fraud involving a scheme to defraud his employer, a Baton Rouge law firm, from December of 2010 to December of 2011. In connection with his guilty plea, BERNHARD admitted that, while employed as an attorney at the firm, he used his authority over the firm’s trust account to fraudulently transfer money to third parties under his control and to others to whom the defendant owed money. For instance, on or about January 7, 2011, BERNHARD caused $93,750 to be wired from the law firm’s trust account at Fidelity Bank to an account that the defendant controlled at Iberia Bank. In total, the defendant obtained approximately $453,123 from his fraudulent scheme.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan A. Stevens.
Baltimore Crack Dealer Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Kenneth Robinson, age 37, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 20 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; and Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to testimony at Robinson’s two day trial, on July 1, 2011, Baltimore police officers executed search warrants at Robinson’s home on Cedarhurst Road in Baltimore and his car. Robinson told the officers that they would find drugs and cash in ceiling tiles in the basement and in his car. The officers seized a total of approximately 589 grams of crack cocaine and $36,046. The evidence showed that Robinson sold drugs in the York Road corridor.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the DEA and Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Brooke Carey, who prosecuted the case.
Ayden Resident Sentenced to 160 Months for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH - United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that in federal court today GEORGE MADDISON VENTERS, 52, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Terence W. Boyle to 160 months’ imprisonment and lifetime supervised release for distributing child pornography.
During the course of an investigation of online trafficking in child pornography, law enforcement identified VENTERS as an individual engaged in the distribution and receipt of child pornography. A search warrant was executed at his Ayden home in October of 2011 by the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and revealed a massive collection of child pornography, constituting more than 200,000 videos and images of children being sexually abused. The investigation revealed that VENTERS had been collecting the material for over a decade.
“This defendant is one of the largest collectors of child sex abuse images in the history of our district,” said Walker. “To collect a virtual library of such material – every item of which depicts a real child suffering unspeakable abuse – shows a callousness that shocks the conscience. Our office will continue to make aggressive combating of this crime one of our highest priorties.”
Walker also praised the manner in which the investigation and prosecution were conducted. “This is great example of prosecutors and investigators at every level of law enforcement working together towards a great result. Unfortunately, child exploitation has become a problem too big for any one agency to address effectively. When local, state and federal law enforcement share ideas, resources, and practical assistance, however, we are extremely effective. We are fortunate to have such great partners in this important work.”
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Pitt County Sheriff’s Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and prosecution was coordinated with the Pitt County District Attorney’s Office and District Attorney Kimberly Robb. Assistant United States Attorney Jay Exum prosecuted the case for the United States.
Arsonist Sentenced to Statutory MaximumRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE - Donald Ray Williams was sentenced today to 20 years in prison – the maximum allowable sentence – for his 2007 arson of a building containing a Walgreens and a Subway sandwich shop in downtown Palo Alto, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.
On January 29, 2009, Williams was convicted on arson charges by a jury after a three week trial. Evidence at trial showed that Williams climbed up a pipe on the exterior of the building to the roof of the second floor and broke into an abandoned office. Williams then lit newspapers next to a wooden bookcase. The flames climbed up the bookcase to some wooden beams in the ceiling. A nearby security camera recorded a grainy image of someone who resembled Williams removing his shirt and then climbing the pipe. Williams was positively identified by DNA evidence found on the shirt in a dumpster at the bottom of the pipe, and by witness testimony that he had been seen climbing up the pipe in the past.
Evidence also showed that the fire collapsed the second floor roof of the building onto the location where firefighters had been working roughly five minutes before. Walgreen’s employees evacuated and avoided injury because the girlfriend of one the employees saw the fire on the roof and called her boyfriend. Likewise, customers and employees of Subway evacuated and avoided injury because a restaurant hostess from across the street noticed the fire and called 911 and followed the operator's instructions to alert the people inside Subway.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, San Francisco Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Riehl said "Arson is an act of violence and endangers our communities. I am grateful no one was hurt during the suppression of the fire and I am pleased with the successful investigation and prosecution."
Williams, 51, of East Palo Alto, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 30, 2008. He was charged with arson. Trial and sentencing were delayed repeatedly as the result of court ordered hearings about the defendant’s competence to stand trial, and periods of resulting mental health treatment.
The Honorable Jeremy Fogel, U.S. District Court Judge, handed down the sentence. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Fogel ordered Williams to pay $28.6 million in restitution and to serve a three year period of supervised release upon release from prison. Williams has remained in custody since his arrest in January, 2008.
Daniel Kaleba and Gary G. Fry are the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted the case with the assistance of Legal Technician Tracey Andersen. The prosecution was the result of a six month investigation by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Palo Alto Police Department and the Palo Alto Fire Department.
Arlen B. Cenac, Jr., Charged with Making False Statements to the Federal Elections CommissionRead the Press Release
ARLEN B. CENAC, JR., age 57, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was charged with Making False Statements to the Federal Elections Commission today in a one-count Bill of Information, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to court documents, between February 16, 2008 and May 24, 2008, CENAC, who is the president and owner of Cenac Towing, submitted cashier’s checks that he purchased in the names of individuals other than himself to the campaigns of two United States Senate candidates. The money CENAC used to purchase these cashier’s checks came from personal and corporate accounts. In submitting these contributions to the campaigns CENAC, neither obtained nor sought the knowledge, permission or authority of the individuals he listed as remitters on the cashier’s checks. CENAC’s provision of the cashier’s checks caused a knowing and willful “submission of a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation, that is the submission by unwitting authorized campaign committees of candidates for the United States Senate to the Federal Election Commission of a report that was materially false in reporting the source and amount of contributions to the campaigns.”
If convicted, ARLEN B. CENAC, JR. faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U. S. Attorney Boente reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice—Public Integrity, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Department of Justice Trial Attorney Tracee Plowell and Assistant U. S. Attorney Dan Friel.
(Download Bill of Information )
Anchorage Man sentenced to 66 months prison for drug conspiracy convictionRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska -Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Feldis announced today that a man from Anchorage was sentenced in federal court for his role in an Anchorage and Fairbanks drug conspiracy.
Jeraelyn Hill a/k/a, “Dreadhead,” a/k/a, “Coo Rae,” a/k/a, “Coo,” a/k/a, “Rae”, 25, from Anchorage, Alaska, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline. Hill received a sentence of 66 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Hill had previously pled guilty to an indictment charging him and his co-conspirators with one count of drug conspiracy.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Cavanaugh, who prosecuted the case, Hill was a member of a drug trafficking organization in Anchorage and Fairbanks that between 2009 and February 2012, sold powder cocaine, marijuana, and oxycodone pills in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Hill sold cocaine in the Anchorage community. When Hill’s house was searched in March 2011, law enforcement also found $37,000 in cash wrapped in $1,000 bundles in his bedroom, $2,000 in loose money in a bedroom dresser, and 7 grams of cocaine in the kitchen. Further investigation revealed that Hill had been flushing cocaine down the toilet just prior to law enforcement making entry into his house.
Hill and other members of the conspiracy attempted to conceal their drug trafficking by claiming they were involved in a legitimate business and were “artists,” employees, or promoters of an Anchorage recording label and rap and hip hop performance group known as “Out Da Cutt” or “ODC” Entertainment and “UNDB” (Up North ‘D’ or Dope Boys). Members of this conspiracy would record rap and hip hop songs, post videos on Youtube.com, and perform local shows in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Much of their music glorified the lifestyle of selling illegal drugs and committing other crimes. The lavish and extravagant lifestyle portrayed in their music and videos was supported by their sales of illegal drugs.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Beistline stated that selling drugs poisons the community, he characterized Hill as a “professional drug dealer” and referenced Hill as a member of a “drug dealing group of singers.”
Hill was indicted along with 13 other members of the conspiracy which included Christopher Anderson who was previously sentenced to 14 months prison on November 2, 2012, and DeMarr Moultrie who was sentenced to 40 months prison on May 1, 2013. Donnell Johnson, Joshua Mustovich, Mihla Hall, Antonio Fleming, Dalon Johnson, Tevoris Carter, Rock Phelps, Jerry Wormley, Emma Shine, and Brent Gunnels have all pled guilty for their roles in connection with this conspiracy and await sentencing. Terrance Fleming has a pending trial scheduled in August 2013.
“The distribution and use of cocaine and other drugs continues to be a problem that we must recognize and address throughout our communities. As a result of the coordinated efforts of law enforcement throughout the state, this drug conspiracy has been put to an end, and the sentence imposed by the court reflects the seriousness of the matter,” stated Mr. Feldis.
Mr. Feldis commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Service, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, and the Anchorage Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hill.
Anchorage Man indicted by Federal Grand Jury for illegal possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Feldis announced today that an Anchorage man has been indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
James Laneal Lee, III, 36, of Wasilla, Alaska, is the sole defendant named in the one-count indictment for illegal possession of firearms on or about August 10, 2011. The indictment alleges that Lee possessed two separate handguns, a .44 caliber revolver and a .45 caliber pistol. As a convicted felon, Lee is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Courter, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
“Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. Enforcement of that law keeps firearms out of the hands of criminals and keeps our community safer,” stated Mr. Feldis.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in 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.Alleged Rizzuto Organized Crime Family Associate Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Trafficking Crimes Carrying Sentence of 10 Years to LifeRead the Press Release
Alessandro Taloni, an alleged associate of the Montreal-based Rizzuto organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra, pled guilty earlier today before U.S. District Judge Raymond J. Dearie at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn to cocaine trafficking charges contained in a superseding indictment returned on April 3, 2013. When sentenced, Taloni will face a statutory mandatory minimum ten-year sentence and a maximum of life imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $10 million. As part of his sentence, Taloni will also forfeit $2,663,191 that federal agents seized from multiple locations in California that Taloni used to store narcotics and drug proceeds.
The guilty plea was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Brian R. Crowell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New York (DEA).
Taloni was charged with narcotics and money laundering offenses as a part of an indictment in which ten members of a Montreal-based drug distribution organization affiliated with the Rizutto and Bonanno crime families, the Hells Angels, and the Sinaloa Cartel have been charged with trafficking over $1 billion worth of marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy into the United States between 1998 and 2012. The organization allegedly transported tens of thousands of pounds of marijuana from outdoor growers in British Colombia to Montreal, Canada, and controlled numerous warehouses in and around Montreal for the manufacture of ecstasy and hydroponic marijuana. The drugs were smuggled into the United States using transportation networks run by the Hells Angels and Native American co-conspirators from the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation along the U.S./Canadian border. Once the drugs were sold in the United States, much of it by distributors tied to the Bonanno crime family in New York, the organization used millions of dollars in drug proceeds to purchase more cocaine from the powerful Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico for exportation to and distribution in Canada. Taloni was personally sent from Montreal to Los Angeles, California, to receive those drug proceeds and to purchase cocaine from the Mexican sources.
During the course of the government’s investigation, federal agents seized approximately $1 million in drug proceeds and 49 kilograms of cocaine from searches of Taloni’s Mercedes Benz sedan, Beverly Hills residence and a stash house operated by Taloni in Beverly Hills. Search warrants executed at other stash houses operated by the organization in the Los Angeles area resulted in the seizure of an additional 34 kilograms of cocaine and approximately $1,600,000. In total agents seized more than $10,000,000 in narcotics proceeds from the organization.
“Taloni was a major narcotics distributor who used his connections to powerful international organized crime groups to obtain and distribute tens of millions of dollars worth of deadly narcotics. His conviction highlights this Office’s commitment to the global fight against transnational organized crime,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. Ms. Lynch thanked the Laval Police Service, Laval, Quebec; Santa Ana, Beverly Hills, and Anaheim, California Police Departments; and Nassau County Police Department for their invaluable assistance during this multi-year international investigation.
“No borders will obstruct the DEA, Nassau County Police Department, and Laval Police Service from bringing international drug traffickers to justice. This international organized crime syndicate operated on both sides of the northern border and across our southern border,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Crowel. “This plea was a direct result of the outstanding collaboration between the US Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York, federal, state, and local law enforcement.”
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Steven L. Tiscione, Gina M. Parlovecchio, Amir H. Toossi, and Tanisha Payne.
The Defendant:
ALESSANDRO TALONI
Age: 39Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty for Involvement in a Large Scale Stolen Identity Refund FraudRead the Press Release
Tracey Montgomery, of Montgomery County, Ala., pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama to her role in a large scale stolen identity refund fraud, the Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today.
On April 17, 2013, a federal grand jury in Montgomery, Ala., indicted Montgomery on conspiracy and theft of government money charges. According to court documents, Montgomery opened two bank accounts which were used to receive deposits of fraudulent tax refunds. Between August 2009 and February 2011, at least six false federal income tax refunds totaling approximately $49,221 were directed to Montgomery’s bank accounts. Montgomery was able to withdraw the false tax refund money before the IRS caught her. The overall scheme Montgomery participated in is alleged to have involved over $500,000 in false refunds. As a result of her plea, Montgomery faces a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison.This case was investigated by special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation. Trial Attorneys Charles M. Edgar Jr., Michael Boteler, and Greg Bailey of the Justice Department's Tax Division are prosecuting the case with the assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama and, in particular, Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Brown.
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to His Role in Cashing <br /> Fraudulently Obtained Tax Refund ChecksRead the Press Release
Rodriquez Thomas, of Montgomery County, Ala., pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama to conspiring to cash fraudulently obtained federal tax refund checks, the Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced.
According to court documents, Thomas, along with his co-conspirators, Jesse Johnson and Quanesha Johnson, obtained U.S. Treasury tax refund checks that were issued as a result of the filing of fraudulent tax returns. Thomas and the Johnsons and others cashed approximately 77 fraudulently obtained U.S. Treasury tax refund checks that totaled approximately $137,016 by bringing them to a bank teller, Debora Gray, who worked for a bank in Wetumpka, Ala., and who participated in the scheme.
Jesse and Quanesha Johnson and Debora Gray have all previously pleaded guilty to their involvement and are awaiting sentencing. Thomas faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy. He is also subject to fines, mandatory restitution and forfeiture.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation. Trial Attorneys Charles Edgar Jr. and Michael Boteler of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Brown are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/tax.
16 Men Indicted for Murder-for-hire, Drug-trafficking ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that several Kansas City, Mo., area residents are among 16 defendants indicted by a federal grand jury today for their roles in a large drug-trafficking conspiracy and in an unsuccessful conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire.
Andre Taylor, also known as “Dre,” 47, and his relatives, Harlan Taylor, also known as “Bub,” 35, Raymond Taylor, 30, and Darryl Taylor, also known as “Cash Image” or “Cash,” 35, all of Kansas City, Mo., and Carl Taylor, also known as “Biggs,” 34, of Leavenworth, Kan.; as well as Kenneth Vaughn Cooper, 30, Eric Union, also known as “E,” 29, Bryant Willis, also known as “Spaghetti,” 33, Daniel Howard, also known as “Saw,” 39, and Tyrone A. Rock, 41, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Robert Taylor, also known as “R,” 32, of Grandview, Mo.; Marlon M. Minton, also known as “M,” 40, of Raymore, Mo.; Gregory Johnson, also known as “G,” 34, of Kansas City, Kan.; Allen L. Sanchez, also known as “Homey,” 25, of Overland Park, Kan.; Ruben Machiche, also known as “Cowboy,” 53, of Tucson, Ariz.; and Richard Schoen, also known as “Steve” or “White Guy,” 51, of Cortez, Colo. were charged in a 10-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo.
Today’s indictment alleges that most of the defendants – with the only exceptions of Cooper and Union – have participated in a conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and five kilograms or more of cocaine since Feb. 1, 2010.
Andre Taylor, Cooper and Union are charged with participating in a conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. Today’s indictment alleges they conspired in August 2012 to murder Billy Brown for a payment of $10,000, although the murder was not carried out.
Andre Taylor and Cooper are also charged with possessing a machine gun during a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that they were in possession of a .45 ACP M10-type machine gun on Aug. 21, 2012, in furtherance of the conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. Cooper is also charged with being an unlawful drug user in possession of ammunition. The indictment alleges that Cooper, a user or addict of marijuana, was in possession of 18 rounds of .45-caliber ammunition on Aug. 21, 2012.
In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Andre Taylor and Howard are charged together in one count of distributing cocaine and Howard is charged with two additional counts of distributing cocaine. Andre Taylor and Ray Taylor are also charged together in one count of distributing cocaine and Raymond Taylor is charged with one additional count of distributing cocaine.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require the defendants to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of the alleged violations, including residential property in Kansas City, Mo.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stefan C. Hughes. It was investigated by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Windham SentencingRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr., announced that CYNTHIA D. WINDHAM, age 49, currently of Henderson, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Chief Judge Brian A. Jackson to a term of imprisonment of thirty (30) months. WINDHAM was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $217,347.91 and serve a two-year term of supervised release following her release from federal prison.
WINDHAM previously pled guilty to bank fraud in connection with a multi-year scheme to defraud Strategic Case Management, LLC (“Strategic”), located in Baton Rouge, as well as two local banks. While working as the company’s office manager from 2007 through 2009, WINDHAM stole more than 120 checks made payable to her employer, fraudulently endorsed the checks, and gained control over the funds. WINDHAM also stole more than 60 checks that her employer had issued to various third parties, fraudulently altered the checks so that they would appear to be payable to herself, and deposited the checks into her own accounts. WINDHAM admitted that she obtained more than $200,000 through her fraudulent scheme.
U.S. Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr. stated, “We hope this sentence sends a clear signal to those who would defraud small businesses in our community that they will be prosecuted and face substantial punishment for their crimes.”
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cam T. Le.
White Bear Lake Man Indicted for Using the Identity of Another PersonRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS—Earlier today in federal court, a 27-year-old Mexican national living in White Bear Lake was indicted for using someone else’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number for the past several years. Jesus Emmanuel Castro was charged with one count of false claim of citizenship and one count of aggravated identity theft.
The indictment alleges that on July 19, 2012, Castro, also known as Jesus Immanuel Castro-Hernandez, provided the identification information of someone else on an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form and attested that he was a citizen of the United States. It also alleges that on July 19, 2012, Castro used the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of another person without lawful authority in relation to the crime of false claim of citizenship.
According to a law enforcement affidavit filed in the case, in April 2013, authorities were investigating an identity theft case involving Castro. On July 19, 2012, Castro applied for employment at an Eagan-based business and completed the employment forms using the victim’s identity.If convicted, Castro faces a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison on the false claim of citizenship count, and a mandatory minimum penalty of two years on the aggravated identity theft count. Any sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge.
This case is the result of an investigation by the South St. Paul Police Department, the Ramsey Police Department, and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Dunne.An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.
United States Attorney Alerts Public to Beware of Disaster Fraud in Aftermath of Recent TornadosRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, today urged Oklahoma residents and businesses to be aware of the potential for fraud in the aftermath of the recent devastating tornados. The United States Attorney’s Office, along with the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), wants to remind the public that anyone can report fraud involving disaster relief operations through the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721 or the Disaster Fraud e-mail at [email protected]. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"I urge everyone to exercise caution and due diligence before giving to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of tornado victims," said United States Attorney Coats. "Regrettably, there are people out there that will take advantage of this tragedy and your generosity for their own profit. Scams come in all forms - such as email, phone calls, or mail solicitations. Be vigilant and cautious to whom you are giving your personal information, and if it’s not a well-known, reputable charity, please do some research before making a contribution."
Before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, including the following:
- – Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming emails, including clicking links contained within those messages, because they may contain computer viruses.
- - Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as surviving victims or officials asking for donations via email or social networking sites.
- - Beware of organizations with copycat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
- – Rather than following a purported link to a website, verify the existence and legitimacy of non-profit organizations by utilizing various internet-based resources.
- – Be cautious of emails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files, because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
- – To ensure that contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make donations directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
- – Do not be pressured into making contributions; reputable charities do not use coercive tactics.
- – Be aware with whom you are dealing when providing your personal and financial information. Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions. Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
- – Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by debit or credit card, or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
- – Legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services.
- – Most legitimate charities maintain websites ending in .org rather than .com
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud by a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of tornado victims, if you discover fraudulent disaster relief claims submitted by a person or organization, or if you know about or suspect fraud involving disaster relief operations, you can report it through the National Disaster Fraud Hotline, toll free, at (866) 720-5721 or the Disaster Fraud e-mail at [email protected]. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can also report suspicious e-mail solicitations or fraudulent websites to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
"Investigators and prosecutors are ready to respond to credible allegations of fraud and abuse," said U.S. Attorney Coats. "If you suspect fraud, please report it."
U.S. Attorney Announces Take 25 Child Safety Events in Phoenix and TucsonRead the Press Release
PHOENIX - The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) created the Take 25 campaign to encourage families to take 25 minutes to talk to their children about safety and abduction prevention. NCMEC estimates that 800,000 children are reported missing in America every year, which is more than 2,000 children each day. Fortunately, most of these children are quickly located.
NCMEC has found that in 81% of attempted abduction cases, children escaped would-be abductors through their own actions. 28% of the children actively resisted (yelling, kicking, pulling away, running away, or attracting attention), while 53% recognized something was not right and responded by walking or running away. Teaching and reassuring children about safety - without scaring them - requires a delicate balance. Take 25 provides parents tools and age-appropriate suggestions for approaching the topic of safety with their children.
“The annual Take 25 national child safety campaign is particularly important this time of year, when children begin their summer breaks from school and have more time on their hands” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “Especially in light of recent events arising from abductions, we encourage parents to take time to talk with their children about safety and abduction prevention. We hope that the tools and information provided at this year’s Take 25 events will assist families in keeping their children safe.”
Since 1983, May 25th has been observed as National Missing Children’s Day. In conjunction with observance of this year’s National Missing Children’s Day, we are pleased to offer two free Take 25 child safety events. These events are designed to help parents and others teach children to be alert to potential threats and provide steps that children can take to stay safe. Both events will provide attendees with important safety information and demonstrations, along with Child Identification Kits.PHOENIX: The Phoenix event will be held on Tuesday May 28, 2013, at the Paradise Valley Mall from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Agencies participating in the Phoenix event include the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, DHS, FBI, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the Phoenix Police Department, and the Phoenix Fire Department. Digital child identification kits will be provided free of charge.
TUCSON: The Tucson event will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at the Foothills Mall from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Agencies participating in the Tucson event include the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, DHS, FBI, the Tucson Police Department, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, and the Arizona Child Advocacy Center. Digital child identification kits will be provided free of charge and children’s self-defense demonstrations are scheduled.
For more information on NCMEC, visit www.missingkids.com. For more information about the Take 25 campaign, visit www.Take25.org. For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.RELEASE NUMBER: 2013-041_Take_25_Events
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az
Two Sentenced in Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas - Arturo Hawkins, 51, and Alejandro Garcia-Ortega, 26, have been sentenced to federal prison following their convictions of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute in excess of 100 kilograms of marijuana, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Hawkins, of Laredo, and Alejandro Garcia-Ortega, of Mexico, pleaded guilty Dec. 27, 2012.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña, who accepted the guilty pleas, sentenced Hawkins to 120 months imprisonment to be followed by an eight-year term of supervised release. Garcia-Ortega received a sentence of 63 months imprisonment to be followed by a four-year term of supervised release.
On Sept. 28, 2012, Border Patrol agents patrolling ranchland near Mines Road in Laredo attempted to pull over a Ford utility truck that was driving in tandem with a black Ford F-150. As agents approached the utility truck on foot, the driver - later identified as Garcia-Ortega - drove into the brush on the side of the road. He then abandoned the moving truck and ran on foot.
Border Patrol agents recovered 41 bundles of marijuana weighing 364.2 kilograms that had been covered with coffee from an aftermarket compartment in the flatbed of the truck. The agents found a cellular telephone which held photographs of Garcia-Ortega and other evidence that led to his identification and subsequent arrest.That same day, Border Patrol agents stopped the Ford F-150 that had been driving in tandem with the truck carrying the marijuana. The driver was identified as Hawkins. According to the plea agreement, telephone records showed Hawkins made a number of telephone calls at the time of the immigration stop on the white utility truck. Agents also discovered a number of maps in Hawkins’ possession of various ranches and trails through the ranches. Hawkins also admitted to acting as a scout for the truck loaded with marijuana.
Both men will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth R. Rabe prosecuted the case.
Two Members of Latin Kings Street Gang Sentenced in Indiana for Racketeering Conspiracy and Related CrimesRead the Press Release
Two members of the Latin Kings street gang were sentenced today in Hammond, Ind., federal court for racketeering conspiracy, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana.
Martin Anaya, aka “Lefty,” 42, of Chicago, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Rudy Lozano to 360 months in prison after a jury returned a guilty verdict on Sept. 26, 2012, to racketeering and drug conspiracies.
Jason Ortiz, aka “Creeper” 29, of Chicago, was sentenced today to serve 300 months in prison after pleading guilty on July 30, 2010, to racketeering conspiracy by U.S. District Judge Lozano.
According to the third superseding indictment filed in this case, the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States. The Latin Kings is a well-organized street gang that has specific leadership and is composed of regions that include multiple chapters. The third superseding indictment charges that the Latin Kings were responsible for more than 20 murders.
Also according to the third superseding indictment, the Latin Kings enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, assault and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the Latin Kings. Members are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, including taking on assignments often referred to as “missions.”
During Anaya’s trial, the government presented evidence of several murders committed by the members of the Latin Kings. In addition, cooperating defendants testified that the Latin Kings were responsible for more than 150 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms of marijuana over the course of the racketeering conspiracy.
Evidence of one the murders presented at trial involved the shooting death of Christina Campos that occurred at 107th block of Hoxie Avenue, Chicago, on April 22, 2009. Witnesses testified that Anaya, Ortiz, Brandon Clay, a defendant previously sentenced to 360 months in this case, and a fourth Latin King member drove across the south side of Chicago to a Latin Counts’ neighborhood. The Latin Kings confronted Campos and two other Latin Count members as they were walking to their car. Ultimately, gun shots were fired resulting in Campos being fatally shot. At the trial, the jury acquitted Anaya on the charges related to Campos’ murder. Nevertheless, during the sentencing hearing, Judge Lozano found Anaya responsible for Campos’ death.
During his guilty plea proceeding, Ortiz acknowledged that on Feb. 25, 2007, he, along with four other defendants, rode on a “mission” from Illinois to Griffith, Ind. While armed with three firearms, they were ordered to ambush – that is shoot to kill – rival gang members who were attending a party. Once two Latin Dragon members James Walsh, aka “Jim Boy” and Gonzalo Diaz, aka “Chalo,” left the party, the Latin Kings, including Ortiz, rode up in a vehicle and two of Ortiz’s co-defendants got of the vehicle and shot and killed Walsh and Diaz.
Twenty-three Latin Kings members and associates have been indicted in this case. Aside from Anaya and Ortiz, 20 of the other defendants pleaded guilty and one remains a fugitive.
This case was investigated by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; ICE Homeland Security Investigations; the National Gang Intelligence Center; the Chicago Police Department; the Houston Police Department; the Griffith Police Department; the Highland Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; and the East Chicago Police Department.The case is being prosecuted by Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and David J. Nozick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana. Andrew Porter of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois provided significant assistance.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Those charged in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Arrested in Alleged Scheme to Steal Trailer-loads of GoodsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Three persons from North Hollywood, Calif., have been arrested in an alleged scheme in which semi-trailer loads of goods were stolen from companies in California and an attempt to steal a load of processed beef was made in southwest Kansas, U. S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Wednesday.
Two of the three persons, Oganes Nagapetian, 53, and his wife, Larisa Nagapetian, 46, are scheduled to be arraigned on a federal indictment in the U.S. District Court in Wichita on June 4; the third defendant, Tigran Nagapetian, 50, a brother of Oganes Nagapetian, appeared Tuesday before a U.S. magistrate judge in Los Angeles. He also is scheduled to appear for arraignment in Kansas on June 4. All three are charged in the Kansas federal indictment, Grissom said.
“The defendants are alleged to have engaged in a scheme to steal semi-loads of cargo by pretending to be legitimate freight haulers,” Grissom said. “They are charged with conspiracy, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The USDA Office of Inspector General and the FBI, together with their state and local law enforcement partners, are aggressively investigating these cases.”
Grissom said such schemes have become more common across the country in the past few years, and that the large meat packing plants in Kansas – including Dodge City, Liberal, Holcolm and Garden City -- have been targeted on several occasions. A total of seven large plants load dozens of semi-loads per day of packaged meat, which is a commodity that is valuable and relatively easy to sell, he said. A semi-trailer-load of processed beef can be worth $100,000 wholesale, Grissom said. Meat packing plants in Nebraska also have been victimized, he said.
The indictment, which was returned by a federal grand jury in Wichita April 23, alleges that the defendants conspired in November 2011 to steal a load of beef from the Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Holcomb, Kan., and the brothers dropped off a trailer to be loaded, but never came back to pick it up because they thought they were under law enforcement surveillance. In the weeks before the attempted Holcomb theft, loads of shoes, fans and almonds were stolen from three companies in California, according to the indictment.
The indictment alleges that the three conspired to use the identity of a legitimate trucking company in Pennsylvania to bid on hauling the load of Kansas beef to California through a freight broker based in Ohio. Once the hauling contract was awarded, a man allegedly fitting the description of Oganes Nagapetian but using a counterfeit California commercial drivers license in another person’s name dropped off a trailer at the Tyson plant in Holcomb to be loaded. The man never returned, according to the indictment.
The indictment charges all three defendants with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to steal shipments of freight, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Oganes Nagapetian and Tigran Nagapetian also are charged with wire fraud, which has a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and aggravated identity theft, which has a statutorily-required sentence of two years in prison. In addition, Oganes Nagapetian, a lawful permanent resident from Russia, faces various document fraud charges. Tigran Nagapetian is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Armenia, as is Larisa Nagapetian.
In addition to the USDA OIG and FBI, agencies working on the investigation include Homeland Security Investigations; the Kansas Highway Patrol; the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. and its “Cargo Cats” unit; the Finney County, Kan., Sheriff’s Dept.; the California Highway Patrol Cargo Theft Interdiction Program; the National White Collar Crime Center; and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson.
If convicted of the conspiracy count, the defendants face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Wire fraud carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000. Document fraud has a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and aggravated identity theft has a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. As in any criminal case, a defendant is innocent unless proven guilty; an indictment merely alleges criminal conduct.Texas Man, Isaac Medrano, Receives Five Year Sentence for Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
ISAAC MEDRANO, aged 46, a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas, was sentenced today by U. S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan for his involvement in making interstate threats to a local family in 2011, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
MEDRANO plead guilty on December 19, 2012, to transmitting death threats by telephone. Judge Berrigan sentenced MEDRANO to the statutory maximum, citing in part, MEDRANO’s prior criminal convictions involving similar conduct. In addition to the five year sentence, Berrrigan sentenced MEDRANO to three years of supervised release following imprisonment.
According to court records, after a relationship failed, MEDRANO made phone calls threatening to kill members of a local family.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Tony Gordon Sanders.
Tax Preparer Sentenced in Elaborate Fraud Case Involving Stolen Identities and Bogus Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Tax Preparer Neil Thomsen was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez today to 15 years in prison for a massive fraud that involved stealing hundreds of identities and filing false claims with the IRS for more than half a million dollars in bogus tax refunds.
Thomsen was convicted by a federal jury in December 2011 of 32 counts of mail fraud, Social Security fraud, passport card fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to evidence presented at trial, Thomsen used 292 stolen identities in a two-year crime spree and defrauded the IRS out of more than $515,000 in tax refunds that he was not entitled to receive. The judge ordered Thomsen to pay that amount in restitution.
“Mr. Thomsen thought he could outsmart the IRS at every turn, but he got caught,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Orabona told the court during today’s hearing. “This is astronomical – 292 people were victimized.”
In arguing for a lengthy sentence, Orabona told the court that Thomsen had shown no remorse, and given the opportunity would likely continue to be an economic danger to the community.
Judge Benitez noted that identity theft is a very serious crime that “can take years - if not a lifetime - to undo” and results in “incredible pain and suffering” for victims. He said he was increasing the sentence in part because Thomsen offered “patently false” testimony in his own defense that amounted to obstruction of justice.
“Tax fraud results in an increasing burden on honest taxpayers and negatively impacts honest citizens’ confidence in our tax system,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy. “Identity theft not only has a long-lasting financial impact on the victims, but also has an emotional impact affecting the stability of victims and their families. Today’s 15-year sentence for Mr. Thomsen sends a message to tax preparers and others who engage in refund schemes and identity theft that the government will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law and that the punishment will be severe.”
“Neil A. Thomsen is a tax preparer, turned identity and tax thief, who attempted to steal over $515,000 in false tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ,” said Jose A. Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge for IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Los Angeles Field Office. “As evidenced by victim testimony at trial, Thomsen’s identity theft and tax crimes significantly altered people’s financial lives. The investigation, prosecution and today’s sentencing of Neil Thomsen is a model of IRS CI’s strategy to combat criminals stealing identities to file false claims for tax refunds with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).”
“As a tax preparer, Neil A. Thomsen violated his legal duty to protect the integrity of tax administration and his clients from the heinous crime of identity theft,” said Special Agent in Charge, Julie Parodi, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “Our agency will continue to work vigilantly to protect taxpayers from unscrupulous tax preparers who are engaged in identity theft.”
According to evidence presented by the government during trial, Thomsen is a tax preparer who turned into an identity thief by electronically filing false and fraudulent 2008 individual tax returns between January and March 2009 using the stolen identities of his former clients, clients of his former employers, and his former co-workers. He received more than $425,000 in false tax refunds from the IRS and earned thousands of dollars in false tax preparation fees to which he was not entitled.
In June 2009, Thomsen fled the United States and moved to Mexico to avoid capture. Instead of staying in Mexico, Thomsen hatched another plan to defraud taxpayers and the IRS in 2010. According to court records and trial evidence, Thomsen, Sean McNaughton, Louie Torres Arias, and Keith Smith conspired to commit fraud by assuming the identities of other persons and filing false tax returns in California, Texas, Nevada, and Arizona.
Court records indicate that Thomsen and his co-conspirators – all of whom have pleaded guilty - submitted false tax returns seeking tax refunds totaling more than $500,000. Thomsen believed he had a fool-proof plan to defraud the taxpayers and the IRS, until, he was arrested on June 17, 2010, ending his crime spree.
The evidence showed that in order to execute his scheme to defraud, Mr. Thomsen used his IRS electronic filing number to set up accounts with two banks in order to facilitate the receipt of tax preparation fees and tax refunds. The banks then mailed refund checks and debit cards to Mr. Thomsen, which facilitated his access to the proceeds of the false tax returns. The evidence showed that Mr. Thomsen deposited refund checks into his bank accounts and cashed debit cards at multiple ATM machines throughout Southern California.
The evidence further showed that Mr. Thomsen used several identities to lease office space, establish mail accounts, obtain telephone numbers, obtain a wireless card, purchase a car, and purchase computer equipment, including a laptop computer, external hard drive, and cell phone. The evidence also showed that Mr. Thomsen had several false identification documents in his possession in the names of other persons on June 17, 2010, which was the day he was arrested attempting to enter the United States from Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
This case was investigated by Special Agents with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
DEFENDANT Criminal Case No. 10CR2810-BEN Neil A. Thomsen SUMMARY OF CHARGESCounts 1 through 4: Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341 – Mail Fraud
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES
Maximum Penalties: 20 years of imprisonment and $250,000 fine per count
Counts 7 through 16: Title 18, United States Code, Section 287 – False, Fictitious, and Fraudulent Claims
Maximum Penalties: 5 years of imprisonment and $250,000 fine per count
Counts 17 through 24: Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(8) – Social Security Fraud
Maximum Penalties: 5 years of imprisonment and $250,000 fine per count
Counts 25 through 32: Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A – Aggravated Identity Theft
Maximum Penalties: At least one term of imprisonment of 2 years consecutive to any other sentence
Count 33: Title 18, United States Code, Section 1546(a) – Passport Card Fraud
Maximum Penalties: 25 years of imprisonment and $250,000 fine
Count 34: Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A – Aggravated Identity Theft
Maximum Penalties: At least one term of imprisonment of 2 years consecutive to any other sentenceTreasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
Internal Revenue Service, Criminal InvestigationTax Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Over $15 Million in Fraudulent Tax Refunds Filed for “Stimulus Payments”
ATLANTA – Kevin J. Sonnier pleaded guilty today to filing false federal income tax returns using stolen identities that claimed millions of dollars in bogus refunds.
“The career of a tax cheat who victimized over 15,000 individuals is over,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. “This defendant will also forfeit millions in ill-gotten tax refunds. This year we have devoted significant resources to address this growing problem and to taking these criminals off the streets.”
“Today’s announcement exemplifies IRS Criminal Investigation’s intense focus and the rigorous pursuit of identity theft and refund fraud,” said Veronica Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge. “These criminals must be and will continue to be pursued in order to obtain justice for the victims as well as justice for our nation.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is charged with protecting the U.S. mail from illegal use. Postal Inspectors will remain steadfast in this mission and will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring resolution and justice to individuals who continue to take advantage of the system.” said Keith Morris, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division.
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court; from approximately July 2010 to January 2013, Sonnier, 44, of Ellenwood, Ga., operated “Sonnier Tax Service,” a tax preparation business in Clayton County, Ga. Sonnier, working with others, led thousands of victims to believe that they could apply for “stimulus payments” from the federal government by providing their names and Social Security numbers. Sonnier used toll-free telephone numbers and web sites to advertise the “stimulus payments” and collect victims’ personal information. He also recruited “runners” who promoted the scheme by word of mouth and collected victims’ personal information for Sonnier’s use.
In actuality, no stimulus payment existed and Sonnier used the victims’ personal information to file fraudulent tax returns on their behalf that claimed over $15 million in bogus refunds. On the returns, Sonnier claimed false income amounts, student credits, and earned income credits to receive the bogus tax refunds. The victims did not know that Sonnier had filed tax returns in their names. Sonnier used the profits generated from this scheme for his own personal benefit, including the purchase and improvement of real estate throughout the state of Georgia.
As part of the plea agreement, Sonnier has agreed to forfeit his interest in 17 separate pieces of real estate located throughout Clayton County, thousands of dollars that were previously seized from his bank accounts, and over 80 electronic devices and items of jewelry that were previously seized by the government. In addition, Sonnier agreed to a money judgment of at least $7 million and full restitution to the IRS.
Sonnier pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, and one count of aggravated identity theft. The wire fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, the conspiracy count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and the aggravated identity theft charge carries a 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 is scheduled for September 26, 2013, at 10 a.m. before United States District Judge Charles A. Pannell, Jr.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and Postal Inspectors with the United States Postal Inspection Service. If you believe you may be a victim of tax return-related identity theft, please contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490, extension 245 (Mon. - Fri., 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. local time).
Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen H. McClain and Thomas J. Krepp 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.
Tarentum Drug Dealers Gets over 12 1/2 Years for Drugs and GunsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH. Pa. - A resident of Tarentum, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 151 months imprisonment on his conviction of federal drug and firearms offenses, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry imposed the sentence on Curtis Veasley, 35.
According to information presented to the court, Veasley stored and sold both crack cocaine and heroin from the Tarentum residence where he lived with his girlfriend Kayshala Lincoln and two small children ages 9 and 3. When police searched the home they found drugs, guns, ammunition, a bullet-proof vest and $7,540 in cash. As a felon, the defendant is precluded from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge McVerry stated that the illegal drug trade is the "root of evil" and that the defendant had harmed his children by involving himself in drug trafficking.
Veasley has charges from Lower Burrell pending before Westmoreland County Judge Alfred Bell for an alleged armed home invasion from 2008.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tarentum Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Veasley.
Somerset County, N.J., Man Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Somerset County, N.J., man made his initial court appearance today after being arrested for allegedly possessing multiple, sexually suggestive images of children, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Patrick T. Deck, 53, of Watchung, N.J., is charged by Complaint with one count of possessing child pornography. He made his initial court appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court and was detained without bail.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:In August 2012, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Deck’s residence. They determined that Deck’s laptop computer contained multiple images of child pornography, which appeared to have been downloaded from the Internet.
The possession of child pornography count with which Deck is charged is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew M. McLees in Newark, for the investigation leading to the arrest. Fishman also thanked the N.J. State Police and the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fabiana Pierre-Louis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Deck, Patrick Complaint
Smith County Residents Sentenced for Methamphetamine ViolationsRead the Press Release
Department of Justice
Office of Public AffairsTYLER, Texas – Two Smith County, Texas residents have been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Clinton Daniel McCaa, 32, of Whitehouse, Texas, pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2013, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis.
Tara McDonald, 40, of Tyler, Texas, pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2013, to maintaining a place for the distribution and use of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison today by Judge Davis.
According to information presented in court, during 2011, McCaa acquired methamphetamine from Clinton Squires of Terrell, Texas, which McCaa then distributed to multiple persons in Tyler, Texas. During this time, McCaa lived with McDonald at her residence on Meadow Creek Drive in Tyler, Texas. McDonald admitted that she knew McCaa was involved in the distribution and use of methamphetamine. Furthermore, McDonald allowed McCaa to store methamphetamine and other substances at her residence.
A federal indictment was returned on May 2, 2012, charging McDonald and McCaa with federal drug crimes.
This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Ann Cozby.
Slippery Rock Man Charged with Receiving, Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Butler County, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of receipt and possession of materials depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The six-count indictment named Mark Beres, 53, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on July 1, 2008, Aug. 30, 2008, Feb. 1, 2009, Dec. 20, 2010, and April 11, 2011, Beres knowingly received visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct by computer and the United States Mail. In addition, the indictment charges that on or about April 23, 2013, Beres knowingly possessed videos and images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 110 years in prison, a fine of $1,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Shiprock Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Assault ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales and John Billison, Director of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety announced that Tina Benally, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Shiprock, N.M., pleaded guilty this morning to a federal assault charge.
Benally was indicted on Feb. 27, 2013, and charged with (1) assault resulting in serious bodily injury and (2) child abuse. Benally was arrested on March 6, 2013, and has been in federal custody since that time.
During today’s proceedings, Benally pled guilty to the assault charge and admitting that on March 2, 2012, after drinking alcohol, she drove her vehicle at excessive speeds and crashed into a semi-truck. There were two passengers, including a minor child, in Benally’s vehicle at the time of the collision and the adult passenger suffered multiple fractures that required surgery.
Benally remains in federal custody until her sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. At sentencing, Benally faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
This case was investigated by the Shiprock office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson.
San Francisco Investment Adviser Pleads Guilty to Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO - Hausmann-Alain Banet (a/k/a Anzoumana Ousmann Gbane, a/k/a Gbane Anzoumana a/k/a Ousmann Gbane, a/k/a Ousmann Gbane Anzounan Banet, a/k/a Ousmann-Alain Gbane) pleaded guilty today to mail fraud and wire fraud, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.
In pleading guilty, Banet admitted that from approximately June 2008 through July 2012, he induced numerous individuals to give him money by falsely representing that he, on behalf of his investment management company, Lion Capital Management Group, LLC, would invest the money in hedge funds. Banet admitted that he falsely told these individuals that he had invested their money, but that he actually spent the money for personal and business expenses, all unrelated to investment income. Banet also admitted that, as part of his scheme, he sent quarterly investment account statements to victims in which he falsely stated that the accounts had realized gains. Banet further admitted that, as a result of his scheme, he received approximately $1.3 million from the victim investors.
Banet, 49, of San Francisco, California, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 2, 2012. He was charged with six counts of wire fraud, eleven counts of mail fraud, and six counts of money laundering. Banet pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and two counts of mail fraud. In his plea agreement, Banet agreed to forfeit his interest in his residence in San Francisco, approximately $78,000 in bank and trading accounts in his name; and his Mercedes Benz. Banet also agreed to pay restitution in an amount to be determined by the Court, but not less than $1.2 million. Banet remains in the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service.
Banet’s sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. before the U.S. District Court Judge William Alsup in San Francisco. The maximum statutory penalty for each count of wire fraud and mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 1341, respectively, is 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of the fraud. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Denise Marie Barton is the Assistant United States Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Allen Williams, Pat Mahoney, and Elizabeth Garcia. The prosecution is the result of an approximately five month investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Selling Crack Near Elementary SchoolRead the Press Release
OAKLAND - Oscar Baker Phillips was sentenced on May 20, 2013, to thirty months in prison, followed by six years of supervised release, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.
Phillips pleaded guilty on March 5, 2013, to distribution of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school. The guilty plea before Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore was accepted by District Court Judge Saundra B. Armstrong on May 20, 2013. In the plea agreement, Phillips admitted that on July 3, 2012, while at a location on Sycamore Street in Oakland, he knowingly sold 0.27 grams of cocaine base for $20.00. The location is within 1,000 feet of the St. Andrew’s Baptist Missionary Elementary School and Kindergarten in Oakland, California.
Phillips, 34, most recently a resident of Sacramento, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 25, 2012. Phillips was on probation at the time of the instant offense, and has four prior misdemeanor convictions and three prior felony convictions, including domestic violence and narcotics-related offenses.
The sentence was handed down by District Court Judge Saundra B. Armstrong following a guilty plea to one count of violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 860(a). Phillips has been in continuous federal custody since his initial appearance on the indictment.
Phillips was the eighth defendant to be sentenced in the last 18 months as part of Operation Safe Schools, an ongoing series of cases targeting drug trafficking near schools in high-crime areas.
Steven Booker was sentenced on January 25, 2012, to 27 months in prison, followed by six years of supervised release, for selling 0.5 grams of crack cocaine in the vicinity of 96th Avenue and Birch Street in Oakland, California, within 1,000 feet of Elmhurst Community Preparatory School. Case No. CR 11-00768-CW.
Demone Crump was sentenced on February 15, 2012, to 12 months in prison, followed by six years of supervised release, for selling 0.75 grams of crack cocaine in the vicinity of 24th and Myrtle Streets in Oakland, California, within 1,000 feet of McClymonds High School. Case No. CR 11-00765-PJH
Taronta Greely was sentenced on February 15, 2012, to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by six years of supervised release, for selling 0.76 grams of crack cocaine in the vicinity of Jefferson Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Oakland, California, within 1,000 feet of both the Bright Future Early Learning Center and Devry University. Case No. CR 11-00766-SBA.
Clifford Nivens was sentenced on February 28, 2012, to 15 months, followed by six years of supervised release, for selling 0.55 grams of crack cocaine in the vicinity of 32nd and West Streets in Oakland, California, within 1,000 feet of Hoover Elementary School. Case No. CR 11-0762-CW.
Rondell Bullard was sentenced on May 15, 2012, to 18 months in prison, followed by six years of supervised release, for selling 0.43 grams of crack cocaine in the vicinity of 32nd and West Streets in Oakland, California, within 1,000 feet of Hoover Elementary School. Case No. CR 11-00767-CW.
Yohannes Randy Herald was sentenced on October 19, 2012, to 33 months, followed by six years of supervised release, for selling 0.94 grams of crack cocaine in the vicinity of 8th and Henry Streets in Oakland, California, within 1,000 feet of Prescott Elementary School. Case No. CR 11-00763-SBA.
Michael Baca was sentenced on November 26, 2012, to 12 months and 1 day, followed by six years of supervised release, for selling 44 pills of Carisoprodol in the 24000 block of Soto Road in Hayward, California, within 1,000 feet of Fairview Elementary School. Case No. CR 12-0603-CW.