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24 June 2013
Detroit Woman Who Arrived at Huntington Greyhound Station with Prescription Painkillers Sentenced to Federal Prison TimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit woman who left a Huntington Greyhound bus station in October 2009 in possession of prescription painkillers was sentenced today to one year and one day in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Brittany Wesley-Taylor, 21, previously pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. On or about October 15, 2009, Wesley-Taylor traveled by Greyhound bus from Detroit to Huntington, W.Va. in possession of oxycodone pills. After arriving in Huntington, Wesley-Taylor exited the bus terminal carrying pills that were hidden on her person. As Wesley-Taylor walked toward an awaiting vehicle that was parked on 4th Avenue in Huntington, she was approached by police.
During a conversation with police, Wesley-Taylor informed law enforcement that she had prescription pills hidden on her person. The defendant later removed a condom that contained 90 80-milligram oxycodone tablets from her person. Wesley-Taylor told police that she obtained the oxycodone pills from a source of supply in Detroit and brought the pills to Huntington to deliver to an associate.
Wesley-Taylor told police that she transported oxycodone from Detroit to Huntington on at least four separate occasions. Wesley-Taylor is responsible for possessing a total of at least 570 80-milligram oxycodone tablets.The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Deported Alien Pleads Guilty, Sentenced for Unlawfully Re-entering U.S.Read the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A citizen of Mexico entered a plea of guilty to a one-count indictment and has been sentenced in federal court to two months in prison, no supervised release, and ordered immediately turned over to the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation to Mexico on his conviction of re-entry of a removed alien, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Miguel Cortez-Cagal, 32.
According to information presented to the court, on April 10, 2013, Cortez-Cagal, an alien who had been deported from the United States on Jan. 19, 2010, was found in Altoona, Pa. He had unlawfully re-entered this country without receiving permission from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to do so.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cortez-Cagal.
Creston Man Sentenced to Probation for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on June 24, 2013, Ross Boydston, age 57 of Creston, Nebraska, was sentenced for his conviction for bankruptcy fraud. United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Boydston to five years of probation and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $18, 044.61.
Boydston knowingly devised and executed a scheme to defraud American Mortgage Company (AMC) and subsequently filed a Chapter 12 bankruptcy to further the scheme. As part of the scheme, Boydston sold livestock which had been pledged as collateral to American Mortgage Company without notifying AMC of the sales and without remitting the proceeds of the sales to AMC. Boydston subsequently filed a Chapter 12 bankruptcy petition and made material false statements, representations and omissions in his Chapter 12 bankruptcy case in an attempt to conceal the fact that he had transferred and sold livestock collateral of AMC without remitting the proceeds of the sales to AMC. In this respect, the Boydston’s bankruptcy schedules failed to list all of the transfers and sales of pledged livestock collateral within the two years preceding the bankruptcy filing, and Boydston falsely testified at the first meeting of creditors that there had not been any sales of livestock in which the proceeds had not been turned over to the lien of AMC.“This prosecution underscores U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg’s commitment to help preserve the integrity of the bankruptcy system in the District of Nebraska,” stated Nancy J. Gargula, United States Trustee for Nebraska, Missouri and Arkansas (Region 13). “We are grateful to her, her staff and all of our law enforcement partners.” The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. Region 13 is headquartered in Kansas City, with additional offices in Omaha, St. Louis and Little Rock.
The United States Trustee’s Office assisted the United States Attorney’s Office with the investigation of this matter.
Counselors, N.M., Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Harlen Sam, 34, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Counselors, N.M., was sentenced this afternoon to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his involuntary manslaughter conviction.
In Dec. 2012, Sam entered a guilty plea to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and admitted causing the death of two passengers in his vehicle on May 4, 2012, when he crashed while driving under the influence of alcohol. The crash occurred on a dirt road about four miles east of the Ojo Encino Chapter House in Ojo Encino, N.M., which is located on the Navajo Indian Reservation.
Court records reflect that, on May 4, 2012, Sam was driving a vehicle with four adult and five child passengers when he crashed the vehicle. An elderly woman and a four-year-old boy died after being ejected from the vehicle during the crash. In his plea agreement, Sam admitted he was driving while intoxicated when he crashed and caused the deaths of the two victims. Sam also acknowledged that his blood alcohol level was .08 when his blood was drawn within three hours of the collision.
Sam has been in federal custody since his arrest on May 4, 2012.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Navajo Department of Public Safety and the New Mexico State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Nayback.
Company Owner Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay TaxesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Jonas Purisch, age 39, of Perry Hall, Maryland today to three months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for subscribing to a false tax return and failing to file a tax return. Judge Bredar also ordered Purisch to pay restitution of $210,019.04 to the IRS, including interest, and to pay a fine of $30,000.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
“Unlike Mr. Purisch, the vast majority of America’s taxpayers play by the rules and fulfill their tax obligations,” said Thomas J. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington DC Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to working with the US Attorney’s Office to bring to justice those, like Mr. Pursich, that intentionally do not report their correct income.”
According to his plea agreement, Purisch owned and operated JP Staffing, Inc., a company based in Baltimore which provided temporary factory workers. JP Staffing paid its employees in cash. Purisch earned significant amounts of revenue from his operation of the business. In order to avoid paying income taxes, Purisch deposited his income from the business into one of his two personal bank accounts.
In the years 2006 and 2007, Purisch filed individual federal income tax returns which understated his income. Purisch falsely stated in his 2006 tax return that his income was $52,870, when in fact he deposited $276,572 of income into his personal bank accounts. Purisch’s unpaid personal income tax for 2006 was $17,851. Purisch falsely stated on his 2007 tax return that his income was $4,000, when in fact he earned $375,158, resulting in personal income tax liability of $48,410 for 2007.
Purisch deposited $457,499 of income into his personal bank accounts in 2008, and deposited $280,426 in 2009, but never filed a 2008 or 2009 tax return. Purisch’s unpaid personal income tax was $73,836 in 2008, and $41,100 in 2009.
The total tax loss in this case including interest on unpaid taxes is $210,019.04.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the IRS Criminal Investigation for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter M. Nothstein, who is prosecuting the case.
Colorado Inmate Indicted for Defrauding Elderly VictimRead the Press Release
DENVER – Akihiko Siegfried, age 54, formerly of Denver, CO, was indicted last week by a federal grand jury in Denver for mail fraud and money laundering, the Justice Department announced. At the time of Siegfried’s indictment, he was in the custody of Colorado Department Corrections where he remains today. At some point, he will be transferred to the United States Marshals were he will be advised of the charges filed against him.
According to the indictment, beginning in or about early 2008 and continuing until in or about April 2013, Siegfried devised a scheme to defraud an elderly victim. In early 2008, Siegfried knocked on the door of the victim’s residence and when the door opened Siegfried pretended to be distraught and was crying. Siegfried falsely told the victim that Siegfried’s parents had just died in a car crash and that he had no money and no family to turn to for help. Siegfried asked to borrow money.
Siegfried borrowed from the victim several times and in the middle of 2008 and falsely told the victim he would inherit substantial money as a result of his parents’ death but that it would be tied up in probate for some time and he needed money for paying the associated fees and taxes. From early 2008 through April of 2013, Siegfried pretended to have great affection for the victim, repeatedly telling him “I love you.”
From March of 2009 through March of 2013, Siegfried frequently spent time as an inmate in the Colorado Department of Corrections. When he was in jail during that time frame, he repeatedly called and sent letters through the mail repeatedly asking for money, directing the victim to deposit and wire transfer money to Siegfried’s inmate account with the Colorado Department of Corrections. Siegfried told the victim he needed the money because he was required to pay for his diabetes medicine while he was in jail and because he needed to pay more probate fees and taxes for his purported inheritance.
In October of 2012, when Siegfried was released from prison, he received a check payable to himself in the amount of $49,655.30 from the State of Colorado, Department of Corrections. At least $10,000 of this money was proceeds of the fraud scheme involving the elderly victim.
Siegfried was charged with seventeen counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering. Mail fraud carries a penalty of not more than 20 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000 per count. Money Laundering carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000 per count.
This case was investigated by agents with IRS Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Colorado Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pegeen Rhyne. AUSA James Russell is handling the asset forfeiture.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Chain Gang Defendant Sentenced to 50 YearsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that former Chain Gang member Dearick Smith, 23, of Rochester, N.Y., who was convicted by a federal jury of engaging in racketeering activity, was sentenced to 50 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
“As was said in another gang case just last week, we will not allow violent and narcotics trafficking gangs to operate in this area,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “In this case, our Office utilized federal racketeering laws to completely dismantle a gang that, among other things, murdered a young girl. To those who engage in similar organized or violent crime, you should know that this is only one of the many federal statutes we will employ to keep our community safe for residents and businesses.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that up to approximately 2009, the “Chain Gang” aka “Wolfpack,” operated in Rochester, N.Y. as a violent street gang the members of which sold narcotics and committed violence principally in the areas of Chamberlain and Garson Avenues. The federal indictment charged 19 gang members with conspiring to use their membership in the Chain Gang to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity that included multiple acts of drug trafficking, the 2007 murder of Carmella Rogers and the attempted murder of several rival gang members.
Smith was convicted along with Russell Hampton and Michael Jackson in July 2011 after a five week jury trial. All other Chain Gang defendants were also convicted in other proceedings.Last week, U.S. Attorney Hochul announced charges against three members of another alleged gang who referred to themselves as “M.D.B.” and other names. That investigation and prosecution continue. In reporting on last week’s indictment, U.S. Attorney Hochul requested the public’s continuing help in reporting violent and narcotics trafficking activities to law enforcement officials.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Scott Heagney, along with officers and investigators with the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Sheppard.Cannonball Woman Pleads Guilty to Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on June 24, 2013, Alisha Crow Ghost, 23, Cannonball, N.D., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to a charge of second degree murder.
On Nov. 10, 2013, Crow Ghost stabbed a man at a residence in Cannonball, N.D. The man died as a result of the injuries he sustained.
The charge of second degree murder carries a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Standing Rock Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sentencing for Crow Ghost has been scheduled for Sept. 30, 2013, in U.S. District Court in Bismarck, N.D. at 10:00 a.m.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Delorme is prosecuting the case.
Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Violating Campaign Finance Law, Admits Concealing Source of More Than $125,000 in ContributionsDefendant Is Second to Plead Guilty to Charges Within Past WeekRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Stanley L. Straughter, the owner of a business based in Philadelphia, Pa., pled guilty today to a federal charge stemming from a scheme in which he and others helped conceal the actual source of more than $125,000 in campaign contributions.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Thomas J. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
Straughter, 71, of Philadelphia, pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of knowingly and willfully making, and aiding and abetting and causing to be made, unlawful corporate campaign contributions to federal campaigns. The Honorable Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled a status hearing for Sept. 25, 2013. The misdemeanor charge carries a statutory maximum of one year of imprisonment and financial penalties. As part of the plea agreement, Straughter agreed to cooperate in the continuing investigation.
Straughter is the second person to plead guilty to charges within the past week. Lee A. Calhoun, 65, an executive for a Washington, D.C.-based company, pled guilty on June 20, 2013 to a misdemeanor charge involving more than $150,000 in campaign contributions.
According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, during the relevant time period of the offense, Straughter was the owner and operator of Oak Lane Consulting Group, a for-profit corporation based in Philadelphia. Oak Lane provided marketing and consulting services as an independent contractor to a company identified as “Company A” in the statement of offense. “Company A” was led by an individual identified as “Executive A,” who was the firm’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and majority owner.
Beginning in or about January 2006 and continuing until in or about February 2012, according to the statement of offense, Straughter used his name and the names of his relatives to conceal campaign contributions made by “Company A” to federal, District of Columbia, and other political campaign committees and political action committees. Straughter also used the name of Oak Lane Consulting Group to conceal campaign contributions made by “Company A” to political campaign committees in non-federal elections that allowed corporate contributions.
Straughter admitted that he knowingly and willfully permitted both his and others’ names to be used to conceal the true source of these contributions at the direction of “Executive A” and others acting at the behest of “Executive A.” He knew that he would be reimbursed for the contributions by “Executive A” and “Company A” with “Company A” funds.
“Today’s guilty plea pushes the confirmed dollar figure of illegal campaign contributions in this scheme above $300,000,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “We are encouraged that Mr. Straughter acknowledged responsibility for participating in this scheme and has agreed to cooperate with the government. Our investigation into these matters continues.”
“With today’s guilty plea, Mr. Straughter took responsibility for his role in a scheme in which he eluded campaign finance laws and concealed the true source of more than $125,000 in campaign contributions,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “The FBI will continue to work together with our partners to ensure fairness and honesty in political campaigns and elections, and we will pursue those who attempt to evade the system.”
During the calendar years 2007 through 2012, according to the statement of offense, Straughter caused at least $58,600 in federal political contributions from “Company A” to be made in his name and the names of his relatives, including contributions to political action committees and the campaign committees of candidates who were running for President of the United States, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Through this scheme, “Executive A,” “Company A,” Straughter and others caused various campaigns and political action committees to file reports with the Federal Election Commission that did not reveal the true source of the unlawful campaign contributions.
Additionally, according to the statement of offense, during calendar years 2006 through 2011, Straughter caused at least $49,000 in District of Columbia political contributions from “Company A” to be made in his name, the names of his relatives, and Oak Lane Consulting Group. These included contributions to the campaign committees of candidates running for Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia, among other elected offices.
Finally, according to the statement of offense, during calendar years 2007 through 2011, Straughter made more than $25,000 in political contributions in his name, the names of family members, and Oak Lane Consulting Group for local and state political candidates and campaigns in other states, localities, and U.S. territories for which “Executive A” caused “Company A” to reimburse him.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave, and Special Agent in Charge Kelly commended those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and IRS-CI.
They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan W. Haray, Ellen Chubin Epstein, Lionel André, Jonathan Hooks and Ted L. Radway; former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Chris Dobbie, and Paralegal Specialists Anne Riopelle, Shanna Hays, Krishawn Graham, Lenisse Edloe, Nicole Wattelet, Corinne Laxman, and Angela Lawrence. Finally, they thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Loyaan A. Egal and Ephraim (Fry) Wernick, who are prosecuting the case.
13-223Business Owner Admits Evading Taxes on More Than $300,000Read the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Morris County, N.J., man today admitted evading personal income taxes on more than $300,000 in income over four years, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Robert Schaefer, 63, of Montville, N.J., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to an information charging him with tax evasion.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Schaefer owned and operated Asphalt Maintenance and Stripping Inc. (Asphalt Maintenance), an asphalt installation, maintenance, and snow removal company, also located in Montville. Schaefer was required to include income earned by Asphalt Maintenance on his individual IRS 1040 form. During the calendar years 2007 through 2011, Schaefer diverted approximately $303,000 in income earned by Asphalt Maintenance to himself and his personal accounts. He did this by arranging for Asphalt’s customers to pay for service by cash and by checks payable to “cash” or to “Robert Schaefer.” Schaefer then cashed these checks, retained the proceeds for his personal use, and failed to include the proceeds on individual income tax form 1040 that he signed and filed with the IRS.
Tax Year
Approximate Date
Tax Return Filed
Approximate
Unreported Income
Approximate
Tax Due and OwingApril 15, 2008
$ 44,651
$ 11,665
2008
April 15, 2009
74,754
22,618
2009
April 15, 2010
77,180
23,236
2010
April 15, 2011
54,508
8,495
2011
April 15, 2012
51,866
12,555
The count of tax evasion to which Schaefer pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 10, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Shantelle P. Kitchen, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lorraine S. Gerson of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
13-265
Defense counsel: Alan Zegas Esq., Chatham, N.J.
Schaefer Information
Brunswick County Man Sentenced for Crack DistributionRead the Press Release
Raleigh - United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that in federal court on June 21, 2013 Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III, sentenced KEVIN BROWN, 33, of Brunswick County, North Carolina, to 92 months imprisonment followed by 4 years supervised release.
On January 22, 2013, BROWN pled guilty to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distributing more than 28 grams of cocaine base (crack).
The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made seven controlled purchases of cocaine base (crack) between October 2011 and January 2012 from BROWN in Brunswick County.
This case was brought as a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation entitled Buggsnatcher, investigating importers and multi-level distributors of cocaine and crack cocaine. So far 20 persons have been sentenced in federal court as a part of this OCDETF.
Investigation of this OCDETF case is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; the Wilmington Police Department; the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo represents the government.
Mr. Severo is a prosecutor with the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Ben David has assigned him to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force criminal matters.
Bonners Ferry Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Donald Paul Hankey, 28, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, was sentenced today in United States District Court to 18 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Hankey to serve three years of supervised release, and pay a fine of $1,500. He pleaded guilty to the charge on March 5, 2013.
According to court documents, on November 13, 2012, Hankey knowingly and illegally possessed a Springfield Armory 9 millimeter handgun. Hankey is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance. Hankey will forfeit the firearm he unlawfully possessed.
The case was investigated by the North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force (NIVCTF). The NIVCTF members include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Idaho State Police, Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Shoshone County Sheriff's Office, Bonner County Sheriff's Office, Coeur d'Alene Police Department, Post Falls Police Department, and the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Police Department. The NIVCTF investigates a myriad of violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, felonious assault and drug trafficking.
The case was prosecuted as part of Idaho’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which seeks to reduce gun violence in Idaho.
Baltimore Felon Exiled to 15 Years in Prison for Possessing A GunRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Raymon Lee, age 26, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a gun. Judge Bredar enhanced Lee’s sentence upon finding that Lee is an armed career criminal based on three previous drug and violent felony convictions.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Gerido of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; and Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts.
According to his plea agreement, on December 8, 2011 Baltimore police officers saw Lee walking in the area of Hayward and Denmore Avenues in Baltimore. Information had recently been provided that Lee was being sought for questioning as a person of interest in a shooting investigation. When one of the officers approached Lee and advised that a detective wanted to speak with him in reference to an investigation, Lee attempted to run. Lee reached into his pants and removed a loaded handgun, throwing it over a parked minivan onto the sidewalk. After a struggle, Lee was arrested and the officers recovered the handgun and ammunition. Lee had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a gun.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Maryland Attorney General’s Office, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney's Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant United States Attorney Gerald A. A. Collins, a cross designated Maryland Assistant Attorney General assigned to Exile cases, who prosecuted the case.
Auburn Woman Indicted for Wire Fraud: Claimed Cancer Diagnosis to Steal more than $400,000 from Elderly VictimRead the Press Release
A 51-year old Auburn, Washington woman was arrested this afternoon following her indictment for a wire fraud scheme in which she claimed to be a cancer patient, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. Between May 2009 and September 2012, JULIE ANN DAHLQUIST convinced an elderly Auburn resident to support her financially by claiming the money was for cancer treatment. In fact, DAHLQUIST had no cancer diagnosis. DAHLQUIST is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 1:30 tomorrow (Tuesday June 25, 2013.)
According to the indictment, DAHLQUIST told the elderly victim that she had been diagnosed with cancer and had no medical insurance or any money for treatment. The victim, concerned for DAHLQUIST’s welfare, wrote her checks to pay for the non-existent treatment. The victim wrote checks for as much as $9,000 about three times a month. In all, the victim wrote 190 checks to DAHLQUIST for more than $400,000. The indictment alleges that DAHLQUIST used the money for gambling and other expenses. In addition to wire fraud, DAHLQUIST is indicted for Social Security fraud. The indictment charges that DAHLQIST concealed the $400,000 in proceeds from her fraud scheme so that she could collect $8,000 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the Social Security Administration. DAHLQUIST also failed to disclose $100,000 in gambling proceeds. The income that was allegedly concealed would have disqualified DAHLQUIST from receiving SSI benefits.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Social Security Fraud is punishable by up to five years in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) and was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Seth Wilkinson as part of a partnership venture between the Social Security Administration Office of General Counsel and the United States Attorney’s Office.
Attorney Charged with Laundering Drug MoneyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging RALPH CROZIER, 61, an attorney based in Seymour, with federal money laundering offenses.
As alleged in court documents, prior to September 2011, CROZIER convinced a client to invest $30,000 in cash in a solar energy company. CROZIER knew that the cash was derived from his client’s narcotics trafficking activities.
CROZIER was arrested at his office on April 11, 2013, after he allegedly accepted an additional $11,000 in purported drug proceeds to invest on behalf of his client.
The indictment, which was returned on June 11, 2013, charges CROZIER with one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and one count of attempt to launder monetary instruments. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.
CROZIER is currently released on a $200,000 bond.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes the Connecticut State Police and the Stratford, Stamford, Bridgeport, Norwalk and Westport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rahul Kale.
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(203) 821-3722 [email protected]Atlanta Doctor Convicted for Health Care Fraud, Tax Evasion and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Physician Used Purported Charitable Entity He Controlled to Offer Illegal Inducements to Medicare Patients and Evade Income Taxes
ATLANTA - After a two-week trial, a federal jury has convicted Lawrence Eppelbaum, 54, of Roswell, Georgia on health care fraud, tax fraud and money laundering in relation to a scheme in which he illegally induced patients from all over the country to be treated at his medical clinic in Atlanta by providing free travel accommodations through a purported charitable entity that he controlled.
United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “In addition to the Hippocratic oath, Medicare doctors take a special oath that they will not interfere with a patient’s ability to choose a doctor based on medical needs alone. This defendant violated that oath in favor of personal greed. As a result, he has done harm to his future rights and liberties.”
“Eppelbaum thought his clever scheme was undetectable, but was outwitted by my investigators and other law enforcement officers,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Atlanta Region. “Criminals defrauding government health programs can expect to be brought to justice regardless of how intricate their plots.”
“Abusing the federally funded Medicare system in such a manner is something that cannot and will not be tolerated,” stated Mark F. Giuliano, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta. “With today’s verdict, a jury has clearly indicated that they will not tolerate these abuses and have held the defendant, an Atlanta doctor, accountable for his greed fueled criminal acts. The FBI urges anyone with information regarding Health Care Fraud contact the FBI Atlanta Field Office at (404) 679-9000.”
“Today’s verdict clearly illustrates that individuals who engage in these types of illegal activities will be held accountable for their actions,” stated Veronica Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Dr. Eppelbaum clearly took advantage of his professional standing in the community as well as the individuals who respected and revered him. Eppelbaum manipulated the Medicare system and received undeserved tax benefits which resulted in substantial unreported personal income.”
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: Eppelbaum is a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in Georgia and owns and operates the “Atlanta Institute of Medicine and Rehabilitation” (“AIMR”) and the “Pain Clinic of AIMR” in Atlanta. In 2004, Eppelbaum created the “Back Pain Fund,” a purported charitable organization that he controlled both directly and indirectly. Eppelbaum, through the Back Pain Fund, paid for Medicare patients to travel to Atlanta to receive medical treatment from his practice, then travel to Florida to visit a local hot spring for approximately four days, before returning to Atlanta to receive additional treatment.
Eppelbaum was the primary donor to the Back Pain Fund and paid the vast majority of its operating expenses. Eppelbaum tried to disguise his financial control over the Back Pain Fund by entering into an arrangement with the Torah Day School, a Jewish Day School in Atlanta, whereby the parents of students attending the Torah Day School were instructed to make their tuition checks payable to the Back Pain Fund instead of to the school, and in turn, Eppelbaum repaid the Torah Day School for the amount of the tuition, plus an additional 25 percent. Eppelbaum entered into similar arrangements with other organizations, and even caused patients who were treated at his medical practice to make their checks payable to the Back Pain Fund. Between 2004 and 2009, Eppelbaum treated hundreds of Back Pain Fund patients and received approximately $16 million for their treatment from Medicare.
Eppelbaum also utilized the Back Pain Fund as a vehicle for committing tax fraud. Between 2006 through 2008, Eppelbaum deducted as charitable donations all the payments he made to the Back Pain Fund, the Torah Day School, and other organizations with which he had a financial arrangement, even though Eppelbaum derived substantial personal income from treating Back Pain Fund patients. Eppelbaum evaded approximately $1 million in federal income taxes through his scheme.
Eppelbaum was charged with 27 counts of healthcare fraud, tax fraud and money laundering. The jury found him guilty of all 27 counts. The health care charges each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years or 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The tax charges each carry a maximum sentence of 5 years or 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The money laundering charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. 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.
The sentencing will be scheduled at a later date before United States District Judge Amy Totenberg.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Steven D. Grimberg and Stephen H. McClain 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.
Alabama Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Drug Conspiracy in TennesseeRead the Press Release
Patrick Dewayne Smith, age 34, of Athens, Alabama was sentenced Friday to life imprisonment without release for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy announced David Rivera, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
At Smith’s sentencing, U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger found that Smith had four previous drug felony convictions. Those convictions, combined with the quantity of drugs involved in the conspiracy, required a mandatory life sentence. Judge Trauger in ordering Smith to forfeit $750,000.00 noted that this conspiracy was one of the largest drug conspiracies in the Giles County, Tennessee areaSmith was convicted after a month-long jury trial, along with co-defendants Travis Gentry and Frank Randolph of Pulaski, Tennessee, of a drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy operating in Giles County, Tennessee, Nashville, Tennessee, and Athens, Alabama.
Frank Randolph was previously sentenced to 70 months imprisonment and a $750,000 forfeiture judgment. Travis Gentry is set for sentencing on August 26, 2013.
Twenty defendants were federally charged in this investigation. Two of those defendants, who are presumed to be innocent, are still pending trial. The remaining defendants have been convicted.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Giles County Sheriff's Department, the Pulaski Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sunny A.M. Koshy and Alex Little represented the United States at trial and sentencing.
Airport Employee Sent to Prison for Smuggling HeroinRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Rolin Eli Escober, 50, of Humble, has been ordered to prison for nine years following his conviction of possessing with intent to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Escober pleaded guilty on Feb. 4, 2013.
Today, U.S. District Judge Vanessa D. Gilmore, who accepted the plea, ordered Escobar to federal prison for a total of 108 months.
Escober was charged along with Elidia Molina, 34, of Houston, with using their status as airport employees to circumvent airport security measures and to smuggle more than 1.2 kilograms of heroin and 13 kilograms of sham heroin on Oct. 19, 2012.Escober and Molina were employees of Express Jet and DAL Global Services, respectively. Court records indicate they conspired together to use their positions as employees at the airport and their knowledge of security to circumvent airport security and smuggle items in exchange for pre-negotiated sums of cash from an undercover Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent who they each believed to be a narcotics trafficker.
Escober was arrested after successfully smuggling the heroin around security and returning it to the waiting undercover agents near the boarding gate.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined ion the near future.
Molina also pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing on July 26, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller. She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
HSI investigated the case in conjunction with the Houston Police Department Narcotics Division, Transportation Security Administration Office of Law Enforcement and the Houston Airport System. Assistant United States Attorney Mark McIntyre is prosecuting.
safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
23 June 2013
Statement of Department of Justice Spokeswoman Nanda Chitre on Edward SnowdenRead the Press Release
As we stated yesterday, the United States had contacted authorities in Hong Kong to seek the extradition of Mr. Snowden, based on the criminal complaint filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, and in accordance with the US-Hong Kong Agreement for the Surrender of Fugitive Offenders. We have been informed by the Hong Kong authorities Mr. Snowden has departed Hong Kong for a third country. We will continue to discuss this matter with Hong Kong and pursue relevant law enforcement cooperation with other countries where Mr. Snowden may be attempting to travel.
22 June 2013
U.S. Attorney Keynote Speaker at National Day of Prayer LuncheonRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Alicia A.G. Limtiaco, Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, was invited by the Guam Interfaith Committee to be the keynote speaker at the annual National Day of Prayer Luncheon held on May 16, 2012 at the Aurora Hotel.
The Guam Interfaith Committee is composed of representatives of seven faith traditions currently present on Guam. These faiths are: Hindu, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Muslim, Baha’i plus Chamorro Spiritual Tradition. The members came together immediately after 9/11 to counter any hate acts by misguided individuals. The Guam Interfaith Committee members work closely with one another to promote mutual understanding, respect, tolerance, and compassion between their faiths. The Committee sponsors an annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service which began since 9/11 with over 200 in attendance and has conducted the service every year since 9/11. They also commenced the National Day of Prayer Luncheon six years ago which is now an annual event.
United States Attorney Limtiaco spoke about the Diverse Communities Outreach group she started in early March 2011. This group consists of faith-based community leaders and consuls general. The purpose of the meetings is to provide a forum to discuss crime prevention, civil rights and immigration issues, and to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and our community.
TEAM FEDS Raised $11,000 for the American Cancer Society’s 2012 Relay for Life EventRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Alicia A.G. Limtiaco, Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that her office joined the thousands that flocked to the annual Relay for Life Event held at the George Washington Senior High School track to celebrate cancer Survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and to join with the many teams on Guam that participate in the fight against cancer.
Team FEDS, “Friends Engaging in Dynamic Service,” is comprised of co-workers and friends from various federal law enforcement agencies. Team FEDS joined the fight against cancer in 2003 by forming the team, when one of their co-workers was stricken by cancer. The team strives to raise $10K every year through fundraisers such as their annual Chili Cook-off and other creative fundraisers. Their biggest achievement was in 2008 when they raised $14K. This year, Team FEDS, with only 17 online team members, four being Survivors, but with many supporters, raised $11,000. Team FEDS Relay in support of cancer research and clinical studies -- they Relay because they are FED UP with CANCER!
Attached is a photo of the team taken the night of Relay. Guam’s Relay for Life annual event is the largest American Cancer Society event on Guam. There were 83 teams registered for this year’s Relay resulting in raising the amount of $475,577.00.
Asian American Pacific Island Heritage MonthRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Alicia A.G. Limtiaco, Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, was invited to attend the Guam Federation of Asian and Pacific People of Guam luncheon on May 20, 2012, in celebration of Asian American Pacific Island Heritage Month.
According to their booklet, the Guam Federation of Asian and Pacific People of Guam was organized in 1993 with membership composing of the Filipino Community of Guam, Korean Association of Guam, Vietnamese Association of Guam, Indian Community of Guam, the Chinese-Vietnamese Friendship of Guam and the Chinese Community. Since then, other associations have been added, namely, the Federation of Chinese Overseas, Palau Community of Guam, Asahi Club of Guam, Peleliu Club of Guam, The FSM Association of Guam, and the Chuukese Association of USA. Their objective is to promote friendship and camaradie among themselves, with the people of Guam, and with the people of the neighboring island countries.
Attached is a photo that was taken of the membership at the lunch, most of them depicting their country’s traditional clothing.
21 June 2013
Woodlands Man Heads to Prison for Using Fake CIA CredentialsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Paul Alan White, aka Jonathan Alan Davenport, 57, of The Woodlands, has been ordered to prison following his two convictions of impersonated a public servant, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Davenport pleaded guilty Tuesday, April 3, 2013.
Today, U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr., who accepted the guilty plea, handed White a sentence of 24 months on each of the two counts of conviction to be served concurrently. He was further ordered to pay a $500 fine. In handing down the sentence, Judge Werlein noted to the defendant that the worthiness of what a person is, is not gauged by what title they seek.
White posed as a CIA agent to others at different times during 2011 and 2012 in order to obtain personal information from individuals and to have authorities give him privileges as well as official record documents.
During March 2011, White had convinced a co-worker that he worked with Special Ops within the CIA and that they had to fill out an application form for a security clearance with the CIA. White apparently obtained the form from the Internet. The co-worker completed the form, which included personal information, such as names of family members and friends, education, employment history and personal identification data such as a Social Security number, a Texas Driver’s license number and a U.S. passport number. As directed by White, the co-worker also ordered their own credit report and gave White a copy of their passport.
The next month, White also attempted to recruit the co-worker’s friend from the co-worker’s Facebook site, using an alias. White reported to be conducting a reference check and also tried to recruit them for a position with the CIA. At the request and demand of White, pretending to act as an agent under the authority of the CIA, the friend sent the security clearance form via Fed-Ex with their personal information on it along with a copy of their birth certificate, Social Security card, driver’s license and passport.
Also that month, White introduced himself to Texas Department of Public Safety troopers as an agent working for the CIA. White showed a badge and a credential thought to be from the CIA, and stated he had retired from CIA and was rehired to run “backgrounds” on people. White, while pretending to be an officer and employee of the United States, asked the trooper to run a criminal history check on his co-worker. White represented the request as an “official request” from a CIA officer. The trooper complied with White’s request and provided the result.
Later, the CIA was contacted to conduct a check for any and all employment either directly or indirectly of White, aka Davenport. The CIA confirmed he did not work for the agency in any capacity. A search warrant was executed at White’s home revealed several false and fraudulent purported official U.S. government identifications and badges allegedly belonging to the CIA.
White 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 FBI and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Porto is prosecuting the case.
Wilmington Man Sentenced to 15 Years Imprisonment for Role in International Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – Charles M. Oberly, III, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Kelvin Cook, age 35 of Wilmington, Delaware, was sentenced on June 20, 2013, to a term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years for his role as a leader of an international drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to facts introduced in prior hearings, Cook was one of the leaders of an organization that recruited multiple drug couriers to travel to Panama in order to smuggle cocaine and heroin into the United States. Agents identified a total of at least nineteen (19) couriers who took smuggling trips on behalf of the organization, and who smuggled, or attempted to smuggle, more than thirteen (13) kilograms of cocaine and five kilograms of heroin from Panama to Delaware. Cook was also responsible for a significant crack cocaine distribution network on the 500 block of West Sixth Street in Wilmington. In addition, on one occasion Cook obtained more than 100 grams of heroin from a Texas source, who in turn imported heroin directly from the country of Afghanistan.
United States Attorney Charles M. Oberly, III, stated, “The Court’s sentence appropriately punished Mr. Cook for his involvement in a major drug trafficking organization that had a negative impact on Wilmington and the surrounding communities. It further sends a message that there are significant consequences for engaging in large-scale drug trafficking within the State of Delaware. I commend our law enforcement partners for their hard work and considerable cooperation over the course of a three-year investigation that dismantled the organization and brought over 20 individuals to justice.”
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the Wilmington Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert F. Kravetz. For further information, contact Press Information Officer Kimberlynn Reeves at (302) 573-6277, ext. 16287.
For additional information regarding the case, see also: http://www.justice.gov/usao-de/pr/man-pleads-guilty-panamanian-drug-trafficking-conspiracy http://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/de/news/2011/Panama%20Press%20Release.html http://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/de/news/2012/07-27.html http://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/de/news/2012/07-25.html http://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/de/news/2012/Banerjee%20Plea%20Release.html
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Jose Nambo, 32, of St. Anne, Illinois, pled guilty before District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally conspiring to deliver a mixture or substance that contained over 500 grams of cocaine and/or 100 kilograms of marijuana. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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.
DISPOSITIONS:
Deandre Grant, 35, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller to 3 years of probation, $19,657 restitution and 6 months home detention, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.According to documents filed, Grant repeatedly lied in order to continue receiving unemployment insurance benefits while actually employed.This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.
Andres Garcia, 56, of Hoopeston, Illinois, was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller to serve 71 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally conspiring to deliver a mixture or substance that contained over 500 grams of cocaine and/or 100 kilograms of marijuana.According to documents filed, Garcia was involved in drug trafficking activity that spanned Indiana and Illinois.When his home was raided in June of 2012, 26 pounds of marijuana was retrieved by law enforcement officials.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Aurelio A Guerra, 46, of Weslaco, Texas, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to serve 106 months, 3 years supervised release on each count (to run concurrently) for a total of 3 years after pleading guilty to the felony offense of selling, distributing, or dispensing marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and aiding & abetting.According to documents filed, Guerra was involved with several others in the distribution of several hundred pounds of marijuana in LaPorte County.During his involvement with the aforementioned distribution, Guerra possessed a firearm and remained near additional weapons maintained to protect the drugs and the sales.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Joint Drug Enforcement Agency/State or Local Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.
Terry W. Smith, 44, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 3 years supervised probation and $18,330.00 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.According to documents filed, Smith collected regular unemployment and then extended the benefits while actually employed.This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Charles Johnson, Jr., 33, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of distribution of crack cocaine.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
Christopher Castro, 33, of Lorain, Ohio, a defendant in the case US v Yanez et al., pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.
Jon Erik Lilly, 27, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of receipt of child pornography.Sentencing has been set for 9/26/13.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Hammond Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.
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.
DISPOSITIONS:
Eugene Wilson, Sr., 56, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 60 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after being found guilty at trial of felony offenses of wire fraud and structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements. Wilson stole approximately 1.5 million dollars from three groups of investors.The FBI received a complaint that Wilson had defrauded individuals of money through a Ponzi type scheme.Essentially, Wilson convinced individuals to invest money with him by promising a very high rate of return.To lure the investor into the scheme, Wilson created a written agreement and promised to keep the funds in an escrow account.In all three events, upon receiving the money, Wilson immediately wire transferred the funds to third parties, most who banked in Europe.Wilson then lied about the whereabouts of the funds and finally ended communications with the investors.In 2008, Wilson received a series of wire transfers.He then engaged in a series of bank transactions to avoid the bank reporting that he had received more than $10,000 in cash.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.
Scott R. Becker, 47, and Christina Becker, 49, of Lafayette, Indiana, were sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen on June 19.
Scott Becker was sentenced to 90 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of mail fraud, wire fraud and possession of child pornography. The Court also ordered Mr. Becker to pay restitution as follows:$250,000 to Stelko, and the balance due on the mortgage to his Colorado home (jointly and severally with Christina Becker, his wife and co-defendant). To accomplish the payment of restitution, the Beckers forfeited the Colorado property to the U.S. government.From January 1, 2002 and continuing to July 27, 2009, Scott Becker devised a scheme and artifice to take advantage of his position as General Manager of Stelko Electric to fraudulently obtain tools, building materials, labor and money, which rightfully belonged to Stelko, totaling over $250,000.00 in value to aid in the building of a home in Colorado.There were three different aspects to Becker’s scheme: the theft of labor, materials and tools used to build his Colorado home; the theft of funds from Stelko via contract fraud; and the theft of Stelko materials which Becker sold for cash.In June 2009, a search of Becker’s work computer for evidence of employee theft revealed video images of a minor teenage girl in a state of undress.
Christina Becker was sentenced to 1 day imprisonment with time considered served and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to wire fraud affecting a financial institution. From on or about January 1, 2009 and continuing to on or about March 4, 2009, the Beckers devised a scheme and artifice to obtain mortgage funds totaling $275,000.00 from Regions Bank d/b/a/ Regions Mortgage Corporation (hereafter “Regions Bank”) located in Birmingham, Alabama, by providing false and fraudulent information on and with their mortgage application for the Colorado home and knowingly caused to be transmitted by means of a wire communication in interstate commerce, any signs, signals, or sounds, to wit: a wire transfer of $270,737.44 from Regions Bank in Birmingham, Alabama to a title company located in Durango, Colorado.
This case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Kokomo Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster. States Attorney Jill Koster.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Fort Wayne, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS:
Michael A Banks, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 50 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.According to documents filed, Banks was convicted in 2010 of being in possession of narcotics.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris-King.
Waxahachie Man Charged with Firearms Offense Is Ordered Detained by Federal JudgeRead the Press Release
Clayton Earthman Arrested This Week with a Firearm, Large Amount of Chemicals, Supplies and Literature Suspected to be for Bomb Making Purposes
DALLAS — Clayton Todd Earthman, 24, of Waxahachie, Texas, appeared this afternoon in federal court, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez, who ordered that he remain in federal custody during the pendency of the matter. Earthman was arrested on June 18, 2013, when officers with the Dallas Police Department (DPD) discovered a firearm, bomb-making chemicals and related literature in his vehicle. He is charged in a federal criminal complaint with being an unlawful user and addict of controlled substances in possession of a firearm. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña.
According to the complaint, on the afternoon of June 18, 2013, DPD officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Earthman. Officers recovered a .357 Glock pistol, large amounts of chemicals, supplies and literature suspected to be for bomb-making purposes, hand-written notes describing how to build explosive devices and booby traps from his vehicle.
Earthman later advised that he is a drug user, had used methamphetamine three days prior and was addicted to marijuana. He advised that he is taking methadone to quit using heroin, which he used for one year. Earthman further advised law enforcement that he is a “Doom’s day prepper,” and that he had more firearms and large amounts of chemicals in his residence.
During today’s hearing, evidence was presented that officers discovered additional unlawful controlled substances, a firearm, chemicals and a live alligator when they executed a federal search warrant at Earthman’s residence on June 20, 2013.
A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offenses charged and must be made under oath before a magistrate judge. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The maximum statutory penalty for the offense as charged is 10 years in federal prison.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taly Haffar is in charge of the prosecution.
Two Repeat Bank Robbers Sentenced to 70 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Two men with a quarter century history of robbing banks, were sentenced today to 70 years in prison for a string of bank robberies in the Seattle area, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. The two men, 66-year-old JACK P. SEXTON and 65-year-old RONALD C. KETTELLS were convicted in March 2013 of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, three armed bank robberies and using a firearm during a crime of violence. At sentencing U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik said these were some of the longest sentences he has handed down, noting the men’s criminal history is “remarkable in its length and depth.”
According to testimony at trial and records filed in the case, the two men were linked to three bank robberies in the Seattle area between August and October 2011. On August 8, 2011 the two men robbed a Key Bank branch on Holman Road in north Seattle. In that case the men used a bandana and a t-shirt to disguise their faces. They pointed a handgun at the tellers and threatened to kill them if they did not lie down on the floor.
They next robbed the Wells Fargo bank branch on Greenwood Avenue in Shoreline on September 12, 2011. The men wore masks: one of an elderly man, the other of President Richard Nixon. The men were armed with a pistol grip shotgun and a handgun.
Finally, on October 20, 2011, the men robbed a Washington Federal Bank branch in West Seattle. One wore a Hillary Clinton mask, the other the same “elderly man” mask as in the previous robbery. Again they pointed the pistol grip shotgun and handgun at the tellers and demanded money. An elderly woman who was a customer at the bank was injured when she was forced to the ground by one of the men.
Key information in the case came from an alert neighbor at one of the robberies who noted the license plate number of the get-away car. The car was ultimately linked to SEXTON and the person who had sold him the vehicle knew where SEXTON and KETTELLS were living. Both had recently been released from prison. A search of their vehicles and residence turned up bags used in the robberies as well as four firearms – including the ones used in the robberies. Investigators also found the masks used in the robbery, and DNA on the inside of the masks linked them to both men.
Both men have numerous prior convictions. KETTELLS has convictions dating back to 1963 for assault, burglary and bank robbery. Similarly, SEXTON has convictions dating back to the 1960s for burglary, forgery, and armed bank robbery.
Writing to the court prosecutors noted these “crimes were recklessly violent and directly endangered the lives of numerous victims and responding officers. In each of the robberies (the men)… aggressively brandished a loaded firearm, shouted threats and profanities at the victims, and made various threatening actions such as banging a gun on a desk, racking a shot gun, and waving a gun in close proximity to a teller’s face with (a) finger on the trigger.”
The men were ordered to pay $29,628 in restitution.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Seattle Safe Streets Task Force, which includes investigators from the Seattle Police Department, as well as the King County Sheriff’s Office
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew Friedman and Francis Franze-Nakamura.
Two Minnesota Men Indicted for Conspiring to Defraud Equipment-leasing and Insurance CompaniesRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS—A federal indictment unsealed late yesterday charges two Minnesota men with conspiring to defraud equipment-leasing companies and insurance companies. The indictment, which was filed under seal on June 18, 2013, charges Joseph Michael Hanson, age 54, of Mendota Heights, and Timothy John Lambrecht, age 41, of Medina, with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. The indictment was unsealed following Lambrecht’s initial appearance in federal court on June 20.
During the time relevant to this case, Lambrecht owned and controlled InCompass, Inc., a corporation engaged in the business of providing information technology services to third parties. Lambrecht also owned and controlled TRAC Enterprises, a shell corporation that he purportedly used to perpetrate parts of this fraud scheme. Together, Lambrecht and Hanson owned HLI, which, in turn, owned the building in New Brighton where InCompass operated (the “HLI Building”). The defendants allegedly paid a portion of the fraud proceeds to the lender that financed the defendants’ acquisition of the HLI Building.
As to the fraud, the indictment alleges that between December 2008 and May 2012, the defendants conspired with others to lease or to cause third parties to lease computer equipment at greatly inflated prices to create a pool of funds from which the defendants then paid their personal and business expenses. They also allegedly submitted false claims to insurance companies, claiming their equipment had been stolen.
For example, in December 2008, Lambrecht purportedly caused TRAC to purchase a storage area network (“SAN”) device for $27,700. In February 2009, Lambrecht then allegedly caused Wells Fargo Equipment Finance (“WFEF”) to purchase the SAN from TRAC at the greatly inflated price of $112,300 and then lease it to InCompass. Lambrecht reportedly hid from WFEF that he owned both TRAC and InCompass. He also allegedly misled WFEF into paying for SAN training and consulting services, purportedly worth $28,750, that were never provided. In all, the indictment claims Lambrecht obtained more than $246,179 from WFEF, which he used to prop up InCompass and pay against the loan on the HLI Building.
The indictment also alleges that in July 2010, Lambrecht falsely reported to his insurance carrier that the SAN had been stolen from InCompass. The defendants reportedly submitted an invoice to the insurance company from a business owned by Hanson in support of Lambrecht’s claim for reimbursement of more than $170,000 in replacement equipment and data recovery services. Those replacements and services, however, were never purchased or provided. Instead, between July 2010 and January 2011, Lambrecht received more than $498,000 from the insurance company, purportedly depositing the funds into the bank accounts of InCompass and TRAC. And during that entire time, InCompass continued to use the SAN in the course of its business.
In addition, the indictment alleges that on March 25, 2009, the defendants and others caused an entity owned by an unnamed co-conspirator to purchase from InCompass a SAN for approximately $74,100, even though the original purchase price was $22,000. Moreover, on July 21, 2010, an unnamed co-conspirator allegedly made a false claim to another insurance company that the SAN had been stolen from InCompass, leading to an insurance payout of $160,000.
As a result of this alleged fraud conspiracy, WFEF lost at least $100,000 and the insurance companies lost approximately $658,000.
If convicted, the defendants face a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison. Any sentence would be determined by a federal district court judge. This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. MacLaughlin.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.
Two Former Border Patrol Agents Sentenced for Alien Smuggling, Bribery and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Former U.S. Border Patrol Agents Raul and Fidel Villarreal, brothers who smuggled at least 1,000 illegal immigrants into the United States in exchange for more than $1 million in bribes, were sentenced today to 35 and 30 years in prison, respectively.
The brothers were convicted by a federal jury on August 10, 2012, of conspiracy to bring in illegal aliens for financial gain, multiple counts of bringing in illegal aliens for financial gain, conspiracy to launder money and receiving bribes. The brothers smuggled their customers while on duty, in uniform and in their Border Patrol vehicles and were assisted by a Tijuana police chief.
In handing down the sentences and $250,000 fines for each, U.S. District Judge John A. Houston told the brothers he was “disgusted” by their actions. The judge also noted that ignoring their duty to protect the border “impacted national security,” and that he wanted the lengthy sentences to send a message that such a serious violation of the public’s trust would not be tolerated.
At the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Salel urged the judge to impose the harshest sentence, primarily because the brothers abused the sacred trust of the public and neglected to protect the border. But he also noted that as law enforcement closed in, the brothers planned to kill co-conspirators to prevent them from testifying. And he argued the brothers deserved a long sentence because they had no regard for the safety of the illegal border crossers who were recklessly jammed into Border Patrol vehicles and transported at high speeds over treacherous terrain, just to maximize profits.
“This is a case of unmitigated greed and betrayal by two senior Border Patrol agents who smuggled aliens while on duty instead of patrolling the border,” Salel told the court. “The defendants are experienced agents, 10-year veterans. This was not a case of misguided rookies who got involved with the wrong crowd. They knew they had pledged to defend the border. Yet these guys set up their own organization to line their pockets.”
U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy said she was very pleased with the outcome of the case.
“The audacious way these brothers so easily tossed aside their loyalty to their country and to fellow agents,who put their lives on the line every day protecting our borders, is appalling,” Duffy said. “This sentence provides justice for a public betrayed, and reflects that this was, by far, among the most egregious violations of the public’s trust we’ve seen by federal officials in many years.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: DHS will not tolerate any type of employee misconduct, especially criminal activity that undermines the core values of our organization and the thousands of DHS employees who uphold those values in their mission to protect the American public,” said Joe Jeronimo, special agent in charge for the Office of Professional Responsibility, Western Region. “I commend the integrity and perseverance of all the investigators and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to ensure that justice was fully served in a criminal case that unfortunately involved a very egregious breach of public trust.”
Dennis M. McGunagle, special agent in charge of the Office of Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security, said, “The DHS Office of Inspector General has no tolerance for acts of corruption committed by DHS employees. We commend the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s office for bringing these individuals to justice.”
While working as agents, the brothers formed a smuggling organization with what seemed to be the perfect cover: Many of their customers were shuttled in squad cars by a Tijuana police chief to the border. The customers would be transported down rugged Otay Mountain trails or through remote areas near Imperial Beach by the Villarreals in Border Patrol vehicles on the way to remote drop-off locations. If anyone were to question them, they could claim the passengers were being arrested. It’s what they referred to as the “guaranteed method.”
“The Villarreals used their specialized training and knowledge of the border – particularly the vulnerable smuggling routes near Imperial Beach and Otay Mountain – to smuggle aliens,” Salel wrote in court documents. “By pretending to arrest the aliens and transporting them in their assigned Border Patrol vehicles, the Villarreals could ‘hide in plain sight’ and maintain plausible deniability if another law enforcement agent was watching them.”
Raul Villarreal, the younger brother who was hired by the Border Patrol in 1995 to work at the Imperial Beach station, eventually became a public information officer and once made a public service announcement warning the Mexican people about the dangers of alien smugglers who take advantage of illegal border crossers. Ironically, for the announcement Raul played the part of an unscrupulous smuggler who showed callous indifference to the welfare of crossers. Judge Houston said his sentence was longer because he was the organizer and ring leader.
Fidel Villarreal, who was hired in 1998, also rose through the ranks to become a mountain supervisor for the Brown Field Border Patrol station. He was the supervisor and manager of the smuggling operation.
The brothers operated the smuggling business for 14 months in 2005 and 2006, conspiring with partners in Tijuana – including Claudia Gonzalez, Armando Garcia and even a Tijuana police chief.
Gonzalez would leave envelopes containing cash – usually around $10,000 to $13,000 per smuggling trip, three or four times a week and sometimes multiple times a day - under the front seat of the Villarreals’ luxury vehicles, which were usually parked at a shopping mall in Tijuana. Fidel had a BMW and Raul had a Mercedes SUV.
During the investigation, agents used multiple confidential informants to infiltrate the criminal organization, and installed cameras on poles in areas where migrants were dropped off. They planted undercover recording devices, put tracking instruments on Border Patrol vehicles and even followed a smuggling load by airplane.
In June of 2006, the Villarreals were tipped off about the investigation, abruptly resigned and fled to Guadalajara along with other coconspirators. While living in Mexico, they kept tabs on the investigation and warned members of the organization not to cooperate with authorities. The brothers’ desperation piqued and they made plans to have coconspirators murdered in Mexico. The murders never took place.
In one instance, they held a gun to the head of a coconspirator, who supervised some of the drivers who the Villarreals suspected of cooperating with U.S. officials, but he was able to escape. Unbeknownst to the Villarreals, The coconspirator met with another coconspirator in a graveyard in Tijuana, warning her of the plot to kill her and urging her to go to San Diego.
In April of 2008, the brothers were indicted, along with Garcia and Gonzalez. They were arrested in Tijuana in October of 2008 and eventually extradited to the U.S. to face trial. Garcia was convicted along with the Villarreal brothers; Gonzalez pled guilty on December 10, 2009 to conspiracy to bring in illegal aliens for financial gain, bribery, and money laundering. Garcia is scheduled for sentencing on July 22. Gonzalez was sentenced in August 2012 to time served, which was three years, 10 months.
DEFENDANTS Case Number: 08CR1332-JAH Raul Villarreal
Fidel Villarreal
Armando Garcia
Claudia Gonzalez SUMMARY OF CHARGESConspiracy to Bring in Illegal Aliens for Financial Gain - Title 18, United States Code, 371
Maximum penalties: 5 years' imprisonment and $250,000 fineBringing in illegal aliens for financial gain - Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii)
Maximum penalties: 10 years' imprisonment and $250,000 fineBribery - Title 18, United States Code, Sections 201(b)(2)(A) and (C)
Maximum penalties: 15 years' imprisonment and greater of $250,000 fine or three times the amount of the bribeConspiracy To Launder Money - Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(2)(A) and (h)
AGENCIES
Maximum penalties: 20 years' imprisonment and greater of $500,000 fine or twice the value of the fundsImmigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations
Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General
ICE Office of Professional Responsibility
U.S. Border PatrolThree Rochester Gang Members Indicted; Charged with Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging three people with narcotics trafficking, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and marijuana, and use and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Named in the Indictment are: Jacob Rivera, a/k/a “JJ,” 22, Kevin Feliciano, a/k/a “Nash,” 19, and Marius Johnson, a/k/a "Florida," 27, all of Rochester, N. Y.
The drug conspiracy charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000 or both. The gun charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years in prison which must be served consecutively to any other conviction, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, the defendants were leaders of a street level drug trafficking organization that from time to time referred to themselves as “M.D.B.” or “The Broezel Boys.” Members and associates of M.D.B. controlled the open air drug market in a multi-block area near the intersection of Dewey and Lexington Avenues, including all of Broezel Street, the north end of Maryland Street, portions of Driving Park and portions of Lakeview Park in Rochester. M.D.B. members and associates also maintained and operated several drug houses in Rochester including the duplex residence at 325/327 Lexington Avenue, the upstairs apartment at 171 Maryland Street, the upstairs apartment at 316 Lakeview Park and 672 West Main Street, each for the purpose of possessing, manufacturing, distributing, and using controlled substances.The indictment further stated that members and associates of M.D.B. routinely possessed and used firearms to maintain and expand their territory; used violence and threats of violence against unaffiliated persons who attempted to sell illegal controlled substances within their territory; used violence and threats of violence against witnesses who were viewed as hostile to the interests of M.D.B.; and enforced a code of silence among members and others to prevent information concerning the activities of M.D.B. to be provided to law enforcement.
“This Office will not permit violent gangs to operate in the City of Rochester,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Today’s case marks yet another instance where this Office, working with law enforcement officers from all levels of Government, used federal tools to keep the people of the City safe. The public is reminded that if they see any indication of gang activity, narcotics trafficking, or indeed any crime, to let an officer or this Office know the information. To repeat an earlier message – if you see something, say something, and we in law enforcement will do something.”
The indictment is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction Resident Agent in Charge Scott Heagney, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Sheppard, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Brian R. Crowell, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Three Mississippians Sentenced to Prison for Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss – Stephanie Odoms, 44, of Hermanville, Howard Jackson, 52, of Hermanville, and Shandy Davis, 37, of Port Gibson, were sentenced to federal prison on charges related to a tax fraud conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Gabriel L. Grchan, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation New Orleans Field Office.
Stephanie Odoms was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
Howard Jackson was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for structuring and evading financial transaction reporting reqirements.
Shandy Davis was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for structuring and evading financial transaction reporting reqirements.
Odoms and Jackson conspired to defraud the government by filing false income tax returns totaling more than $115,000. Davis, who worked as a teller at a bank in Port Gibson, Mississippi, cashed the refund checks for Odoms and Jackson.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain.If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:
(866) 720-5721
You can also fax information to:
(225) 334-4707
or e-mail it to:
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Substitute Teacher and Boy Scouts Camp Counselor Facing Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A substitute teacher was charged today with possessing child pornography.
Bryce Garner, 22, of East Sandwich, was charged in a criminal complaint with possession of child pornography. On June 20, 2013, Garner was arrested on these charges. Garner is currently employed at a hotel, but also works part-time as a substitute teacher, babysitter, and camp counselor.
According to court documents, undercover agents in Oklahoma City, OK learned that Garner was using the peer-to-peer file trading system, Limewire, to share child pornography. On June 20, 2013, agents executed a search warrant at Garners’ home. During the time of the search warrant, an unrelated 14-year-old boy that Garner had previously babysat was found visiting the home since earlier that week. Initially, Garner denied downloading the images, but after agents searched the computer, Garner admitted to possessing child pornography. Garner further admitted that he is attracted to young boys and has been for several years.
The statute provides for a maximum of 20 years in prison, to be followed by up to lifetime supervised release and a $250,000 fine.United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacy Dawson Belf of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274, and messages will be promptly returned.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the complaint affidavit are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Statement of Attorney General Eric Holder on the <br /> Nomination of Jim Comey as Director of the Federal Bureau of InvestigationRead the Press Release
Attorney General Eric Holder today issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s nomination of Jim Comey to be Director of the FBI:
“As an extraordinarily dedicated public servant, a talented national security and law enforcement executive, and a principled leader with extensive experience in government and the private sector, Jim Comey is uniquely qualified to serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“I’ve known Jim for almost 20 years, and have always found him to be a person willing to try new methods and innovative tools – while adhering to our most treasured values – in keeping the American people safe. He is a seasoned prosecutor – and former United States Attorney – whose impeccable judgment has set him apart from his peers. He is a proven leader – and former Deputy Attorney General – whose formidable intellect, indisputable integrity, and unwavering dedication to the rule of law will undoubtedly serve him well as FBI Director.
"Above all, Jim is, and has always been, a faithful servant of the American people. I am confident that he will be a superb FBI Director, providing the strong and steady leadership that the Bureau’s extraordinary men and women deserve. I applaud the President’s decision to nominate Jim Comey and I look forward to working closely with him, upon his confirmation, to continue protecting the American people from financial fraud, violent crime and terrorism.”
St. Paul Felon Indicted for Possessing A .22-caliber HandgunRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS—A federal indictment unsealed earlier this week charges a 23-year-old St. Paul felon with possessing a .22-caliber handgun. The indictment specifically charges Phuvanath Ronald Mounthachack with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment was unsealed following Mounthachack’s initial appearance in federal court on June 19.
The indictment alleges that on January 15, 2013, Mounthachack possessed the .22-caliber, semi-automatic handgun. Because he is a felon, Mounthachack is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition at any time. His prior Wright County convictions include aggravated robbery (2007) and fifth-degree sale of a controlled substance while employing a dangerous weapon (2009).
If convicted, Mounthachack faces a potential maximum penalty of ten years in prison. Any sentence would be determined by a federal district court judge. This case is the result of an investigation by the Minneapolis Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber M. Brennan.
The case was charged federally through Project Exile Minneapolis. That law enforcement initiative was launched on July 22, 2010, as part of a city-wide effort to reduce gun violence. Through Project Exile, the Minneapolis Police Department and the ATF work together to apprehend serial criminals for violations of gun laws. Then, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office teams up with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine where those offenders will most effectively be prosecuted – state or federal court. Those determinations are based on the offenders’ criminal histories and current charges, among other factors. To date, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has brought charges against more than a dozen serious habitual criminals through Project Exile Minneapolis.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.
St. Francis Man Charged with Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse.
Joseph R. Blue Bird, age 26, was indicted on September 19, 2012, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 19, 2013 and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is any term of years up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both; a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to life of supervised release and an additional mandatory minimum of 5 years up to life of supervised release upon revocation. Restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund may also be ordered.
The charge is merely an accusation and Blue Bird is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Blue Bird was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has not been set.
Silvis Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Production, Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Silvis, Ill., man, John J. Frazer, 32, was sentenced yesterday to serve a term of 25 years (300 months) in prison for producing and possessing child pornography. U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow further ordered that Frazer serve a life-time term of supervised release following his release from prison. Frazer’s sentence was the result of his indictment on Sept. 19, 2012, and subsequent guilty plea on Feb. 6, 2013.
The investigation into Frazer’s conduct began on Aug. 21, 2012, when the Danish National Police alerted the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crime Center that an Internet Protocol (IP) address from inside the United States had posted photographs of child pornography onto a Russian website. Authorities thereafter linked the IP address to Frazer’s apartment in Silvis, and executed a search warrant at Frazer’s apartment and arrested Frazer on August 27, 2012.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the photographs of child pornography that had been posted to the Russian website involved photographs that Frazer had taken of a known minor female on or about Aug. 20, 2012. These photographs, and additional photographs and videos of child pornography involving unknown other minors, were also found on Frazer’s cell phone and laptop computer. Notably, the subsequent investigation also revealed that Frazer demonstrated an intent on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, to take a video of the known minor female engaging in sexual acts the next day after school. Because foreign, federal, and local authorities reacted quickly to the posting of the images onto the Russian website, however, authorities were able to arrest Frazer shortly after noon on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; the Moline Police Department; and the Silvis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk W. Schuler prosecuted the case in cooperation with the Rock Island County State’s Attorney’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Richmond Man Convicted of Holding Undercover Agent at Gunpoint During Attempted RobberyRead the Press Release
OAKLAND -- Khusar Mobley was convicted by a federal jury yesterday of assault on a federal officer, robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime, announced United States Attorney Melinda Haag. The guilty verdict followed a four-day jury trial before The Honorable Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, United States District Court Judge.
Evidence at trial showed that Mobley,19, of Richmond, California, used a loaded firearm in an attempt to rob an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) during an undercover operation. Mobley’s co-defendants – Otis Mobley and D’Marce Hutcherson – pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 114 months and 104 months, respectively, in May 2013.
Mobley was charged by Indictment on April 5, 2012, with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery of Mail, Money, or Other Property of the United States, and Assault on a Federal Officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371; one count of Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly Weapon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(b); one count of Robbery of Mail, Money, or Other Property of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2114(a); and one count of Using, Carrying, Possessing, and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). He was found guilty on all counts.
Mobley has been in custody since his arrest on March 28, 2013. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 23, 2013 before the Honorable Judge Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. The maximum statutory penalties for each count are as follows:
Count One: 18 U.S.C. § 371 - Conspiracy to Commit Robbery of Mail, Money, or Other Property of United States and Assault on a Federal Officer.
(1)Imprisonment:Maximum 5 Years Imprisonment(2)Fine:Maximum $250,000(3)Supervised Release:Maximum 3 YearsCount Two: 18 U.S.C. § 111(b) - Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon.
(1)Imprisonment:Maximum 20 Years Imprisonment(2)Fine:Maximum $250,000(3)Supervised Release:Maximum 3 YearsCount Three: 18 U.S.C. § 2114(a) - Robbery of Mail, Money, or Other Property of United States.
(1)Imprisonment:Maximum 25 Years Imprisonment(2)Fine:Maximum $250,000(3)Supervised Release:Maximum 3 YearsCount Four: 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii) - Using, Carrying and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
(1)Imprisonment:Maximum Life Imprisonment
Mandatory Minimum 7 Years Imprisonment Consecutive To Any Other Term Of Imprisonment(2)Fine:$250,000(3)Supervised Release:Maximum 5 YearsHowever, any sentence following this conviction 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.
James Mann and Natalie Lee are the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted this case with the assistance of Patty Lau, Vanessa Vargas, and Katie Turner. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF and various local police departments.
Ranking Gang Member Sentenced to 47 1/2 Years in Prison for Planned Armed Home InvasionsRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn .- June 21, 2013 - Leonard Baugh a/k/a Hype, age 35, of Nashville, was sentenced to 570 months imprisonment (47 ½ years) yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge John Nixon, following his conviction on April 2, 2013 for a series of offenses involving planned home invasion robberies which he conspired to commit with fellow Rollin’ 60s Crips street gang members by using contraband cellular telephones while serving a state prison sentence at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville .
“This sentence effectively removes this defendant from our communities for the rest of his life. He victimized multiple people in his 1997 home invasion offense, and continued to engage in that same conduct over a dozen years later. Imprisonment in the state prison did not deter him,” stated Acting United States Attorney David Rivera. “This prosecution and lengthy prison sentence demonstrates the resolve of the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute violent crimes as well as how seriously the federal courts treat such crimes.”
Baugh, as well as Omega Harris a/k/a Nino a/k/a Q were convicted of multiple charges by a federal jury after a five week trial which focused on Baugh’s use of contraband cellular telephones while serving a state prison sentence at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville. According to the proof at trial, both defendants held the rank of “OG” (Original Gangster) - the highest rank in the Rollin’ 60s Crips street gang, and committed various crimes with other Rollin’ 60s gang members.
Baugh was convicted of conspiring to commit two armed robberies against people he believed to be drug dealers, and with possession of firearms in furtherance of those conspiracies. He was responsible for the multiple guns possessed by the co-conspirators who were to carry out the planned home-invasion style robberies. Baugh was also convicted of conspiring to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine as part of a scheme to raise bond money for two female gang members who had been arrested on state prescription fraud drug charges. Baugh was serving a Tennessee state prison sentence at the time of the offenses, and the trial proof showed he routinely used a contraband cell phone while in Tennessee’s highest security prison to arrange robberies and drug offenses, which were to be committed by other Rollin’ 60s gang members.Harris was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine which was to be taken as part of one of the planned robberies, as well as conspiring to distribute prescription drugs such as Oxycontin.
The proof at trial included evidence that Harris conspired to obtain Oxycontin and other prescription drugs through the use of forged prescriptions as well as through large scale distribution of Oxycontin in various Nashville public housing projects. That proof included estimated distribution of thousands of highly addictive and dangerous Oxycontin 80 milligram pills per week.
Harris was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, relating to the possession of a folding Kel-Tech Sub 2000 firearm. The proof at trial included tracing that firearm through the hands of over a dozen gang members and associates, including proof that Harris provided that firearm to other gang members for use in other crimes. Harris was acquitted of conspiring to commit various drug-related robberies and the firearms charges related to those conspiracies.
The case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from other federal and local agencies. This trial was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sunny A.M. Koshy and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mario M. Pinto.Pine Ridge Man Guilty of Sexual Contact and Assaulting A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Kaleb Mills, age 19, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota has pled guilty to two separate charges.
Mills appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on June 17, 2013 and pled guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 3 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.
In April of 2012 at Pine Ridge, Mills engaged in sexual contact with a woman who was not willing and repeatedly voiced her objection. She was in fear of being physically harmed by Mills.
In an additional plea on June 17, 2013, Mills pled guilty to Assault on a Federal Officer. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 1 year of imprisonment and/or a $100,000 fine.
That charge stems from a May 2012 incident at Pine Ridge, when Mills bumped an Oglala Sioux Tribal Officer with his vehicle after the officer stopped him for speeding.
The investigation for both cases was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Both cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.
A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing dates will be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.
Pennsylvania School Cook and Summer Camp Counselor ChargedRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – Charles M. Oberly, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Michael J. Barndt, a/k/a “mikecoach73,” age 39, of Sellersville, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on June 19, 2013 with attempted enticement and coercion of a minor and attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2422(b) and 1470. These charges stem from communications in aid of and travel from Pennsylvania to Delaware to engage in sex acts with an individual whom Barndt believed to be a 14 year old girl. In fact, the defendant was communicating over the internet with a Special Agent employed by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.
If convicted of the charges, Barndt faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years of imprisonment and up to life in prison, fines of up to $250,000 for each offense, and a term of supervised release following any prison sentence of at least five years to life.
According to the Complaint, on or about June 7, 2013, Barndt posted an on-line personals ad on www.craigslist.com, “Real Teen Fantasy,” wherein Barndt expressed interest in a teenaged fantasy liaison. An undercover HSI agent posing as a 14 year old girl responded to the ad. Thereafter, Barndt, using screen name “mikecoach73,” engaged in a series of online chats with the undercover agent wherein Barndt both expressed his interest in engaging in sexual relations with the person whom he believed to be a 14 year old child and transmitted to the undercover agent photographs of his exposed genitalia to entice the “girl” to meet him.
On or about June 19, 2013, Barndt made arrangements to travel from his home in Pennsylvania to Delaware for the purpose of engaging in sexual relations with the person whom he believed to be a 14 year old girl. Barndt checked into a hotel at the corner of Route 202 and Naamans Road in New Castle County, Delaware. Barndt also traveled to the nearby Concord Mall and purchased lingerie for the child. Shortly thereafter, Barndt traveled back to the Concord Shopping Mall to pick up the child as planned, where he arrested.
According to the Complaint, Barndt is employed as a cook at the Lakeside School in Horsham Township, Pennsylvania during the school year. During the summer months, Barndt is employed as a camp counselor at “Blue Bell Camp,” in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. In the fall of 2012, Barndt was also a middle school football coach in the Springfield School District in Montgomery County.
Resident Agent in Charge Jonathan Free, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations noted of the investigation, “HSI will relentlessly pursue those who would try to steal the innocence of Delaware’s children.”
Members of the public with any information about this case are encouraged to contact the Department of Homeland Security’s Wilmington office at (302) 428-0104 x7005.
The charges in the Complaint are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. McAndrew and investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. For further information, please contact AUSA McAndrew at 302-573-6277.Newark Man Charged in Gunpoint Sandwich Shop RobberyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – FBI special agents arrested a Newark man at his home this morning in connection with an armed robbery of a Subway restaurant in Verona, N.J., U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Jamar Darby, 26, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of committing a Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence. He appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson in Newark federal court and was held without bail.
According to the criminal complaint filed today:
Between December 2012 and May 2013, Darby participated in a number of armed robberies of New Jersey commercial establishments throughout Essex and Union counties.
For example, on May 20, 2013, Darby brandished a handgun as he and two other men entered the Verona Subway. Darby and another robber restrained a Subway employee by tying the employee’s hands and feet with plastic zip ties and stole money from the cash register before fleeing.
The Hobbs Act charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The gun charge carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each count also carries a maximum $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest. He also thanked the Belleville, Bloomfield, Kearny, Linden, Maplewood, Newark, Paramus and Verona Police Departments, along with the New Jersey State Police and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for their work on this case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamari Buxton and Rahul Agarwal of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
13-264
Defense counsel: Carl Herman Esq., West Orange, N.J.
Darby Complaint
Newark Man Charged in Gunpoint Sandwich Shop RobberyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – FBI special agents arrested a Newark man at his home this morning in connection with an armed robbery of a Subway restaurant in Verona, N.J., U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Jamar Darby, 26, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of committing a Hobbs Act robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence. He appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson in Newark federal court and was held without bail.
According to the criminal complaint filed today:
Between December 2012 and May 2013, Darby participated in a number of armed robberies of New Jersey commercial establishments throughout Essex and Union counties.
For example, on May 20, 2013, Darby brandished a handgun as he and two other men entered the Verona Subway. Darby and another robber restrained a Subway employee by tying the employee’s hands and feet with plastic zip ties and stole money from the cash register before fleeing.
The Hobbs Act charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The gun charge carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each count also carries a maximum $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest. He also thanked the Belleville, Bloomfield, Kearny, Linden, Maplewood, Newark, Paramus and Verona Police Departments, along with the New Jersey State Police and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for their work on this case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamari Buxton and Rahul Agarwal of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Carl Herman Esq., West Orange, N.J.
Darby Complaint
New York Man Who Supplied Cocaine to New Haven Drug Dealers Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AMAURY P’DILLA, also known as “Audi,” 32, of New York, N.Y., was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine.
P’DILLA is one of more than 100 individuals charged as a result of “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven. Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants and seizures of narcotics and firearms. The investigation revealed that, between January 2011 and January 2012, P’DILLA supplied wholesale quantities of cocaine to several New Haven-based drug dealers.
On February 13, 2013, P’DILLA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 [email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years for Role in Crack Cocaine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MANOKUS FIELDS, also known as “Fresh,” 30, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for selling crack cocaine. On March 1, 2013, a jury found FIELDS guilty of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
According to statements made in court and the evidence disclosed during the trial, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation conducted in 2010 by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the DEA New Haven Task Force, the New Haven Police Department and the Hamden Police Department. Through the use of court-authorized wiretaps, investigating officers identified and dismantled a large drug trafficking organization that was headed by Joseph Jackson, also known as “Mighty” and “M.I.,” and centered in the Newhallville section of New Haven and Hamden. The investigation revealed that Jackson used “young boys,” some of whom were still in high school, to distribute large quantities of crack cocaine.
From June through October 2010, FIELDS was regularly intercepted over the wiretap arranging to meet one of Jackson’s associates at locations in Fairhaven and Newhallville to purchase “8-ball” quantities (3.5 grams) of crack cocaine. FIELDS then divided the crack into $10 and $20 baggies, which he sold to his own customers.
At trial, FIELDS maintained that he bought crack cocaine from the members of the conspiracy, but was not a conspirator himself. The jury rejected this defense, and convicted FIELDS on the conspiracy count, which was the only charge against him.
Forty-seven individuals have been charged in federal court with various narcotics offenses as a result of this investigation. All have been convicted.
On June 18, 2013, Jackson was sentenced to 300 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force (composed of members of the New Haven, Milford and Hamden Police Departments and the Connecticut Department of Correction), the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force (composed of members of the New Haven, West Haven, Meriden, Ansonia, Hamden and Branford Police Departments), along with substantial participation by members of the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service also has assisted the investigation.
The investigation was funded in significant part by the United States Attorney's Office Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and supported by the Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods and Anti-Gang programs.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher M. Mattei and Robert M. Spector.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 [email protected]Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty to Being an Armed Career Criminal in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS—Yesterday in federal court in St. Paul, a 47-year-old Minneapolis felon pleaded guilty to possessing a .357-caliber revolver. On June 20, 2013, Oscar Lee pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Lee, who was indicted on November 20, 2012, entered his plea before United States District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson.
In his plea agreement, Lee admitted that on May 14, 2012, he possessed the revolver, which had been reportedly stolen. Minneapolis Police attempted to stop Lee’s vehicle in south Minneapolis after observing a missing headlight. Rather than stopping, Lee ran through a stop sign and led police on a car chase for approximately ten blocks. He threw the handgun from the vehicle as he turned down an alley. Police later found the firearm.
Because he is a felon, Lee is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm at any time. His prior Hennepin County convictions include burglary in the third degree (1987 and 1992) and assault in the second degree (1988). In 1997, Lee was convicted in Polk County, Iowa, for third-degree burglary, forgery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Since those offenses constituted crimes of violence, Lee is subject to the federal Armed Career Criminal Act. That act mandates a minimum of 15 years in prison for anyone convicted in federal court of being a felon in possession of a firearm if that person also has at least three prior state or federal convictions for crimes of violence or serious drug crimes. Judge Magnuson will determine Lee’s sentence at a future hearing, yet to be scheduled.
This case resulted from an investigation conducted by the Minneapolis Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie E. Allyn and Amber M. Brennan.
The case was charged federally through Project Exile Minneapolis. That law enforcement initiative was launched on July 22, 2010, as part of a city-wide effort to reduce gun violence. Through Project Exile, the Minneapolis Police Department and the ATF work together to apprehend serial criminals for violations of gun laws. Then, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office teams up with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine where those offenders will most effectively be prosecuted – state or federal court. Those determinations are based on the offenders’ criminal histories and current charges, among other factors. To date, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has brought charges against more than a dozen serious habitual criminals through Project Exile Minneapolis.Matchmaker Gets Federal Prison for Marriage FraudRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas - An Edinburg woman has been sentenced to two years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.
At a hearing yesterday, Chief United States District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa handed Sandy Botello Ramirez, 77, a sentence of 24 months in federal prison and further ordered she serve two years of supervised release following completion of that prison term.
When sentencing Botello, the court noted she was a matchmaker of marriages that did not exist and that through those sham marriages, Botello committed a huge fraud on the United States and the people of this country.
From 2002 to the time of her arrest, Botello arranged more than 30 sham marriages between foreign nationals and United States Citizens for profit. Foreign nationals hired Botello help them obtain residency status in the United States by arranging a sham marriage with a U.S. citizen whom Botello paid to participate.
Botello relied on recruiters to help her find U.S. citizens to enter into the marriages.
One recruiter, Celia Carranza-Palacios, was convicted and ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
Botello committed marriage fraud by arranging marriages where the couple did not intend to establish a life together when they got married but were only seeking immigration benefits. Botello completed the immigration paperwork and would instruct the pair how to present themselves as a married couple. Botello told them to get a common law marriage certificate and take pictures together and instructed the couples how to answer questions at their immigration interview.
By filing a petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. citizens may seek the residency for their alien relative. These petitions are legal and permit a U.S. citizen to bring his or her close relative, such as a spouse, to the United States. Marriage fraud occurs when this petition for residency is filed, but the bride and groom did not intend to establish a life together at the time they were married.
Botello has been on bond during the pendency of the case and will be permitted to voluntarily surrender to a Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
This case was investigated by agents with USCIS and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen Rees and Kimberly Leo prosecuted the case.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling into the District of Columbia to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with A Minor and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Frederick Singletary, 42, of Parkville, Md., pled guilty today to federal charges of traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Singletary entered the guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Honorable Beryl A. Howell is to sentence him on Sept. 20, 2013. Singletary faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment for traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct and a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment for possession of child pornography, as well as a fine of $250,000 on each count.
According to the government's evidence, on Feb. 12, 2013, Singletary contacted an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, who had posted an ad on a social network site. Over the next few days, Singletary engaged in online e-mail, instant message, text message, and telephone conversations with the undercover officer, whom he believed was the father of an under-aged girl. During this period of time, Singletary arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child.
During the course of their communications, Singletary also sent the undercover officer 10 images of child pornography. On Feb. 14, 2013, Singletary traveled from Maryland to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C. When he arrived, he was arrested.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative and investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the FBI's Washington Field Office and MPD. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director Parlave and Chief Lanier praised the work of the MPD Detectives and Special Agents of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. They also commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Redbord, who is prosecuting the case.
13-221Madison Illinois Man Sentenced for Conspiracy, Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in Multi-State Auto Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
A Madison, Illinois, man convicted of Conspiracy to Possess and Pass Counterfeit Securities, Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, was sentenced on June 21, 2013, to 70 months on Counts 1 and 2 with a consecutive 24 months on Count 3 for a total of 94 months, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $87,889.96, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Gordon D. Caldwell, 46, pled guilty to the charges on March 15, 2013. During his plea, Caldwell admitted that from April of 2011 to August of 2012 he had conspired with others to use counterfeit cashier’s checks of financial institutions to defraud individuals in both Illinois and Missouri who had listed their vehicles for sale in various media sources. Caldwell admitted that he would go to the seller’s home or other location where a vehicle was held for sale, and while using false identification, he would give a counterfeit cashier’s check to the seller. Caldwell also admitted that on two occasions, he used the fraudulently obtained vehicle titles to take out vehicle loans.
The investigation was conducted by the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force with the assistance of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office; the Granite City, Madison, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Effingham, Decatur and South Roxana Police Departments in Illinois; the Jefferson, and Boone County Sheriff’s Offices; the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department and the St. Peters, St. Louis County and Arnold Police Departments in Missouri. Assistance was also given by the prosecutors’ offices in Madison, Macon, Effingham and Morgan Counties in Illinois and Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Louis, and Boone Counties in Missouri. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.