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Thursday 30 January 2025
Seattle Woman Sentenced for Assaulting Flight Attendant on Phoenix-Bound FlightRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Aliyah Robyn Stalder, 24, of Seattle, Washington, was sentenced last week to three years of probation by United States Magistrate Judge Alison S. Bachus for assaulting a flight attendant while on board a commercial flight. During her term of probation, Stalder will not be permitted to travel by commercial aircraft without prior approval and must pay a $5,000 civil penalty imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Stalder was also ordered to pay over $8,000 in restitution for her actions. Stalder pleaded guilty on November 14, 2024, to Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding on an Aircraft.
On February 9, 2023, Stalder boarded a commercial flight from Seattle to Phoenix. During the flight, Stalder attempted to open multiple cabin doors and ultimately had to be restrained by members of the flight crew and other passengers. During the struggle to restrain Stalder, she assaulted one of the flight attendants.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Phoenix Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-24-00031-PHX-ASB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-011_Stalder# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Scottish Man Who Transported Child Sexual Abuse Material into the U.S. Sentenced to 25 YearsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy D. Berger has sentenced Steven Paul McInally (36, Scotland) to 25 years in federal prison for transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material. McInally pleaded guilty on November 1, 2024.
According to court documents, on August 25, 2023, McInally arrived at the Orlando International Airport on vacation from Scotland. Upon his arrival, McInally was subjected to a border search where law enforcement found child sexual abuse material on McInally’s cellphone. Some of the child sexual abuse material found on McInally’s cellphone included images of minors that had been taken during a sleepover party that the minors attended at his home. A forensic review revealed approximately 3,900 images and 70 videos of child sexual abuse material on McInally’s cellphone.
This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – James Alvin Boone, II, age 30, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, distribution of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino, III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
Boone admitted that: he and another person conspired to distribute fentanyl and cocaine throughout the Capital Region; he directed his co-conspirator to store over 25,000 fentanyl pills weighing over 3 kilograms, two handguns, ammunition, and several hundred grams of cocaine in a storage unit and at her home; he personally distributed fentanyl and directed his co-conspirator to do the same; and, before this conspiracy, he personally possessed over 1.4 kilograms of cocaine and a pistol in a safe in his home on July 28, 2023. Law enforcement seized these narcotics, firearms, and ammunition from Boone and his co-conspirator in its investigation. Boone also admitted that after his arrest, he instructed another individual to dispose of additional fentanyl pills.
Boone faces a minimum term of 15 years and up to life in prison, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. He will be sentenced on May 30, 2025, by United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The DEA investigated the case with assistance from the Colonie Police Department, Schenectady Police Department, and New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is prosecuting the case.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Two Years for Possessing Firearm While a FelonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2025.
Cylis Chipps, 21, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Chipps was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in October 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024.
On September 15, 2024, Chipps was discovered by law enforcement to be in possession of a pistol along with items that tested positive for methamphetamine. Chipps had previously been convicted of the felony crimes of possession of a controlled substance and stealing a firearm. It is unlawful for a person who has been convicted of a felony to thereafter possess a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Chipps was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. The sentencing took place on January 23, 2025.
Arlen Blackburn, 19, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Blackburn was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm by a federal grand jury in July 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 1, 2024.
In April 2024, Rapid City Police Department responded to a shots-fired report in town. Law enforcement located a vehicle that matched the description of a vehicle associated with the shots-fired report. The driver of the vehicle initially fled but later stopped and law enforcement discovered Arlen Blackburn inside as a passenger. Law enforcement learned that Arlen Blackburn had discharged a sawed-off shotgun earlier that day. The sawed-off shotgun barrel was far less eighteen inches in length. It is unlawful to possess an unregistered shotgun whose barrel is less than eighteen inches in length.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Blackburn was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Raleigh County Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Anthony Darnell Deberry, 40, of Beckley, was sentenced today to five years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 3, 2023, Deberry sold a controlled substance containing fentanyl to a confidential informant at Deberry’s residence in Beckley. Deberry admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling fentanyl to the confidential informant on four other occasions within Raleigh County.
On July 5, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Deberry’s residence and found two 9mm handguns, 9mm ammunition, $2,000 and approximately 76.5 grams of fentanyl. Deberry admitted that he intended to distribute the fentanyl found during the search.
Deberry has a long criminal history that includes three prior convictions for drug offenses and a prior conviction for unlawful possession of weapons.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-28.
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Previously convicted sex offender arrested for illegally reentering United StatesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A previously convicted sex offender was arrested and charged federally with illegally reentering the United States.
Carlos Gonzales Hernandez, 55, of El Salvador, is scheduled to appear in federal court in Columbus today.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, in August 2017, Gonzales Hernandez was convicted in Franklin County for three felony counts of gross sexual imposition and sentenced to six years in prison.
In September 2022, Gonzales Hernandez was physically removed based on a final immigration order.
On Jan. 2, Madison County sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop on Gonzales Hernandez for traffic violations and he was subsequently arrested and placed in the Tri-County Regional Jail in Mechanicsburg. Gonzales Hernandez was then taken into federal custody and charged with illegally reentering the United States, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If his prior conviction is determined to be an aggravated felony, the penalty could increase to up to 20 years in prison.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Robert Lynch, Field Office Director, ERO Detroit Field Office; announced the charge. Assistant United States Attorney Sheila G. Lafferty is representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Pinellas County Man Indicted for Attempting to Entice A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging David Araujo (57, St. Petersburg) with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Araujo faces a minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Araujo is currently detained pending the resolution of the criminal case.
According to the indictment, between July 26 and 27, 2024, Araujo attempted to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual whom he believed had not yet attained 18 years of age to engage in sexual activity.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Chiefland Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Phoenix Woman Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Possession of a Machinegun and Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Cynthia Solano, 40, of Phoenix, was sentenced this week by United States District Judge G. Murray Snow to 87 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release, for her involvement in a transnational firearm smuggling organization. On August 14, 2024, Solano pleaded guilty to Possession of a Machinegun and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
Between February 2022 and January 2023, Solano conspired with others to conduct financial transactions which were designed to conceal proceeds generated from the sale of firearms trafficked from the United States into Canada. After the proceeds were received, Solano used the proceeds to purchase additional firearms.
Beginning in late December 2022, Solano gathered 87 firearms in Phoenix which she intended to deliver to other members of the organization in Michigan.
On January 3, 2023, Solano was driving near Springfield, Illinois when she was contacted by the Illinois State Police. The Illinois State Police troopers searched her vehicle and found 87 firearms, individually wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. One of the firearms was equipped with a machinegun conversion device (also known as a “Switch”) attached. A machinegun conversion device converts a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm.
After Solano was arraigned in Arizona, she was placed on pretrial release. She later removed her electronic monitoring device and fled to Mexico. Through the efforts of the United States Marshals’ Office, she was captured by law enforcement in Mexico and removed to the United States to face prosecution.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
The OCDETF Arizona Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Arizona Army National Guard, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Pima County Sheriff’s Office, and the Scottsdale Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-00408-PHX-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-012_Solano# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Pharmaceutical Executive Sentenced for Insider TradingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former executive of a global pharmaceutical company was sentenced today in federal in Boston for earning more than $250,000 by trading on material non-public information.
Dishant Gupta, 41, of Hillsborough, N.J., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick to two months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release. Gupta was also ordered to pay a fine of $20,000 and forfeiture of $260,078. In October 2024, Gupta pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud.
Gupta worked as the Director of Strategy and Operations in the Boston office of a global pharmaceutical company (Company A). In the spring of 2022, during the course of his employment at Company A, Gupta learned that Company A was negotiating to acquire certain assets of a smaller pharmaceutical company based in Boston (Company B), including its leading cancer drug, and that Company A later agreed to acquire Company B outright.
While in possession of this material non-public information, and in violation of his fiduciary duties to Company A, Gupta acquired shares of Company B in his own and his wife’s brokerage accounts – in an effort to profit from the eventual public announcement of the transaction. Gupta purchased more than 300,000 shares of Company B over approximately two and a half months. Gupta then sold all the shares he had acquired after Company A announced the acquisition of Company B, earning more than $250,000.
The Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil complaint against Gupta alleging violations of the securities laws.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.PDS Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Discharging Firearm During and in Relation to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Isjalon Jermiah Armstead, 22, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today in connection with an indictment charging numerous members of the Push Dat Shit (PDS) street gang with distributing large quantities of marijuana in the District of Columbia as well as using, carrying, and possessing firearms, including fully automatic machineguns, in furtherance of their drug dealing business.
The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., FBI Special Agent Sean T. Ryan of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Field Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Armstead, aka “Smaut,” pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson to discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense. Armstead faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Judge Berman Jackson scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 7, 2025.
As part of his plea, Armstead admitted to participating in a “rolling shootout” in the Washington Highlands neighborhood of Southeast Washington, D.C. on June 5, 2023. According to court documents, Armstead and a fellow PDS gang member were driving a gray Nissan Altima in the area with marijuana that they intended to distribute when they observed a rival gang member. The two men then chased the rival through a residential neighborhood while shooting from their vehicle as the rival returned fire. The gray Nissan Altima was disabled as a result of the shootout, and Armstead and his fellow PDS member fled on foot – discarding bags of marijuana and their firearms as they ran – before being apprehended by MPD officers a few blocks away.
Additional MPD officers responded to the scene and retraced the flight path, at which time they discovered two firearms discarded in a trash can alongside a residence. The firearms were identified as a Glock Model 26, 9mm semi-automatic handgun and an American Tactical Omni Hybrid semi-automatic AR-Pistol chambered in .300 caliber. These firearms matched shell casings recovered from the scene of the rolling shootout. As part of his plea agreement, Armstead admitted to discharging the AR-Pistol during the rolling shootout.
This plea is part of an ongoing joint investigation which has now resulted in 24 convictions and the seizure of two vehicles, 35 firearms, four machine guns, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, approximately 60 pounds of marijuana, 41 grams of cocaine base, dozens of oxycodone pills, and approximately $500,000 in cash.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the ATF’s Washington Field Division, and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James B. Nelson and Justin F. Song and Paralegal Specialist Melissa Macechko.
Surveillance Footage Showing the Grey Nissan Altima (circled in red) and the Vehicle it was Pursuing During the Shootout on June 5, 2023.
Surveillance Footage Showing Armstead Fleeing From the Scene
Firearms Recovered from Armstead’s Flight Path
23cr379
PCP Trafficker Sentenced to 65 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kelvin Sanker Jr., 42, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 65 months in federal prison for his participation in a major fentanyl and PCP trafficking ring that operated in Washington, D.C.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.
Sanker pleaded guilty October 22, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Phencyclidine (PCP). As part of the four-member conspiracy, between August 2023 and February 2024, Sanker assisted in the preparation, storage, and sale of approximately two kilograms of PCP to two undercover officers. In addition to the 65-month prison-term, Judge Friedrich ordered Sanker to serve five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Sanker supplied the PCP for at least seven sales of the illegal drug to undercover officers. Sanker stored the PCP at the home he shared with his elderly mother in a residential area of Washington, D.C. He prepared it for sale by placing it in 8 or 16 oz. water bottles or juice bottles. He then distributed it to his co-conspirators for further sale.
On March 6, 2024, FBI and DEA agents executed search warrants on five residences associated with the conspiracy including Sanker’s home where law enforcement found approximately 1 pound of marijuana, about $1,000 in cash, body armor, and a Glock gun box with two empty magazines and one 30-round extended magazine. In Sanker’s backyard, officers found trace amounts of PCP in a paint can, his patio littered with cans of starter fluid, a substance he used to cut pure PCP prior to distribution, plastic funnels used for pouring liquids, and empty water bottles — materials often used to prepare and store PCP for distribution. On Sanker’s phone, investigators found photographs of the paint can with the PCP residue, a Draco semi-automatic pistol similar to the one found in a co-defendant’s car, and other apparent firearms.
Sanker was arrested on April 17, 2024, and has been held since.
Co-conspirator Jamar Bennett, 45, was sentenced on January 15, 2025, to 121 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of PCP, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Co-defendant Lamont M. Langston, 44, pleaded guilty December 19, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of PCP and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Langston’s sentencing is pending. A third co-conspirator, Norman Morris, 44, is being held pending trial.
This investigation is part of Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking (HIDTA) Washington Area Group Initiative, which seeks to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations; reduce drug-related crime and violence; and identify and respond to emerging drug trends.
The case is being investigated by FBI. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Stempel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter V. Roman of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section (VRTO).
24cr109
Owner of Retirement Services Company Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Money from Clients Through Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Jerry O. Pearson, 62, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell for committing wire fraud. Pearson was sentenced to 63 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution to his victims in the amount of $3,431,152.21.
According to information presented in court, Pearson was the owner/operator of Mid South Retirement Services, LLC (“Mid South”) located in Boyce, Louisiana, from 2012 to 2021. Pearson managed Self-Directed Individual Retirement Accounts (SDIRA). An SDIRA is an IRA held by a custodian that allows investment in a wider range of assets than most conventional IRA custodians permit. Mid South served as the custodian of SDIRAs and managed approximately $40 million in assets. Pearson was also the registered agent and manager/member of an unrelated company, Gray-Walk Farms, LLC, which was registered in the State of Louisiana and located in Alexandria. Gray-Walk Farms is unrelated to Mid South and did not provide SDIRAs.
Pearson created a scheme to defraud clients where he would take funds that Mid South was holding as the custodian, and transfer them to other accounts he controlled, without the client’s permission. Pearson used intermediary accounts at financial institutions in the Western District of Louisiana and elsewhere in the name of Mid South and others to move the money out of the Mid South Funding account where client funds were held. The funds would then be moved to Gray-Walk Farm’s accounts, Pearson’s personal bank accounts, or investment accounts in his name. In total, during the scheme, Pearson transferred $3,431,152.21 in client funds from the Mid South client funding bank account to other accounts he controlled. Pearson then used the funds for himself, as well as the benefit of his family and other companies that he controlled. In order to keep the scheme from being detected, Pearson would misrepresent to clients that he was investing the funds as they had directed, when, in fact, he was taking the money. Pearson pleaded guilty on August 16, 2024, to the Bill of Information charging him with one count of wire fraud.
“Unfortunately, there were over 70 victims who fell prey to Pearson’s schemes and lies in connection with this case and many are left without their life savings and retirement as a result of his selfish actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “This defendant conned many people for years, but his actions have finally caught up with him. This sentence should send a message that if you commit this type of fraud, you will go to prison.”
“Mr. Pearson abused the trust of his clients for the benefit of himself and his family," said Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil of FBI New Orleans. “The FBI will continue to work with partners like the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions to bring justice to people who are victimized in cases like this.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth D. Reeg. The Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions was also involved in the investigation.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
TOLEDO, Ohio – Jeremy Dean Chesser, 42, of Maumee, Ohio, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release by U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp, II, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexually exploiting minors by means of production of child pornography, also referred to as child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), and to receipt and distribution of child pornography. He was also ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution and $15,300 in assessments.
At the time of the offenses, Chesser was employed as a firefighter and was also a father to 10 children that included biological, adopted, and foster children. In 2022, he sexually exploited a two-year-old and produced child pornography of the toddler. From 2022-2023, Chesser sexually exploited a second minor who was 13-14 years old. He sought the minor out online, pretended to be a 16-year-old boy, and proceeded to convince that minor that they were in a relationship. Chesser then induced that minor to produce and send him sexually explicit photos.
During execution of a federal search warrant on Chesser’s residence, his cellphone was seized and found to contain a large volume of CSAM involving 65 other minors. Investigators discovered that Chesser had been receiving and distributing child pornography for more than 10 years.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI-Toledo Field Office, FBI-New Haven, Connecticut Field Office, and the Maumee Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey Tangeman and Frank Spryszak for the Northern District of Ohio.
To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
North Carolina Man Charged with Transportation and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Wilmington, North Carolina man was charged with transporting and possessing videos and images of child sexual abuse, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.
Barry Grant Bevier, 61, of Wilmington, North Carolina, is charged by complaint with one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On November 26, 2024, Bevier returned from an international trip aboard a flight that landed at Newark Liberty International Airport. After Bevier arrived in Newark, law enforcement officers searched Bevier’s cellular phone and found approximately forty-five photographs and approximately twenty-one videos depicting child sexual abuse material. The officers found multiple photographs and videos of child sexual abuse material that Bevier took himself, along with a “selfie” image of himself and one of the victims.
The charge of transportation of child pornography carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”)—Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New Jersey for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor A. Chenoweth of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Paul A. Di Lella, Esq., Parsippany
bevier.complaint.pdfNew York Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Possessing A Firearm in Furtherance of A Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gabriel Figueroa, age 29, a resident of New York, was sentenced on January 28, 2025, to 60 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, between December 2023 and January 2024, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to conduct three controlled purchases of cocaine from Figueroa. Following the controlled purchases, a search warrant was executed at Figueroa’s residence and law enforcement recovered methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, ammunition, and a Taurus .380 caliber handgun.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives—Allentown Field Office, the Kingston Police Department, and members of the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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New York Man Sentenced to 32 Months for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose A. Rodriguez, age 63, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, to 32 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, in December of 2023, Rodriguez was transported from New York to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, by unknown persons who provided him with false identifications and instructed him to make withdrawals form victim bank accounts. In exchange for doing so, Rodriguez was provided a steady supply of drugs. Rodriguez made a total of seven fraudulent withdrawals from victim bank accounts at various financial institutions throughout Lycoming, Tioga, and Centre Counties. Rodriguez successfully withdrew $42,000 before he was apprehended during the course of an attempted $8,000 withdrawal.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Lycoming Regional Police Department, the Williamsport Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd prosecuted the case.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced to 45 Months for Federal Gun Control and Controlled Substances Acts ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LOUIS HANDY (“HANDY”), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 16, 2025, by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon after previously pleading guilty to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm, violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, the FBI’s New Orleans Violent Crime Task Force, in conjunction with the New Orleans Police Department, observed HANDY carrying a concealed handgun. When uniformed officers approached him to conduct an investigatory stop, HANDY discarded the gun under a nearby vehicle, ran but was caught after a brief chase. After seizing the handgun HANDY discarded, officers searched HANDY’s person and vehicle, finding fentanyl, marijuana, oxycodone, suboxone films, a digital scale, latex gloves, and several hundred dollars in cash. HANDY had several prior felony convictions, that prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
Judge Fallon sentenced HANDY to 45 months imprisonment on both the drug trafficking count and the felon in possession of a firearm count, to run concurrently, and ordered that HANDY be placed on supervised release for three years after his release from prison. The Court also ordered HANDY to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TROY LOCKE (“LOCKE”), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 15, 2024, by United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter, after previously pleading guilty to nine different counts related to federal drug and firearms violations, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, undercover ATF agents made several, camera recorded, controlled purchases of crack cocaine and firearms from LOCKE in July and August 2023. During one of the purchases, LOCKE had a gun in his lap. During another, LOCKE sold an AR style rifle for $1,000 to an undercover ATF agent. After these controlled purchases, the ATF executed a search warrant at LOCKE’s residence and found him in possession of two more firearms, including an assault rifle with an extended magazine. LOCKE had several prior felony convictions, that prohibited him from possessing firearms. In total, LOCKE sold the agents over 120 grams of crack cocaine and illegally possessed three different firearms.
Judge Vitter sentenced LOCKE to 120 months imprisonment, ordering that he serve 60 months on each of Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9, to run concurrently, and another 60 months on Count 5, to run consecutively. Judge Vitter also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release and ordered that LOCKE pay a $900 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun track violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator, handled the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Controlled Substances Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DERRICK WASHINGTON a/k/a “Eyes,” (“WASHINGTON”) age 53, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five hundred grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. WASHINGTON was sentenced to (63) sixty-three months imprisonment, (4) four years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, WASHINGTON and other co-conspirators, distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine within the Eastern District of Louisiana. During the investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, seized over forty (40) kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, over $700,000.00 in cash, and other property.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office and was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JOY JOSEPH BANERJEE (“BANERJEE”), age 57, of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 28, 2025, for possession of prepubescent child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(b), to sixty (60) months imprisonment.
According to court documents, the case against BANERJEE began with an online child sexual abuse material investigation by the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office. Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), utilizing its special agents, then assumed the investigation and executed a federal search warrant at BANERJEE’s New Orleans home in April of 2023. HSI’s investigation determined BANERJEE knowingly possessed images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of prepubescent minors.
United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced BANERJEE to sixty (60) months imprisonment, a term of eight (8) years of supervised release, and payment of a $5,100.00 special assessment fee.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s 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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office; and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of Financial Crimes Unit.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Maintaining Drug Involved PremisesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JENNIE L. JAMES (“JAMES”), age 67, a resident of Warren, Arkansas, was sentenced on January 28, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premises, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 856(a)(1). JAMES was sentenced to twelve months and one day imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, JAMES maintained her residence, and assisted her son and co-defendant, Jerad M. Barrett, in using the residence to cultivate and distribute kilogram quantities of marijuana. Agents also located communications between JAMES and Barrett related to the distribution, packaging, and relocation of narcotics within the Eastern District of Louisiana. During the investigation, agents recovered approximately 940 kilograms of marijuana, stored in plastic bins and barrels, both from within the residence and other storage units.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CLEMENT LEACH (“LEACH”), age 54, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on January 29, 2025 to Bank Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a). LEACH faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release following his release from prison, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
According to court documents, LEACH admitted that on March 2, 2020, he robbed a Chase Bank in New Orleans and obtained approximately $920 in the robbery.
Sentencing is scheduled in this matter for May 7, 2025, before United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force and officers of New Orleans Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.
New Jersey Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Causing the Death of A Seven-Year-Old Boy and A 48-Year-Old Woman in Hudson River Boat CapsizingRead the Press Release
Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that RICHARD CRUZ, who caused the deaths of a seven-year-old boy and a 48-year-old woman after his motor vessel Stimulus Money capsized in the Hudson River in July 2022, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla to 18 months in prison. In October 2024, CRUZ pled guilty to misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death.
U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said: “Today, Richard Cruz has been held accountable for his misconduct and negligent actions that caused the tragic deaths of a young boy and a woman when Cruz’s vessel capsized in the Hudson River. This prosecution should send a message to all captains and operators of commercial vessels that there will be consequences when they fail to follow the federal regulations and safety protocols that exist to keep passengers safe.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, Information, and statements made in court:
On July 12, 2022, at approximately 2:40 p.m., the motor vessel Stimulus Money capsized in the Hudson River resulting in the death of two passengers — a seven-year-old boy (“Victim-1”) and a 48-year-old woman (“Victim-2”). At the time of the capsizing, CRUZ was the owner and captain of the vessel. CRUZ had purchased the vessel approximately three months before the capsizing. CRUZ conducted boat “tours” for paying customers onboard the vessel on multiple occasions in the months leading up to the capsizing, despite not having the required United States Coast Guard (“USCG”) credentials and certifications to do so.
CRUZ’s negligent actions and omissions caused the capsizing and the deaths of Victim-1 and Victim-2. At the time of the capsizing, among other things: CRUZ operated Stimulus Money with 13 people on board, exceeding the vessel’s maximum allowable capacity; CRUZ operated Stimulus Money at a high rate of speed even though an advisory had been issued to alert small watercraft of hazardous conditions, including high winds and heavy seas; CRUZ had not obtained a required USCG certification to operate the vessel with paying customers on board; and CRUZ operated Stimulus Money without a valid USCG Certificate of Inspection, which is required for a vessel to operate with paying customers on board.
All 13 people on board Stimulus Money were thrown overboard when it capsized in the Hudson River. Shortly after the capsizing, boats from the New York City Police Department’s (“NYPD”) Harbor Unit and the New York City Fire Department’s (“FDNY”) Dive Rescue Team, and ferries operating nearby, arrived at the scene of the capsizing to render emergency assistance. All but two passengers were recovered conscious and in varying medical conditions. They were subsequently transferred to hospitals in Manhattan and survived the capsizing. Approximately 25 minutes after the capsizing, members of the FDNY Dive Rescue Team recovered Victim-1 and Victim-2 from the Hudson River. They were trapped underneath the capsized vessel and found unconscious. Emergency medical personnel subsequently pronounced Victim-1 and Victim-2 deceased. The cause of death was drowning.
Please report any illegal passenger charters to the USCG at https://www.p3tips.com/878.
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In addition to the sentence, CRUZ, 33, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, has been ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution for the funeral expenses of the victims.
Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding investigative work of the USCG Investigative Service and the Special Agents and NYPD Detectives assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey W. Coyle is in charge of the prosecution.
Nebraska Woman Sentenced in Fentanyl Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Emily Clayton, age 41, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced January 30, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Clayton to 84 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Clayton’s release from prison, she will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. She will also forfeit $2,080.00 in United States currency as drug proceeds.
From February 2022 to February 2023 Emily Clayton was involved with Daniel Lacy and Taft Burtton in selling fentanyl to other individuals. On February 15, 2023, a search warrant was executed on the residence of Clayton and Lacy. Numerous items of drug paraphernalia and distribution were located. On that day, Clayton called Burtton to bring fentanyl, and Burtton arrived with 100 grams of fentanyl and was arrested. Law enforcement received a Crimestoppers tip, and on February 24, 2023, and went back to Emily Clayton’s residence, where they seized 40 grams of fentanyl, a scale, and $2,080.00 in United States currency.
On January 3, 2025, Burtton was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. On January 30, 2025, Lacy was sentenced 120 months imprisonment.
This case was primarily investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Nebraska Man Sentenced in Fentanyl Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Daniel Lacy, age 42, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced January 30, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Lacy to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Lacy’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
From February 2022 to February 2023, Emily Clayton was involved with Daniel Lacy and Taft Burtton in selling fentanyl to other individuals. On February 15, 2023, a search warrant was executed on the residence of Clayton and Lacy. Numerous items of drug paraphernalia and distribution were located. On that day, Clayton called Burtton to bring fentanyl, and Burtton arrived with 100 grams of fentanyl and was arrested. Law enforcement received a Crimestoppers tip, and on February 24, 2023, and went back to Emily Clayton’s residence, where they seized 40 grams of fentanyl, a scale, and $2,080.00 in United States currency.
On January 3, 2025, Burtton was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. On January 30, 2025, Clayton was sentenced 84 months imprisonment.
This case was primarily investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Multiple Nashville Felons Charged with Federal Weapons, Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Three Nashville men, all of whom have previous convictions for either violent crimes or drug felonies, were recently charged with federal firearms offenses, two of the men were additionally charged with drug offenses, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Robert E. McGuire. Carlos J. Rodriguez, 27, was charged on January 24 with being a felon in possession of a firearm; George Charles Carter, III, 48, was charged on January 24 with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and Keontis Jenkins, 28, was charged on January 27 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances,
“We are ramping up our efforts to protect our community from those who would illegally possess guns and those who would sell drugs,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “These three arrests in the span of just a few days should put violent criminals on notice that if you break the law, we will hold you accountable in federal court—especially if you possess dangerous drugs like fentanyl and dangerous items like Glock switches. If we find evidence to support a federal charge, we are not going to wait. We are going to act.”
Rodriguez
According to court documents, on September 25, 2024, law enforcement conducted a surveillance operation in the area of a bar on Charlotte Pike in Nashville. While conducting surveillance, agents saw Rodriguez exit the bar and conduct what appeared to be hand-to-hand narcotics transactions in the parking lot. After agents stopped Rodriguez, he told them that he was on probation out of Rutherford County for selling narcotics. A search of Rodriguez’s car yielded over $500, 9mm cartridge cases, three cell phones, and handwritten ledgers and notes that appeared to document narcotics sales. Rodriguez was arrested on a state offense and was released.
On January 17, 2025, ATF Agents were notified that Rodriguez was arrested for driving with an expired license. Agents asked Rodriguez about his arrest on September 25, 2024, and Rodriguez acknowledged that he possessed the ammunition was recovered from his car and that he knew he was a convicted felon who could not possess ammunition. At the time Rodriguez possessed the ammunition, he was a prohibited person, having previously been convicted in Rutherford County of a felony drug offense.
Carter
On January 19, 2025, at approximately 3:20 a.m., Metro Nashville Police officers began investigating an armed robbery attempt that resulted in a shooting. When officers arrived on scene, they found a victim with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper left arm and a single gunshot wound to his upper right arm. The shooting was captured on Metropolitan House and Development Agency cameras near the J.C. Napier Housing Development. On the video, officers observed a person, later determined to be Carter, making movements consistent with pointing a weapon. Officers also recovered multiple shell casings from the area where Carter could be seen standing on the video.
The next day, MNPD detectives observed a silver Dodge Avenger which matched the description of a suspect vehicle involved in the shooting the night before. The driver appeared to be conducting hand-to-hand narcotics transactions out the driver’s window. When officers attempted to stop the car, the Avenger’s driver, later identified as Carter, fled from officers, almost striking another vehicle. Carter drove at high rates of speed, drove into oncoming traffic, ran red lights, and almost caused multiple accidents. After he was arrested, Carter admitted throwing a bag of narcotics out of the car next to Margaret Allen Middle School on Spence Lane. Detectives later retrieved a bag which contained approximately 18.5 grams of cocaine, 5.2 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and multiple baggies.
Carter eventually came to a stop in the area of Thompson Lane in Nashville and was taken into custody. Carter admitted that he fled from officers, that he had thrown a bag out the window which contained the drugs that were later recovered by detectives, and that he had a bag of crack cocaine, also known as cocaine base, inside his pants. Detectives recovered this bag during the interview. The bag weighed approximately 40.6 grams. A check through law enforcement databases revealed that Carter has multiple felony convictions in Tennessee including Aggravated Assault and Simple Possession with Priors in Davidson County.
Jenkins
On January 14, 2025, Metropolitan Nashville Police Detectives arrested Jenkins on outstanding warrants for attempted homicide. A search of Jenkins’ person led to the discovery of an oxycodone pill and a search of the vehicle Jenkins was driving resulted in the recovery of a Glock pistol from the rear passenger’s side floorboard, with an affixed machine gun conversion device (MCD). Later that day, MNPD detectives executed a search warrant on Jenkins’ residence, which resulted in the discovery of two additional firearms, a Glock model 17 9mm pistol and a Glock model 19 9mm pistol, along with three bags of M30 pills (approximately two hundred pressed suspected fentanyl pills), Xanax bars, hydrocodone, marijuana, baggies, scales, U.S. currency, and a money counter.
MNPD detectives interviewed Jenkins who admitted selling marijuana, fentanyl, and Xanax. Jenkins also admitted that he carries a firearm to protect himself during narcotics sales and that he had shot one of his customers in a drug deal gone wrong. Jenkins has multiple prior felony convictions in Tennessee, including Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon and Contraband in a Penal Facility in Madison County. Jenkins admitted he knew he was a felon and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
These cases are being investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens is prosecuting the cases.
A complaint is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Monessen Resident Sentenced to Two Decades in Prison for Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 20 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Stefan Sweeney, 36.
According to information presented to the Court, Sweeney produced a video depicting the sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old girl.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Wiegand stated that a 20-year term of imprisonment reflected a balance between the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility and the serious nature of his crimes.
Assistant United States Attorney DeMarr Moulton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Kennedy Township Police Department; Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and other local police departments for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sweeney.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Mississippi Delta Grain Elevator Owner Sentenced for FraudRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – A Greenwood man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay more than $69 million in restitution for committing millions of dollars in fraud in connection with operation of a grain elevator in the Mississippi Delta.
According to court documents, John R. Coleman, 48, was the owner and operator of Express Grain, a grain elevator in the Greenwood area that purchased, processed and stored grain that had been harvested by local farmers. Coleman altered the audited financial statements of Express Grain in order to receive a State warehouse license, lied about the amount of debt he owed on grain held at the Express Grain facility, and claimed to farmers that Express Grain was financially healthy when, in fact, Express Grain was on the brink of bankruptcy. Express Grain eventually filed bankruptcy in 2021 causing widespread financial hardship for farmers all over the Mississippi Delta.
United States District Judge Micheal P. Mills sentenced Coleman to serve 120 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $69,841,797 in restitution to his victims.
Following the sentencing, both state and federal leaders acknowledged the importance of this investigation and prosecution to the State of Mississippi and condemned the defendant’s fraudulent actions which cost Mississippi farmers millions of dollars.
“This defendant’s actions were unconscionable and affected the livelihood of a large number of farmers, and he has fully earned the sentence imposed today,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We commend and appreciate the work done by the Mississippi Attorney General’s office and our federal law enforcement partners, without whom a conviction would not have occurred.”
"This sentence should serve as a stark reminder to that those who seek to deceive and exploit Mississippians - you will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “Thank you to our federal and state partners for your commitment to working with us to investigate and prosecute these crimes. My office will continue to fight on behalf of hardworking Mississippi taxpayers and farmers, and we look forward to our day in State court in the coming weeks.”
"This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigating individuals like Mr. Coleman who betrayed the trust of farmers throughout Mississippi,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff. “The FBI continues to work with federal and state partners to investigate complex financial crimes to identify, deter, and disrupt individuals fraudulently harming financial institutions and Mississippians."
“I want to thank the US Attorney’s Office, OIG special agents, and our investigative partners for their hard work on this investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dax R. Roberson, for the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Agriculture. “When the integrity of our nation’s farming and ranching industry is violated by criminal conduct, the Office of Inspector General will pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The defendant caused extensive financial harm to Mississippi farmers who bring economic output in their communities and feed the population, making them the backbone of our society,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are working on behalf of the farmers and the general public to investigate and bring to justice those whose criminal actions bring financial and emotional hardship into their lives.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton A. Dabbs prosecuted the case.
Michigan Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Clark Lake, Michigan, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2025.
Jamie Lee, age 40, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Lee was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2024. She pleaded guilty on November 13, 2024.
Beginning around March 2023, Lee began obtaining fentanyl along with her boyfriend, Jacob Denker. They picked up fentanyl in Colorado and then brought it to South Dakota. In Rapid City, Lee and her boyfriend had sub-distributors who further distributed fentanyl throughout the Rapid City area and the Pine Ridge Reservation. This activity continued through September 2023. Overall, Lee and co-conspirators were responsible for bringing over 400 grams of fentanyl to the area. Jacob Denker was previously sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Co-defendant Eugene Giago is scheduled for trial on March 11, 2025.
This case was investigated by the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.
Lee was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following the sentencing.
Mexican National Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jose Luis Ramos, 56, of Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, Ramos was intercepted on a wiretap coordinating the delivery of 10 pounds of methamphetamine in Southern California. Two pounds of that methamphetamine was ultimately seized by the FBI in Sacramento.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron L. Desmond and Alstyn Bennett prosecuted the case.
Ramos’ co-defendant, Jesus Celaya, was sentenced on Oct. 10, 2024, to 73 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Mexican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Elizabeth Ramirez-Medina (39, Mexico) with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. If convicted, Ramirez-Medina faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison. She was arraigned on January 28, 2025, and is currently detained pending the resolution of the criminal case.
According to the indictment, Ramirez-Medina was previously deported from the United States on one prior occasion. After her removal, Ramirez-Medina did not receive the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of the Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. On October 3, 2024, Ramirez-Medina was found to be voluntarily in the United States.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
Mexican Citizen Pleads Guilty to Illegally Transporting Undocumented AliensRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Angel Ramon Lopez-Hernandez (36), a citizen of Mexico, has pleaded guilty to being paid to transport undocumented aliens to further their illegal presence in the United States. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, on December 11, 2024, a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol stopped a Ford Explorer on I-75 in Columbia County. Lopez-Hernandez was driving the vehicle, which contained four passengers. Because Lopez-Hernandez and the passengers did not appear to speak English and because the trooper suspected that Lopez-Hernandez was transporting aliens who were unlawfully present in the United States, he contacted U.S. Border Patrol agents for assistance. At the scene, the agents questioned Lopez-Hernandez and the passengers about their citizenship and immigration status. Lopez-Hernandez and two of the passengers stated that they were citizens of Mexico and that they were illegally present in the United States.
The vehicle’s odometer showed that the mileage at the time of the stop was 401,996. Database checks reflected that Lopez-Hernandez had purchased the vehicle on September 22, 2022, and that the mileage at the time of the purchase was 158,016, meaning that the vehicle had been driven more than 9,000 miles per month since Lopez-Hernandez had purchased it.
During later questioning, Lopez-Hernandez stated that he was being paid to transport the passengers and admitted that he had previously been paid to transport undocumented aliens, including from North Carolina to Florida. The passengers stated that they had entered the United States illegally and that they had paid for assistance in crossing the Mexican border and being transported to Florida, where they expected to find work.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.
Marshall County Woman Sentenced to 52 Months in Prison for COVID IRS FraudRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – Today U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Lakisha Pearson, age 48, of Holly Springs, Mississippi, to a 52-month jail sentence for mail fraud in connection with falsely claimed IRS Employee Retention Tax Credit for others. Judge Mills also ordered Pearson to repay $15,942,586.77 in restitution.
Pearson, who owns Unity Tax Express, pled guilty to using the internet to file false tax credit claims for numerous persons totaling nearly $47 million and taking kickbacks from those persons. The IRS mailed Treasury checks totaling $15,942,586.77 in ERC credits to the claimants who thought they were given a government grant and were not aware that Pearson had filed tax returns on their behalf.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES" Act), enacted on March 27, 2020, provided for an IRS Employee Retention Credit ("ERC") designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll during the pandemic. Subsequent legislation (the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) modified and extended the ERC.
“Employee Retention Credits were tax credits designed to provide critical assistance to business owners struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, but fraudsters and thieves infuriatingly decided to use the credits to line their own pockets during this emergency,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “This office plans to pursue charges against all of those who decided to steal from American taxpayers, and we thank the IRS for the investigation of this case.”
“Unscrupulous tax preparers are put on notice that there is a price to pay for using their trusted position to defraud the federal government,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Lisa Fontanette, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “While IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will find and investigate these tax crimes, this case is an important reminder to filers during this tax season to do their research when choosing a tax preparer.”
The scheme in the instant case was initially uncovered during a separate criminal investigation which resulted in Pearson’s conviction for Payroll Protection loans. Pearson awaits sentencing in that case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts prosecuted the case on behalf of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi. The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent T.J. Mitchell.
MS-13 member sentenced to life in prison for murders in Virginia and MassachusettsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Salvadoran national and member of the Uniones Locos Salvatrucha (ULS) clique of the violent Mara Salvatrucha 13 (MS-13) gang was sentenced today to six concurrent life prison sentences and additional terms of years following his conviction on charges relating to his participation in the gang’s criminal enterprise, including six murders and additional murder conspiracies.
According to court documents, on Aug. 25, 2018, Elmer De Jesus Alas Candray, aka German Alexander Ramirez Lopez, Buky, and Desquiciado, 27, met other MS-13 members in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to murder an associate of MS-13's Directos Locos Salvatrucha clique, identified in court records as K.A.C. MS-13 leadership in El Salvador had approved the murder because they believed K.A.C. had betrayed MS-13. That evening, they met K.A.C. at the residence of an MS-13 member in New Bedford. After the group ate dinner together, they beat and strangled K.A.C. to death. The conspirators then dismembered K.A.C.’s body, placed his remains in trash bags, and buried the remains in a wooded area near New Bedford. Alas Candray and other conspirators were promoted in the MS-13 ranks for their participation in the murder.
In June 2019, Alas Candray and others conspired to murder individuals who frequently gathered to drink in a wooded area in the clique’s perceived territory in Reston. On June 23, 2019, Alas Candray and other members and associates armed themselves with a 9mm firearm, a .45 caliber firearm, and two machetes and traveled to the Hunters Woods area of Reston. The group murdered an individual, identified as J.L.G.M., shooting him and slashing him with a machete.
On Sept. 17, 2020, Alas Candray and others devised a plan to lure a young woman, identified as I.J.P.G., to Colts Neck Road in Reston under false pretenses and kill her because they believed she was associated with a rival gang and had disparaged MS-13 on social media. A co-conspirator exchanged messages with I.J.P.G. via Snapchat, pretending to be a member of MS-13’s rival gang. He and another co-conspirator later picked up I.J.P.G. and drove her to Colts Neck Road, where Alas Candray and another MS-13 member were waiting for them. The four co-conspirators killed I.J.P.G. by taking turns shooting her, primarily in the face.
In March 2021, MS-13 members and associates conspired to murder an individual, identified as S.A.T.L., because they believed he was a member of a rival gang. On March 11, 2021, Alas Candray and other MS-13 members and associates, surveilled S.A.T.L. in Fairfax County and waited for an opportunity to murder him. Alas Candray and his co-conspirators went to an apartment complex on Winterthur Court in Reston where Alas Candray fatally shot S.A.T.L.
On May 30, 2022, Alas Candray and co-conspirators travelled to the Lerner Springs at Reston Apartment Homes and joined others on a footpath behind the complex to patrol the clique’s perceived territory. Shortly thereafter, the conspirators encountered an individual, identified as R.A.P.S., on the footpath. Alas Candray and others murdered R.A.P.S. by kicking him and dropping a large rock on his head as he lay on the footpath.
On June 18, 2022, Alas Candray and a co-conspirator picked up an individual, identified as F.R.A.R., from Reston and drove him to Seneca Regional Park in Fairfax County. Alas Candray, and his co-conspirators believed that F.R.A.R. had disrespected MS-13 and violated its rules. After arriving at a pre-selected location in the park, Alas Candray and several co-conspirators murdered F.R.A.R. by beating him with a baseball bat and stabbing him. They then dismembered F.R.A.R.’s body and buried F.R.A.R.'s remains in a clandestine grave.
On Aug. 17, 2022, Alas Candray instructed a relative to relay a message to other ULS members and associates. Using coded language, Alas Candray instructed a co-conspirator to get rid of ammunition, warned ULS members and associates that law enforcement had pictures of them, and advised them to move. The relative relayed the message the following day.
The jury convicted Alas Candray of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, five counts of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, five counts of murder in aid of racketeering, and three counts of use of a firearm during a crime of violence causing death.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Sean Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Blanchard, Megan Braun, and Natasha Smalky prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:22-cr-1789.
Mexican National Residing in Georgia Charged with Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that a federal grand jury recently returned a two-count indictment charging Victorino De La Cruz, age 42, of Mableton, Georgia, with attempted production of child pornography and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. De La Cruz appeared for his arraignment and pled not guilty to the pending charges.
According to the indictment, between August 8, 2024 and November 22, 2024, De La Cruz knowingly attempted to employ, use, persuade, entice, and coerce an individual he believed was a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Additionally, according to the indictment, on August 11, 2024, De La Cruz, using a means of interstate commerce, knowingly attempted to transfer obscene material to an individual he believed had not attained the age of 16 years old.
Attempted production of child pornography is punishable by a maximum penalty of 15 – 30 years in prison, depending on sentencing enhancements. Attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. De La Cruz also faces potential sex offender registration, supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Anderson.
NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.
Luchese Crime Family Soldier and Four Associates Plead Guilty to Crimes Including Racketeering, Money Laundering and Illegal GamblingRead the Press Release
Earlier today and throughout the past few weeks, in federal court in Brooklyn, five members and associates of the Luchese organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra pleaded guilty to multiple crimes, including racketeering, money laundering and illegal gambling related to criminal activities throughout New York City. The proceedings were held before United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto. Today, Luchese crime family soldier Anthony Villani pleaded guilty to racketeering, money laundering and illegal gambling. As part of Villani’s plea agreement, he will pay $4 million in forfeiture. His co-defendants have agreed to pay an additional approximately $1 million in forfeiture. Villani and his co-defendants operated a large-scale, illegal online gambling business (the Gambling Business) that operated under the protection of the Luchese crime family across the New York metropolitan area. The gambling business, known as “Rhino Sports,” operated since the early 2000s and brought millions in illicit profits annually.
John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty pleas.
“These guilty pleas represent a victory for the rule of law over the pernicious activities of organized crime that undermine the safety of our communities,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “Illegal gambling businesses require enforcement and protection from mob rivals that carry the persistent threat of violence. However, the defendants’ luck ran out and, thanks to the hard work of the team of prosecutors and investigators, they will be held accountable for their crimes and pay their debt to society.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy stated: “Our investigations involving members of the Five Families don't make the same headlines as they have historically. However, the men pleading guilty in this case illustrate how entrenched the traditional mafia are in their noxious and familiar criminality. They are less flashy these days - and a lot of that is due to the incredible cunning and tenacity agents and investigators on our FBI New York Westchester Organized Crime Task Force use to pursue members of these organizations.”
As detailed in the indictment and court filings, for over 25 years, Villani has been involved in significant gambling operations, principally based in the Bronx and Westchester, New York, that were affiliated with multiple organized crime families. Villani owned and operated the Gambling Business since at least 2004. The Gambling Business was hosted using servers in Costa Rica and employed local bookmakers to pay and collect winnings. Villani’s bookmakers included members and associates of the Luchese crime family and other La Cosa Nostra families. As part of the scheme, Villani employed trusted individuals, including defendants Louis Tucci, Jr. and Dennis Filizzola, to assist in operating the business and collecting at least $1 million annually. Records obtained of the Gambling Business’s website indicated that Villani’s illegal gambling operation regularly took bets from between 400 and 1,300 bettors each week, most of whom were based in New York City and the metropolitan area. At Villani’s direction, Filizzola took proceeds from the Gambling Business and used them to purchase U.S. Postal Service money orders in false names, which were then made payable to one of Villani’s property companies to appear as legitimate rental payments.
When sentenced, Villani faces up to 20 years in prison. Louis Tucci, Jr., pleaded guilty on January 27, 2025 to illegal sports betting and faces up to five years in prison. Filizzola pleaded guilty on January 21, 2025 to illegal sports betting and money laundering and faces up to five years in prison and up to 20 years in prison on those counts respectively. James Coumoutsos pleaded guilty on January 21, 2025 to illegal sports betting and faces up to five years in prison. Michael Praino pleaded guilty on January 10, 2025 to illegal sports gambling and faces up to five years in prison. A sixth defendant remains at large.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorney Antoinette N. Rangel is in charge of the prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendants:
ANTHONY VILLANI
Age: 60
Elmsford, NYJAMES COUMOUTSOS (also known as “Quick”)
Age: 62
Bronx, NYDENNIS FILIZZOLA
Age: 61
Cortlandt Manor, NYMICHAEL PRAINO (also known as “Platinum”)
Age: 47
Lake Worth, FloridaLOUIS TUCCI, JR. (also known as “Tooch”)
Age: 61
Tuckahoe, NYE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-405 (KAM)
Lincoln County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jason L. Norman, 42, of Ranger, was sentenced today to one year one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 10, 2023, Norman possessed a Smith & Wesson model M&P 15 .223-caliber rifle and a Mossberg model 500A 12-gauge shotgun at his residence in Ranger.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Norman knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm following his felony conviction for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in Lincoln County Circuit Court on April 13, 2017.
The investigation of the current offense revealed that Norman also possessed a third firearm, a Glock semi-automatic pistol, that he sold to another individual.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess and former Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-94.
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Lexington Attorney Indicted for Embezzling at Least $2.5 MillionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An attorney working as a bookkeeper for three Massachusetts companies has been indicted by a federal grand jury for embezzling at least $2.5 million from the companies.
David Smerling, 74, of Lexington, was indicted on three counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. He was previously charged by criminal complaint on Jan. 13, 2025.
According to the indictment, between January 2016 and May 2020, Smerling embezzled more than $2.5 million from the companies by transferring funds first to a bank account owned by one of the victims that Smerling controlled before moving the money to bank accounts in his own name, or directly from the companies’ accounts to bank accounts in his own name. The indictment also alleges that Smerling concealed his scheme by changing the mailing address on the victims’ bank statements to his home address and refusing to share the online banking password for the victims’ accounts.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Leader of Brockton-Area Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Braintree man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to fentanyl conspiracy charge.
Jonathan Melendez Decatro, a/k/a “Jacha,” 32, of Braintree, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2025. Pursuant to a plea agreement filed in court, Melendez Decatro will face a sentence of 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Melendez Decatro was indicted in June 2023.
During an investigation that began in 2019, Melendez Decatro was identified as the leader of a large-scale fentanyl and cocaine trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the Brockton area, who sourced drugs directly from Colombia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. On two dates in 2021, packages intended for Melendez Decatro were intercepted by law enforcement and each found to contain a kilogram of cocaine. Additionally, on several dates in the spring of 2023, Melendez Decatro conspired with an individual who resided in the Dominican Republic to distribute in total 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl to another individual in Braintree. It was later determined that the purity of the fentanyl exceeded 50% and also contained xylazine. During of search of Melendez Decatro’s residence, over $10,000 in drug proceeds and clothing worn during the fentanyl transactions were recovered.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Bogota; United States Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; and the Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Lawton Couple Charged with Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Grand Jury has charged JACKIE ANTONIO DUNCAN, 35, and NIA HALL, 30, both of Lawton, with sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, in May 2024, two juveniles ran away from a juvenile group home in Lawton, Oklahoma, and were entered into law enforcement databases as missing juveniles. One of the juveniles was located by officers with the Plano Police Department on July 16, 2024, at a motel in Collin County, Texas, where she disclosed she and the other missing juvenile had been sex-trafficked. The juvenile told officers that after she and the other juvenile had fled the group home, they were approached by two people, later identified as Hall and Duncan, at a gas station. The juveniles began living with Hall and Duncan, who soon after transported the juveniles to various cities in Texas, where they performed sex acts for money, which Hall and Duncan kept. In return, the juveniles were provided food and shelter. The juvenile told authorities she had recently escaped Hall and Duncan’s car in the Dallas area. On September 30, 2024, the second juvenile was found and recovered in San Antonio, Texas. She recounted a similar story of being sex-trafficked by Hall and Duncan in exchange for food and shelter. During the investigation, local and federal law enforcement reviewed sex advertisements associated with Hall. These advertisements contained photos of the juveniles.
Public record further reflects that Hall and Duncan were arrested on December 16, 2024. On January 21, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a three-count Indictment against Duncan and Hall, charging them with sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. If found guilty, Hall and Duncan face up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000 on each count.
The public is reminded these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lawton Police Department, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs Control, Fort Smith Police Department, Arkansas State Police, San Antonio Police Department, Plano Police Department, and Fort Worth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ganz and Brandon Hale are prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
LaPorte Brothers Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Raymond Calvin Smith, 27 years old, and Bruce Milik Smith, 25 years old, brothers from LaPorte, Indiana, were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to federal felony charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Raymond Smith was sentenced to 70 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. Bruce Smith was sentenced to 39 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. The two brothers were ordered to pay $723,832.64 in restitution to the victims of their offense. Raymond Smith was also ordered to pay $162,928.62 in restitution to the IRS.
According to documents in the case, from about January 2021 to December 2021, the Smith brothers operated an elaborate fraud scheme using Indiana mobile sports wagering applications. Using personal information of victims, such as bank account numbers and passwords, they set up dozens of accounts in victims’ names on at least 8 different sports wagering applications. Using sports wagering applications, they funneled money from victims’ bank accounts to themselves. With the personal information of approximately 60 victims, the Smith brothers stole a total of $723,832.64, and unsuccessfully attempted to steal an additional $930,782.00. Both Smith brothers pled guilty to the mail fraud scheme while Raymond Smith also pled guilty to evading taxes on the proceeds he received in 2021.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Indiana Gaming Commission. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.
Justice Department Sues to Block Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Proposed $14 Billion Acquisition of Rival Wireless Networking Technology Provider Juniper NetworksRead the Press Release
Note: View the complaint here.
The Justice Department today sued to block Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.’s (HPE) proposed $14 billion acquisition of rival wireless local area network (WLAN) technology provider Juniper Networks Inc. (Juniper). HPE and Juniper are the second- and third- largest providers, respectively, of enterprise-grade WLAN solutions in the United States. The complaint, filed in the Northern District of California, alleges that the proposed transaction would eliminate fierce head-to-head competition between the companies, raise prices, reduce innovation, and diminish choice for scores of American businesses and institutions, in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act.
“HPE and Juniper are successful companies. But rather than continue to compete as rivals in the WLAN marketplace, they seek to consolidate — increasing concentration in an already concentrated market,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division. “The threat this merger poses is not theoretical. Vital industries in our country — including American hospitals and small businesses — rely on wireless networks to complete their missions. This proposed merger would significantly reduce competition and weaken innovation, resulting in large segments of the American economy paying more for less from wireless technology providers.”
WLAN technology — which includes hardware, software, and advanced artificial intelligence — is critical for the modern workplace. Millions of Americans today create and share company resources and access the internet from wireless-enabled devices. Retail employees wirelessly process payments and log inventory. Doctors access medical records on phones and tablets and track life-saving patient care on the go. University students take notes on their laptops and access course materials from their dorm rooms. Wireless networking is the primary means by which many employees connect to their employer’s computer network and the internet.
As alleged in the complaint, Juniper has been a disruptive force that has grown rapidly from a minor player to among the three largest enterprise-grade WLAN suppliers in the U.S. Juniper has also introduced innovative tools that have materially decreased the cost of operating a wireless network for many customers. This competitive pressure has forced HPE to discount its offerings and invest in its own innovation. HPE recognized and tracked Juniper’s growing significance and engaged in a campaign, including mandatory training for its engineers and salespeople, to “beat” Juniper when competing for contracts. Indeed, just a month before the proposed acquisition was announced, front-line HPE salespeople were concerned that “[t]he Juniper threat [was] dire” because in dozens of opportunities Juniper was “trying to unseat” HPE. Senior HPE executives shared this view; one former HPE executive reminded his team that “there are no rules in a street fight” with Juniper and encouraged them to “kill” Juniper when going head-to-head for sales opportunities.
Now, HPE seeks to acquire its smaller, innovative rival. The proposed transaction between HPE and Juniper, if allowed to proceed, would further consolidate an already highly concentrated market — and leave U. S. enterprises facing two companies commanding over 70% of the market: the post-merger HPE and market leader Cisco Systems Inc. This substantial lessening competition in a critically important technology market poses the precise threat that the Clayton Act was enacted to prevent.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company is headquartered in Spring, Texas. Its WLAN-focused business unit is located in Santa Clara, California.
Juniper Networks Inc. is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.
Justice Department Resolves Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania Township and Sewage Authority over Allegations They Substantially Burdened Amish Residents’ Religious ExerciseRead the Press Release
Note: View the complaint here and the proposed consent order here.
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department today announced an agreement with Sugar Grove Township, Pennsylvania, and the Sugar Grove Area Sewage Authority (SUGASA), to resolve allegations that they violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) by enacting and enforcing two ordinances against Old Order Amish residents: one mandating that certain households connect to the Township’s municipal sewage system, which requires the use of an electric grinder pump, and one banning privies on property intended for permanent residence. The lawsuit alleges that these acts substantially burdened Old Order Amish residents’ religious exercise, which restricts the use of electricity and requires adherents remain separate and apart from the modern world, and that the Township and SUGASA lacked a compelling reason for doing so.
“No one should have to choose between keeping their home or practicing their faith,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “This office will continue to defend religious communities against zoning ordinances that penalize them for adhering to their religious beliefs.”
“The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act protects the rights of religious communities across the country, including the Old Order Amish, from the enforcement of land use rules that unreasonably burden their religious exercise,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Wolfe of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is proud to support this longstanding Amish community’s religious rights.”
The proposed consent order, which was filed today in the Western District of Pennsylvania and must still be approved by the court, would resolve a lawsuit the United States also filed today alleging that Sugar Grove Township and SUGASA violated RLUIPA by enacting the connection ordinance over Old Order Amish religious objections, enforcing the ordinances against Old Order Amish residences, and imposing municipal liens and fines against Old Order Amish property owners because the property owners did not comply with the ordinances.
As part of the consent order, the Township and SUGASA will exempt certain Old Order Amish households from mandatory connection to the municipal sewage system, permit Old Order Amish residents to use privies on their private properties, and forgive any outstanding liens, fines, or other monetary penalties against Old Order Amish households for prior noncompliance with the two ordinances. The consent order also requires the Township and SUGASA to train its officials and employees on RLUIPA’s provisions, establish a procedure for receiving and resolving RLUIPA complaints, and provide reports to the United States.
RLUIPA is a federal law that protects persons and religious institutions from unduly burdensome or discriminatory land use regulations. More information about RLUIPA and the department’s efforts to enforce it can be found on the Place to Worship Initiative’s webpage.
Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the Civil Rights Division Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (800) 896-7743, or through the online RLUIPA complaint portal.
Justice Department Resolves Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania Township and Sewage Authority over Allegations They Substantially Burdened Amish Residents’ Religious ExerciseRead the Press Release
Note: View the complaint here and the proposed consent order here.
The Justice Department today announced an agreement with Sugar Grove Township, Pennsylvania, and the Sugar Grove Area Sewage Authority (SUGASA), to resolve allegations that they violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) by enacting and enforcing two ordinances against Old Order Amish residents: one mandating that certain households connect to the Township’s municipal sewage system, which requires the use of an electric grinder pump, and one banning privies on property intended for permanent residence. The lawsuit alleges that these acts substantially burdened Old Order Amish residents’ religious exercise, which restricts the use of electricity and requires adherents remain separate and apart from the modern world, and that the Township and SUGASA lacked a compelling reason for doing so.
“The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act protects the rights of religious communities across the country, including the Old Order Amish, from the enforcement of land use rules that unreasonably burden their religious exercise,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Wolfe of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is proud to support this longstanding Amish community’s religious rights.”
“No one should have to choose between keeping their home or practicing their faith,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “This office will continue to defend religious communities against zoning ordinances that penalize them for adhering to their religious beliefs.”
The proposed consent order, which was filed today in the Western District of Pennsylvania and must still be approved by the court, would resolve a lawsuit the United States also filed today alleging that Sugar Grove Township and SUGASA violated RLUIPA by enacting the connection ordinance over Old Order Amish religious objections, enforcing the ordinances against Old Order Amish residences, and imposing municipal liens and fines against Old Order Amish property owners because the property owners did not comply with the ordinances.
As part of the consent order, the Township and SUGASA will exempt certain Old Order Amish households from mandatory connection to the municipal sewage system, permit Old Order Amish residents to use privies on their private properties, and forgive any outstanding liens, fines, or other monetary penalties against Old Order Amish households for prior noncompliance with the two ordinances. The consent order also requires the Township and SUGASA to train its officials and employees on RLUIPA’s provisions, establish a procedure for receiving and resolving RLUIPA complaints, and provide reports to the United States.
RLUIPA is a federal law that protects persons and religious institutions from unduly burdensome or discriminatory land use regulations. More information about RLUIPA and the department’s efforts to enforce it can be found on the Place to Worship Initiative’s webpage.
Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the Civil Rights Division Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (800) 896-7743, or through the online RLUIPA complaint portal.
Justice Department Announces Seizure of Cybercrime Websites Selling Hacking Tools to Transnational Organized Crime GroupsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced the coordinated seizure of 39 domains and their associated servers in an international disruption of a Pakistan-based network of online marketplaces selling hacking and fraud-enabling tools operated by a group known as Saim Raza (also known as HeartSender). The seizures were conducted in coordination with the Dutch National Police.
According to the affidavit filed in support of these seizures, Saim Raza has used these cybercrime websites since at least 2020 to sell phishing toolkits and other fraud-enabling tools to transnational organized crime groups, who used them to target numerous victims in the United States, resulting in over $3 million in victim losses.
The Saim Raza-run websites operated as marketplaces that advertised and facilitated the sale of tools such as phishing kits, scam pages, and email extractors, often used to build and maintain fraud operations. Not only did Saim Raza make these tools widely available on the open internet, it also trained end users on how to use the tools against victims by linking to instructional YouTube videos on how to execute schemes using these malicious programs, making them accessible to criminal actors that lacked this technical criminal expertise. The group also advertised its tools as “fully undetectable” by antispam software.
The transnational organized crime groups and other cybercrime actors who purchased these tools primarily used them to facilitate business email compromise schemes wherein the cybercrime actors tricked victim companies into making payments to a third party. Those payments would instead be redirected to a financial account the perpetrators controlled, resulting in significant losses to victims. These tools were also used to acquire victim user credentials and utilize those credentials to further these fraudulent schemes. The seizure of these domains is intended to disrupt the ongoing activity of these groups and stop the proliferation of these tools within the cybercriminal community.
Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Houston Field Office is investigating the case. The Justice Department appreciates the cooperation and significant assistance law enforcement partners in the Netherlands have provided.
Trial Attorney Gaelin Bernstein of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
Illegal Alien from Costa Rica Sentenced for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MILTON RAYO CASTILLO (“RAYO CASTILLO”), age 26, a native of Costa Rica, was sentenced on January 28. 2025 by United States District Judge Wendy Vitter, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A). RAYO CATILLO was sentenced to fifty-two (52) months incarceration, supervised release for three (3) years, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, on or about March 10, 2024, RAYO CASTILLO, an alien illegally present in the United States, was found in possession of a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, after brandishing the weapon at a patron at a Kenner, Louisiana restaurant.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
Hudson County Man Charged with Online Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County man has been charged with enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.
Ryan Niksa, 34, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was charged in a one-count complaint with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. He had an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court on January 29, 2025, and was ordered detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Since in or around August 2024, Niksa communicated with a minor victim located in another state through social media applications and text messages. Niksa and the minor victim exchanged sexually explicit photos and videos. Niksa expressed his desire to live with the minor victim, discussed traveling to the minor victim’s home state to be with her, and discussed running away with the minor victim to another country where they could evade law enforcement.
Enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark, the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Director James Shea, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Thompson of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Shaiba Rather, Assistant Federal Public Defender
niksa.complaint.pdfHot Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 18 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – An Arkansas man was sentenced yesterday to a combined total of 222 months in Federal Prison for Possession of More Than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, on July 23, 2023, Darius Kyri Walker, age 43, of Hot Springs, was stopped by Hot Springs Police Department Officers for a traffic infraction. Officers recognized Walker and knew that he was on active felony parole supervising through the Arkansas Department of Correction. Additionally, Officers observed an object concealed with Walker’s waistband. Ultimately, Walker was found to be in possession of 61.27 grams of pure methamphetamine, five (5) firearms, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
On June 24, 2024, Walker pleaded guilty to Possession of More Than 50 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hot Springs Police Department, Special Investigations Division, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Hot Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 18 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
HOT SPRINGS – An Arkansas man was sentenced yesterday to a combined total of 222 months in Federal Prison for Possession of More Than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.
According to court records, on July 23, 2023, Darius Kyri Walker, age 43, of Hot Springs, was stopped by Hot Springs Police Department Officers for a traffic infraction. Officers recognized Walker and knew that he was on active felony parole supervising through the Arkansas Department of Correction. Additionally, Officers observed an object concealed with Walker’s waistband. Ultimately, Walker was found to be in possession of 61.27 grams of pure methamphetamine, five (5) firearms, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
On June 24, 2024, Walker pleaded guilty to Possession of More Than 50 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hot Springs Police Department, Special Investigations Division, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.