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Wednesday 8 January 2025
Oglala Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Killing an Infant in Automobile AccidentRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Oglala, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on January 6, 2025.
Sheldon Flute, 29, was sentenced to five 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.
Flute was indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter and Felony Child Abuse and Neglect by a federal grand jury in November 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2024.
In August 2023, Flute drove while intoxicated with his 25-day-old infant son in the car. Flute rolled the car near Loneman, South Dakota, fatally injuring the infant, who was not properly strapped in a car seat. Flute then fled the scene with the injured infant and was eventually found by law enforcement at a residence in Red Shirt, South Dakota. The infant passed away from the injuries sustained in the crash.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Flute was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to PPP, EIDL Loan Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Plymouth, New Hampshire man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland today to conspiring to commit wire fraud.
According to court records, in 2020 and 2021, Tyree Jones, 32, conspired with others to exploit the COVID19 pandemic by submitting fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds. Jones submitted three fraudulent applications for himself and obtained $51,666. On his applications, Jones claimed to be the sole proprietor of non-existent businesses in the agricultural and trucking industries. In addition to filing fraudulent applications for himself, Jones offered to help others obtain PPP and EIDL funds in exchange for “kickbacks” from any funds they received. Jones and coconspirators caused fraudulent applications to be filed for at least 12 other people. As part of the false applications, Jones and his coconspirators filed falsified IRS and bank documents.
Jones faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, followed by up to three years of supervised release. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act: The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who suffered economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act made Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funding available to business owners negatively affected by the COVID19 pandemic. EIDL proceeds were funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and disbursed by the U.S. Treasury. EIDLs could only be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the COVID19 disaster not occurred.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The PPP was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the SBA that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP permitted participating third-party lenders to approve and disburse SBA-backed PPP loans to cover payroll, fixed debts, utilities, rent/mortgage, accounts payable and other bills incurred by qualifying businesses during, and resulting from, the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP loans were fully guaranteed by the SBA.
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Montgomery Man Convicted of Illegally Possessing a Firearm Recovered at Scene of Shooting Where Four-Year-Old Child was InjuredRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On January 7, 2025, a federal jury convicted 27-year-old Grenden James Jordan, from Montgomery, Alabama, on the charge of illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson.
“The illegal use of guns by individuals that have no regard for the safety of our communities, our children, or anyone but themselves will not be tolerated,” stated Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting all violations of federal firearms laws to deter criminals like Grenden Jordan from engaging in these public shootings and placing innocent bystanders in harm’s way.”
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on March 16, 2024, an officer with the Montgomery Police Department heard gun shots being fired on Atlanta Highway near the Eastern Boulevard overpass and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, the officer saw three men walking away from a blue Dodge Challenger that was stopped in one of the lanes of traffic. One of the men, later identified as Grenden James Jordan, was observed by the officer throwing a firearm towards the side of the road. This was also captured on the officer’s dash cam video. The three men fled the scene.
Witnesses stated that the three men were occupants of the Dodge Challenger and had exchanged gunfire with a red sedan, which left the scene when law enforcement arrived. Numerous bullet holes were found on the Dodge Challenger. There was a third vehicle on the scene that had been caught in the crossfire and had gunshot damage as well. This vehicle was occupied by innocent bystanders including a mother, father, and four-year-old child. The child sustained injuries from broken glass caused by the gunshots and was treated.
Officers recovered an AR-style pistol from the area where the firearm had been thrown by Jordan, along with a high-capacity drum magazine with ammunition. During the trial, the jury saw a photo taken prior to March 16, 2024, showing Jordan posing with an AR-style pistol matching the one found on the scene of the shooting. In reaching their verdict, the jury determined that Jordan was in possession of the firearm recovered at the scene of the shooting. Jordan has previous felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Following this conviction, Jordan faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison with no parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months. During that hearing, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was brought as a 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Montgomery Police Department and the FBI investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted.
Middle Georgia U.S. Attorney Peter Leary Announces Departure from OfficeRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary will resign as the top-ranking law enforcement official for the Middle District of Georgia, effective January 11, 2025, and will join an Atlanta-based law firm. Leary began his federal career in 2007 working on complex civil litigation and with the Intelligence Community before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia as a federal prosecutor in 2012 and ultimately becoming the 17th presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney for the 70-county Middle District of Georgia.
“I am honored to have served as the U.S. Attorney for the community that raised me, alongside some of the finest public servants in the country,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Every day the men and women of this office stand shoulder to shoulder with federal, state and local law enforcement partners to advance safety and promote justice.”
Under U.S. Attorney Leary’s leadership, the office deepened its complex criminal prosecutorial team to focus on the most significant and far-reaching safety concerns in the District. These efforts resulted in noteworthy convictions involving transnational criminal organizations and armed fentanyl traffickers while also preventing the distribution of illegal rapid-fire weapons and prioritizing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and child exploitation investigations to track down predators and hold them accountable.
U.S. Attorney Leary guided the Middle District of Georgia through high-profile investigations such as the office’s first-ever Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (VICAR) prosecution involving the murders of three Athens, Georgia, residents (click link to press release); charging dozens of defendants allegedly tied to a Columbus, Georgia, criminal street gang distributing millions of dollars of drugs and guns (click for link to press release); protecting the religious rights of Macon, Georgia, citizens threatened with violence (click for link to press release); removing fentanyl and guns from the Albany, Georgia, region (click for link to press release); actively working with law enforcement in Valdosta, Georgia, to get violent re-offenders with firearms off the streets (click for link to press release); and working with law enforcement to use crime gun intelligence to obtain justice for the victim in an Oconee County, Georgia, homicide cold case (click for link to press release).
Understanding that reducing violent crime and strengthening communities ultimately requires collaboration beyond policing and prosecuting, U.S. Attorney Leary was committed to building relationships and partnerships with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders within the District. One such notable example was the office’s support of Macon Violence Prevention (MVP), a grassroots initiative seeded from the Mayor’s office which contributed to a 46% decrease in homicides in Macon, Georgia, between 2022 to 2023, with the number of homicides in 2023 marking the lowest number since 2019.
Since U.S. Attorney Leary took command, additional resources have been directed towards the office’s growing Civil Division, which currently is at its largest size in the office’s history. This growth—including employing a healthcare fraud investigator and a specialized Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) auditor—has resulted in the office being better able to affirmatively pursue recovery on behalf of the United States, from seeking COVID fraud relief to recouping the highest civil healthcare fraud amounts since 2005.
Importantly, U.S. Attorney Leary also secured a full-time Civil Division Civil Rights investigator—the first position of its kind in any U.S. Attorney’s office in the country. With the help of this dedicated investigator, the office was able to engage in a multi-year investigation of the Georgia Department of Corrections, which recently concluded that the constitutional rights of prisoners are being violated by failing to protect them from widespread physical violence and harm. In short, the Civil Division is accomplishing groundbreaking and meaningful work regarding all types of civil rights matters including housing, disability and voting rights because of the people in the Division as well as the resources directed to the practice area by U.S. Attorney Leary.
“Providing the necessary resources so talented prosecutors, investigators and support staff can pursue justice – in both a civil and criminal context – is paramount as we work alongside our agency and law enforcement partners to make Georgia safer and obtain justice for all,” said U.S. Attorney Leary.
U.S. Attorney Leary contributed his cybercrime prosecutorial expertise at the national level as a member of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). U.S. Attorney Leary was also a member of the AGAC’s Violent and Organized Crime Subcommittee, Terrorism and National Security Subcommittee and Environmental Justice and Environmental Issues Subcommittee and has previously served as the office’s Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC) Coordinator, Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (CHIP) prosecutor and National Security Cyber Specialist (NSCS).
“Combating the cybercrime targeting our country is a constantly evolving challenge, and I am proud to have contributed to these efforts to protect the economic and national security of all Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Leary.
During his tenure, U.S. Attorney Leary elevated seasoned trial attorneys to leadership positions in the office—marking many historic firsts for the Middle District of Georgia—including the first black woman and first female to hold the highest non-appointed position in the office; the first openly LGBTQ+ person to command a leadership role in the District; and the greatest number of women attorneys to hold leadership positions.
“It is crucial to assemble a team of top-tier and diverse attorneys to pursue justice,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Alongside the many dedicated and skilled attorneys and staff in the office, these dynamic leaders have helped to ensure a strong future of equal justice for all in the Middle District of Georgia.”
Raised in Watkinsville, Georgia, and a graduate of Athens Academy, Mr. Leary received his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Virginia, where he was a Jefferson Scholar. After law school, Mr. Leary clerked for U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. Following his clerkship, Mr. Leary joined the Federal Programs Branch of the DOJ through its Honors Program, where he worked extensively with the Intelligence Community.
In 2021, along with other members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he received an Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director’s Award for Superior Performance in Prevention and Reentry Activities for work on a campaign aimed at educating youth about gun possession: www.armedwithknowledge.com. In 2019, he received the Anti-Defamation League’s SHIELD award with FBI and Department of Justice partners, and he shared the 2018 International Association of Chiefs of Police/Thomson Reuters Award for Excellence in Criminal Investigation with the FBI and GBI.
“Serving our country for my entire legal career has been everything I hoped it would be; that is largely because I got to work alongside men and women who share the same vision of seeking justice,” said U.S. Attorney Leary. “I am beyond grateful that I was entrusted to serve the citizens of the Middle District of Georgia. I have been incredibly blessed.”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker will succeed U.S. Attorney Leary as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
The U.S. Attorney is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Middle District of Georgia, which covers 70 of Georgia’s 159 counties, includes Albany, Athens, Columbus, Macon and Valdosta, and has a population of approximately 2,045,000 people. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the District, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, fraud, firearms, illegal gangs and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Marion Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
A man who attempted to entice a minor to engage in sex acts was sentenced today to 210 months in federal prison.
Cory Gall, age 30, of Marion, Iowa, received the sentence after a July 3, 2024, jury verdict finding him guilty of attempted enticement of a minor. The evidence at trial showed that, in December 2023, Gall exchanged text messages with a person who stated that she was 13 years old. The person was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. Gall sent messages describing sex acts he could perform with the minor, and he traveled to Hiawatha, Iowa, to meet with her.
Gall was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Gall was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Hiawatha Police Department.
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.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 24-32.
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Marion County Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting A Minor Across State Lines with the Intent to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Thomas Allen Ebersole (32, Dunnellon) has pleaded guilty to transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Ebersole faces a minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, in December 2023, Ebersole began communicating with a 16-year-old girl through online video games. On December 28, 2023, Ebersole drove from Florida to Ohio where the minor lived. Ebersole then drove the minor from Ohio back to his home in Florida to engage in sexual activity. The minor stayed in Ebersole’s home until January 3, 2024, when law enforcement identified her location through the Internet Protocol (IP) address she used to play online video games. After law enforcement removed the minor from Ebersole’s home, DNA results confirmed that Ebersole had engaged in sexual activity with her.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lima (Ohio) Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
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.
Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston on Tuesday sentenced MICHAEL MALLETT, 27, to 103 months in federal prison. Mallett pleaded guilty late last year to possession of a controlled substance and the unlawful possession of a firearm.
Mallet admitted in a plea agreement that on Aug. 19, 2020, he knowingly and intentionally possessed 7.39 grams of fentanyl and that he planned to sell it on the streets. Mallett also admitted that during the time he intended to distribute the fentanyl, he was in possession of a Glock Model 32, which had been converted into a machinegun by an after-market device known as an “auto sear.”
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodora Anderson.
Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) – the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kim T. Duluony, age 32, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on January 8, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Duluony to 60 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge, for a total sentence of 120 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After Duluony is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On March 9, 2023, members of the Omaha Metro Fugitive Task Force went to an Omaha home to look for a wanted party. While searching for the wanted fugitive they had contact with Kim Duluony, who also lived at the home. A search of the home revealed numerous firearms and narcotics. The wanted party was not located.
Within Duluony’s room, officers found two firearms, marijuana, and cocaine. A Glock 23 pistol equipped with a Glock Switch which enabled the pistol to fire fully automatically was located in a bag inside the closet. A second Glock switch was also found in the room. A second Glock 23 pistol was also found in a black nylon bag on the floor. Officers discovered a cardboard box in the corner of the bedroom which contained a bag of marijuana and a Newport cigarette pack which contained ten small baggies of powder cocaine each weighing 1 gram and consistent with narcotics trafficking.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Omaha Police Department and United States Marshals Service Omaha Metro Fugitive Task Force.
Liberian Felon Sentenced for Possessing Two FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Mana Sambola a/k/a “Coffee,” age 41, a Liberian national previously residing in Saratoga Springs, New York, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for illegally possessing two firearms. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
A search warrant executed at Sambola’s apartment on May 22, 2023, led to the recovery of a Glock 43 pistol; an Anderson Manufacturing AM15 rifle emblazoned with the names of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: “Death,” “War,” “Famine,” and “Pestilence”; and four boxes of ammunition Sambola has prior felony convictions related to narcotics and firearms, and he therefore cannot lawfully possess the firearms or ammunition. Following a contested sentencing hearing, United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci found that Sambola possessed the Glock in connection with three crimes, specifically straw purchasing a firearm, making a false statement to a firearms dealer, and distribution of a controlled substance. Judge Nardacci also imposed a 3-year-term of supervised release.
HSI investigated the case with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); the Warren County District Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Offices; the New York State Police; and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted the case.
Lexington Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug and Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, S.C. — R’Mani Jy’Mere Holloway, 26, of Gaston, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence presented in court revealed that on Feb. 9, 2023, deputies from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department arrested Holloway on outstanding state warrants related to probation violations. During the arrest, authorities recovered a loaded .45 caliber handgun, 16.12 grams of N, N-Dimethylpentylone (commonly known as MDMA), ammunition, and digital scales from Holloway’s car. In addition, a search of a hotel room he was living in revealed additional ammunition and gang-related artwork.
Holloway has a criminal history that includes prior convictions for third-degree burglary, third-degree domestic violence, public disorderly conduct, and discharging a firearm into a dwelling. At the time of the February 2023 incident, he was serving probation for the firearm-related conviction. Due to his prior felony convictions, Holloway is legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger-Lewis sentenced Holloway to 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
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 FBI Columbia Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.
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Law Enforcement Officers Join FBI Task Force Focused on Crime on the Choctaw Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – Choctaw Police Department Officers Robert York and Jakob Waiter along with Neshoba County Deputy Mark Flake are the newest additions to the Mississippi Safe Trails Task Force (STTF). Robert A. Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Mississippi Field Office, administered the oath and stated, "“The implementation of the Mississippi Safe Trails Task Force ensures the FBI and partnering agencies work together to protect members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and investigate criminal activity with a federal nexus in and around the Reservation Communities in Mississippi. The Task Force is dedicated in keeping our tribal communities safe by working along-side our partners, training together, and offering resources.”
The FBI Safe Trails Task Force is a collaborative effort between the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in Indian Country. The STTF works with a variety of partners, including DEA, ATF, tribal, state, and local law enforcement. The STTF has been a key part of the FBI’s partnerships in Indian Country for almost 30 years.
In December of 2022, the FBI field office in Jackson gained approval to establish the Mississippi STTF. In addition to the Choctaw Police Department and the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi’s STTF is comprised of officers from Leake County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Carthage Police Department, and the Jones County Sheriff’s Department.
“The Department of Justice has been working hard to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and other law enforcement partners in order to better address violent crime, the fentanyl crisis, and other public safety issues in Tribal communities,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi.
Law Enforcement Officers Join FBI Task Force Focused on Crime on the Choctaw Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Choctaw Police Department Officers Robert York and Jakob Waiter along with Neshoba County Deputy Mark Flake are the newest additions to the Mississippi Safe Trails Task Force (STTF). Robert A. Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Mississippi Field Office, administered the oath and stated, "“The implementation of the Mississippi Safe Trails Task Force ensures the FBI and partnering agencies work together to protect members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and investigate criminal activity with a federal nexus in and around the Reservation Communities in Mississippi. The Task Force is dedicated in keeping our tribal communities safe by working along-side our partners, training together, and offering resources.”
The FBI Safe Trails Task Force is a collaborative effort between the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in Indian Country. The STTF works with a variety of partners, including DEA, ATF, tribal, state, and local law enforcement. The STTF has been a key part of the FBI’s partnerships in Indian Country for almost 30 years.
In December of 2022, the FBI field office in Jackson gained approval to establish the Mississippi STTF. In addition to the Choctaw Police Department and the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi’s STTF is comprised of officers from Leake County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Carthage Police Department, and the Jones County Sheriff’s Department.
“The Department of Justice has been working hard to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and other law enforcement partners in order to better address violent crime, the fentanyl crisis, and other public safety issues in Tribal communities,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi.Latimer County Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dustin Lee Harp, age 41, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Illegal Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment or Information.
The Indictment alleged that between December 12, 2020, and December 9, 2021, Harp willfully received a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle while under indictment or information for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarrod Leaman and Edith Singer represented the United States.
Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Joseph Daniel Skeens, 35, of St. Albans, was sentenced today to seven years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 17, 2023, Skeens sold approximately 2.5 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for a new Rigid impact wrench that was still in its original packaging.
Skeens admitted to the transaction and further admitted to at least three additional transactions from October 2, 2023, through November 22, 2023, during which he distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine in exchange for money or items of value such as tools and groceries that were shoplifted at his direction. The transactions occurred at or near Skeens’ residence in St. Albans.
The transactions by Skeens also included the sale of 3.46 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $50 on October 2, 2023, the sale of 1.34 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for a Rigid rotary power hammer on November 18, 2023, and approximately 1 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for approximately $100 worth of groceries on November 22, 2023. Each transaction was with a confidential informant.
On October 2, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Skeens on Interstate 64 near Hurricane and seized approximately 220.98 grams of methamphetamine from the vehicle. On October 23, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Skeens in Charleston and seized approximately 54.63 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm from the vehicle.
Skeens has a long criminal history with multiple prior convictions including for attempt to manufacture a controlled substance and possession of a stolen vehicle.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the St. Albans Police Department and the assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum 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. 2:23-cr-200.
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Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Obstructing MailRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Brice Allen Pomeroy, 26, of Hernshaw, pleaded guilty today to obstruction of mail.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 11, 2023, Pomeroy knowingly and willfully threw away approximately 227 pieces of mail by depositing a large plastic bad containing the mail pieces into a trash can located outside a gas service station in Charleston. At the time of the offense, Pomeroy was employed by a United States Postal Service vendor as a mail handler at the vendor’s facility in Charleston.
Pomeroy is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of six months in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a $5,000 fine. Pomeroy also owes $2,051.21 in restitution.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting 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. 2:25-cr-2.
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Justice Department Secures Agreement with Vermont School District to Remedy Race-Based Harassment of StudentsRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Justice Department today announced a settlement agreement with the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District (EMUU) in Vermont to resolve its investigation into allegations that the district failed to adequately respond to student-on-student racial harassment.
The investigation, conducted jointly by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont, concluded that the district did not appropriately respond to serious and widespread harassment of Black and biracial students by their peers, primarily at Peoples Academy Middle Level. Harassed students endured frequent slurs and racist imagery, and a hostile environment where the use of the N-word and displays of confederate flags and Nazi symbols and salutes were commonplace.
“Racial harassment makes students feel unsafe, deprives them of a supportive educational environment and violates the Constitution’s most basic promise of equal protection,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “In the 21st century, no student should be subjected to racial slurs, Nazi salutes or other racially-charged hostilities. This agreement provides sound strategies for preventing and addressing racial harassment. We look forward to the district demonstrating to its students that racial bullying and harassment have no place in its schools.”
“This settlement represents an important step towards ensuring that students of the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District are able to attend school without the fear of racial harassment,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest for the District of Vermont. “The measures set forth in the settlement will help guide the school district towards swift and appropriate responses should any instances of racial bullying or harassment occur. In addition, all Vermont school administrators must take note. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring that our schools are free from racial harassment and will take action if school districts are not addressing this destructive behavior.”
The department opened its investigation in December 2023 under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The department reviewed records and complaints from three school years, beginning with the 2021-22 school year, and interviewed administrators, teachers and parents.
The district cooperated fully throughout the investigation and has already implemented some improvements, including adoption of a central reporting system it plans to use to track harassment incidents and ensure victims of repeated harassment are not overlooked.
Under the agreement, EMUU will:
- Revise its anti-harassment policies and procedures to clarify that they cover conduct that is not directly aimed at a specific student but contributes to a hostile environment;
- Annually conduct multifaceted campus climate assessments, including listening sessions with student groups, and take responsive action to address identified concerns; and
- Educate students and train employees on the district’s policies and procedures for addressing race-based harassment.
Protecting the constitutional rights of public-school students is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt/ and additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s Educational Opportunities Section’s work is available at www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section. Information about the District of Vermont’s Civil Rights Program is available at www.justice.gov/usao-vt/civil-rights-program.
To report a possible civil rights violation, please visit www.civilrights.justice.gov/.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Vermont School District to Remedy Race-Based Harassment of StudentsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced a settlement agreement with the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District (EMUU) in Vermont to resolve its investigation into allegations that the district failed to adequately respond to student-on-student racial harassment.
The investigation, conducted jointly by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont, concluded that the district did not appropriately respond to serious and widespread harassment of Black and biracial students by their peers, primarily at Peoples Academy Middle Level. Harassed students endured frequent slurs and racist imagery, and a hostile environment where the use of the N-word and displays of confederate flags and Nazi symbols and salutes were commonplace.
“Racial harassment makes students feel unsafe, deprives them of a supportive educational environment and violates the Constitution’s most basic promise of equal protection,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “In the 21st century, no student should be subjected to racial slurs, Nazi salutes or other racially-charged hostilities. This agreement provides sound strategies for preventing and addressing racial harassment. We look forward to the district demonstrating to its students that racial bullying and harassment have no place in its schools.”
“This settlement represents an important step towards ensuring that students of the Elmore-Morristown Unified Union School District are able to attend school without the fear of racial harassment,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest for the District of Vermont. “The measures set forth in the settlement will help guide the school district towards swift and appropriate responses should any instances of racial bullying or harassment occur. In addition, all Vermont school administrators must take note. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring that our schools are free from racial harassment and will take action if school districts are not addressing this destructive behavior.”
The department opened its investigation in December 2023 under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The department reviewed records and complaints from three school years, beginning with the 2021-22 school year, and interviewed administrators, teachers and parents.
The district cooperated fully throughout the investigation and has already implemented some improvements, including adoption of a central reporting system it plans to use to track harassment incidents and ensure victims of repeated harassment are not overlooked.
Under the agreement, EMUU will:
- Revise its anti-harassment policies and procedures to clarify that they cover conduct that is not directly aimed at a specific student but contributes to a hostile environment;
- Annually conduct multifaceted campus climate assessments, including listening sessions with student groups, and take responsive action to address identified concerns; and
- Educate students and train employees on the district’s policies and procedures for addressing race-based harassment.
Protecting the constitutional rights of public-school students is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justive.gov/crt/ and additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s Educational Opportunities Section’s work is available at www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section. Information about the District of Vermont’s Civil Rights Program is available at www.justice.gov/usao-vt/civil-rights-program.
To report a possible civil rights violation, please visit www.civilrights.justice.gov/.
Justice Department Files Voting Rights Suit Against City of Hazleton, PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against the City of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to challenge the city council’s at-large method of election.
The lawsuit alleges that the city’s current at-large method of electing city council members results in Hispanic citizens having less opportunity than other members of the electorate to participate in the political process and to elect candidates of choice, in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Hispanic voting-age citizens make up more than 40% of the city’s electorate. Hispanic-preferred candidates have run for the city council and routinely lose, despite the county’s sizeable Hispanic citizen population.
“The Voting Rights Act is an important tool to ensure that underrepresented citizens have an equal opportunity to choose their elected officials,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that all citizens have an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process and elect candidates of choice. We look forward to working with officials to achieve a more perfect union by bringing Hazleton, Pennsylvania into compliance with the Voting Rights Act.”
“The Hispanic population is a growing and important population in the City of Hazelton, and those citizens should have the ability to choose candidates that represent their interests,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “This complaint demonstrates my office’s commitment to partner with the Justice Department to enforce civil rights statutes like the Voting Rights Act.”
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, alleges that changing the method of election can create opportunities for Hispanic voters to elect candidates of their choice to the Hazleton City Council. For example, by electing councilmembers from single-member districts, Hispanic voters would have an opportunity to elect at least two members of the five-member city council. The lawsuit seeks a federal court order implementing a new method of electing the Hazleton City Council.
The Justice Department looks forward to continued discussions with the City of Hazleton toward resolution of this matter.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Acts and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
More information about voting and elections is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.
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Justice Department Announces ATF's Publication of Final Volume of National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking AssessmentRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today released the ATF’s publication of Protecting America from Trafficked Firearms: NFCTA Updates, New Analysis, and Policy Recommendations , the fourth and final volume of the National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment (NFCTA). This landmark series represents the most thorough research, analysis, and examination ever of firearms commerce and how firearms enter illegal markets and fall into the wrong hands.
In April 2021, President Biden and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland directed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to lead a research group in conducting a comprehensive study of criminal gun trafficking — defined as the intentional movement of firearms into the illegal market for a criminal purpose or possession. This directive acknowledged the urgent need for data-driven strategies to curb gun violence and illegal gun trafficking across the nation.
Volume IV, compiled after years of research by leading experts from both law enforcement and academia, delivers updated findings and trends that highlight how firearms reach criminal actors. It also underscores the critical role ATF and its partners play in disrupting these networks through its cutting-edge Crime Gun Intelligence — the free tools ATF provides to state, local, Tribal and federal law enforcement partners to help them prevent shootings, catch shooters, and break shooting cycles.
“This final volume of the NFCTA concludes the most comprehensive look at America’s crime gun data in over two decades and confirms that ATF’s advanced intelligence tools are vital to helping law enforcement nationwide solve gun crimes and take shooters off the streets,” said Attorney General Garland. “Expanded use of ATF’s crime gun tracing and National Integrated Ballistic Information Network has provided more investigative leads than ever on violent gun crimes, enhanced strategic intelligence on violent gangs, and improved the apprehension and prosecution of violent criminals. This report reminds us of the importance of our work, and I am grateful to the extraordinary professionals of the ATF who put their lives on the line to help keep our communities safe.”
“From conducting enhanced background checks to stopping firearms trafficking by cartels, the Department has prioritized addressing the most significant drivers of violent crime and identifying emerging threats to our communities,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “This report is further evidence that to continue our historic progress against violent crime, we need to bring more crime gun intelligence to more law enforcement agencies, in more jurisdictions, more quickly than ever before.”
“At ATF, we know that we cannot successfully address the threat of gun violence in this nation without the best and most current information about the problem,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “For that reason, it is a privilege to announce Volume IV of the National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment (NFCTA): Protecting America from Trafficked Firearms: NFCTA Updates, New Analysis, and Policy Recommendations. This independent expert report is an unprecedented, data-driven analysis critical to fighting violent crime. At its core, Vol. IV helps anyone who looks at the facts to identify how criminals get their guns, what type of guns they seek, and where and how often they use them. While this report is a repository of invaluable information, the report’s most significant finding is that background checks are a crucial tool to help prevent felons, traffickers, and other dangerous people from arming themselves and hurting others. While the decision about whether to expand background checks is certainly up to policy makers, this report’s immense data and expert analysis shows conclusively that background checks save lives — period.”
Volume IV’s key highlights include:
- Surge in Privately Made Firearms (PMFs). Between 2017 and 2023, 92,702 suspected PMFs — untraceable “ghost guns” that are obtained without background checks and do not contain serial numbers — were recovered and reported. The number of PMFs recovered in crimes surged nearly 1,600% (from 1,629 to 27,490) with nearly 1,700 connected homicides and over 4,000 linked to other violent crimes. Miscellaneous firearms are predominantly firearm frames and receivers manufactured and sold before being assembled into an operational firearm. Between 2000 and 2022, annual miscellaneous firearms manufacturing increased nearly 6,600% with the bulk of this growth taking place in the last 10 years. Miscellaneous firearm manufacturing then decreased by 36% between 2022 and 2023.
- Rise Machinegun Conversion Devices. Recoveries of deadly machinegun conversion devices (MCDs), which are small, easily concealed devices that transform a semi-automatic firearm into an illegal machinegun in seconds, increased 784% between 2019 and 2023. In September 2024, the Deputy Attorney General launched a department-wide ANTI-MCD Task Force, which is chaired by ATF and a U.S. Attorney. The Task Force is a concerted effort to address this problem.
- ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Tools Help Police to Save Lives and their Use Should be Expanded and Fully Funded. ATF’s advanced intelligence tools — including ballistics evidence processing linking disparate shootings using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) and crime gun tracing (eTrace) — are pivotal in helping law enforcement nationwide solve gun crimes and take shooters off the streets before they kill again:
- Crime Gun Tracing: From 2017 to 2023, crime gun trace requests have increased by 52%. Of the nearly 1.3 million trace requests between 2022 and 2023, nearly 56% had a different purchaser than the possessor and 46% required the use of “out-of-business” records. This emphasizes the need to prevent firearms trafficking networks, which often begin with purchases in the legal market.
- Ballistics Evidence: As of December 2023, ATF’s NIBIN included 6.5 million entries of ballistic evidence, generating over 1,060,000 investigative leads provided to ATF’s federal, state, local, Tribal, territorial, and international law enforcement partners. In recent years, the number of leads provided has been over 200,000 annually.
- Time to Crime (TTC) Decreased by 30%: The median TTC decreased almost 31% from 2017 (4.2 years) to 2023 (2.9 years). Crime guns associated with a short TTC are an indicator of firearm trafficking. Thus, the evidence supports that as lawful firearms sales have increased, so has illegal gun trafficking.
- Multiple Shootings: Between 2019 and 2023, of the more than 828,000 pistols recovered and traced, NIBIN identified that 14% were used in more than one shooting, representing 191,313 different shooting events. Moreover, most of these crime guns had a first shooting within three years from their last known purchase, indicating that violent gun offenders were more quickly using firearms diverted from lawful commerce in shootings.
- Stolen Firearms: Nearly 1.1 million firearms were reported stolen between 2019 and 2023, with thefts from private citizens accounting for 95% of these reports. Pistols reported stolen from a federal firearms licensee or an interstate shipment present a dangerous trend: they were used in a shooting more than one year faster than non-stolen pistols. The median time to first shooting for stolen pistols was 258 days.
- Multiple Sales: From 2017 to 2023, there was a 102% increase in crime guns being traced to a multiple sale transaction, meaning, in just five years, it became twice as common for a multiple firearm sale to include a gun later recovered at a crime scene.
- Firearms Trafficking Across the Southern Border and Supporting ATF’s Efforts to Fight It. Volume IV also highlights firearms trafficking trends from the United States to Mexico, showing a 63% increase tracing of crime guns recovered in Mexico between 2017 and 2023.
- Source States: Although crime guns recovered in Mexico increasingly originate from all states, in 2023, the majority of traced firearms recovered in Mexico came from Texas (43%), Arizona (22%), and California (9%).
- Cartels are Arming Themselves Through U.S. Trafficking Channels: Five United States to Mexico pipelines accounted for 32% of all recovered crime guns traced to a purchaser. The Arizona to Sonora pipeline was the most dominant, followed by Texas to Tamaulipas, Texas to Nuevo León, Texas to Chihuahua, and Texas to Guanajuato. 82% of traced Mexico crime guns were recovered in a state with a dominant presence of both or either the Sinaloa or Jalisco New Generation Cartels.
- Successful Interdictions can have an Impact, if Properly Funded: Between 2017 and 2021, ATF initiated 1,011 investigations of firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico in which 1,082 crime guns were recovered and traced to a purchaser. Nearly 92% of these crime guns were recovered in the United State, prior to diversion to Mexico. In 2023, ATF Southbound interdictions rose 86% from the prior year. As this report makes clear, increased resources could help ATF expand its operational efforts along the border.
- Firearms Manufacturing and Sales. Volume IV highlights trends in manufacturing and sales of firearms, including:
- Firearm Production Far Outpaced Population Growth: Between 2000 and 2023, the number of firearms manufactured per 100,000 people increased by 113%, while the United States population grew by only 19%.
- Growth in Silencers: The manufacturing of firearm suppressors rose by over 8,000% between 2000 and 2023. Silencers now account from 83% of all National Firearms Act-regulated manufacturing.
- Over 100-Million Firearms Sold from FFL’s Alone: Based on the estimated minimum sales volume, between 2017 and 2023, federal licensees transferred at least 106,763,004 firearms to the public.
- Recommendations for Action. Volume IV underscores the urgent need for action to curb firearms trafficking trends, including by:
- Expand Background Checks: Expanded background checks would save lives. Data clearly shows that such checks limit the opportunities dangerous, prohibited persons have to acquire firearms. There are several means by which this could be accomplished, including increasing ATF’s funding to investigate illegal trafficking accomplished by those not completing currently required background checks, prosecuting and securing appropriate sentences for unlicensed dealers who violate current laws, or examining federal and state-level background check laws to assess their effectiveness and the need for their expansion.
- Enhanced Accountability in Law Enforcement Firearm Resales: Law enforcement agencies should evaluate their discretionary resale practices, which too often result in firearms being used in subsequent crimes — with over 25,000 firearms previously in the possession of law enforcement ending up at crime scenes between 2019 and 2023 alone. In considering whether to adopt a mandatory destruction policy, such as the one recommended by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, law enforcement agencies should consider distinguishing policies that allow law enforcement officers to purchase their issued service weapons versus policies governing the sale of weapons to the general public.
- Strengthen and Expand ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence: As of 2024, eTrace and NIBIN were used by approximately 55% and 67% of law enforcement agencies nationwide, respectively. Funding expanded and comprehensive the use of ATF’s eTrace and NIBIN tools by ATF and its partner law enforcement agencies will provide more investigative leads on violent gun crimes, enhanced strategic intelligence on violent gangs and other criminally active groups, and improve the apprehension and prosecution of violent gun criminals. Increased funding would improve these results by allowing ATF to provide law enforcement a single, automated platform with these tools.
In April 2024, the Department issued Volume III of the NFCTA, Firearm Trafficking Investigations, which examines 9,708 closed ATF firearm trafficking investigations initiated between CY 2017 and 2021.
In February 2023, the Department issued Volume II of the NFCTA, Crime Gun Intelligence and Analysis, which presents and analyzes data on crime guns (firearms used in crime) recovered between 2017 and 2021. The analysis reinforces the critical importance of ATF’s unique crime gun tracing authority and highlights the value of data from ATF’s NIBIN program.
In May 2022, the Department issued Volume I of the NFCTA, Firearms in Commerce, which presents and analyzes data collected by ATF and other federal agencies related to the manufacture, exportation, and importation of firearms.
To produce the NFCTA, the ATF assembled and led a team of independent subject experts from current and former law enforcement, academia, and related fields. Although ATF issues a variety of public and law enforcement reports and bulletins regarding firearm commerce, trafficking, and related issues every year, it has not undertaken a joint academic study close to the scale of the NFCTA in more than 20 years.
Japanese Yakuza Leader Pleads Guilty to Nuclear Materials Trafficking, Narcotics, and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
Takeshi Ebisawa, 60, of Japan, pleaded guilty in Manhattan, New York, today to conspiring with a network of associates to traffic nuclear materials, including uranium and weapons-grade plutonium, from Burma to other countries, as well as to international narcotics trafficking and weapons charges.
“Today’s plea should serve as a stark reminder to those who imperil our national security by trafficking weapons-grade plutonium and other dangerous materials on behalf of organized criminal syndicates that the Department of Justice will hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
“This case demonstrates DEA’s unparalleled ability to dismantle the world's most dangerous criminal networks,” said Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “Our investigation into Takeshi Ebisawa and his associates exposed the shocking depths of international organized crime from trafficking nuclear materials to fueling the narcotics trade and arming violent insurgents. DEA remains positioned to relentlessly pursue anyone who threatens our national security, regardless of where they operate. Protecting the American people from such evil will always remain DEA’s top priority.”
“As he admitted in federal court today, Takeshi Ebisawa brazenly trafficked nuclear material, including weapons-grade plutonium, out of Burma,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim for the Southern District of New York. “At the same time, he worked to send massive quantities of heroin and methamphetamine to the United States in exchange for heavy-duty weaponry such as surface-to-air missiles to be used on battlefields in Burma and laundered what he believed to be drug money from New York to Tokyo. It is thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division, the career national security prosecutors of this Office, and the cooperation of our law enforcement partners in Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand, that Ebisawa’s plot was detected and stopped.”
According to the court documents and evidence presented at court, since at least in or about 2019, the DEA investigated Ebisawa in connection with large-scale narcotics and weapons trafficking. During the investigation, Ebisawa unwittingly introduced an undercover DEA agent (UC-1), posing as a narcotics and weapons trafficker, to Ebisawa’s international network of criminal associates, which spanned Japan, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, and the United States, among other places, for the purpose of arranging large-scale narcotics and weapons transactions. Ebisawa and his network, including his co-defendants, negotiated multiple narcotics and weapons transactions with UC-1.
Ebisawa conspired to broker the purchase, from UC-1, of U.S.-made surface-to-air missiles, as well as other heavy-duty weaponry, intended for multiple ethnic armed groups in Burma (including the leader of an ethnic insurgent group in Burma (CC-1)), and to accept large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine for distribution as partial payment for the weapons. Ebisawa understood the weapons to have been manufactured in the U.S. and taken from U.S. military bases in Afghanistan. Ebisawa planned for the heroin and methamphetamine to be distributed in the New York market.
In addition, Ebisawa conspired to sell, in a separate transaction, 500 kilograms of methamphetamine and 500 kilograms of heroin to UC-1 for distribution in New York. In furtherance of that transaction, on or about June 16, 2021, and on or about Sept. 27, 2021, one of Ebisawa’s co-defendants provided samples of approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine and approximately 1.4 kilograms of heroin. Ebisawa also worked to launder $100,000 in purported narcotics proceeds from the U.S. to Japan.
Finally, beginning in early 2020, Ebisawa informed UC-1 and a DEA confidential source (CS-1) that Ebisawa had access to a large quantity of nuclear materials that he wanted to sell. Later that year, Ebisawa sent UC-1 a series of photographs depicting rocky substances with Geiger counters measuring radiation, as well as pages of what Ebisawa represented to be lab analyses indicating the presence of thorium and uranium in the depicted substances. In response to Ebisawa’s repeated inquiries, UC-1 agreed, as part of the DEA’s investigation, to help Ebisawa broker the sale of his nuclear materials to UC-1’s associate, who was posing as an Iranian general (the General), for use in a nuclear weapons program. Ebisawa then offered to supply the General with “plutonium” that would be even “better” and more “powerful” than uranium for this purpose. Ebisawa further proposed, together with two other co-conspirators (CC-2 and CC-3), to UC-1 that CC-1 sell uranium to the General, through Ebisawa, to fund CC-1’s weapons purchase.
Thereafter, on a Feb. 4, 2022, videoconference, CC-2 told UC-1 that CC-1 had available more than 2,000 kilograms of Thorium-232 and more than 100 kilograms of uranium in the compound U3O8 — referring to a compound of uranium commonly found in the uranium concentrate powder known as “yellowcake” — and that CC-1 could produce as much as five tons of nuclear materials in Burma. CC-2 also advised that CC-1 had provided samples of the uranium and thorium, which CC-2 was prepared to show to UC-1’s purported buyers. CC-2 noted that the samples should be packed “to contain . . . the radiation.” Approximately one week later, Ebisawa, CC-2, and CC-3 participated in a series of meetings with UC-1 and CS-1 in Southeast Asia, to discuss their ongoing weapons, narcotics, and nuclear materials transactions. During one of these meetings, CC-2 asked UC-1 to meet in CC-2’s hotel room. Inside the room, CC-2 showed UC-1 two plastic containers each holding a powdery yellow substance (nuclear samples), which CC-2 described as “yellowcake.” CC-2 advised that one container held a sample of uranium in the compound U3O8, and the other container held Thorium-232.
With the assistance of Thai authorities, the nuclear samples were seized and subsequently transferred to the custody of U.S. law enforcement. A nuclear forensic laboratory in the United States examined the nuclear samples and determined that both samples contain detectable quantities of uranium, thorium, and plutonium. In particular, the laboratory determined that the isotope composition of the plutonium found in the nuclear samples is weapons-grade, meaning that the plutonium, if produced in sufficient quantities, would be suitable for use in a nuclear weapon.
Ebisawa pleaded guilty to six counts contained in the superseding indictment. A table containing the charges and minimum and maximum penalties is set forth below.
COUNT
MIN. AND MAX. PRISON TERM
Count One: Conspiracy to commit international trafficking of nuclear materialsMaximum of 10 years in prisonCount Two: International trafficking of nuclear materialsMaximum of 20 years in prisonCount Three: Narcotics importation conspiracyMandatory minimum of 10 years in prison; maximum of life in prisonCount Six: Narcotics importation conspiracyMandatory minimum of 10 years in prison; maximum of life in prisonCount Seven: Conspiracy to possess firearms, including machineguns and destructive devicesMaximum of life in prisonCount Eight: Money launderingMaximum of 20 years in prisonA federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The DEA is investigating the case with assistance from the DEA Tokyo Country Office, DEA Bangkok Country Office, DEA Chiang Mai Resident Office, DEA Jakarta Country Office, DEA Copenhagen Country Office, DEA New York Field Office, DEA New Delhi Country Office, Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and our law enforcement partners in Indonesia, Japan, and the Kingdom of Thailand.
This prosecution 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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaylan E. Lasky, Alexander Li, and Kevin T. Sullivan for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.
Japanese Yakuza Leader Pleads Guilty to Nuclear Materials Trafficking, Narcotics, and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Matthew G. Olsen, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and Anne Milgram, the Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced today that TAKESHI EBISAWA pled guilty in Manhattan federal court to conspiring to traffic nuclear materials, including uranium and weapons-grade plutonium, from Burma to other countries, as well as to international narcotics trafficking and weapons charges. EBISAWA pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon.
Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said: “As he admitted in federal court today, Takeshi Ebisawa brazenly trafficked nuclear material, including weapons-grade plutonium, out of Burma. At the same time, he worked to send massive quantities of heroin and methamphetamine to the United States in exchange for heavy-duty weaponry such as surface-to-air missiles to be used on battlefields in Burma and laundered what he believed to be drug money. It is thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division, the career national security prosecutors of this Office, and the cooperation of our law enforcement partners in Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand, that Ebisawa’s plot was detected and stopped.”
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen said: “Today’s plea should serve as a stark reminder to those who imperil our national security by trafficking weapons-grade plutonium and other dangerous materials on behalf of organized criminal syndicates that the Department of Justice will hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said: “This case demonstrates DEA’s unparalleled ability to dismantle the world’s most dangerous criminal networks. Our investigation into Takeshi Ebisawa and his associates exposed the shocking depths of international organized crime from trafficking nuclear materials to fueling the narcotics trade and arming violent insurgents. DEA remains positioned to relentlessly pursue anyone who threatens our national security, regardless of where they operate. Protecting the American people from such evil will always remain DEA’s top priority.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, the Superseding Indictment, and other information in the public record:
Since at least in or about 2019, the DEA investigated EBISAWA in connection with large-scale narcotics and weapons trafficking. During the investigation, EBISAWA unwittingly introduced an undercover DEA agent (“UC-1”), posing as a narcotics and weapons trafficker, to EBISAWA’s international network of criminal associates, which spanned Japan, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, and the U.S., among other places, for the purpose of arranging large-scale narcotics and weapons transactions. EBISAWA and his network, including his co-defendants, negotiated multiple narcotics and weapons transactions with UC-1.
EBISAWA conspired to broker the purchase, from UC-1, of U.S.-made surface-to-air missiles, as well as other heavy-duty weaponry, intended for multiple ethnic armed groups in Burma (including the leader of an ethnic insurgent group in Burma (“CC-1”)), and to accept large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine for distribution as partial payment for the weapons. EBISAWA understood the weapons to have been manufactured in the U.S. and taken from U.S. military bases in Afghanistan. EBISAWA planned for the heroin and methamphetamine to be distributed in the New York market.
In addition, EBISAWA conspired to sell, in a separate transaction, 500 kilograms of methamphetamine and 500 kilograms of heroin to UC-1 for distribution in New York. In furtherance of that transaction, on or about June 16, 2021, and on or about September 27, 2021, one of EBISAWA’s co-defendants provided samples of approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine and approximately 1.4 kilograms of heroin. EBISAWA also worked to launder $100,000 in purported narcotics proceeds from the U.S. to Japan.
Finally, beginning in early 2020, EBISAWA informed UC-1 and a DEA confidential source (“CS-1”) that EBISAWA had access to a large quantity of nuclear materials that he wanted to sell. Later that year, EBISAWA sent UC-1 a series of photographs depicting rocky substances with Geiger counters measuring radiation, as well as pages of what EBISAWA represented to be lab analyses indicating the presence of thorium and uranium in the depicted substances. In response to EBISAWA’s repeated inquiries, UC-1 agreed, as part of the DEA’s investigation, to help EBISAWA broker the sale of his nuclear materials to UC-1’s associate, who was posing as an Iranian general (the “General”), for use in a nuclear weapons program. EBISAWA then offered to supply the General with “plutonium” that would be even “better” and more “powerful” than uranium for this purpose. EBISAWA further proposed, together with two other co-conspirators (“CC-2” and “CC-3”), to UC-1 that CC-1 sell uranium to the General, through EBISAWA, to fund CC-1’s weapons purchase.
Thereafter, on a February 4, 2022, videoconference, CC-2 told UC-1 that CC-1 had available more than 2,000 kilograms of Thorium-232 and more than 100 kilograms of uranium in the compound U3O8 — referring to a compound of uranium commonly found in the uranium concentrate powder known as “yellowcake” — and that CC-1 could produce as much as five tons of nuclear materials in Burma. CC-2 also advised that CC-1 had provided samples of the uranium and thorium, which CC-2 was prepared to show to UC-1’s purported buyers. CC-2 noted that the samples should be packed “to contain . . . the radiation.” Approximately one week later, EBISAWA, CC-2, and CC-3 participated in a series of meetings with UC-1 and CS-1 in Southeast Asia, to discuss their ongoing weapons, narcotics, and nuclear materials transactions. During one of these meetings, CC-2 asked UC-1 to meet in CC-2’s hotel room. Inside the room, CC-2 showed UC-1 two plastic containers each holding a powdery yellow substance (the “Nuclear Samples”), which CC-2 described as “yellowcake.” CC-2 advised that one container held a sample of uranium in the compound U3O8, and the other container held Thorium-232.
With the assistance of Thai authorities, the Nuclear Samples were seized and subsequently transferred to the custody of U.S. law enforcement. A nuclear forensic laboratory in the U.S. examined the Nuclear Samples and determined that both samples contain detectable quantities of uranium, thorium, and plutonium. In particular, the laboratory determined that the isotope composition of the plutonium found in the Nuclear Samples is weapons-grade, meaning that the plutonium, if produced in sufficient quantities, would be suitable for use in a nuclear weapon.
* * *
EBISAWA, 60, of Japan, pled guilty to six counts contained in the Superseding Indictment. A table containing the charges and minimum and maximum penalties is set forth below.
COUNT
MIN. AND MAX. PRISON TERM
Count One: Conspiracy to commit international trafficking of nuclear materialsMaximum of 10 years in prisonCount Two: International trafficking of nuclear materialsMaximum of 20 years in prisonCount Three: Narcotics importation conspiracyMandatory minimum of 10 years in prison; maximum of life in prisonCount Six: Narcotics importation conspiracyMandatory minimum of 10 years in prison; maximum of life in prisonCount Seven: Conspiracy to possess firearms, including machineguns and destructive devicesMaximum of life in prisonCount Eight: Money launderingMaximum of 20 years in prisonThe minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit. Mr. Kim also thanked the DEA Tokyo Country Office, DEA Bangkok Country Office, DEA Chiang Mai Resident Office, DEA Jakarta Country Office, DEA Copenhagen Country Office, DEA New York Field Office, DEA New Delhi Country Office, the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, the Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, and our law enforcement partners in Indonesia, Japan, and the Kingdom of Thailand for their assistance.
This prosecution 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 U.S. using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaylan E. Lasky, Alexander Li, and Kevin T. Sullivan are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the Counterterrorism Section.
January Federal Grand Jury 2024-A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the January Federal Grand Jury 2024-A Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Vincent Delmarco Berry; Mateaka Mignon Mansker; Jessica Janay Baldwin; Michael Ray Crawley. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Berry, 35, of McAlester; Mansker, 31, of Broken Arrow; Baldwin, 41, of Hartshorne; and Crawley, 46, of McAlester, are charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Additionally, Mansker, Baldwin, and Crawley are charged with possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The FBI, McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of the Inspector General – Department of Corrections are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-005
Henry Jose Flores Mayorga. Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm; Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Mayorga, 44, a Nicaragua national, is charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was illegally in the United States. Further, Mayorga possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute. The U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy M. Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-004
Kolton Austyn Gene McAnally. Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country (superseding). McAnally, 22, of Vinita and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is charged with operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol and killing Madison Barnes in Feb. 2024. He is also charged with assault for causing serious bodily injury to another victim. The FBI, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen J. Flynn and Matthew Cyran are prosecuting the case. 24-CR-324
Idaho Falls Man and Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Ana Costilla, 38, and Jorge Hernandez Venegas, 24, both of Idaho Falls, were sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. Chief United States District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Costilla to twelve and a half years and Venegas to nine years in federal prison for their roles in the conspiracy.
According to court records, law enforcement learned that Costilla was arranging to have a co-conspirator drive ten pounds of methamphetamine from California to Costilla’s residence in Idaho. Law enforcement stopped Venegas as he left Costilla’s residence in Idaho Falls. Officers with the Idaho Falls Police Department searched the vehicle Venegas was driving and found one pound of methamphetamine. Officers later discovered an additional nine pounds of methamphetamine during a search of Costilla’s home.
A federal grand jury indicted Costilla, Venegas, and Jesus Beltran-Zazusta, 26, a Mexican national living in Victor, Idaho, on January 23, 2024. On December 2, 2024, Judge Nye sentenced Venegas to 108 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. On January 6, 2025, Judge Nye sentenced Costilla to 150 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Beltran-Zazusta pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on March 3, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of the Idaho Falls Police Department and the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Blythe H. McLane prosecuted the case.
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Honduran National Guilty of Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DANIEL IGNACIO MEJIA-CASTILLO (“MEJIA”), age 32, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on January 7, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, an armed robbery occurred on the evening of February 8, 2022, in the 4400 block of N. Dorgenois Street. New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers responded to the scene and began canvassing the area for potential suspects. During their search, officers discovered MEJIA crouching in a patch of overgrown grass near the 2500 block of St. Louis Street. MEJIA, an illegal alien from Honduras, was found in possession of a firearm and arrested. The firearm was a Kel-Tec Model PF-9, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, manufactured by Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc. in Florida.
At sentencing, MEJIAfaces a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 10, 2025.
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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Office of the Inspector General Social Security Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
Holt Man Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
LANSING – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Kerry Christian Heuhs, 57, of Holt pleaded guilty to tax evasion. Heuhs is scheduled to be sentenced on a future date and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
“Those who fail to pay their fair share of taxes not only cheat the government out of much needed revenue that finances our military, health programs, and public works projects, but also cheat their fellow citizens who are forced to carry more than their fair share of the burden,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office will hold accountable individuals and businesses that willfully violates our tax laws.”
Heuhs owns management companies that operate two family dental practices in the greater Lansing area. According to court documents, the IRS informed Heuhs, during an audit before 2016, that he mischaracterized personal expenses as business expenses and failed to report certain income in his personal tax returns. As part of his guilty plea, Heuhs admitted that for years after the IRS audit—specifically, between 2016 and 2021—he continued to underreport joint taxable income that he and his wife received from Heuhs’s dental management practices, and continued to mischaracterize personal expenses as business expenses, on his personal tax returns. Heuhs further admitted that, between 2016 and 2019, he did not report certain business income, understated gross business receipts, and overstated deductions in connection with the business tax returns that he filed on behalf of his dental management companies.
“Over the course of three years, Kerry Heuhs defrauded the American taxpayer by not paying his fair share. Motivated by greed, Heuhs consistently lied on his tax returns, using his businesses as a way to hide his personal spending and decrease his tax responsibility,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles Miller, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Today's plea should serve as a stark reminder that criminals, such as Heuhs, will be held accountable for their brazen fraud.”
IRS Criminal Investigation and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are investigating this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Townshend is prosecuting it.
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Hartford Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Victims Who Advertised Goods on Internet MarketplacesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN VILLEGAS, also known as “Kirby,” 26, of Hartford was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing a series of gunpoint robberies targeting individual sellers of luxury goods over online marketplaces.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ATF, the Hartford Police Department, and the Middletown Police Department investigated a series of gunpoint robberies of individuals who advertised items for sale on internet marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp. At an arranged meeting place to sell their items, which included cell phones and luxury sneakers and accessories, the purported purchaser would brandish a firearm, force the victim to hand over the luxury goods, and flee. The investigation revealed that Villegas and Jalen Lasalle committed five armed robberies in Hartford in late August and early September 2022. Villegas, with his sister Valerie Meneses, also committed an armed robbery in August 2022 in Middletown.
Villegas has been detained since December 14, 2022. On September 12, 2024, he pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), and two counts of carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Lasalle and Meneses, both of Hartford, pleaded guilty to related charges. On October 16, 2024, Meneses was sentenced to 63 months of imprisonment. Lasalle awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Hartford Police Department, and the Middletown Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and A. Reed Durham.
U.S. Attorney Avery encouraged those who sell and purchase items online, and need to meet an individual in person to complete the sale, to use a visible, monitored location. Contact your local police department to see if it offers a monitored meeting location, or search online for a nearby monitored location.
Guatemalan Fugitive Living Illegally in the U.S. Under Fake Identity Pleads Guilty to International Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron (34, Guatemala) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy, firearms trafficking, dealing in firearms without a license, and possessing firearms as an illegal alien. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for the conspiracy and each possession offense. He faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment for dealing in firearms without a license. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, between 2023 and April 2024, Sune-Giron was a member of a transnational firearms trafficking operation. Sune-Giron recruited straw purchasers to illegally buy firearms—including Glocks, rifles and AK-47s—from federal firearms licensees across Florida. After purchasing the firearms, Sune-Giron and co-conspirators smuggled them overseas, including to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Between 2023 and 2024, Sune-Giron and his co-conspirators trafficked thousands of firearms. Several were later recovered at crime scenes.
On April 18, 2024, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa and Orlando executed three coordinated search warrants at residences in the Orlando area. At Sune-Giron’s residence, and as depicted below, agents recovered more than 50 firearms, ammunition, money counters, and approximately $16,000 in U.S. currency.
At the time of the search, Sune-Giron had been living in the United States illegally under an assumed name.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diego F. Novaes and Noah P. Dorman.
Grand Jury Returns Two Drug-Related IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
HAYWARD MAN CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE AND FENTANYL
Nathanial Z. Johnson, 33, Hayward, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution, possessing fentanyl intended for distribution, and maintaining a drug trafficking premises. The indictment alleges Johnson possessed the methamphetamine and fentanyl and maintained a drug trafficking premises on August 5, 2024.
If convicted of the count charging 50 grams of methamphetamine, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. The fentanyl charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge of maintaining a drug trafficking premises also carries a maximum penalty of 20 years.
The charges against Johnson are the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Hayward Police Department, and the Wisconsin State Patrol. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the investigation. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala is handling the case.
HOLMEN MAN CHARGED WITH METHAMPHETAMINE TRAFFICKING
Tyler J. Beeler, 33, Holmen, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that Beeler possessed the methamphetamine on or about August 20, 2024.
If convicted, Beeler faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Stelljes is handling the case.
Georgia Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Prison for Drug and Money Laundering ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Dunwoody, Georgia, has been sentenced in federal court to 210 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Gordon Johnson, 39, on January 7, 2025.
According to information presented to the Court, between September 2020 and December 2021, Johnson conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and conspired to commit money laundering. Additionally, during the same time period, Johnson maintained a drug-involved premises.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon stated that the defendant did not appear to have learned from second chances that he had been given and that a significant sentence emphasized the serious nature of Johnson’s offenses.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.
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.
Georgia Inmate and Associate Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud in Jury Duty ScamRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Anthony Sanders, a/k/a “Slanga” (28, McRae-Helena, GA) and Marlita Andrews (28, Macon, GA) with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. If convicted, Sanders and Andrews each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Sanders and Andrews that the United States intends to forfeit $12,825, which is alleged to represent proceeds obtained from the offense.
According to court documents, Sanders, an inmate in a Georgia prison, and Andrews, his associate outside the prison, conspired to defraud a victim of over $12,000. A victim in Sarasota reported that she received a call from a scammer impersonating a deputy with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, who stated that a warrant was issued for her arrest because she missed jury duty. The victim was directed to a “Bonding Transition Center” to make payment to satisfy the warrant. In reality, the “Bonding Transition Center” was a Bitcoin ATM machine, which allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.
The victim deposited over $12,000 into three separate accounts as cryptocurrency, as instructed. The victim’s funds were then quickly transferred from those accounts into a bitcoin wallet belonging to Andrews. By the next day, all funds were dispersed from Andrews’ account into several other accounts. The investigation revealed that Sanders participated in this scheme and used phones in prison to direct Andrews where to send profits of the scam. Sanders also directed Andrews to purchase prepaid phones to send to him in prison, via a drone.
In such scams, individuals impersonate real law enforcement or court officials, call victims, and claim that a warrant is out for their arrest because they missed jury duty. To avoid immediate arrest, the victim is advised they must pay a fine or deposit money into an account. Scammers often provide personal information about the victim, such as their correct home address and date of birth, and the caller ID of the scammer will often match the telephone number of a local law enforcement agency. Law enforcement investigation has revealed that inmates in Georgia state prisons are participating in this scheme by using illegally obtained prepaid phones and that associates outside the prison may assist with receiving the funds or transferring them to other accounts.
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 Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and FBI Tampa Division – Sarasota Resident Agency, with assistance from the FBI – Atlanta Division – Macon Resident Agency and Atlanta Field Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.
Four Facing Federal Charges for Brink’s Truck Robbery in MadisonRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment Wednesday charging four individuals for their involvement in an armed robbery of a Brink’s truck in Madison.
Lee O. Griffin, Jr., 23, of Cahokia Heights, is facing one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of arson and one count of possession of a weapon in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Antonio T. Harris, 23, and Patrick D. Johnson, 26, both of St. Louis, are each facing one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery.
Taneisha M. Davis, 29, of East St. Louis, was charged with one count of arson for her involvement in setting the getaway car on fire.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting individuals who victimize employees with brazen attacks who are simply trying to do their jobs,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I applaud this multijurisdictional investigation by local, state and federal law enforcement officers to help improve public safety throughout the Metro East region.”
According to court documents, Harris and Johnson are accused of robbing two Brink’s employees as they serviced an ATM in Madison on Dec. 5, 2024. The indictment alleges the pair were armed with pistols and took cash from the truck and the employees’ gun belts holding two pistols, magazines and ammunition.
“The effective identification and arrest of the alleged subjects is an example of why law enforcement partnerships are vital to our communities,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “The FBI works with and supports our law enforcement partners at every level of government on a daily basis. These strong alliances are how we leverage our respective strengths and capabilities, and the key to better protecting the American people.”
Griffin is accused of driving the getaway car, a Chevrolet Impala, for Harris and Johnson. The car was located hours after the robbery abandoned and ablaze in Washington Park. Griffin and Davis are accused of conspiring to set the Impala on fire.
“People should not fear for their lives when they go to work each day,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP will continue to partner with local and federal agencies to make communities safer and get criminals off the streets.”
Convictions for robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and arson are punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Brandishing a weapon is a consecutive range of seven years up to life in prison.
“The Citizens of Madison County should be proud of how Law Enforcement agencies teamed together to solve these serious crimes in a timely manner. The individuals charged, worked together in an effort to not only commit a high stakes crime, but also to take extreme measures to coverup and hide their tracks,” said Madison County Sheriff Jeff C. Connor. “I am proud of the men and women who spent untold hours to track down these criminals and send a message to others, these type of actions will not be tolerated in Madison County.”
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The Springfield FBI Field Office is leading the investigation with support from the Illinois State Police, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi is prosecuting the case.
Former deputy arrested for sexual assault while on dutyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 27-year-old former Webb County Sheriff’s deputy has been charged for allegedly depriving a victim of their right to bodily integrity and bodily privacy and falsification of records, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Ignacio Rodriguez IV is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos at 9:41 am Jan. 9.
A federal grand jury returned the sealed two-count indictment Jan. 7, which was unsealed upon his arrest.
The indictment alleges that on Sept. 1, 2024, Rodriguez pulled over a car during the course of his duties. At that time, he sexually assaulted the victim driver and threatened use of a firearm, kidnapping, bodily injury, aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact, according to the charges. During the encounter, he also allegedly turned off his body-worn camera and dash camera, thereby obstructing justice.
If convicted, he faces up to life in prison as to the civil rights violation and up to 20 years in prison for falsification of records. The charges also carry fines of up to $250,000.
The FBI and Laredo Police Department are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie Ann Cortez and Brandon Scott Bowling are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Former Virginia Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A Virginia man and former business owner pleaded guilty yesterday to not accounting for and paying employment taxes to the IRS.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Richard E. Moore, of Augusta County, was the executive vice president and part owner of Nexus Services Inc., a Verona-based company that offered bond securitization and other services to immigrants detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Moore, who exercised control over Nexus’s business and financial affairs, was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from Nexus’s employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the IRS. He was also responsible for filing quarterly employment tax returns. For many quarters between the first quarter of 2015 and first quarter of 2024, Moore withheld the funds but did not pay them over to the IRS and did not file the returns.
In total, he caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $3.1 million.
Moore’s sentencing will be scheduled for a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of failing to pay employment taxes. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee for the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys William Montague and Matthew Hicks of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Former State Government Employee and Her Former Boyfriend Plead Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining COVID Jobless BenefitsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former employee of the California Employment Development Department (EDD), which administers the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) program, pleaded guilty this afternoon to fraudulently obtaining more than $750,000 in COVID jobless relief.
Phyllis Hope Stitt, 61, of Carson, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud for filing at least 29 fraudulent UI claims that caused the EDD to suffer approximately $768,958 in losses. Also pleading guilty today to the same charge was Kenneth Earl Riley, 64, of South Los Angeles, Stitt’s former boyfriend.
According to their plea agreements, Stitt and Riley had been in a relationship as domestic partners with each other for over a decade at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when Stitt was employed by the EDD as an employment program representative. Her job duties included determining claimant eligibility for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and performing claim processing activities.
From March 2020 to September 2021, while using the access and information available to her in her position with the EDD, Stitt acquired the names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and other personal identifying information of victims that were used to submit fraudulent claims.
Stitt then filed fraudulent applications for UI benefits without the victims’ knowledge or consent, and then increased the amount of UI benefits paid out by backdating the fraudulent requests to maximize the claims.
Stitt certified the fraudulent applications alleging that the victims had submitted their employment history and driver’s license information, and she confirmed they were unemployed because of the pandemic and actively were searching for work.
Many of the victims were ineligible to receive these benefits because they were currently employed, not unemployed because of the pandemic, or were deceased at the time.
In filing the fraudulent applications, Stitt used mailing addresses that Riley had access to. Debit cards and accounts created as a result of these fraudulent applications were then accessed by Riley and others, who made cash withdrawals at ATMs, bank transfers and retail purchases.
United States District Judge André Birotte Jr. scheduled sentencing hearings for May 9, at which time each defendant will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and the California Employment Development Department – Investigation Division investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Steven M. Arkow of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.
Former Quincy Official Indicted for Embezzling City FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg man was arrested today in connection with an alleged scheme to embezzle funds from the City of Quincy, Mass.
Thomas F. Clasby, Jr., 60, was charged in an indictment with embezzlement, mail and wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property. Clasby will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 12:45 p.m. today.
According to the indictment, Clasby was the Director of the Quincy Department of Elder Services (Elder Services) between approximately 1999 and April 2024. Beginning in 2019, Clasby allegedly used the City’s purchasing process to pay personal expenses and generate cash for himself. For example, Clasby allegedly arranged for the City to pay $8,950 to a music studio to produce recordings of Clasby singing songs; $2,236 to food service vendors for 153 pounds of bourbon steak tips; $4,800 for a Toyota Prius; and $1,658 for a signature, lacquered, mounted, and framed self-portrait, all of which were personal expenses.
The indictment further alleges that Clasby arranged for the City pay over $38,000 to a New York consulting company owned by Clasby’s friend. The consulting company never provided goods or services to any City department. Instead, Clasby’s friend allegedly cashed the City checks and delivered the cash to Clasby at a rest stop in Framingham, Mass., a ferry terminal in Bridgeport, Conn. and at the friend’s New York apartment. The indictment further alleges that, starting in June 2021, Clasby stole the vast majority of cash receipts generated by Elder Services at the Kennedy Center in Quincy.
“Thomas Clasby’s alleged betrayal of trust is not just a theft from the City of Quincy but an affront to the seniors he was sworn to serve and the taxpayers who funded these programs,” said United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As Director of Elder Services, Mr. Clasby was entrusted with protecting vulnerable members of his community. Instead, he allegedly used his position to fund personal indulgences, from bourbon steak tips to a custom-framed self-portrait, and even went so far as to collect cash handoffs at ferry terminals and rest stops. Let this indictment serve as a reminder: public officials who exploit their positions for personal gain will be found out and held accountable for their crimes.”
“Stealing money from programs that are set up to help our seniors is utterly disgraceful,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Today, the FBI arrested Thomas Clasby for allegedly padding his paycheck in a big way, using tens of thousands of dollars belonging to the city’s coffers as his own personal slush fund. In doing so, we believe he cheated the city of Quincy’s Department of Elder Services, the taxpayers who help fund it, and all the honest municipal workers who do the right thing, in the right way, every day. We’d like to thank the Quincy Police Department for its assistance in bringing Mr. Clasby to justice.”
The charge of embezzlement provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of mail and wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of interstate transportation of stolen property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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.
U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Quincy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions 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.
Former New Britain Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMON SOTO, 57, of the Bronx, New York, formerly of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force identified a cocaine trafficking operation that involved the shipment of parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in New Britain and Meriden, Connecticut, as well as addresses in Holyoke and West Springfield, Massachusetts. Soto and others picked up parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to his New Britain residence or to a co-conspirator’s residence. They then delivered the cocaine to individuals in the Bronx in return for payment.
During the investigation, task force members intercepted and seized 10 suspicious parcels, each of which contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine, and identified approximately 280 suspicious parcels likely containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been delivered to the various drop addresses.
On May 1, 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Soto’s residence and seized a loaded Ruger handgun, magazines, ammunition, two money counters, a digital scale with cocaine residue, and more than $1,000 in cash. A search of a co-conspirator’s residence on that date revealed two firearms, a drum magazine, ammunition, approximately two kilograms of cocaine, drug packaging material, and approximately $12,000 in cash.
Soto was arrested on February 14, 2024. On September 19, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Soto, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 26.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Levick and Konstantin Lantsman.
Former Indiana Congressional Candidate to Plead Guilty to Falsifying Campaign ContributionsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- 2024 Indiana congressional candidate, Gabriel Whitley, 27, of Indianapolis, has agreed to plead guilty to lying to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) by fabricating contributions purportedly made to his campaign, “Honest Gabe for Congress,” for the purpose of falsely portraying that his campaign had significantly greater support and financial resources than it actually did.
According to court documents, Gabriel Whitley ran in the primary election for Indiana’s Seventh Congressional District and served as the treasurer of his campaign committee. Whitley admitted that he lied to the FEC in three separate reports about hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions from supporters and loans from himself. Specifically, Whitley admitted that in October 2023, he falsely claimed that 67 people, whose biographical details he made up, had contributed approximately $222,690 to Honest Gabe for Congress. In January 2024, Whitley again falsely reported contributions from individuals whose biographical details he fabricated. Finally, in April 2024, Whitley falsified a $100,000 loan to his campaign.
Whitley faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He will have a change-of-plea hearing and a sentencing hearing to be scheduled at later times. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Brent Wible, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; First Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Childress for the Southern District of Indiana; and Special Agent in Charge Herbert Stapleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Indianapolis Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Preston of the Southern District of Indiana are prosecuting the case.
All defendants are presumed innocent until they plead guilty or are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Former Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes in Exchange for Smuggling Narcotics into Rikers IslandRead the Press Release
Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that GHISLAINE BARRIENTOS, a former corrections officer, pled guilty today to bribery in connection with her participation in a scheme to accept bribes in exchange for smuggling narcotics into Rikers Island. BARRIENTOS pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 16, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said: “Ghislaine Barrientos took bribes when working as a corrections officer at Rikers Island. Rikers Island is less safe, for inmates and officers alike, when corrections officers and others in positions of public trust accept bribes to smuggle contraband. We will not tolerate any breach of trust or corruption that jeopardizes the well-being of inmates and staff.”
As reflected in the Complaint, Information, and statements made in court:
BARRIENTOS, a former New York City Department of Correction (“DOC”) correction officer, conspired with others to smuggle contraband, including cocaine, smokeable synthetic cannabinoids (known as “K2”), and food to inmates housed at the Robert N. Davoren Complex on Rikers Island in exchange for thousands of dollars in bribe payments.
For example, on April 11, 2024, CC-1, an associate of an inmate (“Inmate-1”), and BARRIENTOS discussed CC-1 sending BARRIENTOS a package through a delivery service. On April 15, 2024, surveillance footage showed BARRIENTOS entering Inmate-1’s cell, where surveillance footage could not capture her actions. Two days later, DOC searched Inmate-1’s cell and recovered sheets of paper that tested positive for the presence of cocaine.
On April 24, 2024, CC-1 sent BARRIENTOS another package using the delivery service. When BARRIENTOS went to work later that day, a drug-detecting canine alerted for the presence of narcotics. DOC employees searched BARRIENTOS’s belongings and found approximately 10 sheets of paper that tested positive for the presence of K2. In an interview with law enforcement, BARRIENTOS falsely stated, among other things, that no inmate had ever asked her to bring them contraband. Law enforcement officers then searched BARRIENTOS’s vehicle and recovered additional sheets of paper, as well as approximately $2,466 in cash, as shown in the following photographs:
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BARRIENTOS, 37, of Mount Vernon, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The statutory maximum sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Department of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption and Narcotics Units. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Coyle is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Columbus police officer sentenced to more than 4 years in prison for stealing cocaine from crime scenes, police evidence roomRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Columbus police officer was sentenced in federal court here today to 50 months in prison for crimes involving more than 15 kilograms of cocaine and money laundering.
Joel M. Mefford, 35, of London, Ohio, was a Columbus police officer assigned to investigate drug crimes. On three occasions between February and April 2020, Mefford worked with another officer to steal and traffic cocaine.
“Crimes like those that Mefford committed undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system. Mefford abused his official position for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Today’s substantial prison sentence is necessary to reflect the gravity of his offenses and to promote respect for the law. Corrupt public servants will be held accountable.”
According to court documents, in February 2020, Mefford and the other officer were investigating a drug crime and unlawfully gained access to a detached garage belonging to the subject of the investigation. Without a warrant, they entered the garage and discovered two kilograms of cocaine in the rafters. They unlawfully seized one of the kilograms and left the other to be found during the execution of a search warrant the next morning. The other officer gave the stolen narcotics to another individual to sell.
Similarly, in February and March 2020, Mefford and the other officer were investigating drug-trafficking activity at houses on Ambleside Drive and Kilbourne Avenue in Columbus. On March 7, 2020, the officers took a bag containing multiple kilograms of cocaine from the house on Ambleside Drive and arrested an individual there. They then traveled to the house on Kilbourne Avenue and removed a kilogram of cocaine. That same day, Mefford turned in one kilogram of cocaine to evidence, and the officers stole the other kilograms to be sold.
In April 2020, Mefford and the other officer stole between 10 and 20 kilograms of cocaine from the Columbus police property room and replaced it with fake cocaine. Mefford transported the stolen cocaine in a police cruiser and the other officer later gave the drugs to another individual to sell. The drug proceeds were then given to the other officer, who provided Mefford his cut. Mefford personally received a total of approximately $130,000 from cocaine sales.
Mefford deposited more than $72,000 of the cash derived from the cocaine sales into his personal bank account.
A federal grand jury indicted Mefford in December 2023 and he pleaded guilty in August 2024 to two counts of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one count of money laundering.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr.
Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes special agents and officers from the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office and the Columbus Division of Police.
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Former Charleston Physician Sentenced to Prison for Federal Opioid CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Dr. Alexander V. Otellin, 57, formerly of Charleston, was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for the unlawful distribution of oxycodone.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 27, 2017, Otellin distributed a quantity of oxycodone to a patient at his psychiatry practice in South Charleston. Otellin admitted that while his specialty was psychiatry, he treated the patient for pain management. Otellin further admitted that this distribution was without a legitimate medical purpose, outside the usual course of medical practice, and without proper authority.
Otellin distributed controlled substances to the patient starting on or about February 6, 2014, until on or about July 15, 2020. During this time period, Otellin knew the patient was receiving opiates from another physician. Urine screens indicated the patient was abusing heroin and fentanyl, yet Otellin continued to prescribe medications that are dangerous when combined with illegal unprescribed drugs.
For the first four years of this time period, Otellin did not review the patient’s medical history for substance abuse or habits or document a review of the database that tracks controlled substance prescriptions. For approximately five months during this time period, Otellin wrote prescriptions for oxycodone and other controlled substances for the patient without evaluating him.
Otellin also prescribed oxycodone to the patient’s wife for pain management instead of referring the patient’s wife to a pain management specialist. Otellin only conducted three urine drug screenings over a five-year period that would have revealed whether the patient’s wife was using the prescription as prescribed, diverting it to her husband, or using other drugs.
At least three pharmacists complained to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that Otellin’s prescribing practices appeared improper, including when he prescribed the opioid medication buprenorphine at dosages above clinically effective levels. One patient who received above-therapeutic buprenorphine prescriptions from Otellin also received the anti-anxiety medication alprazolam, and the anti-seizure and pain medicine gabapentin from Otellin. This patient died from an overdose at age 41. The coroner indicated the cause of death was “due to Buprenorphine, Alprazolam and Gabapentin Intoxication.”
Another patient of Otellin’s also died from an overdose. Otellin prescribed alprazolam, the sedative zolpidem, and amphetamine salts, used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, to this patient. The patient’s probation officer notified Otellin in a letter that the patient was exchanging his prescription medication for methamphetamine. A bag of methamphetamine and multiple pill bottles from Otellin’s prescriptions for this patient were found in the patient’s home after his death. The medical examiner indicated the cause of death to be “combined fentanyl, alprazolam, and diazepam intoxication” and that the patient “consumed unprescribed and prescribed prescription drugs in the setting of chronic drug abuse.”
Otellin was believed to have fled the United States to Russia in order avoid prosecution following his indictment by a federal grand jury on September 22, 2021. Otellin possesses dual citizenship in the U.S. and Russia. The U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia worked with INTERPOL Washington to issue an Interpol Red Notice for Otellin. In September 2023, Otellin entered the country of Armenia and was arrested and detained by Armenian authorities. U.S. Marshals took custody of Otellin in Armenia and transported him back to the United States, arriving in Charleston on April 20, 2024. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Armenian authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Otellin.
Otellin has surrendered his medical license with the West Virginia Board of Medicine.
“Dr. Otellin repeatedly prescribed opiates, stimulants and other drugs outside the normal course of medical practice in communities that continue to suffer from the overdose crisis,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I commend the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) for the investigative work in this case, and the U.S. Marshals Service and the Office of International Affairs for ensuring Dr. Otellin faced justice.”
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Trial Attorney Charles D. Strauss of the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division – Fraud Section and Assistant United States Attorneys Owen Reynolds and Andrew D. Isabell 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. 2:21-cr-159.
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Former Charleston Physician Sentenced to Prison for Federal Opioid CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Dr. Alexander V. Otellin, 57, formerly of Charleston, was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for the unlawful distribution of oxycodone.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 27, 2017, Otellin distributed a quantity of oxycodone to a patient at his psychiatry practice in South Charleston. Otellin admitted that while his specialty was psychiatry, he treated the patient for pain management. Otellin further admitted that this distribution was without a legitimate medical purpose, outside the usual course of medical practice, and without proper authority.
Otellin distributed controlled substances to the patient starting on or about February 6, 2014, until on or about July 15, 2020. During this time period, Otellin knew the patient was receiving opiates from another physician. Urine screens indicated the patient was abusing heroin and fentanyl, yet Otellin continued to prescribe medications that are dangerous when combined with illegal unprescribed drugs.
For the first four years of this time period, Otellin did not review the patient’s medical history for substance abuse or habits or document a review of the database that tracks controlled substance prescriptions. For approximately five months during this time period, Otellin wrote prescriptions for oxycodone and other controlled substances for the patient without evaluating him.
Otellin also prescribed oxycodone to the patient’s wife for pain management instead of referring the patient’s wife to a pain management specialist. Otellin only conducted three urine drug screenings over a five-year period that would have revealed whether the patient’s wife was using the prescription as prescribed, diverting it to her husband, or using other drugs.
At least three pharmacists complained to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that Otellin’s prescribing practices appeared improper, including when he prescribed the opioid medication buprenorphine at dosages above clinically effective levels. One patient who received above-therapeutic buprenorphine prescriptions from Otellin also received the anti-anxiety medication alprazolam, and the anti-seizure and pain medicine gabapentin from Otellin. This patient died from an overdose at age 41. The coroner indicated the cause of death was “due to Buprenorphine, Alprazolam and Gabapentin Intoxication.”
Another patient of Otellin’s also died from an overdose. Otellin prescribed alprazolam, the sedative zolpidem, and amphetamine salts, used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, to this patient. The patient’s probation officer notified Otellin in a letter that the patient was exchanging his prescription medication for methamphetamine. A bag of methamphetamine and multiple pill bottles from Otellin’s prescriptions for this patient were found in the patient’s home after his death. The medical examiner indicated the cause of death to be “combined fentanyl, alprazolam, and diazepam intoxication” and that the patient “consumed unprescribed and prescribed prescription drugs in the setting of chronic drug abuse.”
Otellin was believed to have fled the United States to Russia in order avoid prosecution following his indictment by a federal grand jury on September 22, 2021. Otellin possesses dual citizenship in the U.S. and Russia. The U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia worked with INTERPOL Washington to issue an Interpol Red Notice for Otellin. In September 2023, Otellin entered the country of Armenia and was arrested and detained by Armenian authorities. U.S. Marshals took custody of Otellin in Armenia and transported him back to the United States, arriving in Charleston on April 20, 2024. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Armenian authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Otellin.
Otellin has surrendered his medical license with the West Virginia Board of Medicine.
“Dr. Otellin repeatedly prescribed opiates, stimulants and other drugs outside the normal course of medical practice in communities that continue to suffer from the overdose crisis,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I commend the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) for the investigative work in this case, and the U.S. Marshals Service and the Office of International Affairs for ensuring Dr. Otellin faced justice.”
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Trial Attorney Charles D. Strauss of the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division – Fraud Section and Assistant United States Attorneys Owen Reynolds and Andrew D. Isabell 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. 2:21-cr-159.
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Former Banking Executive Pled Guilty to Embezzling over $4.2M from Clients and Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, William Shane Garrow, 49, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to Bank Fraud and Willfully Making and Subscribing a False Federal Income Tax Return.
Garrow was hired by the Bank of Oklahoma in August 2007 and promoted to Senior Vice President. He served as a financial advisor and provided investment and banking services to wealthy banking clients until he was terminated in March 2024.
From September 2012 through April 2024, Garrow admitted to stealing from at least 16 client accounts. Garrow fraudulently transferred funds or issued cashier checks without authorization and consent from his clients and then deposited those funds into accounts that he controlled at other financial institutions. Garrow did not report this extra income to the IRS and falsified his true taxable income.
Garrow further admitted that his actions were wrong and that the funds were used to pay for his lifestyle.
While Garrow is permitted to remain on bond, a federal district court judge will determine his sentence later after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FDIC-OIG, IRS Criminal Investigations, and U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple is prosecuting the case.
Florida Man Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – A Florida man was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in prison for filing false tax returns with the IRS for two consecutive years that he knew underreported his business’s revenue.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jeremy Charles DeWitte owned and operated Metro State Special Services, a funeral-procession escort business located in Central Florida. DeWitte filed individual income tax returns for 2017 and 2018 that materially understated the revenue he received from operating his business.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed ordered DeWitte to serve one year of supervised release and to pay approximately $70,000 in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorney Curtis Weidler of the Tax Division prosecuted the case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Felon from Turtle Creek Pleads Guilty to Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Deon Dutrieuille, 24, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on November 25, 2023, the Monroeville Police Department went to the Monroeville Mall in connection with a retail theft investigation, and found Dutrieuille—who has multiple prior felony convictions—in the driver’s seat of a vehicle wearing a stolen jacket. Dutrieuille, who had an outstanding warrant, ran from police, was apprehended, and was then taken into custody. A later search of Dutrieuille’s vehicle revealed a stolen Glock handgun, with Dutrieuille’s fingerprints on the firearm. Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for April 15, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Monroeville Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dutrieuille.
Douglas Man Previously Convicted of Hate Crimes and Arson Sentenced to More than 36 YearsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Eric Duane Ridenour, 58, of Douglas, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 438 months in prison. On July 11, 2024, Ridenour was convicted at trial of six arson and hate crimes counts stemming from the burning of two churches on May 22, 2023.
In 2023, Ridenour burned down two churches in Douglas, Arizona: Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church. The churches were located on Church Square, a historic district in the border town of Douglas, approximately two hours southeast of Tucson. It is believed to have been the only intersection in the nation containing churches from four different denominations: Southern Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Methodist. Trial testimony established that Ridenour intentionally started the fires in both churches because of his hostility towards their practice of having women and members of the LGBTQ community serve in church leadership roles. Ridenour was arrested on May 23, 2023.
“This is a case about two separate arsons and the motivations behind each,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “Defendant burned a church because he disagreed with its position that women and LGBTQ individuals may serve as ministers, and then he burned a second church, in the same historic square, for the same reason. Destruction of religious institutions is abhorrent to our Constitution. I add my voice to the prayers for healing in the Douglas community.”
“ATF is dedicated to protecting the rights of all Americans. We strongly share the same concerns of United States Attorney Restaino and the community. The sentencing of Ridenour is a testament to the collaborative work between all agencies involved in this investigation,” said ATF Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber. “We are proud to provide the expertise of the ATF Certified Fire Investigators (CFI) to assist in this prosecution. We remain committed to seeking justice and ensuring the safety of our community”.
“There is no way to undo the damage Mr. Ridenour caused with his hateful and violent behavior, but we hope this sentence provides some measure of comfort,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and ensure those who perpetrate such acts of hate are held accountable.”
Vindicating the victim churches’ rights in this case is part of a larger initiative implemented by this Office. With the creation of a Civil Rights unit in the Civil Division, and the designation of a hate crimes coordinator in the Criminal Divisions, U.S. Attorney Restaino has made the prosecution of hate crimes and the protection of civil rights a cornerstone of his tenure in the Office.
On the civil side, the Office’s two civil rights AUSAs have participated in round tables, community meetings, and convenings with community and faith leaders and city and county officials to listen to community concerns and inform the communities about the work of the Office. On the criminal side, as part of the first cohort announced by Attorney General Merrick Garland in September 2022, the Office has participated in the Department’s United Against Hate (UAH) initiative, an effort designed to address and prevent unlawful acts of hate. For its UAH efforts, the Office has held five large-scale events, presenting on the importance of hate crime reporting to various underrepresented and often-targeted communities in Phoenix and Tucson. The purpose of the events was to hear from each community about its fears and concerns, start a dialogue between the communities and law enforcement, and get the USAO out into the communities it serves.
The initiative has also resulted in increased civil rights prosecutions. Hate crimes and other bias incidents are unique because they have a devastating impact on entire communities. The USAO prosecuted Eric Celaya for providing guns to a person who then used them to shoot two Jewish community members in California. Celaya pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight months in prison. The Office indicted Mark Adams Prieto for selling guns that he believed would be used in a mass shooting to incite a race war. In addition to hate crime charges, the Office has also prosecuted law enforcement agents for harming those they are sworn to protect, such as former Customs and Border Protection Officer Aaron Mitchell, convicted at trial for Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law arising out of the kidnaping and sexual assault of a cross-border student. This Office remains committed to investigating all potential hate crimes and color of law violations, and working closely with local and federal law enforcement to determine whether charges are appropriate.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Douglas Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Austin Fenwick, Ben Goldberg, and Adam Rossi, District of Arizona, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR 23-00908-TUC-SHR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-001_Ridenour# # #
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.Dominican Man Charged for Allegedly Possessing Assault Rifle and Five Kilograms of Suspected FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A citizen of the Dominican Republic, who was residing at the Quality Inn Hotel in Revere, Mass., has been charged in federal court in Boston for allegedly possessing five kilograms of suspected fentanyl and an assault rifle.
Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, 28, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and one count of being an alien in possession of a firearm who has entered the United States unlawfully. The defendant is currently in state custody on related charges and will appear in federal court in Boston at 12:15 p.m. for an initial appearance.
According to the charging documents, Andujar Sanchez was residing in the Quality Inn in Revere. On Dec. 27, 2024, during a search of the room that Andujar Sanchez was residing in, five kilograms of suspected fentanyl, an AR-style assault rifle, ammunition, two rifle magazines, digital scales and an abundance of latex gloves were allegedly located. Andujar Sanchez was immediately taken into state custody.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to life years in prison, at least five years of supervised release, a mandatory minimum of 10 years, and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of unlawful possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office; and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Revere Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering 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.
Des Moines Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines man was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a child and for possessing child pornography.
According to public court documents and evidence presented in court, in 2005 and again from at least 2013 to 2015, Jeffrey Walter Gray, 62, exploited and attempted to exploit dozens of minors to produce child sexual abuse material on more than one hundred occasions. One of the ways Gray made child pornography was through the photography business he owned and operated in the Des Moines area—Wicked Imagery. Unbeknownst to his photography clients, Gray placed hidden cameras in the dressing areas at Wicked Imagery’s photography studios to capture videos of minor children undressing. Some of the child pornography Gray created depict children as young as approximately seven years old.
To date, investigators have identified over 20 children depicted in Gray’s collection of child sexual abuse material. Many other children are yet to be identified. Gray also collected material containing child sexual abuse material from the internet. In all, Gray amassed a library of over 10,000 files containing child sexual abuse material, some of which depicted children less than twelve years of age.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Gray will be required to serve a seven-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Restitution to the victims will be determined at a later date.
“Child predators like Gray use trust as a weapon for their own depraved goals. This depravity is only outweighed by the strength and courage of the victims involved in this investigation, and the dedication of the law enforcement officers who brought him to justice,” said United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa. “Sexual predators like Gray must and will face accountability and harsh sentences for these crimes of exploitation.”
“Identifying, investigating, and apprehending child predators is one of the FBI’s highest priorities. Today’s sentence ensures that Gray will be held accountable for his horrendous actions,” said Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the Omaha FBI Field Office. “We are proud of the work of our agents and task force officers in this case. We will remain vigilant in our pursuit of justice in cases like these, ensuring children are protected and perpetrators are brought to justice by partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement, serving victims and their families, and providing education and conducting outreach in our community.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Des Moines Police Department, with assistance from the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigations.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Choctaw County Resident Pleads Guilty to Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cory Lamont Bostic, a/k/a Cory L. Neal, age 48, of Hugo, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine.
The Indictment alleged that on September 7, 2023, Bostic knowingly and intentionally possessed methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, which he intended to distribute.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Bostic will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the United States.
Chesapeake hospital indicted for healthcare fraud involving unnecessary surgical proceduresRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Chesapeake Regional Medical Center (CRMC) with healthcare fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States and interference with government functions.
As alleged in the indictment, CRMC, formerly known as Chesapeake Regional Hospital, granted privileges to Javaid Perwaiz from 1984 until his arrest in 2019, despite knowing that Perwaiz’ privileges had been terminated at another hospital for performing unnecessary surgeries and that he was convicted of two federal felonies in 1996. From 2010 to 2019, CRMC allegedly received approximately $18.5 million in reimbursements from health care benefit programs for surgical and obstetric procedures Perwaiz performed at the facility.
“After Dr. Perwaiz was convicted of performing irreversible hysterectomies and other medically unnecessary surgeries on women, we continued to investigate the role that CRMC played,” said Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “As alleged in the indictment, Dr. Perwaiz did not act alone in this conspiracy to needlessly sterilize and otherwise harm women. The Grand Jury found today that CRMC was complicit in this horrifying scheme to place profits over patient care.”
Beginning at least as early as January 2010 and continuing until November 2019, CRMC, Perwaiz, and others allegedly conspired to defraud the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medicare, Medicaid, the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, and TRICARE. CRMC and Perwaiz allegedly agreed to Perwaiz continually performing surgeries and other procedures at CRMC that were in violation of the rules and regulations of the healthcare benefit programs. CRMC also allegedly defrauded Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, Anthem, Optima, Humana, Cigna, Aetna, United, and others to obtain reimbursements for obstetric deliveries that were elective inductions for no medical reason before 39 weeks of gestation, contrary to medical necessity and the standard of care. CRMC allegedly submitted such reimbursements itself, and aided and abetted Perwaiz to do the same.
“These latest charges are the next step toward justice for the women that were significantly impacted by Perwaiz’ predatory actions, as well as the negligence of Chesapeake Regional Medical Center,” said Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office. “The hospital’s prioritization of profits jeopardized the safety of many of their patients, many whom had full trust in them to provide reliable medical care. The FBI and our partners will continue to hold all parties responsible who abuse positions of power in such a manner, and that’s what today’s charges reflect.”
As alleged in the indictment, Perwaiz exclusively performed his obstetric deliveries at CRMC and routinely scheduled them as elective inductions on Saturdays, a day when he was already scheduled to be at CRMC to perform surgeries. To schedule such deliveries, Perwaiz allegedly submitted to CRMC obstetric flowsheets that often had two different delivery dates clearly noted. One due date was accurate and within the standard of care, while the other was fabricated later by Perwaiz to appear that the patient was actually at or after 39 weeks of gestation at the time of induction or cesarean section, when she was not. A review of such forms for Medicaid patients in 2019 allegedly revealed that approximately 64% of forms were altered, resulting in about 39% of his patients of CRMC being induced before 39 weeks of gestation for no medical reason. CRMC employees and practitioners allegedly observed or were made aware of such discrepancies, but nonetheless allowed Perwaiz to continue these practices and continued billing for them.
“As alleged in today’s indictment, CRMC knowingly disregarded patient care and allowed Dr. Perwaiz’s unnecessary surgeries, in order to increase its own revenue,” said Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners are committed to investigating allegations of patient harm and theft from federal health insurance programs.”
The indictment alleges CRMC knew that Perwaiz routinely and knowingly misclassified inpatient only surgeries as outpatient procedures but allowed him to continue performing these surgeries. CRMC also allegedly knew that certain health care benefit programs would not reimburse a hospital for an inpatient procedure performed on an outpatient basis, that the majority of private health care benefit programs reimbursed such procedures at a significantly lower rate, and that inpatient surgeries required an increased level of scrutiny.
“Ensuring the full measure of justice is brought to all those complicit in the heinous acts committed by Dr. Perwaiz is of the highest priority,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher W. Dillard of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the law enforcement arm of the DoD’s Office of Inspector General. “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to work with our partner agencies to pursue individuals and corporations for fraudulent actions, particularly those that involve patient harm.”
CRMC allegedly routinely allowed Perwaiz to deviate from scheduling policies for non-emergent surgical cases. Perwaiz often scheduled his Saturday surgeries on late Friday afternoons. Perwaiz repeatedly performed sterilizations on Medicaid patients at CRMC without valid consent forms, and CRMC allegedly knowingly allowed him to continue to do so.
The indictment alleges that Perwaiz was a solo practitioner who applied to CRMC for privileges in September 1983. While his application was pending, in December 1983, CRMC’s President, who remained the President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) until 2005, was notified by Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth that Perwaiz’s privileges at Maryview had been terminated earlier that year for performing unnecessary surgeries. After review of Perwaiz’s application, it is alleged that CRMC’s Department of Surgery initially declared him unacceptable for appointment, but nonetheless granted him privileges in April 1984.
The indictment further alleges that Perwaiz continued to conduct office visits, in-office diagnostic procedures, inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures, and obstetric deliveries at CRMC until his arrest on Nov. 8, 2019. Perwaiz also allegedly performed all his obstetric deliveries and inpatient surgeries, including hysterectomies, and other surgeries and procedures, at CRMC. The vast majority of these procedures allegedly took place on Saturdays when he had a reserved surgical block time at CRMC.
In 1995, Perwaiz was indicted on six counts of felony tax fraud in federal court. He pled guilty to two of the counts, and admitted in public filings to extensive fraudulent conduct, including, among other things, falsely claiming a Ferrari luxury sports car as an ultrasound machine so that he could write it off as a business expense.
In November 2020, Perwaiz was convicted of 52 counts of health care fraud and false statements in health care matters and was sentenced to 59 years in prison. Approximately 38 counts of the convictions were for procedures performed at CRMC, including unnecessary hysterectomies and other invasive and irreversible surgeries, elective inductions prior to 39 weeks of gestation without medical justification, and sterilizations of Medicaid patients without consent forms signed 30 days in advance.
The indictment alleges that CRMC periodically reviewed the credentials of practicing physicians, including Perwaiz, every two years. Perwaiz’s re-credentialing packet allegedly contained information regarding his felony conviction, his prior hospital suspension, and notes regarding medical malpractice lawsuits resulting from procedures he performed at CRMC. It is alleged that CRMC continually re-credentialed Perwaiz approximately every two years between 1984 and 2019. Perwaiz was last re-credentialed in June 2019, just five months before his arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Elizabeth M. Yusi are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim in this case or who has information regarding this matter is urged to contact the HHS-OIG tipline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS /1-800-447-8477 or online at tips.oig.hhs.gov.
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. 2:25-cr-1.
An indictment is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Thomas McNeil Hedrick II, 36, of Charleston, was sentenced today to five years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 26, 2023, Hedrick entered a Shrewsbury residence looking for his girlfriend while armed with a Ruger model AR-556 semi-automatic rifle loaded with a 60-round drum magazine and equipped with a bipod. While in the residence, Hedrick repeatedly pointed the rifle at his girlfriend and others while demanding that his girlfriend leave with him.
Hedrick admitted that he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms, and that he sought to conceal the loaded semi-automatic rifle under his jacket when he entered and left the residence. Hedrick further admitted that surveillance video at the residence captured his actions.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Hedrick knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition because of his prior felony conviction for wanton endangerment in Kanawha County Circuit Court on March 1, 2022.
Hedrick has a criminal history that also includes prior convictions for domestic assault, violation of a protective order, possession of a controlled substance, and being a person prohibited from possessing firearms.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys JC MacCallum and Alexander A. Redmon 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 result.
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. 2:24-cr-56.
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