Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Thursday 12 December 2024
Albany Woman Pleads Guilty to Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Toqwanda Ketchmore, aka “Quannie,” age 30, of Albany, pled guilty today to marijuana trafficking.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf; and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
Ketchmore admitted to being a member of a marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) trafficking organization that cultivated marijuana on a commercial scale in Fresno, California, and shipped thousands of kilograms of marijuana and THC from Fresno to locations throughout the United States, including the Capital Region of New York.
Ketchmore admitted to receiving packages of marijuana shipped by Dwight A. Singletary, II, aka “Nutt” and “Mike Jones,” and McKenzie Merrialice Coles, aka “Kenzie,” from a shipping store in Fresno, Fast Pack & Ship, at her then-home in Troy. Ketchmore was notified of the packages by Dwight Singletary and David Singletary, aka “DB,” and notified David Singletary, who retrieved the packages when they arrived.
Ketchmore also admitted that Dwight Singletary sold marijuana branded as “Nutty Packs” and had an Instagram account in the name “nutty_packz,” which Ketchmore followed. The profile picture for the account depicted a peanut above marijuana leaves smoking a marijuana cigarette and holding cash, and the posts to the account included videos of marijuana plants, harvested marijuana buds, and packaging for marijuana, including “Nutty Pack” packaging.
Between November 2020 and May 2022, Ketchmore received 44 packages containing approximately 201 kilograms (443 pounds) of marijuana at her home in Troy.
Ketchmore faces up to 20 years in prison; a fine of up to $1 million; and a term of supervised release of between 3 years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Ketchmore was charged in an indictment with Dwight Singletary, David Singletary, Coles, and 20 other people alleging marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracies, firearms offenses, and other crimes. Dwight Singletary, David Singletary, and Coles have pled not guilty and are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations.
In addition to Ketchmore, 16 other defendants, Rosemary Coles, Latrice Mumphrey, Lawrence Mumphrey, aka “L,” Sammy Olague, Victor Turner, Kristle Walker, Niara Banks, aka “Nie,” Ruby Ledesma, Lateek White, Onisha Smith, Jazell Shuler, Earnest Flood, aka “Pop,” Consanga Harris, aka “Sondy,” James Tyrell Daniels, aka “Red” and “Ghost,” LaFay Pearson, aka “Lala,” and Alyssa June White previously pled guilty.
The ATF, DEA, Troy Police Department and HSI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Dustin C. Segovia are prosecuting the case.
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.
Administrator of Online Criminal Marketplace Arrested in KosovoRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the indictment and arrest of Liridon Masurica (33, Gjilan, Kosovo), a Kosovo national also known as “@blackdb.” Masurica was taken into custody today by authorities in Kosovo. U.S. authorities are pursuing Masurica’s extradition to the United States, pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and the Republic of Kosovo.
On December 3, 2024, a grand jury in the Middle District of Florida returned an indictment charging Masurica with one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and five substantive counts of fraudulent use of 15 or more unauthorized access devices. If convicted on all counts, Masurica faces a maximum penalty of 55 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Masurica was the lead administrator of BlackDB.cc—an online criminal marketplace in operation from 2018 until present. BlackDB.cc illegally offered for sale compromised account and server credentials, credit card information, and other personally identifiable information of individuals primarily located in the United States, including those located within the Middle District of Florida. Once purchased, cybercriminals used the items purchased on BlackDB.cc to facilitate a wide range of illegal activity, including tax fraud, credit card fraud, and identity theft.
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 investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation and in cooperation with Kosovo Police’s Cybercrime Investigation Directorate. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons. Substantial assistance was provided by the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Sofia, Bulgaria and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs. Additionally, Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosova and Kosovo Police’s Cybercrime Investigation Directorate provided substantial assistance in the arrest of Masurica.
Adair Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – An Adair man was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Act.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in December 2022, Randy Scott Shuey, 43, was found in possession of a silencer attached to a rifle, which also had a high-capacity magazine. In January 2023, law enforcement located a second silencer at Shuey’s residence. Shuey did not register the silencers with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by federal law.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Shuey will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Adair Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
44 Defendants Charged in First Year of "Project Switch Off" as Part of Crackdown on Illegal Machinegun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
Law Enforcement Seize 185 Machinegun Conversion Devices and 298 Illegally Possessed Firearms
OKLAHOMA CITY – Launched just over a year ago, “Project Switch Off” continues to serve as an effective strategy to combat violent crime and targets illegal—and lethal—machinegun conversion devices (MCDs). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma launched “Project Switch Off” on November 29, 2023.
“The clear and immediate danger of machinegun conversion devices is real, and their proliferation is ever-increasing,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “We simply cannot standby and ignore the deadly consequences these devices present to the public and law enforcement. Under federal law, manufacturing, selling, transporting, or possessing MCDs is illegal. My office will continue to work with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to address this emerging threat.”
“It was nearly a year ago that we stood in unison and promised to do whatever we could to keep these dangerous devices from affecting you and your neighborhoods. As the statistics show, we held true to our word. Just because our first year was successful, we cannot, and will not, rest on our investigative laurels,” said ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “Together, with the United States Attorney’s Office and all our law enforcement partners, we will continue to work tirelessly to eradicate these devices from our communities. When we say we will not sleep until we do, we mean, will not sleep.”
PROJECT SWITCH OFF – STRATEGY
“Project Switch Off” targets MCDs, which turn semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machineguns and present an elevated threat to the public and to law enforcement. Regardless of whether they are attached to a firearm, MCDs constitute machineguns under federal law, and the manufacture, sale, transport, or possession of MCDs is illegal under federal law, except in very limited circumstances.
“Project Switch Off” aims to educate the public on the danger and illegality of MCDs, train law enforcement on how to identify MCDs, remove MCDs from our streets, and hold accountable those who manufacture, sell, or possess these illegal and deadly devices.
PROJECT SWITCH OFF - BY THE NUMBERS
Since “Project Switch Off” was launched, the following results have been achieved within the Western District of Oklahoma:
- 44 defendants were charged with federal offenses;
- 29 defendants have pled guilty or been convicted at trial;
- 18 defendants have been sentenced, with an average sentence of more than 80 months in federal prison; and
- law enforcement has seized and removed from the streets:
- 185 MCDs;
- two 3-D printers used to manufacture MCDs;
- 298 firearms; and
- 102,285 rounds of ammunition.
PROJECT SWITCH OFF - IN ACTION
Recent case examples of “Project Switch Off” include the following:
Sentencings
- Sheldon Lemont Battles, 20, was sentenced on November 5, 2024, to serve 33 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a machinegun in case number 23-CR-529. According to public record, Battles led Oklahoma City Police Department officers on a high-speed chase in November 2023 before he collided with another vehicle, which resulted in injuries to two passengers in that vehicle. Battles was arrested after a short foot pursuit, during which he discarded a firearm that police recovered and found fitted with an MCD. He pled guilty on February 21, 2024.
- Charles Lamar Scott, 36, was sentenced on May 10, 2024, to serve 25 years in federal prison for robbery of an Oklahoma City pharmacy, discharging a firearm during the robbery, and possession of a machinegun in case number 23-CR-191. According to public record, on December 26, 2022, Scott committed an armed robbery of a CVS Pharmacy, during which he violently assaulted a CVS employee, forcibly took a handgun from a retired police officer, and discharged it during the robbery. He then fired a handgun equipped with an MCD at law enforcement during his attempted escape. Scott pled guilty on September 22, 2023.
Convictions/Pleas
- Ronald Deshell Steele, Jr., 22, pled guilty on December 11, 2024, to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl and unlawful possession of a machinegun in case number 24-CR-376. At sentencing, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
- Jaylen Terrell Benford, 27, pled guilty on November 26, 2024, to unlawful transfer of a machinegun in case number 24-CR-376. At sentencing, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
- Emanuel Lopez, 24, pled guilty on November 25, 2024, to transporting machineguns without a license in case number 24-CR-263. According to public record, in May and June 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Los Angeles, California, intercepted four packages shipped from China. These packages were destined for Lopez at his home in Oklahoma and contained MCDs. The packages were mislabeled as “auto parts,” “hardware accessories,” and “decorative ornaments” on the shipping manifest. At sentencing, he faces up to five years in federal prison.
- Anthony Lawrence Grizzard, 42, pled guilty on November 25, 2024, to illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction in case number 24-CR-197. According to the federal Indictment, the firearm was modified with an MCD. At sentencing, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
- Brandon Dominique Taylor, 38, pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a machinegun on November 13, 2024, in case number 24-CR-361. At sentencing, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
Charges/Indictments*
- Bruce Gordon,* 21, was indicted by a federal Grand Jury on September 5, 2024, on two counts of unlawful transfer of a machinegun, one count of unlawful transfer of multiple machineguns, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine in case number 24-CR-364. If convicted, he faces up to 70 years in federal prison.
* The public is reminded that charges are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For more information about MCDs, please see the fact sheet hyperlinked below.
ATF Fact Sheet
Wednesday 11 December 2024
Westwego Woman Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PENELOPE PASSERO (“PASSERO”), age 50, of Westwego, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 10, 2024 for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to court documents, from February 2016 to December 2020, PASSERO knowingly accessed and converted approximately $59,320.97 in Social Security Administration and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES ACT”) funds.
United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced PASSERO to time served as to Count 1 of the Indictment. PASSERO was also sentenced to three (3) years supervised release, payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee and restitution in the amount of $59,320.97.
On May 17, 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.
Anyone with information about allegations of fraud related to COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Waco Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
WACO, Texas – A Waco man was sentenced today to life in federal prison for one count of coercion and enticement of a minor.
According to court documents, Bailey Warren Lowe, 25, used a Snapchat account to request sexually explicit images from a 13-year-old girl on multiple occasions. If she acted slowly or the photos did not meet his expectations, Lowe would become angry and threaten to expose her. On one occasion, in early 2022, Lowe drove the minor’s residence, where they engaged in sexual activity in his vehicle. Lowe did not use a condom and, when the minor repeated that she was 13 years old, he demanded she not tell anyone about them because he was 22 and could get in trouble. Lowe was enlisted in the Navy at the time.
An FBI investigation revealed multiple chat conversations and instances of sexual exploitation between Lowe and additional victims between the ages of 10 and 15 years old. He was arrested July 28, 2023 and pleaded guilty Dec. 5, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Gloff prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
###
Utah Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
A Salt Lake City man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, impersonating a federal officer, aggravated identity theft and making false statements.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2018 through 2020, Santiago Garcia Gutierrez defrauded a victim of more than $2.8 million by falsely promising he could acquire at discounted prices exotic cars, planes and vessels that had been seized by the U.S. government through forfeiture. Garcia falsely induced the victim to use him as an intermediary to receive the money the victim believed was being used to purchase the non-existent luxury assets. To lure his victim into participating in the scheme, Garcia contacted the victim on numerous occasions via text message from multiple phone numbers, falsely claiming to be a confidential government informant, federal agent or Garcia’s own attorney.
In addition, from 2019 through 2024, Garcia defrauded eight additional victims across the country. To execute those frauds, Garcia induced victims to invest money into federal oil wells in which he had an ownership interest, promising large returns on investment. The victims never realized any profits, however, because Garcia diverted the investment funds for his own benefit. To effectuate these schemes and to lend them legitimacy, Garcia again assumed the identity of his attorney. In total, Garcia defrauded these victims of more than $775,000.
Finally, Garcia also did not pay royalties to the federal government on the sale of oil extracted from the wells, despite knowing that he had a duty to do so.
Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19, 2025. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of making a false statement, a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of impersonating a federal officer and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. 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, U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.
IRS-CI, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General and the Environmental Protection Agency are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Richard M. Rolwing and Erika V. Suhr of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
United States and State of Illinois File Complaint Against City of East St. Louis for Unlawful Discharges of Untreated SewageRead the Press Release
The Justice Department, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the State of Illinois today announced the filing of a complaint against the City of East St. Louis, Illinois.
The complaint seeks penalties and infrastructure improvements to remedy East St. Louis’ failure to operate its sewer system in compliance with the Clean Water Act. This failure has led to hundreds of unlawful discharges of untreated sewage to various locations in the community, including the Mississippi River and Whispering Willow Lake in Frank Holten State Park.
East St. Louis operates a combined sewer system that carries sanitary sewage and stormwater through the same pipes. During periods of heavy rain, combined sewage is discharged directly from East St. Louis’ outfalls to the Mississippi River or Whispering Willow Lake without any treatment, which the United States alleges is in violation of the Clean Water Act. Since 2020, East St. Louis has discharged untreated sewage to the Mississippi River on over 140 separate days. The city has also discharged untreated sewage into Whispering Willow Lake, though the precise number of discharges is unknown because East St. Louis has failed to install required monitoring devices.
Areas of the Mississippi River that are downstream of East St. Louis are designated for recreation such as swimming and kayaking; Whispering Willow Lake is frequently used for fishing and boating. East St. Louis’ failure to monitor outfalls interferes with EPA’s ability to evaluate the danger that discharges to these water bodies pose to human health. Untreated sewage contains pathogens such as E. coli, which can cause severe illness if ingested. The frequent discharges of untreated sewage from East St. Louis’ outfalls could pose significant health risks to residents who recreate in the receiving waters.
East St. Louis also operates a separate sewer system that carries sanitary sewage only. Both the combined and separate sewer systems that the city operates are in a state of disrepair. The city’s failure to properly operate and maintain these systems has led to additional discharges of combined or sanitary sewage into streets and buildings and has put members of the public at risk for unknowingly coming into contact with untreated sewage.
The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The United States and Illinois will request an order for the City of East St. Louis to cease further violations of the Clean Water Act and complete all actions necessary to ensure future compliance. These requested compliance measures will likely include sewer improvement and other infrastructure projects.
The Justice Department and EPA are asking East St. Louis community members to consider submitting optional Community Statements regarding sewer overflow events by April 30, 2025. The agencies seek information on the extent and impact of the sewer overflow problems and input on long-term solutions. Community members can provide input at dojenrd.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3aSMl4v9WteSESy.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Administrator Debra Shore for EPA Region 5 and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul made the announcement.
The United States has brought enforcement actions to require municipalities across the country to update their sewer systems and address similar Clean Water Act violations. Nationally, EPA has been working with states, municipalities, and trade organizations to develop tools to help communities work towards compliance with Clean Water Act requirements. On Dec. 10, the Justice Department, EPA and the State of Illinois announced a settlement with the nearby City of Cahokia Heights, Illinois, resolving that city’s Clean Water Act violations. Details of that settlement can be found at www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-and-epa-announce-settlement-cahokia-heights-illinois-improper-operation.
EPA and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency investigated the case.
Attorneys with the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section and Illinois Attorney General’s office are handling the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Warns Public of Imposter ScamsRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – Criminal organizations are manipulating older Americans into turning over their life savings to foreign conspirators, and U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe is warning southern Illinois residents on the prevalence of imposter scams.
“Unfortunately, we’re aware of several instances where seniors in southern Illinois have been victimized by imposter scams, most recently in Williamson County,” said U.S. Attorney Crowe. “The Marion Police Department did extensive investigative work in the case, and we’re pleased to have them as a partner to gain justice for the victims.”
Imposter scams begin with a communication from the scammer in the form of a phone call, text or email from a seemingly reputable source like PayPal. The scammer will explain the victim has a suspicious purchase on their account, and if the victim did not buy the item, their account has been compromised.
The scammer will then refer the victim to another fraudster posing as a federal agent to help protect the victim’s identity and assets. The fraudulent agent will try to scare the victim and tell them they are in danger of losing their savings and retirement funds. The conspirators convince the victims to drain their accounts and meet with an individual working in the conspiracy to give their cash to be deposited into a “secure” account.
Conspirators may also try to convince victims to not disclose to their bank or investment firm representatives the reason for withdrawing funds.
In southern Illinois, an elderly couple from Williamson County fell victim to an imposter scam and are estimated to have lost $121,000. Three Chinese nationals are facing federal wire fraud charges, and the defendants are scheduled to appear in district court this week.
The defendants are accused of working within a conspiracy to convince the couple they needed to secure their funds into federal government custody after a fraudulent purchase on their account. The conspirators ordered the couple to send pictures of withdrawal slips from their savings and retirement accounts, to which a “federal agent” would pick up the cash at their residence. The conspirators gave the couple code words to exchange with the courier.
The defendants were arrested in October by Marion Police Department officers as they attempted to pick up cash from the couple.
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.
To report elder fraud, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline by dialing 1-833-372-8311.
The Marion Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations are contributing to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney's Office and Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office Collaborate to Prosecute Convicted Felon for Gun Violence Incident in AlbuquerqueRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Los Lunas man has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon following a domestic incident.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on July 21, 2023, Gabriel Roger Benavidez, 34, was involved in an altercation with his girlfriend in an apartment complex parking lot in Albuquerque. During the incident, Benavidez fired multiple rounds from a 9mm pistol at the engine block of his girlfriend’s car.
Albuquerque Police Department officers responded to the scene after a ShotSpotter notification. Benavidez fled on foot, discarding his outer clothing and a loaded 9mm pistol in a bush. Officers recovered the firearm, which was loaded with 11 rounds, along with an additional 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition in Benavidez’s discarded clothing.
Law enforcement deployed a drone to locate Benavidez, who had entered a stranger’s apartment. Law enforcement also recovered another firearm belonging to Benavidez, a .45 caliber pistol, that had been discarded in a trash bin.
During the investigation, it was determined that Benavidez was a convicted felon at the time of the incident and was aware that he was not legally permitted to possess firearms or ammunition.
Upon his release from prison, Benavidez will be subject to two years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Haynes prosecuted the case as part of an agreement with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Through the agreement, Assistant District Attorneys are designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. The SAUSA from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office screens felony criminal complaints filed in Bernalillo County for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Since 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office has reviewed almost 3,000 cases and has charged more than 300 criminal cases pursuant to this program.
The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Department of Justice and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office and plans to expand the program throughout the state.
# # #
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Guilty Plea in Interstate Transportation Case Involving Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man admitted guilt in federal court for transporting a woman to engage in illegal sexual activities, following a 911 call made by one of the victims.
According to court documents, on June 17, 2024, law enforcement responded to a 911 call from an adult female in Laguna, New Mexico, reporting she was being trafficked. Officers located the caller and two other individuals at a gas station in Laguna.
The investigation revealed that Hakeeme Kaleb Williams, 25, of Phoenix, had transported multiple women across state lines for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts, and used force and coercion to compel the women to engage in prostitution and turn over their earnings.
Williams will remain in the third-party custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Williams faces up to 10 years imprisonment. Upon his release from prison, Williams will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and Laguna Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Trembley.
# # #
U.S. Attorney Will Thompson to Announce Indictment and Arrest in $3.4 Million Scheme to Defraud Boone County SchoolsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will join with law enforcement officials to hold a press conference on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 3 p.m. to announce an indictment alleging a scheme to defraud the Boone County Board of Education out of approximately $3.4 million.
WHO: U.S. Attorney Will Thompson and law enforcement officials
WHAT: Press conference announcing an unsealed indictment and arrest
WHEN: Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse, Charleston, Fourth Floor, Suite 4000
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.
###
U.S. Attorney Reaches $1.47 Million Civil Fraud Settlement with Owner of Footwear Business for Submitting False Information to Obtain Paycheck Protection Program LoansRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, the Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Regional Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General (“SBA-OIG”), announced that the United States has filed and settled a civil fraud lawsuit against STEFANO MARONI for including false information in applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans he submitted on behalf of two related New York City-based companies he owned and operated, in violation of the False Claims Act. The settlement resolves claims that MARONI improperly obtained separate first-draw and second-draw PPP loans for GMI USA Corp. (“GMI”) and Belovefine, Ltd. (“Belovefine”), when the two entities in fact operated essentially the same footwear design and importation business during the relevant timeframe, using a single office space and sharing the same employees. The U.S. alleged, among other things, that MARONI inflated payroll figures in the PPP loan and forgiveness applications by double-counting the salaries of shared employees when only one entity paid these employees’ salaries a at a given time, and improperly sought loan forgiveness for certain payroll costs in excess of allowable forgiveness amounts.
Under the settlement agreement approved by U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden on December 9, 2024, MARONI will pay the U.S. $1,470,085.65 and has agreed to the entry of a consent judgment in that amount. As part of the settlement, MARONI admitted and accepted responsibility for certain conduct alleged in the Government’s Complaint, including that he misrepresented and inflated the total payroll and employee headcounts in Belovefine’s and GMI’s first and second-draw PPP applications and loan forgiveness applications, which increased the amount of the PPP loans received and the amounts forgiven. Belovefine and GMI are no longer doing business or in operation.
The PPP was an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act and administered by the SBA. The PPP was created to provide forgivable loans to support small businesses struggling to pay employees and other business expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could obtain SBA-guaranteed loans to spend on payroll costs, rent or mortgage, and other specified business expenses. The amount of PPP funds a business was eligible to receive was determined by the number of individuals employed by the business and average payroll costs. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the requested loan and that the information provided in the loan application was true and accurate. To receive forgiveness, borrowers were required to submit signed loan forgiveness applications and documents containing certain information and certifications. In December 2020, Congress approved funding for a second round of PPP loans, which became available to borrowers beginning in January 2021.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Stefano Maroni submitted false information and false certifications to receive Paycheck Protection Program loans to which he and his businesses were not entitled. PPP loans were intended to help small businesses stay afloat and retain their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Office will continue its efforts to root out fraud and misconduct in the PPP and other pandemic-related assistance programs and hold those responsible accountable.”
As alleged in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:
Belovefine and GMI operated essentially the same footwear business from the same office space in Manhattan. At various times, MARONI alternately used Belovefine or GMI as the corporate entity performing certain business functions. During the relevant period, MARONI repeatedly transferred employees of the footwear business from GMI’s payroll to Belovefine’s payroll, or the reverse, even though there was no material difference in employees’ job functions when they were paid by one company as opposed to the other.
MARONI sought and received first-draw and second-draw PPP loans on behalf of both Belovefine and GMI as though they were two distinct businesses, each with its own separate employee payroll. MARONI personally signed the PPP loan and forgiveness applications on behalf of Belovefine and GMI. In total, the companies received more than $1 million in PPP loan funds, nearly all of which was forgiven by the SBA.
MARONI misrepresented and inflated the total payroll and employee headcounts of Belovefine and GMI in their PPP applications and loan forgiveness applications, which increased the amount of the PPP loans received and the amounts forgiven. MARONI essentially double-counted the salaries of shared employees of both GMI and Belovefine, when in fact only one of these entities paid these employees’ salaries and payroll taxes at a given time.
MARONI falsely certified in Belovefine’s PPP loan applications that Belovefine had employees for whom it paid salaries and payroll taxes as of February 15, 2020, which was a PPP loan eligibility requirement. However, between January and April 2020, MARONI paid all employees of the footwear business through GMI’s payroll. Belovefine had no employee payroll during this period and was thus ineligible to receive PPP loans.
Moreover, in GMI’s first-draw PPP loan forgiveness application, MARONI misrepresented and inflated the total payroll amounts eligible for forgiveness because GMI had reduced covered employees’ total wages by amounts in excess of 25 percent of the total salary or wages of the employee during the most recent full quarter that preceded the relevant period covered by the loan.
As part of the settlement, MARONI admits, acknowledges, and accepts responsibility for the following conduct:
- MARONI was the sole owner and CEO of GMI and Belovefine. Both entities operated the same footwear business and shared the same leased office space in Manhattan. In 2019, the footwear business’s employees were all paid by Belovefine. In early 2020, prior to applying for PPP loans, MARONI transferred all of the footwear business’s employees to GMI’s payroll.
- MARONI personally signed the PPP loan and forgiveness applications on behalf of Belovefine and GMI. These applications included certain inaccurate information. Prior to signing both the PPP loan and forgiveness applications, MARONI recklessly failed to confirm the accuracy of the information contained in the applications and that the applications complied with the PPP program’s rules.
- During all periods covered by Belovefine and GMI’s first-draw and second-draw PPP loans, the two companies shared the same office space at 3 Columbus Circle, Suite 2410, New York, New York. GMI listed this address in its PPP loan applications. However, Belovefine incorrectly listed a different suite number in its loan applications, which gave the impression that the entities were distinct and operated in separate locations.
- In order to be eligible for a PPP loan, the applicant needed to be in operation as of February 15, 2020, and have employees for whom it paid salaries and payroll taxes. The first and second-draw PPP applications submitted on behalf of Belovefine misrepresented that the company had employees for whom it paid salaries and payroll taxes as of February 15, 2020. As noted above, Belovefine actually had no employee payroll between January and April 2020, because all employees of the footwear business were being paid by GMI. Belovefine did not file an Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return for the first quarter of 2020.
- In Belovefine’s and GMI’s first- and second-draw PPP applications and loan forgiveness applications, MARONI misrepresented and inflated their total payroll and employee headcounts, which increased the amount of the PPP loans received and the amounts forgiven. During the periods covered by the loans, MARONI repeatedly transferred employees from one entity’s payroll to the other’s payroll. MARONI included the wages of the employees in both Belovefine’s and GMI’s PPP loan and forgiveness applications, when in fact only one entity was paying salaries and payroll taxes to employees of the footwear business at a given time.
- In GMI’s first-draw PPP loan forgiveness application, MARONI falsely certified that GMI “did not reduce salaries or hourly wages of any employee by more than 25 percent for any employee during the Covered Period compared to the most recent quarter before the Covered Period.” In fact, during the covered period for the forgiveness application, GMI had reduced the salaries of multiple covered employees by 50% as compared to their pay during the first quarter of 2020, the most recent quarter preceding the relevant covered period. Thus, MARONI misrepresented and inflated the GMI payroll costs that were eligible for forgiveness under the first-draw PPP loan.
- As a result of the above-referenced conduct and misrepresentations, MARONI requested and received PPP loans on behalf of Belovefine and GMI for amounts substantially in excess of what the footwear business was entitled to receive.
In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act.
* * *
Mr. Williams praised the SBA-OIG for its assistance with this case.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Dolinger is in charge of the case.
Twenty-Year-Old Felon who Illegally Possessed a Firearm in Cedar Rapids Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced December 10, 2024, to 78 months in federal prison.
Garnett Adam Propst, age 20, from Burlington, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 26, 2024 guilty plea to two counts of aiding and abetting false statements during the purchase of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. On September 12, 2023, while Propst was on high-risk supervision for a prior state felony offense, and prohibited from possessing firearms, he obtained and possessed a Beretta handgun. Propst then later used that firearm on September 30, 2023, firing multiple shots into a residence in Cedar Rapids. After the “shots fired” incident, Propst provided the firearm to Lawrence Lamar Newell, who was also a felon.
Propst was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Propst was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Propst is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR- 00026.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Three Nigerian Men Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Internet-Enabled Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey unsealed charges today against three Nigerian nationals for their roles in a transnational internet-enabled investment fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Augustine Chibuzo Onyeachonam, 30, Stanley Asiegbu, a/k/a “Stanislaus, Asiegbu”, 37, and Chukwuebuka Nweke-Eze, 29, all of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, were each charged by Indictment with one count of wire fraud conspiracy (Count One), two counts of wire fraud (Counts Two and Three), one count of securities fraud conspiracy (Count Four), one count of identity theft conspiracy (Count Five), and four counts of aggravated identity theft (Counts Six through Nine).
These defendants not only defrauded dozens of victims out of millions of dollars of their hard-earned money, but they also impersonated licensed FINRA representatives, spoofed their websites, and misappropriated the seal of the SEC to carry out their fraud,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue these kinds of scammers no matter where in the world they are and seek justice for their victims.”
According to the Indictment:
From at least as early as in or around 2018 through the present, Onyeachonam, Asiegbu, Nweke-Eze, and others (the “Conspirators”) orchestrated an internet-enabled fraud scheme that targeted victims throughout the United States, including in the District of New Jersey. As part of the fraud scheme, the Conspirators impersonated dozens of individuals registered as broker-dealers with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and used those stolen identities to solicit investments from members of the public through fraudulent public-facing websites.
The fraudulent, or “spoofed”, websites were registered in the names of the impersonated victim brokers and often included genuine credentials, such as CRD numbers, associated with the victim brokers. At times, the spoofed websites also included links to: (1) the FINRA website associated with the victim brokers that allowed any member of the public to view the victim brokers’ employment history, certifications, licenses, or prior violations; and (2) fake social media accounts created by the Conspirators in the names of the victim brokers. At times, the spoofed websites also displayed, without authorization, the seal of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Conspirators would further use the SEC seal in email communications with victims.
The Conspirators lured victims of the fraud scheme to the spoofed websites by touting the services of the victim brokers in the comment sections of online articles or videos discussing financial and cryptocurrency investment-related topics. At times, the Conspirators would include links to one or more of the spoofed websites.
When a fraud victim visited a spoofed website, he or she was directed to communicate with an individual they believed to be a legitimate broker-dealer by contacting a telephone number or email address listed on the spoofed website. The Conspirators, posing as the victim brokers, then communicated with fraud victims and, among other things: (1) told fraud victims that their money would be invested in various stocks and cryptocurrencies; and (2) guaranteed fraud victims returns on their investments of up to 25%. The Conspirators used voice-changing software applications to impersonate certain female victim broker dealers when communicating by telephone.
When a fraud victim decided to invest money with one of the Conspirators posing as a victim broker, the fraud victim was told to: (1) open an account at a particular cryptocurrency trading platform; (2) purchase cryptocurrency assets through that platform; and (3) send the cryptocurrency assets to a particular cryptocurrency wallet address for the purpose of investment. In reality, the funds transferred by the fraud victims to the Conspirators were not invested but were stolen by the Conspirators. At times, fraud victims’ funds were stolen directly from the account(s) opened by them at a particular cryptocurrency exchange.
As part of the fraud scheme, the Conspirators further created fraudulent online investment platforms that falsely displayed monthly returns associated with the fraud victims’ investments. A fraud victim visiting one of the fraudulent investment platforms typically would observe substantial returns on their investment. At times, when a fraud victim requested to withdraw funds from their account, they would be asked by the Conspirators to pay additional money in fees or taxes to withdraw the funds. After paying these fees, the funds would still not be released.
In total, the Conspirators caused dozens of fraud victims to transmit funds that they believed to be for investments in the aggregate amount of at least approximately $3 million.
The wire fraud conspiracy charged in Count One carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the wire fraud charged in Counts Two and Three of the Indictment each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, the conspiracy to commit securities fraud charged in Count Four of the Indictment carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the conspiracy to commit identity theft charged in Count Five of the Indictment carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and the aggravated identity theft counts charged in each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of two years and a $250,000 fine.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission today filed a civil complaint against all three defendants based on the same conduct.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI – Newark Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado, with the investigation leading to the indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony P. Torntore and Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
24-450
onyeachonam.indictment.pdfThree New Jersey Men Convicted for Racketeering Conspiracy and for Their Roles in Three Gang-Related MurdersRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark jury convicted three New Jersey men for their roles in a violent racketeering conspiracy, three murders, and related firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Myron Williams, aka “Money,” aka “Tunchi,” 31, of Newark, Khalil Kelley, aka “Billski,” 25, and Roger Pickett, aka “Zy Gz,” 24, both of Jersey City, were convicted in connection with a multi-count Indictment predicated upon their respective roles in the racketeering conspiracy. Williams was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, causing death through the use of a firearm, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Kelley was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and causing death through the use of a firearm. Pickett was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, three counts of murder in aid of racketeering, three counts of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, three counts of causing death through the use of a firearm, and Hobbs Act robbery.
“These three Marion street gang members brazenly committed three murders in the name of their gang. Two rival gang members were lured to their deaths through social media accounts that gang members used to impersonate the victims’ friends, and a third individual was killed during the course of a robbery committed against him. The senseless killing of these three men caused incredible danger to the community. Myron Williams, Khalil Kelley, and Roger Pickett now face mandatory life sentences for their crimes, and the District of New Jersey is safer as a result. As this case demonstrates, my office is committed to working closely with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Jersey City Police Department, alongside our federal law enforcement partners, to protect the community. This commitment to prosecuting violent crime ensures that serious consequences will follow for individuals who commit violence and have no regard for human life.”
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger
“Today’s guilty verdicts bring accountability to violent criminals whose actions disregard criminal law, human life, and public safety. ATF remains steadfast in identifying and apprehending those who are terrorizing our neighborhoods with gang violence and disorder. We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners and secure the safety of our communities.”
ATF SAC L.C. Cheeks, Jr.
“This verdict is a testament of our commitment in law enforcement to ensure that justice is always served. The defendants in this matter intentionally disregarded human life and instilled fear in neighborhoods across Jersey City. I thank our local, state, and federal partners who continuously work collaboratively with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure residents feel safe in their own communities.”
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Williams, Kelley, and Pickett are all members and associates of the neighborhood street gang associated with the Marion Gardens Housing Complex. Since 2013, they have committed numerous acts of violence, including three separate murders, on March 29, 2021, Nov. 20, 2021, and Nov. 1, 2022.
On March 29, 2021, Kelley and other gang members lured a rival gang member outside by sending him Instagram messages pretending to be the victim’s fellow gang member. When the victim opened the door to his residence, Kelley and another gang member brandished firearms, and the victim was shot multiple times in the chest, killing him. Pickett and Williams then picked up Kelley and other gang members after they abandoned the murder vehicle in Newark.
On Nov. 20, 2021, Williams, Pickett, and another gang member lured a rival gang member outside by sending him Instagram messages pretending to be the second victim’s fellow gang member. Williams and another gang member shot the victim when he opened the door to his residence.
On Nov. 1, 2022, a gang member facilitated the murder of the third victim by coordinating a narcotics transaction with the victim and an associate of the victim. When the victim and his associate arrived at the Marion Gardens Housing Complex to complete the narcotics transaction, they were robbed of their narcotics supply. During the robbery, Pickett and another gang member held the victim and his associate at gunpoint. After a struggle ensued, Pickett shot and killed the victim while his associate fled. Pickett then fled the Marion Gardens Housing Complex in his vehicle.
Investigators observed and documented hundreds of narcotics transactions in and around the Marion Gardens Housing Complex during the monthslong investigation. In addition, when Williams was arrested on March 17, 2023, he possessed controlled substances packaged for distribution.
Eight other individuals originally were indicted with Williams, Kelley, and Pickett. All have since pleaded guilty for their roles in the racketeering enterprise.
The racketeering conspiracy count of which all three were convicted carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Each was also convicted of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a mandatory life sentence, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and causing death through the use of a firearm, which carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. Pickett was also convicted of Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and Williams was convicted of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, which also carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited investigators of the Gang Intelligence Unit and the Homicide Unit of the Major Case Division of Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez and Chief of Detectives James A. Parker, and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., and investigators of the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Director James Shea, with the investigation leading to the convictions. He also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado, and the U.S. Marshals, under the direction of U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos, for their assistance.
This investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate to strategize and prioritize the prosecution of violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI"), the Jersey City Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, the Hudson County Jail, and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Grace, Chief of the Criminal Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Maloy and Javon Henry, of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
williamsetal.2ndsupindictment.pdf
Testing entity that administers the National Physical Therapist Examination agrees to settle Americans with Disabilities Act complaintsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), located in Alexandria, Virginia, which administers licensing examinations for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, agreed to settle allegations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) involving requests for accommodations for test candidates with disabilities.
The settlement agreement resolves allegations that FSBPT, a national testing organization that administers the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), incorrectly reviewed requests for disability-based test accommodations and required test candidates to submit an unreasonable amount of documentation to support their requests. The ADA requires entities that administer high stakes examinations, such as the NPTE, to ensure that test results accurately reflect an individual’s aptitude and not their disability.
To resolve this complaint, FSBPT agreed to pay $295,000 to individuals who had to provide excessive and expensive documentation to receive, and/or were denied, disability-based testing accommodations. FSBPT has also agreed to make changes to its review process for disability-based testing accommodations to comply with ADA requirements. This settlement agreement ensures that individuals with disabilities seeking to become physical therapists or physical therapist assistants do not face discriminatory barriers to licensure.
The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Gordon, the Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The civil complaints settled by this ADA agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.
The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA, including ADA Requirements: Testing Accommodations. For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit http://www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office.
TD Bank Insider Arrested and Charged with Facilitating Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
A former Florida-based employee of TD Bank N.A. was arrested and charged by criminal complaint yesterday for facilitating money laundering to Colombia through the financial institution.
According to court documents, Leonardo Ayala, 24, worked at a TD Bank store in Doral, Florida, between February and November 2023. Starting in June 2023, Ayala allegedly exploited his position as a bank employee to facilitate money laundering. As alleged, after another TD Bank employee opened accounts in the names of shell companies with nominee owners, Ayala assisted the money laundering network by issuing dozens of debit cards for the accounts in exchange for bribes. Those accounts were then allegedly used to launder millions of dollars in narcotics proceeds through cash withdrawals at ATMs in Colombia.
Ayala made his initial appearance yesterday in Miami federal court, and all future court proceedings will be in New Jersey. He is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey; Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Newark Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Caribbean Division; and Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) New York Region made the announcement.
The IRS-CI Newark Field Office, DEA San Juan Field Office, and FDIC-OIG New York Field Office are investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, IRS-CI Miami Field Office, FDIC-OIG South Florida Field Office, DEA Miami Field Office, and Morristown Police Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea Rooney of the Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marko Pesce for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.
MLARS’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
TD Bank Insider Arrested and Charged with Facilitating Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former Florida-based employee of TD Bank, N.A. was arrested yesterday for facilitating money laundering to Colombia through the financial institution, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Leonardo Ayala, 24, of Homestead, Florida, is charged by complaint with one count of money laundering conspiracy. Ayala had his initial appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid in Miami federal court and was released on location monitoring and a $100,000 bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Ayala worked at a TD Bank store in Doral, Florida, between February and November 2023. Starting in June 2023, Ayala exploited his position as a bank employee to facilitate money laundering. After another TD Bank employee opened accounts in the names of shell companies with nominee owners, Ayala assisted the money laundering network by issuing dozens of debit cards for the accounts in exchange for bribes. Those accounts were then used to launder narcotics proceeds through cash withdrawals at ATMs in Colombia. The investigation has revealed that millions of dollars were laundered to Colombia through accounts Ayala serviced.
The charge of money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount involved in the offense, whichever is greater.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark; special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, New York Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation in Miami, Florida; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, South Florida Division; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Miami, Florida; and Morristown Police Department for their assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marko Pesce of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark and Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea Rooney of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
ayala.complaint.pdf
Syracuse Man Admits to Dealing Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Diquan Hall, age 26, of Syracuse, pled guilty yesterday to two federal drug distribution felony charges, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
As part of his guilty plea yesterday, Hall admitted to distributing 15 bricks (17 grams) of fentanyl and approximately 2 ounces (52.6 grams) of methamphetamine in Liverpool, New York, on February 7, 2024, during an ATF undercover enforcement operation. Hall also admitted that he distributed 15 bricks of fentanyl (14.1 grams) and possessed with intent to distribute 19.8 grams of cocaine powder in Liverpool on February 15, 2024, at which time he was arrested by ATF and DEA Special Agents, SPD Detectives, and New York State Parole Officers. Hall was on New York State Parole at the time he distributed the controlled substances in this case and was wearing an electronic location monitoring device.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 16, 2024, at which time Diquan Hall faces a minimum sentence of 5-years in federal prison, a fine of up to $5 million, and a post-incarceration period of supervised release of at least 4-years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The case was investigated by United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NY DOCCS-Parole), and the Syracuse Police Department-Intelligence Section (SPD-Intel). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.
Suburban Chicago Businessman Charged with Covid-Relief FraudRead the Press Release
CHICAGO – A suburban Chicago businessman has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly scheming with a California man to fraudulently obtain more than $6.3 million in small business loans and grants under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”).
FRANCESCO DISTEFANO, 28, of Addison, Ill., and SARGIS URUMIEH, 57, of Glendale, Calif., allegedly engaged in fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), two sources of relief under the CARES Act. Pursuant to the Act, a PPP loan allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend a certain amount of the proceeds on essential expenses, such as payroll and rent. The EIDL Program provided loan assistance or grants to cover working capital and other operating expenses.
According to a superseding indictment returned in the Northern District of Illinois, Distefano and Urumieh applied for and obtained loans and grants for West Coast POS Inc. and National POS Inc., two companies where Urumieh served as a corporate officer. Distefano also applied for and obtained loans for Distefano Enterprises LLC, an entity that he owned and controlled, the indictment states. The applications contained numerous false statements and misrepresentations regarding the companies’ operations, including the number of employees, gross revenues, and payroll expenses, the indictment states.
The indictment alleges that Distefano used the fraud proceeds to purchase, among other things, numerous luxury automobiles, including a Lamborghini Huracan, Maserati Ghibli, and Porsche 911. The indictment also accuses Distefano and Urumieh of using fraud proceeds and a fraudulent mortgage application to purchase a residential property in Glendale, Calif.
The indictment charges Distefano with eleven counts of wire fraud, five counts of money laundering, and one count of knowingly making a false statement to a bank. Urumieh is charged with eight counts of wire fraud. Arraignments in federal court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office, and Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Inspector General of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Snell.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of wire fraud and money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, while the maximum sentence for the false statement count is 30 years.
Anyone with information about attempted fraud involving Covid-19 can report it to the Department of Justice by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721, or by filing a complaint online at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
0039_-_0000_-_second_superseding_indictment_as_to_francesco_distefano.pdfStranger Rape and Kidnapping Results in Conviction for July 2023 AssaultRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Ricky McNeil, 31 of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of one count of kidnapping while armed, one count of first-degree sexual abuse with aggravated circumstances and one count of robbery, in a July 2023 assault on a stranger, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
McNeil was also found guilty of one count of assault with a dangerous weapon (knife), one count of possession of a prohibited weapon (knife), and one count of assault with significant bodily injury. The verdict was returned on December 11, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Michael O’Keefe presided over scheduled sentencing for February 14, 2025. McNeil faces a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of release.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 26, 2023, as the victim was walking past the defendant, a stranger to her, on Benning Rd, NE, he asked her for a cigarette. She told him she was going to the store and would buy him one. McNeil then snatched her purse off her arm and ran toward the door of his nearby apartment. When he was entering, the victim tried to grab her purse back from McNeil, at which point he grabbed her wrist, pulled her inside and barricaded the sole door to the apartment. When the victim ran to a nearby window and yelled for help, McNeil grabbed her, threw her down and began punching her. He then took the victim into another room, ordered her to disrobe and perform oral sex on him, threatening to give her a “smiley face” with a knife he was holding if she refused. When he had forced the act upon her, she immediately bit him. At that point, McNeil punched her so hard in the mouth, splitting open her lip, and continued beating her. When McNeil got distracted by a phone, the victim jumped out the second-story window to escape. She ran, partially clad, to a nearby McDonald’s where a good Samaritan let her borrow a cell phone to call 911. Police responded to the scene but McNeil had already fled.
When a search warrant was executed the following morning, the victim’s clothing and shoes were recovered from inside McNeil’s apartment, as well as her blood and his.
In October 2023, McNeil was arrested on a warrant in Tampa, FL, and extradited back to DC, where he has been held without bond.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter V. Taylor and Molly K. Smith of the Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section.
St. Cloud Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years for Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron today sentenced James Edward Cox, Jr. (80, St. Cloud) to eight years and one month in federal prison for receipt and possession of child sexual abuse materials. Cox entered a guilty plea on August 14, 2024.
According to court documents, on January 19, 2024, officers from the St. Cloud Police Department conducted a search of Cox’s home. Images discovered during the examination of devices at Cox’s home led to a subsequent search warrant and arrest of Cox on March 5, 2024. Hundreds of images and multiple videos on one of the devices located at that residence was determined to be used by Cox. Those images and videos showed sexual abuse of infant and young girls, including one that had been uploaded by Cox to a website in his effort to look for similar materials. Cox later characterized his conduct in a recorded and monitored jail call as looking for “little girls.”
“Actively scouring the dark web to find and collect sexual abuse content of children perpetuates the suffering of innocent victims around the world,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando David Pezzutti. “This sentencing reflects the gravity of this predator’s crimes, as well as HSI’s commitment to shedding a light on the dark web to protect children from harm.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the St. Cloud Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Springfield Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing and Manufacturing Semi-Automatic Rifles and SilencersRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for illegally possessing and manufacturing over 100 semi-automatic firearms and silencers.
Andrew Rogers, 40, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, in 2022, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received tips from concerned citizens that Rogers frequently purchased firearm parts. Investigators learned that in June 2022 alone, Rogers spent thousands of dollars on more than 120 firearm parts and accessories.
On June 30, 2022, during a search of Rogers’ residence, investigators located 62 complete semi-automatic firearms, 45 silencers, several incomplete firearms, several hundred rounds of ammunition, and hundreds of firearm components, including magazines, triggers, and optic systems. Additionally, investigators found psilocybin, methamphetamine, a drill press, firearm manufacturing tools, and a 3D printer with a partially printed part for an AR15 rifle. Rogers’ wife estimated there were more than 100 firearms in the residence and that Rogers had manufactured most, if not all, of the firearms in his possession.
The same morning, officers conducted a traffic stop of a motorcycle Rogers was operating and conducted a search of the backpack he was wearing. Inside, officers found methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, a knife, and a semi-automatic pistol without an identifiable serial number. Rogers was arrested and placed in custody.
On July 1, 2022, investigators sought and obtained a search warrant for Rogers’ storage unit in Springfield, Oregon where they found 26 pistols, five rifles, four suppressors, and an assortment of firearm parts. A search of the Federal Licensing System (FLS) and National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) database systems returned no results for Rogers, meaning he was not licensed to manufacture, import, or sell firearms. The same day, Rogers was charged by criminal complaint with possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of unregistered silencers.
On August 13, 2024, Rogers pleaded guilty to illegally possessing and manufacturing silencers.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lane County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Spokane Fraudster Sentenced to More than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Operating a Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme and Defrauding Investors of More than $350,000Read the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On December 11, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Michael Joseph McElhiney, age 38, formerly of Spokane, Washington, to 41 months in federal prison in connection to cryptocurrency scheme where he defrauded investors of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of supervised release, $326,119.95 in restitution, and ordered Mr. McElhiney to be immediately remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service following the hearing.
According to court documents and information presented at sentencing, McElhiney defrauded investors by pretending to operate a cryptocurrency investment fund known as MAC Blockchain Solutions. As part of his scheme, which occurred between March 4, 2021, and September 10, 2022, McElhiney promised prospective investors that he and his purported business partners ran a successful cryptocurrency investment fund that invested in emerging cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based projects, such as Ethereum staking and cryptocurrency liquidity pools.
McElhiney typically contacted his victims in person. For example, he solicited individuals working as Uber drivers whom he met while taking Uber rides in their vehicles, as well as women whom he met through dating apps. McElhiney also met victims online playing the video game “Call of Duty” under the username “Bing Bong.” McElhiney often met with victims several times and developed personal relationships with them before successfully soliciting and receiving funds.
McElhiney promised to invest his victims’ money and manage their investments for his victims’ benefit. For example, McElhiney promised certain returns on victims’ investments and always assured investors they could liquidate their investments and get their money back at any time. McElhiney then sent investors information using a platform called Coin.FYI that purported to track the progress of their investments. In actuality, McElhiney never invested the funds provided by investors, but instead kept the funds for his own personal use, specifically to gamble at casinos, among other purposes. The purported Coin.FYI accounts that McElhiney showed investors did not correspond to any actual investment funds but instead were fabricated figures intended to convince investors that McElhiney had invested their funds and that the investments were appreciating in value.
McElhiney defrauded investors of more than $350,000 in this manner, including defrauding investors not only of cash but also of rare art and precious metals.
McElhiney continued to falsely and fraudulently represent to victims that their assets had been invested in a cryptocurrency fund when victims sought to remove their assets from the “fund.” McElhiney falsely and fraudulently represented that he could not timely return victims’ assets because, among other reasons: MAC Solutions had experienced security breaches; McElhiney was out of the country and unable to facilitate withdrawals; McElhiney and MAC Blockchain Solutions had been the victims of theft; payment processing platforms had paused withdrawals; and there were other delays in processing withdrawals.
“Investors, trusting Mr. McElhiney with their money, art, and precious metals expected a safe return on their investment. Instead, Mr. McElhiney stole their money and used it for his own purposes. When investors asked for their money back, Mr. McElhiney lied to perpetuate the fraud, stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I’m devastated for the victims who suffered financial and emotional consequences of Mr. McElhiney’s scheme, and am grateful for the skilled investigators with Homeland Security Investigations and the Spokane Police Department and dedicated prosecutors in my office that uncovered this scheme and worked diligently to hold Mr. McElhiney accountable for his actions.”
"Today’s sentencing serves as a clear reminder that those who prey on the trust of others through fraudulent schemes will be held accountable,” said Matthew Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge, HSI Seattle. “This individual exploited the allure of digital currency to deceive and steal from countless investors. We remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who attempt to manipulate others for personal gain, regardless of the platform or technology they use. We appreciate the tireless work of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring individuals like McElhiney to justice.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Spokane Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter.
2:23-cr-00082-TOR
SoCal Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime for Attack on Asian American Woman While Shouting Racial SlursRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Southern California man pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for punching an Asian American woman in the head in Culver City while shouting racial slurs at her.
Jesse Lindsey, 38, a transient man whose last known address was in Fontana, pleaded guilty to one hate crime count. He has been in federal custody since July 18 and was in state prison on an unrelated conviction prior to then.
“Hate-fueled acts of violence have no place in our society,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Enforcing civil rights goes to the core of my office’s mission and we will continue to prosecute hate crimes, especially those committed by individuals whose bigotry results in physical harm to victims.”
“The facts of this case shock the conscience,” Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Mr. Lindsey’s actions were heinous, despicable, and inhumane. Violating the civil rights of others by engaging in racial violence is antithetical to our values as Americans. The FBI is committed to investigating federal hate crimes and protecting civil rights. Members of the public are urged to report a potential hate crime to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.”
According to his plea agreement, at approximately 1 a.m. on June 14, 2021, the victim was walking to work in Culver City when Lindsey, a white man, approached her and yelled at the victim, whom he perceived to be Asian, “You can’t say hi to a [expletive] white boy?” Lindsey then punched the victim in the head, causing her to fall into the street and hit her head. While the victim lay face down in the street, Lindsey shouted, “You hear what I said, [N-word]? I said good morning, bitch!”
Emergency personnel later transported the victim to a hospital to treat injuries to her head and ear. The victim received approximately 11 stitches.
During an interview about the attack, Lindsey made multiple derogatory and profane remarks about people of Asian descent. The plea agreement states that, among other things, Lindsey said the victim might “whoop” him because “those little dudes,” a reference to Asian men, are “[expletive] crazy” and “have fight in them.”
Referencing the Asian actor known for practicing martial arts, Lindsey said that he thought the victim might pull “some Jet Li [expletive],” according to the plea agreement.
“Our community’s rich cultural diversity is our strength, and we are dedicated to ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming environment for all,” said Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims. “I am proud of the work done by the Culver City Police Department in collaboration with the FBI and United States Attorney’s Office to seek justice for the victim in this case. We are resolute in working to hold the suspect in this case accountable for this egregious crime. Such acts of violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”
United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald scheduled a March 3, 2025 sentencing hearing, at which time Lindsey will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
The FBI is investigating this case and received substantial assistance from the Culver City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson is prosecuting this case.
Sex Offender Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Offense, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL SZWARC, 36, of Derby, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 134 months of imprisonment, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for a child exploitation offense, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Szwarc was convicted in 2013 in state court of possession of child pornography in the second degree, and in 2022 in federal court of receipt of child pornography.
In January 2024, while Szwarc was on federal supervised release, his probation officer conducted an unannounced visit to his home and discovered that Szwarc was in possession of an unauthorized laptop. The probation officer seized the laptop. A forensic examination of the device revealed multiple images of child pornography, and the investigation revealed that Szwarc had used the dark web to access websites used to traffic and distribute images and videos of child sexual abuse.
On August 13, 2024, Szwarc pleaded guilty to accessing with intent to view child pornography. Judge Thompson sentenced Szwarc to 120 months of imprisonment for the offense, and a consecutive 14 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
The penalties in this matter were enhanced because of Szwarc’s prior federal and state convictions for possessing child pornography.
Szwarc has been detained since his arrest on February 9, 2024.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
San Antonio Financial Advisor Arrested, Charged with Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was arrested Tuesday in San Antonio on criminal charges related to allegedly obstructing and attempting to obstruct an ongoing federal fraud investigation.
According to court documents, the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are conducting a federal investigation into an investor fraud scheme in San Antonio and Lubbock. The indictment alleges that Brooklynn Chandler Willy, 45, obstructed and attempted to obstruct that investigation by producing false documents in response to a federal grand jury subpoena.
According to the charging documents, Willy was the owner of a San Antonio based company named Queen B Advisors LLC, doing business as Texas Financial Advisory (TFA), and was the owner of Chandler Capital Holdings. Among other services, TFA purported to provide asset management and financial planning services. The indictment alleges that in or around May 2021, Willy recommended that a married couple invest $500,000 into a company, using Chandler Capital as the agent to execute and deliver contracts. The couple agreed and wrote a check for Chandler Capital to deposit for their agreed upon investment. The indictment alleges that rather than depositing the check for its intended investment, Willy used the $500,000 for her own purposes, including personal credit card payments, payments to other investors, and payments to another business owned and controlled by Willy.
According to the indictment, in response to a federal grand jury subpoena, Willy produced a false loan agreement which falsely purported to have been signed by the victims. Willy again produced this document to federal agents during an interview on Nov. 19, 2024, and made false statements about this document and other matters.
Willy is charged with one count of obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding, one count of false statement, and one count of aggravated identity theft. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Blackwell and Kelly Stephenson are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Salvadoran Citizen Sentenced for Fraud Offenses and Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jose Reyes-Acosta, age 49, of El Salvador, was sentenced today to serve 39 months imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States and fraudulently using the identifying information of a U.S. citizen to both obtain a U.S. passport and attempt to obtain a New York state identification card.
Carla B. Freedman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York; Joshua S. Levy, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts; Thomas P. Brophy, Field Office Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), Buffalo, NY; and Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Reyes-Acosta admitted to illegally re-entering the U.S. after a prior deportation and, after his entry, purchasing stolen identifying documents that belonged to a U.S. citizen. Reyes-Acosta then used those documents in Massachusetts to fraudulently obtain a U.S. passport and a Massachusetts REAL ID. In 2023, Reyes-Acosta again used the documents to apply for a New York state identification card but was detected by law enforcement before the card was issued.
Charges based on Reyes-Acosta’s Massachusetts conduct were indicted in the District of Massachusetts and later transferred to the Northern District of New York. Reyes-Acosta was sentenced to serve 39 months imprisonment and a $2,000.00 fine on five counts, including Illegal Re-Entry and Aggravated Identity Theft, which were charged in New York.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE-ERO, and the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, investigated the case with the help of the New York Department of Motor Vehicles- Division of Field Investigation, and the Utica Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case.
Saint James City Man Sentenced to Five Years for Possessing and Accessing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Douglas Alan Vander Laan (68, Saint James City) to five years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Vander Laan was also sentenced to a 15-year term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Vander Laan entered a guilty plea on August 20, 2024.
According to court documents, between June and August 2023, the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received four cybertips from an Electronic Service Provider reporting that Vander Laan had uploaded filed depicting child sexual abuse material onto an online visual search service to search for similar images.
On November 28, 2023, agents made contact with Vander Laan at his place of employment, and he agreed to speak with the agents. Vander Laan admitted that he had used the visual search service and viewed images of children that were unclothed.
On November 28, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Vander Laan’s residence and seized Vander Laan’s laptop. A subsequent forensic examination of the laptop revealed images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 15 Years on Production of Child Pornography and Second-Degree Rape ConvictionsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Dante James, 28, of St. Croix, was sentenced by District Judge Wilma Lewis to 180 months on production of child pornography and 84 months on second-degree rape, to run concurrently, followed by 10 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment and fined $8,000. James was found guilty by a federal jury on July 12, 2024.
“Sexual abuse impacts our entire community and exposes its victims to a lifetime of trauma. It is particularly heinous when sexual predators exploit our young children. We remain committed to fully seeking justice for victims of child exploitation and sexual abuse by prosecuting sex offenders of the law in hopes of creating a safe community for our children”, said United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
“The defendant’s sexual abuse was also an abuse of trust”, Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eugene Thomas said. As the victim’s former steel pan instructor, James abused her trust to be a role model and a leader. HSI will continue to work with the Virgin Islands Police Department to ensure that predators who prey on minors in our community are convicted of their crimes.”
According to evidence presented at trial, between January 1, 2021, and August 23, 2022, James engaged in sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old minor. James produced a video recording of the sexual act with the minor with the use of an electronic device that was shipped in interstate and foreign commerce. The minor victim learned of the recording after James sent it to her via Snapchat. Though the victim asked James to delete the video, it was subsequently posted on social media.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Everard Potter. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Quincy Food Market Settles Allegations of Food Safety Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Quincy Convenience Store, a retail food market in Quincy, Mass. and its owners and operators, Wei Zheng and Cun Yong Liu, have entered into a consent decree with the government to resolve allegations that they repeatedly violated the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) by selling and offering to sell, illegally imported, misbranded, non-federally inspected meat, meat food products, poultry and poultry products.
Under the consent decree, Quincy Convenience Store, Ms. Zheng and Mr. Liu face significant penalties if violations of the FMIA and PPIA continue. The consent decree also permanently enjoins Quincy Convenience Store, Ms. Zheng and Mr. Liu from further violating the FMIA and the PPIA and provides investigators with broad access to inspection of the premises and business records in the future.
The proposed consent decree was filed with the court and is subject to judicial approval.“Consumers deserve to trust that the food they purchase is produced and sold under safe and sanitary conditions,” said United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This consent decree not only holds the defendants accountable for their repeated failures to comply with federal food safety laws but also protects the public by ensuring rigorous oversight moving forward. Our office will continue to work diligently to uphold the integrity of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, safeguarding the health and safety of our communities.”
“The sale of illegally imported, misbranded, and non-inspected meat and poultry products undermines the integrity of our food safety system and puts public health at risk,” said USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service Administrator Dr. Denise Eblen. “This consent decree reflects our commitment to holding businesses accountable and ensuring compliance with federal safety laws. We will continue to take all necessary steps to protect American consumers.”
The government filed its complaint after investigators with the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued numerous warnings to Quincy Convenience Store, Ms. Zheng and Mr. Liu to stop purchasing, illegally importing, selling and offering for sale misbranded and non-federally inspected meat, meat food products, poultry and poultry products. In addition, the USDA has cited Quincy Convenience Store, Ms. Zheng and Mr. Liu for repeatedly failing to maintain the required business records of the purchase, transport, sale and offer to sell meat, meat food products, poultry and poultry products. During the latest USDA inspection, investigators observed Quincy Convenience Store offering for sale over 440 pounds of non-federally inspected and misbranded meat, meat food products, poultry and poultry products, including 34 pounds of meat and poultry illegally imported from China.
U.S. Attorney Levy and USDA FSIS Administrator Eblen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Sharobem of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.Prolific fentanyl dealer who supplied drugs in Operation Ghost Busted sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
Prolific fentanyl dealer who supplied drugs in Operation Ghost Busted sentenced to federal prison
Investigation was spurred by increase in overdose deaths
Brunswick, GA: A Florida man convicted of distributing enough fentanyl to kill every resident of a south Georgia community has been sentenced to federal prison.
Larry B. Taylor, 59, of Jacksonville, Florida, one of 76 defendants indicted in Operation Ghost Busted, was sentenced to 180 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Quantity of Fentanyl, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood also ordered Taylor to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“It’s a remarkable illustration of the toll of death and destruction from Larry Taylor’s drug-dealing that overdoses in the Brunswick area plummeted after he and his co-conspirators were taken into custody in January 2023,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “The investigation and prosecution in Operation Ghost Busted not only holds criminal behavior accountable – it also demonstrably saves lives.”
Taylor was the primary source of fentanyl to the conspiracy outlined in the Dec. 2022 indictment in USA v. Alvarez et al. Dubbed Operation Ghost Busted because of the drug traffickers’ involvement in the Ghost Face Gangsters and other criminal street gangs, the investigation identified a drug trafficking conspiracy distributing large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and alprazolam in the greater Glynn County area.
For his part, Taylor is attributed with distributing more than three kilograms of fentanyl – enough to kill the entire population of the city of Brunswick. As described during sentencing, Taylor has been arrested more than 50 times and has at least 10 prior felony convictions – and at least eight times after conviction, Taylor violated conditions of parole or supervised release.
The investigation was spurred in 2020 by a significant increase in drug overdoses and deaths throughout the greater Glynn County Area. Investigators from the FBI Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force, the Glynn County Police Department, the Brunswick Police Department, the Glynn County Sheriff's Office, and the Camden County Sheriff's Office collaborated with other agencies to identify a sprawling drug trafficking network in coastal and south Georgia and reaching into Mexican cartels. The traffickers operated inside and outside Georgia prisons, as corrupt prison guards coordinated with members of the violent Ghost Face Gangsters and affiliates of other gangs including the Aryan Brotherhood, Surenos, Bloods, and Gangster Disciples.
Of the 76 original defendants in Operation Ghost Busted, 73 have been sentenced to prison terms of as much as life in prison after pleading guilty. Two are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty, including David D. Young, a/k/a “Khaos,’ 43, of Hortense, Ga., who was a fugitive until his March capture in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, a month after the case was featured on “America’s Most Wanted.” One defendant died while awaiting trial.
All defendants in Operation Ghost Busted have a history of illegal drug use, including several who survived repeat overdoses. Fifty of the defendants are high school dropouts, and all defendants collectively have been arrested more than 1,000 times and convicted of more than 250 felonies, with more than 260 violations of probation, parole, or supervised release.
Believed to be the largest drug trafficking prosecution in the history of the Southern District of Georgia, Operation Ghost Busted was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
Agencies involved in the investigation include the FBI Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; the Georgia Department of Corrections; the Georgia Department of Community Supervision; the Glynn County Police Department; the Brunswick Police Department; the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office; and sheriff’s offices from Pierce, Camden, Wayne, Treutlen, McIntosh, Toombs, Telfair, Dodge, and Ware counties. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer J. Kirkland and Criminal Division Deputy Chief E. Greg Gilluly Jr.
75-24
Philadelphia Man Convicted of Solicitation to Commit Murder Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Darnell Jackson, aka “Major Change,” 52, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro to 240 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for murder-for-hire solicitation and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
On February 28, 2023, after a five-day trial, a jury found the defendant guilty of use of interstate commerce facilities in the solicitation of a murder-for-hire and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
The murder-for-hire plot the defendant orchestrated stemmed from an ongoing state drug trafficking investigation. On July 19, 2021, and in the days immediately following, Jackson communicated with an individual via cell phone calls and text messages, in an effort to arrange the killing of another person, sending a photo of the intended victim and indicating that he was willing to pay $5,000 to have someone commit the murder. When the individual reported to Jackson that he had located the intended victim, they allegedly agreed that the killing would occur on the evening of July 21, 2021.
That same evening, the individual called Jackson to report that the intended victim had been killed, which was false. In response, Jackson replied that he was on his way to meet the individual to pay him for carrying out the murder.
A few minutes later, Jackson was stopped by law enforcement while driving a vehicle in the vicinity of 65th Street & Guyer Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia. Jackson was found in possession of a Glock-style “ghost gun” loaded with 16 live rounds of ammunition. He was immediately arrested and charged by federal complaint.
“If you’re willing to casually order a hit — if you have so little respect for human life — you forfeit your right to walk around free with everyone else,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Darnell Jackson has proven he’s a dangerous man and this sentence holds him accountable. My office, the FBI, and the Philadelphia Police Department will continue to identify, arrest, and prosecute our city’s most violent offenders.”
“By orchestrating this egregious plot, Jackson underestimated both the capability of law enforcement to uncover his actions and our unwavering commitment to protecting citizens from violence,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI, in close partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, remains steadfast in our mission to keep our communities safe.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Ashenfelter.
Ontario importer going to prison for two years for trafficking 4.8 million dollars in counterfeit merchandiseRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Wasseem Ramjaun, 48, of Vaughan, Ontario, who was convicted of trafficking in counterfeit goods, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. In addition, he was also ordered to pay $4,800,870 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who handled the case, stated that Ramjaun operated various importing and exporting businesses in Canada. From approximately October 2016 to August 1, 2017, Ramjaun agreed to provide an individual with authentic Yeti, Vera Bradley, and Lacoste merchandise. However, Ramjaun was not authorized to use the trademarks of these companies. As a result, in January 2017, Ramjaun contacted a manufacturer in China and ordered bags that appeared identical to genuine Vera Bradley bags. To make sure the bags appeared authentic, Ramjaun provided the manufacturer with photographs and tags of authentic Vera Bradley bags.
Between June 1 and June 8, 2017, Ramjaun imported the counterfeit Vera Bradley bags into the United States through a port of entry in Western District of New York. To conceal the fact the bags were fraudulent, Ramjaun provided United States Customs and Border Protection with a fraudulent manufacturing agreement. $4,800,870 is the total loss associated with Ramjaun’s conduct.
The sentencing is the result of of an investigation by the United States Homeland Security Investigations, under the supervision of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
# # # #
Omaha Man Sentenced to 35 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Adrian A. Garcia-Marin, age 33, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced December 11, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to distributing methamphetamine. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Garcia-Marin to 35 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garcia-Marin’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On February 25, 2022, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant (CI) who ordered a quantity of meth from Garcia-Marin. The CI met with Garcia-Marin at the Nebraska Furniture Mart parking lot in Omaha where he delivered six pounds of meth to the informant. Garcia-Marin was arrested immediately after the delivery.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Threatening A Judge and Assault on A Federal EmployeeRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Wayne Andrew Miller, 41, of Lucasville, Ohio, and an inmate with the Bureau of Prisons was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to threatening a judge and his family, assaulting a federal employee, and possession of a weapon while in federal custody. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“We must protect our dedicated government employees, so that they may carry out their jobs without fear,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence sends a strong message that we will take all measures to protect those who enforce the law is crucial to maintaining our democracy and keeping our communities safe.”
Miller was serving a 20-year sentence in Ohio for kidnapping a female university student. That kidnapping occurred 9 days after Miller was released from state prison after completing a 9-year sentence for rape and kidnapping. In November 2022, Miller mailed a letter to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office in Gainesville, Florida. The letter contained threats to kill a Judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida, in Gainesville, Florida, and to rape the Judge’s wife and daughter. A federal grand jury returned an indictment for transmitting a threat in interstate commerce and using U.S. Mail to transmit a threat.
"This investigation exemplifies the FBI's commitment to protecting public servants and their families," said Kristin Rehler, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. "Together, with our law enforcement partners, we remain dedicated to identifying, investigating, and holding accountable violent criminals who threaten the safety and security of others."
On February 18, 2024, Miller was in custody at the Federal Detention Center in Tallahassee, Florida, awaiting court proceedings on the threat charges. A BOP (Bureau of Prisons) nurse conducted a medical assessment of Miller and providing care. Miller stabbed her in the head above her eye with a plastic shank, intending to take her hostage. A federal grand jury returned a separate indictment charging Miller with assaulting a federal employee with intent to cause bodily harm and, possession of an object intended to be used as a weapon in the Federal Detention Center.
Miller pleaded guilty to all four charges. On December 3, 2024, U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor sentenced Miller to 30 years of imprisonment consecutive to Miller’s previous sentence in Ohio. Miller’s imprisonment will be followed by three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Grogan prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Ocala Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Meet A 13-Year-Old to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Devin Joseph Rivera (24, Ocala) to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Rivera entered a guilty plea on September 20, 2024.
According to court documents, on July 24, 2024, Rivera communicated online with someone whom he believed was a 13-year-old girl. The child, however, was an undercover Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent. Rivera engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the undercover agent. Ultimately, Rivera was arrested when he rode his bicycle to a pre-determined meeting location in Marion County to engage in sexual activity with the “child.” Rivera also brought a blanket and a condom with him to the location.
"Actively scouring the dark web to find and collect sexual abuse content of children perpetuates the suffering of innocent victims around the world,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando David Pezzutti. “This sentencing reflects the gravity of this predator’s crimes, as well as HSI’s commitment to shedding a light on the dark web to protect children from harm.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Chiefland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Northern California Man Arrested for Allegedly Flying Drone over and Photographing Vandenberg Space Force BaseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Northern California man has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint for allegedly flying a drone over and taking photographs of Vandenberg Space Force Base, the Justice Department announced today.
Yinpiao Zhou, 39, of Brentwood, is charged with failure to register an aircraft not providing transportation and violation of national defense airspace.
Zhou was arrested Monday at San Francisco International Airport prior to boarding a China-bound flight and made his initial appearance Tuesday in United States District Court in San Francisco.
Zhou remains in federal custody pending prosecutors’ appeal of a federal magistrate judge’s decision to release him. No plea was taken and his arraignment is expected to be scheduled in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles in the coming weeks.
“This defendant allegedly flew a drone over a military base and took photos of the base's layout, which is against the law,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The security of our nation is of paramount importance and my office will continue to promote the safety of our nation’s military personnel and facilities.”
According to an affidavit filed on December 8 with the complaint, on November 30, 2024, drone detection systems at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County detected a drone flying over the base. The drone systems detected that the drone flew for nearly one hour, traveled to an altitude of almost one mile above ground level, and originated from Ocean Park, a public area next to the base. Base security personnel went to the park, spoke to Zhou and another person accompanying him, and learned that Zhou had a drone concealed in his jacket – the same one that flew over the base.
Agents later searched Zhou’s drone pursuant to a federal search warrant and saw several photographs of Vandenberg Space Force Base taken from an aerial viewpoint. A search of Zhou’s cellphone showed Zhou conducted a Google search approximately one month earlier for the phrase “Vandenberg Space Force Base Drone Rules” and messaged with another person about hacking his drone to allow it to fly higher than it could otherwise.
Zhou is a Chinese citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States, most recently returning to the United States from China in February 2024. The person accompanying Zhou at Ocean Park most recently entered the United States from China on November 26.
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, the defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of four years in federal prison.
The FBI is investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Kedar S. Bhatia of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Trial Attorney Benjamin Koenigsfeld of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
New Jersey Contractor Pleads Guilty to Negligent Release of AsbestosRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Tyler Amon, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, New York (“EPA-CID”), and Jocelyn E. Strauber, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced today that JOSE CORREA, a New Jersey-based contractor, pled guilty to one count of negligently causing the release of asbestos into the ambient air, thereby placing other persons in imminent danger of death and serious bodily injury, in violation of the Clean Air Act. CORREA pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As he admitted in court today, Jose Correa decided to cut corners by failing to hire an asbestos abatement contractor to safely remove floor tiles and mastic from a supermarket in East Harlem. Correa instead had construction workers complete this dangerous work—without providing them with basic safety equipment—and put in harm’s way those he had a responsibility to protect. This Office remains committed to protecting all individuals from the harms caused by environmental crimes.”
EPA-CID Special Agent in Charge Tyler Amon said: “Asbestos exposure can cause cancer, lung disease, and other serious respiratory diseases. In this case, General Contractor Correa failed to hire trained and certified asbestos abatement professionals. Defendant Correa did the work ‘on the cheap,’ negligently putting workers and others at risk.”
DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said: “Abatement of asbestos poses serious safety risks to workers and to the public if handled improperly, and federal regulations governing abatement are intended to reduce those risks. Today, the general contractor responsible for an illegal abatement at a Harlem supermarket pleads guilty to a felony, showing that flouting those regulations has serious consequences. I thank the NYC Department of Environmental Protection for notifying DOI and prompting this investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Criminal Investigation Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their partnership on this case.”
According to the Information that was filed today in Manhattan federal court as well as other public statements made in court:
From at least in or about November 2022 to in or about December 2022, CORREA was employed as the general contractor for a construction project at a supermarket in East Harlem, Manhattan. CORREA removed asbestos-containing floor tiles and mastic from the supermarket floor without hiring an asbestos abatement contractor to perform the work. CORREA instead used his own construction workers to remove the floor tiles and mastic and failed to provide the workers with protective gear such as masks and protective suits. CORREA’s actions caused the release of asbestos material into the ambient air and placed the construction workers in imminent danger of death and serious bodily injury.
* * *
CORREA, 66, of Englewood, New Jersey, pled guilty to one count of negligently causing the release of asbestos into the ambient air, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison.
The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the EPA-CID and DOI.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Rothman is in charge of the prosecution.
New Haven Nurse Admits Tampering with and Stealing Lorazepam VialsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SEAN FALZARANO, 38, of Southbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to tampering with and stealing Lorazepam vials at the hospital where he was employed as a nurse.
Falzarano was employed at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) as a Registered Nurse. As part of his employment, Falzarano was granted access to secure locations used by YNHH to store controlled substances, including Lorazepam. On January 31, 2022, Falzarano took vials containing Lorazepam solution that he knew were intended to be dispensed to patients. He removed a portion of the Lorazepam solution from at least one of the vials, replaced the contents with an inert solution, and returned the vial to the secure location where it was available for distribution to patients. Falzarano also kept at least one vial that he had taken.
Falzarano pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years. Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for March 5.
Falzarano is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
Falzarano’s nursing license is currently suspended.
This matter has been investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the DEA’s Hartford Diversion Control Division; and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
New Haven Gang Member Involved in 2 Murders and Other Shootings Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ANTWAN HILL, also known as “Bandz,” 20, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 215 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a violent New Haven street gang and multiple gang-related shootings that resulted in two deaths.
Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city. The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven. Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.
The investigation revealed that Hill and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used, and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders. Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence. Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.
On April 18, 2024, Hill pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that he took part in four gang-related shootings, which resulted in two deaths. On September 26, 2020, Hill and another Exit 8 gang member shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of a rival gang. On May 19, 2021, Hill and other Exit 8 members conspired to kill rival gang members, including a rival gang member who was shot and killed on that date by another Exit 8 member. On July 5, 2021, Hill and another Exit 8 member shot and killed an individual. On April 12, 2022, Hill and another Exit 8 member shot and attempted to kill rival gang members.
Hill has been detained since August 3, 2023.
This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Moore Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Charles Daniel Tow, age 34, of Moore, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.
The Indictment alleged that on June 6, 2024, Tow knowingly and intentionally possessed 40 or more grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, for the purpose of distribution. The Indictment also alleged that on that same date, Tow knowingly possessed a .380ACP caliber semi-automatic pistol and eight rounds of .380ACP caliber ammunition after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, despite knowing of that conviction.
The charges arose from an investigation by the District 27 Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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. Tow will remain in the custody of the U. S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lorenz represented the United States.
Mississippi Seafood Distributor and Managers Sentenced for Conspiracy and Misbranding SeafoodRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Mississippi seafood distributor and two company managers were sentenced for conspiring with others to mislabel seafood and to commit wire fraud by marketing inexpensive and frozen imported substitutes as more expensive and premium local species.
Quality Poultry and Seafood Inc. (QPS), the largest seafood wholesaler on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, was sentenced to 5 years of probation and ordered to pay the United States $1 million in forfeitures and a $500,000 criminal fine. The Court also ordered that QPS maintain for five years records describing the species, sources, and cost of the seafood it acquires for sale to its customers; that QPS must make these records available to any federal, state, or local governmental authority that regulates or monitors the service and distribution of food for human consumption and to any such agency that regulates the harvesting, storage, labeling, or sale of seafood; and that QPS shall answer truthfully any inquiry from any governmental agency and from any customer as to the species, source, and cost of any seafood it prepares, serves, sells, or advertises for sale.
QPS sales manager Todd A. Rosetti and business manager James W. Gunkel, both of Ocean Springs, were also sentenced today for misbranding seafood to facilitate QPS’ fraud. Rosetti was ordered to serve 8 months in prison followed by 180 days of home detention, one year of supervised release, and 100 hours of community service. Gunkel was sentenced to 2 years of probation, 12 months of home detention and 50 hours of community service.
“This large-scale scheme to misbrand imported seafood as local Gulf Coast seafood hurt local fishermen and consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi. “These criminal convictions should put restaurants and wholesalers on notice that they must be honest with customers about what is actually being sold.”
“U.S. consumers expect their seafood to be correctly identified. When sellers purposefully substitute one fish species for another, they deceive consumers and cause potential food safety hazards to be overlooked or misidentified by processors or end users,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kerry Mannion, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who put profits above public health.”
In August 2024, QPS pled guilty to participating in a fish substitution scheme from as early as 2002 and continuing through November 2019. QPS recommended and sold to its restaurant customers foreign-sourced fish that could serve as convincing substitutes for the local species the restaurants advertised on their menus. QPS also labeled the cheap imports that it sold to customers at its own retail shop and café as premium local fish. According to court documents, even after agents from the FDA executed a criminal search warrant at QPS to investigate its sale of mislabeled fish, QPS continued for over a year to sell frozen fish imported from Africa, South America, and India for use as substitutes for local premium species.
Mary Mahoney’s, which pleaded guilty in May and was sentenced in November, admitted that between December 2013 and November 2019, it fraudulently sold, as local premium species, approximately 58,750 pounds (over 29 tons) of fish that was not the species identified on its menu. QPS supplied seafood to Mary Mahoney’s and many other restaurants and retailers.
The Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations investigated the case in conjunction with the Mississippi Marine Patrol, a Division of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea C. Jones and Senior Trial Attorney Jeremy F. Korzenik of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division prosecuted the case.
Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 286 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jarin Devon Noojin, 26 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl resulting in death, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Noojin was sentenced to 286 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release."The CDC estimates that 76,226 persons died in 2022 from drug overdoses involving Synthetic Opioids (fentanyl),” said United States Attorney’s Clifford D. Johnson. “The evidence in this case established that this defendant was a dealer who was responsible for one of those deaths. Noojin’s criminal actions were particularly coldhearted because he knew that he was making and selling “pressed” fentanyl pills, pressing those pills to look like prescription medication, and that “his” pills were causing overdoses. As this prosecution shows, my Office will prosecute, to the fullest extent that federal law allows, purveyors of deadly synthetic opioids.”
According to documents in the case, in October 2022, Noojin sold fentanyl pills to an individual who thereafter died from acute fentanyl toxicity after consuming some of the pills. The investigation revealed that despite knowing that the pills he trafficked were involved in this death, Noojin continued selling fentanyl pills. Law enforcement learned that Noojin had been selling fentanyl for months prior to the victim’s death and that he personally witnessed at least one other person overdose multiple times from using the fentanyl he sold. Noojin was well aware of the risk of overdose that came with consuming the pills he sold, warning one of his customers not to mix other prescriptions with his pills.
“The actions of Mr. Noojin played a devastating and horrific effect on society, which included the death of an individual. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its partners will continue to work tirelessly to hold fentanyl dealers, such as Mr. Noojin, and drug trafficking organizations accountable for their brutality and cruelty,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alfred A. Cooke III. “Law enforcement remains engaged and motivated to remove the plague of drug trafficking; evil will never win. There is no room in Michiana, or anywhere across the region, for those who think dealing illicit fentanyl is a way of life. DEA expresses its sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased in this incident, and to all families of those lost to fentanyl.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the DEA’s North Central Laboratory with assistance from the St. Joseph County Police Department, the Cass County Michigan Sheriff’s Office, the Cass County Michigan Medical Examiner’s Office, NMS Labs, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine Medical Examiner and Forensic Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katelan McKenzie Doyle and Joel Gabrielse.
Milwaukee Woman Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of Multiple Victims by Force, Fraud, and CoercionRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced on December 11, 2024, that Colette A. Mahan (age 41), a.k.a. “Pimpin’ Amanda,” of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, had been sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for sex trafficking.
On May 23, 2024, Mahan entered a guilty plea to one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1) & 1591(b)(1). According to court records and filings in the case, Mahan trafficked numerous female victims, including minors as young as 14 years old, over a period of at least 17 years using a combination of false promises, threats, and extreme physical violence. Filings also show that Mahan made her victims solicit sex dates at strip clubs, hotels, bars, casinos, and street tracks across Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kentucky, Florida, and Nevada, and she demanded that they give her everything they earned. Though Mahan had many prior arrests, this case marks her first felony conviction and prison sentence.
At the sentencing hearing, United States District Court Judge Brett H. Ludwig explained that Mahan’s crimes were incredibly serious, noting that Mahan knew or should have known the devastating impact her actions would have on her victims because she herself had been victimized in a similar way during her teenage years. Judge Ludwig described how Mahan beat young women and girls into selling their bodies and how their suffering financed luxuries for Mahan, including a Porsche. Judge Ludwig also emphasized that sex trafficking has been particularly problematic in Milwaukee and that a long prison sentence was appropriate to deter others from engaging in this type of conduct.
“For many years, Ms. Mahan sought to dehumanize others for her own financial benefit,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “I commend the courage and resilience shown by the victims when sharing the details of the abuse they suffered at Ms. Mahan’s hands. The 19-year sentence reflects their courage as well as the tireless and collaborative work by the FBI, the Milwaukee Police Department, and federal prosecutors in pursing justice in this case.”
“The women and men of the FBI work tirelessly to stop individuals like Colette A. Mahan from exploiting and harming victims,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “The sentence handed down sends a message to individuals who prey upon vulnerable women. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to bringing these individuals to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Milwaukee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura S. Kwaterski and Erica J. Lounsberry.
# # #
For further information contact:
Public Information Officer
(414) 297-1700
Follow us on Twitter
Meth, fentanyl trafficking send Helena man to prison for more than 11 yearsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A federal judge today sentenced a Helena man to 11 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in the community, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Christopher Paris Stockdale, 34, pleaded guilty in August to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
“Stockdale, armed with a gun, worked with others to bring these poisons into Helena. His conduct had the potential to seriously injure or kill thousands of users, but with today’s sentence, he is no longer a risk to our community for a long time. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute drug traffickers like Stockdale to ensure they end up in federal prison with him,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents, the government alleged that Stockdale possessed multiple firearms and was responsible for importing thousands of fentanyl pills and pounds of meth into the state. Stockdale committed these crimes while on state parole for drug offense. In the spring of 2023, drug task force officers in Helena developed information that Stockdale was working with others to supply various narcotics in the community. The investigation led to Stockdale being detained on parole violations. In a search of his truck, law enforcement located several hundred fentanyl pills, more than 100 grams of meth, a 9mm pistol and several rounds of ammunition.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
XXX
Mercer County Man Charged with Multiple Armed Robberies of Business Owners and Causing the Death of One Victim Through Use of A FirearmRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County man made an initial appearance on charges of three armed robberies of Trenton-area businesses, including one during which the man caused the death of a victim through use of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Paul X. McNeil, 38, of Trenton, was charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of murder during and in relation to a crime of violence, one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. McNeil made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
McNeil targeted certain local businesses and/or business owners based upon the victims’ access to the businesses’ cash proceeds. On September 30, 2022, as an employee of an auto recycling shop in Ewing, New Jersey, was in the process of collecting the shop’s cash proceeds, McNeil and a coconspirator entered the shop. McNeil pointed a firearm at the employee before he and the coconspirator took from the employee approximately $150,000 of the shop’s cash proceeds and the employee’s lawfully registered firearm. Later that day, McNeil purchased a new car, paying $9,500 in a down payment, comprised of ninety-five $100 bills.
On August 10, 2023, McNeil followed the owner of a Trenton cannabis shop from the shop to the owner’s residence in Lawrence Township. Moments after the cannabis shop owner entered the residence, McNeil followed the owner into the residence and robbed the owner of the cannabis shop’s cash proceeds which the owner had carried into the residence. As overheard by the cannabis owner’s spouse, who was in the residence, the owner stated to McNeil, “No, no, no … please, here, you can have it,” moments before McNeil shot and killed the owner with a firearm. In addition to taking from the owner the cannabis shop’s cash proceeds, McNeil also took from the owner jewelry the owner was wearing at the time of the robbery. Photographs recovered from McNeil’s cellphone depict McNeil wearing the owner’s jewelry, which was recovered later from McNeil’s vehicle.
On September 23, 2023, McNeil entered the Ewing residence of an owner of a Trenton-area house-flipping business. Upon entering the residence, McNeil encountered three victims, including two minors. The owner of the business was not in the residence at the time. McNeil pointed a handgun at the three victims and demanded money. McNeil then bound the victims’ hands behind their backs with zip ties and forced them at gunpoint into the basement, while he searched the residence. McNeil took approximately $4,500 in cash proceeds from the house- flipping business as well as some personal items belonging to the business owner and the three victims. Law enforcement later recovered from McNeil’s residence approximately $4,000 in cash and some of the personal items belonging to the business’s owner and the three victims.
“These charges allege that the defendant targeted several local business owners for robbery and murdered one of them. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with its federal and local law enforcement partners, will spare no effort to investigate and prosecute violent offenders who target the businesses and residents of New Jersey.”
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger
"We allege McNeil went into a Ewing business, held it up at gun point, and while the owner was attempting to hand over money McNeil shot and killed him. We also have evidence showing he also took part in several other brutal attacks and robberies. Violent offenders should take this investigation as a warning that the FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners are pursuing criminals who believe they can act with impunity and not face justice,” Acting SAC Nelson I. Delgado said.
The count of murder during and in relation to a crime of violence is punishable by death, or a term of imprisonment up to life. The counts of Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The brandishing and discharging of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, where the brandishing count has a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years in prison and the discharging count has a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 year in prison, which sentences must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting SAC Nelson I. Delgado, members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force, under the direction of Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton, and detectives with the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief Albert Rhodes, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew and Special Assistant Laura Sunyak of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
24-447
Defense counsel: Benjamin West, Esq.
mcneil.complaint.pdfMassachusetts Businessman Sentenced for Million Dollar Payroll Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston to a multi-year tax fraud scheme in which he failed to pay employment taxes for his temporary employment agency.
Det Tran, 62, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin to one year and a day in prison, to be followed by three years supervised release and ordered to pay more than $2.5 million in restitution. In September 2024, Tran pleaded guilty to two counts of failure to collect and pay over employment taxes.
From at least 2018 through 2021, Tran owned and operated HTP Temp. Inc. (HTP), an agency that provided temporary workers for client businesses. During that time, Tran paid $8 million in “off the books” cash wages to HTP employees. Through his concealment of these cash wages, Tran caused his accountant to prepare false quarterly filings to the IRS for HTP’s employee wages and tax withholdings between 2018 and 2021. As a result, Tran evaded more than $2.1 million in employment taxes owed to the IRS.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jonathan Wlodyka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to thank the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Manager of U.S. Freight Forwarding Company Indicted for Circumventing Export ControlsRead the Press Release
A 12-count indictment was unsealed yesterday charging Natalya Ivanovna Mazulina, of Federal Way, Washington, also known as “Natasha Mazulina,” for her alleged involvement in a scheme to circumvent U.S. export laws and sanctions on Russia. Mazulina, the Western regional manager of a freight forwarding company based in Jamaica, New York, which operated out of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK airport) in Queens, New York, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington State, was arrested yesterday in Seattle and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date.
“The defendant exploited her knowledge of the export business to falsify documents and circumvent U.S. sanctions by illegally shipping oil and gas products to Russian customers,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division. “American companies like the freight forwarder where Mazulina worked play a critical role in the global supply chain and movement of goods. The National Security Division will not tolerate individuals who seek to abuse their positions in these companies for financial gain at the expense of national security.”
“We’ve been clear and consistent that we want to help freight forwarders comply with our rules,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “But, as today’s arrest underscores, we’ve also been clear and consistent about what happens when they don’t.”
“As alleged, Mazulina used her position as a manager of a freight forwarding company to facilitate unlawful exports to Russia through JFK airport,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “Evading U.S export regulations presents a danger to our national security, and we will continue to use all of our law enforcement and national security tools make sure these enablers, both individuals and corporations, cannot operate in our district.”
“The defendant in this case allegedly helped Russia obtain such valuable items as industrial oil and gas equipment in violation of export laws and sanctions,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to detect and stop such illegal transfers and hold accountable those who engage in activities detrimental to U.S. national security interests.”
As alleged in the indictment, from at least December 2022 through December 2024, Mazulina conspired with Russian freight forwarding companies and others to unlawfully ship controlled items, including industrial oil and gas equipment from the United States to Russia, through intermediary countries. At one point, in June 2023, Mazulina told colleagues that her clients were paying through bank accounts in third party countries because “[m]ost of [her] clients [were] currently sanctioned with USA.” Mazulina attempted to conceal the unlawful scheme by submitting and causing the submission of false export documents to the U.S. government, documents which should have revealed that the exported goods were destined for Russia.
Mazulina is charged with conspiracy to export controlled goods to Russia without a license, conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to commit money laundering, exporting controlled goods to Russia without a license, filing false export documents with the U.S. government, and smuggling goods contrary to U.S. law. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conspiring to export or exporting controlled goods to Russia without a license; a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit money laundering; up to 10 years in prison for each count of smuggling; and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of conspiracy and filing false export documents with the U.S. government. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The BIS and FBI are investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, FBI Seattle Field Office, and BIS Boston Field Office assisted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Artie McConnell and Matthew Skurnik for the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorneys Christopher M. Rigali and Adam Barry of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section assisted with this investigation.
The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that, beginning in 2014, the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.