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Monday 25 November 2024
Florida Telecommunications and Information Technology Worker Sentenced for Conspiring to Act as Agent of Chinese GovernmentRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Ping Li, 59, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, was sentenced to 48 months in prison today for conspiring to act as an agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without notification to the Attorney General. Li was further ordered to pay a fine of $250,000 and to serve three years of supervised release.
According to the plea agreement and other court filings, the PRC’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) is in charge of civilian intelligence collection for the PRC. The MSS often uses “cooperative contacts” located in countries outside of the PRC in furtherance of their intelligence goals, which include obtaining information concerning foreign corporate or industrial matters, foreign politicians or intelligence officers, and information concerning PRC political dissidents residing in those countries. These cooperative contacts assist the MSS in a variety of ways, including by conducting research on topics of interest to the PRC that can be used to further the MSS’s mission.
Li is a U.S. citizen who immigrated to the United States from the PRC. At various times, Li worked for a major U.S. telecommunications company and an international information technology company.
Li admitted that, from at least as early as 2012, he served as a cooperative contact working at the direction of officers of the MSS to obtain information of interest to the PRC government. Li obtained a wide variety information at the request of the MSS, including information concerning Chinese dissidents and pro-democracy advocates, members of the Falun Gong religious movement, and U.S.-based non-governmental organizations, and reported that information to the MSS. Li also provided the MSS with information obtained from his employer. Li used a variety of anonymous online accounts for the purpose of communicating with the MSS, and traveled to the PRC to meet with the MSS.
For example, in August 2012, an MSS officer requested that Li provide information about practitioners of Falun Gong and pro-democracy advocates in the United States. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a religious movement that originated in the PRC in the 1990s. Falun Gong is not one of the five religions formally recognized by the PRC government, and it has been banned since 1999. Its adherents both in China and abroad are of particular interest to the PRC government because of Falun Gong’s advocacy of ideas deemed subversive to the PRC government. Less than a week after receiving this request, Li sent the name and biographical information of an individual affiliated with Falun Gong residing in St. Petersburg, Florida.
In March 2015, an MSS officer requested information from Li about branch offices that Li’s employer, a major U.S. telecommunications company, had opened in the PRC. Li responded with the requested information three weeks later.
In March 2017, an MSS officer requested a training instruction plan from Li. In April 2017, Li responded indicating that he had uploaded materials to an online account that he shared with the MSS officer and asked the MSS officer to delete the materials after reading them.
In May 2021, an MSS officer requested information from Li concerning hacking events targeting U.S. companies, including a widely publicized hacking of a major U.S. company by the Chinese government. Within four days, Li responded with the requested information.
In March 2022, an MSS officer requested information from Li concerning Li’s new employer, an international information technology company, as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training. That same day, Li sent the requested information about his employer as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training.
In June 2022, an MSS officer requested information from Li concerning an individual who, according to the officer, had resided in the PRC but fled to the United States, and the officer provided Li with the name and suspected residential address in the United States of that individual. That same day, Li responded with information about the owners of that residential address.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida, and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet, Karyna Valdes, and Jordan Howard for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.
Florida Telecommunications and Information Technology Worker Sentenced for Conspiring to Act as Agent of Chinese GovernmentRead the Press Release
Ping Li, 59, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, was sentenced to 48 months in prison today for conspiring to act as an agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without notification to the Attorney General. Li was further ordered to pay a fine of $250,000 and to serve three years of supervised release.
According to the plea agreement and other court filings, the PRC’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) is in charge of civilian intelligence collection for the PRC. The MSS often uses “cooperative contacts” located in countries outside of the PRC in furtherance of their intelligence goals, which include obtaining information concerning foreign corporate or industrial matters, foreign politicians or intelligence officers, and information concerning PRC political dissidents residing in those countries. These cooperative contacts assist the MSS in a variety of ways, including by conducting research on topics of interest to the PRC that can be used to further the MSS’s mission.
Li is a U.S. citizen who immigrated to the United States from the PRC. At various times, Li worked for a major U.S. telecommunications company and an international information technology company.
Li admitted that, from at least as early as 2012, he served as a cooperative contact working at the direction of officers of the MSS to obtain information of interest to the PRC government. Li obtained a wide variety information at the request of the MSS, including information concerning Chinese dissidents and pro-democracy advocates, members of the Falun Gong religious movement, and U.S.-based non-governmental organizations, and reported that information to the MSS. Li also provided the MSS with information obtained from his employer. Li used a variety of anonymous online accounts for the purpose of communicating with the MSS, and traveled to the PRC to meet with the MSS.
For example, in August 2012, an MSS officer requested that Li provide information about practitioners of Falun Gong and pro-democracy advocates in the United States. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a religious movement that originated in the PRC in the 1990s. Falun Gong is not one of the five religions formally recognized by the PRC government, and it has been banned since 1999. Its adherents both in China and abroad are of particular interest to the PRC government because of Falun Gong’s advocacy of ideas deemed subversive to the PRC government. Less than a week after receiving this request, Li sent the name and biographical information of an individual affiliated with Falun Gong residing in St. Petersburg, Florida.
In March 2015, an MSS officer requested information from Li about branch offices that Li’s employer, a major U.S. telecommunications company, had opened in the PRC. Li responded with the requested information three weeks later.
In March 2017, an MSS officer requested a training instruction plan from Li. In April 2017, Li responded indicating that he had uploaded materials to an online account that he shared with the MSS officer and asked the MSS officer to delete the materials after reading them.
In May 2021, an MSS officer requested information from Li concerning hacking events targeting U.S. companies, including a widely publicized hacking of a major U.S. company by the Chinese government. Within four days, Li responded with the requested information.
In March 2022, an MSS officer requested information from Li concerning Li’s new employer, an international information technology company, as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training. That same day, Li sent the requested information about his employer as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training.
In June 2022, an MSS officer requested information from Li concerning an individual who, according to the officer, had resided in the PRC but fled to the United States, and the officer provided Li with the name and suspected residential address in the United States of that individual. That same day, Li responded with information about the owners of that residential address.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida, and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet, Karyna Valdes, and Jordan Howard for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million-Dollar Investment Fraud Schemes and Conspiracy to Launder MoneyRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Thomas Aaron Signorelli pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of theft of government property, one count of destruction of records, and one count of conspiracy to launder money.
Signorelli, 46, of West Palm Beach, Fla., was charged by information on Sept. 19, 2024. In pleading guilty to all seven counts in the information, Signorelli admitted that beginning in January 2021 to around December 2023, he falsely claimed he could assist individuals and entities in need of capital by raising funds, obtaining loans, and securing profitable investments through his company WS Capital, which was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In fact, Signorelli did not raise capital, obtain loans, or secure profitable investments, and instead used the victims’ funds to pay his personal and living expenses, as well as to pay back other victims.
Signorelli engaged in one of the fraud schemes with his co-conspirator David Scott Cacchione. As part of that scheme, Signorelli and Cacchione convinced investors that their money would be used to purchase accounts receivables that did not exist. Rather than use the funds as promised, Signorelli typically shared a portion of the funds with Cacchione and used the remainder to pay personal and living expenses and repay other victims. Through his various schemes, Signorelli defrauded individuals and entities of more than $2,500,000. Signorelli further admitted that he conspired with an attorney in Florida to launder fraud proceeds through the attorney’s client trust account in order to disguise the source and nature of the fraud proceeds.
The plea agreement also describes that, in December 2021, Signorelli was introduced to an individual who claimed to be looking for someone to launder large sums of drug trafficking proceeds. Signorelli offered to use WS Capital accounts to launder the supposed drug trafficking proceeds and accepted approximately $150,000 in government funds from an undercover government agent. Instead of laundering those funds, Signorelli stole the money and used it to pay his personal expenses.
Signorelli further admitted that he caused applications for a Paycheck Protection Program loan and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan to be submitted to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of a Napa real estate venture that he had formed. Signorelli made false representations about the venture’s revenues, payroll, and employee count in order to obtain over $50,000 in disaster relief loans.
Finally, in August 2022, Signorelli learned that the FBI had obtained a warrant to search his mobile phone. As detailed in his plea agreement, prior to turning in his mobile phone, Signorelli deleted electronic communications on his device in order to obstruct the government’s investigation.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp, IRS-CI Oakland Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley, and Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Special Agent in Charge of the Western Region Weston King.
Signorelli remains free on a $200,000 appearance bond imposed on Sept. 20, 2024. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Mar. 24, 2025 before the Honorable James Donato, U.S. District Court Judge. The maximum statutory penalty for each count is set forth below.
OFFENSE
STATUTE
MAXIMUM PENALTY
Bank Fraud18 U.S.C. § 134430 years’ imprisonment; $1,000,000 fine; 5 years’ supervised release; $100 special assessment; forfeiture and restitutionWire Fraud18 U.S.C. § 134320 years’ imprisonment; $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater; 3 years’ supervised release; $100 special assessment; forfeiture and restitutionConspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud18 U.S.C. § 134920 years’ imprisonment; $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater; 3 years’ supervised release; $100 special assessment; forfeiture and restitutionTheft of Government Property18 U.S.C. § 64110 years’ imprisonment; $250,000; 3 years’ supervised release; $100 special assessment; forfeiture and restitutionDestruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations18 U.S.C. § 151920 years’ imprisonment; $250,000; 3 years’ supervised release; $100 special assessment; forfeiture and restitutionConspiracy to Launder Money18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)20 years’ imprisonment; $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater; 3 years’ supervised release; $100 special assessment; forfeiture and restitutionHowever, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Signorelli’s co-conspirator Cacchione pleaded guilty on Aug. 14, 2024, and was sentenced by Judge Donato on Nov. 4, 2024, to a 40-month term of imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Hire is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS-CI, and SBA OIG.
Florida Dentist Pleads Guilty to Sending Threats to Multiple Victims, Including an Election OfficialRead the Press Release
A Florida dentist pleaded guilty today to sending threats to three victims in 2019 and 2020 and to an election official in 2024.
According to court documents, from September 2019 to July 2020, Richard Glenn Kantwill, 61, of Tampa, sent over 100 threats to various public figures based on their political commentary via Facebook and Instagram messages, email, and text. As charged in the superseding information, those threats included a threat sent via email to an author, a threat sent via text to a religious persona, and a threat sent via Instagram to a television personality. Kantwill also sent at least seven additional threats to four public figures via Facebook from April 2022 to April 2024, including a threat to an election official in another state on Feb. 9.
“With this plea, the Justice Department is ensuring that Richard Kantwill faces accountability for targeting an election official and other public figures with over 100 heinous threats,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “In the three years since I created the Department’s Election Threats Task Force we have worked to aggressively combat the dangerous increase in violent threats against the public servants who administer our elections. Today’s action is yet another warning: the Justice Department will not stand for threats of violence that endanger people’s safety and endanger our democracy.”
“Today’s guilty plea is the next step in holding Richard Kantwill accountable for his almost year-long campaign of terror, sending more than 100 violent threats to over 40 victims including various public figures and an election official,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Make no mistake, using electronic communications to threaten victims with violence is illegal and the FBI will continue to pursue those who seek to cause fear and terror by sending such violent threats.”
“Richard Kantwill sent more than 100 violent threats to multiple public figures, including an election official,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department has zero tolerance for conduct that seeks to intimidate public servants from doing their jobs. I am proud of the work the Election Threats Task Force has done over the past three years to hold accountable those who threaten election workers with violence.”
Kantwill pleaded guilty to four counts of interstate transmission of a threat. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Aaron L. Jennen of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Abigail K. King for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Created by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they join the task force in its critical work.
Under the leadership of the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General, the task force is led by PIN and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.
To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
Federal Firearms License Holder Pleads Guilty to Trafficking of FirearmsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a Shreveport man has pleaded guilty to a charge of trafficking in firearms. Dwayne Ronquillo, 52, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby and entered his guilty plea.
According to information presented in court, Ronquillo is a Federal Firearms License holder. In April 2024, Ronquillo maintained a booth at the flea market in Greenwood, Louisiana, where he displayed and sold firearms. On April 20, 2024, an individual went to the flea market where he met Ronquillo and discussed purchasing a firearm. The individual informed Ronquillo that he had previously taken a plea deal and had a felony on his record which had prevented him from buying a firearm at a pawn shop. Ronquillo then sold the individual a Ruger Security-9, 9x19mm pistol for $500 in cash. In addition, Ronquillo sold the individual approximately 150 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
After this firearm purchase, the individual continued to communicate with Ronquillo via text messaging to try and obtain an AR-style pistol. The individual texted Ronquillo on April 22, 2024, and advised him again that he had a felony on his record preventing him from purchasing firearms. On April 25, 2024, the individual met with Ronquillo in the parking lot of a Shreveport business and purchased a DPMS A-15, 7.62 multi caliber pistol for $1,000 in cash.
On May 29, 2024, following these two firearms purchases, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) executed a federal search warrant at Ronquillo’s residence and registered premises for his Federal Firearms License. In total, agents seized 75 firearms, various calibers of ammunition, and assorted magazines. Ronquillo admitted at the hearing today that he knew the use, carrying, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon was a felony and pleaded guilty to the charge of trafficking in firearms.
“This defendant shamelessly and recklessly put firearms and ammunition in the hands of people he knew to be prohibited, thwarting the efforts of law enforcement to keep firearms out of the possession of those who legally cannot possess them. For this conduct and in the spirit of public safety, we look forward to this individual receiving a just sentence of imprisonment in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.”
Ronquillo faces a sentence of not more than 15 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. His sentencing has been set for April 10, 2025.
The case was investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth D. Reeg.
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Farmington Accountant Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK LEGOWSKI, 60, of Farmington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to eight months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for filing false tax returns. Judge Dooley also ordered Legowski to pay a $10,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2015 through December 2017, Legowski was a self-employed accountant and tax return preparer doing business as Legowski & Company, Inc. (“LCI”) in Farmington. Legowski prepared income tax returns for approximately 400 to 500 individual clients and approximately 50 to 60 businesses. For the 2015 through 2017 tax years, in order to reduce his personal income tax liability, Legowski willfully underreported LCI’s gross receipts in LCI’s computer bookkeeping system by excluding some customer payment checks. He then filed false personal income tax returns that failed to report a total of more than $1.4 million in business income, which resulted in a loss to the IRS of $499,289.
In 2015, Legowski reported $0 in taxable income when the true figure was $415,697; in 2016, he reported $29,343 in taxable income when the true figure was $531,294; and in 2017, he reported $56,060 in taxable income when the true figure was $496,808.
Legowski has paid the IRS $499,289 in back taxes. He still must pay substantial tax penalties and interest.
On August 29, 2024, Legowski pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return.
Legowski, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 8.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
Essex County Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Defrauding Victims in Car Theft and Fraudulent Resale SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for defrauding victims by orchestrating a multistate car theft and fraud ring, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Warren Guerrier, 47, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From November 2016 to June 2020, Guerrier and several conspirators acting at his direction orchestrated a scheme to steal and then fraudulently sell vehicles to unsuspecting buyers. Guerrier and his conspirators identified vehicles to steal, then photographed, tracked, and advertised them for sale on the internet. The buyer victims were provided with electronically programmed keys and falsified certificates of title for the stolen vehicles in exchange for a negotiated purchase price in cash. Buyer victims also were provided with fraudulent identity documents utilized by conspirators to obscure their true identities.
The scheme involved the theft of at least 40 stolen vehicles, approximately 30 of which were sold by Guerrier and his conspirators to buyer victims. As a result of the scheme, Guerrier and his conspirators collected approximately $285,000.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martini sentenced Guerrier to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $291,637.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark and Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil in New Orleans, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Ecker of the Criminal Division in Newark.
Eleven Charged for Drug Trafficking in Southern IllinoisRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – Following an investigation into the drug trafficking network in southern Illinois, eleven individuals are facing federal charges for distributing meth in Jackson, Massac, Perry, Saline and Williamson counties.
Nigelle J. Bird, 32, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was charged with one federal count of distribution of meth in Jackson County.
Nathan Behrens, 35, of Harrisburg, was charged with one federal count of distribution of meth in Williamson County.
Darvon D. Ellis, 36, of Harrisburg, is facing two counts of distribution of meth in Saline and Williamson counties.
Jeffrey T. Dancy, 41, of Sparta, was charged with two counts of distribution of meth in Perry County.
Blake Mann, 36, of Carrier Mills, was charged with two federal counts of distribution of meth in Saline County.
Desmond Nelson, 44, and Chanel Nelson, 47, of Carrier Mills, are each facing three federal counts of distribution of meth in Saline County.
Tony L. Goss Jr., 36, of Brookport, Kelsey M. Hesser, 27, of Smithland, Kentucky, and Autumn J. Lynn, 40 of Golconda, are facing one federal count of conspiracy to distribute meth in Massac County. Goss was charged with four additional counts of distribution of meth, Lynn was charged with two additional counts, and Hesser with one additional count.
Joe J. Taylor, 32, of Brookport, is facing two charges of distribution of meth in Massac County and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
“The charged offenders are accused of distributing meth mainly across five rural counties in southern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “DEA agents and our local law enforcement partners are dedicating resources to help ensure illegal drug distribution operations continue to be identified and disrupted.”
"Drug traffickers drive violence and infect our communities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in southern Illinois. “DEA is committed to removing these individuals from every aspect of society by working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt, dismantle and destroy the criminal organizations they belong to. Our commitment to the citizens of southern Illinois and the American public is steadfast, and doesn’t stop with just one win. We will continually strive to make our streets safe.”
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
DEA led the investigation with assistance from the Carbondale Police Department, ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Illinois State Police.
El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con un fabricante de remolques para resolver acusaciones de discriminación relacionadas a inmigración y anuncia un nuevo recurso para residentes permanentes legalesRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo conciliatorio con Great Dane LLC (Great Dane) que resolvió la determinación del Departamento de que la planta de Great Dane en Wayne, Nebraska, vulneró la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad. El Departamento determinó que Great Dane discriminó a no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. al pedirles documentos adicionales e innecesarios, o información de esos documentos innecesarios, para demostrar su permiso para trabajar. El Departamento también anunció el lanzamiento de una nueva hoja informativa para ayudar a los residentes permanentes legales a conocer las protecciones contra la discriminación en virtud de la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés).
«Es ilegal para los empleadores crear barreras discriminatorias durante el proceso de contratación debido al estatus de ciudadanía del trabajador», comentó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia se compromete a garantizar que los trabajadores disfruten de las protecciones que les proporciona la ley, incluyendo donde las barreras al empleo son discriminatorias».
Después de iniciar una investigación basada en una queja de un residente permanente legal, el Departamento determinó que Great Dane preguntó a no ciudadanos de los EE. UU., incluido el trabajador que presentó la queja, para proporcionar documentos adicionales e innecesarios para demostrar su permiso para trabajar, debido a su estatus migratorio. Por ejemplo, el Departamento determinó que, aunque el trabajador que presentó la queja inicial proporcionó suficiente información y documentos para demostrar su permiso para trabajar, su carné de identidad estatal y su tarjeta de Seguro Social sin restricciones, la empresa, sin embargo, quería que proporcionara información adicional de una tarjeta de residente permanente. El Departamento determinó que Great Dane no contrató a no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. que no pudieron cumplir con las solicitudes innecesarias de la empresa. Por último, el Departamento también determinó que Great Dane discriminó a no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. que ya trabajan para la empresa al pedirles documentos que demostrasen su permiso continuo para trabajar, aunque fuera innecesario.
Los residentes permanentes legales (a veces denominados «titulares de tarjetas verdes») pueden utilizar diferentes tipos de documentación para demostrar su permiso para trabajar. Los residentes permanentes legales no tienen que mostrar una tarjeta de residente permanente (o «tarjeta verde») ni probar su estatus migratorio al demostrar su permiso para trabajar. Como se explica en la nueva hoja informativa del Departamento, la INA protege a los residentes legales permanentes de la discriminación cuando un empleador verifica su permiso para trabajar. Los empleadores no pueden limitar la documentación válida que un residente permanente legal puede mostrar al verificar su permiso para trabajar. La hoja informativa también explica cómo los residentes permanentes legales pueden obtener ayuda si se les discrimina.
En virtud de los términos del acuerdo, la empresa pagará $218,000 en sanciones civiles a los Estados Unidos y establecerá un fondo de pagos retroactivos de $218,000 para compensar a las víctimas de las prácticas discriminatorias de la empresa, incluidas aquellas a las que no contrató o que perdieron trabajo porque no pudieron cumplir con las solicitudes documentales discriminatorias de la empresa. El acuerdo también requiere que Great Dane capacite a su personal en cuanto a los requisitos antidiscriminatorios de la INA, que revise sus políticas de empleo y que se someta a los requisitos de supervisión y declaración departamentales. Cualquier persona que crea que puede calificar para los pagos retroactivos en virtud del acuerdo debe enviar un correo electrónico a la IER a la siguiente dirección de correo electrónico: [email protected]
La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados (IER, por sus siglas en inglés) de la División de Derechos Civiles, es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Entre otras cosas, la ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión, prácticas documentales injustas y represalias e intimidación.
El sitio web de IER tiene más información sobre los derechos de residentes permanentes legales en virtud de la INA y cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminación ilegal al verificar el permiso para trabajar de alguien. Aprenda más sobre el trabajo de la IER y cómo conseguir ayuda mediante este vídeo corto. Aquellos aspirantes o empleados que creen haber sido discriminados por motivos de su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido, reclutamiento o verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) o sujetos a represalias pueden presentar una denuncia. El público también puede llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 o para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); inscribirse a un seminario en línea en línea en vivo o visualizar una presentación a la carta; enviar un correo electrónico a [email protected]; o visitar los sitios web de la IER en inglés y español. Inscríbase para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico desde la IER.
Doctor Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Defrauding the NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit PlanRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that WILLIAM WASHINGTON was sentenced today to five years in prison for his participation in a scheme to defraud the National Basketball Association (“NBA”) Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit Plan (the “Plan”). WASHINGTON was convicted on June 28, 2024, following a one-week jury trial and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “William Washington, a licensed medical doctor, had a solemn responsibility not to abuse his position of trust. Instead, Washington used his license and his clinics to generate fraudulent invoices for medical services he never performed. Over just one year, Washington pocketed nearly a half-million dollars for himself and his co-conspirators. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who engage in health care fraud schemes, particularly medical providers, will face stringent penalties.”
According to the Indictment and the evidence at trial:
From approximately in or about 2019 through July 2020, WASHINGTON, a licensed medical doctor who operated medical clinics located in the Seattle, Washington-area, participated in a scheme with retired NBA players to defraud the Plan. In furtherance of the scheme, WASHINGTON generated fraudulent invoices purporting to document nearly $500,000 worth of medical services that he never provided – such as $10,000 office visits and $25,000 shoulder injections – and repeatedly lied to the Plan by claiming that he had performed those services. WASHINGTON also swiped Plan-issued debit cards to collect money on these fake invoices. As a result of these debit card swipes, WASHINGTON received over $450,000 from the Plan, which he cashed out and distributed to his co-conspirators.
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In addition to the prison sentence, WASHINGTON, 47, of Seattle, Washington, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $20,000 fine, forfeit $475,042, and pay restitution in the amount of $475,042.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rushmi Bhaskaran, Qais Ghafary, and Rebecca Delfiner represented the Government at trial. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Finkel and Daniel G. Nessim participated in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Joe Dante Townsend, 32, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 11, 2024, Townsend was a backseat passenger in a vehicle pulled over by law enforcement officers on the 1600 block of Ninth Avenue in Huntington. Officers searched the vehicle during the traffic stop and found a backpack in the backseat containing approximately 499 grams of cocaine. Townsend admitted that the backpack belonged to him, and that he had transported the cocaine by bus from Detroit to Huntington, where he intended to distribute the cocaine for money.
Townsend is scheduled to be sentenced on March 10, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-115.
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Dallas Residents Sentenced for Cocaine Distribution and Possession ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –, HECTOR OMAR SEGURA-LARA (“SEGURA-LARA”) age 36, and JOSE ANTONIO ORTEGA-SILVA (“ORTEGA-SILVA”), age 33, both residents of Dallas, Texas, were sentenced by United States District Judge Susie E. Morgan on November 19, 2024, to 108 months imprisonment and 37 months imprisonment, respectively, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and, possess with intent to distribute, a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA were also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
According to court documents, on August 25, 2021, near milepost 56 on Interstate 12, Louisiana, State Troopers stopped a Chrysler 200 occupied by SEGURA-LARA and ORTEGA-SILVA. When the vehicle’s occupants provided contradictory answers to the troopers regarding their itinerary, the troopers conducted a consensual search of the vehicle. During the search, the troopers discovered four kilograms of cocaine in an additional car battery located under the hood.
Both SEGURA-LARA and ORTEGA-SILVA acknowledged that they were driving to Virginia to deliver drugs. ORTEGA-SILVA admitted that, at the request of another individual, he obtained the vehicle in Dallas and drove it to Houston where another individual loaded the vehicle with drugs. ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA were then instructed to drive to Virginia where the drugs would be offloaded and $152,000.00 in cash placed in the car’s battery. ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA were to then return to Texas with the proceeds.
For the conspiracy count charged, ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA each face up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a mandatory minimum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
Convicted Felon Found Guilty of Methamphetamine Possession and Multiple Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Memphis man was recently convicted by a federal jury of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute along with multiple counts related to his illegal possession of firearms. Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the verdict today.
According to information presented in court, on July 13, 2022, detectives in the Multi-Agency Gang Unit executed a search warrant on an apartment in Memphis where Andre Blue, 37, was living. There, they discovered a loaded Glock Inc. .45 caliber pistol, a Sig Sauer Inc. 9mm caliber pistol, and a loaded Smith and Wesson .45 caliber pistol in the primary bedroom. Detectives also found 15 grams of pure methamphetamine in the primary bathroom toilet bowl. An American Tactical Imports Inc. multi-caliber pistol was found in the closet of a child’s bedroom on the top shelf next to a magazine loaded with at least 50 live rounds.
On February 23, 2023, detectives with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on another residence occupied by Blue, where they found a Sig Sauer pistol under the primary bathroom sink along with various drug-sale paraphernalia.
Due to his prior felony convictions, Blue is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition. On November 20, 2024, after a three-day trial, a federal jury found Blue guilty of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Blue faces a mandatory statutory minimum of five years in federal prison for possession of five grams or more of actual methamphetamine as well as a consecutive five-year mandatory minimum prison sentence related to his conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Sentencing is set on February 26, 2025 before United States District Judge Jon P. McCalla.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the PSN Gun Task Force, along with the Multi-Agency Gang Unit and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
Acting United States Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Eileen Kuo and Regina Brittenum, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Concord Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Concord, New Hampshire man pleaded guilty today in federal court in connection with drug distribution and the illegal possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Wayne Smith, 49, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. U.S. District Court Judge Paul J. Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for March 10, 2025.
In August 2023, the New Hampshire State Police received information regarding methamphetamine sales in the Concord area. The ensuing investigation led to the defendant’s indictment on federal charges on May 8, 2024.
The New Hampshire State Police and the Concord Police Department led the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Strelzin is prosecuting the case.
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Columbia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun Charge Following Accidental ShootingRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Contaurus Dermont Smith, 46, of Columbia, was sentenced to more than five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented to the court showed that on June 30, 2023, Columbia Police Department (CPD) officers responded to a shooting on the 900 block of House Street. Upon arrival, officers found Smith laying in the street with a gunshot wound to his leg. CPD’s Real Time Crime Center surveillance camera in the area captured the incident and showed Smith accidentally shooting himself in the leg. The surveillance also showed another person go back to the spot of the accidental shooting, pick up an object, and move it inside the home at 940 House Street. Based on that footage and a statement from another witness, CPD officers secured a search warrant for that home. Inside, they found four different firearms, including one with a machinegun conversion device attached to it that would allow it to function as an automatic weapon. Smith accepted responsibility for possessing the firearm with which he shot himself as a convicted felon and the court held him responsible for possession of the machinegun found alongside that pistol. Smith is convicted felon and is unable to lawfully possess firearms or ammunition.
United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Smith to 63 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Based primarily on Smith’s lengthy record of violence convictions and a prior federal conviction for the same firearm possession charge, Judge Currie granted in part the Government’s motion for an upward variance and imposed a sentence above the guidelines for this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbia Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Sanford is prosecuting the case.
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- Colorado Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children over the Internet and Receipt of Child Pornography
Charlotte Woman Is Charged with Using Stolen Identities to Obtain Multiple College Student Loans for Family MembersRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A grand jury has charged Tammy Cox, 52, of Charlotte, with multiple federal charges for stealing the identities of her co-workers to obtain college student loans for family members, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Cox was in federal court this morning for her initial appearance.
Jason Krizmanich, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which oversees Charlotte, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to allegations in the indictment, from August 2019 through at least July 2023, Cox engaged in a scheme to steal the identities of five co-workers, including their Social Security Numbers, which she used to fraudulently obtain college student loans for family members. The indictment alleges that Cox falsely claimed that her co-workers were cosigners on the loan applications and falsely represented that her co-workers had agreed to be equally responsible for the loans. The indictment further alleges that, during the scheme, Cox fraudulently applied for at least 13 college student loans seeking more than $250,000.
Cox is charged with one count of wire fraud affecting a financial institution and seven counts of financial institution fraud. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Cox is also charged with five counts of disclosure of Social Security Numbers, which carry a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each charged offense.
The charges against Cox are allegations and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The USPIS and CMPD investigated the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
CEO of Non-Profit that Provided Mentoring Services to Public School Students Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining COVID BenefitsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A South Bay man who provided lifestyle and personal development coaching to students in public schools through a non-profit he founded pleaded guilty today to fraudulently applying for millions of dollars in COVID-19 jobless benefits, including by using stolen identities.
Reginald Foster Jr., 38, of the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud, and one count of use of unauthorized access devices.
Foster admitted in court today that, from June 2020 to October 2020, he conspired with others to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), a law Congress passed in March 2020 to help individuals and businesses deal with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Foster exploited the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provision of the CARES Act, which is designed to expand access to unemployment benefits to self-employed workers, independent contractors, and others who would not otherwise have been eligible because of the pandemic. The California Employment Development Department (EDD) administers the state’s unemployment insurance program, which included the PUA provision.
Foster admitted that he and his co-conspirators filed fraudulent applications for benefits in the names of people who had not authorized him to do so, using the identity-theft victims’ personal identifying information without their permission. Foster included false information on the applications to ensure that EDD would approve the applications and send the debit cards through which the benefits were dispersed to a mailing address he used. In total, Foster and his co-conspirators submitted 118 fraudulent applications as part of the scheme.
Foster used the debit cards to make transfers to his non-profit, Champs Up! LLC, which Foster has said provides guidance programs to middle school students in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Foster also used the cards to make multiple $1,000 withdrawals at ATMs. He then transferred the cards to co-conspirators, who used them to make further ATM withdrawals. Foster and his co-conspirators were able to withdraw almost $1.5 million of the benefits. EDD and Bank of America froze the remaining benefits as soon as the scheme was uncovered, preventing further losses of more than $4 million.
United States District Judge Mark C. Scarsi scheduled a March 24, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which time Foster will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for the conspiracy count and up to 10 years in federal prison for the unauthorized access devices count.
Foster remains free on $50,000 bond.
Co-defendants Shelece Counts, 31, of the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles; and Isaiah Herbert Lawrence, 31, of Houston, Texas, have pleaded not guilty to criminal charges in this case and are scheduled to go to trial on January 21, 2025.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the California Employment Development Department, and Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter. Substantial assistance was provided by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General; the United States Secret Service; the FBI; U.S. Customs and Border Protection Special Response Team; and the Los Angeles Unified School District Office of Inspector General.
Assistant United States Attorney Ranee A. Katzenstein of the Criminal Appeals Section is prosecuting this case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. More information on the Justice Department’s response to the pandemic may be found here.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF online complaint form.
Billings woman admits trafficking fentanyl, brandishing firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings woman accused of dealing fentanyl in the community and to brandishing a firearm admitted to charges on Nov. 22, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Renee Esperanza Arambula, 27, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Arambula faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge and a mandatory minimum of seven years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm crime.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 26, 2025. Arambula was released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in early 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Arambula for suspected drug trafficking. Agents determined that between May 2020 and January 2023, Arambula deposited more than $230,000 in cash into the bank and received thousands of dollars more through electronic payment but was making only a small fraction of the money through formal employment, with much of the money being proceeds from drug trafficking. The investigation further determined that Arambula was trafficking fentanyl and other drugs in the Billings community, with individuals admitting to purchasing fentanyl from her up to early 2023. During this time, Arambula also possessed and brandished a firearm in furtherance of her drug trafficking activities.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Billings meth dealer sentenced to seven years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine in the community as part of a group that was supplied by Washington sources was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Robert Allen Clark, 44, pleaded guilty in July to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Clark was one of seven defendants involved in a multi-state drug trafficking organization that operated from a residence on Sugar Avenue in Billings. A group from Washington brought pounds of meth into Montana and used these defendants to distribute meth and fentanyl. In 2023, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this organization, and sources reported that Clark sold multi-ounce quantities to other dealers. Law enforcement seized methamphetamine sold by Clark. The government also identified Clark as a mid-level dealer who received meth from a co-defendant and then distributed to lower-level dealers. Clark has been selling meth for nearly 20 years, has three prior drug convictions dating to 2005, and was on parole for assault on a peace officer.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration 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.
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Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Deona’tre Capri Dowell, 30, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Dowell admitted to a role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in Beckley and elsewhere within the Southern District of West Virginia.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 25, 2024, Dowell received an ounce of fentanyl from a co-conspirator at his Beckley residence. Dowell admitted that he requested the fentanyl from the co-conspirator by phone earlier that day and discussed adding a cutting agent to the fentanyl to make more money when it was sold to pay back the co-conspirator. Dowell further admitted that he obtained additional quantities of fentanyl during May 2024 from his supplier on consignment, paying the supplier back with the proceeds from distributing it.
On May 30, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Dowell’s residence and found approximately 535 grams of methamphetamine, 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl, a Romarm Micro Draco 7.62mm firearm, and a Glock model 21 .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun. Dowell admitted to possessing the seized controlled substances and intending to distribute them.
Dowell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
Dowell is among 12 individuals indicted on charges alleging the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack within the Southern District of West Virginia from in or about June 2023 to in or about May 2024. Dowell is also among five defendants who have pleaded guilty. The charges against Bradley and the other defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-90.
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Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Michael Reynard Penn, 43, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 17, 2023, Penn sold approximately 27 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant for $1,600 at his Beckley residence. Penn admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling fentanyl to the confidential informant on three other occasions at his residence between August 23 and September 13, 2023.
On September 18, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Penn’s residence and found cocaine, marijuana, a Ruger .380-caliber pistol and $4,889. The cash included $470 in pre-recorded money Penn received from the confidential informant during the controlled drug buys.
Penn is scheduled to be sentenced on March 28, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-94.
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Activists Sentenced in Red Powder Attack on U.S. Constitution at the U.S. Archives and Vandalizing Art at the National GalleryRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Donald Zepeda, 35, of Maryland, and Jackson Green, 27, of Utah, were sentenced in U.S. District Court to 24 months in prison and 18 months respectively in the February 14, 2024, attack on the U.S. Constitution housed at the National Archives in Washington D.C.
The sentencings, which occurred earlier this month, were announced today by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.
Zepeda pleaded guilty on August 15 to felony destruction of property for dumping a fine red powder over a display case containing the U.S. Constitution in the Rotunda of the Archives building. The cost of cleaning up after the stunt, which was intended to draw attention to climate change, exceeded $58,000. In addition, the offense closed the Rotunda for four days, preventing students, visitors, and D.C. residents from visiting. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered Zepeda to serve 24 months of supervised release, to pay restitution in the amount of $58,600, to complete community service, a portion of which must include cleaning up graffiti, and ordered him to stay out of the District of Columbia and all museums nationwide.
Green also pleaded guilty on August 13 to felony destruction of property for the red powder attack on the U.S. Constitution and, in addition, pleaded guilty to one count of injury to a National Gallery of Art exhibit for his November 14, 2023, defacement of a memorial to Black Civil War soldiers, Augustus Saint-Gaudens’s Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial (1900). Green had been charged in the assault on the Shaw Memorial only 13 days before Zepeda joined him in soiling the Archives. In addition to the prison term, Judge Berman Jackson ordered Green to serve 24 months of supervised release, to pay restitution in the amount of $58,600, to complete community service, a portion of which must include cleaning up graffiti, and ordered him to stay out of the District of Columbia and all museums nationwide. In addition to his role in the attack on the Constitution, Zepeda helped organize and filmed the attack on the Shaw memorial. Zepeda was also involved in the April 2023 attack on the display of Degas’ Little Dancer Aged Fourteen at the National Gallery of Art.
According to court papers, Zepeda and Green are members of Declare Emergency, a group of activists that purport to raise awareness regarding climate change by engaging in a variety of criminal offenses, primarily in Washington, D.C.
Green (left) and Zepeda posed for photographs on February 14, 2024, after dumping red powder on a display case housing the U.S. Constitution at the National Archives.
Zepeda and Green’s criminal actions predate the attacks on the U.S. Constitution. During the week of April 24, 2023, Zepeda and other members of Declare Emergency orchestrated an escalating series of offenses in Washington, D.C. that included blocking rush hour traffic on April 24, 2023, and April 26, 2023. Zepeda also helped plan and participated in the April 27, 2023, attack on the National Gallery of Art exhibition of Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer Aged Fourteen. Zepeda filmed as two group members smeared red and black paint on the case, base, and floor surrounding the exhibit. Zepeda purchased the paint used in the offense one week before the defacement. Zepeda has hosted trainings for individuals who were interested in participating in similar attacks.
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On November 14, 2023, Green defaced The Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial which commemorates the Civil War efforts of one of the first regiments of African Americans in our country’s history.
On November 14, 2023, Green, Zepeda, and other members of Declare Emergency, entered the National Gallery of Art (NGA), and approached Augustus Saint-Gauden’s The Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial, which commemorates the Civil War efforts of one of the first regiments of African Americans in our country’s history. Green then hand-painted “Honor Them” in red paint on the wall next to the mural, below the inscribed names of the Regiment. Zepeda and other members of Declare Emergency filmed Green’s actions. NGA reported that it cost $706 to repair the damage.
On February 6, 2024, Green self-surrendered and made his initial appearance before the Honorable G. Michael Harvey. As a condition of Green’s release, Judge Harvey ordered Green to stay-away from Washington, D.C. and also to stay away from all museums and public monuments. While under oath, Green stated that he understood these conditions and agreed to them.
Despite his express acknowledgment of his release conditions, on February 14, 2024, Green, accompanied by Zepeda, entered the National Archives at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Green and Zepeda stood in front of the display of the U.S. Constitution and emptied bags containing red powder on themselves and the case. The offense was captured by several video cameras. Green and Zepeda were still covered in powder when law enforcement arrested them.
Zepeda (left) and Green were photographed covered in red powder after their attack on the U.S. Constitution at the National Archives in Washington D.C.
The National Archives was closed from February 14, 2024, to February 17, 2024, to allow for repairs which cost approximately $58,646.25.
On February 16, 2024, Green appeared in Court, still covered in red powder from his attack on the Constitution. Green was detained until a hearing on February 21, 2024, after which he was released to the custody of a farm in Virginia. On August 15, 2024, Green pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to both counts of the indictment against him. Despite that, he immediately violated his conditions of release, wandering around Washington, D.C., including around the monuments which he was barred from visiting. At a hearing held on August 30, 2024, Green indicated to the Court that he would not abide by his release conditions and was remanded into custody.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, specifically the FBI’s Art Crime Team, with assistance from the National Archives, the National Gallery of Art Police, and U.S. Park Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron A. Tepfer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Jackson Green (left) and Donald Zepeda.
Friday 22 November 2024
Woman Who Laundered Cartel Cash, Trafficked Kilos of Narcotics from 18-Wheelers Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Oralia Rodriguez Flores, age 40, pled guilty to three federal charges related to her role in trafficking narcotics and money laundering for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Flores, who lived in Clayton, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. When sentenced, Flores faces up to life imprisonment.
“The CJNG cartel is one of Mexico’s most violent drug trafficking organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “Their brutal reign is bankrolled by American drug proceeds flowing back to cartel leaders. Our strategy is to systematically degrade the entire criminal network by taking down the traffickers running narcotics to the Carolinas and cutting off the cashflow back to Mexico. Our new Illicit Finance Task Force dismantles the financial infrastructure enabling illegal cashflows to disrupt the cartels’ financial incentives.”
“Oralia Rodriguez Flores endangered countless individuals by trafficking in large quantities of deadly methamphetamine and cocaine,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “She knowingly and intentionally helped members from the violent CJNG cartel distribute their drugs and launder their money.”
According to information presented in court, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents determined that Flores, acting at the direction of a Mexican source of supply, was distributing kilogram quantities of narcotics to and from South Carolina customers. Agents used a variety of investigative techniques to conduct a controlled purchase of methamphetamine. The investigation revealed that Flores was selling kilograms of cocaine for $22,000 per kilogram.
On another occasion, Flores was observed picking up cocaine for a customer. She traveled from her home in Clayton to a Blythewood, South Carolina hotel. Flores then told the customer she had 18 kilograms of cocaine and sent video evidence.
During a later interview with agents, Flores admitted being involved with drug trafficking for approximately three years. She explained that she met drivers of 18-wheeler trucks on five or six occasions to pick up cocaine from Mexico. Each shipment contained approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine. She then distributed the drugs to customers in South Carolina. Flores also said that her source of supply in Mexico sent the methamphetamine she distributed from Mexico to California, and then it was mailed to South Carolina.
Flores also laundered drug proceeds to Mexico. She admitted that she provided over $1 million in cash to commercial truck drivers and that she delivered drug proceeds to runners for an Asian money laundering network that were then sent to the source of supply in Mexico. Flores also used money service businesses to wire money to Mexico.
Flores prosecution results from an investigation by the Eastern District of North Carolina’s Illicit Finance Task Force (IFTF) and from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Created in 2024 in partnership with the Treasury Executive Office of Asset Forfeiture (TEOAF), the IFTF is an interagency anti-money laundering task force comprised of prosecutors and agents. The IFTF is dedicated to combatting money laundering activities affecting the Eastern District of North Carolina through strategic use of criminal and civil laws. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after Chief United States District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. The investigation is being conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the DEA.
Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Toby Lathan and Charles Loeser are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-252-M.
Winnebago Woman Sentenced for Child AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Lauren Sherman, age 32, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 22, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, committing child abuse in Indian Country. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Sherman to 15 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Sherman’s release from prison, she will begin a 1-year term of supervised release.
In March 2023, Sherman committed an intentional assault upon a minor child. The minor child had bruising, which was observed at the school. Later investigation revealed Sherman physically assaulted the child, which was the source of the bruising.
This case was prosecuted in federal court because the offense was a felony and occurred on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in Nebraska.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Waterbury Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER JUSINO-RODRIGUEZ, 32, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department determined that Jusino-Rodriguez headed a drug trafficking organization that coordinated the shipment of parcels containing kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut. Chaddiel Ferrer was the primary “runner” for the organization. The cocaine parcels were mailed to various drop sites in the Waterbury area, and Ferrer regularly picked them up and delivered them to Jusino-Rodriguez.
On October 20, 2022, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of three locations in Waterbury and seized approximately six kilograms of cocaine; nine firearms, including an AM-15 rifle; high-capacity magazines and numerous rounds of ammunition; and $132,365 in cash.
A total of approximately 18 kilograms of cocaine were seized during the investigation.
Jusino-Rodriguez has been detained since his arrest on December 14, 2022. On April 30, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Jusino-Rodriguez’s criminal history includes a state conviction in 2014 for first-degree burglary with a deadly weapon.
Ferrer, also of Waterbury, pleaded guilty and, on November 27, 2023, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force (“NBCTTF”) and the Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police Violent Crimes Task Force. The NBCTTF includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Natasha M. Freismuth.
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEWNAN, Ga. – Oscar Waters has pleaded guilty to trafficking multi-kilogram quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other illegal narcotics through Georgia. His co-defendant, Keisha Jackson-Murchison pleaded guilty to the concealment of a felony.
“Fentanyl and heroin pose extraordinary dangers to public safety and have destroyed countless lives,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Individuals who seek to profit from distributing these deadly drugs in and through our communities will be brought to justice through the collaborative work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.”
“Stopping traffickers who attempt to bring their poison into our communities is one of the most impactful missions we undertake,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, which covers Georgia and Alabama. “HSI will continue to work with our partners to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved with these deadly, illicit drugs.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: On September 18, 2023, a police officer in Grantville, Georgia stopped a vehicle for speeding on Interstate 85. Keisha Jackson-Murchison, a convicted felon, was identified as the driver. Oscar Dominick Waters, a convicted drug dealer, was a passenger in the vehicle.
During an initial search of the vehicle, the officer found several bags of marijuana. As officers attempted to detain Waters for the marijuana, Jackson-Murchison retrieved a backpack and large duffel bag from the car and ran barefoot across three lanes of traffic before disappearing into a wooded area. Numerous vehicles swerved to avoid hitting Jackson-Murchison.
Coweta County, Georgia Sheriff’s officers and a K-9 unit located Jackson-Murchison in the woods and found the bags she removed from her car. In addition to the marijuana, officers discovered nearly three kilograms of fentanyl and fentanyl analogue, more than 2.5 kilograms of powder cocaine, more than a quarter-kilogram of crack cocaine, and approximately five ounces of heroin. Further investigation revealed that Waters hired Jackson-Murchison to drive him to Alabama, where Waters intended to distribute the drugs.
Sentencing for Oscar Dominick Waters, 39, of Roanoke, Virginia, is scheduled for February 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr.
Sentencing for Keisha Jackson-Murchison, 36, of Springfield, Massachusetts, is also scheduled for February 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Batten.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Grantville Police Department, Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore S. Hertzberg and Noah R. Schechtman are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia recommends that parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following websites: www.justthinktwice.gov; www.operationprevention.com; and www.dea.gov/onepill.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
U.S. Attorney's Office and HSI Collaborate to Charge Albuquerque Student Doctor in Child Exploitation CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A student doctor from Albuquerque was charged by indictment with production and possession of child pornography following his arrest as part of a multi-agency investigation into child exploitation.
Kevin Weiss, 28, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, between approximately June 2020 to February 9, 2024, Weiss allegedly used a minor under 18 years of age to produce child pornography of the minor. The indictment further alleges that from December 30, 2023, to March 25, 2024, Weiss knowingly possessed child pornography involving prepubescent minors.
If convicted, Weiss faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison followed by a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime term of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Jaymie L. Roybal and Meg Tomlinson are prosecuting 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI Charge Former Emergency Dispatcher with Making Terroristic ThreatsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A former emergency dispatcher for the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority (MVRDA), faces charges for making multiple terroristic threats against county facilities and employees via Facebook posts.
Jason Rivera, 53, of Las Cruces, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which has been set for Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
According to court records, Rivera's posts on April 11 and April 25, 2024, included alarming claims of explosives at MVRDA and direct threats to specific employees. One post stated there was a bomb at the MVRDA, prompting a lockdown and bomb sweep by the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Rivera also registered a website titled "killdonaanacounty.org" and tagged county officials in his threatening messages.
The investigation revealed Rivera used a public Facebook account to make these threats, with an IP address linked to his residence. After being taken into custody on April 25, Rivera acknowledged his account and the threatening posts during an interview with law enforcement.
Rivera worked at MVRDA for eight years until September 2020, during which he exhibited troubling behavior, including harassment of former colleagues and erratic incidents leading to disciplinary actions. Following his resignation, Rivera intensified his threats towards former coworkers and their families.
If convicted of the current charges, Rivera faces up to 10 years in prison.
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 Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ry Ellison is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Guilty Verdict in Robbery CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Following a three-day trial and less than two hours of deliberation, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against a previously convicted felon from Albuquerque on three counts of robbery for a series of incidents at Ross clothing stores in Albuquerque.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jason Pete Roper, 45, robbed three separate Ross locations between August 14 and September 8, 2022. In each incident, Roper approached the checkout counters with small items before brandishing a silver and black handgun and demanding money from multiple registers. The total amount stolen across the three robberies was approximately $1,800.
At the time of these offenses, Roper was on federal probation for a previous armed bank robbery conviction.
Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Roper remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Roper faces up to 20 years in prison.
There is no parole in the federal system.
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 and Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jon Stanford and Samuel Hurtado are prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Guilty Plea in Zuni Pueblo Armed Standoff CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from an armed standoff with law enforcement on tribal lands.
According to court documents, on July 7, 2024, Eric Bowannie, 26, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, assaulted two federal officers by firing multiple rounds of ammunition at them while they were performing their official duties within the boundaries of the Zuni Pueblo. In his plea agreement, Bowannie admitted to intending to cause bodily harm to the officers.
Bowannie will remain detained pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Bowannie faces up to 10 years imprisonment. Upon his release from prison, Bowannie 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Kirk Williams are prosecuting the case.
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Two Defendants Sentenced for Fraudulent Check Scheme Targeting Pittsburgh-Area BusinessesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Rodney Blake, 39, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Robert Morrisey, 32, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were sentenced in federal court on November 20, 2024, on their convictions for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and multiple counts of possessing forged securities, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan sentenced Blake to 146 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and Morrisey to 85 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Both defendants also were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $329,632.96. Blake and Morrisey were convicted of the crimes following a four-day trial in late July 2024 (read the verdict news release here).
Evidence at trial established that Blake and Morrisey orchestrated a fraudulent check scheme in which they and their conspirators stole mail to obtain valid business checks, which were then used to create large numbers of forged checks drawing on the businesses’ bank accounts. The fraudulent checks were made payable to individuals—many of whom were homeless or struggling with addiction—who had been recruited by Blake and Morrisey to cash the checks in exchange for a small share of the proceeds. At sentencing, the government introduced evidence concerning fraudulent checks with a combined value of $329,632.96, drawn on the bank accounts of approximately 25 Pittsburgh-area businesses and organizations. To carry out the scheme, Blake and Morrisey worked with co-conspirators Steven Baldwin and Tariiq Simmons, both of Baltimore, who each pleaded guilty before trial and was sentenced to 46 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Prior to imposing the sentences on Blake and Morrisey, Judge Horan emphasized that the defendants preyed on vulnerable members of the community to cash checks in furtherance of the conspiracy and noted the harm done to area small businesses.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey R. Bengel and William B. Guappone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service, and Richland Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Blake, Morrisey, Baldwin, and Simmons.
Two Chicago-Area Residents Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conducting Online Inheritance and Romance ScamsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An undercover law enforcement investigation has resulted in federal prison sentences for two Nigerian nationals residing in the Chicago suburbs who conducted online inheritance scams and other fraud schemes.
Using aliases, ANTHONY EMEKA IBEKIE and SAMUEL ANIUKWU communicated with victims throughout the United States, convincing them they had received substantial inheritances and needed to send money to individuals associated with the defendants in order to claim it. In addition to the inheritance scam, the pair carried out an online romance scam that involved communicating with victims via social media and dating websites, building trust with the victims through a purported online romance, and convincing them to send money to a predetermined recipient. Aniukwu and Ibekie also orchestrated a “business email compromise” scam that targeted corporate email accounts.
The fraud schemes were uncovered by a covert law enforcement investigation. The scams resulted in losses to victims of at least $3.5 million.
A federal jury earlier this year convicted Ibekie, 59, of Oswego, Ill., on all 14 counts of wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, making false statements to a bank, and passport fraud. U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger on Thursday sentenced Ibekie to 20 years in federal prison.
Aniukwu, 50, of Romeoville, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and money laundering charges. Judge Seeger on Nov. 8, 2024, sentenced Aniukwu to ten years in prison.
A third defendant, JENNIFER GOSHA, 52, a U.S. citizen from Oak Park, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges of wire fraud and making false statements to a federal agent. Gosha is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Seeger on Dec. 18, 2024.
Aniukwu’s and Ibekie’s sentencings were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office, Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago, and Ruth Mendonça, Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Chicago. Valuable assistance was provided by the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige A. Nutini and Megan DeMarco represent the government.
Tulare Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Aaron Iribe, 35, of Tulare, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to five years and 10 months in prison and for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on July 27, 2020, Iribe coordinated the delivery of 16 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover officer. The methamphetamine was seized from a vehicle driven by Iribe’s co-defendant, Daniel Lopez. The undercover officer arranged to purchase 20 pounds of methamphetamine for $80,000 from Iribe’s Mexico-based co-conspirator.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT). Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.
Co-defendant Daniel Lopez pleaded guilty on Aug. 8, 2024, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 19, 2024.
This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. The Sacramento Strike Force is a co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Sacramento Strike Force is to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) shipping narcotics, firearms, and money through the Eastern District of California, thereby reducing the flow of these criminal resources in California and the rest of the United States. The Sacramento Strike Force leads intelligence-driven investigations targeting the leadership and support elements of these DTOs and TCOs operating within the Eastern District of California, regardless of their geographic base of operations.
Tucson Woman Sentenced to 60 Months for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for ProfitRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Mariana Garcia-Tapia, 32, of Tucson, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 60 months in prison. Garcia-Tapia pleaded guilty on July 10, 2024, to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit Placing in Jeopardy the Life of Any Person. She was given an additional 12 months in prison to run consecutive to her sentence for violating the conditions of her supervised release in a separate case (CR-22-00816-002-PHX-DJH).
On February 2, 2024, near Naco, Arizona, a United States Border Patrol camera operator observed four suspected undocumented noncitizens approach a 2011 Volkswagen Routan. Another Border Patrol agent responded and observed the group get into the Routan. When Border Patrol stopped the vehicle, they found that it was only occupied by the driver and co-defendant, Sharnesia Latrice Cooley, her two-year-old minor son and the defendant, Garcia-Tapia. A search of the area revealed four injured people strewn along the road just east of the San Pedro Bridge. Their injuries were consistent with having jumped from a moving vehicle. They were transported to the hospital with serious head trauma among other injuries, and it was determined that all four were illegally present within the United States. One of the undocumented noncitizens admitted that they had made arrangements to be smuggled into the United States for a sum of money.
The co-defendant, Cooley, was found guilty by way of jury trial. She is currently set for sentencing on January 16, 2025, before Judge Rash.
Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia Renee Quezada and Caroline Allen, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR 24-00910-2-TUC-SHR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-161_Garcia-Tapia# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Three Charlotte Men Charged with Stealing High-End Vehicles Appear in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Three Charlotte men charged with conspiring to steal high-end vehicles appeared in federal court today, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. A grand jury returned the criminal indictment earlier this week, which remained under seal until today.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
Jonathan Marquis Stitt, 36, Francisco Arnoldo Lopez Pena, 41, and Jason Randall Spearman, 43, all of Charlotte, are charged with conspiring to violate federal laws prohibiting the transportation, possession, and sale of stolen vehicles and the altering and removal of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). Each defendant is separately charged with altering the VINs of specific vehicles. In addition, Stitt is also charged with two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle and Spearman is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The indictment alleges that, between 2020 and October 2024, the defendants and their co-conspirators engaged in a conspiracy to steal high-end motor vehicles worth millions of dollars from businesses and individuals in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland. In order to maximize profits, Stitt and other co-conspirators allegedly sought to obtain high-end vehicles, including various luxury models made by Acura, Cadillac, Lamborghini, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as trucks and other expensive models from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Freightliner, and GMC.
According to allegations in the indictment, once in possession of the stolen vehicles, the defendants and their co-conspirators regularly altered or tampered with the stolen vehicles’ original VINs to avoid detection by law enforcement and to maximize resale value. Stitt and his co-conspirators also used fraudulent 30-day tags on the stolen vehicles, caused certain of the stolen vehicles to be fraudulently registered with state motor vehicle agencies, and repainted stolen vehicles, all in an effort to further avoid detection from law enforcement.
According to allegations in the indictment, Stitt and his co-conspirators often sought to sell the stolen vehicles at prices significantly below their fair market value, and also possessed several of the stolen vehicles for personal use and to further facilitate the scheme.
The defendants were detained by the U.S. magistrate judge at their initial appearance pending detention hearings next week. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The charge of possession of a stolen vehicle carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The charge of altering or removing a VIN carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. And the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum prison term of 15 years.
This is the fifth indictment filed in the U.S. District Court in Charlotte related to federal offenses involving stolen vehicles since August 2023. In July 2024, a Charlotte man was indicted for stealing high end luxury vehicles and altering VINs, including several vehicles from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Also, in March 2023, two individuals were charged for a scheme that involved buying and selling stolen vehicles from across the country. In August 2023, five individuals were indicted for stealing luxury vehicles from dealerships throughout the United States, and two additional individuals were indicted in November 2023, for orchestrating high-end auto thefts from businesses in South Carolina.
The charges against the defendants are allegations and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney King commended the FBI and CMPD for their investigation of the case and thanked the National Insurance Crime Bureau and Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Bozin and Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
Theodore Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Theodore man was sentenced to 121 months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Howard Leon Crum, Jr., 54, sold methamphetamine to confidential informants on two occasions in January and March 2022. Those sales led narcotics agents to obtain warrants to search Crum’s house in Theodore. During the execution of those search warrants, agents seized additional methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and Crum’s cell phones, which contained extensive communications that he had with coconspirators regarding drug deals. In an interview with agents, Crum admitted that he was a “middleman” drug dealer, buying large amounts of methamphetamine at a time and redistributing it for other, high-level drug dealers.
In addition to the 121-month prison term, United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose ordered Crum to serve a five-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will undergo drug testing and treatment, and will receive mental health treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge DuBose ordered Crum to pay $100 in special assessments.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Tampa Woman Sentenced to Prison for Smuggling More Than $100,000 in Cash into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Mirtza Ocana (39, Tampa) to five months in federal prison for smuggling bulk cash into the United States. The court also ordered Ocana to pay a $10,000 fine and to forfeit more than $100,000 that she had tried to smuggle into the United States. Ocana entered a guilty plea on August 12, 2024.
According to court documents, on February 5, 2024, Ocana returned to the United States on a flight from Cuba. As Ocana passed through passport control, she told U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents that she did not have anything to declare, including any cash over $10,000. When agents searched Ocana’s bags, they discovered $31,409 in cash in her luggage and purse. Agents then patted down Ocana and found an additional $71,300 concealed under her clothing. In total, Ocana attempted to smuggle approximately $102,400 into the United States.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Recruiting Individuals to Pass Counterfeit Federal Reserve NotesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Trentavius Quntez Scott (37, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Scott faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and restitution to the victims he defrauded. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents and public records, Scott appeared in federal court on September 26, 2024, pursuant to a writ bringing him to Jacksonville from the Hillsborough County Detention Center where he is serving a sentence for a counterfeit-related crime. The court ordered Scott detained. Scott is also wanted on a felony arrest warrant out of Hernando County on an unrelated financial crime case.
According to the plea agreement, in July 2023, Scott recruited an individual to assist him in passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Scott provided the individual with counterfeit the counterfeit currency, then the two traveled to Ocala. In Ocala, Scott and the individual went to a retail store and passed multiple counterfeit bills. In March 2024, Scott recruited two more individuals and provided them with counterfeit cash. Scott and the two individuals traveled to St. Johns County where they passed more counterfeit Federal Reserve notes at a retail store.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Prison for Illegally Exporting Firearm Parts to IsraelRead the Press Release
CHICAGO —A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for illegally shipping firearm parts to Israel.
AMIN BETUNI shipped the firearm parts to individuals in Israel on at least three occasions in 2022. The parts included rifle barrels, gas blocks for rifles, and bolt carrier groups. Betuni put false information on the shipping labels and concealed the firearm parts in packages containing auto parts or George Foreman grills. The firearm parts were on the United States Commerce Control List and subject to federal export regulations. As such, their export from the U.S. to Israel required a license or written approval from the Department of Commerce, neither of which was obtained by Betuni prior to his shipments.
During a court-authorized search of Betuni’s residence in Palos Hills, Ill., in December 2022, law enforcement discovered more than 1,200 rounds of assorted ammunition, a shotgun, rifle, and handgun, additional bolt carrier groups, and three firearm conversion devices, also known as “Glock switches,” which equip firearms to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger.
Betuni, 37, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal charge of knowingly and fraudulently exporting firearm parts in violation of U.S. laws and regulations. U.S. District Judge John F. Kness on Thursday sentenced Betuni to 46 months in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations, and Aaron Tambrini, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Palos Hills, Ill. Police Department. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn D. McCarthy.
“Export-control violations are critically important because they undermine federal laws and regulations that seek to protect international security,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue those who seek to exploit U.S. export-control laws for financial gain.”
"The sentencing of Betuni to 46 months in federal prison for illegally shipping firearm parts highlights the serious consequences of violating export control laws,” said SAC Fitzgerald. “This case underscores the critical importance of strong law enforcement partnerships. By working together, we can effectively investigate and prosecute those who stand in the way of public safety.”
“The sentencing of Amin Betuni sends a strong message to those that violate export controls,” said SAC Tambrini. “This multi-agency investigation demonstrates the commitment by law enforcement to intercept firearms hidden in small appliances to thwart the illegal trade of firearms around the globe.”
St. Petersburg Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Eric L. Lemon (46, St. Petersburg) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses. Lemon entered a guilty plea in July 2024.
According to court documents, Lemon and his co-conspirators sold methamphetamine, cocaine, bath salts, and a variety of prescription pills out of various trap houses in St. Petersburg. During the investigation into Lemon, law enforcement seized more than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and four firearms. Lemon previously served 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses.
This case was investigated by the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David P. Sullivan and James A. Muench.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Springfield Sex Offender Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography.
Marvin E. Smith, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 16 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Smith to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.
On March 5, 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography.
Smith’s state parole officer discovered images of child pornography on his cell flip phone on Feb. 8, 2023. The next day, the manager of the halfway house where Smith resided discovered a microSD card that had been taped to the back of Smith’s television. Investigators found additional files of child pornography on the microSD card, including infants and prepubescent girls being sexually assaulted and children engaged in bestiality and bound. In total, investigators found more than 6,400 files of child pornography.
Smith has prior felony convictions for possessing child pornography and residing within 1,000 feet of a school. Smith had been released from state prison eight months earlier and was on parole at the time he committed the federal offense in this case.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the FBI, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Slidell Man Sentenced for Misappropriation of Postal FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARREN PHILLIP COLER, JR. (“COLER”), age 35, pled guilty on August 7, 2024 to misappropriation of postal funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1711. COLER was sentenced on November 20, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
According to court records, COLER, an employee of the United States Postal Service (USPS), beginning in July 2021 and continuing until November 2021, did knowingly and willfully use money and property, totaling $62,033, belonging to the USPS.
COLER was sentenced to six months in prison, two years of supervised release, mandatory restitution in the amount of $62,033 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González of the General Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schrier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The sentencing took place on November 20, 2024.
Tanner Lee Hershman, 29, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hershman was indicted for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury in April 2024. He pleaded guilty to Possession of a Stolen Firearm in August 2024.
On December 21, 2023, officers were called to a residence in Sioux Falls for a report of a domestic disturbance. The reporting party alleged that she had been assaulted by Hershman inside the residence that evening. In speaking with the reporting party, law enforcement learned that Hershman, a convicted felon, was also in possession of a firearm. A Glock model 44, semi-automatic pistol was subsequently located in the garage of the residence and confirmed to be a firearm reported stolen in October 2023. Through investigation, detectives discovered that Hershman had stolen the firearm from the gun owner’s vehicle on October 8, 2023.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Beau J. Blouin prosecuted the case.
Hershman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Shelton Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Assault Rifle and Ammunition in WaterburyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL RIVERA, also known as “Macho,” 32, of Shelton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing an assault rifle and ammunition.
According to the evidence presented during Rivera’s trial, in the early morning hours of July 5, 2020, Waterbury Police officers responded to a shots-fired complaint in the area of William Street and Laurel Street in Waterbury. When officers arrived on William Street, Rivera, who was wearing a body armor vest, attempted to flee by climbing over a fence. Rivera was apprehended, and a search of the area from which he had run revealed a Romarm/Cugir, AK Type Model, 7.62 x 39mm caliber, semi-automatic rifle containing a fully-loaded 30-round magazine. Rivera also possessed one round of ammunition in his pocket.
Rivera’s criminal history includes convictions for felony firearm, robbery, and burglary offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On October 19, 2023, Rivera was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
It is alleged that on June 21, 2022, while he was released on bond and awaiting trial in this case, Rivera unlawfully possessed a stolen 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, and two Kevlar bullet proof vests. He has been detained since July 13, 2022, and additional charges are pending in Hartford federal court. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a charge is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Waterbury Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patricia Stolfi Collins through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice 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 www.justice.gov/psn.
Serial Burglar SentencedRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man was sentenced today for three counts of second-degree burglary and four counts of third-degree burglary in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Mark Alfred Foreman, 38, to 70 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Hill further ordered Foreman to pay more than $3,200 in restitution.
Between 5 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on November 16, 2023, Foreman admitted to committing seven burglaries around Tulsa. Foreman broke into two homes and four vehicles using various destructive methods. His final stop that morning alerted Tulsa Police officers. When officers saw Foreman, they pursued him until he crashed into a fence. From there, he took off on foot and was ultimately found by a K-9 officer and detained.
During Foreman’s string of burglaries, his girlfriend was assisting him. She was detained later that day. The Tulsa County District Attorney’s office prosecuted and convicted her for her role in the burglaries.
Foreman is a citizen of Sac and Fox Nation. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Flynn prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about PSN, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Second Former NYCHA Superintendent Convicted of Bribery and Extortion Offenses at TrialRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Jocelyn E. Strauber, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”); William S. Walker, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”); Vicky Vazquez, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (“HUD OIG”); and Jonathan Mellone, the Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), announced that HECTOR COLON, a former New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) superintendent, was convicted today of bribery and extortion under color of official right for taking thousands of dollars from contractors in exchange for awarding those contractors no-bid contracts or approving payment on previously awarded contracts at NYCHA developments for approximately three years. The verdict followed a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Corruption is an insidious crime—difficult to detect, corrosive in its effect on government agencies, and damaging to the public’s trust in government institutions. As a NYCHA Superintendent, Hector Colon abused his position of public trust by demanding thousands of dollars of bribes from contractors, betraying his duty to NYCHA residents, the City of New York, and taxpayers. The jury’s unanimous verdict sends a clear message that those who use their public offices for personal gain will be held accountable.”
DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said: “When public servants demand payoffs from vendors providing services to the New York City Housing Authority, they drive up the cost of those services, diverting valuable resources from the residents of public housing. Today, this suspended NYCHA employee stands convicted by a jury for this criminal conduct, joining 59 convicted colleagues, among the 70 who have been charged. And to date, NYCHA has implemented 11 of DOI’s 14 recommendations intended to thwart employees who would use positions of trust to enrich themselves at the expense of New Yorkers that NYCHA serves. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and our federal law enforcement partners for their commitment to protect public resources and to hold accountable those public servants who abuse their authority.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker “Today’s guilty verdict — the second successful trial following HSI’s sweeping task force investigation into bribery and extortion amongst NYCHA personnel — underscores the importance of collaboration among law enforcement partners in protecting and serving New Yorkers. The pervasive corruption exemplified by Colon’s conduct continues to be brought to light, and HSI New York’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force is proud to have played a role uncovering the exploitation of an underserved community for personal gain.”
HUD OIG Special Agent in Charge Vicky Vazquez said: “Colon took advantage of his position of trust and engaged in a deplorable bribery and kickback scheme to enrich himself. Moreover, he violated the fair process for awarding government contracts, putting the integrity of HUD programs at risk. HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our prosecutorial, law enforcement, and oversight partners to aggressively pursue individuals who engage in activities that jeopardize HUD programs.”
DOL-OIG Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone said: “Suspended NYCHA superintendent Hector Colon abused his position to extort contractors in exchange for no-bid construction contracts that violated the requirements of federal law. Today’s conviction sends a clear message that public corruption will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who corruptly exploit federally funded governmental programs at the expense of American taxpayers.”
According to the evidence presented in court during the trial:
NYCHA is the largest public housing authority in the country, providing housing to New Yorkers across the City and receiving over $1.5 billion in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) every year. When repairs or construction work at NYCHA housing require the use of outside contractors, services must typically be purchased via a bidding process. However, when the value of a contract was under a certain threshold, designated staff at NYCHA developments, including superintendents, could hire a contractor of their choosing without soliciting multiple bids. With either type of contract, a NYCHA employee needed to certify that the work was satisfactorily completed in order for the contractor to receive payment from NYCHA.
COLON, a superintendent at multiple NYCHA developments in Manhattan between 2019 and 2021, including Harlem River Houses, Fort Washington Houses, and Drew Hamilton Houses, demanded and received cash in exchange for NYCHA contracts by either requiring contractors to pay up front in order to be awarded the contracts or requiring payment after the contractor finished the work and needed COLON to sign off on the completed job. COLON typically demanded approximately 10% of the contract value—between $500 and $1,000 depending on the size of the contract—or a flat bribe of $1,000 for signing off on invoices for completed work. In total, COLON demanded and received thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in NYCHA contracts.
Of the 70 individual NYCHA employees charged with bribery and extortion offenses in February 2024, 58 have pled guilty, and two have been convicted after trial.
If you believe you have information related to bribery, extortion, or any other illegal conduct by NYCHA employees, please contact [email protected] or (212) 306-3356. If you were involved in such conduct, please consider self-disclosing through the SDNY Whistleblower Pilot Program at [email protected].
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COLON, 46, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of one count of federal program bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of extortion under color of official right, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Department of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the HUD Office of Inspector General, and DOL-OIG, which work together collaboratively as part of the HSI Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, as well as the special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob R. Fiddelman, Catherine Ghosh, and Jane Kim are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Jayda Foote and Shirel Garzon.
San Fernando Valley Man Sentenced to More Than 1 Year in Prison for Sending Emails in Which He Threatened to Bomb FBI’s L.A. OfficeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison for sending threatening emails to the FBI, including ones in which he threatened to bomb the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and referenced the notorious “Unabomber.”
Mark William Anten, 53, of Sun Valley, was sentenced by United States District Judge Wesley L. Hsu.
At the conclusion of a three-day trial, a jury on June 5 found Anten guilty of two counts of threats by interstate communication.
“Federal agents deserve our appreciation for risking their lives to enforce the law and protect our community,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Threats against law enforcement are unacceptable and we will continue to stand with the FBI and the rest of our law enforcement partners against those who threaten them.”
“Mr. Anten double-downed on his intimidation and credible death threats to FBI employees at their place of employment,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “There are civil, productive ways to disagree with the government if so inclined, but threats of violence is not one of them and – as evidenced by today's sentencing – will only lead to prison.”
From July 2023 to December 2023, Anten sent a series of increasingly threatening communications to the FBI, culminating in two threats to bomb the FBI field office in Westwood.
The emails included repeated references to Theodore John Kaczynski, a.k.a. “The Unabomber,” whose 20-year bombing campaign killed three people and injured nearly two dozen more. Kaczynski was convicted of federal crimes, spent the bulk of his prison sentence in the Supermax federal prison in Colorado and died in a different federal prison last year.
On November 20, 2023, two FBI task force officers interviewed Anten in front of his residence. During the interview, Anten admitted to sending the previous communications and the officers admonished him to stop contacting agents. Despite the admonition, Anten’s conduct escalated.
On December 5, 2023, Anten sent to FBI agents an email in which he wrote, “I AM THE UNABOMBER” and “I WILL UNABOMB THE LOS ANGELES FBI HQ.”
The next day, Anten wrote to FBI agents, “I can go on a mass murder spree. In fact it would be very explainable by your actions.” He concluded the email with, “[y]ou ain’t getting away with this one,” and signed the email, “SuperMax or Death.”
Anten also sent FBI agents an email, which attached a photograph depicting the results of an internet search for “how to make a dirty bomb.”
Later that day, Anten visited the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and later emailed agents that he visited their building and would continue to do so. Surveillance footage confirmed Anten’s presence there.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Clifford D. Mpare of the General Crimes Section and Kedar S. Bhatia of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section prosecuted this case.
Romanian Group Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property from WalmartRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – COSTEL ALIMAN (“ALIMAN”), SABINA MUNTEANU (“MUNTEANU”), and RAMBO HARNA (“HARNA”), citizens of Romania, were charged on November 21, 2024 in a three-count superseding indictment for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen goods, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. ALIMAN and MUNTEANU were previously indicted in Counts 2 and 3 for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to Count 1 of the superseding indictment, ALIMAN, MUNTEANU, and HARNA, conspired to defraud Walmart stores across the country, out of merchandise, money orders, and money transfer requests. ALIMAN would count out money in front of a Walmart cashier, while one of his co-conspirators, including MUNTEANU and HARNA, would distract the cashier. Using a sleight-of-hand technique, ALIMAN would pretend to hand the cashier the full amount while secretly retrieving a large portion of the cash. The co-conspirators would then return merchandise for a refund to other Walmart stores in a different state or obtain the full value of money orders and money transfer requests after having only paid for a fraction of the cost.
If convicted of Count 1, ALIMAN, MUNTEANU, and HARNA each face up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. As to Counts 2 and 3, ALIMAN and MUNTEANU each face up to 2 years of imprisonment, up to 1 year of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and Walmart Home Office Central Investigations Organized Retail Crime Division in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Rochester man going to prison on gun and drug chargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Shawnle McClary, 48, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that between 2021 and January 17, 2024, McClary conspired with Timothy Jackson, Jr. a/k/a T a/k/a T-Rock, Gary Fuller a/k/a G, Felicia Collins a/k/a Keisha and others to sell cocaine and fentanyl. McClary regularly packaged cocaine for sale, and transported quantities of cocaine and fentanyl from a stash location at residences on Forester Street to stash and/or sale locations on Angle Street in Rochester. On January 17, 2024, law enforcement searched numerous locations in Rochester utilized by members of the conspiracy as well as McClary’s Mobile Drive residence in the Town of Greece. During the searches, approximately 805 grams of cocaine, 210 grams of fentanyl, 223 grams of cocaine, $7,682 in cash, seven loaded firearms, and drug paraphernalia were seized.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. before Judge Geraci.
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