Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Wednesday 13 November 2024
Eugene Man Pleads Guilty to Three Federal Hate Crimes for Defacing SynagogueRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Eugene man pleaded guilty to three federal hate crimes today for intentionally defacing a Eugene synagogue on multiple occasions.
Adam Edward Braun, 34, pleaded guilty to two counts of intentionally defacing a synagogue and one count of attempting to deface religious property because it was a place of religious worship for Jewish people.
According to court documents, between September 2023 and January 2024, Braun intentionally defaced Temple Beth Israel, a Jewish synagogue in Eugene, by repeatedly targeting the synagogue with graffiti, some of which used antisemitic symbols and phrases. Braun’s pattern of behavior culminated in the early morning hours of January 14, 2024, when he traveled to Temple Beth Israel with a hammer and prepared to swing at the glass doors of the synagogue. Braun stopped when he saw he was being recorded by a surveillance camera, and then moved to a different area of the property and used spray paint to write “White Power” in large letters on the building’s exterior.
On January 31, 2024, officers from the Eugene Police Department, with assistance from the FBI, executed a state search warrant on Braun’s Eugene residence. Investigators located multiple pieces of evidence connecting Braun to the attacks on Temple Beth Israel, along with several items and writings belonging to Braun that were consistent with antisemitic beliefs and biases.
Braun was initially charged by criminal complaint on March 4, 2024. Later, on May 9, 2024, Braun was charged by criminal information with five counts of defacing and attempting to deface religious property because it was a place of religious worship for Jewish people.
Braun faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for each count. He will be sentenced on February 18, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.
As part of the plea agreement, Braun has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victim.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Cameron A. Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division Criminal Section, are prosecuting the case.
El Departamento de Justicia Logra un Acuerdo con las Escuelas Públicas de Providence, Rhode Island para Proteger los Derechos Civiles de los Estudiantes InmigrantesRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy un acuerdo de conciliación con el Distrito de Escuelas Públicas de Providence, Rhode Island, para resolver una investigación sobre los programas y servicios del distrito para nuevos inmigrantes estudiantes de inglés con educación limitada o interrumpida, conocidos en el distrito como “recién llegados”. El Distrito de Escuelas Públicas de Providence es el distrito escolar más grande de Rhode Island y atiende a miles de estudiantes de inglés, incluidos cientos de recién llegados.
“Los nuevos estudiantes y familias inmigrantes aportan grandes promesas y una gran cantidad de fortalezas a las comunidades escolares, pero con demasiada frecuencia enfrentan grandes adversidades para acceder a oportunidades educativas”, dijo la Fiscal General Adjunta Kristen Clarke de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “Con demasiada frecuencia las escuelas cierran sus puertas a los recién llegados o los desvían hacia programas segregados con pocas oportunidades y servicios inadecuados. La ley federal es clara: todos los estudiantes, incluidos los estudiantes inmigrantes, tienen derecho a participar significativamente en los programas educativos de su distrito, y el Departamento de Justicia está comprometido a hacer cumplir ese derecho en Rhode Island y en todo el país”.
“El incumplimiento por parte del Distrito de Escuelas Públicas de Providence de sus obligaciones de derechos civiles para con los estudiantes recién llegados es inaceptable”, dijo el Fiscal Federal Zachary A. Cunha para el Distrito de Rhode Island, “particularmente a raíz de un acuerdo de derechos civiles del año 2018 que abordó la incapacidad del distrito escolar para acomodar a los estudiantes que aprenden el idioma inglés. La lamentable historia de medidas a medias y fracasos constantes de Providence para satisfacer las necesidades críticas de sus estudiantes más vulnerables ha requerido la acción de hoy: un acuerdo más estricto y centrado en el programa para recién llegados”.
El acuerdo resuelve la investigación del departamento sobre quejas sobre violaciones de derechos civiles en la “Academia para recién llegados” del distrito, un programa destinado a brindar aprendizaje acelerado a recién llegados de diecisiete años o más. La División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia y la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito de Rhode Island determinaron que el distrito no había proporcionado una enseñanza adecuada del idioma inglés a más de 200 estudiantes de la Academia para Recién Llegados. De hecho, docenas de estudiantes de “Newcomer Academy”, como es conocida en inglés, firmaron una petición durante el año escolar 2023-24 indicando que querían aprender inglés en su escuela. El departamento también encontró que el distrito no dotó al programa de personal con maestros y administradores calificados y capacitados y segregó innecesariamente a los recién llegados, privándolos de igualdad de oportunidades para recibir educación especial y participar en programas como educación profesional y técnica.
El distrito cooperó con el departamento durante la investigación y comenzó a tomar medidas para abordar algunas de las preocupaciones identificadas por el departamento.
Según el acuerdo, el distrito garantizará que todos los estudiantes en programas para recién llegados reciban instrucción adecuada en el idioma inglés y que los maestros en programas para recién llegados estén capacitados y calificados adecuadamente. Además, el distrito proporcionará traducción e interpretación de información escolar importante a los padres de los recién llegados que no dominan el inglés. El distrito también garantizará que los recién llegados tengan igualdad de acceso a programas especializados y estén integrados adecuadamente con otros estudiantes de inglés y hablantes nativos de inglés.
El departamento llevó a cabo su investigación bajo la Ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades Educativas de 1974 y el acuerdo del departamento de 2018 con el distrito (ampliado en 2021) que aborda todos los servicios y programas para estudiantes de inglés del distrito. El acuerdo de hoy, que se centra en los recién llegados, sustituirá al acuerdo anterior.
La aplicación de la Ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades Educativas es una de las principales prioridades de la División de Derechos Civiles. Información adicional sobre la División de Derechos Civiles está disponible en la página web www.justice.gov/crt, e información adicional sobre el trabajo de la Sección de Oportunidades Educativas de la división está disponible en la pagina web www.justice.gov/crt/combating-national-origin-discrimination-schools.
El público puede denunciar posibles violaciones de derechos civiles en la página web civilrights.justice.gov/report/ o enviando un correo electrónico al correo electrónico [email protected]. Cualquier persona en Rhode Island también puede denunciar violaciones de derechos civiles directamente a la Oficina del Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Rhode Island en la página web www.justice.gov/usao-ri/civil-rights-enforcement o llamando al número 401-709-5000.
Vea el resumen del acuerdo aquí.
East Liberty Resident Pleads Guilty to Three Counts of Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of bank robbery, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Rashon Coleman, 31, formerly of the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on April 10, 2023, a subject later identified as Coleman walked into a bank, shoved a white plastic grocery bag appearing to contain a gun at the teller, and demanded $50,000 in cash. The teller gave cash to Coleman and then locked herself and two other tellers in the back of the bank. At least five other bank employees and multiple customers were present at the time of the robbery, during which Coleman also unsuccessfully attempted to breach the security door leading to the vault before fleeing.
The following day, Coleman entered a different bank nearby the first and shouted at the tellers to give him all of the money. One teller dropped to the ground and pushed the holdup alarm. Another teller removed money and handed it to Coleman, after which Coleman ordered everyone to get on the ground or he would shoot them all. Upon examining the amount of cash he’d received from the teller, Coleman demanded more, threatening to shoot one of the tellers in the head if they didn’t comply. A teller went to the vault and returned with more money, which she gave to Coleman, who then fled through the bank’s front door.
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers responding to the alarm noticed Coleman, who matched the description of the robbery suspect, walking down the street from the bank. The officers stopped Coleman and found him in possession of a bag containing a toy gun and a large amount of cash. Coleman later confessed to robbing both banks, and subsequently was charged with the two robberies in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, where he was granted alternative housing at a community detention facility.
On May 20, 2023, Coleman was granted permission to leave the facility for a short period, but failed to return at the designated time. The same day, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers responded to a bank robbery in progress at the same bank that Coleman had robbed on April 10, 2023, where the subject, again later determined to be Coleman, had walked in yelling that he was robbing the bank and instructing everyone to get down. He demanded $20,000 in cash and threatened to start “popping” people if he didn’t get the money. Two bank tellers emptied their cash drawers while another teller walked to the back of the bank to get more money. Coleman fled with the money and a short time later was found by police inside of a store down the street from the bank. He was positively identified and had a bag containing cash in excess of $25,000 in his possession.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigations that led to the prosecution of Coleman.
East Helena man sentenced to 10 years in prison for firing gun during Townsend gas station robberyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — An East Helena man who fired a gun during a robbery of a Townsend gas station was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Samuel James Collins, 34, pleaded guilty in July to possessing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on Oct. 16, 2023, Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported armed robbery at the Town Pump gas station in Townsend. Two employees were present during the robbery and told law enforcement that a man entered wearing a hooded blanket coat, was not wearing pants or shoes, and fired a round from a pistol. The suspect demanded money, and the employees complied. The suspect left in a pickup truck with an estimated $330 in cash. Video surveillance from the business captured the incident:
Approximately 20 minutes later, Meagher County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a truck matching the description of the truck used in the robbery. The driver was identified as Collins. During Collins’ arrest, deputies saw a pistol, cash and a shell casing inside the truck. In a search of the truck, law enforcement seized a loaded 9mm pistol, $329 in U.S. currency, a purple hooded sweatshirt, a white hat and other items. Further investigation determined that a bullet and shell casing found at the Town Pump were fired from a 9mm pistol found in the truck Collins was driving.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office, Meagher County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
XXX
East Hartford Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID QUINTANA, 36, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March and April 2023, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from David Quintana, and his brother, Edgar Quintana. David and Edgar Quintana were arrested on April 17, 2023. On that date, a search of David Quintana’s residence revealed two .40 caliber handguns that had been reported stolen, one 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number, and 250 rounds of ammunition. A search of Edgar Quintana’s residence revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine.
David Quintana’s criminal history includes felony convictions for narcotics 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 December 27, 2023, David Quintana pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine, and one count of possession of firearms by a felon.
David Quintana, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 3.
Edgar Quintana pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe and Robert S. Dearington.
Durham Man Who Fled from Law Enforcement Sentenced to 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A Durham man who pleaded guilty to a firearm charge has been sentenced, announced Sandra J. Hairston, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
MARIO DEANDRE TAYLOR, age 44, was sentenced yesterday, November 12, 2024, to 144 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing was held in Greensboro, North Carolina, before United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr.
TAYLOR pleaded guilty in August to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun.
According to court documents, on October 5, 2023, members of the Durham County Sheriff’s Office patrol division attempted to apprehend TAYLOR, who had outstanding state warrants for armed robberies, felony larcenies, assault on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, and robbery with a dangerous weapon, among other alleged crimes that took place between July 28, 2023, and October 5, 2023. Around 11:00 p.m. that night, TAYLOR, who had already eluded capture twice that day, led deputies on a high-speed chase through residential and business areas in Durham, driving at high rates of speed, running through stop signs and stop lights, side-swiping a truck, and nearly hitting a city bus. Eventually, TAYLOR slowed down on South Buchanan Boulevard in a residential neighborhood, jumped out of the vehicle with a loaded weapon in his possession, and ran. After a short foot chase, TAYLOR was arrested but did not have a gun on his person. Approximately fifteen to twenty feet from the location of TAYLOR’s arrest, a K-9 found the loaded .40 caliber handgun that TAYLOR had thrown during the pursuit.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF) and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. The lead investigator was an FBI Task Force Officer from the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine.
Since 1992, the FBI's Safe Streets Violent Crime Initiative has successfully aligned FBI Agents, state and local law enforcement investigators, and federal and state prosecutors onto SSTFs to reduce violent crime. This nationwide initiative brings resources together in a “force multiplier concept” and utilizes the expertise of each agency. SSTFs focus primarily upon street gang and drug-related violence through sustained, proactive, coordinated investigations to obtain prosecutions on violations such as racketeering, drug conspiracy, and firearms violations.
###
Dunklin County Woman Admits Aiding $565,000 FraudRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – A woman from Dunklin County, Missouri on Wednesday admitted acting as a money mule in the theft of $565,000 from a Bank of America account.
Sheri L. Reeves, 55, of Kennett, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one count of aiding and abetting bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and one count of wire fraud. She admitted to acting as a money courier or “money mule,” transferring money obtained by fraud to co-conspirators. On June 9, 2020, Reeves opened an account at a Bank of America branch in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Sometime before Oct. 21, 2020, Reeves added the name of the fraud victim to the account. Reeves’ co-conspirators used fraudulently obtained account information to access the victim’s account and transfer a total of $565,000 to Reeves’ account in three separate electronic transfers.
Reeves then sent the fraud proceeds to others using cashier’s checks obtained in Tennessee and Arkansas and via a CoinFlip cryptocurrency ATM in Dunklin County. She also sent her account information to others and withdrew or attempted to withdraw the proceeds in cash or by check, her plea agreement says.
Reeves is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 13, 2025. The bank fraud charge is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. The conspiracy and wire fraud charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Hahn is prosecuting the case.
If you believe you are participating in a money mule scheme or a victim of one, please contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaints Center at ic3.gov or contact your local FBI office.
Dublin Man Pleads Guilty to Prescribing Pain Medication Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Dublin, Virginia man, who continued to prescribe pain medication even after he was informed he lacked the necessary license to do so, pled guilty recently to federal charges.
Ehikioya Osemobor, 47, waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty last week to a one count Information charging him with using an expired Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Number.
According to court documents, the Virginia Board of Medicine issued Osemobor a license to practice medicine and surgery in error in 2009. At the time of his application for licensure, Osemobor had not yet met all the necessary requirements of the United States Medical Licensing Examination.
The error was discovered in 2019.
When the error was discovered, Osemobor was practicing medicine at River Valley Healthcare Associates in Dublin, Virginia. He was registered with the DEA as a practitioner with authority to dispense and distribute controlled substances. His DEA registration was issued on the premise that Osemobor had a valid license to practice medicine.
The Virginia Board of Medicine notified Osemobor of the error and required him to provide evidence that he had fulfilled the necessary requirements under the United States Medical Licensing Examination. In February 2020, Osemobor notified the Board of Medicine that he was voluntarily surrendering his license to practice medicine. A consent order to that effect was entered on April 6, 2020.
Osemobor continued to issue patients prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances under his DEA registration number between April 6, 2020, and April 15, 2020. Osemobor has admitted that he knew he was not permitted to write prescriptions after voluntarily surrendering his license.
U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Washington Division, and George Scavdis, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Metropolitan Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and The Food and Drug Administration - Office of Inspector General, investigated the case, with assistance from the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristin B. Johnson and Keith Parella are prosecuting the case.
Drug Trafficker from California Who Provided Bulk Quantities of Fentanyl to DC Is Sentenced to 164 MonthsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Paul Alejandro Felix, 25, of Glendale, California, was sentenced yesterday to 164 months in prison for participating in a wide-spread narcotics trafficking conspiracy that distributed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills purchased in Southern California to destinations throughout the United States, including the District of Columbia. Felix was one of approximately 24 co-defendants arrested and charged over the course of 2023 in D.C., Virginia, Maryland, San Diego, and Los Angeles and charged in the conspiracy.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the DEA Washington Division, Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Felix pleaded guilty on July 1, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition to the 164-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Felix to serve five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Felix served as an upstream Los Angeles-based supplier of fentanyl-laced pills to other Los Angeles-based fentanyl traffickers, including a bulk supplier of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills to D.C.-based fentanyl traffickers. Felix sold pills by the thousands, often at prices below a dollar per pill. Communications evidence, as well as physical seizures, indicate that Felix participated in the transfer of tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills to downstream traffickers.
On November 16, 2023, law enforcement arrested Felix at his residence in Glendale, California. During a search of the home, officers recovered a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a magazine containing seven rounds of ammunition, as well as dozens of rounds of ammunition of various calibers and firearm magazines in various calibers. Felix admitted that he possessed the weapon and stated that he kept the firearm for protection. During the investigation, law enforcement obtained numerous photos of firearms, as well as bulk cash, from Felix’s Instagram account.
.
The prosecutions followed a joint investigation by the DEA Washington Division and the USPIS Washington Division in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with additional support from the DEA Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Field Offices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office, and the Charles County, Maryland Sheriff’s Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central and Southern Districts of California, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the District of Maryland.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey, Solomon S. Eppel, and Iris McCranie, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section.
23cr73
Driver in High-Speed Chase Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Transporting Two Kilograms of Fentanyl Pills and A Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Jonathan Nicola (23, Sanford) to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute two kilograms of fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Nicola entered a guilty plea on April 30, 2024.
According to court documents, a DEA investigation in the St. Cloud area focused on a package delivered to an address in St. Cloud. On January 11, 2024, at around 2:10 p.m., law enforcement observed Nicola get out of a vehicle and retrieve that package. When they attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Nicola accelerated and entered the Florida Turnpike traveling north. An ensuing pursuit, lasting over approximately 14 miles, involved multiple car accidents, driving on the shoulder and into oncoming traffic, running red lights, and endangering traffic. At one point, pursuing officers estimated that the vehicle was traveling more than 100 mph in a 45-mph zone. Nicola crashed and disabled the vehicle at the corner of Washington Woods Lane and Landstar Boulevard in Orlando. A search of the vehicle revealed a digital scale and numerous plastic bags in the driver’s door, and a 9 mm Springfield Hellcat handgun loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition. Officers also found a parcel addressed to the address in St. Cloud where they had conducted surveillance earlier that day. The box was sealed with tape, glue, and insulating foam. It contained a silver metal box containing a vacuum sealed bag of blue pills – sometimes known as fenta-pills – that weighed approximately 4.4 pounds. DEA laboratory tests later revealed that the package with pills contained 2 kilograms of a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the St. Cloud Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
This case is part of the 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Department of Justice Secures Settlement with Providence Public Schools to Protect Civil Rights of Immigrant StudentsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – The United States has reached a settlement agreement with the Providence Public School District to resolve an investigation into the district’s programs and services for new immigrant English learner students with limited or interrupted education, known in the district as “newcomers,” United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island Zachary A. Cunha announced today.
The Providence Public School District is the largest school district in Rhode Island, serving thousands of English learner students, including hundreds of newcomers.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island received multiple complaints about civil rights violations at Providence’s “Newcomer Academy,” a program intended to provide accelerated learning to newcomers ages seventeen and older. A Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation found that Providence schools failed to provide adequate English language development instruction to over 200 students participating in the Newcomer Academy. Indeed, dozens of students at the Newcomer Academy signed a petition during the 2023-24 school year stating that they wanted to learn English at their school. The Department also found that Providence failed to staff the program with trained and qualified staff and administrators, unnecessarily segregated newcomers, and deprived them of equal opportunities to participate in specialized programs, such as special education and career and technical education.
“The Providence Public School District’s failure to meet its civil rights obligations to newcomer students is unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha for the District of Rhode Island, “particularly coming as it does in the wake of an earlier, 2018 civil rights agreement that addressed the school district’s failure to accommodate English language learners. Providence’s woeful history of half measures and consistent failures to meet the critical needs of its most vulnerable students has necessitated today’s action: a more closely targeted and stringent agreement focused on the newcomer program. ”
“New immigrant students and families bring great promise and a wealth of strengths to school communities, but they too often face great adversity in accessing educational opportunities,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Schools far too frequently shut their doors to newcomers or divert them into segregated programs with few opportunities and inadequate services. Federal law is clear: all students, including immigrant students, have a right to meaningfully participate in their district’s educational programs, and the Justice Department is committed to enforcing that right in Rhode Island and across the country.”
The district cooperated with the Department during the investigation and has started to take steps to address some of the concerns identified by the Department.
Under the agreement, the district will ensure that all students in newcomer programs receive adequate instruction in the English language, and that teachers in newcomer programs are appropriately trained and qualified. In addition, the district will take steps to provide language translation and interpretation of important school information to parents of newcomers who are not fluent in English. And the district will ensure that newcomers have equal access to specialized programs, and are appropriately integrated with other English learners, and native English speakers.
The Department of Justice conducted its investigation under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974, and the Department’s 2018 agreement with the district (extended in 2021) addressing all of the district’s English learner services and programs. Today’s settlement, which focuses on newcomers, will supersede the previous agreement.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy R. Romero of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island and Trial Attorneys Ajay Saini and Laura Tayloe of the Education Opportunities Section, Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
Enforcement of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt, and additional information about the work of the division’s Educational Opportunities Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/combating-national-origin-discrimination-schools.
Members of the public can report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report/ or by emailing [email protected]. Anyone in Rhode Island may also report civil rights violations directly to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/civil-rights-enforcement or 401-709-5000.
View a copy of the settlement agreement here.
View the settlement summary here.
###
Denver Couple Sentenced for Scheme That Defrauded Department of Defense ContractorRead the Press Release
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Kimberly Ann Tew, 43, Denver, Colorado was sentenced to 48 months in prison, and Michael Tew, 45, Denver, Colorado was sentenced to 42 months for their roles in a wire fraud scheme that defrauded National Air Cargo, a logistics company and contractor for the Department of Defense. A federal jury in Denver returned guilty verdicts against both defendants on February 15, 2024. Ms. Tew was ordered to pay a forfeiture money judgment of over $5 million, restitution in the same amount, and a $35,000 fine. Mr. Tew shares in the money judgement, restitution, and a $100,000 fine.
According to the facts established at trial, beginning in 2018, Michael Tew and Kimberly Tew conspired to defraud National Air Cargo through the submission of dozens of false invoices for services and items that were never provided. Over the course of two years, with the help of a co-conspirator, the Tews defrauded the business of five million dollars. Testimony at trial demonstrated the Tews gambled away much of the money and spent $2.4 million buying cryptocurrencies at cryptocurrency ATMs across the Denver area. Michael Tew also failed to file federal income tax returns for tax years 2016 through 2019, on both his earned income and funds obtained from the fraud scheme.
“The Tews enriched themselves by exploiting the trust of an employer, and they deserve every day of these sentences," said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “We are grateful to our partners at IRS-CI and the FBI for their help in bringing them to justice.”
“Michael and Kimberly Tew’s greed and desire for a lavish lifestyle led to the judgement handed down today,” said Tom Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “These two sentences are an example of the impressive work of our special agents and law enforcement partners and reinforces the fact that financial crimes carry with them significant penalties.”
“This audacious and greedy scheme defrauded a defense contractor of $5 million over several years. These criminal acts fully warrant the penalties imposed,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “The FBI remains committed to working with IRS-CI to target and bring to justice individuals engaged in such unlawful behavior.”
Kimberly Tew was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Daniel D. Domenico on August 8, 2024. Michael Tew was sentenced by Judge Domenico on November 12, 2024.
IRS Criminal Investigation, and the FBI Denver Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan Fields and Sarah Weiss and former Assistant United States Attorney Hetal Doshi handled the prosecution.
Case Number: 20-cr-00305-DDD
Country Club to Pay over $630,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Improper Receipt of Paycheck Protection Program LoanRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Briarwood Country Club, Inc., a private country club located in Sun City has agreed to pay $631,400 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly obtaining a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for which it was not eligible.
When Congress enacted the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, it authorized forgivable PPP loans to eligible small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP loan program was administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). At the time of the loan covered by this settlement, certain entities organized under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code were not eligible for PPP loans, including 501(c)(7) organizations.
In May 2020, Briarwood applied for a PPP loan in the amount of $431,800 and certified that it was eligible to receive the loan even though it was ineligible as a 501(c)(7) nonprofit organization. After receiving the PPP loan, Briarwood sought and received forgiveness of the loan. The United States contended that Briarwood knew or should have known it was ineligible to receive the PPP loan, and that it caused the SBA to pay lender fees to the bank that processed the loans. Briarwood will pay $631,400 to the United States to resolve these allegations.
“PPP loans were an important but finite resource to help save small businesses across America during a generational pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino. “But Congress did not intend this vital resource to cover 501(c)(7) ‘social clubs’ like Briarwood. Thanks to the Small Business Administration for vindicating program rules and protecting the public fisc.”
SBA’s General Counsel Therese Meers stated, “[t]he favorable settlement in this case is the product of enhanced efforts by federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, SBA’s Office of Inspector General and other Federal law enforcement agencies, as well as private individuals who uncover fraudulent conduct to recover the product of this fraud as well as penalties.”
The settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under these provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The qui tam complaint was filed by Relator Wade Riner and is captioned United States ex rel. Riner v. Recreation Centers of Sun City West, et al., No. 22-cv-01421 (D. Ariz.). Mr. Riner will receive a total share of approximately $63,400 in connection with the settlement.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and the SBA’s Office of General Counsel and Office of the Inspector General. The Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona handled this matter.
Individuals with information regarding fraud, waste, or abuse related to federal programs should contact the relevant federal agency. A list of agencies and contact information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/agency-links.
briarwood_country_club_settlement_agreement.pdf
CASE NUMBER: CV-22-01421
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-153_Briarwood Country Club# # #
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.Coos Bay Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Coos Bay, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for taking sexually explicit images of a minor.
Willard Verdell Cowan, 61, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release.
According to court documents, beginning in early 2021, Cowan offered to talk with a minor who often suffered from panic attacks. Instead, he preyed on the victim’s vulnerability by providing alcohol and marijuana before sexually assaulting the victim. Cowan continued to sexually abuse the victim, at times recording the abuse and soliciting sexually explicit images from the minor, until he was arrested in March 2023.
On February 16, 2023, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Cowan with sexually exploiting a child and distributing child pornography.
On August 21, 2024, Cowan pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a child.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Coos County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, in coordination with the Coos County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The FBI CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Computer Intrusion and Theft Charges Unsealed Against Two MenRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The government unsealed charges today against two individuals for their scheme to allegedly intrude Massachusetts tax preparation firms’ computer networks to steal confidential client information and then file fraudulent tax returns seeking tax refunds to be deposited in bank accounts they controlled.
Matthew A. Akande, 35, of Mexico and Nigeria, was arrested on Oct. 15, 2024 at Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom at the request of the United States. Akande was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on July 19, 2022, on one count of conspiracy to obtain unauthorized access to protected computers in furtherance of fraud and to commit theft of government money and money laundering, one count of wire fraud, four counts of unauthorized access to protected computers in furtherance of fraud, 13 counts of theft of government money and 14 counts of aggravated identity theft. The United States will be seeking Akande’s extradition to the United States.
Kehinde H. Oyetunji, 33, of North Dakota and Nigeria, pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston on Dec. 22, 2022 to one count of conspiracy to obtain unauthorized access to protected computers in furtherance of fraud and to commit theft of government money and money laundering. Sentencing before U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley will be scheduled at a later date.
Between in or about June 2016 and June 2021, Akande, Oyetunji and others are alleged to have worked together to steal money from the United States government using taxpayers’ personally identifiable information (PII) to file fraudulent tax returns in the taxpayers’ names. In addition, between in or about February 2020, the scheme involved stealing taxpayers’ PII from Massachusetts tax preparation firms via phishing attacks and computer intrusions.
To carry out the scheme, Akande is alleged to have caused fraudulent phishing emails to be sent to five Massachusetts tax preparation firms. The emails purported to be from a prospective client seeking the tax preparation firms’ services but in truth were used to trick the firms into downloading remote access trojan malicious software (“RAT malware”), including RAT malware known as Warzone RAT. Akande allegedly used the RAT malware to obtain the PII and prior year tax information of the tax preparation firms’ clients, which Akande then used to cause fraudulent tax returns to be filed seeking refunds. The tax returns directed that the fraudulent tax refunds be deposited in bank accounts opened by Oyetunji and others. Once the refunds were issued, Oyetunji and others withdrew the stolen money in cash in the United States and then transferred a portion to third parties in Mexico, allegedly at Akande’s direction, while keeping a portion for themselves. In total, Akande and his coconspirators are alleged to have filed more than 1,000 fraudulent tax returns seeking over $8.1 million in fraudulent tax refunds over approximately five years. They are alleged to have successfully obtained over $1.3 million in fraudulent tax refunds.
Federal authorities encourage all businesses that suspect they have been the target and/or victim of a cyberattack to file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Taxpayers and tax preparation firms that suspect they have been the target and/or victim of a phishing attack can also forward phishing email(s) to [email protected].
The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of unauthorized access to protected computers in furtherance of fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of theft of government money provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Drabick of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Columbia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Social Media Drug Sale and Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Booker Henley, 30, of Columbia, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after being found guilty at trial of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.
Evidence presented at trial showed that on March 10, 2023, a deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Henley’s vehicle in northeast Columbia. Henley fled from the deputy but crashed his vehicle moments later. Members of the public reported the crash and multiple RCSD deputies responded to the crash site believing the vehicle was the same vehicle that had escaped earlier. Henley ran from the crash before deputies arrived. The vehicle smelled of marijuana, and when deputies searched the vehicle, they found a loaded firearm with an extended magazine, a bag containing 252 grams of marijuana, and a bill of sale for another vehicle in Henley’s name.
Prior to the crash, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), observed Henley’s social media accounts where he posted pictures of himself and marijuana that he advertised for sale using the deceptive hashtag #notforsale. ATF obtained surveillance footage from the crash site which showed Henley running from the vehicle wearing unique clothing. Henley had previously posted pictures of himself wearing the same unique clothing on social media. Law enforcement also obtained a search warrant for his social media account which confirmed that he was using social media to advertise and sell drugs in the days before and after the crash. Notably, social media messages revealed that he had completed a drug sale in Columbia approximately 45 minutes before the chase with law enforcement. The search warrant revealed that he messaged someone four days after the crash admitting to wrecking his “skat” which is a term used to reference certain models of Dodge Chargers.
Lastly, Henley’s DNA was found on both the firearm and the extended magazine. Henley has prior convictions for pointing and presenting a firearm at a person, breaking into a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen pistol, and failure to stop for a blue light.
United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Henley to a total 144 months imprisonment consisting of concurrent sentences of 84 months and 60 months for the felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute marijuana convictions followed by a consecutive sentence of 60 months for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense conviction. The sentence of incarceration will be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lamar J. Fyall and Elizabeth Major prosecuted the case.
Client of Fraudulent Tax Shelter Scheme Pleads Guilty to ObstructionRead the Press Release
An Ohio doctor pleaded guilty today to corruptly endeavoring to obstruct the due administration of the internal revenue laws.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Dr. Suman Jana, of Strongsville, was a client of fraudulent tax shelter promoter Michael Meyer and his sub-promoter Rao Garuda. Dr. Jana used Meyer’s scheme, the “Ultimate Tax Plan,” to fraudulently claim $764,350 in charitable contribution tax deductions for tax years 2012 through 2015. Meyer and his co-conspirators marketed the scheme as a way for high-income clients to reduce their taxes by claiming they had donated valuable property to charities Meyer controlled, while in reality retaining complete control and use over their “donated” assets. Clients, such as Dr. Jana, were able to use the funds in the purported charities’ accounts to pay for personal expenses. In fact, Dr. Jana used the funds he claimed to have donated to charity to, among other things, purchase several cars for him and his wife.
On Jan. 5, 2017, after claiming five years-worth of charitable contribution tax deductions, Dr. Jana bought back the company he had “donated” to Meyer’s charity for $10,000 — reclaiming his purported donation and exiting the plan.
On April 3, 2018, the Justice Department filed a civil complaint for permanent injunction against Meyer in U.S. district court. On May 24, 2018, the Justice Department served a civil subpoena on Dr. Jana requesting that he produce records in connection with the Ultimate Tax Plan. In response to the subpoena, Meyer and Garuda instructed Dr. Jana to pretend that the buyback did not occur. Meyer prepared backdated transaction documents, written acknowledgements and promissory notes for Dr. Jana to sign and submit in response to the civil subpoena. The false documents were created to make it look as if Dr. Jana signed the promissory notes at the time that he and his wife paid personal expenses out of the purported charity.
In June 2018, Dr. Jana signed the false documents and sent them to the Justice Department in response to the civil subpoena.
Dr. Jana is scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. The Tax Division thanks U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida for his office’s assistance.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Michael Boteler and Trial Attorney Andrew Ascencio of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Charlotte Man Is Sentenced to Prison for Attempting to Bring Firearms on A Plane at Charlotte Douglas International AirportRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man was sentenced to 18 months in prison today for unlawful transportation and shipment of firearms and ammunition, after he tried to get two firearms and ammunition through security at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Ahmad Mohmad Elzein, 61, was also ordered to serve two years under court supervision after he is released from prison.
According to court documents and court proceedings, on July 30, 2023, officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) were conducting a screening of Elzein’s carry-on luggage in connection with his international travel from Charlotte to Beirut, Lebanon. During the inspection, TSA officials located approximately $17,500 of U.S. currency in Elzein’s carry-on luggage. TSA officials also inspected Elzein’s checked baggage where they found a black 9 mm pistol concealed in a boot inside the luggage, and a revolver that was duct-taped and concealed inside the liner of Elzein’s suitcase. In addition to the firearms, TSA officers found 9mm ammunition wrapped in a plastic baggie and concealed in Elzein’s checked bag. During an interview with law enforcement, Elzein indicated that he was bringing those firearms and ammunition with him while visiting his family in Lebanon. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that the 9mm firearm had been reported stolen.
Elzein is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Air Marshal Service, the TSA, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, for their investigation of this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert Gleason of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Opioid CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Curon Cameron Cordon, 24, of Charleston, was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of protonitazene and isotonitazene.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 31, 2023, Cordon sold 13 pills to a confidential informant in Charleston. The pills were counterfeit pressed pills with the same markings as 30mg oxycodone pills. The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed that the pills contained protonitazene and isotonitazene, synthetic opioids potentially more dangerous and deadly than fentanyl.
Law enforcement conducted seven additional controlled buys during which Cordon, and on one occasion Jesus Emmanuel Davis at Cordon’s direction, sold quantities of the same pills to a confidential informant. Cordon drove the confidential informant to Davis’ residence to obtain the pills during four of those transactions, including on May 31, 2023.
On June 8, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Davis’ residence. Officers seized 95 of the same pills sold to the confidential informant from the pocket of a jacket hanging inside Davis’ bedroom closet. Davis, 25, of Charleston, was sentenced on October 9, 2024, to three years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to the distribution of protonitazene and isotonitazene.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-50.
###
Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ijaz Oliver, 39, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 28, 2023, Oliver possessed a Smith & Wesson model 36 .38-caliber revolver in Charleston.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Oliver knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for conspiracy to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on May 29, 2007.
Oliver is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Former Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams and Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-136.
###
California Teenager Pleads Guilty in Florida to Making Hundreds of ‘Swatting’ Calls Across the United StatesRead the Press Release
Alan W. Filion, 18, of Lancaster, California, pleaded guilty today to four counts of making interstate threats to injure the person of another. Filion faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
“This prosecution and today’s guilty plea reaffirm the Justice Department’s commitment to using all tools to hold accountable every individual who endangers our communities through swatting and hoax threats,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “For well over a year, Alan Filion targeted religious institutions, schools, government officials, and other innocent victims with hundreds of false threats of imminent mass shootings, bombings and other violent crimes. He caused profound fear and chaos and will now face the consequences of his actions.”
“Alan Filion not only intended to cause as much harm as possible, but he also attempted to profit from these criminal activities by offering swatting-for-a-fee services,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “Swatting poses severe danger to first responders and victims, wastes significant time and resources, and creates fear in communities. The FBI will continue to work with partners to aggressively investigate and hold accountable anyone who engages in these activities."
According to the plea agreement, from approximately August 2022 to January 2024, Filion made more than 375 swatting and threat calls, including calls in which he claimed to have planted bombs in the targeted locations or threatened to detonate bombs and/or conduct mass shootings at those locations. He targeted religious institutions, high schools, colleges and universities, government officials, and numerous individuals across the United States. Filion was 16 at the time he placed the majority of the calls.
Filion intended for his calls to cause large-scale deployment of police and emergency-services units to the targeted locations. During these calls, he provided information to law enforcement and emergency services agencies that he knew to be false, such as false names, false claims that he and others had placed explosives in particular locations, false claims that he and others possessed dangerous weapons, including firearms and explosives, and false claims that he and/or other individuals had committed, or intended to imminently commit, violent crimes.
During the time that dispatchers spent on the phone with Filion, they were unavailable to respond to other emergencies. Additionally, in response to many of his calls, armed law enforcement officers were dispatched to the targeted addresses, and likewise were made unavailable to respond to other emergencies. In some instances, armed law enforcement officers approached and entered targeted residences with their weapons drawn and detained individuals who occupied the residences. In a post on Jan. 20, 2023, Filion claimed that when he swats someone, he “usually get[s] the cops to drag the victim and their families out of the house, cuff them and search the house for dead bodies.”
According to court documents, Filion became a serial swatter for both profit and recreation. He claimed in a Jan. 19, 2023, online post that his “first” swatting was like “2 to 3 years ago” and that “6-9 months ago [he] decided to turn it into a business. . .” On several occasions, Filion placed posts on social-media channels advertising his services and swatting-for-a-fee structure.
On Jan. 18, Filion, then 17-years-old, was arrested in California on Florida state charges arising from a May 2023 threat he made to a religious institution in Sanford, Florida. In that threat, he claimed to have an illegally modified AR-15, a Glock 17 pistol, pipe bombs, and Molotov cocktails. He said that he was going to imminently “commit a mass shooting” and “kill everyone” he saw. Filion pleaded guilty today in federal court to making that threat.
Filion’s federal charges were brought under the Federal Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Act (JDA). As noted in the criminal information filed on Oct. 21, Filion was 17 when the instant charges were filed against him. Filion has remained in custody since his arrest on state charges in January.
Filion also pleaded guilty to making three other threatening calls – an October 2022 call to a public high school in the Western District of Washington, in which he threatened to commit a mass shooting and claimed to have planted bombs throughout the school; a May 2023 call to a Historically Black College & University in the Northern District of Florida, in which he claimed to have placed bombs in the walls and ceilings of campus housing that would detonate in about an hour; and a July 2023 call to a local police-department dispatch number in the Western District of Texas, in which he falsely identified himself as a senior federal law enforcement officer, provided the officer’s residential address to the dispatcher, claimed to have killed his (federal officer’s) mother, and threatened to kill any responding police officers.
The FBI and U.S. Secret Service are investigating the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Seminole County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office; the Anacortes (Washington) Police Department; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the California Department of Justice; the Los Angeles County (California) Sheriff’s Office; and the Volusia County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cherie L. Krigsman and Kara Wick for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Jacob Warren of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the State Attorney’s Office for Seminole County, Florida, 18th Judicial Circuit, and the U.S. Attorneys Offices for the Western District of Washington, Northern District of Florida, Western District of Texas, and District of Columbia.
California Teenager Pleads Guilty in Florida to Making Hundreds of ‘Swatting’ Calls Across the United StatesRead the Press Release
Alan W. Filion, 18, of Lancaster, California, pleaded guilty today to four counts of making interstate threats to injure the person of another. Filion faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. Filion is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 11, 2025.
“This prosecution and today’s guilty plea reaffirm the Justice Department’s commitment to using all tools to hold accountable every individual who endangers our communities through swatting and hoax threats,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “For well over a year, Alan Filion targeted religious institutions, schools, government officials, and other innocent victims with hundreds of false threats of imminent mass shootings, bombings and other violent crimes. He caused profound fear and chaos and will now face the consequences of his actions.”
“Alan Filion not only intended to cause as much harm as possible, but he also attempted to profit from these criminal activities by offering swatting-for-a-fee services,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “Swatting poses severe danger to first responders and victims, wastes significant time and resources, and creates fear in communities. The FBI will continue to work with partners to aggressively investigate and hold accountable anyone who engages in these activities."
According to the plea agreement, from approximately August 2022 to January 2024, Filion made more than 375 swatting and threat calls, including calls in which he claimed to have planted bombs in the targeted locations or threatened to detonate bombs and/or conduct mass shootings at those locations. He targeted religious institutions, high schools, colleges and universities, government officials, and numerous individuals across the United States. Filion was 16 at the time he placed the majority of the calls.
Filion intended for his calls to cause large-scale deployment of police and emergency-services units to the targeted locations. During these calls, he provided information to law enforcement and emergency services agencies that he knew to be false, such as false names, false claims that he and others had placed explosives in particular locations, false claims that he and others possessed dangerous weapons, including firearms and explosives, and false claims that he and/or other individuals had committed, or intended to imminently commit, violent crimes.
During the time that dispatchers spent on the phone with Filion, they were unavailable to respond to other emergencies. Additionally, in response to many of his calls, armed law enforcement officers were dispatched to the targeted addresses, and likewise were made unavailable to respond to other emergencies. In some instances, armed law enforcement officers approached and entered targeted residences with their weapons drawn and detained individuals who occupied the residences. In a post on Jan. 20, 2023, Filion claimed that when he swats someone, he “usually get[s] the cops to drag the victim and their families out of the house, cuff them and search the house for dead bodies.”
According to court documents, Filion became a serial swatter for both profit and recreation. He claimed in a Jan. 19, 2023, online post that his “first” swatting was like “2 to 3 years ago” and that “6-9 months ago [he] decided to turn it into a business. . .” On several occasions, Filion placed posts on social-media channels advertising his services and swatting-for-a-fee structure.
On Jan. 18, Filion, then 17-years-old, was arrested in California on Florida state charges arising from a May 2023 threat he made to a religious institution in Sanford, Florida. In that threat, he claimed to have an illegally modified AR-15, a Glock 17 pistol, pipe bombs, and Molotov cocktails. He said that he was going to imminently “commit a mass shooting” and “kill everyone” he saw. Filion pleaded guilty today in federal court to making that threat.
Filion’s federal charges were brought under the Federal Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Act (JDA). As noted in the criminal information filed on Oct. 21, Filion was 17 when the instant charges were filed against him. Filion has remained in custody since his arrest on state charges in January.
Filion also pleaded guilty to making three other threatening calls – an October 2022 call to a public high school in the Western District of Washington, in which he threatened to commit a mass shooting and claimed to have planted bombs throughout the school; a May 2023 call to a Historically Black College & University in the Northern District of Florida, in which he claimed to have placed bombs in the walls and ceilings of campus housing that would detonate in about an hour; and a July 2023 call to a local police-department dispatch number in the Western District of Texas, in which he falsely identified himself as a senior federal law enforcement officer, provided the officer’s residential address to the dispatcher, claimed to have killed his (federal officer’s) mother, and threatened to kill any responding police officers.
The FBI and U.S. Secret Service are investigating the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Seminole County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office; the Anacortes (Washington) Police Department; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the California Department of Justice; the Los Angeles County (California) Sheriff’s Office; and the Volusia County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cherie L. Krigsman and Kara Wick for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Jacob Warren of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the State Attorney’s Office for Seminole County, Florida, 18th Judicial Circuit, and the U.S. Attorneys Offices for the Western District of Washington, Northern District of Florida, Western District of Texas, and District of Columbia.
California Teenager Pleads Guilty in Florida to Making Hundreds of ‘Swatting’ Calls Across the United StatesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Alan W. Filion, 18, of Lancaster, California, pleaded guilty today to four counts of making interstate threats to injure the person of another. Filion faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
“This prosecution and today’s guilty plea reaffirm the Justice Department’s commitment to using all tools to hold accountable every individual who endangers our communities through swatting and hoax threats,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “For well over a year, Alan Filion targeted religious institutions, schools, government officials, and other innocent victims with hundreds of false threats of imminent mass shootings, bombings and other violent crimes. He caused profound fear and chaos and will now face the consequences of his actions.”
“Alan Filion not only intended to cause as much harm as possible, but he also attempted to profit from these criminal activities by offering swatting-for-a-fee services,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “Swatting poses severe danger to first responders and victims, wastes significant time and resources, and creates fear in communities. The FBI will continue to work with partners to aggressively investigate and hold accountable anyone who engages in these activities."
According to the plea agreement, from approximately August 2022 to January 2024, Filion made more than 375 swatting and threat calls, including calls in which he claimed to have planted bombs in the targeted locations or threatened to detonate bombs and/or conduct mass shootings at those locations. He targeted religious institutions, high schools, colleges and universities, government officials, and numerous individuals across the United States. Filion was 16 at the time he placed the majority of the calls.
Filion intended for his calls to cause large-scale deployment of police and emergency-services units to the targeted locations. During these calls, he provided information to law enforcement and emergency services agencies that he knew to be false, such as false names, false claims that he and others had placed explosives in particular locations, false claims that he and others possessed dangerous weapons, including firearms and explosives, and false claims that he and/or other individuals had committed, or intended to imminently commit, violent crimes.
During the time that dispatchers spent on the phone with Filion, they were unavailable to respond to other emergencies. Additionally, in response to many of his calls, armed law enforcement officers were dispatched to the targeted addresses, and likewise were made unavailable to respond to other emergencies. In some instances, armed law enforcement officers approached and entered targeted residences with their weapons drawn and detained individuals who occupied the residences. In a post on Jan. 20, 2023, Filion claimed that when he swats someone, he “usually get[s] the cops to drag the victim and their families out of the house, cuff them and search the house for dead bodies.”
According to court documents, Filion became a serial swatter for both profit and recreation. He claimed in a Jan. 19, 2023, online post that his “first” swatting was like “2 to 3 years ago” and that “6-9 months ago [he] decided to turn it into a business. . .” On several occasions, Filion placed posts on social-media channels advertising his services and swatting-for-a-fee structure.
On Jan. 18, Filion, then 17-years-old, was arrested in California on Florida state charges arising from a May 2023 threat he made to a religious institution in Sanford, Florida. In that threat, he claimed to have an illegally modified AR-15, a Glock 17 pistol, pipe bombs, and Molotov cocktails. He said that he was going to imminently “commit a mass shooting” and “kill everyone” he saw. Filion pleaded guilty today in federal court to making that threat.
Filion’s federal charges were brought under the Federal Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Act (JDA). As noted in the criminal information filed on Oct. 21, Filion was 17 when the instant charges were filed against him. Filion has remained in custody since his arrest on state charges in January.
Filion also pleaded guilty to making three other threatening calls – an October 2022 call to a public high school in the Western District of Washington, in which he threatened to commit a mass shooting and claimed to have planted bombs throughout the school; a May 2023 call to a Historically Black College & University in the Northern District of Florida, in which he claimed to have placed bombs in the walls and ceilings of campus housing that would detonate in about an hour; and a July 2023 call to a local police-department dispatch number in the Western District of Texas, in which he falsely identified himself as a senior federal law enforcement officer, provided the officer’s residential address to the dispatcher, claimed to have killed his (federal officer’s) mother, and threatened to kill any responding police officers.
The FBI and U.S. Secret Service are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cherie L. Krigsman and Kara Wick for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Jacob Warren of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. U.S. Attorneys Offices for the Western District of Washington, the Northern District of Florida, the Western District of Texas, and the District of Columbia provided valuable assistance.
Brazilian Resident Pleads Guilty for Role in Fraudulent Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A South Carolina man currently residing in Brazil pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to conspiracy to submit a false claim.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Robert Xan Paul, 45, of Sao Paulo, Brazil, conspired with others to defraud the United States by preparing and submitting to the IRS a fraudulent income tax return that claimed a nearly $600,000 refund, which the IRS paid. Paul was a client of O.I.D. Process, a business owned by his co-conspirators that helped others prepare and file individual federal income tax returns that claimed fictitious Original Issue Discount interest income and federal tax withholdings, resulting in fraudulent claims for tax refunds.
To support his refund claim, Paul created fraudulent IRS forms from financial institutions where he had accounts. Those forms falsely indicated that the financial institutions had withheld federal income tax on his behalf.
In total, Paul caused a tax loss to the IRS of $595,110.
Paul pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to submit false claims. He is set to be sentenced on Jan. 21, 2025. Paul faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Mosley made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Pitman and Trial Attorney J. Parker Gochenour of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by IRS-CI.
Belcourt woman sentenced to federal prison for child abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon, and malicious mischiefRead the Press Release
Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that Rhawnie Marcellais, age 42, from Belcourt, ND, appeared in federal court on November 13, 2024 before District Court Judge Peter Welte and was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $300 in special assessment fees, and ordered to pay restitution totaling $1302 for the offenses of child abuse in Indian country, assault with a dangerous weapon, and malicious mischief.
As noted in court documents, on or about January 1, 2021, law enforcement in Belcourt, ND was notified of a minor female at the police department requesting to speak with officers. The minor female stated she got into an argument with her mother, the defendant. The minor female departed the police department shortly thereafter after being picked up by her father. A few hours later, the same minor female went to the emergency room in Belcourt, ND indicating she had been assaulted by her mother including Defendant throwing an empty beer bottle at the minor female which struck the minor female in the neck and shoulder. Defendant then pushed a pillow into the minor female’s face. Injuries were noted on the minor female consistent with her description of the incident. In September 2022, a video emerged depicting the incident as described by the minor victim. The video was provided to Turtle Mountain Child Welfare who in turn provide the video to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
During the course of the investigation of the child abuse, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was made aware of Defendant assaulting an adult female in January 2023. Defendant assaulted the adult female by kicking the adult female’s face, chest, ribs, and arms while the adult female was on the ground. Medical records indicated the adult female suffered fractured ribs and a concussion.
On June 28, 2024, after a four-day jury trial, Defendant Rhawnie Marcellais was convicted of child abuse in Indian Country, assault with a dangerous weapon, and malicious mischief. That same day, Defendant requested contact with the minor female victim, alleging that concerns of witness tampering were no longer present. District Court Judge Peter Welte denied the motion for contact. Despite, the Court’s order, Defendant contacted the minor female victim while incarcerated.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to public safety in Indian county, especially when it comes to protecting kids,” Schneider said. “As this sentence shows, child abuse is a serious crime. The career prosecutors who skillfully tried this case and our partners in the FBI and BIA who investigated it deserve credit for providing accountability and ensuring justice was served.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dawn M. Deitz and SheraLynn Ternes.
# # #
Arkansas Burglary Leads Law Enforcement Officers from Arkansas to Monroe Using Firearm TrackerRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Nocalm Robinson, 32, of Monroe, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for illegally possessing firearms.
United States District Judge David C. Joseph sentenced Robinson in this case in which he was charged in an indictment in March 2024 with being a felon in possession of firearms. The charge was the result of an investigation into a burglary that took place on December 4, 2023, in East Whelen, Arkansas. The burglars stole a safe that contained a “bait gun” equipped with a tracker that could be used to track the gun. Deputies with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in Arkansas were able to track the gun to a residence in Monroe.
Law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and learned that Robinson lived there with his wife and children. A search of the residence revealed that Robinson had four guns inside, including the Intratec 22 firearm that was equipped with a tracker. In addition, officers found a stolen Ruger 10/22, a stolen Century Arms 7.62x39 firearm, and a loaded Taurus G3 pistol inside the residence. Robinson has previous felony convictions for attempted possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in 2016 and attempted aggravated battery in 2013. As a convicted felon, Robinson knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition and pleaded guilty to the charge on July 19, 2024.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Monroe Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert F. Moody.
# # #
Alvin woman admits to death threats against public officialsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 44-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to transmission in interstate commerce containing a threat to injure the person of another, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Abigail J. Shry admitted that on Aug. 5, 2023, she placed a call to the chambers of a federal judge and made derogatory statements and threats to anyone that went after then former President Donald Trump. She also made a direct threat to a then sitting congresswoman, all democrats in Washington D.C. and all people in the LGBTQ community.
At the hearing, Shry claimed that at the time she made the calls, she did not think it was illegal to do so. She said she thought it was freedom of speech and that she did not intend to act on the threats.
In her calls, Shry stated, “You are in our sights, we want to kill you. If Trump doesn’t get elected in 2024, we are coming to kill you, so tread lightly...” She added that “you will be targeted personally, publicly, your family, all of it.”
On Aug. 8, 2023, authorities went to her residence, at which time she admitted the phone number associated with the calls was hers and that she did in fact make the call to the judge’s chambers. She noted that she had no plans to travel anywhere to carry out anything she stated. However, she told authorities that if the congresswoman ever traveled to her city, then “we need to worry.”
“Shry thought the First Amendment protected her from sending a death threat to a member of congress,” said Hamdani. “She was wrong, and today’s plea demonstrates how the Southern District of Texas has no patience for those who target and threaten public servants – ignorance of the Constitution notwithstanding.”
Sentencing is set for Jan. 14 before U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison. At that time, Shry faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Hanes is prosecuting the case.
Tuesday 12 November 2024
‘Recidivist Child Sexual Predator’ Sentenced to More Than Thirty-Seven Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A thrice convicted sex offender described in court documents as being a “recidivist, hands-on child sexual predator” who most recently sought out, solicited, and groomed what he believed to be a thirteen-year-old Rhode Island girl was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence to more than thirty-seven years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Court documents detail that prior to his arrest in this matter, Jesus Maldonado, 61, a former resident of Waterbury, CT, was convicted and incarcerated on three separate occasions for sexually assaulting minors, one of whom he impregnated, and another of whom he transported over state lines to sexually assault. Maldonado was also separately convicted and sentenced for failing to register as a sex offender.
In the current matter, Maldonado pleaded guilty on June 27, 2023, to charges of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity; attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor; and to having committed these felony offenses involving a minor while he was required to register as a sex offender. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. to 447 months of incarceration to be followed by lifetime federal supervised release.
“This defendant’s long and sordid history reflects a repeated determination to prey on and sexually assault minor victims, inflicting lasting damage on their lives,” remarked U.S. Attorney Cunha. “That ends today. With this sentence, we have ensured that the public and future victims are safe from Mr. Maldonado’s predations for decades to come.”
“Maldonado sent explicit messages to and attempted to prey on what he believed to be a child. But instead of a child, he was speaking to a detective with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, leading to his arrest and his significant sentence today,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations, New England. “It is a sad truth that every day real children are groomed and exploited online. HSI is working ceaselessly with our partners to keep children safe online and ensure predators like Maldonado are brought to justice.”
According to court documents and information provided to the court, beginning in March 2019, Maldonado engaged in a series of sexually explicit online and text communications with a person known to him as “Jeni,” who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. Despite being told early in their conversations that he was conversing with a 13 year old, Maldonado expressed interest in making “Jeni” his wife; repeatedly engaged in graphic sexual chat, and sent sexually explicit images, all while attempting to persuade “Jeni” to meet with him to engage in sexual activity, a. Unbeknownst to Maldonado, the person with whom he was communicating was, in fact, a Rhode Island State Police Detective assigned to the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and a Task Force Officer with Homeland Security Investigations.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey A. Erickson and Denise M. Barton.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police ICAC Task Force, Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and Homeland Security Investigations.
United States Attorney Cunha thanks the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and Homeland Security Investigations in New Haven, CT., for their assistance.
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 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
###
Virginia Beach man pleads guilty to federal drug trafficking and firearms crimesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man pled guilty today to possession of a machinegun, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on June 8, Taekwon Malik Morris, 27, was driving a vehicle with expired temporary tags in Virginia Beach when Virginia Beach Police (VBPD) officers pulled up behind him at an intersection. Morris got out of the vehicle and began to inspect his rear tires. As officers approached Morris and told him that he was being stopped, he fled.
After a brief chase, Morris was apprehended. Officers located a 9mm handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device (MCD) on the driver-side floorboard in plain view. Officers also recovered three pills containing Oxycodone, 91 pills containing fentanyl, and $8,887 bound in rubber bands from Morris during his arrest.
Morris previously was convicted of grand larceny of a firearm. As a felon, Morris cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Morris is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2025. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Cheney is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-99.
Utah Businessmen Indicted for Defrauding Investors and Lenders Millions of DollarsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned a 16 count indictment charging two Utah businessmen with various financial crimes, including wire fraud and money laundering. The two business partners are accused of defrauding private investors and lenders in restaurant businesses such as Dirty Bird, Everbowl, and Crumbl Cookies.
Aaron A. Wagner, 42, of Alpine, Utah, was initially charged by complaint on October 23, 2024, in the District of Utah and taken into custody. Wagner and his business partner and codefendant, Michael Mains, 46, of Alpine, Utah, were indicted November 6, 2024.
According to court documents, from March 2021 and continuing to the present, Wagner and Mains devised a fraudulent scheme to trick lenders and investors to send millions of dollars to entities Wagner and Mains controlled through Wagscap Food Services, LLC. These entities included, Hello Sugar, Dirty Bird, Everbowl, Crumbl Cookies, Las Botellas, and others. Wagner would tell lenders and investors that their funds would be used for developing certain restaurants. Instead, Wagner used the funds for personal expenses or investments, or to prop up projects for other investor groups, which also included himself as an investor.
Court documents allege Wagner would further trick investors that he was a successful businessman by showing off his own lavish lifestyle, including personal jets, exotic vehicles, and luxury vacations. Wagner failed to disclose a large part of his success was financed by investor funds he allegedly stole from the businesses they were meant to support. Essentially, Wagner used new investor money, obtained through fraud, to falsely appease previous investors.
As a result of the scheme, Wagner brought in more than $40 million from investors. Wagner and Mains diverted millions for their own personal benefit to make purchases, including but not limited to a $4 million dollar second home for Wagner in Scottsdale, Arizona; an $8 million personal airplane; a $4.5 million commercial property to be developed into a nightclub; and $8 million real estate property in Missoula, Montana.
Wagner and Mains are charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, transactional money laundering, and concealment money laundering. Their initial appearance on the indictment was November 8, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. A jury trial is scheduled for February 3, 2025.
United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carl D. LeSueur and Brent L. Andrus of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
If you believe you are a victim of the alleged fraud mentioned in this press release or have information concerning the fraud in this press release, please email [email protected].
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
USP McCreary Lieutenant Indicted for Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
LONDON, KY– A Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) lieutenant at U.S. Penitentiary (USP) McCreary, in Pine Knot, Kentucky, was indicted on Thursday by a federal grand jury in London, Kentucky, for federal civil rights violations, including violating an individual’s rights under the color of law, falsifying records to impede an investigation, and witness tampering.
The indictment alleges that Zachary Toney, 33, while acting under color of law as a USP McCreary lieutenant, repeatedly kicked and struck a victim while the victim was on the ground and handcuffed behind his back, which caused bodily injury to the victim. The indictment further alleges that Toney then wrote a memorandum documenting a false account of his interactions with the victim intended to cover up the unlawful force that he had used against the victim, omitting that he repeatedly kicked and struck the victim and stating that there were no inmate injuries.
The indictment also alleges that Toney, while acting as a lieutenant, instructed three correction officers to write reports omitting the force that they had observed Toney using against the victim.
“The Justice Department’s mission is to protect the civil rights of all Americans, including those who are incarcerated,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “As alleged, Lieutenant Zachary Toney assaulted a defenseless person in his custody then tried to cover up that misconduct by falsifying records and tampering with witnesses. These charges make clear we will hold accountable Federal Bureau of Prisons personnel who abuse their positions of authority.”
“Correctional officers have an obligation to respect the constitutional rights of the people in their custody and to report honestly on any misconduct,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to enforce those obligations in federal as well as state and local facilities.”
“We trust Federal Bureau of Prisons employees to foster a safe and humane environment for inmates to serve out their sentences. Instead, this indictment alleges that Toney violently assaulted a defenseless inmate and lied to cover it up,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz of the Justice Department. “The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate any FBOP employee who allegedly violates the civil rights of an inmate in their custody and care.”
“Ensuring the safety and security of inmates in the custody of the government is critically important,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “We remain committed to ensuring that custody and care is in accordance with the law.”
If convicted, Toney faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the deprivation of rights charge and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of the falsification of records charge and witness tampering charges. Upon any conviction, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General and FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zach Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Tara Allison of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
FBOP is committed to rooting out misconduct within its ranks and working with law enforcement partners to prosecute violations of federal law. The numerous FBOP employees working diligently to ensure justice for the victims of misconduct are critical to the Department’s reform efforts.
Any indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
— END —
UCHealth Agrees to Pay $23M to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Billing for Emergency Department VisitsRead the Press Release
DENVER – University of Colorado Health, known as UCHealth and headquartered in Aurora, Colorado, has agreed to pay $23 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act in seeking and receiving payment from federal health care programs for visits to its emergency departments, by falsely coding certainEvaluation & Management (E&M) claims submitted to the Medicare and TRICARE programs.
“Improperly billing federal health care programs drains valuable government resources needed to provide medical care to millions of Americans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will pursue health care providers that defraud the taxpayers by knowingly submitting inflated or unsupported claims.”
E&M claims relate to medical visits that involve evaluating and managing a patient’s health and medical conditions, including qualifying visits to a hospital’s emergency department. In submitting an E&M claim to Medicare or TRICARE, a hospital may use one of five Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes (CPT 99281 through CPT 99285), depending on the hospital resources associated with the visit. An E&M facility claim coded with CPT 99285 represents the highest hospital resource usage.
The United States alleged that, from Nov. 1, 2017, through March 31, 2021, UCHealth hospitals automatically coded certain claims for emergency room visits using CPT 99285. UCHealth used this code whenever its health care providers had checked a patient’s set of vital signs more times than the total number of hours that the patient was present in the emergency department, excepting patients who were in the emergency department for fewer than 60 minutes, despite the severity of the patient’s medical condition or the hospital resources used to manage the patient’s health and treatment. The United States alleged that UCHealth knew that its automatic coding rule associated with monitoring of vital signs did not satisfy the requirements for billing to Medicare and TRICARE because it did not reasonably reflect the facility resources used by the UCHealth hospitals.
“Fraudulent billing by health care companies undermines Medicare and other federal health care programs that are vital to many Coloradans,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “We will hold accountable health care companies who adopt automatic coding practices that lead to unnecessary and improper billing.”
“Health care providers that participate in federal health care programs such as Medicare are required to obey laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds, including requiring that providers submit only appropriate and accurate claims for reimbursement,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “As this settlement demonstrates, HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue working together to protect both public safety and the integrity of our federal health care system.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by a private individual, Timothy Sanders. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States, et al. ex rel. Sanders v. University of Colorado Health et al., No. 21-cv-1164 (D. Colo.). As part of today’s resolution, Mr. Sanders will receive $3.91 million of the proceeds from the settlement.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Trial Attorney David G. Miller of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lila Bateman for the District of Colorado handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Settlement Agreement
UCHealth Agrees to Pay $23M to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Billing for Emergency Department VisitsRead the Press Release
University of Colorado Health, known as UCHealth and headquartered in Aurora, Colorado, has agreed to pay $23 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act in seeking and receiving payment from federal health care programs for visits to its emergency departments, by falsely coding certain Evaluation & Management (E&M) claims submitted to the Medicare and TRICARE programs.
“Improperly billing federal health care programs drains valuable government resources needed to provide medical care to millions of Americans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will pursue health care providers that defraud the taxpayers by knowingly submitting inflated or unsupported claims.”
E&M claims relate to medical visits that involve evaluating and managing a patient’s health and medical conditions, including qualifying visits to a hospital’s emergency department. In submitting an E&M claim to Medicare or TRICARE, a hospital may use one of five Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes (CPT 99281 through CPT 99285), depending on the hospital resources associated with the visit. An E&M facility claim coded with CPT 99285 represents the highest hospital resource usage.
The United States alleged that, from November 1, 2017, through March 31, 2021, UCHealth hospitals automatically coded certain claims for emergency room visits using CPT 99285. UCHealth used this code whenever its health care providers had checked a patient’s set of vital signs more times than the total number of hours that the patient was present in the emergency department, excepting patients who were in the emergency department for fewer than 60 minutes, despite the severity of the patient’s medical condition or the hospital resources used to manage the patient’s health and treatment. The United States alleged that UCHealth knew that its automatic coding rule associated with monitoring of vital signs did not satisfy the requirements for billing to Medicare and TRICARE because it did not reasonably reflect the facility resources used by the UCHealth hospitals.
“Fraudulent billing by healthcare companies undermines Medicare and other federal healthcare programs that are vital to many Coloradans,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “We will hold accountable health care companies who adopt automatic coding practices that lead to unnecessary and improper billing.”
“Health care providers that participate in federal health care programs such as Medicare are required to obey laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds, including requiring that providers submit only appropriate and accurate claims for reimbursement,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “As this settlement demonstrates, HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue working together to protect both public safety and the integrity of our federal health care system.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by a private individual, Timothy Sanders. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States, et al. ex rel. Sanders v. University of Colorado Health et al., No. 21-cv-1164 (D. Colo.). As part of today’s resolution, Mr. Sanders will receive $3.91 million of the proceeds from the settlement.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Trial Attorney David G. Miller of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lila Bateman for the District of Colorado handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Settlement
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commitment to Protecting Patients and Consumers from Health Care Fraud Leads to Exponential Growth in ProsecutionsRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that in the last several months, the office she leads prosecuted several significant cases that protected patients, consumers, and the community from health care fraud.
“Safe and affordable health care is critical for a thriving community. Healthcare is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the Inland Northwest, and fraudulent schemes divert public funds away from treating patients and drive up the cost of care for those that need it most,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Combatting health care fraud is a priority for my office because everyone deserves to have doctors and medical providers who place patient care over profits.”
In August of 2023, Lincare Holdings, Inc., agreed to pay $29 million to resolve allegations that it fraudulently overbilled Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans for oxygen equipment. The settlement is the largest-ever health care fraud settlement in the Eastern District of Washington. In addition to the $29 million paid by Lincare to address claims that Lincare submitted to Medicare and Medicare Advantage, in what is believed to be a first-of-a-kind False Claims Act Settlement, as part of the settlement, Lincare agreed to identify and repay Medicare beneficiaries who were overcharged co-pays. Pursuant to this provision, as of September 2024, Lincare has refunded payments to 4,917 patients for a total of $976,137. If patients believe that they may have been overbilled for oxygen equipment and have not received a refund, they can reach out to the United States Attorney’s Office of Public Affairs.
Other major health care fraud cases filed or pending in the Eastern District of Washington include:
August 2024 sentencing of Thomas Andrew Webster, M.D., age 51, of Sylvania, Ohio, for conspiring to accept kickbacks in connection with a fraudulent telemarketing and medical supply scheme throughout Washington and in other states. Dr. Webster was sentenced to two years in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution of more than $870,000, an additional criminal fine of $50,000, and forfeiture of hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets.
In August 2024, Justin Leland agreed to pay $224,620.88 to resolve allegations he participated in a kick-back scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment.
In August 2024, William O. Mize pled guilty to conspiracy in connection with a scheme to defraud insurance companies of more than $6 million by submitting fraudulent claims for health care and other injury expenses in connection with a series of vehicle collisions and other accidents staged by Mize and his co-conspirators. Mize is scheduled to be sentenced in November 2024.
In March 2024, Physician Staffing Company Jackson & Coker Locums Tenens, LLC and Physician Edward William Salko, D.O. agreed to pay $700,000 to resolve allegations that they participated in a kick-back scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment and diagnostic laboratory testing.
In January 2024, Physician Daniel Case agreed to pay $95,000 to resolve allegations that he participated in a kick-back scheme and ordered medically unnecessary durable medical equipment that Case caused to be billed to Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs
In January 2024, the United States and State of Washington filed a Complaint in federal district court against MultiCare Health System, which owns and operates MultiCare Deaconess Hospital and MultiCare Rockwood Clinic in Spokane, alleging that MultiCare knowingly endangered patient safety and falsely and fraudulently billed Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs for spinal surgery procedures performed at Deaconess between 2019 and 2021 by Jason Dreyer, a former neurosurgeon.
U.S. Attorney Waldref highlighted the importance of partnerships in combatting health care fraud, “We are prosecuting more cases because of our strong relationships with state and federal law enforcement partners – including Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; and our state partners at the Washington State Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Division, as well as many others. Our vigorous fraud practice holds individuals and corporations accountable for stealing from taxpayers. I am proud that my office is a national leader in fighting fraud and investigating cases brought by whistleblowers to report misconduct and protect our community’s resources.”
“The VA Office of Inspector General is committed to safeguarding the integrity of VA’s healthcare programs and services and ensuring veterans receive the quality health care they deserve,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and support in this case.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of federal healthcare programs, particularly as it relates to the Department of Defense’s TRICARE program,” said Bryan D. Denny, the Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Western Field Office. “We will aggressively pursue and seek to hold accountable bad actors who defraud or attempt to defraud TRICARE, because their deceptive actions ultimately harm those defending our country and their families.”
“The Drug Enforcement Administration works hard to ensure patient safety by regulating medical professionals who prescribe, produce, or dispense scheduled prescription drugs,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA holds medical personnel accountable when they fail to follow Federal law and regulations for scheduled medications and risk the health and safety of patients and our community.”
In addition to casework, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is engaged in community outreach to raise awareness about fraud schemes and educate members of the community on how to avoid becoming a victim of scams. U.S. Attorney Waldref has recorded this message about how we can all protect ourselves and our loved ones from scams targeting the elderly. To learn more about the Justice Department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page.
U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI Charge Shiprock Man with Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was charged by indictment with sexual abuse.
Jasper Lee Gray, 62, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to court records, between December 1 and December 20, 2023, Gray engaged in a sexual act with Jane Doe without her consent.
If convicted, Gray faces any term of years up to life 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 Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
View the Indictment (Gray).pdfAn indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
# # #
U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Sentencing of Las Cruces Man for Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to 80 months in prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition while under felony indictment, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on November 12, 2020, Delbert Tyler Trevino, 33, was indicted in the State of Texas on felony charges of theft of property, fraud, and possession of a controlled substance. On January 31, 2022, Trevino pleaded guilty to those felony charges. Rather than entering a judgment at that time, the court placed him on deferred adjudication probation for a period of five years.
Under Texas law, deferred adjudication allows a defendant to accept responsibility for a crime without an immediate conviction. If the defendant successfully completes the terms of probation, the case is dismissed without a conviction on their record.
Despite being prohibited from possessing firearms while on probation, evidence showed Trevino later obtained firearms that had previously been seized by police. Trevino is also alleged to have purchased ammunition in New Mexico on July 22, 2022.
On September 2, 2022, deputies from the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant related to a homicide investigation at a residence associated with Trevino in Mesilla Park, New Mexico. During the search, authorities recovered an unregistered short-barrel rifle from the bedroom Trevino was staying in.
Trevino was subsequently convicted by a federal jury on April 24, 2024, of federal firearms and ammunition offenses including possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle.
Upon his release from prison, Trevino will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.
The homicide investigation remains pending. If you have any information relating to this matter or other crimes committed by Trevino, please contact the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office at 575-525-1911.
# # #
Two Somali Pirates Sentenced to 30 Years Each in Prison for Armed Hostage Taking of American JournalistRead the Press Release
Abdi Yusef Hassan, 56, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Mohamed Tahlil Mohamed, 43, of Mogadishu, Somalia, were both sentenced to 30 years in prison for hostage taking, terrorism, and firearms offenses, in connection with the 977-day hostage taking of an American journalist in Somalia. A jury in the Eastern District of New York convicted Hassan and Mohamed of those offenses in February 2023 following a three-week trial.
According to the complaints, indictments, evidence at trial, and statements made in public court proceedings, in January 2012, Michael Scott Moore, an American freelance journalist, traveled to Somalia to research piracy and the Somali economy. On Jan. 21, 2012, Moore was driving in the vicinity of Galkayo, Somalia, when his vehicle was suddenly surrounded by a group of heavily armed men carrying assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. The men pulled Moore from his vehicle, beat him with their weapons, and drove him away in another vehicle to a secluded area, where they held him with two Seychellois fishermen (Fisherman-1 and Fisherman-2). The fishermen had been abducted off the Somali coast in October 2011. Moore was held in various locations in the vicinity of Hobyo, Somalia, for approximately three months.
In April 2012, Moore and Fisherman-1 were transferred to a boat, F/V Naham III, which had previously been hijacked in March 2012. The pirates kept Moore and Fisherman-1 captive aboard the Naham III, along with 28 crew members of the ship. Moore learned from the crew members, who were from Vietnam, China, Philippines, and Taiwan, that the hostage takers murdered the captain of the ship when they captured the vessel and that his body was kept in the ship’s freezer. The hostage takers kept Moore on the Naham III until approximately August 2012, when they transferred him back to land. On one occasion, in approximately May 2012, Moore’s captors took him from the Naham III to the Somali bush, where they forced Moore to watch as they hung Fisherman-1 from a tree by his feet and beat Fisherman-1 with a cane. During the torture of Fisherman-1, the pirates who were present were armed with heavy weaponry, including machine guns and grenade launchers.
Moore remained a hostage for another two years. During this time, his captors shuttled him between safehouses, chained him at night to prevent his escape, surrounded him with armed guards, and repeatedly threatened him with bodily harm. Moore was also forced to make several proof-of-life videos requesting large ransom payments for his release. The kidnappers provided Moore with almost no information, and his access to the outside world was limited to a radio. In September 2014, following the payment of a ransom, Moore’s captors released him.
Hassan and Mohamed each played significant roles in Moore’s captivity. Hassan, a naturalized U.S. citizen, served as the Minister of the Interior (a role that made him responsible for police and security forces) in Galmudug province in Somalia, where Moore was held hostage. Hassan served as an overall leader of the pirates and headed their efforts to extort a massive ransom from Moore’s aging mother. Among other things, Hassan directed the production of proof-of-life videos with Moore, participated in negotiations for ransom payments, and used his own home as a base of operations for the pirates. Mohamed, a serving officer in the Somali army, was a supervisor of the pirates guarding Moore during the early stages of the hostage taking. After Moore had been moved several times, Mohamed continued to play an essential role in the hostage taking, relying on his military position, training, and experience to serve as the pirates’ head of security and armorer. As head of security, Mohamed was in charge of moving Moore from location to location around Somalia. Mohamed also leveraged his military background to provide and repair heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, and other weapons that the pirates used to ensure that Moore could not escape.
In addition to the prison term, Hassan and Mohamed were sentenced to one day of supervised release.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York, and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI National Security Branch announced the case.
The FBI Boston and Minneapolis Field Office investigated the case with assistance from Department of State Diplomatic Security Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Adelsberg and Trial Attorney Josh Champagne of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
Two Somali Pirates Sentenced to 30 Years Each in Prison for Armed Hostage Taking of American JournalistRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that ABDI YUSUF HASSAN and MOHAMED TAHLIL MOHAMED were both sentenced to 30 years in prison for hostage taking, terrorism, and firearms offenses, in connection with the 977-day hostage taking of an American journalist in Somalia. A jury in the Eastern District of New York convicted HASSAN and MOHAMED of those offenses in February 2023 following a three-week trial. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Allyne R. Ross, who also presided over the trial.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For nearly three years, Michael Scott Moore was held hostage in Somalia by pirates. He was beaten, chained to the floor, and threatened with assault rifles and machine guns. Hassan and Mohamed were key players in that hostage taking. Both abused their positions in Somalia’s government—Hassan, as a senior security official, and Mohamed as an army officer—by keeping a U.S. citizen captive to satisfy their own greed. Today’s sentences demonstrate our resolve to hold those who take Americans hostage accountable for their crimes.”
According to the Complaints, Indictments, evidence at trial, and statements made in public court proceedings:
In January 2012, Michael Scott Moore, an American freelance journalist, traveled to Somalia to research piracy and the Somali economy. On January 21, 2012, Moore was driving in the vicinity of Galkayo, Somalia, when his vehicle was suddenly surrounded by a group of heavily armed men carrying assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. The men pulled Moore from his vehicle, beat him with their weapons, and drove him away in another vehicle to a secluded area, where they held him with two Seychellois fishermen (“Fisherman-1” and “Fisherman-2”). The fishermen had been abducted off the Somali coast in October 2011. Moore was held in various locations in the vicinity of Hobyo, Somalia, for approximately three months.
In April 2012, Moore and Fisherman-1 were transferred to a boat, F/V Naham III, which had previously been hijacked in March 2012. The pirates kept Moore and Fisherman-1 captive aboard the Naham III, along with 28 crew members of the ship. Moore learned from the crew members, who were from Vietnam, China, Philippines, and Taiwan, that the hostage takers murdered the captain of the ship when they captured the vessel and that his body was kept in the ship’s freezer. The hostage takers kept Moore on the Naham III until approximately August 2012, when they transferred him back to land. On one occasion, in approximately May 2012, Moore’s captors took him from the Naham III to the Somali bush, where they forced Moore to watch as they hung Fisherman-1 from a tree by his feet and beat Fisherman-1 with a cane. During the torture of Fisherman-1, the pirates who were present were armed with heavy weaponry, including machine guns and grenade launchers.
Moore remained a hostage for another two years. During this time, his captors shuttled him between safehouses, chained him at night to prevent his escape, surrounded him with armed guards, and repeatedly threatened him with bodily harm. Moore was also forced to make several proof-of-life videos requesting large ransom payments for his release. The kidnappers provided Moore with almost no information, and his access to the outside world was limited to a radio. In September 2014, following the payment of a ransom, Moore’s captors released him.
HASSAN and MOHAMED each played significant roles in Moore’s captivity. HASSAN, a naturalized U.S. citizen, served as the Minister of the Interior (a role that made him responsible for police and security forces) in Galmudug province in Somalia, where Moore was held hostage. HASSAN served as an overall leader of the pirates and headed their efforts to extort a massive ransom from Moore’s aging mother. Among other things, HASSAN directed the production of proof-of-life videos with Moore, participated in negotiations for ransom payments, and used his own home as a base of operations for the pirates. MOHAMED, a serving officer in the Somali army, was a supervisor of the pirates guarding Moore during the early stages of the hostage taking. After Moore had been moved several times, MOHAMED continued to play an essential role in the hostage taking, relying on his military position, training, and experience to serve as the pirates’ head of security and armorer. As head of security, MOHAMED was in charge of moving Moore from location to location around Somalia. MOHAMED also leveraged his military background to provide and repair heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, and other weapons that the pirates used to ensure that Moore could not escape.
* *. *
In addition to the prison term, HASSAN, 56, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and MOHAMED, 43, of Mogadishu, Somalia, were sentenced to one day of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of the International Operations Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), the FBI’s International Violent Crimes Unit, the FBI Boston Field Office and its Portland Resident Agency, the FBI Minneapolis Field Office, the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division for their assistance.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Adelsberg is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Josh Champagne of the Counterterrorism Section.
Three men sentenced in local Indian Arts and Crafts Act caseRead the Press Release
JUNEAU, Alaska – Three men were sentenced today for their roles in a scheme to sell hundreds of Philippine produced products as authentic Alaska Native produced artwork, violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
According to court documents, between May 2019 and December 2021, Travis Lee Macasaet, 39, of Ketchikan, Simeon Cabansag, 39, of Ketchikan, and Jessie Reginio, 28, of Seattle, Washington, were employees of both Alaska Stone Arts LLC. and Rail Creek LLC., two stores located in Ketchikan, for differing periods of time. Alaska Stone Arts LLC. primarily sold stone carvings, and Rail Creek LLC. primarily sold wood totem poles.
Court documents explain that from April 2016 to December 2021, Cristobal Rodrigo, 59, his wife Glenda Rodrigo, 46, and their son Christian Rodrigo, 24, were the owners and operators of the stores and were co-conspirators in the case. The investigation revealed that the carvings and totem poles sold in both stores were sourced from Rodrigo Creative Crafts, a company owned by Glenda Rodrigo and located in the Philippines. The company used Filipino labor to produce the artwork before shipping them to the Rodrigo’s stores in Alaska, where they were sold as authentic Alaska Native art.
According to court documents, the Rodrigo’s hired Alaska Natives and non-Alaska Native employees at both Ketchikan stores to help with day-to-day operations and represent and sell Philippine produced artwork as their own authentic Alaska Native artwork. Macasaet and Cabansag were two of the Alaska Natives hired by the Rodrigo family. Reginio was one of the non-Alaska Native employees hired by the family.
The defendants conspired with others to sell the artwork to customers and falsely represent that the art was all produced from locally sourced materials and made by Alaska Natives. Court documents outline that Macasaet misrepresented to customers that he was the sole artisan of the totem poles carved and sold at Rail Creek LLC. Court documents also describe that Cabansag and Reginio misrepresented to customers that they were the sole artisans of stone carvings sold in both stores under the names “Simeon” and “jr,” respectively.
During the course of the conspiracy, the defendants and others involved in the scheme sold hundreds of Philippine made stone and wood carvings as authentic Alaska Native carvings.
Macasaet was sentenced to five years’ of probation and 250 hours of community service. Cabansag was sentenced to three years’ supervised release and time served. Reginio was sentenced to three years’ probation release and a $5,000 fine. All defendants are required to joint and several payment of restitution to the victims in this case and are required to write apology letters to the victims and the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes to be published publicly.
“The defendants’ actions represent a profound betrayal of the Alaska Native artisans who take immense pride in preserving and practicing their craft,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Their fraudulent conduct not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of genuine artists, but also disrespects the rich cultural heritage to which two of the defendants belong. These sentencings represent a critical step toward securing justice for tribal communities and the innocent victims who were deceived in this case through forgery and misrepresentation. Our office remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the integrity of Indian Arts and Crafts laws through prosecutions, safeguarding both Alaska Native culture and the integrity of art for all consumers.”
“The Indian Arts and Crafts Board administers and enforces the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, a truth-in-marketing law,” said IACB Director Meridith Stanton. “The Act is intended to rid the Alaska Native and Indian arts marketplace of counterfeits to protect the cultural heritage and economic likelihoods of Alaska Native and Indian artists and their Tribes and Villages, as well as the buying public. Authentic Alaska Native art, such as totem poles which hold profound significance among the Tlingit and Haida, is an important tool for passing down cultural traditions, artistic skills, and traditional knowledge from one generation to the next. Travis Macasaet, a member of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes, was a key participant in the Rodrigo family’s wide-ranging conspiracy to sell Philippine made totem poles and stone carvings as Alaska Native made. As an Alaska Native, he had the credibility to vouch for the carvings’ authenticity with customers. Indeed, Macasaet went so far as to sign the totem poles and take pictures with the carvings as the purported artist, falsely asserting that he had made them. Simeon Cabansag, an Alaska Native who also worked at one of the Rodrigo’s stores, similarly sold imported stone carvings as made by himself and other Alaskan Natives. Counterfeits, such as those marketed for huge sums of money by Macasaet, Cabansag, and Jessie Regino acting on the behest of the Rodrigos, tear at the very fabric of Alaska Native culture, livelihoods, and communities.”
“Travis Macasaet, Simeon Cabansag, and Jessie Reginio were employed by the Rodrigos and collaborated with them to misrepresent Philippine made stone carvings and totem poles as Alaska Native made,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “Cabansag used his tribal affiliation and falsely told the public he was the artist of the imported stone carvings. Macasaet used his tribal affiliation and falsely told the public that he was the artist of the wooden totem poles. These deceptive business practices cheated customers and undermined the economic livelihood of Alaska Native artists. Our special agents investigate crimes in violation of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board. Protecting Alaska Native culture and traditions is a critical part of the act. We thank our partners at the U.S. Department of Justice, the IACB, CBP, and the U.S. Forest Service for their assistance with this investigation.”
Co-conspirators in this case include:
- Cristobal Rodrigo was sentenced to two years in prison in August 2023 for his role in the scheme. His sentence was reduced to 18 months in June 2024, but remains the longest sentence a defendant has received for any Indian Arts and Crafts Act violation in the U.S., according to the Indian Arts and Crafts Board.
- Glenda Rodrigo was sentenced to up to six months’ home confinement and 240 hours of community service on July 8, 2024.
- Christian Rodrigo was sentenced to up to three months’ home confinement and 200 hours of community service on July 8, 2024.
- Cameron Losi, fka “Cameron Lawrence,” 39, was charged with 29 federal counts in February 2024.
The Department of Interior – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Office of Law Enforcement, with assistance from the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, U.S. Customs and Border Protections, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.
If you suspect potential Indian Arts and Crafts Act violations are being committed, a complaint may be submitted through the Indian Arts and Crafts Board’s online complaint form, www.doi.gov/iacb/should-i-report-potential-violation, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 888-278-3253.
###
Three People Indicted on Charges Related to Hate Crime HoaxRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Derrick Bernard Jr., 35, Ashely Blackcloud, 40, and Deanna West, 38, were indicted by a federal grand jury for maliciously conveying false information about a threat made by means of fire: a burning cross in front of a campaign sign defaced with a racial slur.
According to the indictment, the three defendants were charged for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to spread disinformation about the threat. The 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral run-off election involved Candidate 1, who was Black, and Candidate 2, who was white. After the initial election but before the run-off, Bernard sent a message in which he explained he was “mobilizing my squad in defense. Black ops style big brother.” He also sent messages referencing a desire to prevent “the klan” from gaining political control of the city. Bernard then worked with Blackcloud and West to stage, at an intersection in the City of Colorado Springs in the early hours of April 23, 2023, a cross burning in front of a campaign sign for Candidate 1 defaced with a racial slur. The three then allegedly spread false information about the event through an email from an anonymous source to various news and civic organizations.
All three defendants made their initial appearances in front of Magistrate Judge Timothy P. O’Hara.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with substantial assistance from the Colorado Springs Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan Fields and Rebecca Weber.
Case Number: 24-cr-00320-RMR
Tahlequah Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Trae Allen Cordell, age 30, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm.
The Indictment alleged that on April 3, 2024, Cordell knowingly and intentionally possessed 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, with intent to distribute. The Indictment also alleged that on the same date, Cordell knowingly possessed two semi-automatic pistols after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Cordell will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
Stockton Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Charles Dean Good, 55, of Stockton, was sentenced today to two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Good stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in US postage stamps from the US Postal Service by passing counterfeit checks in the names of identity-theft victims. He passed the bad checks at numerous post offices in Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties. In connection with the postage-stamp-theft scheme, Good possessed and used the name and California driver’s license number of at least one identity-theft victim. Between Feb. 2, 2012, and Jan. 18, 2019, he passed at least 1,326 bad checks, for a total loss to the U.S. Postal Service of at least $252,631, which he was ordered to pay in restitution.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow prosecuted the case.
Stanislaus County Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Cristian Ceja, 27, of Turlock, pleaded guilty today to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between Aug. 27, 2023, and Jan. 3, 2024, Ceja transported a minor victim from the Eastern District of California to Idaho with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Ceja met the minor victim when Ceja was working as a delivery driver and delivered food to the minor’s house. Ceja thereafter used the minor victim’s phone number to track her down on social media and communicate with her. Ceja began a lengthy sexual relationship with the minor victim who, at that time, was 15. During the course of their sexual relationship, Ceja would sneak into the minor victim’s bedroom to have sex with her without being detected by her parents. On at least two occasions, Ceja video recorded himself engaging in sexual contact with the minor victim.
On Aug. 26, 2023, the minor victim’s mother contacted law enforcement because she found provocative photographs of the minor victim in her bedroom and was concerned her daughter was having a sexual relationship with an adult. In the early morning hours of Aug. 27, 2023, Ceja took the minor victim and fled to avoid detection and to continue the sexual relationship. While on the run, Ceja attempted to evade detection by placing stolen license plates on his vehicle, obliterating the VIN from his vehicle’s dashboard, spray painting the vehicle a different color, and adopting a false name. In order to avoid detection, Ceja discarded his cellphone while in flight and used a “burner” phone.
Ceja first took the minor victim to Nevada and then to Idaho where they lived for several months in a small camper trailer without running water or heat. Law enforcement found the minor victim after she contacted a family member via social media. On Jan. 3, 2024, law enforcement officers arrived at the camper trailer, rescued the minor victim, and arrested Ceja.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea J. Kenny is prosecuting the case.
Ceja is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Feb. 25, 2025. Ceja faces a mandatory statutory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Trying to Buy 40 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Tuesday sentenced a St. Louis, Missouri man to nine years in prison for trying to buy 40 pounds of methamphetamine.
On July 29, 2020, Richard Treis, now 51, and another man, Dennis Dewrock, arrived at a gas station in Pacific, Missouri with a black bag full of cash, expecting to purchase the meth. The deal had been arranged on a cell phone smuggled into prison.
But Homeland Security Investigations in El Paso was aware of their plan. They learned a month earlier that Tarik “Morocco” Mazhar, an inmate in the Great Plains Correctional Institution in Hinton, Okla., wanted to purchase a large quantity of methamphetamine. An undercover HSI special agent got involved. Tries called the undercover agent and confirmed that the delivery would happen in Missouri, and both Treis and Mazhar, via the smuggled cell phone, sent pictures of the cash to the agent.
Agents arrested both Treis and Dewrock after they swapped the cash for the drugs.
Treis pleaded guilty conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. As part of his plea, he has agreed to forfeit $128,000 that has been in the custody of Homeland Security Investigations.
Mazhar, 43, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to the same methamphetamine conspiracy charge. He is serving a 13-year prison sentence.
Dewrock, 55, also pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge and was sentenced to five years in prison.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ricardo Dixon is prosecuting the case.
St. Louis Man Caught After 6 Years on the Run Admits Robbing Credit UnionRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man who was on the run for six years after he robbed a St. Louis, Missouri credit union pleaded guilty Tuesday.
Daniel Harris, 66, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of bank robbery. He admitted robbing a credit union in the 4400 block of Chippewa Street in St. Louis on March 15, 2017. Harris approached a teller and placed a note on the counter that read, “I have a gun give me the money now.” The teller handed Harris cash and he left, discarding two jackets and a baseball cap nearby. Investigators found those items and a receipt in a jacket pocket with Harris’ name. His image, captured on surveillance cameras during the robbery, was identified by a relative and a former employer. Harris was indicted Oct. 11, 2017. He was located by the FBI in Phoenix and arrested there on August 9, 2023.
Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2025. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Lane is 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.
St. Louis County Man Admits Being Caught Again with Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis County man only recently released from custody for possession of child pornography on Tuesday admitted being caught with the material while on home confinement.
John V. Knowles IV, 45, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Tuesday to one count of possession of child pornography. He admitted that after his release from prison in a 2018 child pornography case, he was again in possession of child sexual abuse material. Knowles downloaded the material after police initially searched his home and seized computer equipment, but before he was indicted for the 2018 case.
Knowles was released into home confinement from a halfway house on Sept. 1, 2023. When probation officers visited 11 days later, they spotted electronic devices, including iPads, iPhones and laptops, that Knowles was prohibited from possessing or accessing under the terms of his supervised release. A court-approved search of the electronics found child sexual abuse material, Knowles’ plea agreement says.
Knowles is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 30, 2025. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine.
The FBI, the U.S. Probation Office and the St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang is 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 the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Southeast Missouri Man Sentenced to 179 Months in Prison on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced southeast Missouri man to 179 months in prison for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material.
Justin Wade Welker, 40, was caught after the FBI office in Detroit learned that two people were discussing engaging in sex acts with a minor on the Kik messaging and chat app. The FBI traced one of the participants to Welker’s home in the village of Sedgewickville, in Bollinger County, Missouri. FBI agents approached Welker at work, and he admitted viewing child pornography via Kik. His phone also contained child sexual abuse material.
Welker pleaded guilty in U.S District Court in Cape Girardeau in August to one count of receipt of child pornography.
The FBI and the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter is 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 the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Second Man Indicted for Series of Robberies in Polk, Marion, and Hillsborough CountiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging Ron Yarde (23, Hillsborough) with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery. If convicted, Yarde faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Yarde is the second individual charged in connection with these offenses. His alleged accomplice, Malcolm Green, was indicted on September 12, 2024, and is currently pending trial. If convicted, Green faces a minimum sentence of seven years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to court documents, between May 27 and July 27, 2024, Yarde, Green, and one other co-conspirator committed a series of robberies in Brooksville, Ocala, and Tampa, robbing a convenience store, a drug store, a gas station and two retail stores. At the time he committed these robberies, Yarde was on state probation for various offenses, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, burglary, grand theft, and carrying a concealed firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — John Damian, 30, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb to two years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on Nov. 8, 2023, law enforcement officers attempted to serve a search warrant on an armed robbery suspect who was walking with Damian. Damian was on parole for multiple felonies and was subject to a search clause. Damian initially hesitated to comply with the law enforcement officers’ commands and attempted to go around the side of the robbery suspect’s vehicle. But as the officers approached him, he admitted to having a gun. A loaded Glock 27 semi-automatic firearm was found in his right sweatshirt pocket. The firearm contained a 13-round magazine loaded with .40 caliber ammunition, but no round in the chamber. In his left sweatshirt pocket, detectives located approximately 20.74 grams of cocaine. Damian has previously been convicted of multiple felonies including assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, being a felon in possession of a firearm, assault on person with a semi-automatic firearm, and willful discharge of a firearm in a negligent manner.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew De Moura 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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.
Real Estate Development Executive Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Bribery Scheme with Corrupt San Luis Obispo County SupervisorRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An executive at a San Luis Obispo-based real estate development company was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for paying a local politician nearly $95,000 in bribes and gifts in exchange for official acts benefiting the company’s development projects.
Ryan Wright, 38, of Grover Beach, was sentenced by United States District Judge Percy Anderson. Judge Anderson also scheduled a restitution hearing for January 27, 2025.
Wright, who has been in federal custody since October 2023, pleaded guilty on September 13 to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
Wright was a managing member of PB Companies, LLC, a San Luis Obispo-based real estate development business, and had previously served as the company’s CEO until December 2015. In 2014, PB Companies had multiple projects in the works, including in the city and county of San Luis Obispo.
From at least June 2014 to March 2017, Wright illegally conspired to bribe Adam Hill, an elected member of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. Hill represented the Third District, which included a majority of the city of San Luis Obispo. Hill voted on matters appearing before the Board of Supervisors, including budget bills that affected the city, and by virtue of his elected position, had influence over matters occurring within the city and in the city’s departments and commissions.
Specifically, Wright bribed Hill with money and other financial benefits. In exchange, the supervisor used his official position to help Wright secure approvals necessary for PB Companies’ real estate development projects, including by voting on two projects. Hill further used his official position to advise and influence other public officials deciding the fate of PB Companies’ projects, including city officials and individuals appointed to city commissions.
In total, as part of this conspiracy, Wright arranged for Hill or his shell company to receive nearly $95,000 in payments, including a $10,000 wire in November 2016 just over a month after Hill voted on one of PB Companies’ projects. Wright also paid for Hill’s flight, hotel, and front-row ticket to a Major League playoff game in San Francisco in October 2014.
Hill died in August 2020.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas F. Rybarczyk, Billy Joe McLain, and Daniel J. O’Brien of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section prosecuted this case.