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19 December 2024
Texas Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Prison for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Rosharon, Texas, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months of imprisonment on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Daniel Saucedo, 34.
According to information presented to the Court, on or about July 28, 2023, Saucedo attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti stated that Saucedo’s conduct was particularly serious because Saucedo traveled to Pittsburgh specifically to receive a kilogram of cocaine through the U.S. mail and then distribute it to a local drug dealer. Judge Conti emphasized the pervasive harms that drug trafficking and drug abuse have within communities.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Saucedo.
Tennessee Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking in Bowling Green, KentuckyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Following a two-day trial, a federal jury in the Western District of Kentucky convicted Portier Q. Govan, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee, of all counts in a five-count indictment, including sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Govan’s co-defendant, Brittany R. Howard, 25, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, pleaded guilty on Oct. 30 to interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation.
“This defendant used extreme threats of violence to compel an 18-year-old victim to engage in commercial sex, even holding a gun to her head to terrify, control and coerce her for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant sought to cover up his crime by repeatedly intimidating a witness to lie for him. A unanimous jury has found the defendant guilty of his heinous conduct, and our prosecution should make clear that we will not tolerate sex trafficking in our country. The Justice Department will use all the tools at our disposal to hold human traffickers accountable, to seek justice for survivors, and to protect survivors from harm.”
“I commend the prosecution team, FBI’s Bowling Green Resident Agency and the Bowling Green Police Department for their outstanding work on this case,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “We are committed to the aggressive investigation and prosecution of human trafficking wherever it occurs in the Western District. I strongly encourage the public to report any suspected human trafficking to law enforcement.”
“This defendant preyed on a vulnerable young woman, threatening her with physical violence and even death if she didn’t comply with his demands,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough. “The woman was forced to engage in commercial sex while the defendant profited from her suffering. Tragically, this is a reality that unfolds far too often in our communities. The FBI is fully committed to using every resource at our disposal to identify perpetrators, hold them accountable and put an end to the devastating crime of sex trafficking.”
Evidence presented during the trial established that Govan and Howard met the victim at a gas station in Bowling Green and convinced her to come back to their hotel room where they recruited and enticed her to engage in commercial sex by making false promises of making good money. Govan continued his enticement attempts by taking the victim on a shopping trip to two shopping malls in Tennessee, and when they returned to Bowling Green later that night, Govan and Howard convinced the victim to participate with Howard in seeing a commercial sex customer. From that moment on, Govan’s attitude toward the victim changed, as he became demanding, intimidating and threatening. Govan ordered the victim to make eye contact with him while speaking, and even threatened to kill the victim, pressing a pistol against her head while she was in the front passenger seat of a car, then lowering the gun and firing a bullet across her lap, missing her body by inches. Govan further scared the victim by showing her a video of himself beating a defenseless man tied to a chair. Govan sexually assaulted the victim, and for four days compelled her to engage in commercial sex for his profit by threatening to hurt her. Upon being discovered by the police, Govan attempted to interfere with the investigation by having Howard lie for him and prevent the police from speaking to the victim, and after his arrest, he sought to obstruct the prosecution by passing letters to Howard in the jail instructing her to lie.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2025. Govan faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Howard will face a sentencing hearing on March 9, 2025.
The FBI Louisville Field Office, Bowling Green Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Bowling Green Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
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Tennessee Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking in Bowling Green, KentuckyRead the Press Release
Following a two-day trial, a federal jury in the Western District of Kentucky convicted Portier Q. Govan, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee, of all counts in a five-count indictment, including sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Govan’s co-defendant, Brittany R. Howard, 25, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, pleaded guilty on Oct. 30 to interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation.
“This defendant used extreme threats of violence to compel an 18-year-old victim to engage in commercial sex, even holding a gun to her head to terrify, control and coerce her for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant sought to cover up his crime by repeatedly intimidating a witness to lie for him. A unanimous jury has found the defendant guilty of his heinous conduct, and our prosecution should make clear that we will not tolerate sex trafficking in our country. The Justice Department will use all the tools at our disposal to hold human traffickers accountable, to seek justice for survivors, and to protect survivors from harm.”
“I commend the prosecution team, FBI’s Bowling Green Resident Agency and the Bowling Green Police Department for their outstanding work on this case,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “We are committed to the aggressive investigation and prosecution of human trafficking wherever it occurs in the Western District. I strongly encourage the public to report any suspected human trafficking to law enforcement.”
“This defendant preyed on a vulnerable young woman, threatening her with physical violence and even death if she didn’t comply with his demands,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “The woman was forced to engage in commercial sex while the defendant profited from her suffering. Tragically, this is a reality that unfolds far too often in our communities. The FBI is fully committed to using every resource at our disposal to identify perpetrators, hold them accountable and put an end to the devastating crime of sex trafficking.”
Evidence presented during the trial established that Govan and Howard met the victim at a gas station in Bowling Green and convinced her to come back to their hotel room where they recruited and enticed her to engage in commercial sex by making false promises of making good money. Govan continued his enticement attempts by taking the victim on a shopping trip to two shopping malls in Tennessee, and when they returned to Bowling Green later that night, Govan and Howard convinced the victim to participate with Howard in seeing a commercial sex customer. From that moment on, Govan’s attitude toward the victim changed, as he became demanding, intimidating and threatening. Govan ordered the victim to make eye contact with him while speaking, and even threatened to kill the victim, pressing a pistol against her head while she was in the front passenger seat of a car, then lowering the gun and firing a bullet across her lap, missing her body by inches. Govan further scared the victim by showing her a video of himself beating a defenseless man tied to a chair. Govan sexually assaulted the victim, and for four days compelled her to engage in commercial sex for his profit by threatening to hurt her. Upon being discovered by the police, Govan attempted to interfere with the investigation by having Howard lie for him and prevent the police from speaking to the victim, and after his arrest, he sought to obstruct the prosecution by passing letters to Howard in the jail instructing her to lie.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2025, and Howard will face a sentencing hearing on March 9, 2025. Govan faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Louisville Field Office, Bowling Green Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Bowling Green Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Stilwell Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Clint Rogers Chuculate, a/k/a Clint Robert Chuculate, age 40, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Indictment of one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
The Indictment alleged that on September 19, 2024, Chuculate knowingly and intentionally possessed methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, which he intended to distribute.
The crime occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, 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. Chuculate will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael E. Robinson and T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
Steven’s County Man Charged with First-Degree Murder for the Death of a Mother and Daughter 27 Years AgoRead the Press Release
Stevens County, Washington – The Stevens County Prosecuting Attorney, Erika George, and U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref, announced today charges against Charles Lloyd Tatom with first degree murder in the death of 29-year-old Marlene Emerson and her 12-year-old daughter, Cassie Emerson. The murders occurred in summer 1997 and involved a decades-long investigation by both state and federal law enforcement. Recent developments in the investigation include new DNA tests that were completed over the summer of 2024. Tatom, who is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law, is charged by way of information in Stevens County Superior Court. Tatom is scheduled to make his first appearance Friday at 11:00am.
According to court documents, early in the morning of June 27, 1997, firefighters responded to a mobile home fire in Colville, Washington. By the time crews arrived just after 4:00 am, the roof of the tailer had collapsed, and flames were shooting up to 15 feet above the roofline. After firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, firefighters found the remains of Marlene Emerson inside the home. The doctor that conducted an autopsy on Emerson’s remains concluded the manner of death was homicide. Later examination of Emerson’s remains revealed evidence of knife cuts on her neck. Fire investigators from Stevens County at the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the fire found evidence that gasoline had been poured on the floor before it was ignited.
Emerson’s daughter, Cassie, was missing and was presumed to have been abducted. A month later, twelve-year old Cassie’s body was recovered in a wooded area above Orin Rice Road. Forensic examination of Cassie’s remains found evidence of knife marks on her neck.
During the decades-long investigation, law enforcement interviewed numerous people who were living in the trailer park at the time of the murder or who were associated in some manner with Emerson. Residents of the trailer park reported hearing a boom just before 4:00 am, followed by the sound of a loud vehicle leaving the area. Shortly after the fire, investigators focused on a Chevy Blazer that allegedly was being driven by Charles Tatom at the time of the fire. The Blazer had a modified exhaust system that amplified the sound of its engine.
During a forensic examination of the Chevy Blazer, investigators found a red stain on the interior of the rear passenger window. The stain tested positive for the presence of blood. DNA was recovered from the sample that was consistent with originating from Cassie. Investigators recovered other DNA samples that pointed to both Cassie and Tatom being in the vehicle. A mixed sample of DNA was also recovered from a cigarette butt found in the Blazer that was consistent with both Tatom and Cassie.
People who were familiar with Marlene Emerson reported to investigators that Emmerson had been associating with people involved in the outlaw motorcycle club community in the Colville area. One witness reported that Tatom hid a blood-stained knife near the home of a former leader in the outlaw motorcycle club community. According to the witness, Tatom later recovered the knife and claimed that the blood was from gutting an animal. A witness also reported that on the evening before the fire Tatom took some cans of gasoline from a shop on the property where he was living. This same witness reported that when Tatom returned the next morning, his hair appeared singed, and he had a burn on his ankle. Another witness reported that he disposed of the seat covers from the Blazer the morning after the fire.
The First-Degree Aggravated murder charges against Tatom carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
“I am grateful for the law enforcement agents and officers, who have dedicated more than two decades of their careers to identifying those responsible for Marlene and Cassie’s murders,” stated Stevens County Prosecuting Attorney, Erika George. “The Stevens County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding violent offenders accountable and seeking justice on behalf of victims and their families.”
United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, “One of my top priorities as U.S. Attorney has been to strengthen our relationship with state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. When we partner together, we are able to do so much more to keep Eastern Washington communities safe and strong.”
The decades-long investigation was conducted by the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, ATF, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Stevens County Prosecuting Attorney, Erika George. For many years, a parallel federal investigation was carried forward by Assistant United States Attorneys Earl Hicks and Timothy Ohms. In recent months, Timothy Ohms also assisted as a Special Stevens County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.
A probable cause statement can be found at the link below:
emerson_-_filed_information_pc_stmt.pdfAn information is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Charles County Man Sentenced for Multiple Vehicle-Related FraudsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Thursday sentenced a man to 33 months in prison for selling the same vehicle multiple times online and defrauding other vehicle owners and a welding company.
Ronald Johnson, 57, of St. Peters, pleaded guilty in May to one felony count of wire fraud and admitted owning a car restoration business known as Full Out Customs LLC. He used social media, including Facebook, to advertise vehicles for sale and vehicle repair services.
In 2022, Johnson tricked a victim from Pennsylvania into paying $41,750 for a 2002 Ford Excursion that he’d already sold to a victim in South Dakota for $45,000. He gave the title to the South Dakota buyer and the SUV to the Pennsylvania buyer, meaning the Pennsylvania victim could not lawfully register the vehicle.
Between Nov. 18, 2021, and Jan. 31, 2022, Johnson took $149,843 from another victim by falsely claiming he would use the money for vehicle repairs and parts.
Between September and December of 2021, Johnson ordered $47,088 in welding equipment with no intention of paying for it. He wrote a check from a closed bank account to pay for the equipment. The victim company was able to recover some of the equipment.
Johnson admitted falsifying car titles, emails and other documents to misrepresent the true status of repair work and the ownership of vehicles.
Judge Fleissig determined that Johnson intended to cause financial losses of $315,142. He was ordered Thursday to repay victims.
The case was investigated by the St. Charles Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield, Mass. man pleaded guilty today in federal court to drug and gun offenses.
JoPaul McKreith, 46, pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine; aiding and abetting and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; aiding and abetting; felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes; and unlawful possession of a machinegun. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for April 1, 2025. McKreith was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 16, 2024.
McKreith possessed with the intent to distribute drugs between March 15 and May 2, 2024. McKreith also possessed a machine gun and ammunition on May 2, 2024, after previously being convicted of a felony.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession of an interstate firearm and ammunition by a felon provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of a machine gun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony provides for a sentence of at least five years up to life which must be consecutive to any sentence imposed on any other count, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Spencer Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Possessing Kilograms of Counterfeit Adderall Pills Intended for DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Spencer man was sentenced today for possessing over 5.2 kilograms of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine.
Jabriel Nabulsi, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to eight years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In June 2024, Nabulsi pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
After being identified as a distributor of significant quantities of counterfeit Adderall pills, law enforcement approached Nabulsi’s vehicle as he drove toward his residence in Spencer on Dec. 27, 2023. Upon noticing law enforcement, Nabulsi exited his vehicle in a neighbor’s driveway and, with a blue bag in his hand, attempted to flee on foot. Nabulsi tossed the blue bag in the driveway and was immediately apprehended.
Approximately 19 individual vacuum-sealed clear plastic bags containing orange pills marked “AD/30” – with a total combined weight of approximately 5.25 kilograms – were found inside the blue bag. The substances contained in each of the plastic bags field-tested positive for methamphetamine. In addition, a single vacuum-sealed clear plastic bag containing approximately 300 grams of a white substance that field-tested positive for the presence of cocaine was also found in the blue bag. Smaller quantities of substances that field-tested positive for the presence of cocaine were recovered from Nabulsi’s vehicle.United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Worcester Interim Police Chief Paul Saucier made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Southern California Political Operative Arrested on Federal Complaint Alleging He Acted as Illegal Agent of People’s Republic of ChinaRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – FBI agents this morning arrested a Chino Hills man on federal charges that allege he acted as an illegal agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including while serving as the campaign manager for a political candidate who was elected in 2022 to the city council of a Southern California city.
Yaoning “Mike” Sun, 64, was arrested without incident and is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
A criminal complaint filed Tuesday and unsealed this morning charges Sun with acting as an illegal agent of a foreign power. Sun is also charged with conspiring with another man, Chen Jun, who was sentenced to federal prison last month for acting as an illegal agent of the PRC government and plotting to target U.S.-based practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice banned in China.
According to the complaint, Sun served as the campaign manager and close personal confidante for a Southern California politician (described in the affidavit as “Individual 1”) who was running for local elected office in 2022. During the campaign, Sun allegedly communicated with Chen regarding his efforts to get Individual 1 elected. Chen discussed with Chinese government officials how the PRC could “influence” local politicians in the United States, particularly on the issue of Taiwan, according to the complaint. In November 2022, shortly after Individual 1 was elected to office, Chen instructed Sun to prepare a report on the election that was sent to Chinese government officials, who responded positively and expressed thanks, according to the complaint affidavit. Chen also sent a message to Individual 1 stating that Individual 1 was “doing a good job, I hope you can continue the good work, make Chinese people proud,” the affidavit states.
“The conduct alleged in this complaint is deeply concerning – the defendant is charged with acting on behalf of the People’s Republic of China to influence our political system,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We cannot permit hostile foreign powers to meddle in the governance of our country. My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize the security of our nation and the preservation of the liberties that make this country the envy of the world.”
“This case highlights the breadth of the PRC’s relentless intelligence and malign influence activities targeting the United States,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI will continue to use all the tools at its disposal to identify PRC intelligence operations, disrupt PRC information laundering networks, and bring to justice those who seek to engage in criminal conspiracies to undermine the integrity of our elected officials.”
About a month after Individual 1’s election, Chen arranged a lunch at a Rowland Heights restaurant with Sun and others, a gathering that Chen described to a PRC official as a “core member lunch,” the affidavit alleges. Chen subsequently described the lunch as “successful” as participants agreed to establish a “US-China Friendship Promotional Association.” While Individual 1 did not attend the meeting, Chen described Individual 1 as being part of the association and Sun serving as vice president. “This is the basic team dedicated for us,” Chen wrote to the Chinese government official.
Chen instructed Sun in early 2023 to write up another report for Chinese officials describing “you and me cultivating and assisting [Individual 1’s] success,” according to the affidavit. In a February 2023 draft of Sun’s report, Sun described his personal background, his history of working against “Chinese secessionist forces,” and boasted that, “most proudly of all, during the 2022 U.S. midterm elections, I orchestrated and organized my team to win the election for city council member candidate [Individual 1].” In subsequent communications outlined in the affidavit, Chen instructed Sun to include a section on Individual 1, who was to be described as a “New Political Star” with connections to other prominent politicians. The affidavit also states that Chen and Sun discussed their “past struggle fighting Taiwanese independence forces . . . over the years and fighting ‘FLG’ [Falun Gong] influences” in a California city.
In February 2023, Sun and Chen drafted a second report to PRC officials that requested an $80,000 budget to fund additional pro-PRC activities and to combat “anti-China forces” in the United States.
After Chen and Sun discussed a planned trip to the PRC to meet with “leadership,” and after Chen directed Sun to schedule a meeting with the Chinese consul general in Los Angeles, Sun and Individual 1 traveled to China in late August 2023.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The charge of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The charge of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States carries a maximum statutory sentence of five years.
This FBI is conducting the ongoing investigation in this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney David Ryan, Chief of the National Security Division, and Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Elbogen of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Garrett Coyle of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section in the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
South Lake Tahoe Man Indicted on 12 Counts of Wire Fraud in Cryptocurrency Trading ScamRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 12-count indictment against Daniel Chartraw, 51, formerly of South Lake Tahoe, charging him with wire fraud, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Chartraw was responsible for defrauding multiple victims in a cryptocurrency investment scheme. Chartraw claimed that his companies, Crypto-Pal LLC and TDA Global, were developing and possessed a proprietary algorithm that was capable of generating exceptional returns on cryptocurrency investments. However, instead of investing money from his victims as he promised, Chartraw used the money to fund his personal lifestyle and travel.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Delaney is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Chartraw faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would 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. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Slidell Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 18, 2024, CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL SOMMERS (“SOMMERS”), age 42, of Slidell, La., was sentenced for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced SOMMERS to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by a fifteen (15) year term of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The defendant’s sentence was subject to a sentencing enhancement of a ten-year mandatory minimum because of a conviction on December 13, 2011, in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, for Receipt of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2).
According to court documents, the case against SOMMERS developed from an undercover online investigation by the Apache Junction Police Department in Arizona into those individuals who were sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material (“CSAM”). As a result, on April 3, 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) special agents, along with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, executed a federal search warrant at SOMMERS’s residence in Slidell. During the execution of the search warrant, SOMMERS was found in possession of a Samsung 256 gigabyte USB thumb drive containing 950 images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of minors.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the St Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office; The Apache Junction Police Department; and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Seven-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to Seven YearsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan has sentenced Anthony Tyrone Mackey (41, Jacksonville) to seven years in federal prison for possessing firearms as a convicted felon. A federal jury found Mackey guilty on August 27, 2024.
According to court documents and trial testimony, on March 29, 2023, officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stopped Mackey for a traffic infraction when he was driving on the wrong side of the road. At the time, Mackey was the sole occupant of the vehicle. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located cocaine and methamphetamine in the front passenger seat, a 12-gauge shotgun on the back passenger-side floorboard, and a .25 caliber pistol in a backpack sitting on the back passenger seat.
DNA analysis later showed that Mackey’s DNA was found on the shotgun and the shotgun’s magazine. Mackey was previously convicted of seven felonies, including possession of a short-barreled shotgun, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault, and aggravated fleeing or attempted to elude a law enforcement officer. As a convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Cannizzaro and Brenna Falzetta.
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.
San Diego Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Bribing an IRS Officer to Wipe Away Tax DebtRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Business owner Wahead Raz pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he paid an Internal Revenue Service officer $35,000 to wipe away his half million-dollar tax debt.
On July 23, 2024, Raz offered the bribe to an IRS revenue officer during a meeting at the San Diego IRS office to discuss his outstanding tax debt of approximately $500,000. After the meeting, the IRS officer immediately reported the bribe to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and agreed to be part of an undercover operation to record Raz’s crime.
“Attempting to bribe an IRS officer is not just a terrible idea—it’s a federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Not surprisingly, the integrity of the IRS held firm, ensuring this defendant will be accountable for both his unpaid taxes and attempting to undermine the system.”
“Today’s actions send a clear message: Individuals who attempt to bribe IRS officials will be prosecuted for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Rod Ammari. “The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) is committed to protecting the integrity and mission of the IRS. We are grateful for the strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office that ensured this individual was held accountable for trying to undermine federal tax administration.”
On July 24, 2024, TIGTA conducted a video recorded meeting between the IRS officer and Raz at the IRS office in San Diego. During the meeting, Raz told the IRS officer that he could pay in cash so the bribe would not be traceable.
On July 25, 2024, the IRS officer conducted a recorded telephone call to Raz. During the call, Raz told the IRS officer: “If you save me money, then I’ll take care of you,” and asked the IRS officer to name a price. When the officer asked for $30,000 in exchange for wiping out Raz’s personal tax debt, Raz countered with $20,000. After the IRS officer insisted on $30,000, Raz agreed, offering to pay $10,000 up front and the remaining $20,000 when Raz’s tax debt was cleared.
On July 30, 2024, TIGTA conducted a video and audio recorded meeting between the IRS officer and Raz at a coffee shop in San Diego. During the meeting, Raz provided the previously agreed upon $10,000 cash payment to the IRS officer. Raz also asked the IRS officer to eliminate the approximately $50,000 tax debt owed by Raz’s business and offered to pay the officer an additional $5,000 to have the debt cancelled.
On August 22, 2024, TIGTA conducted a video and audio recorded meeting between the IRS officer and Raz at the same coffee shop in San Diego. During the meeting, Raz gave the officer $15,000 in cash and told the officer he did not have the entire $25,000 as originally agreed upon. Raz promised to provide the remaining $10,000 by the following Wednesday. During the meeting, the officer told Raz that he was taking a big risk by accepting the bribe. Raz stated that he understood the risk taken by the IRS officer and that the officer could go to jail for it.
On August 29, 2024, TIGTA conducted a video and audio recorded meeting between the IRS officer and Raz in San Diego. During that meeting, Raz paid $10,000 in cash to complete the $35,000 bribe payment. Raz asked for assurance that the IRS officer would clear all the taxes owed by Raz and his business.
During two of the recorded meetings, Raz voluntarily offered to introduce to the IRS officer other “clients” who also owed taxes to the IRS. Raz later indicated that one of those potential “clients” thought it was dangerous for Raz to do this and did not believe it would work out. Raz told the IRS officer that he would introduce the agent to the potential “client” once Raz’s tax debt was cleared.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge John A. Houston.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Conover.
DEFENDANT Case Number 24-CR-2647- JAH
Wahead Raz Age: 40 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Bribery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 201(b)(1)(A) and (C)
Maximum Penalties: Fifteen years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Romanian National Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison in Connection with NetWalker Ransomware Attacks Resulting in the Payment of Millions of Dollars in RansomsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - A Romanian man was sentenced today for his role in the NetWalker ransomware attacks to 20 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $21,500,000 and his interests in an Indonesian limited liability company and associated luxury resort property under construction in Bali, Indonesia — a business venture he financed with proceeds from the attacks. He was also ordered to pay $14,991,580.01 in restitution.
Daniel Christian Hulea, 30, of Jucu de Mijloc, Cluj, Romania, pleaded guilty in the Middle District of Florida to computer fraud conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy on June 20. According to court documents, Hulea admitted to participating in a conspiracy to use a sophisticated form of ransomware known as NetWalker. NetWalker ransomware has been used to target hundreds of victims all over the world, including companies, municipalities, hospitals, law enforcement, emergency services, school districts, colleges, and universities. NetWalker attacks specifically targeted the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking advantage of the global crisis to extort victims. As part of his plea agreement, Hulea admitted to using NetWalker to obtain approximately 1,595 bitcoin in ransom payments for himself and a co-conspirator, valued at approximately $21,500,000 at the time of the payments.
Romanian law enforcement officers arrested Hulea in Cluj, on July 11, 2023, pursuant to a request submitted by U.S. authorities. Hulea was subsequently extradited to the United States pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and Romania.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida; and Special Agent in Charge Matthew W. Fodor of the FBI Tampa Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Tampa Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in securing Hulea’s arrest and extradition. The U.S. Marshals Service transported Hulea from Romania to the United States.
Trial Attorney Sonia V. Jimenez of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlton C. Gammons and Suzanne Nebesky for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.
Romanian National Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison in Connection with NetWalker Ransomware Attacks Resulting in the Payment of Millions of Dollars in RansomsRead the Press Release
A Romanian man was sentenced today for his role in the NetWalker ransomware attacks to 20 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $21,500,000 and his interests in an Indonesian limited liability company and associated luxury resort property under construction in Bali, Indonesia — a business venture he financed with proceeds from the attacks. He was also ordered to pay $14,991,580.01 in restitution.
Daniel Christian Hulea, 30, of Jucu de Mijloc, Cluj, Romania, pleaded guilty in the Middle District of Florida to computer fraud conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy on June 20. According to court documents, Hulea admitted to participating in a conspiracy to use a sophisticated form of ransomware known as NetWalker. NetWalker ransomware has been used to target hundreds of victims all over the world, including companies, municipalities, hospitals, law enforcement, emergency services, school districts, colleges, and universities. NetWalker attacks specifically targeted the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking advantage of the global crisis to extort victims. As part of his plea agreement, Hulea admitted to using NetWalker to obtain approximately 1,595 bitcoin in ransom payments for himself and a co-conspirator, valued at approximately $21,500,000 at the time of the payments.
Romanian law enforcement officers arrested Hulea in Cluj, on July 11, 2023, pursuant to a request submitted by U.S. authorities. Hulea was subsequently extradited to the United States pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and Romania.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida; and Special Agent in Charge Matthew W. Fodor of the FBI Tampa Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Tampa Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in securing Hulea’s arrest and extradition. The U.S. Marshals Service transported Hulea from Romania to the United States.
Trial Attorney Sonia V. Jimenez of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlton C. Gammons and Suzanne Nebesky for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.
Rhode Island Man Sentenced for the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Used in a Fatal IncidentRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord for the unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.
Garrito “Tony” Fort, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 60 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. On October 16, 2023, Fort pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“As a convicted felon, the defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Despite that, he brought a loaded firearm to a fistfight, that he initiated,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “He had multiple opportunities to walk away. Instead, the defendant chose to escalate the encounter, resulting in the defendant shooting and killing a man, and severely wounding another. While no outcome could ever truly bring closure to the victims’ families, I hope that today’s sentence begins the healing process.”
“The defendant escalated a trivial argument over minor damage to a car by bringing a gun to the confrontation,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge ATF Boston Field Division “As a result of his reckless decisions, a father lost his life, and another man was seriously injured. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result when firearms are introduced into avoidable conflicts.”
On the evening of October 31, 2021, Fort thought he saw Christopher Colleti scratch his vehicle, a 2004 Nissan Maxima. The following morning, Fort grabbed a firearm to confront Coletti, who Fort had never spoken to or interacted with before. Coletti denied hitting Fort’s car, but Fort continued to accuse Coletti and an argument ensued. During the confrontation two bystanders separated Fort and Coletti, and Coletti walked away. However, Fort went after Coletti again and continued to accuse Coletti of hitting his car. Eventually, another man, Richard Janvrin Jr., saw Fort holding the gun and punched Fort to disarm him. Fort fired two shots, seriously wounding Janvrin Jr. and killing Coletti.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Seabrook Police Department, and New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Charles L. Rombeau prosecuted the case.
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Raleigh Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison in Connection with March 2023 ShootingRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced to 108 months in prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon that he used to shoot a person on March 21, 2023. On September 4, 2024, Robert Terrance Green, III pled guilty to the charges.
“Robert Terrance Green III is a dangerous felon who has demonstrated a reckless disregard for the lives and property of others. I am grateful that justice has been served to prevent him from further harming our community. The residents of Raleigh can sleep peacefully knowing that the Raleigh Police Department and our federal partners are committed to ridding our community of violent actors, such as Mr. Green. The sentencing of Green, III highlights our strong collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Raleigh Police Department takes pride in working alongside our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who threaten our community,” said Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson.
According to the indictment and information presented to the court, Robert Terrance Green, III, 43, possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon when he shot another man at an apartment complex in Raleigh on March 21, 2023. The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) quickly responded to the scene of shooting, where officers spoke with multiple witnesses. RPD learned that Green drove his vehicle through the entrance of the apartment complex and confronted the victim in a verbal altercation. Green shot numerous rounds of ammunition at the victim and struck the victim two times in the left leg. After shooting the victim, Green fled the scene. The victim was transported to WakeMed Hospital. On March 27, 2023, RPD officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle drive Green. A search of the vehicle produced the firearm used in the shooting at the apartment complex at the time of his arrest. Following his arrest, Green admitted to shooting the victim.
Green has previously been convicted of felony offenses, including assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon or instrument, unlawful possession of a handgun, and threats of violence.
This conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, and interagency coordination and intelligence-led policing.
Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after the sentencing concluded. U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle presided over the sentencing. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaren E. Kelly prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-78-BO.
Postal Service Supervisor Arrested on Complaint Alleging Theft of $281,000 in Checks from Mail then Deposited into Her Bank AccountsRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A United States Postal Service supervisor was arrested this morning on a federal criminal complaint alleging she stole more than 20 checks from the U.S. mail and deposited them into her accounts at multiple different banks.
Joivian Tjuana Hayes, 36, of Compton, who is a supervisor at the Costa Mesa Post Office, is expected to make her initial court appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in Santa Ana. A criminal complaint filed Wednesday charges Hayes with one count of bank fraud.
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, since July 2024, Hayes deposited more than 20 checks that had been stolen from the mail at the Costa Mesa Post Office into her bank accounts at various banks. Hayes allegedly deposited those checks, which had forged signatures of the payees, including one check for more than $114,000. ATM surveillance video shows Hayes making deposits of multiple stolen checks with forged signatures at ATMs in Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, and Compton.
Hayes’s scheme allegedly involved more than $281,000 in stolen checks that she deposited into her bank accounts. According to the affidavit, Hayes is also suspected of stealing tens of thousands of dollars in currency and gold coins from mail that had been processed through the Costa Mesa Post Office.
Federal agents executed search warrants this morning at Hayes’s residence in Compton and of her 2023 BMW vehicle.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of the bank fraud offense alleged in the complaint, Hayes would face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.
The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Charles E. Pell of the Orange County Office is prosecuting the case.
Pennsylvania Man Convicted of Wheeling Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury has convicted a Pennsylvania man of an Ohio County bank robbery, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Following a two-day trial, Frank L. Morrison, 58, of Braddock Hills, Pennsylvania, was found guilty of bank robbery on Wednesday.
On September 4, 2018, Morrison walked into United Bank in Elm Grove wearing a mask and demanded money from two tellers, obtaining more than $4,200 before fleeing. The jury viewed surveillance video which captured footage of the defendant disposing of his mask and other items into a nearby dumpster. Investigators recovered the material and obtained DNA evidence from the mask that matched with Morrison.
Morrison has a lengthy criminal history, including prior convictions for armed bank robbery, robbery, and access device fraud. He is presently serving an 87-month sentence due to federal firearms convictions in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
“Frank Morrison has made a living committing crimes throughout the region, but his criminal career is now over,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “We will seek a sentence that will keep Mr. Morrison behind bars for the rest of his life so that he can no longer terrorize the public.”
Morrison faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the Wheeling bank robbery conviction, and the United States will seek to have that sentence run consecutively to the term he is currently serving, according to Ihlenfeld.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton Reid and Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Investigative agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Wheeling Police Department.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Parker Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Child AbuseRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Frank John Kinale, III, 38, of Parker, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Kinale pleaded guilty to Child Abuse on September 3, 2024.
On September 21, 2021, Kinale drove while he was intoxicated with two minor victims in his vehicle and caused a single-vehicle rollover crash. The minor victims were injured as a result of the crash. The crash occurred on the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Indian Reservation and Kinale and the victims are enrolled members of the CRIT Tribe.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney, Christina J. Reid-Moore, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-24-00522-PHX-DLR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-178_Kinale# # #
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.Owner of chain of Bikini Barista coffee stands sentenced for failing to report up to $6 million in incomeRead the Press Release
Seattle –The owner of a string of bikini barista coffee stands was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 10 months in prison and a $75,000 fine for making and subscribing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Between 2016 and 2020 Assad Baragzai, 47, of Yarrow Point, Washington, failed to report as much as $6 million in income on his tax returns. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tana Lin said, the tax system “is an honor system… and you weren’t honorable. (There was) absolutely no reason for you to be cheating on your taxes except for pure greed.”
“Our government relies on the 85 percent of Americans who each year pay the taxes they owe to keep communities safe, and provide all the other important services we need,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “Mr. Baragzai had great business success, but failed to fund the community that made that success possible. Such conduct is not erased by paying what is owed some five years later – it is appropriate that he serve prison time for his willful tax fraud.”
According to records in the case, Baragzai significantly under-reported his income when he provided information to his tax accountant. The government believes that the tax loss over the five years that Baragzai underreported his income is more than $1.7 million. The tax loss in 2017 alone is more than $687,000. Baragzai disputes the government figures and argued that he had some legitimate deductions making the tax loss is $1.3 million. Judge Lin determined the tax loss was $1,348, 154.
In asking for a two-year prison term Assistant United States Attorney Mike Dion wrote to the court, “Assad Baragzai reaped the benefits of American society but somehow convinced himself that he did not need to pay his share of the costs that support that society. All Americans pay a price for this kind of selfishness. For example, school lunches are provided by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. But for this prosecution, Baragzai’s tax fraud would have cost the government the equivalent of 462,000 school lunches.”
“Instead of paying his fair share toward public resources as every law-abiding American does, Mr. Baragzai misrepresented his income to furnish an already-lavish lifestyle,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office.
Baragzai is the second defendant to be sentenced in this investigation. In October 2024, Baragzai’s brother-in-law, 45-year-old Rajesh Mathew, of Auburn, Washington, was sentenced to 30 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and 100 hours of community service for making and subscribing a false tax return.
Baragzai has agreed to pay restitution to the IRS. He may also face additional civil penalties, fines, and interest for the tax loss.
The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Dion.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Daniella M. Fedail, age 30, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced December 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for distributing methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Fedail to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Fedail’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On November 15, 2023, DEA confidential source (CS) made a controlled purchase of 1 pound of meth. The CS first met with Hanna Faust aka “Williams” at a buy location in mid-town Omaha. Faust then made a call to her supplier who advised that a silver Impala would be arriving. Fedail drove to the parking lot and accepted the buy money and handed over the drug package containing 464 grams of meth.
On December 21, 2023, DEA obtained a federal search warrant for Fedail’s Omaha home. She was arrested and read her Miranda rights. She acknowledged engaging in narcotics trafficking.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 151 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Edward Charles Lynch, age 76, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on December 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for possession of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Lynch to 151 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Lynch’s release from prison, he will begin an 8-year term of supervised release. Judge Buescher ordered Lynch to pay $114,000 in restitution and $7,600 in special assessments.
On June 16, 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received information from Microsoft Bing Image - Online Operations about images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct being uploaded by a user of the online service. Law enforcement identified the IP address associated with the file upload and determined the subscriber assigned the IP address was Lynch. The IP address was associated with Lynch’s residence in Omaha.
On October 19, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lynch’s residence and seized a computer belonging to Lynch. A forensic review of Lynch’s computer identified 443,731 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Lynch was previously convicted on or about November 1, 1996, of Sexual Assault of Child in Sarpy County, Nebraska.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Program FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Henry T. Lewis, age 57, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on December 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for wire fraud. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Lewis to five years’ probation and ordered him to pay $210,846.26 in restitution, with credit for $20,000.00 Lewis paid before sentencing.
During 2020 and 2021, Lewis, assisted by another person, submitted applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program loans. Those loan programs were created or expanded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, which was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The applications misrepresented how much Lewis’s business had paid employees in past compensation and how much revenue Lewis’s business had received, resulting in applications for significantly inflated loan amounts under the PPP and EIDL programs. The PPP applications were supported by false tax documents Lewis had signed. The fraudulent applications on behalf of Lewis sought loans totaling approximately $348,494.50, and he obtained $195,497.00.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General.
Ohio Resident Sentenced to More Than 7.5 Years in Prison for Fentanyl and Fluorofentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Youngstown, Ohio, resident was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and fluorofentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Teqwan Scott, 29, also ordering Scott to serve four years of supervised release following his prison term. Scott previously pleaded guilty in this case to conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 10 grams or more of fluorofentanyl.
Prior to sentencing, the Court was informed that Scott was responsible for trafficking between 40 and 70 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and fluorofentanyl from May 2021 to October 2022, during which time Scott was on bond with a pending state fentanyl trafficking charge in Venango County, Pennsylvania. Scott had already been convicted in Ohio of committing several crimes since 2014, including domestic violence, aggravated possession of drugs, illegal conveyance of prohibited items onto the grounds of a detention facility, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Mercer County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Sharon Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Scott.
Oahu Man Indicted for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy and Possessing and Discharging FirearmRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced that, on December 19, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Blane Apostadiro, 47, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, charging him with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl; possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl; using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; and illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon and unlawful drug user.
According to the indictment and details from a previously unsealed criminal complaint, on October 27, 2024, Honolulu Police Department (“HPD”) officers observed Apostadiro driving a stolen vehicle. Apostadiro abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. While fleeing, Apostadiro discharged a privately manufactured firearm, also known as a “ghost gun,” prompting HPD officers to discharge their weapons in defense. Apostadiro was incapacitated during the exchange and taken into custody. HPD officers discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, digital scales, plastic baggies, ammunition, a lower receiver, and a loaded “ghost gun” in Apostadiro’s possession. Additional controlled substances and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the stolen vehicle.
“Both fentanyl and ghost guns pose a grave threat to public safety, putting both law enforcement and innocent community members at risk,” said United States Attorney Clare E. Connors. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold armed drug dealers accountable in the criminal justice system for the significant harm they inflict.”
If convicted of all counts, Apostadiro faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, including a combined mandatory minimum of 20 years for the drug and firearm charges, and fines of up to $10 million.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Honolulu Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Slack and Wayne A. Myers.
New Hope Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking, Extortion, and Production of Child Pornography and Agrees to 40-Year Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A New Hope man pleaded guilty today to stalking and extorting a woman and producing child pornography involving two minor victims, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
Donald Wayne Carmody, 30, of New Hope, Alabama, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke to cyberstalking, two counts of extortion, and two counts of production of child pornography.
According to the plea agreement, Carmody used anonymous text messages to threaten to release pictures of the victim on the internet if she did not send him intimate photographs. Carmody also obtained the victim’s login credentials for her social media accounts and accessed their contents. After Carmody was arrested on cyberstalking and extortion charges for this conduct, investigators discovered a USB thumb drive belonging to him that contained images of child pornography that involved two victims under the age of twelve. The FBI’s Video Forensic Analysis Unit compared the images from the thumb drive, which showed a person’s hand, to pictures of Carmody’s hands taken during the investigation. The Unit identified similar class and distinguishing characteristics between the images, demonstrating that the hand in the images on the thumb drive belonged to Carmody.
As part of the plea agreement, Carmody stipulated to a 480-month sentence of imprisonment for the offenses. If the Court rejects the stipulated sentence, Carmody or the United States could withdraw from the plea agreement.
The maximum penalty for cyberstalking is five years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for extortion is two years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for production of child pornography is 30 years imprisonment. Each offense also carries the possibility of a $250,000 fine.
The FBI investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Hundscheid is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) have partnered and released a digital series to educate parents and caretakers about sextortion and how they can help prevent kids and teens from being victims. This series offers three-to-five-minute videos about current online safety topics and provides essential information about the true dangers of online activities. These videos titled “Sextortion Prevention” can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/@nationalcac/videos.
If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. For more resources on cybercrime, visit www.ic3.gov.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAYQUAN GRAY, also known as “Scooby,” 24, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm possession and drug distribution offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 14, 2024, New Haven Police officer observed Gray, who had an active state arrest warrant, participating in a drug transaction in the area of Ferry Street and English Street in New Haven. Gray was apprehended, and officers found him in possession of 80 individual bags of cocaine, a loaded Polymer 80 “ghost gun,” and more than $1,200 in cash.
Gray’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and robbery in the third degree.
Gray has been detained since his arrest. On August 19, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
This matter was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Mt. Vernon, Iowa, Resident Sentenced to Prison for Receipt of Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
Brian Nathaniel Marshall, a resident of Mt. Vernon, who received child pornography was sentenced December 18, 2024 to 72 months in federal prison.
Marshall possessed and received child pornography and had these images on both his phone and computer. As described in Marshall’s plea agreement, the images possessed by Marshall included images of prepubescent minors.
Marshall was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Marshall was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $27,000 in restitution to nine identified victims who were used to produce child pornography and requested restitution for damages they suffered. There is no parole in the federal system.
Marshall is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, the Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team, and the Mt. Vernon Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR- 00025.
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Monroe County Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Child Exploitation CrimeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kenneth Lesser, age 50, a resident of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, for attempted online enticement of a minor.
According to the United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between July 17, 2023 and August 3, 2023, Lesser, used the internet and an electronic device to attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce, a person who he believed to be a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual conduct and to produce images of child pornography. During that period, on multiple occasions, Lesser transmitted obscene photographs of himself to the purported child.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations – Philadelphia Division. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.
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Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights and Arson Charges for Setting Fire to Mormon ChurchRead the Press Release
A Missouri man pleaded guilty to federal civil rights offenses for setting fire to a house of worship.
According to court documents, Christopher Scott Pritchard, 48, pleaded guilty to a two-count information charging him with arson for setting fire to the Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on April 28, 2021. Pritchard admitted that he intentionally set fire to the church and that the fire he set caused a complete structural loss and obstructed the church’s congregants in the free exercise of their religious beliefs, as the city had to relocate and rent space from the city to hold its religious services.
“This defendant is being held accountable for viciously setting fire to and burning down the Church of Latter-Day Saints, a house of worship that served as a meeting place for LDS community members in Cape Girardeau,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Before this tragic fire, the church opened its doors to all, helped to feed the hungry, and support the needy. Attacks on houses of worship in our country undermine the fundamental right to practice one’s religion free from fear or violence. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce federal laws that protect all houses of worship from violent, hate-fueled attacks.”
“An attack on a church is devastating, for the community and even more so for the members of that church,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming for the Eastern District of Missouri. “Christopher Pritchard’s guilty plea today is the first step toward bringing justice for this crime.”
“No one should live in fear because of their religious beliefs,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough. “Today’s guilty plea serves as a reminder that justice will prevail when acts of hate threaten our communities. The FBI will vigorously pursue anyone who attempts to infringe upon the ability of congregants to exercise their constitutional right to religious freedom.”
“We are grateful no one was physically hurt when the church was destroyed by arson,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Greg Heeb of the FBI St. Louis Field Office. “The FBI will relentlessly pursue those who try to deny congregants of any house of worship from exercising their rights to religious freedom.”
“ATF will always provide expertise and resources to investigate arsons, and no case is that expertise more critical than a fire such as this,” said Special Agent in Charge Bernard G. Hansen of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kansas City Field Division. “When a house of worship is intentionally destroyed by fire, it is not only that congregation that suffers, but the entire community. Religious centers, churches and mosques are often at the center of our neighborhoods, offering sanctuaries of peace and caring to those in need. Today’s guilty plea is a direct result of local, state, and federal law enforcement working together to ensure justice in this unthinkable act.”
Pritchard will be sentenced on Feb. 18, 2025. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for violating the Church Arson Prevention Act and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison for arson of a building affecting foreign or interstate commerce. Pritchard also faces a fine of up to $250,000 with respect to each charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI St. Louis Field Office, ATF, Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Hahn for the Eastern District of Missouri prosecuted the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Missouri Man Convicted of Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – Jurors in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau on Wednesday found a man from Carter County, Missouri guilty of a felony count of production of child pornography.
Evidence and testimony at trial showed that Clinton Rongey, 52, used the victim, who was three and four years old at the time, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child sexual abuse material. Rongey took more than 100 images of the victim between February and November of 2023.
Rongey is scheduled to be sentenced on April 29, 2025. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years.
The case was investigated by the Carter County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Hunter and Nathan Chapman are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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.
Minnesota Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distributing Fentanyl that Resulted in Death of Tuscaloosa ManRead the Press Release
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A St. Francis, Minnesota, man was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment Tuesday for his role in an international drug trafficking ring that resulted in the death of a man, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector-in-Charge Mona Hernandez, Houston Division.
Christopher Louis Bass, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler for distributing fentanyl, after previously pleading guilty and admitting that Dr. Louis Burgio’s death resulted from Bass’s criminal activity. Dr. Burgio was a psychology professor at the University of Alabama and the University of Michigan. In 2004, the University of Alabama Board of Trustees recognized Dr. Burgio as the University’s Distinguished Research Professor for his work in the Applied Gerontology Program, the highest honor bestowed upon a faculty member at the University.
“This case reminds us all too clearly that drug distribution is not a victimless crime,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “My office will continue to prosecute those who place these poisons into families and communities throughout north Alabama.”
“Combatting illicit drugs in the mail is a top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” said Mona Hernandez, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “The overdose death in this case is a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and why the Postal Inspection Service remains committed to eradicating these illicit substances from the U.S. Mail and consequently safeguarding our community. Christopher Louis Bass’ 240-month sentence should serve as a warning to those who intend to engage in this type of criminal activity. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will never tolerate the misuse of the U.S. Mail to distribute fentanyl to our communities.”
The case was investigated by the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service – Birmingham, United States Postal Inspection Service – Twin Cities, the East Central Drug Task Force, and the Anoka-Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Alan S. Kirk prosecuted the case.
Mifflintown Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Janssen Rodriguez Velez, age 27, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Rodriguez Velez conspired to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, cocaine, between February 10 and 29, 2024, in Mifflin, Pennsylvania. The indictment also alleges that Rodriguez Velez possessed a Taurus G3 9mm Luger pistol during and in relation to his drug trafficking activities.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Michigan Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Mannie Lamar Terry, also known as “Primo” and “J,” 37, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, was sentenced today to two years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 27, 2023, Terry sold approximately 4.5 grams of fentanyl for $300 to a confidential informant in Beckley. Terry admitted to that transaction and to selling approximately 4.5 grams of fentanyl for $300 to the confidential informant in Beckley on March 13, 2023.
Terry has a long criminal history that includes prior convictions for assault with intent to do great bodily harm, being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and multiple controlled substance possession offenses.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Isabell and Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-59.
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Meth trafficker imprisoned for importing 50 kilograms of meth into the United StatesRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 42-year-old Illinois resident has been sentenced for importing meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Cruz Vargas, Jr. pleaded guilty on March 4, 2023.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Vargas to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
On July 24, 2022, Vargas tried to enter the United States from Mexico through the Rio Grande Port of Entry with large containers loaded in his vehicle. Law enforcement referred him for a secondary inspection after he claimed the containers held vitamins. A narcotics detection K-9 alerted to the vehicle, leading authorities to test the containers, which confirmed the presence of meth.
At the time of his plea, Vargas admitted to transporting drugs.
The meth weighed over 50 kilograms.
Vargas will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.
Meriden Man Who Led Drug Trafficking Ring is SentencedRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOEL CORDERO, 45, of Meriden, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 155 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began an investigating an organization led by Cordero that was trafficking large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and other narcotics in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that Cordero and his associates were receiving bulk quantities of heroin and fentanyl from out-of-state suppliers. They stored, processed, and packaged the heroin/fentanyl in multiple locations, including apartments located at 280 Collins Street in Hartford where some members of the organization resided, and distributed the drug in the Hartford area, and also the Springfield and Holyoke, Massachusetts area. A significant amount of drug trafficking activity occurred at the Neighborhood Supermarket, located at 316 Farmington Avenue in Hartford.
The investigation also revealed that members of the drug trafficking organization possessed and used firearms in connection with their drug trafficking activity.
During the investigation, law enforcement executed 12 search warrants in Connecticut and Massachusetts and seized approximately 10 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, much of which was packaged for resale in hundreds of thousands of bags. Investigators also seized numerous vials of Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer used by narcotics traffickers as a heroin/fentanyl additive. Seven firearms, gun magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition, and a bullet proof vest were also seized from Cordero and his associates.
Fourteen individuals were charged with various narcotics, firearms, and immigration offenses as a result of this investigation.
Cordero has been detained since his arrest on June 29, 2017. On October 24, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one kilogram or more of heroin.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. Agencies assisting the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service and Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Massachusetts Resident Sentenced to 151 Months for Traveling to Capital Region Intending to Sexually Abuse a 10-Year-OldRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Martin Connearney, age 35, of Lenox, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 151 months of incarceration, following his guilty plea earlier this year to traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual acts with a minor. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of Connearney’s guilty plea last February, he admitted that between April 6, 2022 and May 5, 2022, he communicated with an individual to discuss and plan Connearney’s sexual abuse of a 10-year-old girl with speech and hearing difficulties who lived in the Capital Region. The individual Connearney communicated with was actually an undercover agent (“UC”). Connearney ultimately borrowed a car and on May 5, 2022, drove from Lenox to the Capital Region intending to meet with the UC and sexually abuse the child. Connearney was encountered by law enforcement officials at a prearranged meeting location and arrested.
In imposing sentence today, United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci found that Connearney was subject to an enhanced prison range under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines because he had intended to take advantage of a vulnerable victim. According to court documents, while planning the sexual abuse of the child, Connearney repeatedly told the UC that there was less of a risk he would be caught because of the child’s hearing and speech difficulties. As part of the sentence imposed today, Connearney must also serve a 20-year term of supervised release, which will begin after he is released from prison. Connearney will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The FBI Albany Division’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case. The task force includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Methuen, Massachusetts man was sentenced to federal prison for distributing methamphetamine in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Leuris Xavier Guerrero Valdez, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty to 72 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine.
“Methamphetamine, a dangerous and highly addictive drug, wreaks havoc on public health and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Individuals like the defendant who profit from poisoning our communities will be held accountable. Law enforcement will continue to focus on identifying and disrupting individuals distributing deadly drugs throughout New Hampshire.”
“DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire,” said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Guerrero Valdez accountable for his crimes, but it should serve as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in America. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
According to charging documents and statements made in court, between June 2023 and March 2024, the defendant sold methamphetamine to an undercover officer on eleven occasions in New Hampshire. After the final sale, investigators arrested the defendant and searched a residence where he stored his drugs. There, investigators found large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Portsmouth Police Department and the Somersworth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather A. Cherniske and John J. Kennedy prosecuted the case.
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Massachusetts Man Charged with Multiple Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a four-count indictment charging NICHOLAS KINGSLEY, 40, of Agawam, Massachusetts, with firearm possession offenses.
The indictment was returned on December 4, 2024. Kingsley appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on April 16, 2024.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on April 16, 2024, Enfield Police arrested Kingsley after a traffic stop and he was found in possession of three privately made firearms (“ghost guns”) and 45 rounds of ammunition. On April 18, 2024, while Kingsley was detained in state custody, HSI special agents conducted a search of his vehicle in Agawam and seized 14 fully assembled firearms, several Glock machine gun conversion devices, and more than 2,000 rounds of various caliber ammunition.
It is alleged that Kingsley’s criminal history includes felony convictions for drug, firearm, assault, and larceny 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.
The indictment charges Kingsley with unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; unlawful possession of a machine gun, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and unlawful possession of a weapon in violation of the National Firearms Act, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Enfield Police Department, and the Agawam Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Lembo.
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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Filing COVID-19 Cares Act Loans and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Melvin Thompson Jr., 34, of Chestertown, Maryland, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return in connection with submitting fraudulent loan applications.
Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with SAC Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office. Sentencing is scheduled for March 19, 2025, at 10 a.m.The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act — a federal law enacted in March 2020 — provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act gives financial assistance including forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and other expenses. Established by the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) — administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA) — along with the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), helped businesses meet their financial obligations.
According to his plea agreement, beginning around March 2020, and continuing until approximately February 22, 2021, Thompson knowingly executed a scheme to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration by obtaining fraudulent EIDLs and loans under the PPP. In addition, as part of his scheme, Thompson filed false corporate tax returns, under penalties of perjury, with the IRS on behalf of four businesses seeking EIDL money. These businesses reported false or fictitious revenue and expense amounts.
In support of these applications, Thompson submitted fraudulent, unfiled tax returns. Additionally, on a few occasions, Thompson filed fraudulent tax returns with the IRS in support of his CARES Act loan applications.
Thompson primarily used the small business relief loan proceeds to engage in high frequency trading of options contracts and other securities, mainly at TD Ameritrade, where during 2020 alone he purchased and sold more than $12 million in securities. Through this high frequency trading, Mr. Thompson lost the $791,004 that he gained through this scheme, with the exception of money he spent to purchase a 2020 Lincoln Navigator.
The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the CARES Act. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended the IRS-CI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean R. Delaney who is prosecuting the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao/md.
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Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Steal Mail and Possession of Stolen Mail from New Orleans and Metairie Post Office BoxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the sentencing of FREDERIC THOMPSON (“THOMPSON”), age 24, of New Orleans, who previously pled guilty to Conspiring to Steal Mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and Possession of Stolen Mail that had been deposited into authorized mail receptacles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.
According to the indictment, on January 30, 2022, THOMPSON conspired with others to steal mail from two locations, the Lakeview Post Office in Orleans Parish and United States Postal Service (USPS) mailboxes located on Metairie Road in Jefferson Parish. One conspirator acted as the driver and another conspirator used a stolen USPS key to steal mail from the two locations, while THOMPSON was seated in the back of the vehicle. After a police chase, the trio were found in possession of approximately 30 pieces of stolen mail.
U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced THOMPSON to three (3) years probation and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the New Orleans Police Department, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Man Pleads Guilty to Destroying Public Land in Los Padres National Forest Stemming from Unlawful Marijuana CultivationRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Jacinto Correa Cruz, 56, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty in federal court this week to one count of depredation against federal lands and one count of manufacture of, and possession with intent to manufacture and distribute, marijuana plants, stemming from his participation in a large-scale illegal cannabis cultivation operation in the Los Padres National Forest.
As part of his plea agreement entered on Dec. 17, 2024, Correa Cruz admitted to damaging federal property by willfully participating in an illegal marijuana grow operation on public lands and knowingly manufacturing marijuana plants. According to court documents, Correa Cruz was arrested in July 2022 during a multi-agency search of a large-scale marijuana cultivation complex in an area of the Los Padres National Forest known as the “Ventana Complex.” The complex is located in the Ventana Wilderness region of the national forest, a federally protected area that is known as a top “biodiversity hotspot” and is home to more threatened and endangered species than any other national forest in California.
The search and investigation of the cultivation site where Correa Cruz was arrested revealed two plots that had been cleared of most native vegetation to make way for approximately 10,000 marijuana plants. Law enforcement also discovered a camp area with a tent and 15 sleeping bags, and a kitchen area with thousands of pounds of trash and dead animal parts.
Significant quantities of hazardous materials and chemicals were also found on site. The illegal marijuana grow also had an irrigation system with two large water structures fed by a hose that was diverting water from a natural source. An environmental damage assessment found that the illegal operation diverted and used approximately 33,780 gallons of water a day in an area that was experiencing severe drought conditions. Furthermore, highly toxic and illegal chemicals, such as carbofuran, methamidophos, and diphacinone, were found on site and detected in the soil and water. These pesticides are known to have killed sensitive and endangered wildlife species throughout California. Fixing the environmental damage to this area cost over $92,540 per site and required a multi-step process spanning over a year.
“The illegal cultivation of marijuana on public land poses significant environmental risks to public lands and wildlife that must be combatted. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who abuse natural resources and harm the environment while illegally growing marijuana on federal land,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey.
“Disrupting and dismantling the illegal cultivation of marijuana on federal lands remains a top priority for the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations team. We are committed to protecting our nation’s valuable resources for future generations and ensuring our national forests are safe for recreational use. This allows the public to enjoy these spaces without concerns for their health and safety. Our efforts would not have been possible without the strong cooperation of our partners at the Integral Ecology Research Center, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Brandon Robinson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Law Enforcement and Investigations, Pacific Southwest Region.
“Jacinto Correa Cruz helped poison the pristine lands of the Los Padres National Forest,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. “He now stands accountable for the damage that will take years to heal. We will continue to stand firm with our federal, state, and local partners to keep our lands safe and prevent further depredation.”
Correa Cruz has been in federal custody since Aug. 22, 2022. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2025, before the Honorable Eumi K. Lee, United States District Judge. Defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty for each offense of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000, plus restitution. Any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant United States Attorney Anne C. Hsieh is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sara Slattery. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by USFS and the FBI, with assistance from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Luigi Mangione Charged with the Stalking and Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and Use of a Silencer in a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, of Towson, Maryland, in connection with the Dec. 4 murder of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan. Mangione was taken into federal custody today and will be presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker for the Southern District of New York.
“Today, the Justice Department has brought federal murder charges against Luigi Mangione,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As alleged, Mangione planned his attack for months and stalked his victim for days before murdering him — methodically planning when, where, and how to carry out his crime. I am grateful to our state and local law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts to locate and apprehend the defendant and to ensure that he answers for his alleged crime.”
“Brian Thompson was gunned down in cold blood as he walked down a street in midtown Manhattan,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim for the Southern District of New York. “Thompson was allegedly killed just because he held the position of chief executive officer of a health insurance company. As alleged, Luigi Mangione traveled to New York to stalk and shoot Thompson in broad daylight in front of a Manhattan hotel, all in a grossly misguided attempt to broadcast Mangione’s views across the country. But this wasn’t a debate, it was murder, and Mangione now faces federal charges. This office and its law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to fight violence in whatever form it takes.”
“Luigi Mangione allegedly conducted the carefully premeditated and targeted execution of Brian Thompson to incite national debates,” said Assistant Director James E. Dennehy of the FBI New York Field Office. “This alleged plot demonstrates a cavalier attitude towards humanity — deeming murder an appropriate recourse to satiate personal grievances. Through continued close partnership with the NYPD, the FBI maintains our steadfast commitment to fervently pursue any individual who promotes a personal agenda through violence.”
“NYPD detectives worked relentlessly to identify and widely distribute images of the suspect who allegedly carried out this premeditated, preplanned, targeted murder, and they are committed to assisting prosecutors in seeing this important case through to its rightful conclusion,” said Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). “This senseless incident highlights the critical role of the public in the NYPD’s public safety mission, and I thank everyone who saw something, said something, and did something. It is because of the public’s actions that we now have an alleged killer in custody back in New York City.”
As alleged in the complaint, over the course of the last several months, Mangione meticulously planned the execution of Brian Thompson in an effort to initiate a public discussion about the healthcare industry. Mangione targeted the victim, tracked his whereabouts, and traveled from out of state to New York City, where the victim was scheduled to attend the company’s investor conference. After arriving in the city on Nov. 24, more than one week before the murder, Mangione performed reconnaissance in the area around the victim’s hotel and the conference venue where the victim was scheduled to speak. Using a false identification, Mangione checked into an Upper West Side hostel.
In the early morning hours of Dec. 4, Mangione traveled by bicycle from the Upper West Side to the area around West 54th Street and Sixth Avenue. At approximately 6:45 a.m., Mangione strategically placed himself in between two cars on West 54th Street, and as the victim passed by, Mangione walked up behind the victim and fired several gunshots from a 9mm pistol causing the victim’s death. The pistol was equipped with what appeared to be a firearm sound suppressor or silencer. After the murder, Mangione fled on his bicycle northbound through Central Park and ultimately back to the Upper West Side.
On Dec. 9, Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, while he sat in a fast-food restaurant after being recognized by one of the restaurant’s workers. Members of the Altoona Police Department confronted Mangione, who provided the same false identification that he used when checking into the Upper West Side hostel. Mangione was also found in possession of, among other things, a 9mm pistol and a sound suppressor consistent with the weapon used to kill the victim.
Mangione is charged with one count of using a firearm to commit murder, which carries a maximum penalty of death or life in prison; one count of interstate stalking resulting in death, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison; one count of stalking through use of interstate facilities resulting in death, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison; and one count of discharging a firearm that was equipped with a silencer in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force and NYPD are investigating the case. The Justice Department also thanks the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, which has brought a separate prosecution against Mangione, which is currently expected to proceed to trial before the federal case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic A. Gentile, Jun Xiang, and Alexandra Messiter for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Luigi Mangione Charged with the Stalking and Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and Use of A Silencer in A Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Merrick B. Garland, the Attorney General of the United States; James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and Jessica S. Tisch, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing today of a Complaint charging LUIGI NICHOLAS MANGIONE in connection with the December 4, 2024, murder of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan. MANGIONE was taken into federal custody today and will be presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker.
Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said: “Brian Thompson was gunned down in cold blood as he walked down a street in midtown Manhattan. Thompson was allegedly killed just because he held the position of chief executive officer of a health insurance company. As alleged, Luigi Mangione traveled to New York to stalk and shoot Thompson in broad daylight in front of a Manhattan hotel, all in a grossly misguided attempt to broadcast Mangione’s views across the country. But this wasn’t a debate, it was murder, and Mangione now faces federal charges. This Office and its law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to fight violence in whatever form it takes.”
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said: “Today, the Justice Department has brought federal murder charges against Luigi Mangione. As alleged, Mangione planned his attack for months and stalked his victim for days before murdering him — methodically planning when, where, and how to carry out his crime. I am grateful to our state and local law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts to locate and apprehend the defendant and to ensure that he answers for his alleged crime.”
FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy said: “Luigi Mangione allegedly conducted the carefully premeditated and targeted execution of Brian Thompson to incite national debates. This alleged plot demonstrates a cavalier attitude towards humanity – deeming murder an appropriate recourse to satiate personal grievances. Through continued close partnership with the NYPD, the FBI maintains our steadfast commitment to fervently pursue any individual who promotes a personal agenda through violence.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: “NYPD detectives worked relentlessly to identify and widely distribute images of the suspect who allegedly carried out this premeditated, preplanned, targeted murder, and they are committed to assisting prosecutors in seeing this important case through to its rightful conclusion. This senseless incident highlights the critical role of the public in the NYPD’s public safety mission, and I thank everyone who saw something, said something, and did something. It is because of the public’s actions that we now have an alleged killer in custody back in New York City.”
As alleged in the Complaint:
Over the course of the last several months, MANGIONE meticulously planned the execution of Brian Thompson in an effort to initiate a public discussion about the healthcare industry. MANGIONE targeted the victim, tracked his whereabouts, and traveled from out of state to New York City, where the victim was scheduled to attend the company’s investor conference. After arriving in the City on November 24, 2024, more than one week before the murder, MANGIONE performed reconnaissance in the area around the victim’s hotel and the conference venue where the victim was scheduled to speak. Using a false identification, MANGIONE checked into an Upper West Side hostel.
In the early morning hours of December 4, 2024, MANGIONE traveled by bicycle from the Upper West Side to the area around West 54th Street and Sixth Avenue. At approximately 6:45 a.m., MANGIONE strategically placed himself in between two cars on West 54th Street, and as the victim passed by, MANGIONE walked up behind the victim and fired several gunshots from a 9mm pistol causing the victim’s death. The pistol was equipped with what appeared to be a firearm sound suppressor or silencer. After the murder, MANGIONE fled on his bicycle northbound through Central Park and ultimately back to the Upper West Side.
On December 9, 2024, MANGIONE was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania while he sat in a fast-food restaurant after being recognized by one of the restaurant’s workers. Members of the Altoona Police Department confronted MANGIONE, who provided the same false identification that he used when checking-in to the Upper West Side hostel. MANGIONE was also found in possession of, among other things, a 9mm pistol and a sound suppressor consistent with the weapon used to kill the victim.
* * *
MANGIONE, 26, of Towson, Maryland, is charged with one count of using a firearm to commit murder, which carries a maximum potential sentence of death or life in prison; one count of interstate stalking resulting in death, which carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison; one count of stalking through use of interstate facilities resulting in death, which carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison; and one count of discharging a firearm that was equipped with a silencer in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years.
The maximum and minimum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the NYPD.
Mr. Kim also thanked the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, which has brought a separate prosecution against MANGIONE, which is currently expected to proceed to trial before the federal case.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic A. Gentile, Jun Xiang, and Alexandra Messiter are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Los Angeles Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for his Leadership Role in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Fernando Castro Bazan, 33, of El Monte, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to 15 years in prison for his role as a leader in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine to the Sacramento area and elsewhere, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Castro Bazan sold and attempted to sell an undercover officer methamphetamine on three separate occasions. On July 15, 2021, Castro Bazan, who then resided in Los Angeles, sent a courier to Roseville to deliver 20 pounds of methamphetamine to the undercover officer. On August 12, 2021, Castro Bazan sent a different courier to deliver five pounds of methamphetamine to the undercover officer. Finally, in September of 2021, Castro Bazan promised to sell the undercover officer another 30 pounds of methamphetamine. The following day, law enforcement executed a search warrant of the defendant’s stash house and seized 31 pounds of methamphetamine.
On June 30, 2022, while on pretrial release for this case, Castro Bazan was arrested for a separate federal case in San Diego. That case involved his use of drivers to transport drugs for a Tijuana-based drug trafficking organization. Using his status as a club promoter and amateur musician, Castro Bazan hired numerous college-aged drivers, luring them with the prospect of easy money and “all-expenses-paid trips to Mexico.” A number of the young drivers Castro Bazan employed were arrested at the border and convicted of drug trafficking or related offenses. They now have federal felony convictions on their records. Castro Bazan remained in federal custody during the pendency of the San Diego case, and ultimately pleaded guilty to conspiracy and importation of methamphetamine into the United States. On May 17, 2024, a federal judge in San Diego sentenced him to 12 years in prison. After being sentenced in San Diego, Castro Bazan was transported to the Eastern District to face his sentence in this case.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team with assistance from the California Highway Patrol, the LAFD HIDTA Group 48, the LA IMPACT Group 1, the Rialto Police Department Narcotics Unit, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
Local man indicted for defrauding immigrants with false promises of legal statusRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 57-year-old Houston man has appeared in federal court for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud and engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jesus Carlos Silva made his initial appearance before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Ho at 2 p.m.
According to the indictment filed Dec. 17, Silva ran a scheme to defraud immigrants from March 2022 until December 2024. He allegedly falsely promised to help them obtain U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status.
The charges allege Silva made false statements and misrepresentations to persuade victims to pay him thousands of dollars. He allegedly posed as an immigration attorney affiliated with Houston-based law firm, despite not being an attorney.
It is alleged that Silva targeted victims, most of whom lacked legal immigration status, and claimed he could secure their citizenship or legal status. He allegedly told some victims he had a close contact at U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS) who would expedite their applications. Silva charged victims between $7000 and $15,000 each, according to the charges.
The indictment further alleges Silva did not provide any assistance to victims regarding their immigration status and failed to secure legal status for them. Instead, he allegedly offered excuses for the lack of progress on their applications and eventually cut off communications.
The charges allege Silva repeatedly instructed victims to travel to Houston for fake appointments with USCIS. When they arrived, Silva allegedly gave excuses for his absence, and they discovered no such appointments had been scheduled.
If convicted, Silva faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Feinstein and Rodolfo Ramirez are prosecuting the case.
An information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Lansing Man, Prosecuted Under Safe Summer Program, Sentenced to 27 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Mychal Marcell Borney, 44, of Lansing, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms. Borney was charged as part of Safe Summer 2024, a gun-violence enforcement program under which the U.S. Attorney’s Office committed to prosecute all firearms offenders who possess crime guns (that is, guns previously fired in the commission of a crime).
“No matter your zip code, everyone deserves the right to live free from the threat of gun violence,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Mr. Borney is a habitual lawbreaker who jeopardized the public’s safety. We will not relent in our efforts to hold accountable the few individuals driving gun violence in our communities.”
After callers reported hearing numerous gunshots from a car driving by, Lansing police responded and found Borney in the passenger seat of a car in the area. They found a loaded gun with an extended magazine in the car, near where Borney was seated. There were 13 spent casings in the road that had been fired from Borney’s gun. Borney had previously been convicted of illegal drug possession and home invasion and served two extended prison terms.
“Mychal Borney has proven time and time again that he is unable to make sound decisions without jeopardizing public safety. At the young age of 22 years old, he is considered a habitual lawbreaker who preys on the public as evidenced by his previous felony convictions for home invasion and drug possession,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “During this incident, Borney, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm immediately after it was used in a shooting during which someone could have been fatally injured. Thankfully, that did not happen here. In the end, poor choices have consequences. If you use an illegal firearm to threaten our community – pack a bag. You’re going to go to prison for an extended period of time.”
“The Lansing Police Department is committed to reducing gun violence and ensuring community safety,” said Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus. “This latest sentencing proves that our community feels the same way that we do. Illegal guns cannot and will not be tolerated. We appreciate our federal partners’ collaboration in holding those who endanger public safety accountable. This case highlights the importance of teamwork in combating violent crime and protecting Lansing residents.’
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced the second year of the Safe Summer program on May 23, 2024 in a press release and press conferences in Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Grand Rapids. Under this program, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted all cases that satisfy two criteria. First, the case must involve a federal firearms offense. The two most common offenses are felon in possession, which prohibits previously convicted felons from possessing a gun, and possession of a machine gun, which generally prohibits persons from possessing fully automatic guns. Second, the case must involve a crime gun, which is any gun previously fired in the commission of a crime. These criteria focus federal efforts on the few individuals driving gun violence in their communities.
Gun violence is an acute problem across the United States. In 2021, for the first time ever, firearm-related injuries became the leading cause of death for American children, ages birth to 19, according to the New England Journal of Medicine (see also here). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. firearm homicide rate in 2021 was the highest documented since 1993. While the numbers have declined since 2021, they remain high.
Moreover, while gun violence has the potential to impact everyone, recent studies show that gun violence has a disparate impact on people of color. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that the disparity in shooting injuries among children before and after the pandemic in four major cities approximately tripled as between white children and children of color (Black, Hispanic, Asian).
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
This case was investigated by the Lansing Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
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LA Fiscalia Federal De Estados Unidos Y El Departamento De Policía De Freeport, Ny, Celebran Un Acuerdo Voluntario De Asistencia Técnica Para Garantizar Un Acceso Lingüístico Pleno a Los Servicios Policiales a Personas Con Conocimiento Limitado De InglésRead the Press Release
Breon Peace, Fiscal General del Distrito Este de Nueva York, y Kristen Clarke, Fiscal General Adjunta de Derechos Civiles, han anunciado hoy que los Estados Unidos han firmado un Acuerdo Voluntario de Asistencia Técnica con el Departamento de Policía de Freeport, Nueva York (FPD). El acuerdo formaliza un esfuerzo de cooperación entre el Departamento de Justicia (DOJ) y el FPD para ayudar al FPD a desarrollar un programa de acceso lingüístico que garantice que sus servicios policiales sean accesibles a las personas con dominio limitado del inglés (LEP).
Este es el primer Acuerdo Voluntario de Asistencia Técnica de este tipo en los Estados Unidos en el marco de la Iniciativa de Acceso Lingüístico de las Fuerzas y Cuerpos de Seguridad (LELAI) del DOJ. Es el resultado de un deseo mutuo de mejorar los servicios de acceso lingüístico del FPD y no el producto de una investigación o queja contra el FPD. El DOJ elogia al FPD por tomar la iniciativa de crear un programa de acceso lingüístico completo y eficaz para sus residentes LEP.
El fiscal Peace declaró: «Es de vital importancia que las fuerzas del orden puedan comunicarse eficazmente con los miembros de la comunidad, independientemente de la lengua que estos hablen. Trabajando en colaboración con el FPD, mejoraremos la seguridad pública para todos y esperamos replicar este acuerdo con otras agencias de seguridad en todo el Distrito Este de Nueva York.»
«La Iniciativa de Acceso Lingüístico de las Fuerzas y Cuerpos de Seguridad se diseñó específicamente para los departamentos de policía proactivos que reconocen la necesidad de una comunicación pronta y precisa y están dispuestos a invertir en las herramientas de acceso lingüístico y el entrenamiento que garanticen que las víctimas y los testigos de delitos puedan informar, la fiabilidad de las pruebas, proteger al público y promover la confianza de la comunidad», dijo la Fiscal General Adjunta Kristen Clarke de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «La División de Derechos Civiles continuará trabajando en cooperación con las agencias policiales de todo el país que buscan eliminar las barreras lingüísticas en la actuación policial».
Lanzado en diciembre de 2022, LELAI es un esfuerzo a nivel nacional para ayudar a las agencias policiales a abordar las barreras lingüísticas cuando interactúan con el público. La iniciativa se basa en los esfuerzos de larga data del Departamento para hacer cumplir el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 (Título VI) y la Ley Ómnibus de Control del Crimen y Calles Seguras de 1968 (Ley de Calles Seguras).
En virtud del acuerdo voluntario de dos años, el DOJ ayudará al FPD a desarrollar su programa de acceso lingüístico de acuerdo con los objetivos compartidos por las partes de promover la seguridad de los agentes y la seguridad pública, contribuir a un mayor control de la delincuencia, recopilar pruebas fiables a efectos de enjuiciamiento y fomentar aún más la confianza de la comunidad. El DOJ también ayudará al FPD a desarrollar políticas, procedimientos, protocolos de interpretación y traducción, asociaciones comunitarias y formación, entre otras cosas.
LELAI proporciona recursos y herramientas de asistencia técnica que pueden ayudar a las fuerzas del orden estatales y locales a proporcionar un acceso lingüístico significativo a las personas con LEP. Mediante la participación activa de los organismos policiales que desean revisar, actualizar o reforzar sus políticas, planes y formación en materia de acceso lingüístico, LELAI pretende apoyar los esfuerzos de creación de relaciones entre los organismos policiales, las partes interesadas de la comunidad y las poblaciones con LEP.
Puede obtenerse información adicional sobre el trabajo de la Oficina de Derechos Civiles de la Fiscalía de los EE.UU. de EDNY en su sitio web https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/civil-rights. El trabajo de la División de Derechos Civiles está disponible en su sitio web en www.justice.gov/crt y la información sobre el dominio limitado del inglés y el Título VI está disponible en www.lep.gov.
Más información sobre LELAI en www.lep.gov/law-enforcement. El público de EDNY puede denunciar posibles violaciones de los derechos civiles en https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/page/file/1396116/dl?inlineor%20civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
Encargados: Megan Freismuth, Michael Goldberger y Dara Olds, fiscales adjuntos de la División de Derechos Civiles del Distrito Este de Nueva York.
freeport_pd_agreement.pdf freeport_pd_agreement_translated.pdfJustice Department Secures Agreement with Vegetation Maintenance Company to Resolve Immigration-Related Discrimination ClaimsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it secured an agreement with Burford’s Construction LLC (Burford’s), an Alabama-based contractor that provides vegetation clearing and maintenance for electrical utility companies and municipalities. The agreement resolves the department’s determination that Burford’s routinely discriminated against lawful permanent residents when verifying their permission to work by demanding specific, and sometimes unnecessary, documents.
“Employers cannot demand specific or unnecessary documents from workers because of their citizenship status when checking their permission to work,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “All workers, regardless of citizenship status, deserve a hiring process that is free from discrimination.”
After conducting an investigation, the Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) determined that, from at least Jan. 1, 2021, through May 30, 2023, Burford’s routinely required lawful permanent residents to present specific immigration documents to establish their permission to work, even when they had already provided sufficient proof.
Under the terms of the settlement, Burford’s will pay $308,689 in civil penalties to the United States, train its personnel on anti-discrimination requirements, revise its employment policies that relate to hiring and be subject to departmental monitoring.
Lawful permanent residents are sometimes referred to as “green card holders,” but they can show their permission to work using different types of documentation. As explained in the department’s newly-released fact sheet for lawful permanent residents, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) protects lawful permanent residents from discrimination when an employer is verifying their permission to work. Employers cannot limit the valid documentation that a lawful permanent resident may show when verifying their ability to work. The fact sheet also explains how lawful permanent residents can get help if they are being discriminated against.
IER is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. The statute prohibits citizenship status and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; and retaliation and intimidation.
IER’s website has more information on lawful permanent residents’ rights under the INA and how employers can avoid unlawful discrimination when verifying someone’s permission to work. Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video. Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify); or subjected to retaliation, may file a charge. The public can also call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a live webinar or watch an on-demand presentation; email [email protected]; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Sign up for email updates from IER.