Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Wednesday 6 November 2024
U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI Announce Charges in Navajo Nation Aggravated Assault CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man faces federal charges after allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend and striking her with his vehicle on the Navajo Nation reservation.
Tyrell Lee Johnson, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending his detention hearing, which has been scheduled for November 7, 2024.
According to court records, on November 2, 2024, the FBI was notified by Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations of an assault that occurred on Highway 64 in Beclabito. The victim and a witness reported that Johnson, the victim’s ex-boyfriend, stabbed her with a knife and struck her with his vehicle. The victim was transported to Northern Navajo Medical Center with multiple injuries, including a stab wound to the abdomen.
Johnson was later apprehended by Navajo Police Department officers after a brief pursuit. A folding knife was reportedly recovered from Johnson’s person.
If convicted of the current charges, Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.
View the Criminal Complaint (Johnson).pdfA criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
# # #
U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Guilty Plea from Gallup Man for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup man pleaded guilty in federal court to assault with a dangerous weapon following a shooting incident on the Navajo Nation reservation sparked by barking dogs.
Harley Davidson Joe, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Joe faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Joe will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
View the Plea Agreement (Joe).pdf# # #
Two Orlando Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Patrick Hugh Mitchell (57, Orlando) to 10 years in federal prison and Kyle Jay Hunter Baronville (37, Orlando) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for their roles in distributing multiple pounds of methamphetamine. Baronville pleaded guilty on January 26, 2024, and Mitchell was convicted by a jury on June 27, 2024.
According to Baronville’s plea agreement and testimony and evidence presented at Mitchell’s trial, the Drug Enforcement Administration used a confidential source to conduct two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Baronville. During the first transaction, Baronville sold the confidential source 357.3 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine. During the second transaction, Baronville obtained 892.5 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine from Mitchell, which they then sold to the confidential source.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
Tampa Drug Trafficker Responsible for Selling More Than $1 Million in Methamphetamine Sentenced to 28 YearsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Enock Edouard (37, Tampa) to 28 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice. Edouard was found guilty on May 8, 2024, following a two-day bench trial. His co-conspirators have been sentenced to the following prison terms:
Joshua Robertson
(36, Auburndale)
14 yearsCameron Mosley
(31, Tampa)
10 years, 7 monthsNathaniel Fagan
(38, Tampa)
8 years, 4 monthsJordan Myers
(32, Los Angeles)
5 yearsMichael Lee Johnson
(22, Auburndale)
2 years, 9 monthsAccording to testimony and evidence presented at trial, between 2021 and 2023, Edouard was part of a drug trafficking network that operated throughout the Middle District of Florida and elsewhere, including California. Working with others, Edouard moved methamphetamine and fentanyl originating in Mexico, shipped to California in car tires, then shipped or transported to Orlando and Tampa. Edouard carried large amounts of cash to California to purchase the narcotics, then utilized various accomplices to hide narcotics in boxes and passenger suitcases for distribution in Florida. At trial, one co-conspirator described Edouard as “the only person between me and the cartels,” and estimated that Edouard sold him over 300 kilograms of methamphetamine in less than 10 months.
FBI agents arrested Edouard in Las Vegas and executed a search warrant at his apartment in downtown Tampa, recovering additional fentanyl and a firearm. Fifteen firearms, two hand grenades, more than 25 kilograms of methamphetamine, and more than $80,000 in cash were seized from Edouard and his co-conspirators as part of this investigation.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Kenneth and Diego F. Novaes.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to 240 Months in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Alan Joseph Clark, Jr., 45, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to a term of 240 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to six counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Crimes against children are among the most heinous types of offenses and deserving of the most significant sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “The sexual abuse of children robs them of their innocence and results in devastating psychological pain. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and vigorously prosecute those who seek to harm our most vulnerable.”
In May 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was investigating a file-sharing peer-to-peer network for users/computers possessing and/or sharing digital files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The investigation led to the execution of a federal search warrant at Clark’s residence, where it was discovered that Clark had received and possessed child pornography obtained through the internet, as well as produced explicit videos of minors.
“This individual’s disgusting and deviant behavior of producing sexual images of children inflicts irreparable psychological damage upon innocent lives.” “This cannot and will not be tolerated,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI will continue to work with its partners to eliminate this plague on society.”
Clark’s prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and he will be required to register as a sex offender and be subject to all sex offender conditions. The Court also ordered forfeiture of electronic devices used in the commission of the offenses by Clark and he was ordered to pay a minimum of $15,000, in restitution to the identified victims of the child pornography in his possession.
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Steer prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Murdering AcquaintanceRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Wednesday sentenced a man to 25 years in prison for fatally shooting an acquaintance before stealing his jewelry and drugs.
Terry W. Winebarger, 52, fatally shot the victim in the head with the victim’s own 10mm Glock handgun on Feb. 18, 2023, in a home in Hanley Hills, Missouri. Winebarger then stole the gun, jewelry and some methamphetamine that the victim had purchased earlier.
After the murder, Winebarger purchased new clothes, disinfectant wipes and bleach at a store and returned to his home in an attempt to destroy evidence of his crime.
Winebarger pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in July to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime resulting in death and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Major Case Squad and the North County Police Cooperative investigated the case, with assistance from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Charles County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Epplin prosecuted the case.
Springfield Man Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of Two Child VictimsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for the sexual exploitation of two child victims.
Connor Wilson Zacha, 28, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
Today’s indictment alleges that Zacha used a minor, identified as Jane Doe 1, to produce child pornography from Nov. 1, 2022, to Nov. 15, 2023. The indictment also alleges that Zacha used another minor, identified as Jane Doe 2, to produce child pornography from Oct. 1, 2023, to April 18, 2024.
The indictment also charges Zacha with one count of transporting a minor (Jane Doe 2) across state lines for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual activity.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Springfield Man Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of Two Child VictimsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for the sexual exploitation of two child victims.
Connor Wilson Zacha, 28, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
Today’s indictment alleges that Zacha used a minor, identified as Jane Doe 1, to produce child pornography from Nov. 1, 2022, to Nov. 15, 2023. The indictment also alleges that Zacha used another minor, identified as Jane Doe 2, to produce child pornography from Oct. 1, 2023, to April 18, 2024.
The indictment also charges Zacha with one count of transporting a minor (Jane Doe 2) across state lines for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual activity.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Siblings sent to prison for roles in human smuggling schemeRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two individuals have been sentenced for their roles in a Laredo human smuggling conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Laredo resident Carlos Alberto Gonzalez, 23, and his sister Erika Yazbett Mendoza-Gonzalez, 36, a Mexican citizen illegally residing in Laredo, both pleaded guilty July 8.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now imposed a 46-month term of imprisonment for Gonzalez, while Mendoza-Gonzalez received 57 months. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentence, although Mendoza-Gonzalez, not a U.S. citizen, is expected to face removal proceedings following her imprisonment. At the hearing, the court also noted Gonzalez had previously been sentenced for human smuggling and was still serving his term of supervised release when he committed this offense. The court also ordered Gonzalez to serve a consecutive 10 months for this violation.
In handing down the prison terms, Judge Garcia Marmolejo commented that Gonzalez learned nothing from his last offense and that Mendoza-Gonzalez was highly involved in the smuggling organization. The court also considered the conditions inside the stash house, noting that the siblings regarded the people they harbored as “commodities” and stating, “we just don’t treat human beings like this.”
“No electricity, no running water and no toilet. Human smugglers do not care,” said Hamdani. “No individual should be subjected to such inhumane conditions. This case underscores our commitment to dismantling human smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable individuals, including children.”
On March 7, law enforcement observed Mendoza-Gonzalez pick up three suspected undocumented individuals near the intersection of Kearney Street and McDonnell Avenue in Laredo. Gonzalez was driving another vehicle that appeared to be traveling together with Mendoza-Gonzalez. Law enforcement followed both vehicles to a home on the 2300 block of San Leonardo Avenue where Mendoza-Gonzalez dropped off the individuals before leaving with two others.
Several hours later, they observed a large group of people exiting the backyard of this address and running into a nearby creek. A foot pursuit began, and law enforcement apprehended 20 individuals, all of whom are undocumented aliens from other countries.
Two were unaccompanied minors, ages 13 and 15.
Upon entering the San Leonardo residence, authorities discovered deplorable living conditions. The home had no electricity or running water and large amounts of trash piled up throughout the home. They also observed large tubs of water in the home where the migrants would bathe and relieve themselves.
There have been no utilities in the residence since 2022.
Gonzalez was the stash house operator while Mendoza-Gonzalez was a transporter and delivered food to those harbored inside the home.
On April 23, authorities conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Mendoza-Gonzalez was driving and found a female back seat passenger covered in mud, with a strong body odor, torn pants and scratch marks all over her arms. She was a Mexican national with no legal status in the United States.
Mendoza-Gonzalez admitted to her involvement with the human smuggling organization and stated she expected to receive $50 per migrant she transported.
Phone communications between Mendoza-Gonzalez and co-conspirators revealed that over only a seven-week period, she was also involved in coordinating the transportation and/or harboring of at least 55 additional individuals.
Mendoza-Gonzalez and Gonzalez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol and the Laredo Police Department conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
This sentencing is also the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. attorneys’ offices along the southwest border including the Southern District of California, districts of Arizona and New Mexico and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 325 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of human smuggling, more than 270 U.S. convictions, more than 210 significant jail sentences imposed and forfeitures of substantial assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorney and JTFA detailee Jennifer Day prosecuted this case.
Scranton Man Charged with Committing $850,000 in Covid-19 Pandemic FraudRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Yoel Weiss, age 42, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was charged in an indictment with 41 combined counts of wire fraud, false statements to the Small Business Administration, identity theft, unlawful monetary transactions, and witness tampering.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that Weiss owned and operated multiple corporate entities in Pennsylvania and New York. Weiss allegedly filed at least seven fraudulent applications for pandemic stimulus funds through the Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Weiss was charged with seven counts of wire fraud, and seven count of making false statements to the United States Small Business Administration, for the fraudulent applications. Weiss also is charged with three counts of aggravated identity theft, for using stolen identities to file three applications.
The applications allegedly submitted by Weiss were filed on behalf of corporate entities that did not, in fact, have actual business operations, and that bore false dates of business establishment, false employee headcount information, and fabricated gross revenues, costs of goods sold, and lost rental income. Weiss allegedly obtained in excess of approximately $850,000 in EIDL funds through filing the fraudulent applications, which he spent on unapproved personal expenses. Weiss is charged with 23 counts of making unlawful monetary transactions with the proceeds of his fraud.
Weiss is further charged with threatening and intimidating a witness in an attempt to influence and prevent the witness’s testimony before a federal grand jury.
“The American tax system is designed to provide vital government services to our people. It is not a slush fund for thieves and fraudsters,” said Amy MacNeely, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office.
The EIDL program, funded by the March 2020 CARES Act, was designed to help small businesses facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. EIDL funds are offered in low-interest rate loans, designated for specific business expenses, such as fixed debts, payroll, and business obligation.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the most serious charges are 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The aggravated identity theft offense carries a mandatory two-year sentence of imprisonment that is to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed. 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 are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
# # #
Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Omar Wynn, age 31, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to distribution of a controlled substance. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division, made the announcement.
Wynn admitted to selling 1,500 fentanyl pills and 8.6 grams of cocaine base in 2023. The fentanyl pills were stamped “M30” to make them appear as if they were oxycodone. Wynn agreed to forfeit $3,000 as proceeds of his crime.
At sentencing on March 11, 2025, Wynn faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison; a fine of up to $5 million; and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The DEA conducted the investigation with assistance from the Schenectady Police Department, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting the case.
Santa Ana Man Charged with Possession of Machine Guns and Hundreds of Images and Videos of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man was indicted today for allegedly possessing four machine guns and hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that law enforcement recovered at his home and from a storage unit he rented.
Arthit Tanjapatkul, 43, of Santa Ana, is charged with one count of possession of machineguns and three counts of possession of child pornography.
Tanjapatkul, who was arrested on October 9 in this case and is free on $250,000 bond, is scheduled for arraignment in this case on November 18 in United States District Court in Santa Ana.
According to an affidavit filed on October 8 with the complaint, the investigation into Tanjapatkul began with him selling a regulated military-grade laser to a buyer in March 2023. Law enforcement later learned that the laser had been initially stolen by a military officer who was charged and convicted for his crimes in federal court in North Carolina.
In October 2023, law enforcement searched Tanjapatkul’s home and seized dozens of firearms, including four machine guns. During the same search, agents recovered a cellphone that contained text messages where Tanjapatkul discussed automatic weapons. Law enforcement also recovered a hard drive that contained CSAM.
In July 2024, law enforcement searched a storage unit that Tanjapatkul rented in Santa Ana. In the storage unit, agents found a hard drive containing evidence of knowing possession of a machinegun and child pornography. Law enforcement also found 10 disks containing child pornography. The disks alone contained approximately 79 videos and approximately 831 images containing child sexual abuse material.
The drives and disks contained, among other things, videos and images involving minors under 12 years of age. In the home and storage unit, agents also found dozens of firearms and hundreds of items of military equipment that were initially stolen by the same military officer, according to court documents.
A complaint and an indictment contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, Tanjapatkul would face a statutory maximum sentence of 70 years in federal prison.
The FBI is investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Kedar S. Bhatia of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
Resident of Mt. Pleasant Indicted on Charges of Violating Federal Narcotic and Firearm LawRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - One resident of Mt. Pleasant, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotic and firearm law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The four-count Indictment named Warren Greenleaf, 40, formerly of Mt Pleasant, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about November 1, 2023, Greenleaf possessed a firearm and ammunition as a previously convicted felon. Additionally, on or about November 14, 2023, Greenleaf, possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, and carried the firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years to life in prison, a fine of not more than $2,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with Tarentum Borough Police Department, Harrison Township Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Queens Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering and Dismembering Woman in Fraudulent Scheme to Collect Life Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Cory Martin was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to life in prison for murdering and dismembering a woman in order to collect $200,000 in life insurance proceeds. Martin was convicted by a federal jury in March 2024 following a two-week trial of murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identify theft and fraudulent use of identification relating to a scheme to fraudulently obtain life insurance policies in the name of his victim, kill her and collect the insurance money. Martin was also sentenced to a concurrent term of 20 years’ imprisonment for wire fraud conspiracy and a consecutive term of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Thomas G. Donlon, Interim Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.
“The defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison for this ghastly, cold-blooded crime that was motivated by greed and executed after extensive planning,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Martin preyed on Brandy Odom. He saw the victim as a way to make money. He trafficked her for commercial sex, then killed her with his bare hands so he could profit from her death. The defendant believed he could thwart law enforcement and cover up this heinous crime by relying on television shows about murder, but the investigatory efforts of law enforcement brought him to justice. Brandy Odom’s life mattered and I hope that this sentence, which protects our community by ensuring that the defendant cannot victimize another person, brings some measure of closure to her family.”
Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the FBI’s Metro Safe Streets Task Force and the NYPD’s Brooklyn South Homicide Squad, Brooklyn South Video Team and 69th Precinct Detective Squad for their outstanding work on the case.
“Today, Cory Martin received his punishment for the despicable murder of Brandy Odom. Martin utilized fictional stories to devise his own wicked tale of murder as an amoral avenue for selfish financial gain,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. “His grisly actions reflect an utter disregard for human life as he continued to brutalize Brandy even after her death in attempt to evade law enforcement detection. May today’s sentencing offer Brandy’s family some justice and reiterate the FBI’s stout intolerance against those willing to take another's life.
“Mr. Martin has been justly sentenced to prison for his abhorrent actions, ensuring that society will be safe from him for the remainder of his life,” stated NYPD Interim Commissioner Donlon. “I applaud the unwavering commitment of our NYPD investigators, as well as our partners at the FBI and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, whose persistence led to today’s result. We remain dedicated to holding accountable those who seek to profit from the mistreatment and exploitation of others.”
Martin, who operated as a pimp, resided at a house in Rosedale, Queens, with the then-26-year-old victim, Brandy Odom, and a co-conspirator. Both Odom and the co-conspirator were engaged in commercial sex work for the defendant. In March and December 2017, Martin and the co-conspirator fraudulently obtained two life insurance policies in Odom’s name. They made premium payments to the life insurance companies by Western Union money orders and by using a debit card in Odom’s name. At trial, Martin’s co-conspirator testified that prior to Odom’s murder, she and the defendant watched “The First 48,” a true-crime TV show about police tactics and they discussed “what not to do, and what things to do to avoid being caught by the police.” The co-conspirator testified that Martin also watched “Dexter,” a TV show about a serial killer who dismembered his victims, because the defendant was “looking for ways to commit the crime when he got rid of Brandy.”
In early April 2018, Martin strangled Odom in her bedroom. Martin and the co- conspirator then purchased cleaning supplies and a vacuum to clean up the murder scene. On April 6, 2018, Martin searched Home Depot’s website for a “Dewalt 12-Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw,” described as featuring a “powerful 12 Amp motor designed for heavy-duty applications.” Later that evening, Martin searched YouTube for “how to insert blade for reciprocating saw” and “using reciprocating saw.” The co-conspirator testified that Martin used an electric saw to dismember the victim’s corpse in the bathtub after covering every surface in the bathroom with heavy-duty, black garbage bags to avoid leaving evidence of the killing.
In the early morning of April 8 and April 9, 2018, Martin discarded Odom’s body parts in Canarsie Park with the assistance of his co-conspirator. On April 10, 2018, Martin conducted dozens of Internet searches for news articles, including “Search area expands after dismembered body found in Canarsie Park in Brooklyn.” Martin also accessed a Twitter post titled “Person walking dog discovers remains of woman in Brooklyn park.” The following day on April 11, 2018, Martin searched YouTube using the search term “exclusive interview of mother of girl found in park.” After Odom’s murder, at Martin’s direction, his co-conspirator made several unsuccessful attempts to claim benefits under Odom’s life insurance policies.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Tanya Hajjar, Emily J. Dean and Andy Palacio are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Theodore Rader.
The Defendant:
CORY MARTIN
Age: 37
Rosedale, QueensE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-549(S-1) (AMD)
Pittsburgh Felon Pleads Guilty to Making False Statement in Attempt to Acquire FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on November 5, 2024, to a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
George Sotiris Vlastos, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Vlastos knowingly made at least two false written statements on the ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) regarding his status as a convicted felon in an attempt to acquire a firearm. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for April 2, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Vlastos.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Carrying Out Scheme to Defraud Lucas County Auditor of More Than $622,000Read the Press Release
TOLEDO, Ohio – A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to 57 months in prison after pleading guilty to an organized scheme that defrauded the Lucas County Auditor of more than $622,000. From March 2018 through November 2020, Darren Barr, age 39, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, collaborated with others to carry out a plan to obtain money by pretending to be legitimate vendors with which the county was approved to do business.
In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge James G. Carr for the Northern District of Ohio ordered Barr to serve three years of supervised release and pay $622,793.62 in restitution.
During the investigation, law enforcement officials discovered that the fraudsters used information found on public websites to obtain specific details about approved government vendor businesses. Among the information they gathered, were the names of the Lucas County employees who were responsible for paying vendors. Using the data they found, Barr and his co-conspirators created email accounts to look like those of the approved businesses. They also opened fraudulent bank accounts with forged State of Pennsylvania and Internal Revenue Service corporate documents. After each step of the scheme was in place, Barr and his co-conspirators carried out their plan.
First, legitimate invoices were sent to the county employees from the false vendor emails they controlled. Instructions in the email directed the employees to submit payment to any one of the fraudulent corporate bank accounts created by Barr and his co-conspirators. Because they believed the emails to be from legitimate vendors, the employees submitted payments to the sham bank accounts controlled by the scammers.
As soon as payments were received into the fraudulent accounts, Barr would quickly transfer the money into other bank accounts he and his co-conspirators controlled in an attempt to try and conceal their activities.
This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Melching for the Northern District of Ohio.
To report fraud, visit justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/report-fraud.
Parkersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Charleston Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Michael Dale Cain, 49, of Parkersburg, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Cain admitted to a role in a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine in the Charleston area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or about January 2024 to in or about May 2024, Cain conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Charleston and within the Southern District of West Virginia. On May 5, 2024, a co-conspirator arranged for Cain to travel to Charleston for the purpose of picking up approximately 3 pounds of methamphetamine that he intended to transport to Parkersburg and distribute to others. After Cain acquired the methamphetamine, he was stopped by law enforcement officers who searched his vehicle, seized the methamphetamine, and arrested Cain.
Cain is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-95.
###
Owner of San Jose-Based Technology Staffing Firm Pleads Guilty to Visa Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Visa FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Kishore Dattapuram pleaded guilty in federal court this week to visa fraud and conspiracy to commit visa fraud.
Dattapuram, 55, of Santa Clara, and two other defendants, Kumar Aswapathi, 55, of Austin, Tex., and Santosh Giri, 48, of San Jose, were each charged in an indictment filed Feb. 28, 2019, with one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud and 10 counts of substantive visa fraud. Aswapathi pleaded guilty to all counts on Oct. 19, 2020. Giri pleaded guilty to all counts on Oct. 28, 2024.
Dattapuram and Aswapathi owned and operated Nanosemantics, Inc., a staffing firm headquartered in San Jose that provided skilled employees to technology companies in the Bay Area. Under its agreements with the companies and the employees it placed, Nanosemantics received a commission for workers placed at client companies. Giri worked closely with Nanosemantics and was also the owner of a separate business, LexGiri, a legal process outsourcing firm that served as a “remote-virtual corporate immigration specialist” for companies.
In connection with its staffing work, Nanosemantics regularly submitted H-1B petitions for foreign workers. As described in court records, the H-1B visa program allows foreign workers to obtain temporary authorization to live and work for employers in the United States. In order to secure an H-1B visa, an employer or other sponsor must submit a Form I-129 petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A petition and associated documentation must confirm the existence and duration of the job waiting for the worker, and describe key details including the wages associated with the position.
In pleading guilty, Dattapuram admitted to working with Aswapathi and Giri to submit fraudulent H-1B applications that falsely represented that foreign workers had specific jobs waiting for them at designated end-client companies when in fact the jobs did not exist. On multiple occasions, Dattapuram paid companies to be listed as end-clients for the foreign workers, even though he knew the workers would never work for those employers. As defendants admitted, the goal of the scheme was to allow Nanosemantics to obtain visas for job candidates before securing jobs for them, thereby allowing Nanosemantics to place those workers with employers as soon as those jobs were available, rather than waiting for the visa application process to conclude, and giving Nanosemantics an unfair advantage over its competitors.
The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King.
Dattapuram’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2025, before the Honorable Edward J. Davila, U.S. District Judge. Giri’s sentencing hearing is also scheduled for Feb. 24, 2025, before Judge Davila. Aswapathi has a status regarding sentencing on Nov. 25, 2024, before Judge Davila. Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each visa fraud count, and a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on the conspiracy count. However, 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 Sarah Griswold and Special Assistant United States Attorney Johnny James are prosecuting this case with the assistance of Lynette Dixon and Nina Burney. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI, with assistance from USCIS.
Orlando Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Robbery and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Dany Telfort (20, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Telfort faces a minimum penalty of 14 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for February 13, 2025.
According to the plea agreement, between March 23 and April 1, 2023, Telfort and co-defendant Nijah Jahni Mitchell participated in a string of nine armed robberies of various convenience stores throughout Central Florida. During some of the robberies, Telfort entered the store, pointed a firearm at the store clerks, and demanded the money from the cash registers. During others, Telfort acted as the getaway driver while Mitchell allegedly robbed the store. As part of the plea agreement, Telfort has agreed to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the commission of the offenses.
Mitchell is currently pending trial. An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Clermont Police Department, the Ocoee Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oakland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
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.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Alvaro Alferes, age 33, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on November 6, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogue, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Alferes to 57 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Alferes will be required to complete a 3-year term of supervised release.
In 2023, Alferes twice delivered fentanyl to an undercover DEA agent by leaving the pills in his Jeep in a grocery store parking lot in Omaha. The undercover agent set up the buys through a Mexico-based supplier. Each time, Alferes delivered over 1,000 pills.
On August 4, 2023, investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at Alferes’s residence which led to the seizure of over 1,000 more fentanyl pills and Alferes’s arrest. Investigators also found two digital scales with methamphetamine residue in a backpack in the garage. The backpack also contained heat sealed bags containing suspected drug residue. A sandwich baggie containing suspected cocaine was found in the Jeep in the driveway.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Ohio County Man Sentenced for Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Geon Thamar Newby, Jr., 37, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for the distribution of cocaine base.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Newby, also known as “G” and “Gee,” sold cocaine base in Ohio County. The United States argued that Newby was responsible for distributing up to 840 grams of cocaine base. Newby has prior convictions for drug possession in Ohio.
Newby will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
November Federal Grand Jury 2024-A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the November Federal Grand Jury 2024-A Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Tayson Bautista-Ramos. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Bautista-Ramos, 26, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Aug. 2020. The U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-351
Javier Lopez Canseco. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Canseco, 30, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Feb. 2024. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Goodrum is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-349
Dakota Austin Clark. Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Production of Child Pornography; Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (second superseding). Clark, 24, of Grove and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with possessing visual images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including children under 12 years old. Clark is also charged with coercing and enticing a minor child under 18 years old to produce an image depicting sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, Clark attempted to engage in a sexual act with a minor child under 16 years old. The FBI and Grove Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-179
Brady Cort Dozier. Production of Child Pornography; Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country. Dozier, 21, of Collinsville, is charged with coercing a minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce a visual depiction of the abuse. Additionally, Dozier received, possessed, and distributed visual depictions of minor children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Homeland Security Investigations and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Jolly is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-350
Jesus Alberto Sanchez Lugo. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Lugo, 49, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Dec. 2016. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl L. Baber is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-345
Felipe Bautista Mora. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Mora, 53, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Aug. 2002. The U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-352
Tanya Jo Purvis. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Purvis, 50, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm while drug trafficking. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tulsa Police Department, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Corrections, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-347
Ricardo Reza-Lopez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Reza-Lopez, 33, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Aug. 2017. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-346
Yuri Patricia Martinez Rivera. Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm; Possession of a Fraudulent Immigration Document. Rivera, 22, a Mexican national, is charged with possessing a firearm, knowing she was unlawfully in the United States. Further, Rivera knowingly possessed counterfeit identification. The U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy M. Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-348
Brendon Nicholas Thomas Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country. Thomas, 26, of Tulsa and a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, is charged with assaulting his dating partner by strangling her. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Weems is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-355
Niagara Falls man pleads guilty to cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Rashaun Dix, 38, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Jacovetti, who is handling the case, stated that in 2021, the DEA and Niagara Falls Police began investigating the cocaine trafficking activities of a known individual operating in the Niagara Falls area. During the investigation, law enforcement uncovered some interactions between this individual and Dix. In March 2022, law enforcement learned that Dix told the individual that he had some “nu-nu,” and he wanted to see what he could do with it. Dix wanted the individual to help him cook the cocaine into crack. In April 2022, law enforcement, after learning that Dix arranged to meet another individual to purchase $15,000 worth of narcotics, began to conduct physical surveillance on Dix. When Dix met with the other individual, they were both taken into custody and law enforcement seized $15,028. Law enforcement then learned that Dix told his girlfriend to “put everything in the washer and flush it…in the washer with bleach,” “not answer the door, and call the lawyer.” At that time, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dix’s residence, recovering approximately 355 grams of cocaine, 22 grams of crack cocaine, and a digital scale.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nick Ligammari.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 14, 2025, before Judge Arcara.
# # # #
New York Men Charged with Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that two brothers from Bronx, New York, Elijah Javier Rodriguez, age 26, and Javier Justin Rodriguez, age 29, were indicted by a grand jury on November 5, 2024, on charges of possession of firearms by prohibited persons.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that both Elijah and Javier Rodriguez did knowingly possess firearms as a prohibited person who had been convicted of a felony offense, on June 29, 2024, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 15 years of 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.
# # #
New York Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was filed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Syed Aman, a U.S. citizen and resident of Nassau County, New York, with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Aman was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK Airport) in Queens, New York, on Nov. 5 as he tried to board a flight to Doha, Qatar, from which he intended to ultimately travel to Syria to join ISIS. Aman's initial appearance is scheduled for this afternoon.
As alleged in the complaint, throughout 2023 and 2024, Aman expressed his support for ISIS through social media posts in an online ISIS group forum, sent money to an individual he believed to be an ISIS operative that was intended to support ISIS’s efforts in Syria and made arrangements to travel to Syria to engage in jihad, or holy war, on behalf of ISIS.
Since the beginning of October, Aman has been in contact with a confidential human source (CHS) working with the FBI about Aman's plan to join ISIS in Syria. Aman expressed that “jihad and hijrah,” referring to traveling to ISIS-controlled territory and waging war on ISIS's behalf, are “the most important thing, more than anything else at the moment.” Aman shared with the CHS Aman's hatred for “kuffar [non-believers] who deny the path of Allah.” Aman explained to the CHS, “[i]f you don't kill them they will kill us and ruin the earth with decay." During this same time period, Aman also posted on a social media platform his desire "to kill Americans” and wrote in a notebook his intent to study becoming a shaheed, or martyr on behalf of ISIS.
Aman made two attempts to book travel to the Middle East in late October 2024, but his purchases were blocked by his credit card company. On his third attempt, Aman was successful in booking a flight from JFK Airport to Bangladesh via Doha. Aman told the CHS that he intended to disembark from his flight in Qatar and to purchase a flight from Qatar to Turkey where he would seek to cross into Syria to join ISIS. Aman also stated that he would travel with a steel pen to defend himself if he were arrested and that he would attack law enforcement. A silver metal pen was found in Aman's crossbody bag when he was arrested.
On Nov. 5, Aman traveled to JFK Airport for his flight to Qatar. After Aman had checked in, been processed through airport security and attempted to board his flight, he was arrested by the FBI.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells for the FBI’s National Security Branch made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Antoinette N. Rangel for the Eastern District of New York is prosecuting the case with assistance provided by Trial Attorney T.J. Reardon III of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.
A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New York Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY - A criminal complaint was filed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Syed Aman, a U.S. citizen and resident of Nassau County, with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Aman was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK Airport) in Queens, New York, on November 5, 2024 as he tried to board a flight to Doha, Qatar, from which he intended to ultimately travel to Syria to join ISIS. Aman is scheduled to make his initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s National Security Division and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, Aman was steadfast in his attempts to travel to the Middle East to join ISIS and fortunately his evil plan to wage jihad was thwarted,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “My Office will continue to identify and prosecute would-be terrorists like the defendant before they are able to harm individuals at home or abroad on behalf of ISIS.”
Mr. Peace extended his appreciation to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which comprises a number of federal, state, and local agencies from the region, for their outstanding work on the case, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance. “Syed Aman was allegedly determined in his efforts to support ISIS through financial donation and by making multiple attempts to travel overseas to engage in jihad on their behalf,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. “Thankfully, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force was able to intervene before his disturbing plans of supporting a deadly terrorist organization could come to fruition. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, are unmatched in our resolve to protect our nation from those willing to support the evils of terrorism.”
As alleged in the complaint, throughout 2023 and 2024, Aman expressed his support for ISIS through social media posts in an online ISIS group forum, sent money to an individual he believed to be an ISIS operative that was intended to support ISIS’s efforts in Syria and made arrangements to travel to Syria to engage in jihad, or holy war, on behalf of ISIS.
Since the beginning of October 2024, Aman has been in contact with a confidential human source (CHS) working with the FBI about Aman’s plan to join ISIS in Syria. Aman expressed that “jihad and hijrah,” referring to traveling to ISIS-controlled territory and waging war on ISIS’s behalf, are “the most important thing, more than anything else at the moment.” Aman shared with the CHS Aman’s hatred for “kuffar [non-believers] who deny the path of Allah.” Aman explained to the CHS, “[i]f you don’t kill them they will kill us and ruin the earth with decay.” During this same time period, Aman also posted on a social media platform his desire “to kill Americans” and wrote in a notebook his intent to study becoming a shaheed, or martyr on behalf of ISIS.
Aman made two attempts to book travel to the Middle East in late October 2024, but his purchases were blocked by his credit card company. On his third attempt, Aman was successful in booking a flight from JFK Airport to Bangladesh via Doha, Qatar. Aman told the CHS that he intended to disembark from his flight in Qatar and to purchase a flight from Qatar to Turkey where he would seek to cross into Syria to join ISIS. Aman also stated that he would travel with a steel pen to defend himself if he were arrested and that he would attack law enforcement. A silver metal pen was found in Aman’s crossbody bag when he was arrested.
On November 5, 2024, Aman traveled to JFK Airport for his flight to Qatar. After Aman had checked in, been processed through airport security and attempted to board his flight, he was arrested by the FBI.
The charges in the complaint are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorney Antoinette N. Rangel is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney T.J. Reardon III of the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.
The Defendant:
SYED AMAN
Age: 28
Franklin Square, Long Island
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-MJ-599
aman_complaint.pdfNew Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Narcotics and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LARRY WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 44, of New Orleans, was sentenced today to 137 months in prison for federal firearms and narcotics offenses.
According to court documents, WILLIAMS possessed a firearm and several narcotics after a foot chase and subsequent arrest by New Orleans Police Department officers. WILLIAMS pled guilty to possessing, with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as quantities of cocaine, hydrocodone, and tapaentadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) and (b)(1)(C). WILLIAMS also pled guilty to possessing a firearm, in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
U.S. District Judge Darrel J. Papillion sentenced WILLIAMS to 77 months in prison for the drug trafficking and felon in possession of a firearm offenses, followed by a consecutive 60 months in prison for possessing the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking, for a total 137 months. WILLIAMS was also sentenced to 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each of the three counts of conviction.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator.
Mexican National Caught with Gun, Fake ID SentencedRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Tuesday sentenced a man from Mexico who was caught with a firearm and fraudulent identification documents after a road rage incident to a year and a day in prison.
Donnovan Mallen, 22, of Berkeley, Missouri, will be deported after his release from prison.
Mallen admitted in a guilty plea in August that on Feb. 26, 2021, he was driving to work when a vehicle followed him and fired four shots at him in St. Charles, Missouri. Mallen said he fired once into the air. Police found a loaded 10mm semi-automatic pistol under the front passenger seat of Mallen’s Dodge Charger, which had a shattered rear window. Mallen also had a fraudulent Permanent Resident Card and Social Security card.
Mallen pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to illegal entry and unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Charles Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Goeke is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Manchester man pleaded guilty today in federal court to violating his sex offender registration requirements, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Christopher Hodgeman, 34, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to one count of failure to register his online identifiers. U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for February 25, 2025.
On April 13, 2021, Hodgeman pled guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. As a result of this prior conviction, Hodgeman is required to register as a sex offender and to report any internet or online identifiers, including screen names or user profiles on social media accounts.
In February 2023, Manchester police received a tip that an individual, later identified as Hodgeman, appeared to be exchanging sexually oriented chats online via Xbox with a 15-year-old child. Authorities determined that Hodgman had engaged in these chats using an unregistered online account. Through further investigation, authorities identified at least one additional online account that Hodgeman failed to report on his sex offender registration paperwork.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $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.
The United States Marshals Service and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
###
Man with Long History of Violence Against Women Sentenced to 78 Months for Illegally Possessing A GunRead the Press Release
Case Reflects Ongoing Commitment to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Stephen Duane Woods, Jr., age 40, of Kalamazoo, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted Stephen Woods federally in part because Woods has an extensive history of domestic violence, including his abusive actions in this case.
“Woods’s criminal record shows a pattern of violence against women and blatant disregard for the law,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “For a victim of domestic violence, an abuser’s access to a firearm can mean the difference between life and death. We will continue to protect survivors by prosecuting abusers who have no right to touch a gun.”
In September 2023, Woods grabbed his girlfriend by the hair, beat her to the ground, and pressed a loaded pistol to her chest. When she stood up, he slapped her in the head. When police came, he ran and hid the pistol in a car. A lone officer located Woods and began to arrest him, but he resisted and yelled in her face, relenting only when backup arrived.
Woods has an extensive criminal history, which includes dozens of convictions. This history betrays a pattern of violence against women, including a 2004 conviction for grabbing and holding a woman while his friend beat her, and a 2005 conviction for shoving a woman against a wall and punching her in the mouth.
Woods also has an established pattern of fighting and resisting police. In 2005, after a traffic stop, Woods bit and kicked officers. In 2010, he elbowed an officer’s face and bit his bicep, leaving a full bite mark. And in multiple cases, Woods fled crime scenes and led police on dangerous chases.
“Stephen Woods's is a habitual domestic abuser. Every person deserves to live in peace without the threat of gun and or domestic violence,” said Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Mr. Woods will have a significant amount free time to reflect on his consistent pattern of abusive relationships with women, and perhaps arrive at a place where he values them. Our community and his family are safer today with Woods in prison.”
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Across the nation and in Michigan domestic violence is a serious threat. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Moreover, studies have shown that domestic violence perpetrators often use firearms to abuse and control their victims, who are five times as likely to be killed if their abuser has access to a firearm.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan has brought other cases to address the threat of domestic violence, which include the following:
- 10/29/24 – Muskegon Heights Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Gun as A Felon
- 8/8/24 – Norton Shores Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking
- 7/18/24 – Two Lansing Men Sentenced on Gun Charges After Threatening Episode with an Assault Rifle at a Convenience Store
- 7/2/24 – Firearms Offender, Prosecuted Under Safe Summer Program, Sentenced to 64 Months
- 3/13/24 – Lansing Man Sentenced for Illegal Gun Possession
- 12/6/23 – Muskegon Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm Linked to a Homicide
- 9/13/23 – Serial Domestic Abuser Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm
- 6/5/23 – Muskegon Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Stalking his Ex-Wife and Possessing Firearms
In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan recently announced a special partnership with the City of Lansing to address domestic violence in that city as part of a nationwide program.
Victims of domestic violence who feel they are in imminent danger or fear a threat of harm should call 911. The following national hotlines are also available to help victims:
- Victim Connect: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224 (or text START to 88788)
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Castle prosecuted it.
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.
# # #
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Drug Possession and Violation of Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tiffany Alice Wolfe, age 41, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 6, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and violation of supervised release. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Wolfe to a total of 174 months’ imprisonment. She received a sentence of 162 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and was ordered to serve a consecutive, (additional) 12-month prison term for violating the terms of her supervised release from a prior federal drug conviction by committing a new crime. There is no parole in the federal system. After Wolfe’s release from prison, she will begin a new 5-year term of supervised release.
On April 26, 2023, Wolfe was a passenger in an SUV which was stopped by Lincoln Police officers for a traffic violation. The SUV, and its contents, including Wolfe’s purse, were searched. In her purse, officers found a shard of meth and 47 small plastic baggies, and a digital scale was found under her seat. Wolfe was taken to the Lancaster County Jail where she admitted she had additional meth on per person and provided a bag of meth to jail staff. She told officers she had just purchased it in Omaha prior to her arrest and eventually admitted she intended to sell some of it to customers in Lincoln. Testing at the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab showed the bag contained at least 100 grams of actual meth.
At the time of Wolfe’s arrest, she was serving a 3-year term of supervised release after completing federal prison terms for a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute meth a prior supervised release violation. Wolfe was sentenced to 123 months’ imprisonment in 2017 on the prior drug conviction and 14 months in 2022 on the prior supervised release violation.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Lame Deer man admits meth trafficking, firearm crimes on Northern Cheyenne and Crow Indian reservationsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lame Deer man accused of trafficking methamphetamine on both the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Indian reservations admitted to charges on Nov. 5, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
The defendant, Geofredo James Littlebird, Jr., 40, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Littlebird pleaded guilty in the midst of a jury trial that began on Nov. 4 on charges in a superseding indictment. Littlebird faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charge, and a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 5. Littlebird was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents and at trial, the government alleged that in 2022, law enforcement received information that Littlebird was distributing meth. Federal agents conducted a series of controlled purchases of the drug from Littlebird and his associates. Some of the purchases occurred in Littlebird’s house and were recorded. Another purchase that involved a source who met with Littlebird’s associate occurred near Crow Agency on the Crow Indian Reservation and was recorded. On Aug. 24, 2022, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Littlebird’s house and found a scale and plastic wrap, various rounds of ammunition, three firearms, body armor, multiple cell phones and meth and paraphernalia. On Oct. 19, 2022, law enforcement executed a tribal search warrant, with assistance from federal law enforcement, on Littlebird’s house and found four firearms and two baggies of meth.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
XXX
La Porte Man Sentenced to 48 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – An Indiana man who owns Glycerin Traders marketed and sold an “Ethanol Extraction” product as a pure food-grade product, when in fact, the product contained high levels of methanol leading to multiple deaths and severe physical injuries for those who consumed the product.
Dennis R. Zeedyk, 53 years old, of La Porte, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to mail fraud and tax fraud by a distiller, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Zeedyk was sentenced to 48 months in prison, 1 year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution to the victims of the offense in a total amount of $43,727.93. Zeedyk was also ordered to pay a fine of $76,500.
“Defendant Zeedyk is a modern-day snake oil salesman, who hawked his product to unwitting consumers as being a “pure”, food-safe and “safe for human consumption” ethanol product when, in fact, his product contained high levels of deadly methanol,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “As this prosecution shows, the United States government, through its various law enforcement agencies, will use its power to protect the consuming public from criminal businessmen, like Zeedyk, who use lies to entice consumers to purchase and to use products that are dangerous.”
Anthony Gledhill, Assistant Administrator for Field Operations, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) said, “This was an egregious, and thankfully, rare crime involving an illegal still and fraudulent product misrepresentations that resulted in the loss of life because of a product that should have never entered the domestic marketplace. TTB takes our responsibility for maintaining a reliable and safe alcohol marketplace seriously, and we greatly appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana and our local, state, and federal partners.”
According to documents in the case, Zeedyk owns a business called Glycerin Traders that processes and trades glycerin, methanol, and other biofuel products. From October 2016 through May 2018, Zeedyk manufactured and sold a product called “Ethanol Extraction.” Zeedyk marketed the Ethanol Extraction product as pure, non-denatured, food-grade grain ethanol distilled from 100% corn. Zeedyk advertised the product as a solvent to extract essential oils from cannabis, herbs, and other plants; for creating medicinal tinctures and perfumes; for baking in the kitchen; and as an all-natural cleaning product, among many other uses. The product was labeled as 95% ethanol and 5% purified water. Zeedyk sold Ethanol Extraction through Amazon, eBay, and an online website to customers in states throughout the country.
Zeedyk’s representations about the product were false. In actuality, the source material for the Ethanol Extraction product came from the remnants of denatured industrial alcohol shipments from Lake Michigan barges. Zeedyk then illegally distilled the alcohol through a distilling apparatus not registered with the federal government. The final product that Zeedyk sold to customers contained toxic high levels of methanol—approximately 30% to 45% methanol. When ingested, methanol can cause a wide variety of symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, seizures, abdominal pain, vomiting, blindness, and even death.
From October 2016 to May 2018, more than 1,200 customers bought Ethanol Extraction. Zeedyk stopped selling the product in May 2018 after learning that a customer had died from drinking it. Attempts were made to distribute recall notices, but not all customers responded to the recall, and there are unaccounted containers of Ethanol Extraction. At least three customers have died from ingesting the product, and several others suffered severe physical injuries.
“Far from a harmless misrepresentation, this defendant's lies led to the deaths of three innocent people and caused health problems for many others. This sentence strongly demonstrates that all actions have consequences and should serve as a deterrent to others to reconsider their choices,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI will continue to collaborate with our partners to ensure those who engage in such deceptive actions are held accountable, reinforcing our shared commitment to protect the public.”
“This case highlights the power of collaboration between IRS Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners to protect the public from individuals who jeopardize safety and trust for financial gain,” said Kareem Carter, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to holding accountable those who put profit over the public’s safety ensuring they face the consequences of their actions.”
This case was investigated by the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Hadley Police Department (Massachusetts). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander, Joel Gabrielse, and Philip C. Benson.
Jury convicts felon for possessing firearms and pipe bombsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury has convicted a 35-year-old Corpus Christi resident for felon in possession of a firearm and possessing unregistered pipe bombs, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for approximately 90 minutes before convicting Robert Spencer following a three-day trial.
The jury heard that law enforcement investigated a call reporting a shooting in the area. During the investigation, authorities approached Spencer, who fled into his home while appearing to be armed. This led to a standoff lasting an hour, during which law enforcement heard two gunshots from inside the home as Spencer yelled for them to leave. Eventually, Spencer exited his home without a firearm and law enforcement arrested him.
Authorities executed a search warrant for Spencer’s home and found six pipe bombs and three firearms, along with boxes of ammunition, in the attic. They also discovered another firearm next to Spencer’s home, where authorities initially spotted him. Spencer admitted to law enforcement that he personally assembled the pipe bombs and claimed ownership of the firearm found next to the house.
Testing confirmed the pipe bombs were destructive devices as defined by the law. In addition, the pipe bombs were not properly registered to Spencer in the National Firearms Registration and transfer record.
During the trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury that Spencer was unaware of the firearms found in his attic and outside his home. They contended that the pipe bombs Spencer admitted to making were not destructive devices. The jury rejected these claims and found him guilty as charged.
As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms by federal law.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos presided over the trial and set sentencing for Feb. 4, 2025. At that time, Spencer faces up to 15 years in federal prison for possession of firearms and up to 10 years for possession of unregistered pipe bombs and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Corpus Christi Police Department with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S Attorneys Patrick Overman and Ashley Martin prosecuted the case with the assistance of Paralegal Rachel Gonzales.
Jasper County felon sentenced to over 21 years for federal gun and drug violationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Jasper convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Larry Buckley, 44, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on November 6, 2024.
According to information presented in court, in October 2022, a joint investigation began between federal, state and local law enforcement, identifying Buckley as a source of supply for a drug trafficking organization distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in the Jasper and Lufkin areas, as well as the Sabine Parish, Louisiana area. During the investigation, it was determined Buckley was supplying numerous individuals with large amounts of methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers were able to purchase methamphetamine and firearms directly from Buckley. Buckley has previously been convicted of various felony offenses including engaging in organized criminal activity, manufacture delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and burglary of a habitation. As a convicted felon, Buckley is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
###
Gretna Couple Sentenced for Conducting an Unlicensed Money Transmitting BusinessRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kenneth Breyer, age 75, and Elaine (a.k.a. Edith) Breyer, age 74, both of Gretna, Nebraska, were sentenced on November 6, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced both Kenneth and Elaine Breyer to five years of probation. Chief Judge Rossiter also ordered the Breyers to pay $55,000 in restitution.
An investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service determined that in early 2023, an elderly victim, who resided in Louisville Kentucky, was falsely informed by an unknown individual that she had won $18.5 million in the Publisher’s Clearing House. The unknown individual directed the victim to send $100,000 to various addresses for the purported reason of pre-paying taxes and fees for her winnings to be released. The victim was instructed by the unknown individual to send $70,000 of those proceeds to the Breyers.
Between February 3, 2023, and February 13, 2023, the Breyers received three separate mailings from the victim which contained payments totaling $70,000. The Breyers then transmitted $55,000 of the victim’s funds to others involved in the fraudulent scheme who were located outside of Nebraska. The remaining $15,000 was seized by law enforcement from the Breyers before the funds could be distributed.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Fresno Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Louie Santiago Seja Jr., 35, of Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 14 years and one month in prison for receipt of visual depictions of minors being sexually abused, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The prison sentence is to be followed by 10 years of supervised release during which time Seja’s access to minors, computers, and the internet will be restricted, and he will be required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, in February and March 2019, Seja used a cellphone to receive more than 600 images of children being sexually abused. Some of the images depicted violence and prepubescent minors.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Central Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, specifically Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Committing $144,000 in COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Henry Ellard Jr., 39, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to stealing $144,000 in COVID-19 relief money, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court records, in July 2020, Ellard created Baptiste Ellard LLC. He then caused Baptiste Ellard LLC to apply for and receive $144,000 in COVID-19 relief money from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Ellard falsely represented to the SBA that Baptiste Ellard LLC had 10 employees, an annual payroll of more than $695,000, and that he would use the loan proceeds for business expenses. However, Ellard knew the company had no employees, no annual payroll, and no real operations and as such, the company was ineligible for PPP loans. Ellard subsequently used $144,000 of the relief money for personal expenses, including restaurants, bars, airfare, hotels, clothing, and golf.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Barton and Arelis M. Clemente are prosecuting the case.
Ellard is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 24, 2025. Ellard faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and fine of $250,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is part of the California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force, which is one of the interagency COVID-19 fraud strike forces established by the United States Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California, and focuses on large-scale, multistate, and egregious pandemic relief fraud. The strike force uses prosecutor-led, and data analyst-driven, teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief money.
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.
Forty-Eight Defendants Charged in Imperial Valley Takedown of Drug Trafficking Network Linked to Sinaloa CartelRead the Press Release
EL CENTRO – Five indictments were unsealed in federal court today charging 48 alleged members of an Imperial Valley-based, Sinaloa Cartel-linked drug trafficking organization accused of distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin and bulk cash smuggling.
In a coordinated takedown this morning, more than 140 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials arrested 25 defendants and executed 15 search warrants in Imperial County, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Stockton, as well as in Yuma, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. As of this afternoon, the search continues for 23 fugitives.
Including seizures today and throughout this long-term investigation, authorities have seized more than 3,600 kg (about 8,000 pounds) of methamphetamine; substantial quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin; and one firearm.
Crimes charged in the indictments include drug trafficking, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.
According to court records, the defendants belonged to a drug trafficking organization based in the Imperial Valley and Mexicali, Mexico with ties to Los Rusos, one of the most violent and significant factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
“This investigation represents another blow to traffickers of deadly drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “With the indictment of four dozen individuals, we are not only disrupting a major drug trafficking network but also taking significant steps to protect our community from the devastation these drugs cause. We are committed to dismantling these dangerous operations and ensuring that those who fuel the crisis are held accountable.”
“HSI’s challenge with investigating cases tied to the Sinaloa Cartel is to not just chase those who profit from addiction, but to dismantle the transnational network responsible for plaguing our communities and tearing families apart,” said Shawn Gibson, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “The success of today’s takedown would not have been possible without the unwavering support and assistance from our law enforcement partners. By working together, we each bring a unique skillset to the fight against these trafficking organizations and can disrupt and dismantle cells like these.”
“This successful operation underscores the pivotal role that collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies plays in safeguarding our communities,” stated Roque Caza, Area Port Director for the Calexico Port of Entry. “At U.S. Customs and Border Protection, our mission is to protect the nation’s public by preventing dangerous substances from entering the United States. This joint effort highlights our commitment to disrupting the flow of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, addressing the dangerous impacts on public health and safety. Together, we stand strong in our fight against these illicit activities and remain steadfast in protecting our borders and communities.”
“The Sinaloa Cartel and any other criminal organization will fare poorly here in the Imperial Valley as we have just seen,” said El Centro Sector Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino. “With seamless coordination between HSI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and a multitude of state and local agencies, yet another set of alleged traffickers and criminals were prevented from harming the community.”
According to court records, employing undercover operations and four rounds of wiretaps, agents conducted numerous controlled purchases, traffic stops of personal vehicles and several tractor trailers, and searches of houses and stash locations leading to large seizures of narcotics. In one instance on April 27, 2022, authorities seized 256 pounds of methamphetamine after intercepting phone conversations between several defendants about a big sale. Federal agents watched the transaction from afar, then conducted a traffic stop on the drug-laden tractor-trailer. Law enforcement officials located four duffel bags containing 256 pounds of methamphetamine in the cab of the truck.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark and Owen Roth.
DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr2316-WQH
Adrian Garcia Age: 28 El Centro, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of Controlled Substances – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a) and (b)(1)
Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 24cr2320-WQH
Fausto Herrera-Lopez, AKA “Vecino”* 50 Mexicali, MX
Rodolfo Ramirez-Palacios, AKA “Rudy”* 34 Mexicali, MX
Tereso Ramirez-Velasquez 54 San Bernadino, CA
Juan Carlos Ojeda-Saldana 35 Brawley, CA
Jose David Morales-Rodriguez* 46 Brawley, CA
Ernesto Morales-Rodriguez* 41 Mexicali, MX
Vicente Barrera-Robles* 32 Mexicali, MX
Ricardo Ruben Pinzon 24 El Centro, CA
Jose Ramon Ochoa-Monteverde 31 El Centro, CA
Salvador Martinez 54 Los Angeles, CA
Juan Carlos Martinez* 52 Los Angeles, CA
Rogelio Robledo-Valdez* 26 Mexicali, MX
Maria Elena Reyes 50 Wichita, KS
Gabriela Estrada* 46 Mexicali, MX
Jaime Mayoral 40 El Centro, CA
Marcos Arturo Barrera 28 Brawley, CA
Oscar Silvas-Gamez 32 Fresno, CA
Juan Ernesto Salas Villela* 37 Fontana, CA
Yeiming Hernandez 34 Calexico, CA
Frank Gustavo Zendejas 56 Calipatria, CA
Gerardo Medina Plancencia 45 Calexico, CA
Jose Andres Leyva 55 El Centro, CA
Stephanie Melgoza* 21 Salinas, CA
Victor Rene Herrera* 24 Los Angeles, CA
Arnulfo Morfin-Moreno* 52 Pasco, WA
Edgar Garcia* 24 Las Vegas, NV
Roberto Valenzuela De La Torre* 27 Sonora, MX
Leonardo Saldivar* 38 San Bernardino, CA
Francisco Ramirez* 52 Tolleson, Arizona
Luis Fernando Simental Palacios* 34 Mexicali, MX
Abraham Noe Esparza-Garcia* 36 Mexicali, MX
Angelica Guerrero 29 Calexico, CA
Sergio Sanchez 46 Long Beach, CA
Nicholas Adam Fortier 41 Portland, OR
Luis Alberto Felix* 38 Pacoima, CA
Elizabeth Echeverria 43 Las Vega, NV
Alvaro Guerrero 46 Los Angeles, CA
Pedro Estrada* 50 San Diego, CA
Bernadette Lucero Vallejos* 33 Goodyear, AZ
Maribel Garcia Barajas 56 El Centro, CA
Jose Arturo Mendiola Porras* 57 Mexicali, MX
Enrique Villalobos 43 Stockton, CA
Israel Alejandro Ramirez-Velasquez 60 Perris, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances - Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1), and 846
Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine
Distribution of Controlled Substances – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a) and (b)(1)
Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine
Possession of Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a) and (b)(1)
Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine
Bulk Cash Smuggling – Title 31, U.S.C., Section 5332(a) and (b)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
Conspiracy to Commit Bulk Cash Smuggling – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr2318-WQH
Nilda Charlenne Ledon Age: 34 El Centro, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Bulk Cash Smuggling – Title 31, U.S.C., Section 5332(a) and (b)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr2319-WQH
Jasmine Santos Age: 34 Los Angeles, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Bulk Cash Smuggling – Title 31, U.S.C., Section 5332(a) and (b)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr217-WQH
Brenda Lara* Age: 32 Los Angeles, CA
Romulada Contreras* Age: 75 Mexicali, MX
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Commit Bulk Cash Smuggling – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
Bulk Cash Smuggling – Title 31, U.S.C., Section 5332(a) and (b)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
*Fugitives
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations, Calexico Office
United States Border Patrol, El Centro Sector Intelligence Unit
Customs and Border Protection, Calexico Intelligence Division
Imperial County Narcotics Task Force
Drug Enforcement Administration, Imperial County Office
United States Postal Inspectors
Federal Bureau of Investigations, Imperial County Office
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations
United States Marshals Service
Calexico Police Department
Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
Brawley Police Department
San Bernardino Police Department Narcotics Unit
California Highway Patrol
El Centro Police Department
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Fort Belknap man sentenced to more than three years in prison for stabbing woman on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Fort Belknap man who admitted stabbing a woman multiple times during an argument on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to three years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Leon Boyd Messerly, 64, pleaded guilty in July to assault with a dangerous weapon.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on July 13, 2023, in their home on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Messerly and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, got into a fight. Jane Doe stated that Messerly was angry at her for not protecting his son and punched her in the face. Messerly also grabbed a chef’s knife and stabbed Jane Doe multiple times in her neck, back and left arm. Messerly then went to a friend’s house and told the friend that he had stabbed Jane Doe. The friend checked on Jane Doe and drove her to the emergency room. Jane Doe was transported to a hospital in Great Falls where she underwent multiple surgeries.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Police Department conducted the investigation.
XXX
Former Rochester firefighter going to prison on child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brett Marrapese, 32, of Irondequoit, NY, who was convicted of distribution and receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that between January 2016, and June 13, 2023, Marrapese used a cell phone, laptop computer, an email account, and multiple social media and internet chat applications, including Omegle; Kik; Snapchat; and Instagram, to produce, receive, distribute, and possess child pornography. In total, Marrapese received more than 600 images of child pornography that he obtained from others via the internet. He also posed as a teenage boy causing minors to produce and send to him sexually explicit images of themselves. Some of the images that Marrapese distributed and received depicted violence against and sexual abuse of children, infants, and toddlers.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Peters, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
# # # #
Former Licensed Counselor Sentenced for Defrauding MedicaidRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to five years of probation and six months of home confinement for health care fraud.
According to court documents, Lucinda Perez, 57, had been a licensed professional counselor since 2003 and worked as a sole practitioner performing home visits beginning in 2011. From no later than April 2015 through at least January 2023, she defrauded the Texas Medicaid program by submitting claims for child counseling services she did not perform. In some cases, Perez was out of town or in other states visiting various casinos during the time periods she had claimed in Medicaid filings. Billing records show Perez fraudulently received approximately $267,400 from service claims from Aug. 1, 2015 to July 31, 2019.
Perez was indicted for five counts of health care fraud and five counts of aggravated identity theft on Nov. 3, 2021. She was arrested Nov. 15, 2021. In addition to the probation, Perez was ordered to pay $267,402 in restitution.
“Not only did this defendant defraud the government out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, she also abused the trust of families to whom she provided services,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “My office will continue to pursue cases of fraud, waste, and abuse of public health systems.”
The Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Chung and Kelly Stephenson prosecuted the case.
###
Federal Jury Finds Lincoln County Man Guilty of Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – After two days of trial, a federal jury convicted Michael Allen Kenney, 53, of Hamlin, of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence at trial proved that on May 17, 2023, Putnam County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call at a video poker parlor in Poca and encountered Kenney. An officer saw Kenney reach into his waistband and retrieve a Ruger Model EC9s 9mm pistol. Officers seized the firearm and arrested Kenney.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Kenney knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions, including convictions for possession of a stolen vehicle in Kanawha County Circuit Court on October 27, 2017, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm in Mason County Circuit Court on August 5, 2014, and fleeing with reckless indifference in Putnam County Circuit Court on February 11, 2014.
Kenney is scheduled to be sentenced on February 24, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
“Today’s verdict holds a dangerous criminal accountable for his unlawful conduct,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I commend the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for their investigative work, and Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley C. Shamblin and Stephanie Taylor and our trial team for securing the guilty verdict in this case.”
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the jury trial.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-40.
###
Farmville woman pleads guilty in scheme to set up fake company, bank account to cash a stolen checkRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Farmville woman pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit bank fraud relating to her role in a conspiracy to set up a fake company and associated bank account to cash a stolen check for nearly half a million dollars.
According to court documents, on Sept. 21, 2021, a North Carolina business issued a check for $468,477.13 to a subcontractor, Summit Solutionz, Inc., made payable to “Solutionz,” and placed the check in the mail. At some point between Sept. 21, 2021, and Sept. 27, 2021, members of the conspiracy stole the check.
On Sept. 27, 2021, a member of the conspiracy incorporated “The Solutionz GA, Inc.” in Georgia. Pia Lawson, 51, was named the “CEO” and “CFO” of Solutionz GA. On Sept. 28, 2021, Lawson opened a business checking account for Solutionz GA and certified that she was the Chief Executive Officer and a beneficial owner of Solutionz GA. On Sept. 30, 2021, Lawson deposited the $468,477.13 check into the Solutionz GA account.
Through a series of financial transactions and transfers, Lawson depleted the fraudulently obtained funds between October and November of 2021, including, for example, the transfer of $65,000 to her personal checking account.
Lawson is scheduled to be sentenced on March 18, 2025, and faces up to 30 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Day is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-106.
Eugene Man Indicted for Posting Violent Threats OnlineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment Tuesday charging a Eugene, Oregon man with posting violent threats online, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Jeffrey Allen Voss, 31, has been charged with transmitting interstate threats and attempting to tamper with evidence.
According to court documents, between September 24 and 27, 2024, Voss is alleged to have posted several videos of himself online making violent threats, including two in which he was holding a firearm. In another video, Voss discussed becoming the next Kip Kinkel, referring to a school shooter who, in 1998, first murdered his parents then opened fire at a Springfield, Oregon school, killing two of his classmates and injuring twenty-five others.
Following those videos, on September 27, 2024, concerned citizens called 911 to report a Facebook Live video Voss posted wherein he allegedly claimed he was minutes from a high school and made violent threats. Acting quickly, the Eugene Police Department located and arrested Voss the same day.
On October 1, 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant on Voss’s residence. Agents located and seized two firearms, one replica firearm, ammunition, body armor, electronic storage media, and a handwritten note outlining his desires for vengeance and specifying individuals Voss wished to harm. The same day, upon learning his residence would be searched, Voss attempted to persuade an individual to conceal or remove evidence from his home.
Voss made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
If convicted, Voss faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $500,000.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Danville Man Convicted of Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT- The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Bressi, age 52, of Danville, Pennsylvania, was convicted on November 4, 2024, on charges related to a multi-year conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogues following a six-day jury trial before Chief U.S District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Bressi was convicted on charges of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl, carfentanil and 3-methylfentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute acetyl fentanyl. Bressi used his business, Shiva Science and Technology, in East Buffalo Township from 2015 through 2019, to make various fentanyl analogues that he would then sell to his distributors in Philadelphia, PA and the Cleveland, OH areas. Although the Shiva business purported to be engaged in cutting edge technology, a search warrant executed in 2019 showed that it was in fact a front company designed to conceal a fentanyl manufacturing operation. Over the course of the conspiracy, Bressi manufactured hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl analogues, the equivalent of millions of individual doses.
Bressi was detained pending sentencing, which will occur at a later date not yet specified by the court.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey W. MacArthur, Jeffery St. John, and Alisan V. Martin are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Bressi faces a maximum lifetime term of imprisonment. 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.
# # #
Centre County Man Charged with Production and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William S. Welsh, age 28, of State College, Pennsylvania, was indicted on November 5, 2024, by a federal grand jury on charges of production and possession of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on January 15, 2023, Welsh employed a minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. The indictment also alleges that from December 29, 2021 through April 4, 2024, Welsh possessed images depicting minors, including minors under the age of 12, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.
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 maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years of 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 are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
# # #
Bronx Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for December 2021 MurderRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that RICARDO FERGUSON, a/k/a “Maybach,” was sentenced to life in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Berman for the December 5, 2021 murder of Robert Brown, Sr., inside of Aqueduct Park in the Bronx. FERGUSON was convicted of murder, robbery, and drug charges following a six-day trial in June 2024. FERGUSON shot Brown in the head and attempted steal crack cocaine from Brown during a dispute over drugs.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Ricardo Ferguson used violence and intimidation to maintain control over his drug operation. In furtherance of that drug operation, he executed Robert Brown in a public park, in broad daylight, in front of several witnesses. For this senseless act of violence, Ferguson will spend the rest of his life in prison. Today’s sentence fittingly underscores the craven nature of Ferguson’s actions. We will continue to aggressively pursue justice in cases involving such wanton acts of violence. I want to thank our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors from this Office for their tireless efforts in pursuing justice in this case.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment and evidence at trial:
FERGUSON and others participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in the vicinity of Aqueduct Park in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. In the months leading up to the murder, FERGUSON and his co-conspirators threatened Robert Brown, Sr. because Brown had been selling bags containing larger quantities of crack cocaine than the other dealers in the park. On December 5, 2021, FERGUSON and a co-conspirator attacked and attempted to rob Brown in Aqueduct Park. During the attempted robbery, and physical attack, FERGUSON pulled out a gun and shot Brown in the head. Brown was 63 years old at the time of the murder.
* * *
In addition to the prison term, FERGUSON was sentenced to 120 months to run consecutive to the sentence of life in prison, and five years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), the Special Agents and NYPD Task Force Officers from the Special Investigations Division assigned to the Southern District of New York, and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area analysts.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic Gentile, Jun Xiang, Mathew Andrews, and Peter Davis are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Ananya Sankar.
Bank Manager Sentenced to Prison for Misusing Position to Steal Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars from Bank CustomerRead the Press Release
A former New York-based branch manager was sentenced yesterday to 13 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $208,938.68 in both restitution and forfeiture of criminal proceeds for misusing his position to steal approximately $208,938.68 from a customer’s accounts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2020 to April 2020, James Gomes, 43, of New York, used his position as a branch manager of an international financial institution to improperly access a customer’s accounts and to steal a total of approximately $208,938.68. Without authorization, Gomes linked his personal phone number to the customer’s accounts and enrolled the customer’s accounts in the bank’s online banking services. In March and April 2020, Gomes fraudulently transferred the customer’s funds to Gomes’ personal bank and investment accounts at other financial institutions. To cover up his scheme, Gomes created a fraudulent email address containing the customer’s name, which he used to engage in fictitious conversations with his own official bank email address to make it appear that the customer was communicating with him. Gomes continued the scheme even after the customer’s death on April 5, 2020.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General investigated the case, with assistance from the Morristown Police Department.
Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea R. Rooney of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Pesce for the District of New Jersey prosecuted the case.
MLARS’ Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system. Since its creation in 2010, the Bank Integrity Unit has prosecuted financial institutions for violations of the BSA, money laundering, sanctions, and other laws, imposing total penalties of over $25 billion.
Bank Manager Sentenced to 13 Months in Prison for Misusing Position to Defraud Bank Customer of Hundreds of Thousands of DollarsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former New York-based branch manager of an international financial institution was sentenced to 13 months in prison for misusing his position to steal more than $208,000 from a customer’s accounts, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, announced today.
James Gomes, 43, of New York, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud affecting a financial institution. Judge Salas imposed the sentence on Nov. 5, 2024, in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in court:
From January 2020 to April 2020, Gomes used his position as a branch manager of an international financial institution to improperly access a customer’s accounts and to steal $208,939. Without authorization, Gomes linked his personal phone number to the customer’s accounts and enrolled the customer’s accounts in the bank’s online banking services. In March and April 2020, Gomes fraudulently transferred the customer’s funds to Gomes’ personal bank and investment accounts at other financial institutions. To cover up his scheme, Gomes created a fraudulent email address containing the customer’s name, which he used to engage in fictitious conversations with his own official bank email address to make it appear that the customer was communicating with him. Gomes continued the scheme even after the customer’s death on April 5, 2020.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Salas sentenced Gomes to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $208,939 and forfeiture of $208,939 in criminal proceeds.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark; and special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, New York Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. He also thanked the Morristown Police Department for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marko Pesce of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark and Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea R. Rooney of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS).
MLARS’ Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system. Since its creation in 2010, the Bank Integrity Unit has prosecuted financial institutions for violations of the BSA, money laundering, sanctions, and other laws, imposing total penalties of over $25 billion.