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12 December 2024
Detroit Man, Morgantown Man Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two men have been sentenced for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that stretched from Michigan to Monongalia County, West Virginia.
Dorian Myles, 26, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. John Thomas, 46, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to 100 months for aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, Myles was a source of supply in a drug trafficking conspiracy in Monongalia County that sold methamphetamine, cocaine base, and fentanyl. Thomas was one of the drug runners. Investigators searched a Morgantown residence and recovered nearly 1100 grams of methamphetamine.
Myles has prior firearms convictions. Thomas has a criminal history which includes drug trafficking and fraud.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.
The Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Department of Justice Wins Forfeiture of $12 Million Connected to Iran’s Illicit Petroleum IndustryRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on November 21, 2024, ordered the forfeiture of $11,996,818.82 connected with Triliance Petrochemical Company Limited (Triliance), a well-known Iranian front company supporting the Iranian regime’s petrochemical industry which has financially supported the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and foreign terrorist organizations including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) and the IRGC-Quds Forces (IRGC-QF).
The forfeiture was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves of the District of Columbia, Special Agent in Charge John Condon of Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Bay Office, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin Winston of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office.
The Court’s action came in response to the Motion for Default Judgment filed by the United States. The Court’s written opinion granting the motion found that the United States established that the funds afforded the potential claimants - all front companies organized by Triliance for the Iranian regime – a “source of influence over the IRGC and IRGC-QF.” The Court also found that, as required, the government provided appropriate notice of the action to the potential claimants so that they had the opportunity to advocate for their interest in U.S. District Court. None of the potential claimants or any other party claimed an interest in the seized funds. The court’s Order places all right, title, and interest in the forfeited funds with the United States of America.
On January 23, 2020, the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) sanctioned Triliance for transferring funds on behalf of the National Iranian Oil Company (NOIC) in connection with the sale of Iranian petroleum products. On October 26, 2020, OFAC sanctioned NIOC and the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum under their counterterrorism authority, for their financial support of the IRGC and IRGC-QF, both designated foreign terrorist organizations.
After Triliance was designated, multiple entities were formed as Iranian front companies, including Petrochem South East Limited, Dynapex Energy Limited, Binrin Limited, Sibshur Limited, and Dinrin Limited, to facilitate the continued illicit sale of Iranian petroleum products using the U.S. financial system in violation of U.S. sanctions. Each of these specifically named entities have been sanctioned by OFAC.
For example, on August 27, 2020, a Singapore company sent two wires totaling $5,467,958.94 to Dynapex through a U.S. bank to facilitate the purchase of Iranian petroleum. At the time of the transfers, OFAC found Triliance used Dynapex to facilitate the sale of tens of thousands of metric tons of Iranian petrochemical products. Shortly before and after the August 27, 2020, wire transfers, multiple oil tankers owned and/or operated by Dynapex were, on various occasions, found to be in Iranian waters and presumed have Iranian petroleum cargo on board.
Between approximately March 27, 2020, through approximately October 1, 2020, each of the above-mentioned entities either sent or received funds, using the U.S. financial system, in order to support and facilitate the sale and transportation of Iranian petroleum in violation of U.S. sanctions.
This matter was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigation’s Tampa Bay Field Office and the FBI Minneapolis Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rajbir Datta of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section handled the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Brian Rickers, Paralegal Latina Sanders, and Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick. Former Assistant United States Attorney Michael Grady and National Security Division Trial Attorney David Recker provided significant assistance in this investigation.
Department of Justice Announces a Critical Response Review of the Philadelphia Police Department under the COPS Office’s Collaborative Reform InitiativeRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced that it will offer assistance to the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) under its Critical Response program — part of the office’s Collaborative Reform Initiative.
Through this assistance, the COPS Office — in conjunction with the National Policing Institute (a Critical Response provider) — will work with the PPD to improve the process for removing abandoned cars within the city. The goal of this work is to lower the number of abandoned cars in the city, reduce crime, and improve relations with community members.
“One of the tenets of community policing is working with the community to address the public safety issues that are at the top of their priority list,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “That is what the Philadelphia Police Department has done here, and the Department of Justice is thrilled to support this work.”
“When a police department truly listens to its community, trust grows and partnerships strengthen,” said Director Hugh T. Clements, Jr. of the COPS Office. “In this case, the Philadelphia Police Department has worked closely with its community to understand their public safety priorities and we look forward to working with them to further their goals.”
The Collaborative Reform Initiative encompasses three programs offering expert services to state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies: the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center, Critical Response, and Organizational Assessment programs (complete details of these programs can be found at cops.usdoj.gov/collaborativereform). Managed out of the COPS Office, this continuum of services is designed to build trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve; improve operational efficiencies and effectiveness; enhance officer safety and wellness; build agencies’ capacity for organizational learning and self-improvement; and promote community policing practices nationwide.
The Critical Response program is designed to provide targeted technical assistance (TA) to state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies experiencing high-profile events, major incidents, or sensitive issues of varying need. Critical Response is highly customizable by providing flexible assistance to law enforcement agencies that have recently experienced a critical incident or identified an issue of significant community concern in their department’s operations. The TA generally falls into three categories: (1) immediate delivery of TA to address a pressing and acute need, (2) data analysis, and (3) after-action reviews to understand and learn from law enforcement and public safety responses to critical incidents or issues.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Justice Department responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Justice Department agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. The COPS Office has been appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 138,000 officers.
Dark web administrator gets 30 years for sexually abusing minors and possessing thousands of child sexual abuse imagesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 37-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for production and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Robert Alexander Shouse pleaded guilty June 6 to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has sentenced Shouse to a total of 360 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence regarding the seven victims including a minor victim who Shouse sexually abused, recorded and distributed the images and videos. The court heard that Shouse secretly recorded minors, preyed upon them online and obtained child pornography from two other minors without their knowledge.
One of the victims, who was a minor at the time of the offense, was present at the hearing and addressed the court. The victim told the court that Shouse had filled a void for him and his grandmother after his parents were incarcerated. The victim stated that Shouse portrayed himself as a superhero, but was in fact, the villain.
The court ordered Shouse to pay $153,500 in restitution to the victims and will serve 10years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Shouse will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
“Robert Shouse is the embodiment of evil,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. “He used money and gifts to sexually abuse a nine-year-old child for six years. He used his computer skills to target hundreds of children, stealing their innocence and shattering their lives. In essence, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to satisfy his sick fantasies. Today’s sentence helps ensure that Shouse’s fantasies won’t become another child’s nightmare for decades to come.”
“Robert Shouse engaged in horrific sexual abuse of minors, created child sexual abuse material involving those minors, and facilitated the trafficking of thousands of sexually explicit images and videos of minors through a dark web site that he controlled,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendant’s sexual exploitation of vulnerable children is despicable. The Criminal Division is fully committed to using all available tools to investigate and prosecute sexual crimes against children.”
“The deviant, criminal actions of monsters like Robert Shouse are unforgivable and leave permanent trauma for their child victims,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston field office. “When these images and videos are posted and exchanged online, the victimization continues in
perpetuity. Children are re-victimized as long as documentation of their sexual abuse is on the internet, available for others to access forever. This case is an example of the FBI’s commitment, and that of our national and international partners, to go after those who abuse one of our most vulnerable populations- our children.”
Law enforcement identified Shouse in 2018 as an administrator for a CSAM website on the dark web which allowed facilitation of the sexual exploitation of minors while keeping secret the identities of the perpetrators. In his role, Shouse maintained the website which allowed users to post links to images and videos of CSAM. These links allowed a user to navigate to other websites, such as file-hosting websites where images and/or videos are stored, to download images and videos of child sexual abuse and child erotica. Additionally, forum users could discuss the sexual abuse of children.
Authorities seized and terminated the website’s operation in 2019.
In January 2019, authorities executed a search warrant at Shouse’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Forensic examination of the devices revealed more than 117,000 images and over 1,100 videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct including anal and vaginal penetration, masturbation, sadistic/masochistic conduct and lewd exhibition of genitalia.
Over 4,000 images depicted the sexual exploitation of babies and toddlers.
Additionally, law enforcement found images and videos of seven minor victims whom Shouse knew. Through the investigation, authorities learned he sexually abused one minor victim for a period of six years beginning when the victim was nine years old. Shouse befriended the child and provided money and gifts to the victim’s family. Shouse created over 925 images of child sexual abuse and 33 videos of this minor.
In some of these images, Shouse made the victim wear a dog collar.
Law enforcement found that Shouse had also secretly recorded two other minors, one in the bathroom and other in bedroom, and solicited two others online, asking them to send naked pictures of themselves. He also managed to download naked pictures of a couple who had shared them privately between them.
Shouse will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI-Texas City conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, Montgomery County Precinct Three Constable’s Office and Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. The Justice Department thanks the Dutch National Police and United Kingdom National Crime Agency for their valuable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo and Trial Attorney James E. Burke IV from the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Dark Web Administrator Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Minors and Possessing Thousands of Child Sexual Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
A man was sentenced today in the Southern District of Texas to 30 years in prison for production and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, Robert Alexander Shouse, 37, of Houston, was identified by law enforcement in 2018 as an administrator for a CSAM website on the dark web that facilitated the sexual exploitation of minors while keeping secret the identities of the perpetrators. In his role, Shouse maintained the website, which allowed users to post links to images and videos of CSAM. These links allowed a user to navigate to other websites, such as file-hosting websites where images or videos were stored and to download images and videos of child sexual abuse and child erotica. Additionally, forum users could discuss the sexual abuse of children. Authorities seized the website and terminated its operation in 2019.
“Robert Shouse engaged in horrific sexual abuse of minors, created child sexual abuse material involving those minors, and facilitated the trafficking of thousands of sexually explicit images and videos of minors through a dark web site that he controlled,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendant’s sexual exploitation of vulnerable children is despicable. The Criminal Division is fully committed to using all available tools to investigate and prosecute sexual crimes against children.”
“Robert Shouse is the embodiment of evil,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. “He used money and gifts to sexually abuse a nine-year-old child for six years. He used his computer skills to target hundreds of children, stealing their innocence and shattering their lives. In essence, there was nothing he wouldn’t do satisfy his sick fantasies. Today’s sentence helps ensure that Shouse’s fantasies won’t become another child’s nightmare for decades to come.”
“For more than 10 years, Shouse relentlessly exploited and victimized the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “In a world where technology allows child exploitation material to be spread across borders with ease, those who exploit children for their own depraved purposes must face the consequences of the harm they inflicted on their victims. Today’s sentencing is more than just a punishment. It’s a message to the community that the FBI will always work with our partners to ensure there is one less predator out there victimizing the most innocent among us — our children.”
In January 2019, authorities executed a search warrant at Shouse’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Forensic examination of the devices revealed more than 117,000 images and more than 1,100 videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct including anal and vaginal penetration, masturbation, sadistic and masochistic conduct and lewd exhibition of genitalia. Over 4,000 images depicted the sexual exploitation of babies and toddlers.
Additionally, law enforcement found images and videos of seven minor victims whom Shouse knew personally. Through the investigation, authorities learned that he sexually abused one minor victim for a period of six years beginning when the victim was nine years old. Shouse had befriended the child and provided money and gifts to the victim’s family. Shouse created over 925 images and 33 videos of child sexual abuse of this minor. In some of these images, Shouse made the victim wear a dog collar.
Law enforcement found that Shouse had also secretly recorded two other minors — one in the bathroom and the other in the bedroom — and solicited two other minors online, asking them to send naked pictures of themselves to him. He also managed to download naked pictures of a couple who had shared the images privately between themselves.
Shouse pleaded guilty on June 6 to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a child, and one count of possession of child pornography. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Shouse was ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release, pay $153,500 in restitution to the victims, and register as a sex offender. Shouse will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI Houston Field Office, Texas City Resident Agency investigated the case, with the assistance of the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, Montgomery County Precinct Three Constable’s Office, and Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. The Justice Department thanks the Dutch National Police and United Kingdom National Crime Agency for their valuable assistance.
Trial Attorney James E. Burke IV of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Cranston Man Admits to Possessing and Selling Tens-of-Thousands of Fentanyl-Laced Fake Oxycodone PillsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Cranston man admitted to a federal judge that he led a conspiracy that sold and delivered tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced fake Oxycodone pills, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Jorge Pimentel, a/k/a “Big Head,” 35, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a federal indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to information presented to court, on multiple occasions between May 31, 2023, and September 29, 2023, Pimentel brokered sales of fentanyl-laced pills and arranged for their delivery. In total, Pimentel was paid $37,000 in exchange for approximately 34,000 fentanyl-laced pills in these monitored transactions alone. The deliveries of pills were monitored by members of the FBI’s Rhode Island Safe Streets Task Force, which they quickly seized.
Pimentel was arrested on September 29, 2023; a court-authorized search of a storage unit he rented in Pawtucket resulted in the seizure of approximately 8,968 grams of fentanyl in powder form; 3405.1 grams of fentanyl in pill form (19,315 pills); and a high-speed pill press, among other items.
The pills sold by Pimentel and those located inside the storage unit were counterfeit Oxycodone containing fentanyl and were marketed as such to resemble a legitimately manufactured drug.
Pimentel is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2024. The defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. No plea agreement has been filed in this case.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey A. Erickson.
The matter was investigated by the FBI’s Rhode Island Safe Streets Task Force, with the assistance of the Pawtucket Police Department. The Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
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.
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Couple sentenced for laundering millions in drug proceeds using virtual currencyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Houston resident and his naturalized wife from Vietnam have received prison sentences for unlicensed money transmitting and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Vinh Quang Phan and Diana Le Phan entered guilty pleas June 18.
U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison has now sentenced Vinh Phan and Diana Phan to 120 months in federal prison. Each will also serve three years of supervised release following their prison terms. The judge ordered the Phans to pay $80,000 in fines and forfeit their Houston home, $16,198 in cash seized at the time of their arrests and more than $470,000 in seized accounts.
During the hearing, the court learned the Phans had already achieved the American dream and were wealthy before choosing to embark on a life of crime. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ellison remarked “This is one of the least sympathetic cases of need I have encountered.” He added: “All of this was foreseeable. I wish people would think about their families before they commit crimes, rather than invoking their families now.”
“Crime flourishes only when it pays, and Vinh and Diana Phan helped it pay, for years, to the tune of more than $33 million. Now their bill is due,” said Hamdani. “These sentences acknowledge the harm that professional money launderers cause when they knowingly circulate dirty money and subvert the integrity of our banking system.”
“Our special agents reviewed records from more than 20 financial institutions and virtual currency companies, and worked with the task force to execute approximately 40 search warrants and interview dozens of witnesses to unravel the defendants complex scheme to transmit and launder millions in illicit proceeds,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan, of IRS Criminal Investigation’s (CI) Houston Field Office. “When people hear about IRS CI, they often don’t realize the work we do to take down organized crime and criminal financial operations. We are law enforcement officers that specialize in following the money.”
The Phans operated an unlicensed money transmitting business that transmitted funds received in the form of U.S. currency aka bulk cash. They earned at least some of this money, which included more than $9 million bulk cash received from others, from the trafficking, distribution and sale of controlled substances.
During the course of the approximately 21-month conspiracy, the unlicensed money transmitting business received and transmitted more than $33 million. The Phans introduced this bulk cash into the banking system through more than nine “money mules.” The Phans then used the funds to buy virtual currency which was sold for cash in California - the state where the controlled substances originated.
The Phans used virtual currency to eliminate the risk of driving cash across the country, which was one way they transmitted cash prior to January 2020. The Phans were robbed at gunpoint while on the road in October 2019 and had $440,000 stolen from their vehicle.
The Phans did not register their money transmitting business with the Department of the Treasury nor did the state of Texas license them to engage in money transmission.
The Phans were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to U.S. Bureau of Prisons facilities to be determined in the near future.
The IRS Criminal Investigation-led South Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Financial Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation with assistance from Drug Enforcement Administration, Houston Police Department and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman and Eun Kate Suh prosecuted the case with assistance from Deputy Chief Brandon Fyffe of the Asset Recovery Section.
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to public court documents, Kyle Robert Smith, 31, was found in possession of a distribution quantity of methamphetamine in April 2024. After his arrest, Smith directed a co-conspirator to retrieve two pounds of methamphetamine and sell it. In March 2024, Smith was found in possession a loaded handgun. Smith is prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior domestic violence conviction.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Smith will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Council Bluffs Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Conspirator in Multi-Million Dollar International Money Laundering Conspiracy Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza has sentenced Gabriel Aldemar Velez Torres (32, Orlando) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering and structuring. Velez Torres entered a guilty plea on September 17, 2024.
According to court documents, in late February 2021, Cristian Rodriguez Labour recruited Velez Torres into this scheme and used his personal identifiers to incorporate a fake business, “Gabes Go Getter, Inc.” Between March 9 and 12, 2021, Velez Torres opened four different bank accounts at local banks in the name of this fake business. Thereafter, other conspirators working with Labour hacked into businesses throughout the country, causing those businesses to wire large amounts of funds to accounts held by “Gabes Go Getter, Inc.” Once received, Velez Torres transferred the bulk of the fraudulent proceeds to offshore accounts held by businesses in Weifang, China, then withdrew a portion of the fraud proceeds as payment for the laundering conspirators, often structuring those withdrawals to avoid law enforcement and regulatory scrutiny. During this conspiracy, conspirators directed $2,183,086.70 of fraud proceeds to and through business accounts for “Gabes Go Getter, Inc,” $741,043.11 of which was successfully laundered to Chinese offshore accounts.
Overall, members of the conspiracy successfully laundered $3,323,941 to offshore accounts in China and unsuccessfully attempted to launder another $5,057,777, all of which were the proceeds or attempted proceeds of computer fraud and cyber intrusions on small businesses and other entities throughout the United States and Canada. Other conspirators received the following sentences:
NamePlea DateCount(s) in Indictment to Which Defendant Pleaded GuiltySentencing DateSentence ImposedCristian Rodriguez Labour2/21/241 (conspiracy)6/21/247 years
Jihad William Morales5/2/241 (conspiracy)
2-8 (money laundering)
9-11 (structuring)
8/22/245 years, 10 monthsMichael Gabriel Robles Vazquez4/9/241 (conspiracy)
12-14 (money laundering)
8/22/242 years, 10 monthsAramys Gonzalez Rodriguez3/25/241 (conspiracy)
15-23 (money laundering)
24-29 (structuring)
9/18/244 years, 3 monthsJorge Ivan Ortiz Buil4/9/241 (conspiracy)
30-34 (money laundering)
35 (structuring)
8/22/245 years, 3 monthsThis case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
Columbus man sentenced to 7 years in prison for robbing postal carrier at gunpointRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Anthony J. “A.J.” Williams, 20, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 84 months and one day in prison for crimes related to armed robberies of United States postal carriers.
“Today’s sentencing shows our continued commitment to holding accountable individuals who break the law in relation to mail theft,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Our investigations and prosecutions will be vigorous, and the end results will be significant. Williams’s seven-year prison sentence is just one example of that.”
According to court documents, on Nov. 9, 2022, Williams committed an armed robbery of a USPS letter carrier who was delivering mail on Michigan Ave. in Columbus. The postal carrier was delivering mail to an apartment complex’s “cluster box” at the time.
After borrowing a Glock19 from one co-conspirator and being driven by another co-conspirator, Williams approached the mail carrier and brandished the handgun directly at the victim. Williams demanded the victim’s postal keys and then yanked the postal keys off of the carrier’s belt.
Williams sent photos of the stolen key to another co-conspirator who was orchestrating the robbery.
The defendant also worked with that same co-conspirator to plan a postal robbery for Christmas Eve 2022 and repeatedly “fished” for stolen mail with stolen postal keys.
Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury and arrested in January 2024. He pleaded guilty in July 2024 to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, committing aggravated robbery of United States property and conspiring to commit an offense against the United States.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division; announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in this case.
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Clemency Recipient ListRead the Press Release
Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is granting clemency consisting of 39 pardons and 1,499 commutations.
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is pardoning the following 39 individuals:
NINA SIMONA ALLEN – Harvest, Alabama
Nina Simona Allen is a 49-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent offense in her 20s. In the years since, Ms. Allen returned to school to earn a post-baccalaureate degree and two master’s degrees. She now works in the field of education. Ms. Allen strengthens her community by volunteering at a local soup kitchen and at a nursing home. Ms. Allen is described by people who know her as a dependable, hardworking woman of integrity.
KELSIE LYNN BECKLIN – Falcon Heights, Minnesota
Kelsie Lynn Becklin is a 38-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense at the age of 21. After successfully serving her sentence, Ms. Becklin has furthered her education and recently completed a Ph.D. program. In addition to her graduate program research and academic writing, Ms. Becklin mentors previously incarcerated individuals who also seek to pursue higher education. She is also an active volunteer in her community. Friends and professors attest to her work ethic, dedication, and genuine care for others.
DURAN ARTHUR BROWN – Cleveland, Ohio
Duran Arthur Brown is a 44-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. Mr. Brown received early termination of his probationary sentence and has advanced his education and maintained consistent employment in the field of education. Mr. Brown is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and during his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and several other medals and awards. Following his honorable discharge, Mr. Brown served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He is described by colleagues as caring and compassionate.
NORMAN O’NEAL BROWN – Washington, DC
Norman O’Neal Brown is a 56-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent drug offenses when he was 22 years old. If Mr. Brown had been sentenced under current law and today’s sentencing practices, he likely would have received a shorter sentence. After serving over 20 years in prison, President Obama commuted his sentence in 2015. Since then, Mr. Brown has worked with several non-profit organizations, including those focused on rehabilitation, reentry, and justice-impacted youth. Mr. Brown volunteers at several national and community-based organizations that help support incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated people and serves as a board member for a non-profit dedicated to sentencing reform. Family members and colleagues describe Mr. Brown as a man of grace and integrity and an exceptional human being.
ARTHUR LAWRENCE BYRD – Clinton, Maryland Arthur Lawrence Byrd is a 58-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent offenses at the age of 23. In the years since, Mr. Byrd has been employed as an equipment operator, where he has received various certificates in recognition and appreciation for his work and safety record. He is also active in his church community and contributes to the church’s coat drive and food pantry. People who know him attest to his willingness to help others, his work ethic, and his character.
SARAH JEAN CARLSON – Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Sarah Jean Carlson is a 49-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. She received early termination of her probationary sentence. Since then, she has furthered her education and worked in addiction counseling at a faith-based rehabilitation center. Ms. Carlson also volunteers in her local community and at her church. Community members emphasize that Ms. Carlson goes above and beyond to help as many people in crisis as possible.
BRANDON SERGIO CASTROFLAY – Alexandria, Virginia
Brandon Sergio Castroflay is a 49-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent, drug-related offenses at age 21. After successfully completing his sentence, Mr. Castroflay continued his career in the U.S. Army and then went on to work as a civilian for both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Castroflay received multiple awards related to his work. He also took night classes to earn a bachelor’s degree while also working full-time. Mr. Castroflay volunteers for several charitable organizations that support Gold Star families and wounded service members. Mr. Castroflay has been described as exceptionally hard working, dedicated, and trustworthy by those who know him.
ROSETTA JEAN DAVIS – Colville, Washington
Rosetta Jean Davis is a 60-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses. After successfully serving her sentence, Ms. Davis has maintained steady employment, including by working as a peer supporter for those struggling with substance abuse. Colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors all speak highly of her, citing her hard work, dependability, and willingness to serve as an example of rehabilitation to those with criminal records or who are battling addiction.
STEVONI WELLS DOYLE – Santaquin, Utah
Stevoni Wells Doyle is a 47-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to non-violent offenses at the age of 24. After her conviction, she completed a master’s program and has worked as a licensed substance use disorder counselor. She volunteers in her community and fosters animals. Community members describe her as a great mentor and a person of integrity.
GREGORY S. EKMAN – Fountain Valley, California
Gregory S. Ekman is a 58-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense at the age of 25. After successfully serving his sentence, Mr. Ekman has maintained consistent employment and has engaged in extensive community service, including with a youth group and with his local church. Friends and associates uniformly praise his character, honesty, and dedication to family. During his U.S. Air Force service, Mr. Ekman received the Training Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award.
SHANNAN RAE FAULKNER – Muldrow, Oklahoma Shannan Rae Faulkner is a 56-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. After successfully serving her sentence, she furthered her education and now works as a counselor and recovery coach with female trauma victims and people with disabilities. Ms. Faulkner also volunteers with organizations dedicated to preventing sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as with local charities. Colleagues attest to her inspirational character, her integrity, and the remarkable impact she makes on the lives of those she helps.
TRYNITHA FULTON – New Orleans, Louisiana
Trynitha Fulton is a 46-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to non-violent offenses she committed when she was 23 years old. Since her conviction, she has earned a master’s degree and worked in the education field. Ms. Fulton also contributes to her community by coaching and volunteering, including for an organization that feeds homeless individuals. She also founded two non-profits dedicated to supporting and helping youth. Ms. Fulton has been described as someone who goes above and beyond for her community.
PAUL JOHN GARCIA – Las Vegas, New Mexico
Paul John Garcia is a 72-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent theft offenses. Since his conviction, he has maintained steady employment in the medical field. Mr. Garcia engages in community service, including with a charity supporting and mentoring youth. Mr. Garcia is a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, where he received the National Defense Service Medal and other medals and awards. He is known for his extraordinary and compassionate delivery of patient care and his volunteerism.
KIM DOUGLAS HAMAN – Lima, Ohio
Kim Douglas Haman is a 75-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent offenses. Mr. Haman is also a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served in the Vietnam War and earned awards, including the U.S. Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged. After his conviction, Mr. Haman worked at a vehicle parts production facility and retired after 16 years of service. Mr. Haman has gained the reputation of being an excellent handyman and a devoted family man who is sincere, honest, and hardworking.
SHERRANDA JANELL HARRIS – Norwalk, Connecticut Sherranda Janell Harris is a 43-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent drug offense when she was 24 years old. In the years since, Ms. Harris has maintained employment in the finance and real estate fields. Ms. Harris is an engaged parent and spends most of her free time with her child. She is also committed to her church and has taken care of fellow parishioners. Ms. Harris has been described as a role model for young women in her community.
TERENCE ANTHONY JACKSON – Seattle, Washington
Terence Anthony Jackson is a 36-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense he committed when he was 23 years old. If Mr. Jackson had been sentenced under current law and sentencing practices, he would have likely received a shorter sentence. In the years since his release, Mr. Jackson has worked in the legal industry and is pursuing a degree while he works full-time. In addition to studying, Mr. Jackson has volunteered in his community, including as a barber to children in need. He is described by those who know him as dependable and caring and as someone who always tries to help others.
EDWIN ALLEN JONES – Paducah, Kentucky
Edwin Allen Jones is a 60-year-old man who pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses. Mr. Jones served in the U.S. Army and achieved the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged. Since successfully completing his sentence, Mr. Jones has had a notable legal career. Mr. Jones also participates in local government and volunteers for addiction recovery groups. Mr. Jones is described by community members as thoughtful, forward thinking, and trustworthy.
JAMAL LEE KING – North Ridgeville, Ohio Jamal Lee King is a 53-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. Mr. King is a U.S. Army veteran. He received the National Defense Service Medal and several other awards before being honorably discharged. He received early termination of his probationary sentence and has since worked in various jobs. Mr. King contributes to his community through his church and by caring for his elderly neighbors. His community members describe him as trustworthy and honest.
JERRY DONALD MANNING – Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Jerry Donald Manning is a 70-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent offenses. Mr. Manning received early termination of his probationary sentence and has since advanced his education and career in aviation. He is active in his community, coaching soccer, attending church, and serving as a bible study teacher. Mr. Manning is a veteran of the U.S. Army. While in service, he was awarded a medal during Operation Desert Storm, and was honorably discharged. Friends and colleagues attest to his character, describing him as a good, honest man and a great leader.
HONI LORI MOORE – Rock Springs, Wyoming
Honi Lori Moore is a 46-year-old woman who committed a non-violent drug offense when she was 19 years old. Since her release, she has maintained consistent employment in the mining industry and has furthered her education by earning certificates. Ms. Moore is a member of two charitable organizations and has provided critical support to individuals in need, including fire safety, rescue, and first aid. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues describe Ms. Moore as honest, courageous, trustworthy, and dependable.
EMILY GOOD NELSON – Indianapolis, Indiana
Emily Good Nelson is a 39-year-old woman who was convicted of non-violent drug offenses when she was 19 years old. Since her release, she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and now works in the healthcare field. She has spoken publicly about drug use and has volunteered as a counselor at an in-patient psychiatric facility. She is described as kind, committed to recovery and helping others, and as someone with tremendous talent and ability.
DENITA NICOLE PARKER – Gaffney, South Carolina
Denita Nicole Parker is a 43-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense when she was in her 20s. Since her conviction, she has been a dedicated parent to her two children and works full-time. Ms. Parker also volunteers with a charitable organization delivering meals at least two to three times per month, organizes donations for the homeless, and buys holiday gifts for children in her community. She and her husband also started a program that feeds approximately 100 families. Friends, work associates, and neighbors describe Ms. Parker as law-abiding, trustworthy, dependable, and dedicated person.
MICHAEL GARY PELLETIER – Augusta, Maine
Michael Gary Pelletier is a 67-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. Mr. Pelletier served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 14 years on active duty, where he participated in more than 790 search and rescue operations and saved 32 lives. He also previously worked with the U.S. Secret Service and received several citations and awards for his meritorious service. He was honorably discharged and later served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. After his conviction, Mr. Pelletier worked for almost 20 years at a water treatment facility. He volunteered for his county HAZMAT team, assisting first responders at hazardous material spills, accidents, and natural disasters. Additionally, he has grown vegetables for a local soup kitchen and volunteered at an organization supporting wounded veterans and their families. Friends, colleagues, and those who know Mr. Pelletier describe him has honest, dependable, and committed to his country and community.
RUSSELL THOMAS PORTNER – Toutle, Washington
Russell Thomas Portner is a 74-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. Mr. Portner served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged after earning several decorations, including the Bronze Star. Since his conviction, he married, raised four children, operated a successful business, and developed a reputation for charitable generosity and community service. He is currently a member of several veterans organizations. Neighbors, business associates, and friends describe him as trustworthy, loyal, and as a respected businessperson.
NATHANIEL DAVID REED III – San Antonio, Texas Nathaniel David Reed III is a 46-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent offenses at the age of 21. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years after his conviction, including many overseas deployments, and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and earned numerous good conduct awards before retiring with an honorable discharge. Mr. Reed has volunteered for numerous causes benefitting both the U.S. Air Force and the civilian community, such as training local firefighters, teaching fire prevention in various settings, and organizing fire prevention weeks. He has also served as a certified sexual assault prevention and response advocate and has used his experience in overcoming the stigma of his conviction to help mentor fellow airmen. Friends, neighbors, and former U.S. Air Force colleagues consistently describe Mr. Reed as highly motivated, reliable, patient, family-oriented, trustworthy, patriotic, dependable, upstanding, honest, hardworking, and personable.
GARY MICHAEL ROBINSON – Redmond, Oregon
Gary Michael Robinson is a 70-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense. Mr. Robinson is a distinguished U.S. Army veteran. During his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and other awards. He was honorably discharged and served as a reservist for several years. Since his conviction, he has built a successful firefighting and habitat preservation business. He volunteers in his community, gives regularly to charity, and is well-regarded by friends and associates. Mr. Robinson is described by those who know him as honest, trustworthy, and professional.
JOSE ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ – Coral Springs, Florida
Jose Antonio Rodriguez is a 55-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense at the age of 26. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy and received several medals and awards for his service, including the U.S. Navy Achievement Medal. Since his conviction, Mr. Rodriguez has started a family, committed himself to higher education, and has maintained employment in the medical field. Colleagues and friends describe Mr. Rodriguez as compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated to treating patients.
PATRICE CHANTE SELLERS – Bear, Delaware
Patrice Chante Sellers is a 49-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense when she was in her 20s. If Ms. Sellers had been sentenced under current law and sentencing practice, she likely would not have been prosecuted federally. Since her conviction, Ms. Sellers enrolled in school, earning multiple certifications and licenses. She gives back to her community by donating clothing and toiletries to a transitional housing program and offering encouragement to its residents. Community members describe Ms. Sellers as someone who goes above and beyond for others.
AUDREY DIANE SIMONE (AUDREY CLARK) – Prescott, Wisconsin
Audrey Diane Simon is a 63-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent offense. In the years since, Ms. Simon has worked in the field of addiction recovery and earned a bachelor’s degree and a permanent counseling license. She also contributes to her community through her church where she serves as a deacon and works in the church’s prison ministry. Community members describe her as inspirational, trustworthy, positive, and caring.
JAMES RUSSELL STIDD – Groveport, Ohio James Russell Stidd is a 79-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense at the age of 20. After his conviction, he served in the U.S. Air Force until he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. He reenlisted and served another four years, including during the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon being honorably discharged, Mr. Stidd worked as a contractor and as a road and park maintenance worker. He has participated in various charitable activities through his church and is a member of a disabled veterans organization. Mr. Stidd is described as a man of integrity and honor.
DIANA BAZAN VILLANUEVA – La Grange, Illinois
Diana Bazan Villanueva is a 51-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent drug offense in her 20s. In the years since, Ms. Villanueva has been a dedicated mother to her children and has worked in payroll and accounts. Ms. Villanueva also regularly volunteers at school events, fundraisers, and annual autism-related charitable events. Friends and coworkers uniformly praise Ms. Villanueva and describe her as warm, reliable, and always eager to help.
LASHAWN MARRVINIA WALKER – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Lashawn Marrvinia Walker is a 51-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to non-violent drug offenses in her 20s. Ms. Walker received early termination of her probationary sentence for her exemplary probation record. Since then, Ms. Walker has worked in the healthcare field, is an engaged parent, and regularly assists others in her community, including during the holidays when she helps serve dinner at a retirement home. People in her community describe Ms. Walker as caring, good-hearted, and responsible. They also note her willingness to meaningfully help others.
MIREYA AIMEE WALMSLEY – La Porte, Texas
Mireya Aimee Walmsley is a 57-year-old woman who was convicted of a non-violent offense at the age of 25. Since her conviction, she has earned an associate’s degree, a nursing license, and a bachelor’s degree. She has maintained steady employment in the healthcare field. Additionally, she has led emergency response teams during several natural disasters (including Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, and Harvey, and Tropical Storm Allison) and spearheaded vaccination efforts during the H1N1 epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic. Her contributions to public health have been recognized on numerous occasions. She has been commended for her loyalty, integrity, compassion for people of all backgrounds, and is universally described as honest and steadfast in crisis.
KIMBERLY JO WARNER – Portville, New York
Kimberly Jo Warner is a 54-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense. Since her conviction, Ms. Warner earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and works in the healthcare field. She has volunteered at a non-profit that provides therapeutic services to veterans and first responders and serves as a mentor. She also participates in the Gold Star Wives Program and speaks at the local veterans organization meetings. Ms. Warner has been described as positive, empathetic, caring, and nurturing by those who know her.
JOHNNIE EARL WILLIAMS – Denver, Colorado
Johnnie Earl Williams is a 58-year-old man who was convicted of a non-violent offense. In the years since, Mr. Williams has worked as a criminal justice specialist and addiction counselor. He gives back to his community through volunteering and serving in his church. Mr. Williams has received many awards for his charitable work, including an award that honors individuals who work with young men of color. Community members describe Mr. Williams as honest, loyal, and compassionate.
SHAWNTE DOROTHEA WILLIAMS – Columbia, South Carolina
Shawnte Dorothea Williams is a 45-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense in her 20s. In the years since, Ms. Williams has been steadily employed in several fields. Ms. Williams is involved in her community, working in her church’s food pantry and serving as a greeter on Sunday mornings. Ms. Williams has been described by those who know her as a loyal and dependable community member.
LASHUNDRA TENNEAL WILSON – Arlington, Texas
Lashundra Tenneal Wilson is a 49-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent offense she committed when she was a teenager. In the years since, Ms. Wilson pursued her education and has worked in the healthcare field. Ms. Wilson gives back to the community by volunteering at community health fairs and raising funds for non-profit health organizations. Ms. Wilson has been praised for her work ethic, trustworthiness, and dependability by community members.
LORA NICOLE WOOD – Maxwell, Nevada
Lora Nicole Wood is a 39-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense when she was 19 years old. Since her release, Ms. Wood has maintained steady employment and is an engaged parent. She has spent time volunteering with animal welfare and canine therapy service organizations and has organized food drives and fundraisers. Ms. Wood has been praised her work ethic, devotion to her children, and volunteer endeavors.
JAMES EDGAR YARBROUGH – Arlington, Tennessee
James Edgar Yarbrough is a 79-year-old man who was convicted of non-violent offenses. Mr. Yarbrough is a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran who earned a Purple Heart Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and over 10 other medals and awards throughout his service. He was honorably discharged after attaining the rank of Captain. Since his conviction, he worked for a shipping company for nearly 30 years. Now retired, he spends much of his time volunteering and is active in his church. Mr. Yarbrough’s business acquaintances, neighbors, church members, and friends all reflect a consistent high level of regard for Mr. Yarbrough, commenting on his impressive civic engagement, good character, and generosity.
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is commuting the sentences of the following 1,499 individuals:
NameReg. No.ANTWON ABBOTT16383-028RLS AR ABDUL AZIZ02438-095EDWARD ABELL III00566-138ANTHONY ABREU-MATOS44903-069FAYEZ ABU-AISH67402-018JOSE ABUNDIZ11828-085JORGE ACEVEDO04413-028MARK ACKERMAN30428-047SETH ACOSTA47417-177FELIX ACOSTA78804-198KARA ADAMS61718-019JOHN ADAMS17769-029LONZINE ADAMS39134-018DARRYL ADAMS32351-009HERMAN ADAMS03791-480ADEMOLA ADEBAYO17711-104AYODELE ADENIRAN78249-054PAMELA ADENUGA45171-177SHELINDER AGGARWAL34768-001MANUEL AGUILAR26463-009RAMON AGUILAR III50500-177VINCENTER JIMENES19899-026RAY AGUILLARD05451-095ALBERTO AGUIRRE68408-079CHELSEY AGUIRRI57387-177TOYOSI ALATISHE63492-037DENNIS ALBA89560-012BRIAN ALCORTA44752-380MAHMOUD ALDISSI60832-018ROBERT ALDRIDGE00195-120ANTHONY ALFARO22710-026MUHAMMAD ALI42233-379NAGY ALI13500-479ASIF ALI57844-177MICHAEL ALLEN14822-042DEVORD ALLEN05097-041KRISTIE ALLEN18933-023BENJAMIN ALLMON17008-029KAHEIM ALLUMS78040-054GUMARO ALMANZA57815-380JORGE ALOMAR-BAELLO74170-053WILLIAM ALONZO51061-039JAMES ALTOM27680-045JUAN ALVAREZ18027-097CARLOS AMADOR64899-279FRANK AMODEO48883-019ROBERT ANDERSON14686-076ROBERT ANDERSON09350-021THOMAS ANDERSON JR41952-044MELVIN ANDERSON32689-074JULIE ANDRADE75726-112MARK ANDREOTTI67620-050WILFREDO ANDUJAR23432-058ANTONIO ESCOBAR29230-479CHRISTOPHER ANZALONE06975-104JOSE APONTE71104-050CLYDE APPERSON14058-031ROY APPLEWHITE13755-040DWAYNE APPLING12383-273ALVARO ARGUELLES36944-479MINEL ARIAS85794-054GABRIEL ARIAS MADURO16089-104RICHARD ARLEDGE16769-078GENNY ARMENTA54202-177TRACY ARNOLD52198-074ERIC ARNOLD45771-074BERNARD ARRE04052-029BENJAMIN ARZOLA27539-050JAMES ASKEW III27100-001NICHOLAS AUDETTE72060-018CARLOS AVANT22833-076ANGELA AVETISYAN68350-112ERICA AYALA49030-177ISMAEL AYALA42295-018FRANK BADILLA JR43595-480ALCIDES BAEZ37504-004JACKIE BAGLEY63477-037SANDRA BAILEY27281-076JAMES BAILEY05406-010RYAN BAIRD15870-028ULYSEE BAKER JR56979-083BRIAN BALLANGEE11907-033JOHN BANKS15023-075KIMBERLY BANKS96188-020JEFFREY BANKS78927-083FRAENCHOT BANKS15638-041ANDRE BARBARY97866-004EVIZAEL BARBOSA-DELGADO76036-066RUBEN BARCELO-SEVERINO63353-018COY BARKER22321-078HAROLD BARNETT15762-033YESENIA BARRAGAN80567-298JOSE BARRERA28336-078JOSE BARRERAS15114-028ONEIL BARRETT57578-298PHILIP BARRY77573-053DION BARTLETT51593-083KURT BARTON71720-280RAMIRO BASALDUA64458-079HARVEY BASS55769-018SHALLIN BAST22296-040PATRICK BATES33795-058DERRICK BEALS04143-043CARLOS BECERRA16447-179LYDIA BECK71137-019DONALD BECK29104-057EDDIE BECKHAM34320-058TODD BEHRENDS22602-047ANTHONY BELL26231-013JEAN BENITEZ-REYES52753-069AUNDEL BENOIT36312-004SHANNON BENTLEY71366-018LARRY BENTLEY JR24069-044LEON BENZER47521-048MARC BERCOON66081-019ROGER BERGMAN04825-104CARLOS BASTARD72419-054AUSTIN BERTCH14003-029CORDARRYL BETTON21389-043ANTONIO BEVERLY02712-104TRACY BIAS70248-061DAVID BILES40371-074MICHAEL BINDAY66389-054MICKEY BIRGE10240-028DOYLE BIVENS40031-074KIMBERLY BLACK-MCCORMICK26518-045KEVIN BLALOCK42597-074JAMES BLANTON50960-509ANIS BLEMUR19380-104KEVIN BLEVINS32128-177ERIC BLOOM44727-424JOHN BLOUNT17880-035KENDALL BLUE55802-056VILAWOE BOADU76454-408ANDREW BOGDANOFF68251-066ANASTASSIA BOGOMOLOVA60833-018LASHAUN BOLTON30504-057AMANDA BONEL22810-078RICARDO BONILLA-ROJAS40498-069CHRISTOPHER BOOTH07502-043LISA BOOTON30658-047RANDALL BOSTIC42523-074SYLVESTER BOSTON JR50221-039ROBERT BOSTON33525-058ALICIA BOULDIN58421-177AUDRA BOWDEN50705-177MELVIN BOWEN19666-078PAUL BOWMAN53747-074MICHAEL BOWMAN19060-084VERNON BOWSER14524-074CHRISTOPHER BOX22026-084QUINBY BOYD30446-058WILLIAM BOYLAND JR79751-053KENNETH BRADLEY09488-021MACK BRADLEY08073-043WILLIAM BRADLEY87078-054BENJAMIN BRADLEY50878-039JUSTIN BRANON89595-408DONALD BRELJE09657-041MATTHEW BREMOND20559-006STEVEN BREWER24281-077TREAVOR BRIGGS32708-009SHAMICHAEL BRIGHT14688-035MITCHELL BROOKS24135-016ANDREA BROOKS28601-380TERRICIOUS BROOKS54557-056SHELLE BROOKS04027-029DONALD BROOMFIELD61304-018BOBBIE BROWN40453-424ATARI BROWN54681-039JERMAINE BROWN62269-019KEVIN BROWN32427-016JB BROWN JR19409-026EDDIE BROWN06900-063DARRYL BROWN46329-074ISAAC BROWN33651-058TRAMAINE BROWN91240-053JAMES BROWN31677-171TERESA BROWN22766-045JONATHAN BRUMBACK22506-031TORRIE BRUMFIELD32473-034ROCKY BRUMMETT12354-032MICHAEL BRUNER17984-032MICHAEL BRYANT54559-004GREGORY BUCK26568-081TAMATHA BUCKHOLT63353-280KEVIN BUI26874-017DENNIS BUNCH78044-083JOHN BURGESS59495-177JAMES BURKHART15426-028PAUL BURKS29723-058ALEKSANDR BURMAN50234-054VICTOR BURNETT54977-039ANTHONY BURNETT16708-028PIERRE BURNETT15146-028LAMEL BURNS42334-424SIRRICO BURNSIDE24037-171NATHANIEL BURRELL III71431-066REBECCA BURRESS30393-074KERI BURROUGHS14152-010CRYSTAL BUSBY-TETZLAFF08770-046ANTONIO BUSSIE66847-019RUBEN BUSTOS47273-380DANNY BUTLER19107-033SHAWN BUTLER83619-083JOHN BUTLER JR20040-018MICHAEL BYERS34932-058ERNESTO CABANAS-TORRES59340-408YERITHZA CABAUATAN64824-298LYNN CADY55388-380BRIAN CALLAHAN82618-053THOMAS CAMBIANO28886-031PIO CAMPOS09314-089ROSETTA CANNATA62780-018XAVIER CARDONA36123-380LUIS CARIBE-GARCIA16113-069JAMES CARLSON16784-041ALLEN CARNES02783-061TERRELL CARNEY33927-034LUSHAWN CAROLINA58659-083KELLI CARON13604-059HORRIS CARPENTER27422-076PEDRO CARRASCO JR07532-046CARMELO CARRASQUILLO-LOPEZ53078-069JIMMY CARRASQUILLO-RODRIGUEZ33484-069JOSE CARRILLO62730-080CLIFFORD CARROLL13905-104DEWEY CARROLL50232-037RASHAUN CARTER21884-084ERIK CARTER51330-039MAURICE CARTER97740-020JOSEPH CARTER16691-075RANDY CARVER53579-074JAMES CARVER25084-014MELISSA CASEY48834-074SHARLENE CASH33128-064NORMA CASILLAS52244-179VLADIMIR CASTANEDA62039-018ROLAND CASTELLANOS62970-019RONALD CASTILLE JR63882-280DANNY CASTILLO26164-014NELVING CASTRO69551-066DESHON CATCHINGS47363-039JOSE MORA CATES17496-028DWELLY CAULEY69830-004SEUI CAVAN08947-030PEDRO CAVAZOS JR52624-080OSVALDO CEBALLO01241-104RAFAEL CEBALLOS-CASTILLO06988-028DOMINGO CEDANO-MARTINEZ59126-177ISRAEL CEDENO-MARTINEZ66258-050ROMAN CHAIDEZ-ALVAREZ17137-424AMANDA CHAMBERLAIN54101-177SHAUNTEL CHAMBERS17381-027KAWANA CHAMPION71021-019NIGEL CHANDLER32455-177JAMES 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CORDERO68437-066JARVOR COSSE37473-034JACORY COULTER28564-078CLARENCE COUNTERMAN58238-380HENDRICK COUSAR23407-171DONALD COX JR49022-177GARRY CRAIGHEAD62952-380ZAN CRANDALL JR17023-003WILLIAM CRANE31603-001QUANTEZ CRIBBS10735-029RACHEL CROWE14291-509KACEY CROXTON54049-177RITA CRUNDWELL44540-424RICHARD CRUZ70012-054ANNA CUARTAS15923-104CHAD CURRY00527-120JONATHAN CURSHEN90293-054SALAH DADO45816-039COURTNEY DAILY25700-075AUGUSTIN DALUSMA71080-018AARON DAN94757-022MELVIN DANIELS32900-171ETHEL DANIELS66014-019JAMIE DARBY16934-002VIKRAM DATTA64542-054PAUL DAUGERDAS62444-054KENDRICK DAVENPORT14089-179ARNULFO DAVILA32490-177ERIC DAVIS31339-044AMANDA DAVIS52217-074MICHAEL DAVIS55247-060MARTEE DAVIS31634-001LISA DAVIS14202-029KOBIE DAVIS17745-026PIERRE DAWSON20863-424FEDERICO DE LA CRUZ08369-379MERCEDES DE LA PAZ65423-298DAVID DE LOS SANTOS49817-177NICHOLAS DEANGELIS71691-004CHRISTINE DELACRUZ20753-006GERARDO DELBOSQUE16494-078OSCAR DELGADILLO88249-479VINCENT DELGADO27854-039RODNEY 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SHELDON HOWARD
12704-032
92565-083
STEPHAN HOWARD16912-027MICHEL HUARTE82411-004MARC HUBBARD11465-058CHARLES HUBBARD69949-019KENNETH HUBBARD10119-043MARVIN HUDGINS47239-039SANCHEZ HUDSON23300-058RANDY HUERTA20418-380JAMES HUFF35783-044WILLIAM HUFFMAN49016-177DARWIN HUGGANS34513-044TORREAN HUGHLEY29902-031RAVON HUMPHREY51358-039TINA HUNT17225-035ALEXIS HUNTER39141-177CHRISTOPHER HUNTER44200-061BOBBY HUNTER16007-028MOHAMED HUSSEIN22362-041MATTHEW HUTCHESON14620-023NORMA IBARRA CANTU94793-380DANA ICE36314-180JESSICA IDLETT56827-177JESUS IGLESIAS91860-280GODREY ILONZO63976-019LESLIE INMAN85901-379REGINALD IRBY69457-066CARLOS ISBY24743-009AMER JABIR17294-424REGGIE JACKSON45833-039HOWARD JACKSON54870-039CHARLES JACKSON29263-009TOMMY JACKSON21198-017DANNY JACKSON39094-068FREDERICK JACKSON SR47796-039TIMOTHY JACKSON20364-043THERESA JACKSON08478-045CHRISTOPHER JACKSON47079-074DAVID JACKSON08547-068IKEISHA JACOBS59274-056JOSEPH DEE JACOBS27752-171MICHAEL JACOBS65325-056RAYMOND JACQUES III17726-002CELSO 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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Roger Wayne Legg, 33, of Charleston, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 20, 2023, Legg possessed approximately 694 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded Diamondback DB380 .380-caliber pistol in a backpack he was carrying in Charleston. Legg admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine and possessed the firearm for security and protection while he sought to sell drugs.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department-Special Enforcement Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-11.
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Charleston Man Sentenced to More than 10 Years in Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Chidi Anthony Okafor, 26, of Charleston, was sentenced on Wednesday, December 12, 2024, to 10 years and one month in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 31, 2022, Okafor sold approximately 338.3 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Charleston.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon and Ryan A. Keefe prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-75.
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Centre County Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on John Cyphert, 64.
According to information presented to the Court, from November 2019 to March 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Cyphert conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Cyphert was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of methamphetamine that he distributed to others.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Cyphert.
Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
California Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Counterfeit Currency FraudRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Clinton Curry, 40, of San Francisco, California, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for dealing in counterfeit obligations, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. U.S. Circuit Judge Richard C. Tallman ordered Curry to pay restitution to the businesses he defrauded. Upon completion of his prison sentence, Curry will also be required to serve an additional three years of supervised release.
According to court records, on September 9, 2023, Curry entered a store in Post Falls, Idaho, and purchased $324 of goods using U.S. currency. After Curry left the store, employees discovered that the majority of the currency used during the purchase consisted of counterfeit bills. Law enforcement was notified and began investigating the incident immediately. Working with the Spokane Office of the U.S. Secret Service, officers quickly learned that Curry had engaged in similar transactions across several western and southern states, including Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Texas. In total, officers discovered 46 separate incidents where Curry had either passed counterfeit currency or was in possession of counterfeit currency. Altogether, Curry used or attempted to use over$40,000 in counterfeit currency.
“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-agency coordination to remove those who would attempt to threaten our financial system by using counterfeit currency,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit.
“The U.S. Secret Service appreciates the collaborative efforts of our partners to investigate the defrauding of a critical element of our financial system," said Special Agent in Charge Glen Peterson of the U.S. Secret Service Seattle Field Office.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked the Spokane Office of the U.S. Secret Service and the Post Falls Police Department for their collaborative investigation on this case, including partnering with many state and local agencies across the United States. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Ellsworth prosecuted the case.
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California Man Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Bank Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy That Targeted Bristol Municipal Funds, Businesses, and IndividualsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A California man, described in court documents as a key participant in business email compromise and money laundering scams that allegedly defrauded businesses, individuals, and the Town of Bristol, Rhode Island, out of nearly $9 million dollars has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft charges, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
The indictment alleges that a member of the conspiracy sent phishing emails to individuals, corporations, and the Town of Bristol that, when opened, allowed the senders to access to the recipients’ computer networks. After gaining access to the victims’ networks, it is alleged that Alec Tahir Baker, 60, of Corona, CA, and/or his co-conspirators, directed the victims’ banks to transfer money into an account controlled by Baker or another conspirator.
As detailed in the indictment, it is also alleged that a member of the conspiracy would email employees of the victim companies by posing as a vendor seeking payment. The co-conspirator would then provide the employee with new bank account information into which funds should be paid, causing the employees to unwittingly send company funds to a bank account controlled by Baker or another conspirator.
The indictment goes on to allege that as part of the conspiracy, Baker would provide false information and documents (at times fraudulently using the names of real people) to banks that had asked him for further details regarding funds that were being wired into his account, and falsely claimed that he had a business relationship with a victim company. .,.
It is further alleged that as part of the conspiracy, Baker opened over 40 bank accounts in his name and in the name of any one more than a dozen companies that he created, in order to receive fraudulently obtained funds. Soon after funds were received into his accounts, Baker allegedly withdrew some of the money in cash and cashiers’ checks; transferred funds to separate accounts he controlled, including to Coinbase and other cryptocurrency accounts, and also transferred funds to accounts in the names of other individuals and entities, who were in turn directed to transfer the fraudulent funds to others, concealing their origin.
The indictment alleges that individuals and businesses were defrauded of at least $8,854,243, and that approximately $7,649,876 in fraudulent proceeds were transmitted to bank accounts under Baker’s control.
In addition to targeting corporate victims, the indictment alleges that on January 18, 2023, a member of the conspiracy gained access to the computer network used by the Town of Bristol, Rhode Island. The next day, a member of the conspiracy caused $310,500 to be wired from one of the Town’s bank accounts into a business account controlled by Baker, who then withdrew or transferred funds from that account and deposited the money into other accounts he controlled. These included, as alleged in the indictment:
- A January 20, 2023, withdrawal of $75,000 with the notation that funds were for “Q1 salary”;
- A January 23, 2024, withdrawal of $144,700 via a bank check payable to a company Baker controlled; and
- A January 23, 2024, withdrawal of $89,169.87 in the form of a cashier’s check made payable to a company under his control. The cashier’s check was deposited into another account controlled by Baker. Over the next week, he withdrew $46,000 from the account into which the cashier’s check was deposited.
The indictment returned on Wednesday charges Baker with conspiracy to commit money laundering, bank fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The defendant was first charged in this ongoing investigation by way of a Criminal Complaint, filed and sealed on November 1, 2024. He was arrested in Dallas, TX, on November 5, 2024, and ordered detained after his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Dallas. He will be transported to Rhode Island and appear for arraignment in U.S. District Court in Providence on a date yet to be determined.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lee H. Vilker and Denise M. Barton .
The matter is being investigated by the FBI. United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Bristol, RI Police Department; Genesee County, New York Sheriff’s Office; Baltimore County, MD Police Department; Hartland, Wisconsin Police Department; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas for their assistance.
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alec_tahir_baker_indictment.pdfCalifornia Hospital to Pay $10.25M to Resolve False Claims AllegationsRead the Press Release
Oroville Hospital, located in Oroville, California, has agreed to pay $10,250,000, to the United States and the State of California to resolve allegations that it knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid arising from medically unnecessary inpatient hospital admissions, a kickback and physician self-referral scheme and the use of erroneous diagnosis codes. Oroville Hospital will pay $9,518,954 to the federal government and $731,046 to the State of California.
The United States alleged that Oroville Hospital admitted patients and billed Medicare and Medicaid for more expensive inpatient hospital stays when inpatient care was not medically necessary and observation status or outpatient care was appropriate. The United States also alleged that Oroville Hospital illegally incentivized inpatient admissions by paying financial bonuses to doctors who worked full time at the hospital and were in a position to influence whether or not patients were admitted to the hospital. The bonuses paid by Oroville Hospital took into account the volume or value of admissions by these physicians. Oroville Hospital further allegedly submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid that included false diagnosis codes for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), resulting in excessive reimbursement to the Hospital.
“Improperly billing federal health care programs depletes valuable government resources used to provide medical care to millions of Americans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to protect these critical programs by pursuing those who knowingly claim reimbursement to which they are not entitled.”
“Physicians should make decisions based on the best interests of their patients, not their own personal financial interests,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Hospitals engaging in kickback schemes betray the trust placed in them by their communities and distort care decisions that should be untainted by illegal kickbacks. This settlement demonstrates my office’s commitment to preserving the integrity of public healthcare programs and ensuring that the well-being of patients remains paramount.”
In connection with the settlement, Oroville Hospital entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) that requires, among other conditions, the implementation of a risk assessment and internal review process designed to identify and address evolving compliance risks. The CIA also requires an independent review organization to annually assess both the medical necessity and appropriateness of select claims billed to Medicare and policies and systems to track arrangements with some referral sources.
“Health care providers that improperly bill Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary services to boost profits divert taxpayer funding meant to pay for services that enrollees actually need,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan of HHS-OIG. “And when providers engage in improper financial arrangements, they undermine the integrity of medical decision-making. HHS-OIG, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, will continue to identify and investigate such allegations in order to protect federal health care programs and the Americans who rely on them.”
The settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Cecilia Guardiola. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Cecilia Guardiola v. Oroville Hosp., Case No. 2:20-CV-1558 (EDCA). As part of the resolution, Guardiola will receive approximately $1.7 million from the federal settlement amount.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, with assistance from HHS, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General and Office of Investigations and the California Department of Justice, Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Attorneys Daniel A. Spiro and James Nealon of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Tennyson for the Eastern District of California handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Settlement
Babysitter Sentenced to 60 Years for Filming Assaults on Young ChargesRead the Press Release
An Arlington babysitter who sexually exploited more than a dozen young clients has been sentenced to 60 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Kaleb Layne Nix, 26, was indicted in July. He pleaded guilty in August to two counts of sexual exploitation of children and was sentenced Thursday to 720 months in federal prison (360 months on count two and 360 months on count five, to run consecutively) by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman. The judge also ruled that Mr. Nix’s sentence would run consecutive to any sentence handed down in the state’s pending sexual abuse and child pornography cases against him.
According to court documents, the investigations began with a cybertip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) about an internet user who uploaded files containing sexually explicit images of children.
Agents identified the user as Mr. Nix and executed a search warrant on his phone, where they found multiple videos and images of Mr. Nix sexually exploiting at least 15 boys and girls between the ages of three and seven. A parent told investigators that his family used an online childcare service to schedule babysitters, and provided Mr. Nix’s profile photo.
Homeland Security investigations, the Arlington Police Department, and the Denton Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aisha Saleem prosecuted the case.
Albany Woman Pleads Guilty to Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Toqwanda Ketchmore, aka “Quannie,” age 30, of Albany, pled guilty today to marijuana trafficking.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; Troy Police Chief Daniel DeWolf; and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
Ketchmore admitted to being a member of a marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) trafficking organization that cultivated marijuana on a commercial scale in Fresno, California, and shipped thousands of kilograms of marijuana and THC from Fresno to locations throughout the United States, including the Capital Region of New York.
Ketchmore admitted to receiving packages of marijuana shipped by Dwight A. Singletary, II, aka “Nutt” and “Mike Jones,” and McKenzie Merrialice Coles, aka “Kenzie,” from a shipping store in Fresno, Fast Pack & Ship, at her then-home in Troy. Ketchmore was notified of the packages by Dwight Singletary and David Singletary, aka “DB,” and notified David Singletary, who retrieved the packages when they arrived.
Ketchmore also admitted that Dwight Singletary sold marijuana branded as “Nutty Packs” and had an Instagram account in the name “nutty_packz,” which Ketchmore followed. The profile picture for the account depicted a peanut above marijuana leaves smoking a marijuana cigarette and holding cash, and the posts to the account included videos of marijuana plants, harvested marijuana buds, and packaging for marijuana, including “Nutty Pack” packaging.
Between November 2020 and May 2022, Ketchmore received 44 packages containing approximately 201 kilograms (443 pounds) of marijuana at her home in Troy.
Ketchmore faces up to 20 years in prison; a fine of up to $1 million; and a term of supervised release of between 3 years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Ketchmore was charged in an indictment with Dwight Singletary, David Singletary, Coles, and 20 other people alleging marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracies, firearms offenses, and other crimes. Dwight Singletary, David Singletary, and Coles have pled not guilty and are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations.
In addition to Ketchmore, 16 other defendants, Rosemary Coles, Latrice Mumphrey, Lawrence Mumphrey, aka “L,” Sammy Olague, Victor Turner, Kristle Walker, Niara Banks, aka “Nie,” Ruby Ledesma, Lateek White, Onisha Smith, Jazell Shuler, Earnest Flood, aka “Pop,” Consanga Harris, aka “Sondy,” James Tyrell Daniels, aka “Red” and “Ghost,” LaFay Pearson, aka “Lala,” and Alyssa June White previously pled guilty.
The ATF, DEA, Troy Police Department and HSI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Dustin C. Segovia are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Administrator of Online Criminal Marketplace Arrested in KosovoRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the indictment and arrest of Liridon Masurica (33, Gjilan, Kosovo), a Kosovo national also known as “@blackdb.” Masurica was taken into custody today by authorities in Kosovo. U.S. authorities are pursuing Masurica’s extradition to the United States, pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and the Republic of Kosovo.
On December 3, 2024, a grand jury in the Middle District of Florida returned an indictment charging Masurica with one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and five substantive counts of fraudulent use of 15 or more unauthorized access devices. If convicted on all counts, Masurica faces a maximum penalty of 55 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Masurica was the lead administrator of BlackDB.cc—an online criminal marketplace in operation from 2018 until present. BlackDB.cc illegally offered for sale compromised account and server credentials, credit card information, and other personally identifiable information of individuals primarily located in the United States, including those located within the Middle District of Florida. Once purchased, cybercriminals used the items purchased on BlackDB.cc to facilitate a wide range of illegal activity, including tax fraud, credit card fraud, and identity theft.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation and in cooperation with Kosovo Police’s Cybercrime Investigation Directorate. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons. Substantial assistance was provided by the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Sofia, Bulgaria and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs. Additionally, Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosova and Kosovo Police’s Cybercrime Investigation Directorate provided substantial assistance in the arrest of Masurica.
Adair Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – An Adair man was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Act.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in December 2022, Randy Scott Shuey, 43, was found in possession of a silencer attached to a rifle, which also had a high-capacity magazine. In January 2023, law enforcement located a second silencer at Shuey’s residence. Shuey did not register the silencers with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by federal law.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Shuey will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Adair Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
44 Defendants Charged in First Year of "Project Switch Off" as Part of Crackdown on Illegal Machinegun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
Law Enforcement Seize 185 Machinegun Conversion Devices and 298 Illegally Possessed Firearms
OKLAHOMA CITY – Launched just over a year ago, “Project Switch Off” continues to serve as an effective strategy to combat violent crime and targets illegal—and lethal—machinegun conversion devices (MCDs). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma launched “Project Switch Off” on November 29, 2023.
“The clear and immediate danger of machinegun conversion devices is real, and their proliferation is ever-increasing,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “We simply cannot standby and ignore the deadly consequences these devices present to the public and law enforcement. Under federal law, manufacturing, selling, transporting, or possessing MCDs is illegal. My office will continue to work with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to address this emerging threat.”
“It was nearly a year ago that we stood in unison and promised to do whatever we could to keep these dangerous devices from affecting you and your neighborhoods. As the statistics show, we held true to our word. Just because our first year was successful, we cannot, and will not, rest on our investigative laurels,” said ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “Together, with the United States Attorney’s Office and all our law enforcement partners, we will continue to work tirelessly to eradicate these devices from our communities. When we say we will not sleep until we do, we mean, will not sleep.”
PROJECT SWITCH OFF – STRATEGY
“Project Switch Off” targets MCDs, which turn semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machineguns and present an elevated threat to the public and to law enforcement. Regardless of whether they are attached to a firearm, MCDs constitute machineguns under federal law, and the manufacture, sale, transport, or possession of MCDs is illegal under federal law, except in very limited circumstances.
“Project Switch Off” aims to educate the public on the danger and illegality of MCDs, train law enforcement on how to identify MCDs, remove MCDs from our streets, and hold accountable those who manufacture, sell, or possess these illegal and deadly devices.
PROJECT SWITCH OFF - BY THE NUMBERS
Since “Project Switch Off” was launched, the following results have been achieved within the Western District of Oklahoma:
- 44 defendants were charged with federal offenses;
- 29 defendants have pled guilty or been convicted at trial;
- 18 defendants have been sentenced, with an average sentence of more than 80 months in federal prison; and
- law enforcement has seized and removed from the streets:
- 185 MCDs;
- two 3-D printers used to manufacture MCDs;
- 298 firearms; and
- 102,285 rounds of ammunition.
PROJECT SWITCH OFF - IN ACTION
Recent case examples of “Project Switch Off” include the following:
Sentencings
- Sheldon Lemont Battles, 20, was sentenced on November 5, 2024, to serve 33 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a machinegun in case number 23-CR-529. According to public record, Battles led Oklahoma City Police Department officers on a high-speed chase in November 2023 before he collided with another vehicle, which resulted in injuries to two passengers in that vehicle. Battles was arrested after a short foot pursuit, during which he discarded a firearm that police recovered and found fitted with an MCD. He pled guilty on February 21, 2024.
- Charles Lamar Scott, 36, was sentenced on May 10, 2024, to serve 25 years in federal prison for robbery of an Oklahoma City pharmacy, discharging a firearm during the robbery, and possession of a machinegun in case number 23-CR-191. According to public record, on December 26, 2022, Scott committed an armed robbery of a CVS Pharmacy, during which he violently assaulted a CVS employee, forcibly took a handgun from a retired police officer, and discharged it during the robbery. He then fired a handgun equipped with an MCD at law enforcement during his attempted escape. Scott pled guilty on September 22, 2023.
Convictions/Pleas
- Ronald Deshell Steele, Jr., 22, pled guilty on December 11, 2024, to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl and unlawful possession of a machinegun in case number 24-CR-376. At sentencing, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
- Jaylen Terrell Benford, 27, pled guilty on November 26, 2024, to unlawful transfer of a machinegun in case number 24-CR-376. At sentencing, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
- Emanuel Lopez, 24, pled guilty on November 25, 2024, to transporting machineguns without a license in case number 24-CR-263. According to public record, in May and June 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Los Angeles, California, intercepted four packages shipped from China. These packages were destined for Lopez at his home in Oklahoma and contained MCDs. The packages were mislabeled as “auto parts,” “hardware accessories,” and “decorative ornaments” on the shipping manifest. At sentencing, he faces up to five years in federal prison.
- Anthony Lawrence Grizzard, 42, pled guilty on November 25, 2024, to illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction in case number 24-CR-197. According to the federal Indictment, the firearm was modified with an MCD. At sentencing, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
- Brandon Dominique Taylor, 38, pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a machinegun on November 13, 2024, in case number 24-CR-361. At sentencing, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
Charges/Indictments*
- Bruce Gordon,* 21, was indicted by a federal Grand Jury on September 5, 2024, on two counts of unlawful transfer of a machinegun, one count of unlawful transfer of multiple machineguns, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine in case number 24-CR-364. If convicted, he faces up to 70 years in federal prison.
* The public is reminded that charges are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For more information about MCDs, please see the fact sheet hyperlinked below.
ATF Fact Sheet
11 December 2024
Westwego Woman Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PENELOPE PASSERO (“PASSERO”), age 50, of Westwego, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 10, 2024 for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to court documents, from February 2016 to December 2020, PASSERO knowingly accessed and converted approximately $59,320.97 in Social Security Administration and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES ACT”) funds.
United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced PASSERO to time served as to Count 1 of the Indictment. PASSERO was also sentenced to three (3) years supervised release, payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee and restitution in the amount of $59,320.97.
On May 17, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources, and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of fraud related to COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Waco Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
WACO, Texas – A Waco man was sentenced today to life in federal prison for one count of coercion and enticement of a minor.
According to court documents, Bailey Warren Lowe, 25, used a Snapchat account to request sexually explicit images from a 13-year-old girl on multiple occasions. If she acted slowly or the photos did not meet his expectations, Lowe would become angry and threaten to expose her. On one occasion, in early 2022, Lowe drove the minor’s residence, where they engaged in sexual activity in his vehicle. Lowe did not use a condom and, when the minor repeated that she was 13 years old, he demanded she not tell anyone about them because he was 22 and could get in trouble. Lowe was enlisted in the Navy at the time.
An FBI investigation revealed multiple chat conversations and instances of sexual exploitation between Lowe and additional victims between the ages of 10 and 15 years old. He was arrested July 28, 2023 and pleaded guilty Dec. 5, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Gloff prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Utah Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
A Salt Lake City man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, impersonating a federal officer, aggravated identity theft and making false statements.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2018 through 2020, Santiago Garcia Gutierrez defrauded a victim of more than $2.8 million by falsely promising he could acquire at discounted prices exotic cars, planes and vessels that had been seized by the U.S. government through forfeiture. Garcia falsely induced the victim to use him as an intermediary to receive the money the victim believed was being used to purchase the non-existent luxury assets. To lure his victim into participating in the scheme, Garcia contacted the victim on numerous occasions via text message from multiple phone numbers, falsely claiming to be a confidential government informant, federal agent or Garcia’s own attorney.
In addition, from 2019 through 2024, Garcia defrauded eight additional victims across the country. To execute those frauds, Garcia induced victims to invest money into federal oil wells in which he had an ownership interest, promising large returns on investment. The victims never realized any profits, however, because Garcia diverted the investment funds for his own benefit. To effectuate these schemes and to lend them legitimacy, Garcia again assumed the identity of his attorney. In total, Garcia defrauded these victims of more than $775,000.
Finally, Garcia also did not pay royalties to the federal government on the sale of oil extracted from the wells, despite knowing that he had a duty to do so.
Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19, 2025. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of making a false statement, a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of impersonating a federal officer and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.
IRS-CI, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General and the Environmental Protection Agency are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Richard M. Rolwing and Erika V. Suhr of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
United States and State of Illinois File Complaint Against City of East St. Louis for Unlawful Discharges of Untreated SewageRead the Press Release
The Justice Department, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the State of Illinois today announced the filing of a complaint against the City of East St. Louis, Illinois.
The complaint seeks penalties and infrastructure improvements to remedy East St. Louis’ failure to operate its sewer system in compliance with the Clean Water Act. This failure has led to hundreds of unlawful discharges of untreated sewage to various locations in the community, including the Mississippi River and Whispering Willow Lake in Frank Holten State Park.
East St. Louis operates a combined sewer system that carries sanitary sewage and stormwater through the same pipes. During periods of heavy rain, combined sewage is discharged directly from East St. Louis’ outfalls to the Mississippi River or Whispering Willow Lake without any treatment, which the United States alleges is in violation of the Clean Water Act. Since 2020, East St. Louis has discharged untreated sewage to the Mississippi River on over 140 separate days. The city has also discharged untreated sewage into Whispering Willow Lake, though the precise number of discharges is unknown because East St. Louis has failed to install required monitoring devices.
Areas of the Mississippi River that are downstream of East St. Louis are designated for recreation such as swimming and kayaking; Whispering Willow Lake is frequently used for fishing and boating. East St. Louis’ failure to monitor outfalls interferes with EPA’s ability to evaluate the danger that discharges to these water bodies pose to human health. Untreated sewage contains pathogens such as E. coli, which can cause severe illness if ingested. The frequent discharges of untreated sewage from East St. Louis’ outfalls could pose significant health risks to residents who recreate in the receiving waters.
East St. Louis also operates a separate sewer system that carries sanitary sewage only. Both the combined and separate sewer systems that the city operates are in a state of disrepair. The city’s failure to properly operate and maintain these systems has led to additional discharges of combined or sanitary sewage into streets and buildings and has put members of the public at risk for unknowingly coming into contact with untreated sewage.
The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The United States and Illinois will request an order for the City of East St. Louis to cease further violations of the Clean Water Act and complete all actions necessary to ensure future compliance. These requested compliance measures will likely include sewer improvement and other infrastructure projects.
The Justice Department and EPA are asking East St. Louis community members to consider submitting optional Community Statements regarding sewer overflow events by April 30, 2025. The agencies seek information on the extent and impact of the sewer overflow problems and input on long-term solutions. Community members can provide input at dojenrd.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3aSMl4v9WteSESy.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Administrator Debra Shore for EPA Region 5 and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul made the announcement.
The United States has brought enforcement actions to require municipalities across the country to update their sewer systems and address similar Clean Water Act violations. Nationally, EPA has been working with states, municipalities, and trade organizations to develop tools to help communities work towards compliance with Clean Water Act requirements. On Dec. 10, the Justice Department, EPA and the State of Illinois announced a settlement with the nearby City of Cahokia Heights, Illinois, resolving that city’s Clean Water Act violations. Details of that settlement can be found at www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-and-epa-announce-settlement-cahokia-heights-illinois-improper-operation.
EPA and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency investigated the case.
Attorneys with the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section and Illinois Attorney General’s office are handling the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Warns Public of Imposter ScamsRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – Criminal organizations are manipulating older Americans into turning over their life savings to foreign conspirators, and U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe is warning southern Illinois residents on the prevalence of imposter scams.
“Unfortunately, we’re aware of several instances where seniors in southern Illinois have been victimized by imposter scams, most recently in Williamson County,” said U.S. Attorney Crowe. “The Marion Police Department did extensive investigative work in the case, and we’re pleased to have them as a partner to gain justice for the victims.”
Imposter scams begin with a communication from the scammer in the form of a phone call, text or email from a seemingly reputable source like PayPal. The scammer will explain the victim has a suspicious purchase on their account, and if the victim did not buy the item, their account has been compromised.
The scammer will then refer the victim to another fraudster posing as a federal agent to help protect the victim’s identity and assets. The fraudulent agent will try to scare the victim and tell them they are in danger of losing their savings and retirement funds. The conspirators convince the victims to drain their accounts and meet with an individual working in the conspiracy to give their cash to be deposited into a “secure” account.
Conspirators may also try to convince victims to not disclose to their bank or investment firm representatives the reason for withdrawing funds.
In southern Illinois, an elderly couple from Williamson County fell victim to an imposter scam and are estimated to have lost $121,000. Three Chinese nationals are facing federal wire fraud charges, and the defendants are scheduled to appear in district court this week.
The defendants are accused of working within a conspiracy to convince the couple they needed to secure their funds into federal government custody after a fraudulent purchase on their account. The conspirators ordered the couple to send pictures of withdrawal slips from their savings and retirement accounts, to which a “federal agent” would pick up the cash at their residence. The conspirators gave the couple code words to exchange with the courier.
The defendants were arrested in October by Marion Police Department officers as they attempted to pick up cash from the couple.
Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
To report elder fraud, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline by dialing 1-833-372-8311.
The Marion Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations are contributing to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney's Office and Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office Collaborate to Prosecute Convicted Felon for Gun Violence Incident in AlbuquerqueRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Los Lunas man has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon following a domestic incident.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on July 21, 2023, Gabriel Roger Benavidez, 34, was involved in an altercation with his girlfriend in an apartment complex parking lot in Albuquerque. During the incident, Benavidez fired multiple rounds from a 9mm pistol at the engine block of his girlfriend’s car.
Albuquerque Police Department officers responded to the scene after a ShotSpotter notification. Benavidez fled on foot, discarding his outer clothing and a loaded 9mm pistol in a bush. Officers recovered the firearm, which was loaded with 11 rounds, along with an additional 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition in Benavidez’s discarded clothing.
Law enforcement deployed a drone to locate Benavidez, who had entered a stranger’s apartment. Law enforcement also recovered another firearm belonging to Benavidez, a .45 caliber pistol, that had been discarded in a trash bin.
During the investigation, it was determined that Benavidez was a convicted felon at the time of the incident and was aware that he was not legally permitted to possess firearms or ammunition.
Upon his release from prison, Benavidez will be subject to two years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Haynes prosecuted the case as part of an agreement with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Through the agreement, Assistant District Attorneys are designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. The SAUSA from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office screens felony criminal complaints filed in Bernalillo County for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Since 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office has reviewed almost 3,000 cases and has charged more than 300 criminal cases pursuant to this program.
The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Department of Justice and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office and plans to expand the program throughout the state.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Guilty Plea in Interstate Transportation Case Involving Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man admitted guilt in federal court for transporting a woman to engage in illegal sexual activities, following a 911 call made by one of the victims.
According to court documents, on June 17, 2024, law enforcement responded to a 911 call from an adult female in Laguna, New Mexico, reporting she was being trafficked. Officers located the caller and two other individuals at a gas station in Laguna.
The investigation revealed that Hakeeme Kaleb Williams, 25, of Phoenix, had transported multiple women across state lines for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts, and used force and coercion to compel the women to engage in prostitution and turn over their earnings.
Williams will remain in the third-party custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Williams faces up to 10 years imprisonment. Upon his release from prison, Williams will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and Laguna Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Trembley.
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U.S. Attorney Will Thompson to Announce Indictment and Arrest in $3.4 Million Scheme to Defraud Boone County SchoolsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will join with law enforcement officials to hold a press conference on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 3 p.m. to announce an indictment alleging a scheme to defraud the Boone County Board of Education out of approximately $3.4 million.
WHO: U.S. Attorney Will Thompson and law enforcement officials
WHAT: Press conference announcing an unsealed indictment and arrest
WHEN: Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse, Charleston, Fourth Floor, Suite 4000
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
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U.S. Attorney Reaches $1.47 Million Civil Fraud Settlement with Owner of Footwear Business for Submitting False Information to Obtain Paycheck Protection Program LoansRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, the Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Regional Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General (“SBA-OIG”), announced that the United States has filed and settled a civil fraud lawsuit against STEFANO MARONI for including false information in applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans he submitted on behalf of two related New York City-based companies he owned and operated, in violation of the False Claims Act. The settlement resolves claims that MARONI improperly obtained separate first-draw and second-draw PPP loans for GMI USA Corp. (“GMI”) and Belovefine, Ltd. (“Belovefine”), when the two entities in fact operated essentially the same footwear design and importation business during the relevant timeframe, using a single office space and sharing the same employees. The U.S. alleged, among other things, that MARONI inflated payroll figures in the PPP loan and forgiveness applications by double-counting the salaries of shared employees when only one entity paid these employees’ salaries a at a given time, and improperly sought loan forgiveness for certain payroll costs in excess of allowable forgiveness amounts.
Under the settlement agreement approved by U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden on December 9, 2024, MARONI will pay the U.S. $1,470,085.65 and has agreed to the entry of a consent judgment in that amount. As part of the settlement, MARONI admitted and accepted responsibility for certain conduct alleged in the Government’s Complaint, including that he misrepresented and inflated the total payroll and employee headcounts in Belovefine’s and GMI’s first and second-draw PPP applications and loan forgiveness applications, which increased the amount of the PPP loans received and the amounts forgiven. Belovefine and GMI are no longer doing business or in operation.
The PPP was an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act and administered by the SBA. The PPP was created to provide forgivable loans to support small businesses struggling to pay employees and other business expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could obtain SBA-guaranteed loans to spend on payroll costs, rent or mortgage, and other specified business expenses. The amount of PPP funds a business was eligible to receive was determined by the number of individuals employed by the business and average payroll costs. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the requested loan and that the information provided in the loan application was true and accurate. To receive forgiveness, borrowers were required to submit signed loan forgiveness applications and documents containing certain information and certifications. In December 2020, Congress approved funding for a second round of PPP loans, which became available to borrowers beginning in January 2021.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Stefano Maroni submitted false information and false certifications to receive Paycheck Protection Program loans to which he and his businesses were not entitled. PPP loans were intended to help small businesses stay afloat and retain their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Office will continue its efforts to root out fraud and misconduct in the PPP and other pandemic-related assistance programs and hold those responsible accountable.”
As alleged in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:
Belovefine and GMI operated essentially the same footwear business from the same office space in Manhattan. At various times, MARONI alternately used Belovefine or GMI as the corporate entity performing certain business functions. During the relevant period, MARONI repeatedly transferred employees of the footwear business from GMI’s payroll to Belovefine’s payroll, or the reverse, even though there was no material difference in employees’ job functions when they were paid by one company as opposed to the other.
MARONI sought and received first-draw and second-draw PPP loans on behalf of both Belovefine and GMI as though they were two distinct businesses, each with its own separate employee payroll. MARONI personally signed the PPP loan and forgiveness applications on behalf of Belovefine and GMI. In total, the companies received more than $1 million in PPP loan funds, nearly all of which was forgiven by the SBA.
MARONI misrepresented and inflated the total payroll and employee headcounts of Belovefine and GMI in their PPP applications and loan forgiveness applications, which increased the amount of the PPP loans received and the amounts forgiven. MARONI essentially double-counted the salaries of shared employees of both GMI and Belovefine, when in fact only one of these entities paid these employees’ salaries and payroll taxes at a given time.
MARONI falsely certified in Belovefine’s PPP loan applications that Belovefine had employees for whom it paid salaries and payroll taxes as of February 15, 2020, which was a PPP loan eligibility requirement. However, between January and April 2020, MARONI paid all employees of the footwear business through GMI’s payroll. Belovefine had no employee payroll during this period and was thus ineligible to receive PPP loans.
Moreover, in GMI’s first-draw PPP loan forgiveness application, MARONI misrepresented and inflated the total payroll amounts eligible for forgiveness because GMI had reduced covered employees’ total wages by amounts in excess of 25 percent of the total salary or wages of the employee during the most recent full quarter that preceded the relevant period covered by the loan.
As part of the settlement, MARONI admits, acknowledges, and accepts responsibility for the following conduct:
- MARONI was the sole owner and CEO of GMI and Belovefine. Both entities operated the same footwear business and shared the same leased office space in Manhattan. In 2019, the footwear business’s employees were all paid by Belovefine. In early 2020, prior to applying for PPP loans, MARONI transferred all of the footwear business’s employees to GMI’s payroll.
- MARONI personally signed the PPP loan and forgiveness applications on behalf of Belovefine and GMI. These applications included certain inaccurate information. Prior to signing both the PPP loan and forgiveness applications, MARONI recklessly failed to confirm the accuracy of the information contained in the applications and that the applications complied with the PPP program’s rules.
- During all periods covered by Belovefine and GMI’s first-draw and second-draw PPP loans, the two companies shared the same office space at 3 Columbus Circle, Suite 2410, New York, New York. GMI listed this address in its PPP loan applications. However, Belovefine incorrectly listed a different suite number in its loan applications, which gave the impression that the entities were distinct and operated in separate locations.
- In order to be eligible for a PPP loan, the applicant needed to be in operation as of February 15, 2020, and have employees for whom it paid salaries and payroll taxes. The first and second-draw PPP applications submitted on behalf of Belovefine misrepresented that the company had employees for whom it paid salaries and payroll taxes as of February 15, 2020. As noted above, Belovefine actually had no employee payroll between January and April 2020, because all employees of the footwear business were being paid by GMI. Belovefine did not file an Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return for the first quarter of 2020.
- In Belovefine’s and GMI’s first- and second-draw PPP applications and loan forgiveness applications, MARONI misrepresented and inflated their total payroll and employee headcounts, which increased the amount of the PPP loans received and the amounts forgiven. During the periods covered by the loans, MARONI repeatedly transferred employees from one entity’s payroll to the other’s payroll. MARONI included the wages of the employees in both Belovefine’s and GMI’s PPP loan and forgiveness applications, when in fact only one entity was paying salaries and payroll taxes to employees of the footwear business at a given time.
- In GMI’s first-draw PPP loan forgiveness application, MARONI falsely certified that GMI “did not reduce salaries or hourly wages of any employee by more than 25 percent for any employee during the Covered Period compared to the most recent quarter before the Covered Period.” In fact, during the covered period for the forgiveness application, GMI had reduced the salaries of multiple covered employees by 50% as compared to their pay during the first quarter of 2020, the most recent quarter preceding the relevant covered period. Thus, MARONI misrepresented and inflated the GMI payroll costs that were eligible for forgiveness under the first-draw PPP loan.
- As a result of the above-referenced conduct and misrepresentations, MARONI requested and received PPP loans on behalf of Belovefine and GMI for amounts substantially in excess of what the footwear business was entitled to receive.
In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act.
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Mr. Williams praised the SBA-OIG for its assistance with this case.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Dolinger is in charge of the case.
Twenty-Year-Old Felon who Illegally Possessed a Firearm in Cedar Rapids Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced December 10, 2024, to 78 months in federal prison.
Garnett Adam Propst, age 20, from Burlington, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 26, 2024 guilty plea to two counts of aiding and abetting false statements during the purchase of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. On September 12, 2023, while Propst was on high-risk supervision for a prior state felony offense, and prohibited from possessing firearms, he obtained and possessed a Beretta handgun. Propst then later used that firearm on September 30, 2023, firing multiple shots into a residence in Cedar Rapids. After the “shots fired” incident, Propst provided the firearm to Lawrence Lamar Newell, who was also a felon.
Propst was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Propst was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Propst is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR- 00026.
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Three Nigerian Men Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Internet-Enabled Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey unsealed charges today against three Nigerian nationals for their roles in a transnational internet-enabled investment fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Augustine Chibuzo Onyeachonam, 30, Stanley Asiegbu, a/k/a “Stanislaus, Asiegbu”, 37, and Chukwuebuka Nweke-Eze, 29, all of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, were each charged by Indictment with one count of wire fraud conspiracy (Count One), two counts of wire fraud (Counts Two and Three), one count of securities fraud conspiracy (Count Four), one count of identity theft conspiracy (Count Five), and four counts of aggravated identity theft (Counts Six through Nine).
These defendants not only defrauded dozens of victims out of millions of dollars of their hard-earned money, but they also impersonated licensed FINRA representatives, spoofed their websites, and misappropriated the seal of the SEC to carry out their fraud,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue these kinds of scammers no matter where in the world they are and seek justice for their victims.”
According to the Indictment:
From at least as early as in or around 2018 through the present, Onyeachonam, Asiegbu, Nweke-Eze, and others (the “Conspirators”) orchestrated an internet-enabled fraud scheme that targeted victims throughout the United States, including in the District of New Jersey. As part of the fraud scheme, the Conspirators impersonated dozens of individuals registered as broker-dealers with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and used those stolen identities to solicit investments from members of the public through fraudulent public-facing websites.
The fraudulent, or “spoofed”, websites were registered in the names of the impersonated victim brokers and often included genuine credentials, such as CRD numbers, associated with the victim brokers. At times, the spoofed websites also included links to: (1) the FINRA website associated with the victim brokers that allowed any member of the public to view the victim brokers’ employment history, certifications, licenses, or prior violations; and (2) fake social media accounts created by the Conspirators in the names of the victim brokers. At times, the spoofed websites also displayed, without authorization, the seal of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Conspirators would further use the SEC seal in email communications with victims.
The Conspirators lured victims of the fraud scheme to the spoofed websites by touting the services of the victim brokers in the comment sections of online articles or videos discussing financial and cryptocurrency investment-related topics. At times, the Conspirators would include links to one or more of the spoofed websites.
When a fraud victim visited a spoofed website, he or she was directed to communicate with an individual they believed to be a legitimate broker-dealer by contacting a telephone number or email address listed on the spoofed website. The Conspirators, posing as the victim brokers, then communicated with fraud victims and, among other things: (1) told fraud victims that their money would be invested in various stocks and cryptocurrencies; and (2) guaranteed fraud victims returns on their investments of up to 25%. The Conspirators used voice-changing software applications to impersonate certain female victim broker dealers when communicating by telephone.
When a fraud victim decided to invest money with one of the Conspirators posing as a victim broker, the fraud victim was told to: (1) open an account at a particular cryptocurrency trading platform; (2) purchase cryptocurrency assets through that platform; and (3) send the cryptocurrency assets to a particular cryptocurrency wallet address for the purpose of investment. In reality, the funds transferred by the fraud victims to the Conspirators were not invested but were stolen by the Conspirators. At times, fraud victims’ funds were stolen directly from the account(s) opened by them at a particular cryptocurrency exchange.
As part of the fraud scheme, the Conspirators further created fraudulent online investment platforms that falsely displayed monthly returns associated with the fraud victims’ investments. A fraud victim visiting one of the fraudulent investment platforms typically would observe substantial returns on their investment. At times, when a fraud victim requested to withdraw funds from their account, they would be asked by the Conspirators to pay additional money in fees or taxes to withdraw the funds. After paying these fees, the funds would still not be released.
In total, the Conspirators caused dozens of fraud victims to transmit funds that they believed to be for investments in the aggregate amount of at least approximately $3 million.
The wire fraud conspiracy charged in Count One carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the wire fraud charged in Counts Two and Three of the Indictment each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, the conspiracy to commit securities fraud charged in Count Four of the Indictment carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the conspiracy to commit identity theft charged in Count Five of the Indictment carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and the aggravated identity theft counts charged in each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of two years and a $250,000 fine.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission today filed a civil complaint against all three defendants based on the same conduct.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI – Newark Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado, with the investigation leading to the indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony P. Torntore and Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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onyeachonam.indictment.pdfThree New Jersey Men Convicted for Racketeering Conspiracy and for Their Roles in Three Gang-Related MurdersRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark jury convicted three New Jersey men for their roles in a violent racketeering conspiracy, three murders, and related firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Myron Williams, aka “Money,” aka “Tunchi,” 31, of Newark, Khalil Kelley, aka “Billski,” 25, and Roger Pickett, aka “Zy Gz,” 24, both of Jersey City, were convicted in connection with a multi-count Indictment predicated upon their respective roles in the racketeering conspiracy. Williams was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, causing death through the use of a firearm, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Kelley was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and causing death through the use of a firearm. Pickett was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, three counts of murder in aid of racketeering, three counts of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, three counts of causing death through the use of a firearm, and Hobbs Act robbery.
“These three Marion street gang members brazenly committed three murders in the name of their gang. Two rival gang members were lured to their deaths through social media accounts that gang members used to impersonate the victims’ friends, and a third individual was killed during the course of a robbery committed against him. The senseless killing of these three men caused incredible danger to the community. Myron Williams, Khalil Kelley, and Roger Pickett now face mandatory life sentences for their crimes, and the District of New Jersey is safer as a result. As this case demonstrates, my office is committed to working closely with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Jersey City Police Department, alongside our federal law enforcement partners, to protect the community. This commitment to prosecuting violent crime ensures that serious consequences will follow for individuals who commit violence and have no regard for human life.”
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger
“Today’s guilty verdicts bring accountability to violent criminals whose actions disregard criminal law, human life, and public safety. ATF remains steadfast in identifying and apprehending those who are terrorizing our neighborhoods with gang violence and disorder. We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners and secure the safety of our communities.”
ATF SAC L.C. Cheeks, Jr.
“This verdict is a testament of our commitment in law enforcement to ensure that justice is always served. The defendants in this matter intentionally disregarded human life and instilled fear in neighborhoods across Jersey City. I thank our local, state, and federal partners who continuously work collaboratively with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure residents feel safe in their own communities.”
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Williams, Kelley, and Pickett are all members and associates of the neighborhood street gang associated with the Marion Gardens Housing Complex. Since 2013, they have committed numerous acts of violence, including three separate murders, on March 29, 2021, Nov. 20, 2021, and Nov. 1, 2022.
On March 29, 2021, Kelley and other gang members lured a rival gang member outside by sending him Instagram messages pretending to be the victim’s fellow gang member. When the victim opened the door to his residence, Kelley and another gang member brandished firearms, and the victim was shot multiple times in the chest, killing him. Pickett and Williams then picked up Kelley and other gang members after they abandoned the murder vehicle in Newark.
On Nov. 20, 2021, Williams, Pickett, and another gang member lured a rival gang member outside by sending him Instagram messages pretending to be the second victim’s fellow gang member. Williams and another gang member shot the victim when he opened the door to his residence.
On Nov. 1, 2022, a gang member facilitated the murder of the third victim by coordinating a narcotics transaction with the victim and an associate of the victim. When the victim and his associate arrived at the Marion Gardens Housing Complex to complete the narcotics transaction, they were robbed of their narcotics supply. During the robbery, Pickett and another gang member held the victim and his associate at gunpoint. After a struggle ensued, Pickett shot and killed the victim while his associate fled. Pickett then fled the Marion Gardens Housing Complex in his vehicle.
Investigators observed and documented hundreds of narcotics transactions in and around the Marion Gardens Housing Complex during the monthslong investigation. In addition, when Williams was arrested on March 17, 2023, he possessed controlled substances packaged for distribution.
Eight other individuals originally were indicted with Williams, Kelley, and Pickett. All have since pleaded guilty for their roles in the racketeering enterprise.
The racketeering conspiracy count of which all three were convicted carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Each was also convicted of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a mandatory life sentence, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and causing death through the use of a firearm, which carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. Pickett was also convicted of Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and Williams was convicted of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, which also carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited investigators of the Gang Intelligence Unit and the Homicide Unit of the Major Case Division of Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez and Chief of Detectives James A. Parker, and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., and investigators of the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Director James Shea, with the investigation leading to the convictions. He also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado, and the U.S. Marshals, under the direction of U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos, for their assistance.
This investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate to strategize and prioritize the prosecution of violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI"), the Jersey City Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, the Hudson County Jail, and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Grace, Chief of the Criminal Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Maloy and Javon Henry, of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
williamsetal.2ndsupindictment.pdf
Testing entity that administers the National Physical Therapist Examination agrees to settle Americans with Disabilities Act complaintsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), located in Alexandria, Virginia, which administers licensing examinations for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, agreed to settle allegations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) involving requests for accommodations for test candidates with disabilities.
The settlement agreement resolves allegations that FSBPT, a national testing organization that administers the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), incorrectly reviewed requests for disability-based test accommodations and required test candidates to submit an unreasonable amount of documentation to support their requests. The ADA requires entities that administer high stakes examinations, such as the NPTE, to ensure that test results accurately reflect an individual’s aptitude and not their disability.
To resolve this complaint, FSBPT agreed to pay $295,000 to individuals who had to provide excessive and expensive documentation to receive, and/or were denied, disability-based testing accommodations. FSBPT has also agreed to make changes to its review process for disability-based testing accommodations to comply with ADA requirements. This settlement agreement ensures that individuals with disabilities seeking to become physical therapists or physical therapist assistants do not face discriminatory barriers to licensure.
The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Gordon, the Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The civil complaints settled by this ADA agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.
The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA, including ADA Requirements: Testing Accommodations. For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit http://www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office.
TD Bank Insider Arrested and Charged with Facilitating Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
A former Florida-based employee of TD Bank N.A. was arrested and charged by criminal complaint yesterday for facilitating money laundering to Colombia through the financial institution.
According to court documents, Leonardo Ayala, 24, worked at a TD Bank store in Doral, Florida, between February and November 2023. Starting in June 2023, Ayala allegedly exploited his position as a bank employee to facilitate money laundering. As alleged, after another TD Bank employee opened accounts in the names of shell companies with nominee owners, Ayala assisted the money laundering network by issuing dozens of debit cards for the accounts in exchange for bribes. Those accounts were then allegedly used to launder millions of dollars in narcotics proceeds through cash withdrawals at ATMs in Colombia.
Ayala made his initial appearance yesterday in Miami federal court, and all future court proceedings will be in New Jersey. He is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey; Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Newark Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Caribbean Division; and Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) New York Region made the announcement.
The IRS-CI Newark Field Office, DEA San Juan Field Office, and FDIC-OIG New York Field Office are investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, IRS-CI Miami Field Office, FDIC-OIG South Florida Field Office, DEA Miami Field Office, and Morristown Police Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea Rooney of the Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marko Pesce for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.
MLARS’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
TD Bank Insider Arrested and Charged with Facilitating Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former Florida-based employee of TD Bank, N.A. was arrested yesterday for facilitating money laundering to Colombia through the financial institution, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Leonardo Ayala, 24, of Homestead, Florida, is charged by complaint with one count of money laundering conspiracy. Ayala had his initial appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid in Miami federal court and was released on location monitoring and a $100,000 bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Ayala worked at a TD Bank store in Doral, Florida, between February and November 2023. Starting in June 2023, Ayala exploited his position as a bank employee to facilitate money laundering. After another TD Bank employee opened accounts in the names of shell companies with nominee owners, Ayala assisted the money laundering network by issuing dozens of debit cards for the accounts in exchange for bribes. Those accounts were then used to launder narcotics proceeds through cash withdrawals at ATMs in Colombia. The investigation has revealed that millions of dollars were laundered to Colombia through accounts Ayala serviced.
The charge of money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount involved in the offense, whichever is greater.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark; special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, New York Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation in Miami, Florida; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, South Florida Division; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Miami, Florida; and Morristown Police Department for their assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marko Pesce of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark and Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea Rooney of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
ayala.complaint.pdf
Syracuse Man Admits to Dealing Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Diquan Hall, age 26, of Syracuse, pled guilty yesterday to two federal drug distribution felony charges, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
As part of his guilty plea yesterday, Hall admitted to distributing 15 bricks (17 grams) of fentanyl and approximately 2 ounces (52.6 grams) of methamphetamine in Liverpool, New York, on February 7, 2024, during an ATF undercover enforcement operation. Hall also admitted that he distributed 15 bricks of fentanyl (14.1 grams) and possessed with intent to distribute 19.8 grams of cocaine powder in Liverpool on February 15, 2024, at which time he was arrested by ATF and DEA Special Agents, SPD Detectives, and New York State Parole Officers. Hall was on New York State Parole at the time he distributed the controlled substances in this case and was wearing an electronic location monitoring device.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 16, 2024, at which time Diquan Hall faces a minimum sentence of 5-years in federal prison, a fine of up to $5 million, and a post-incarceration period of supervised release of at least 4-years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The case was investigated by United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NY DOCCS-Parole), and the Syracuse Police Department-Intelligence Section (SPD-Intel). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.
Suburban Chicago Businessman Charged with Covid-Relief FraudRead the Press Release
CHICAGO – A suburban Chicago businessman has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly scheming with a California man to fraudulently obtain more than $6.3 million in small business loans and grants under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”).
FRANCESCO DISTEFANO, 28, of Addison, Ill., and SARGIS URUMIEH, 57, of Glendale, Calif., allegedly engaged in fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), two sources of relief under the CARES Act. Pursuant to the Act, a PPP loan allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend a certain amount of the proceeds on essential expenses, such as payroll and rent. The EIDL Program provided loan assistance or grants to cover working capital and other operating expenses.
According to a superseding indictment returned in the Northern District of Illinois, Distefano and Urumieh applied for and obtained loans and grants for West Coast POS Inc. and National POS Inc., two companies where Urumieh served as a corporate officer. Distefano also applied for and obtained loans for Distefano Enterprises LLC, an entity that he owned and controlled, the indictment states. The applications contained numerous false statements and misrepresentations regarding the companies’ operations, including the number of employees, gross revenues, and payroll expenses, the indictment states.
The indictment alleges that Distefano used the fraud proceeds to purchase, among other things, numerous luxury automobiles, including a Lamborghini Huracan, Maserati Ghibli, and Porsche 911. The indictment also accuses Distefano and Urumieh of using fraud proceeds and a fraudulent mortgage application to purchase a residential property in Glendale, Calif.
The indictment charges Distefano with eleven counts of wire fraud, five counts of money laundering, and one count of knowingly making a false statement to a bank. Urumieh is charged with eight counts of wire fraud. Arraignments in federal court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office, and Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Inspector General of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Snell.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of wire fraud and money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, while the maximum sentence for the false statement count is 30 years.
Anyone with information about attempted fraud involving Covid-19 can report it to the Department of Justice by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721, or by filing a complaint online at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
0039_-_0000_-_second_superseding_indictment_as_to_francesco_distefano.pdfStranger Rape and Kidnapping Results in Conviction for July 2023 AssaultRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Ricky McNeil, 31 of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of one count of kidnapping while armed, one count of first-degree sexual abuse with aggravated circumstances and one count of robbery, in a July 2023 assault on a stranger, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
McNeil was also found guilty of one count of assault with a dangerous weapon (knife), one count of possession of a prohibited weapon (knife), and one count of assault with significant bodily injury. The verdict was returned on December 11, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Michael O’Keefe presided over scheduled sentencing for February 14, 2025. McNeil faces a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of release.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 26, 2023, as the victim was walking past the defendant, a stranger to her, on Benning Rd, NE, he asked her for a cigarette. She told him she was going to the store and would buy him one. McNeil then snatched her purse off her arm and ran toward the door of his nearby apartment. When he was entering, the victim tried to grab her purse back from McNeil, at which point he grabbed her wrist, pulled her inside and barricaded the sole door to the apartment. When the victim ran to a nearby window and yelled for help, McNeil grabbed her, threw her down and began punching her. He then took the victim into another room, ordered her to disrobe and perform oral sex on him, threatening to give her a “smiley face” with a knife he was holding if she refused. When he had forced the act upon her, she immediately bit him. At that point, McNeil punched her so hard in the mouth, splitting open her lip, and continued beating her. When McNeil got distracted by a phone, the victim jumped out the second-story window to escape. She ran, partially clad, to a nearby McDonald’s where a good Samaritan let her borrow a cell phone to call 911. Police responded to the scene but McNeil had already fled.
When a search warrant was executed the following morning, the victim’s clothing and shoes were recovered from inside McNeil’s apartment, as well as her blood and his.
In October 2023, McNeil was arrested on a warrant in Tampa, FL, and extradited back to DC, where he has been held without bond.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter V. Taylor and Molly K. Smith of the Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section.
St. Cloud Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years for Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron today sentenced James Edward Cox, Jr. (80, St. Cloud) to eight years and one month in federal prison for receipt and possession of child sexual abuse materials. Cox entered a guilty plea on August 14, 2024.
According to court documents, on January 19, 2024, officers from the St. Cloud Police Department conducted a search of Cox’s home. Images discovered during the examination of devices at Cox’s home led to a subsequent search warrant and arrest of Cox on March 5, 2024. Hundreds of images and multiple videos on one of the devices located at that residence was determined to be used by Cox. Those images and videos showed sexual abuse of infant and young girls, including one that had been uploaded by Cox to a website in his effort to look for similar materials. Cox later characterized his conduct in a recorded and monitored jail call as looking for “little girls.”
“Actively scouring the dark web to find and collect sexual abuse content of children perpetuates the suffering of innocent victims around the world,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando David Pezzutti. “This sentencing reflects the gravity of this predator’s crimes, as well as HSI’s commitment to shedding a light on the dark web to protect children from harm.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the St. Cloud Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Springfield Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing and Manufacturing Semi-Automatic Rifles and SilencersRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for illegally possessing and manufacturing over 100 semi-automatic firearms and silencers.
Andrew Rogers, 40, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, in 2022, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received tips from concerned citizens that Rogers frequently purchased firearm parts. Investigators learned that in June 2022 alone, Rogers spent thousands of dollars on more than 120 firearm parts and accessories.
On June 30, 2022, during a search of Rogers’ residence, investigators located 62 complete semi-automatic firearms, 45 silencers, several incomplete firearms, several hundred rounds of ammunition, and hundreds of firearm components, including magazines, triggers, and optic systems. Additionally, investigators found psilocybin, methamphetamine, a drill press, firearm manufacturing tools, and a 3D printer with a partially printed part for an AR15 rifle. Rogers’ wife estimated there were more than 100 firearms in the residence and that Rogers had manufactured most, if not all, of the firearms in his possession.
The same morning, officers conducted a traffic stop of a motorcycle Rogers was operating and conducted a search of the backpack he was wearing. Inside, officers found methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, a knife, and a semi-automatic pistol without an identifiable serial number. Rogers was arrested and placed in custody.
On July 1, 2022, investigators sought and obtained a search warrant for Rogers’ storage unit in Springfield, Oregon where they found 26 pistols, five rifles, four suppressors, and an assortment of firearm parts. A search of the Federal Licensing System (FLS) and National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) database systems returned no results for Rogers, meaning he was not licensed to manufacture, import, or sell firearms. The same day, Rogers was charged by criminal complaint with possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of unregistered silencers.
On August 13, 2024, Rogers pleaded guilty to illegally possessing and manufacturing silencers.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lane County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Spokane Fraudster Sentenced to More than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Operating a Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme and Defrauding Investors of More than $350,000Read the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On December 11, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Michael Joseph McElhiney, age 38, formerly of Spokane, Washington, to 41 months in federal prison in connection to cryptocurrency scheme where he defrauded investors of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of supervised release, $326,119.95 in restitution, and ordered Mr. McElhiney to be immediately remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service following the hearing.
According to court documents and information presented at sentencing, McElhiney defrauded investors by pretending to operate a cryptocurrency investment fund known as MAC Blockchain Solutions. As part of his scheme, which occurred between March 4, 2021, and September 10, 2022, McElhiney promised prospective investors that he and his purported business partners ran a successful cryptocurrency investment fund that invested in emerging cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based projects, such as Ethereum staking and cryptocurrency liquidity pools.
McElhiney typically contacted his victims in person. For example, he solicited individuals working as Uber drivers whom he met while taking Uber rides in their vehicles, as well as women whom he met through dating apps. McElhiney also met victims online playing the video game “Call of Duty” under the username “Bing Bong.” McElhiney often met with victims several times and developed personal relationships with them before successfully soliciting and receiving funds.
McElhiney promised to invest his victims’ money and manage their investments for his victims’ benefit. For example, McElhiney promised certain returns on victims’ investments and always assured investors they could liquidate their investments and get their money back at any time. McElhiney then sent investors information using a platform called Coin.FYI that purported to track the progress of their investments. In actuality, McElhiney never invested the funds provided by investors, but instead kept the funds for his own personal use, specifically to gamble at casinos, among other purposes. The purported Coin.FYI accounts that McElhiney showed investors did not correspond to any actual investment funds but instead were fabricated figures intended to convince investors that McElhiney had invested their funds and that the investments were appreciating in value.
McElhiney defrauded investors of more than $350,000 in this manner, including defrauding investors not only of cash but also of rare art and precious metals.
McElhiney continued to falsely and fraudulently represent to victims that their assets had been invested in a cryptocurrency fund when victims sought to remove their assets from the “fund.” McElhiney falsely and fraudulently represented that he could not timely return victims’ assets because, among other reasons: MAC Solutions had experienced security breaches; McElhiney was out of the country and unable to facilitate withdrawals; McElhiney and MAC Blockchain Solutions had been the victims of theft; payment processing platforms had paused withdrawals; and there were other delays in processing withdrawals.
“Investors, trusting Mr. McElhiney with their money, art, and precious metals expected a safe return on their investment. Instead, Mr. McElhiney stole their money and used it for his own purposes. When investors asked for their money back, Mr. McElhiney lied to perpetuate the fraud, stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I’m devastated for the victims who suffered financial and emotional consequences of Mr. McElhiney’s scheme, and am grateful for the skilled investigators with Homeland Security Investigations and the Spokane Police Department and dedicated prosecutors in my office that uncovered this scheme and worked diligently to hold Mr. McElhiney accountable for his actions.”
"Today’s sentencing serves as a clear reminder that those who prey on the trust of others through fraudulent schemes will be held accountable,” said Matthew Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge, HSI Seattle. “This individual exploited the allure of digital currency to deceive and steal from countless investors. We remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who attempt to manipulate others for personal gain, regardless of the platform or technology they use. We appreciate the tireless work of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring individuals like McElhiney to justice.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Spokane Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter.
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SoCal Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime for Attack on Asian American Woman While Shouting Racial SlursRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Southern California man pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for punching an Asian American woman in the head in Culver City while shouting racial slurs at her.
Jesse Lindsey, 38, a transient man whose last known address was in Fontana, pleaded guilty to one hate crime count. He has been in federal custody since July 18 and was in state prison on an unrelated conviction prior to then.
“Hate-fueled acts of violence have no place in our society,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Enforcing civil rights goes to the core of my office’s mission and we will continue to prosecute hate crimes, especially those committed by individuals whose bigotry results in physical harm to victims.”
“The facts of this case shock the conscience,” Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Mr. Lindsey’s actions were heinous, despicable, and inhumane. Violating the civil rights of others by engaging in racial violence is antithetical to our values as Americans. The FBI is committed to investigating federal hate crimes and protecting civil rights. Members of the public are urged to report a potential hate crime to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.”
According to his plea agreement, at approximately 1 a.m. on June 14, 2021, the victim was walking to work in Culver City when Lindsey, a white man, approached her and yelled at the victim, whom he perceived to be Asian, “You can’t say hi to a [expletive] white boy?” Lindsey then punched the victim in the head, causing her to fall into the street and hit her head. While the victim lay face down in the street, Lindsey shouted, “You hear what I said, [N-word]? I said good morning, bitch!”
Emergency personnel later transported the victim to a hospital to treat injuries to her head and ear. The victim received approximately 11 stitches.
During an interview about the attack, Lindsey made multiple derogatory and profane remarks about people of Asian descent. The plea agreement states that, among other things, Lindsey said the victim might “whoop” him because “those little dudes,” a reference to Asian men, are “[expletive] crazy” and “have fight in them.”
Referencing the Asian actor known for practicing martial arts, Lindsey said that he thought the victim might pull “some Jet Li [expletive],” according to the plea agreement.
“Our community’s rich cultural diversity is our strength, and we are dedicated to ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming environment for all,” said Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims. “I am proud of the work done by the Culver City Police Department in collaboration with the FBI and United States Attorney’s Office to seek justice for the victim in this case. We are resolute in working to hold the suspect in this case accountable for this egregious crime. Such acts of violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”
United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald scheduled a March 3, 2025 sentencing hearing, at which time Lindsey will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
The FBI is investigating this case and received substantial assistance from the Culver City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson is prosecuting this case.
Sex Offender Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Offense, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL SZWARC, 36, of Derby, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 134 months of imprisonment, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for a child exploitation offense, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Szwarc was convicted in 2013 in state court of possession of child pornography in the second degree, and in 2022 in federal court of receipt of child pornography.
In January 2024, while Szwarc was on federal supervised release, his probation officer conducted an unannounced visit to his home and discovered that Szwarc was in possession of an unauthorized laptop. The probation officer seized the laptop. A forensic examination of the device revealed multiple images of child pornography, and the investigation revealed that Szwarc had used the dark web to access websites used to traffic and distribute images and videos of child sexual abuse.
On August 13, 2024, Szwarc pleaded guilty to accessing with intent to view child pornography. Judge Thompson sentenced Szwarc to 120 months of imprisonment for the offense, and a consecutive 14 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
The penalties in this matter were enhanced because of Szwarc’s prior federal and state convictions for possessing child pornography.
Szwarc has been detained since his arrest on February 9, 2024.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
San Antonio Financial Advisor Arrested, Charged with Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was arrested Tuesday in San Antonio on criminal charges related to allegedly obstructing and attempting to obstruct an ongoing federal fraud investigation.
According to court documents, the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are conducting a federal investigation into an investor fraud scheme in San Antonio and Lubbock. The indictment alleges that Brooklynn Chandler Willy, 45, obstructed and attempted to obstruct that investigation by producing false documents in response to a federal grand jury subpoena.
According to the charging documents, Willy was the owner of a San Antonio based company named Queen B Advisors LLC, doing business as Texas Financial Advisory (TFA), and was the owner of Chandler Capital Holdings. Among other services, TFA purported to provide asset management and financial planning services. The indictment alleges that in or around May 2021, Willy recommended that a married couple invest $500,000 into a company, using Chandler Capital as the agent to execute and deliver contracts. The couple agreed and wrote a check for Chandler Capital to deposit for their agreed upon investment. The indictment alleges that rather than depositing the check for its intended investment, Willy used the $500,000 for her own purposes, including personal credit card payments, payments to other investors, and payments to another business owned and controlled by Willy.
According to the indictment, in response to a federal grand jury subpoena, Willy produced a false loan agreement which falsely purported to have been signed by the victims. Willy again produced this document to federal agents during an interview on Nov. 19, 2024, and made false statements about this document and other matters.
Willy is charged with one count of obstruction of, and attempt to obstruct, an official proceeding, one count of false statement, and one count of aggravated identity theft. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Blackwell and Kelly Stephenson are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Salvadoran Citizen Sentenced for Fraud Offenses and Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jose Reyes-Acosta, age 49, of El Salvador, was sentenced today to serve 39 months imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States and fraudulently using the identifying information of a U.S. citizen to both obtain a U.S. passport and attempt to obtain a New York state identification card.
Carla B. Freedman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York; Joshua S. Levy, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts; Thomas P. Brophy, Field Office Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), Buffalo, NY; and Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Reyes-Acosta admitted to illegally re-entering the U.S. after a prior deportation and, after his entry, purchasing stolen identifying documents that belonged to a U.S. citizen. Reyes-Acosta then used those documents in Massachusetts to fraudulently obtain a U.S. passport and a Massachusetts REAL ID. In 2023, Reyes-Acosta again used the documents to apply for a New York state identification card but was detected by law enforcement before the card was issued.
Charges based on Reyes-Acosta’s Massachusetts conduct were indicted in the District of Massachusetts and later transferred to the Northern District of New York. Reyes-Acosta was sentenced to serve 39 months imprisonment and a $2,000.00 fine on five counts, including Illegal Re-Entry and Aggravated Identity Theft, which were charged in New York.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE-ERO, and the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, investigated the case with the help of the New York Department of Motor Vehicles- Division of Field Investigation, and the Utica Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case.
Saint James City Man Sentenced to Five Years for Possessing and Accessing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Douglas Alan Vander Laan (68, Saint James City) to five years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Vander Laan was also sentenced to a 15-year term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Vander Laan entered a guilty plea on August 20, 2024.
According to court documents, between June and August 2023, the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received four cybertips from an Electronic Service Provider reporting that Vander Laan had uploaded filed depicting child sexual abuse material onto an online visual search service to search for similar images.
On November 28, 2023, agents made contact with Vander Laan at his place of employment, and he agreed to speak with the agents. Vander Laan admitted that he had used the visual search service and viewed images of children that were unclothed.
On November 28, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Vander Laan’s residence and seized Vander Laan’s laptop. A subsequent forensic examination of the laptop revealed images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 15 Years on Production of Child Pornography and Second-Degree Rape ConvictionsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Dante James, 28, of St. Croix, was sentenced by District Judge Wilma Lewis to 180 months on production of child pornography and 84 months on second-degree rape, to run concurrently, followed by 10 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment and fined $8,000. James was found guilty by a federal jury on July 12, 2024.
“Sexual abuse impacts our entire community and exposes its victims to a lifetime of trauma. It is particularly heinous when sexual predators exploit our young children. We remain committed to fully seeking justice for victims of child exploitation and sexual abuse by prosecuting sex offenders of the law in hopes of creating a safe community for our children”, said United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
“The defendant’s sexual abuse was also an abuse of trust”, Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eugene Thomas said. As the victim’s former steel pan instructor, James abused her trust to be a role model and a leader. HSI will continue to work with the Virgin Islands Police Department to ensure that predators who prey on minors in our community are convicted of their crimes.”
According to evidence presented at trial, between January 1, 2021, and August 23, 2022, James engaged in sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old minor. James produced a video recording of the sexual act with the minor with the use of an electronic device that was shipped in interstate and foreign commerce. The minor victim learned of the recording after James sent it to her via Snapchat. Though the victim asked James to delete the video, it was subsequently posted on social media.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rhonda Williams-Henry and Everard Potter. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Quincy Food Market Settles Allegations of Food Safety Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Quincy Convenience Store, a retail food market in Quincy, Mass. and its owners and operators, Wei Zheng and Cun Yong Liu, have entered into a consent decree with the government to resolve allegations that they repeatedly violated the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) by selling and offering to sell, illegally imported, misbranded, non-federally inspected meat, meat food products, poultry and poultry products.
Under the consent decree, Quincy Convenience Store, Ms. Zheng and Mr. Liu face significant penalties if violations of the FMIA and PPIA continue. The consent decree also permanently enjoins Quincy Convenience Store, Ms. Zheng and Mr. Liu from further violating the FMIA and the PPIA and provides investigators with broad access to inspection of the premises and business records in the future.
The proposed consent decree was filed with the court and is subject to judicial approval.“Consumers deserve to trust that the food they purchase is produced and sold under safe and sanitary conditions,” said United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This consent decree not only holds the defendants accountable for their repeated failures to comply with federal food safety laws but also protects the public by ensuring rigorous oversight moving forward. Our office will continue to work diligently to uphold the integrity of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, safeguarding the health and safety of our communities.”
“The sale of illegally imported, misbranded, and non-inspected meat and poultry products undermines the integrity of our food safety system and puts public health at risk,” said USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service Administrator Dr. Denise Eblen. “This consent decree reflects our commitment to holding businesses accountable and ensuring compliance with federal safety laws. We will continue to take all necessary steps to protect American consumers.”
The government filed its complaint after investigators with the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued numerous warnings to Quincy Convenience Store, Ms. Zheng and Mr. Liu to stop purchasing, illegally importing, selling and offering for sale misbranded and non-federally inspected meat, meat food products, poultry and poultry products. In addition, the USDA has cited Quincy Convenience Store, Ms. Zheng and Mr. Liu for repeatedly failing to maintain the required business records of the purchase, transport, sale and offer to sell meat, meat food products, poultry and poultry products. During the latest USDA inspection, investigators observed Quincy Convenience Store offering for sale over 440 pounds of non-federally inspected and misbranded meat, meat food products, poultry and poultry products, including 34 pounds of meat and poultry illegally imported from China.
U.S. Attorney Levy and USDA FSIS Administrator Eblen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Sharobem of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.