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11 December 2024
Prolific fentanyl dealer who supplied drugs in Operation Ghost Busted sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
Prolific fentanyl dealer who supplied drugs in Operation Ghost Busted sentenced to federal prison
Investigation was spurred by increase in overdose deaths
Brunswick, GA: A Florida man convicted of distributing enough fentanyl to kill every resident of a south Georgia community has been sentenced to federal prison.
Larry B. Taylor, 59, of Jacksonville, Florida, one of 76 defendants indicted in Operation Ghost Busted, was sentenced to 180 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Quantity of Fentanyl, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood also ordered Taylor to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“It’s a remarkable illustration of the toll of death and destruction from Larry Taylor’s drug-dealing that overdoses in the Brunswick area plummeted after he and his co-conspirators were taken into custody in January 2023,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “The investigation and prosecution in Operation Ghost Busted not only holds criminal behavior accountable – it also demonstrably saves lives.”
Taylor was the primary source of fentanyl to the conspiracy outlined in the Dec. 2022 indictment in USA v. Alvarez et al. Dubbed Operation Ghost Busted because of the drug traffickers’ involvement in the Ghost Face Gangsters and other criminal street gangs, the investigation identified a drug trafficking conspiracy distributing large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and alprazolam in the greater Glynn County area.
For his part, Taylor is attributed with distributing more than three kilograms of fentanyl – enough to kill the entire population of the city of Brunswick. As described during sentencing, Taylor has been arrested more than 50 times and has at least 10 prior felony convictions – and at least eight times after conviction, Taylor violated conditions of parole or supervised release.
The investigation was spurred in 2020 by a significant increase in drug overdoses and deaths throughout the greater Glynn County Area. Investigators from the FBI Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force, the Glynn County Police Department, the Brunswick Police Department, the Glynn County Sheriff's Office, and the Camden County Sheriff's Office collaborated with other agencies to identify a sprawling drug trafficking network in coastal and south Georgia and reaching into Mexican cartels. The traffickers operated inside and outside Georgia prisons, as corrupt prison guards coordinated with members of the violent Ghost Face Gangsters and affiliates of other gangs including the Aryan Brotherhood, Surenos, Bloods, and Gangster Disciples.
Of the 76 original defendants in Operation Ghost Busted, 73 have been sentenced to prison terms of as much as life in prison after pleading guilty. Two are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty, including David D. Young, a/k/a “Khaos,’ 43, of Hortense, Ga., who was a fugitive until his March capture in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, a month after the case was featured on “America’s Most Wanted.” One defendant died while awaiting trial.
All defendants in Operation Ghost Busted have a history of illegal drug use, including several who survived repeat overdoses. Fifty of the defendants are high school dropouts, and all defendants collectively have been arrested more than 1,000 times and convicted of more than 250 felonies, with more than 260 violations of probation, parole, or supervised release.
Believed to be the largest drug trafficking prosecution in the history of the Southern District of Georgia, Operation Ghost Busted was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
Agencies involved in the investigation include the FBI Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; the Georgia Department of Corrections; the Georgia Department of Community Supervision; the Glynn County Police Department; the Brunswick Police Department; the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office; and sheriff’s offices from Pierce, Camden, Wayne, Treutlen, McIntosh, Toombs, Telfair, Dodge, and Ware counties. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer J. Kirkland and Criminal Division Deputy Chief E. Greg Gilluly Jr.
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Philadelphia Man Convicted of Solicitation to Commit Murder Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Darnell Jackson, aka “Major Change,” 52, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro to 240 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for murder-for-hire solicitation and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
On February 28, 2023, after a five-day trial, a jury found the defendant guilty of use of interstate commerce facilities in the solicitation of a murder-for-hire and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
The murder-for-hire plot the defendant orchestrated stemmed from an ongoing state drug trafficking investigation. On July 19, 2021, and in the days immediately following, Jackson communicated with an individual via cell phone calls and text messages, in an effort to arrange the killing of another person, sending a photo of the intended victim and indicating that he was willing to pay $5,000 to have someone commit the murder. When the individual reported to Jackson that he had located the intended victim, they allegedly agreed that the killing would occur on the evening of July 21, 2021.
That same evening, the individual called Jackson to report that the intended victim had been killed, which was false. In response, Jackson replied that he was on his way to meet the individual to pay him for carrying out the murder.
A few minutes later, Jackson was stopped by law enforcement while driving a vehicle in the vicinity of 65th Street & Guyer Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia. Jackson was found in possession of a Glock-style “ghost gun” loaded with 16 live rounds of ammunition. He was immediately arrested and charged by federal complaint.
“If you’re willing to casually order a hit — if you have so little respect for human life — you forfeit your right to walk around free with everyone else,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Darnell Jackson has proven he’s a dangerous man and this sentence holds him accountable. My office, the FBI, and the Philadelphia Police Department will continue to identify, arrest, and prosecute our city’s most violent offenders.”
“By orchestrating this egregious plot, Jackson underestimated both the capability of law enforcement to uncover his actions and our unwavering commitment to protecting citizens from violence,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI, in close partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, remains steadfast in our mission to keep our communities safe.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Ashenfelter.
Ontario importer going to prison for two years for trafficking 4.8 million dollars in counterfeit merchandiseRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Wasseem Ramjaun, 48, of Vaughan, Ontario, who was convicted of trafficking in counterfeit goods, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. In addition, he was also ordered to pay $4,800,870 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who handled the case, stated that Ramjaun operated various importing and exporting businesses in Canada. From approximately October 2016 to August 1, 2017, Ramjaun agreed to provide an individual with authentic Yeti, Vera Bradley, and Lacoste merchandise. However, Ramjaun was not authorized to use the trademarks of these companies. As a result, in January 2017, Ramjaun contacted a manufacturer in China and ordered bags that appeared identical to genuine Vera Bradley bags. To make sure the bags appeared authentic, Ramjaun provided the manufacturer with photographs and tags of authentic Vera Bradley bags.
Between June 1 and June 8, 2017, Ramjaun imported the counterfeit Vera Bradley bags into the United States through a port of entry in Western District of New York. To conceal the fact the bags were fraudulent, Ramjaun provided United States Customs and Border Protection with a fraudulent manufacturing agreement. $4,800,870 is the total loss associated with Ramjaun’s conduct.
The sentencing is the result of of an investigation by the United States Homeland Security Investigations, under the supervision of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
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Omaha Man Sentenced to 35 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Adrian A. Garcia-Marin, age 33, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced December 11, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to distributing methamphetamine. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Garcia-Marin to 35 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garcia-Marin’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On February 25, 2022, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant (CI) who ordered a quantity of meth from Garcia-Marin. The CI met with Garcia-Marin at the Nebraska Furniture Mart parking lot in Omaha where he delivered six pounds of meth to the informant. Garcia-Marin was arrested immediately after the delivery.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Threatening A Judge and Assault on A Federal EmployeeRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Wayne Andrew Miller, 41, of Lucasville, Ohio, and an inmate with the Bureau of Prisons was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to threatening a judge and his family, assaulting a federal employee, and possession of a weapon while in federal custody. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“We must protect our dedicated government employees, so that they may carry out their jobs without fear,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence sends a strong message that we will take all measures to protect those who enforce the law is crucial to maintaining our democracy and keeping our communities safe.”
Miller was serving a 20-year sentence in Ohio for kidnapping a female university student. That kidnapping occurred 9 days after Miller was released from state prison after completing a 9-year sentence for rape and kidnapping. In November 2022, Miller mailed a letter to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office in Gainesville, Florida. The letter contained threats to kill a Judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida, in Gainesville, Florida, and to rape the Judge’s wife and daughter. A federal grand jury returned an indictment for transmitting a threat in interstate commerce and using U.S. Mail to transmit a threat.
"This investigation exemplifies the FBI's commitment to protecting public servants and their families," said Kristin Rehler, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. "Together, with our law enforcement partners, we remain dedicated to identifying, investigating, and holding accountable violent criminals who threaten the safety and security of others."
On February 18, 2024, Miller was in custody at the Federal Detention Center in Tallahassee, Florida, awaiting court proceedings on the threat charges. A BOP (Bureau of Prisons) nurse conducted a medical assessment of Miller and providing care. Miller stabbed her in the head above her eye with a plastic shank, intending to take her hostage. A federal grand jury returned a separate indictment charging Miller with assaulting a federal employee with intent to cause bodily harm and, possession of an object intended to be used as a weapon in the Federal Detention Center.
Miller pleaded guilty to all four charges. On December 3, 2024, U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor sentenced Miller to 30 years of imprisonment consecutive to Miller’s previous sentence in Ohio. Miller’s imprisonment will be followed by three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Grogan prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Ocala Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Meet A 13-Year-Old to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Devin Joseph Rivera (24, Ocala) to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Rivera entered a guilty plea on September 20, 2024.
According to court documents, on July 24, 2024, Rivera communicated online with someone whom he believed was a 13-year-old girl. The child, however, was an undercover Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent. Rivera engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the undercover agent. Ultimately, Rivera was arrested when he rode his bicycle to a pre-determined meeting location in Marion County to engage in sexual activity with the “child.” Rivera also brought a blanket and a condom with him to the location.
"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, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Chiefland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
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.
Northern California Man Arrested for Allegedly Flying Drone over and Photographing Vandenberg Space Force BaseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Northern California man has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint for allegedly flying a drone over and taking photographs of Vandenberg Space Force Base, the Justice Department announced today.
Yinpiao Zhou, 39, of Brentwood, is charged with failure to register an aircraft not providing transportation and violation of national defense airspace.
Zhou was arrested Monday at San Francisco International Airport prior to boarding a China-bound flight and made his initial appearance Tuesday in United States District Court in San Francisco.
Zhou remains in federal custody pending prosecutors’ appeal of a federal magistrate judge’s decision to release him. No plea was taken and his arraignment is expected to be scheduled in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles in the coming weeks.
“This defendant allegedly flew a drone over a military base and took photos of the base's layout, which is against the law,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The security of our nation is of paramount importance and my office will continue to promote the safety of our nation’s military personnel and facilities.”
According to an affidavit filed on December 8 with the complaint, on November 30, 2024, drone detection systems at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County detected a drone flying over the base. The drone systems detected that the drone flew for nearly one hour, traveled to an altitude of almost one mile above ground level, and originated from Ocean Park, a public area next to the base. Base security personnel went to the park, spoke to Zhou and another person accompanying him, and learned that Zhou had a drone concealed in his jacket – the same one that flew over the base.
Agents later searched Zhou’s drone pursuant to a federal search warrant and saw several photographs of Vandenberg Space Force Base taken from an aerial viewpoint. A search of Zhou’s cellphone showed Zhou conducted a Google search approximately one month earlier for the phrase “Vandenberg Space Force Base Drone Rules” and messaged with another person about hacking his drone to allow it to fly higher than it could otherwise.
Zhou is a Chinese citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States, most recently returning to the United States from China in February 2024. The person accompanying Zhou at Ocean Park most recently entered the United States from China on November 26.
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, the defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of four years in federal prison.
The FBI is investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Kedar S. Bhatia of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Trial Attorney Benjamin Koenigsfeld of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
New Jersey Contractor Pleads Guilty to Negligent Release of AsbestosRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Tyler Amon, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, New York (“EPA-CID”), and Jocelyn E. Strauber, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced today that JOSE CORREA, a New Jersey-based contractor, pled guilty to one count of negligently causing the release of asbestos into the ambient air, thereby placing other persons in imminent danger of death and serious bodily injury, in violation of the Clean Air Act. CORREA pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As he admitted in court today, Jose Correa decided to cut corners by failing to hire an asbestos abatement contractor to safely remove floor tiles and mastic from a supermarket in East Harlem. Correa instead had construction workers complete this dangerous work—without providing them with basic safety equipment—and put in harm’s way those he had a responsibility to protect. This Office remains committed to protecting all individuals from the harms caused by environmental crimes.”
EPA-CID Special Agent in Charge Tyler Amon said: “Asbestos exposure can cause cancer, lung disease, and other serious respiratory diseases. In this case, General Contractor Correa failed to hire trained and certified asbestos abatement professionals. Defendant Correa did the work ‘on the cheap,’ negligently putting workers and others at risk.”
DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said: “Abatement of asbestos poses serious safety risks to workers and to the public if handled improperly, and federal regulations governing abatement are intended to reduce those risks. Today, the general contractor responsible for an illegal abatement at a Harlem supermarket pleads guilty to a felony, showing that flouting those regulations has serious consequences. I thank the NYC Department of Environmental Protection for notifying DOI and prompting this investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Criminal Investigation Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their partnership on this case.”
According to the Information that was filed today in Manhattan federal court as well as other public statements made in court:
From at least in or about November 2022 to in or about December 2022, CORREA was employed as the general contractor for a construction project at a supermarket in East Harlem, Manhattan. CORREA removed asbestos-containing floor tiles and mastic from the supermarket floor without hiring an asbestos abatement contractor to perform the work. CORREA instead used his own construction workers to remove the floor tiles and mastic and failed to provide the workers with protective gear such as masks and protective suits. CORREA’s actions caused the release of asbestos material into the ambient air and placed the construction workers in imminent danger of death and serious bodily injury.
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CORREA, 66, of Englewood, New Jersey, pled guilty to one count of negligently causing the release of asbestos into the ambient air, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison.
The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the EPA-CID and DOI.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Rothman is in charge of the prosecution.
New Haven Nurse Admits Tampering with and Stealing Lorazepam VialsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SEAN FALZARANO, 38, of Southbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to tampering with and stealing Lorazepam vials at the hospital where he was employed as a nurse.
Falzarano was employed at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) as a Registered Nurse. As part of his employment, Falzarano was granted access to secure locations used by YNHH to store controlled substances, including Lorazepam. On January 31, 2022, Falzarano took vials containing Lorazepam solution that he knew were intended to be dispensed to patients. He removed a portion of the Lorazepam solution from at least one of the vials, replaced the contents with an inert solution, and returned the vial to the secure location where it was available for distribution to patients. Falzarano also kept at least one vial that he had taken.
Falzarano pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years. Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for March 5.
Falzarano is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
Falzarano’s nursing license is currently suspended.
This matter has been investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the DEA’s Hartford Diversion Control Division; and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
New Haven Gang Member Involved in 2 Murders and Other Shootings Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ANTWAN HILL, also known as “Bandz,” 20, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 215 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a violent New Haven street gang and multiple gang-related shootings that resulted in two deaths.
Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city. The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven. Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.
The investigation revealed that Hill and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used, and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders. Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence. Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.
On April 18, 2024, Hill pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that he took part in four gang-related shootings, which resulted in two deaths. On September 26, 2020, Hill and another Exit 8 gang member shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of a rival gang. On May 19, 2021, Hill and other Exit 8 members conspired to kill rival gang members, including a rival gang member who was shot and killed on that date by another Exit 8 member. On July 5, 2021, Hill and another Exit 8 member shot and killed an individual. On April 12, 2022, Hill and another Exit 8 member shot and attempted to kill rival gang members.
Hill has been detained since August 3, 2023.
This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Moore Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Charles Daniel Tow, age 34, of Moore, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.
The Indictment alleged that on June 6, 2024, Tow knowingly and intentionally possessed 40 or more grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, for the purpose of distribution. The Indictment also alleged that on that same date, Tow knowingly possessed a .380ACP caliber semi-automatic pistol and eight rounds of .380ACP caliber ammunition after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, despite knowing of that conviction.
The charges arose from an investigation by the District 27 Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Tow will remain in the custody of the U. S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lorenz represented the United States.
Mississippi Seafood Distributor and Managers Sentenced for Conspiracy and Misbranding SeafoodRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Mississippi seafood distributor and two company managers were sentenced for conspiring with others to mislabel seafood and to commit wire fraud by marketing inexpensive and frozen imported substitutes as more expensive and premium local species.
Quality Poultry and Seafood Inc. (QPS), the largest seafood wholesaler on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, was sentenced to 5 years of probation and ordered to pay the United States $1 million in forfeitures and a $500,000 criminal fine. The Court also ordered that QPS maintain for five years records describing the species, sources, and cost of the seafood it acquires for sale to its customers; that QPS must make these records available to any federal, state, or local governmental authority that regulates or monitors the service and distribution of food for human consumption and to any such agency that regulates the harvesting, storage, labeling, or sale of seafood; and that QPS shall answer truthfully any inquiry from any governmental agency and from any customer as to the species, source, and cost of any seafood it prepares, serves, sells, or advertises for sale.
QPS sales manager Todd A. Rosetti and business manager James W. Gunkel, both of Ocean Springs, were also sentenced today for misbranding seafood to facilitate QPS’ fraud. Rosetti was ordered to serve 8 months in prison followed by 180 days of home detention, one year of supervised release, and 100 hours of community service. Gunkel was sentenced to 2 years of probation, 12 months of home detention and 50 hours of community service.
“This large-scale scheme to misbrand imported seafood as local Gulf Coast seafood hurt local fishermen and consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi. “These criminal convictions should put restaurants and wholesalers on notice that they must be honest with customers about what is actually being sold.”
“U.S. consumers expect their seafood to be correctly identified. When sellers purposefully substitute one fish species for another, they deceive consumers and cause potential food safety hazards to be overlooked or misidentified by processors or end users,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kerry Mannion, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who put profits above public health.”
In August 2024, QPS pled guilty to participating in a fish substitution scheme from as early as 2002 and continuing through November 2019. QPS recommended and sold to its restaurant customers foreign-sourced fish that could serve as convincing substitutes for the local species the restaurants advertised on their menus. QPS also labeled the cheap imports that it sold to customers at its own retail shop and café as premium local fish. According to court documents, even after agents from the FDA executed a criminal search warrant at QPS to investigate its sale of mislabeled fish, QPS continued for over a year to sell frozen fish imported from Africa, South America, and India for use as substitutes for local premium species.
Mary Mahoney’s, which pleaded guilty in May and was sentenced in November, admitted that between December 2013 and November 2019, it fraudulently sold, as local premium species, approximately 58,750 pounds (over 29 tons) of fish that was not the species identified on its menu. QPS supplied seafood to Mary Mahoney’s and many other restaurants and retailers.
The Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations investigated the case in conjunction with the Mississippi Marine Patrol, a Division of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea C. Jones and Senior Trial Attorney Jeremy F. Korzenik of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division prosecuted the case.
Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 286 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jarin Devon Noojin, 26 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl resulting in death, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Noojin was sentenced to 286 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release."The CDC estimates that 76,226 persons died in 2022 from drug overdoses involving Synthetic Opioids (fentanyl),” said United States Attorney’s Clifford D. Johnson. “The evidence in this case established that this defendant was a dealer who was responsible for one of those deaths. Noojin’s criminal actions were particularly coldhearted because he knew that he was making and selling “pressed” fentanyl pills, pressing those pills to look like prescription medication, and that “his” pills were causing overdoses. As this prosecution shows, my Office will prosecute, to the fullest extent that federal law allows, purveyors of deadly synthetic opioids.”
According to documents in the case, in October 2022, Noojin sold fentanyl pills to an individual who thereafter died from acute fentanyl toxicity after consuming some of the pills. The investigation revealed that despite knowing that the pills he trafficked were involved in this death, Noojin continued selling fentanyl pills. Law enforcement learned that Noojin had been selling fentanyl for months prior to the victim’s death and that he personally witnessed at least one other person overdose multiple times from using the fentanyl he sold. Noojin was well aware of the risk of overdose that came with consuming the pills he sold, warning one of his customers not to mix other prescriptions with his pills.
“The actions of Mr. Noojin played a devastating and horrific effect on society, which included the death of an individual. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its partners will continue to work tirelessly to hold fentanyl dealers, such as Mr. Noojin, and drug trafficking organizations accountable for their brutality and cruelty,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alfred A. Cooke III. “Law enforcement remains engaged and motivated to remove the plague of drug trafficking; evil will never win. There is no room in Michiana, or anywhere across the region, for those who think dealing illicit fentanyl is a way of life. DEA expresses its sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased in this incident, and to all families of those lost to fentanyl.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the DEA’s North Central Laboratory with assistance from the St. Joseph County Police Department, the Cass County Michigan Sheriff’s Office, the Cass County Michigan Medical Examiner’s Office, NMS Labs, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine Medical Examiner and Forensic Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katelan McKenzie Doyle and Joel Gabrielse.
Milwaukee Woman Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of Multiple Victims by Force, Fraud, and CoercionRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced on December 11, 2024, that Colette A. Mahan (age 41), a.k.a. “Pimpin’ Amanda,” of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, had been sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for sex trafficking.
On May 23, 2024, Mahan entered a guilty plea to one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1) & 1591(b)(1). According to court records and filings in the case, Mahan trafficked numerous female victims, including minors as young as 14 years old, over a period of at least 17 years using a combination of false promises, threats, and extreme physical violence. Filings also show that Mahan made her victims solicit sex dates at strip clubs, hotels, bars, casinos, and street tracks across Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kentucky, Florida, and Nevada, and she demanded that they give her everything they earned. Though Mahan had many prior arrests, this case marks her first felony conviction and prison sentence.
At the sentencing hearing, United States District Court Judge Brett H. Ludwig explained that Mahan’s crimes were incredibly serious, noting that Mahan knew or should have known the devastating impact her actions would have on her victims because she herself had been victimized in a similar way during her teenage years. Judge Ludwig described how Mahan beat young women and girls into selling their bodies and how their suffering financed luxuries for Mahan, including a Porsche. Judge Ludwig also emphasized that sex trafficking has been particularly problematic in Milwaukee and that a long prison sentence was appropriate to deter others from engaging in this type of conduct.
“For many years, Ms. Mahan sought to dehumanize others for her own financial benefit,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “I commend the courage and resilience shown by the victims when sharing the details of the abuse they suffered at Ms. Mahan’s hands. The 19-year sentence reflects their courage as well as the tireless and collaborative work by the FBI, the Milwaukee Police Department, and federal prosecutors in pursing justice in this case.”
“The women and men of the FBI work tirelessly to stop individuals like Colette A. Mahan from exploiting and harming victims,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “The sentence handed down sends a message to individuals who prey upon vulnerable women. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to bringing these individuals to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Milwaukee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura S. Kwaterski and Erica J. Lounsberry.
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(414) 297-1700
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Meth, fentanyl trafficking send Helena man to prison for more than 11 yearsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A federal judge today sentenced a Helena man to 11 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in the community, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Christopher Paris Stockdale, 34, pleaded guilty in August to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
“Stockdale, armed with a gun, worked with others to bring these poisons into Helena. His conduct had the potential to seriously injure or kill thousands of users, but with today’s sentence, he is no longer a risk to our community for a long time. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute drug traffickers like Stockdale to ensure they end up in federal prison with him,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents, the government alleged that Stockdale possessed multiple firearms and was responsible for importing thousands of fentanyl pills and pounds of meth into the state. Stockdale committed these crimes while on state parole for drug offense. In the spring of 2023, drug task force officers in Helena developed information that Stockdale was working with others to supply various narcotics in the community. The investigation led to Stockdale being detained on parole violations. In a search of his truck, law enforcement located several hundred fentanyl pills, more than 100 grams of meth, a 9mm pistol and several rounds of ammunition.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Mercer County Man Charged with Multiple Armed Robberies of Business Owners and Causing the Death of One Victim Through Use of A FirearmRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County man made an initial appearance on charges of three armed robberies of Trenton-area businesses, including one during which the man caused the death of a victim through use of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Paul X. McNeil, 38, of Trenton, was charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of murder during and in relation to a crime of violence, one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. McNeil made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
McNeil targeted certain local businesses and/or business owners based upon the victims’ access to the businesses’ cash proceeds. On September 30, 2022, as an employee of an auto recycling shop in Ewing, New Jersey, was in the process of collecting the shop’s cash proceeds, McNeil and a coconspirator entered the shop. McNeil pointed a firearm at the employee before he and the coconspirator took from the employee approximately $150,000 of the shop’s cash proceeds and the employee’s lawfully registered firearm. Later that day, McNeil purchased a new car, paying $9,500 in a down payment, comprised of ninety-five $100 bills.
On August 10, 2023, McNeil followed the owner of a Trenton cannabis shop from the shop to the owner’s residence in Lawrence Township. Moments after the cannabis shop owner entered the residence, McNeil followed the owner into the residence and robbed the owner of the cannabis shop’s cash proceeds which the owner had carried into the residence. As overheard by the cannabis owner’s spouse, who was in the residence, the owner stated to McNeil, “No, no, no … please, here, you can have it,” moments before McNeil shot and killed the owner with a firearm. In addition to taking from the owner the cannabis shop’s cash proceeds, McNeil also took from the owner jewelry the owner was wearing at the time of the robbery. Photographs recovered from McNeil’s cellphone depict McNeil wearing the owner’s jewelry, which was recovered later from McNeil’s vehicle.
On September 23, 2023, McNeil entered the Ewing residence of an owner of a Trenton-area house-flipping business. Upon entering the residence, McNeil encountered three victims, including two minors. The owner of the business was not in the residence at the time. McNeil pointed a handgun at the three victims and demanded money. McNeil then bound the victims’ hands behind their backs with zip ties and forced them at gunpoint into the basement, while he searched the residence. McNeil took approximately $4,500 in cash proceeds from the house- flipping business as well as some personal items belonging to the business owner and the three victims. Law enforcement later recovered from McNeil’s residence approximately $4,000 in cash and some of the personal items belonging to the business’s owner and the three victims.
“These charges allege that the defendant targeted several local business owners for robbery and murdered one of them. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with its federal and local law enforcement partners, will spare no effort to investigate and prosecute violent offenders who target the businesses and residents of New Jersey.”
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger
"We allege McNeil went into a Ewing business, held it up at gun point, and while the owner was attempting to hand over money McNeil shot and killed him. We also have evidence showing he also took part in several other brutal attacks and robberies. Violent offenders should take this investigation as a warning that the FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners are pursuing criminals who believe they can act with impunity and not face justice,” Acting SAC Nelson I. Delgado said.
The count of murder during and in relation to a crime of violence is punishable by death, or a term of imprisonment up to life. The counts of Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The brandishing and discharging of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, where the brandishing count has a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years in prison and the discharging count has a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 year in prison, which sentences must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting SAC Nelson I. Delgado, members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force, under the direction of Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton, and detectives with the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief Albert Rhodes, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew and Special Assistant Laura Sunyak of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Benjamin West, Esq.
mcneil.complaint.pdfMassachusetts Businessman Sentenced for Million Dollar Payroll Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston to a multi-year tax fraud scheme in which he failed to pay employment taxes for his temporary employment agency.
Det Tran, 62, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin to one year and a day in prison, to be followed by three years supervised release and ordered to pay more than $2.5 million in restitution. In September 2024, Tran pleaded guilty to two counts of failure to collect and pay over employment taxes.
From at least 2018 through 2021, Tran owned and operated HTP Temp. Inc. (HTP), an agency that provided temporary workers for client businesses. During that time, Tran paid $8 million in “off the books” cash wages to HTP employees. Through his concealment of these cash wages, Tran caused his accountant to prepare false quarterly filings to the IRS for HTP’s employee wages and tax withholdings between 2018 and 2021. As a result, Tran evaded more than $2.1 million in employment taxes owed to the IRS.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jonathan Wlodyka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to thank the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Manager of U.S. Freight Forwarding Company Indicted for Circumventing Export ControlsRead the Press Release
A 12-count indictment was unsealed yesterday charging Natalya Ivanovna Mazulina, of Federal Way, Washington, also known as “Natasha Mazulina,” for her alleged involvement in a scheme to circumvent U.S. export laws and sanctions on Russia. Mazulina, the Western regional manager of a freight forwarding company based in Jamaica, New York, which operated out of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK airport) in Queens, New York, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington State, was arrested yesterday in Seattle and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date.
“The defendant exploited her knowledge of the export business to falsify documents and circumvent U.S. sanctions by illegally shipping oil and gas products to Russian customers,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division. “American companies like the freight forwarder where Mazulina worked play a critical role in the global supply chain and movement of goods. The National Security Division will not tolerate individuals who seek to abuse their positions in these companies for financial gain at the expense of national security.”
“We’ve been clear and consistent that we want to help freight forwarders comply with our rules,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “But, as today’s arrest underscores, we’ve also been clear and consistent about what happens when they don’t.”
“As alleged, Mazulina used her position as a manager of a freight forwarding company to facilitate unlawful exports to Russia through JFK airport,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “Evading U.S export regulations presents a danger to our national security, and we will continue to use all of our law enforcement and national security tools make sure these enablers, both individuals and corporations, cannot operate in our district.”
“The defendant in this case allegedly helped Russia obtain such valuable items as industrial oil and gas equipment in violation of export laws and sanctions,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to detect and stop such illegal transfers and hold accountable those who engage in activities detrimental to U.S. national security interests.”
As alleged in the indictment, from at least December 2022 through December 2024, Mazulina conspired with Russian freight forwarding companies and others to unlawfully ship controlled items, including industrial oil and gas equipment from the United States to Russia, through intermediary countries. At one point, in June 2023, Mazulina told colleagues that her clients were paying through bank accounts in third party countries because “[m]ost of [her] clients [were] currently sanctioned with USA.” Mazulina attempted to conceal the unlawful scheme by submitting and causing the submission of false export documents to the U.S. government, documents which should have revealed that the exported goods were destined for Russia.
Mazulina is charged with conspiracy to export controlled goods to Russia without a license, conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to commit money laundering, exporting controlled goods to Russia without a license, filing false export documents with the U.S. government, and smuggling goods contrary to U.S. law. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conspiring to export or exporting controlled goods to Russia without a license; a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit money laundering; up to 10 years in prison for each count of smuggling; and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of conspiracy and filing false export documents with the U.S. government. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The BIS and FBI are investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, FBI Seattle Field Office, and BIS Boston Field Office assisted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Artie McConnell and Matthew Skurnik for the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorneys Christopher M. Rigali and Adam Barry of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section assisted with this investigation.
The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that, beginning in 2014, the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Long Island Medical Doctor Convicted of Illegally Distributing Oxycodone PillsRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Central Islip returned a guilty verdict today against Roya Jafari-Hassad, a medical doctor with a practice in Great Neck, Long Island, on eight counts of a second superseding indictment charging her with prescribing oxycodone pills without a legitimate medical purpose. The verdict followed a 10-day trial before United States District Judge Gary R. Brown. When sentenced, Dr. Jafari-Hassad faces up to 20 years in prison on each count. The defendant was acquitted of witness tampering charges.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Frank A Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA) and Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General’s Office of Investigations, New York Region (HHS-OIG), announced the verdict.
“As proven, Dr. Hassad was a drug dealer who disgracefully dispensed highly addictive oxycodone pills without any regard for the well-being of the patient but with plenty of interest in their cash,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Corrupt doctors like this defendant, who value greed over their oath to do no harm, fuel the opioid epidemic and my Office is committed to holding them accountable for the incalculable harm they have caused.”
“Dr. Roya Jafari-Hassad knowingly prescribed opioids without cause, and with a possible life of addiction. Dr Jafari-Hassad knew the harmful effects opioids could have on and not only jeopardized their health, but the patient’s future as well.” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Tarentino. “Today, the jury recognized her actions of putting profit and greed over her oath to protect the health and safety of her patients, all while exacerbating the opioid crisis.”
“The defendant convicted in this case is a physician who knowingly prescribed controlled substances illegally, which is especially egregious given the ongoing opioid epidemic,” stated HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Gruchacz. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure individuals involved in schemes that threaten patient safety are held accountable.”
Oxycodone is a scheduled controlled substance that may be dispensed by medical professionals only for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of a doctor’s professional practice. It is a powerful and highly addictive drug and is frequently abused because of its potency when crushed into a powder and ingested, leading to a heroin-like euphoria.
As proven at trial, Dr. Hassad charged hundreds of dollars in cash in exchange for a monthly oxycodone prescription which had no legitimate medical purpose. In the spring of 2021, law enforcement opened an investigation into Dr. Hassad’s conduct. Over nine months and 10 appointments that were tape-recorded, Dr. Hassad gave an undercover detective, who claimed he had pain, ten prescriptions for oxycodone totaling hundreds of oxycodone pills for which he paid thousands of dollars in cash. Dr. Hassad typically charged about $350 for a 15-day supply of oxycodone and about $700 for a 30-day supply of oxycodone.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles P. Kelly and Katherine Onyshko are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder.
The Defendant:
ROYA JAFARI-HASSAD
Age: 58
Bayside, QueensE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-545(S-2) (GRB)
Law enforcement seeks information related to 1989 rapeRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A Sycamore Township man was arrested by federal agents today and charged with making false statements related to a 1989 rape. Officials ask anyone with information regarding this or any other similar rape to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
It is alleged that Frederick Louis Tanzer, 66, knowingly made a false statement to FBI agents. His home on Kenwood Road and vehicles were searched today, and Tanzer appeared in federal court in Dayton following his arrest.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Tanzer was recently identified as the prime suspect in the cold-case rape. In recent months, agents collected DNA evidence from a Starbucks cup that Tanzer discarded at a local BMV. The DNA extracted from Tanzer’s coffee cup was confirmed by a forensic laboratory as a match to the DNA the rapist had left at the 1989 crime scene.
It is alleged that Tanzer made several materially false statements to federal investigators when approached today, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date she was raped.
Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Ohio, Kansas and Colorado.
The affidavit details that on Aug. 1, 1989, the victim was violently raped in her condominium on Creighton Place in Cincinnati after arriving home from work.
Federal law enforcement officials ask the public to consider these circumstances of the rape and to contact the FBI with any similar information:
- When the victim arrived home, she noticed an odor that smelled to her like brewed tea or burnt marijuana.
- The rapist was dressed from head to toe in black Lycra, including black gloves and a face mask. He had a black gym bag with him.
- The assailant held a knife to the victim’s throat.
- The rapist used white surgical tape from the gym bag to wrap around the victim’s eyes and head. He used stockings and panty hose from the victim’s dresser to bind her hands and feet to the headboard and footboard of her bed.
- The rapist cut or tore the victim’s clothing and used Vaseline.
- The rapist assaulted the victim vaginally, orally and anally. In between bouts of sexual conduct, the assailant used a cloth to wipe the victim’s mouth and genital areas.
- The rapist said nothing during the entire encounter. He occasionally took breaks from sexually assaulting the victim while the victim remained tied to her bed.
- The rapist listened to and erased answering machine messages. He looked through papers in the victim’s living room and rummaged through her purse. He unplugged and/or disconnected telephones.
- On the handset of the telephone in the bedroom, the rapist taped a piece of newspaper that had been cut from the paper on the couch in the victim’s living room and wrote, “No police or I’ll be back Mis [sic] [name of victim’s employer]”
- The victim described the rapist as white, with dark brown hair, approximately six feet tall with a thin or athletic build.
- The assault took place over the course of more than five and a half hours.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cincinnati Division; and Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge announced the arrest. The IRS-Criminal Investigation Cincinnati Field Office assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly K. Rossi and Julie D. Garcia are representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Justice Department Agrees to $215 Million Settlement Agreement Related to Assets of Internet Prostitution Ad Service Backpage.comRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The Justice Department today filed a settlement agreement reached between the parties in the civil forfeiture case involving Backpage.com, a now-shuttered internet forum for prostitution ads that included ads depicting sex work of children, in which $215 million in assets traceable to Backpage’s profits, and previously seized by the government from Backpage and its agents, will be forfeited to the United States.
The forfeited assets – comprised of cash, cryptocurrency, and one parcel of real estate in San Francisco – will be available for a remission process to compensate victims of the crime. Details about the remission process will be announced at a later date. The forfeiture represents more than 80% of the value of the property seized or restrained in the case.
“This settlement agreement marks a significant milestone in a criminal case involving the sexual exploitation and trafficking of countless women and children,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The nine-figure dollar amount forfeited in this case will allow for victims to recover and show that individuals who profit from such exploitation and trafficking risk both prison time and financial ruin.”
For most of its 14-year existence, Backpage dominated the online market for illegal sex work advertising in the United States. While Backpage offered many categories of advertisements, in most years, more than 90% of Backpage’s revenue and activity occurred in the adult-related ad sections. Backpage monetized these advertisements by allowing a variety of pay-for options such as posting ads across multiple geographic areas and increased ad promotion. The company’s CEO eventually admitted that most of the website’s adult ads were for prostitution.
In April 2018, several Backpage-related corporate entities, including Backpage LLC, pleaded guilty in Arizona federal court to conspiracy to engage in money laundering. Several Backpage owners and executives also have been convicted in this matter, including Michael Lacey, 76, of Paradise Valley, Arizona, was sentenced to five years in prison; Scott Spear, 74, of Phoenix, was sentenced to 10 years in prison; and John “Jed” Brunst, 72, of Phoenix, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Lacey is free on bail pending appeal.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from September 2010 until its seizure by the United States in April 2018, Backpage was the internet’s leading forum for prostitution ads. The conspirators knowingly promoted prostitution via various marketing strategies. For example, they engaged in a reciprocal link program with an independent web forum that permitted “johns” to post reviews of prostitution acts with specific women. Additionally, the conspirators used an automated filter and human moderators to remove terms known to indicate sex-for-money, while still allowing the ads to be posted. Through this attempt to sanitize the ads, the conspirators sought “plausible deniability” for what the conspirators knew to be ads promoting prostitution. Over the life of the conspiracy, the conspirators earned more than $500 million. To preserve the money earned, Lacey, Spear, and Brunst laundered the money through numerous shell companies they created in multiple foreign countries.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, which prosecuted the underlying criminal cases, provided substantial assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Galatzan of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is prosecuting this case.
The case name and number in this matter are United States of America v. $1,546,076.35 In Bank Funds Seized from Republic Bank of Arizona Account 1889, et al., CV 18-08420 (C.D. Calif.).
Jury Finds Lewiston Man Guilty of Making Violent Threats to Kill Local Prosecutor, Defense Attorney, and Commit Mass MurderRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that a jury returned a verdict in the trial of Trevor J. Lunney, age 39. Lunney was found guilty of making threats to kill his lawyer, his prosecutor, and members of the public.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial in July of 2022, while on Washington State community custody for a previous conviction involving threats to kill, Lunney texted his state Department of Corrections (DOC) community corrections officer, among other threatening statements, that “. . . in 19 days, mass violence becomes inevitable.” Lunney also discussed with his DOC officer his plan to commit a school shooting at an Asotin County School District School he stated would be “Sandy Hook Part II” and to commit a mass shooting at a parade at the Asotin County Fair. Upon being contacted by DOC officers, on July 18, 2022, Lunney continued to make specific threats regarding his plans to commit a mass shooting and, upon being evaluated by a mental health professional issued additional threats including his five-year-plan to “right injustice” by going to the Asotin County Fair Parade and live streaming his opening fire on a crowd. Lunney also made repeated statements regarding his access to firearms at that time.
Later that same day, July 18, 2022, Lunney was arrested by the Clarkston Police Department for his threats to commit mass shootings and was taken into custody at the Asotin County Jail where he remained in custody on felony charges, brought by the Asotin County Prosecutor’s Office, for his threats.
Over a period of months while in the Asotin County Jail on the charges for the July threats, Lunney made a series of calls and emails and sent letters to family members and others, all of which he was told were being closely monitored at that time by law enforcement. In his monitored in custody communications, Lunney repeatedly expressed his anger towards the criminal justice system in general and the assigned Asotin County deputy prosecutor as well as his own defense attorney in particular. Lunney also repeatedly discussed his plans to obtain an AR-15 and commit mass murder based upon his specific plans to “do pure evil to countless souls.”
On December 5th, 2022, while awaiting trial for the July threats, Lunney’s anger towards the local criminal justice system culminated in an email he sent from the Asotin County Jail where he stated, “I want to have a murder-suicide with my lawyer when I leave here. . .” and “I want to kill my lawyer and the prosecutors when I get out. . .” referencing “attacking a crowd” and that stating that “I can’t even say what I have planned.”
United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice presided over the two-day trial for Lunney, which began December 9, 2024. Sentencing in this matter is set for March 13, 2025, at 10:00 am in Spokane, Washington.
“Mr. Lunney made terrifying threats to commit violence to include murdering his lawyer, the Asotin County Prosecutor, and plans to carry out a mass shooting targeting people at public events and children attending school,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “The verdict announced today will keep Mr. Lunney in prison and will hopefully allow him to get the mental health treatment he needs. I am thankful for the investigators and prosecutors who successfully tried this case and work every day to keep our communities safe and strong.”
“Threats of violence have serious consequences as they disrupt lives, incite fear, and post significant risks to the community,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI takes all threats of violence very seriously and will work alongside our partners to keep our communities safe.”
This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler H.L. Tornabene and Dan Fruchter.
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Jury Convicts Cedar Rapids Felon for Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon was convicted by a jury today after a three-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
David Rafael Walker, age 37, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm as a felon. The verdict was returned this afternoon following about two hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that on December 14, 2021, at an apartment complex in Cedar Rapids, Walker shot at a woman and her young daughter. Three days later, Walker was driving around Cedar Rapids when he became involved in another shooting. When law enforcement officers located Walker and the car he had been driving, Walker fled. In the car, under Walker’s seat, officers found a firearm and a bag of marijuana. Walker’s DNA was on the firearm. Walker had multiple prior felony convictions, including for delivery of heroin and eluding.
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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Walker remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Walker faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Nydle, Devra Hake, and Dan Tvedt, and it was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Marion Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-65.
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Indiana Woman Sentenced for Racially Motivated Attack Against a Woman of Chinese DescentRead the Press Release
An Indiana woman was sentenced today to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release for committing a federal hate crime.
On Sept. 17, Billie Davis, 57, pleaded guilty to willfully causing bodily injury to a victim, identified in court papers only by her initials, Z.F., through the use of a dangerous weapon (a knife), because of Z.F.’s actual and perceived race and national origin.
“Racially motivated violence has no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant pulled out a knife and viciously attacked a young woman who was simply riding a public bus to school, seriously injuring her because she was of Chinese descent. The sentence imposed for this heinous hate crime should send a strong message that perpetrators of hate-fueled violence will be held accountable. The Justice Department is committed to protecting every American from hate crimes by investigating and vigorously prosecuting those who carry out such heinous attacks.”
“Every person deserves to feel safe in their own community, and no one should be made to fear violence on their way to school simply because of who they are,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana. “Violent hate should have no safe harbor in Indiana or anywhere in our great country. That’s why our Justice Department has prioritized prosecution of hate crimes and community outreach through our United Against Hate initiative. In recent years we’ve sadly seen an increase of bias crimes targeting people of Asian descent, and the serious federal prison sentence imposed here should demonstrate our commitment to stopping this hate. Anyone who has suffered a potentially hate-based violent incident should call 911 to address immediate safety issues, and then report the event to the Justice Department or FBI. Together we can make our community safer for everyone.”
“The FBI remains committed to protecting the civil rights of all individuals and this case should serve as a reminder that hate fueled actions will not be tolerated,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert “Alex” Middleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and ensure those who perpetrate such acts of hate are held accountable.”
According to documents filed in connection with this case, on Jan. 11, 2023, Z.F., a woman of Chinese descent who was enrolled at Indiana University at Bloomington, was riding a Bloomington Transit bus on her way to school. Davis boarded the bus, sitting behind Z.F. As Z.F. stood to exit the bus at her stop, Davis reached for a folding knife from inside her pocket and stabbed Z.F. in the head approximately seven to 10 times. Davis later admitted to the police that she attacked Z.F. because she was Chinese and because Davis believed Z.F. was the “enemy.” Davis used racist slurs when referring to Z.F.
The FBI Indianapolis Field Office, Bloomington Resident Agency, investigated the case, with assistance from the Bloomington Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana, Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Trial Attorney Barry Disney of the Criminal Division’s Mental Health Litigation Unit prosecuted the case.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years’ Imprisonment and Ordered to Pay $5M for Operating a Fraudulent Ticket Re-Selling SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Jeffrey Thurn was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno to 46 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Thurn was also ordered to pay approximately $5.1 million in restitution after previously pleading guilty to running a fraudulent ticket re-selling scheme.
According to court record, to include the factual proffer in support of the defendant’s guilty plea, Thurn, 39, of Hartford, South Dakota, enticed victims to send him more than $5,000,000 for a purported ticket re-selling business he operated through the fictitious business name Backstage Tickets. Thurn promised to buy tickets using victim funds and then re-sell the tickets for a profit. Thurn made certain representations, including a guarantee that a certain amount of profit needed to be generated before he could earn any fee, and a representation that investor funds would be refunded to the investor in the event that an event was cancelled or changed to a different date. To legitimize prior sales completed by Thurn on behalf of investors, and to entice investors to send additional funds for new events, once a set of event tickets were purportedly re-sold by Thurn, he provided his investors fake and fraudulent receipts from various third-party ticket re-selling outlets as proof that he completed ticket sales. In truth, Thurn fabricated the receipts and the ticket sales never happened.
As agreed to by Thurn in his factual proffer, the $5,000,000 he raised from investors was used for his personal benefit.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, and Jeffrey B. Veltri, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
FBI Miami Field Office investigated this matter. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Cruz.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-20481.
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Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
THREE CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY POSSESSING FIREARMS AS FELONS
In separate cases, two Wisconsin men and one Wisconsin woman are charged with illegally possessing firearms as felons.
Terrance Moore III, 27, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a loaded .40 caliber S&W handgun on June 8, 2024.
Dustin T. Cullins, 37, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun and Sellier and Bellot .40 caliber ammunition, on July 1, 2024.
May X. Kong, 41, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a loaded SCCY CPX-2 9mm handgun on July 4, 2024.
If convicted, Moore, Cullins, and Kong each face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The charge against Moore is the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins is handling the case.
The charge against Cullins is the result of an investigation by the West Central Drug Task Force and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon is handling the case.
The charge against Kong is the result of an investigation conducted by the Eau Claire Police Department, the West Central Drug Taskforce, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins is handling the case.
MADISON MAN CHARGED FOR RECEIVING FIREARM WHILE UNDER INDICTMENT
Deovion Baker, 19, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with illegally receiving a firearm while under indictment for another felony offense. The indictment alleges that Baker received a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun loaded with .40 caliber ammunition on November 17, 2024.
If convicted, Baker faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.
The charge against Baker is the result of investigation by the Madison Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.
EAU CLAIRE MAN CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE AND ILLEGALLY POSSESSING FIREARM AND AMMUNITION
John A. Soung, 47, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. The indictment alleges that Soung possessed the methamphetamine on July 11, 2024. The indictment further alleges that he possessed a Taurus 9mm handgun and Federal 9mm ammunition on July 12, 2024.
If convicted of the methamphetamine charge, Soung faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The firearms charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The charges against Soung are the result of an investigation conducted by the Eau Claire Police Department, the West Central Drug Taskforce, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins is handling the case.
All cases involving firearms are brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Former U.S. Postal Service Employee Sentenced for Federal Mail Crime after Guilty PleaRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Tiffany Isenhart, 31, of Rainelle, pleaded guilty today to theft of government property and was sentenced to one year and six months of federal probation and ordered to pay $3,380 in restitution.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between on or about December 1, 2023, and April 16, 2024, Isenhart stole $3,380 in money orders while employed at the Charmco Post Office and converted them to her own use. Isenhart admitted that she used her position as a United States Postal Service employee to issue the money orders to herself without paying for them or paying the associated fees.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service-Office of Inspector General.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing and imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-170.
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Former Pigeon Township Trustee and Co-Conspirator Sentenced for Stealing Thousands of Dollars from Local Taxpayers in Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Mariama Wilson, 52, and Terrance Hardiman, 34, both of Evansville, have each been sentenced for their roles in a years’ long kickback scheme resulting in a $38,000 loss to taxpayers.
Mariama Wilson, the former Pigeon Township Trustee, has been sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Terrance Hardiman was previously sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Wilson and Hardiman were also ordered to pay $38,000 in restitution, to be split among co-defendants.
A third defendant, William Payne, 51, is scheduled to enter a plea and be sentenced in January 2025.
The Pigeon Township Trustee’s Office, located in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, is responsible for providing emergency financial assistance to residents in need, including help with rent, utilities, and prescriptions. According to court documents, in February 2020, then-Trustee Wilson and Payne, Wilson’s Director of Community Relations, orchestrated a kickback scheme with Hardiman and his company, Hardiman Construction LLC. The scheme involved inflating invoices for remodeling a homeless shelter and developing a food pantry.
Wilson and Payne approved inflated invoices submitted by Hardiman, who then paid them kickbacks totaling approximately $38,000. Hardiman would deposit checks from the Trustee’s Office, withdraw the cash, and hand-deliver it to Wilson or Payne in envelopes. The fraudulent invoices were inflated by $1,000 to $2,000 per project, with Wilson and Payne pocketing the excess funds.
In total, between February 11, 2020, and May 16, 2022, the Trustee’s Office paid Hardiman approximately $215,371 for the homeless shelter and food pantry projects. As a result of the kickback scheme, Wilson and Payne received approximately $38,000 in total, or approximately $19,000 each.
Wilson resigned as Trustee in June 2023, shortly after being charged in this case. See previous release here.
“Large or small, kickback schemes like the one carried out by Ms. Wilson and the other defendants damage public’s confidence in government,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Township officials owe their constituents the same duty of honesty and integrity they have the right to expect from public servants at every level. This prosecution should send a message to all bad actors who seek to line their pockets at the expense of taxpayers. Thanks to our partners at the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Board of Accounts, IRS-CI, FBI, and our federal prosecutor, these criminals have been held accountable for their actions.”
“There are consequences when public officials illegally use public funds for their own personal benefit. In this case, the defendants prioritized their greed over the interests of the citizens they were supposed to serve,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will always work together to investigate allegations such as this and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”
“We should all expect our public officials to act with integrity,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. “When these officials violate the trust we have placed in them, there should be consequences. IRS-Criminal Investigation will continue to support our law enforcement partners in ensuring that public funds are spent in the taxpayers’ best interests.”
“I’m proud that we have honest individuals willing to report corruption when they see it, knowing that silence in the face of misconduct is not an option,” said Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson. “The crimes committed by these officials are a slap in the face to the community in which we live. This corrupt behavior runs counter to the oath they took, and certainly not what was promised to this community.”
The FBI, IRS-CI, Indiana State Board of Accounts, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case.
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Former Maintenance Director Indicted on Charges Alleging Scheme to Defraud Boone County Schools Out of $3.4 MillionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment yesterday charging Michael David Barker, 47, of Foster, with mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, and money laundering. The indictment was unsealed today following Barker’s arrest by law enforcement officers.
The indictment alleges that from in or about November 2019 through in or about December 2023, Barker was serving as maintenance director when he entered into a scheme to defraud the Boone County Board of Education out of approximately $3,400,000.
Barker was maintenance director from in or about 2015 through in or about November 2023, and was responsible for ordering supplies necessary for the maintenance of the Boone County schools. Barker falsified documents showing that the Boone County Board of Education was receiving large amounts of janitorial and custodial products including hand soap, trash can liners, and face masks from Rush Enterprises, a Kentucky business with an office in Kenova, West Virginia, when the Boone County Board of Education was only receiving a small amount of those products.
Acting in his capacity as maintenance director, Barker submitted fraudulent invoices and purchase orders that caused the Boone County Board of Education to pay for more than $4,000,000 of products from Rush Enterprises. During calendar years 2022 and 2023, for example, Barker submitted invoices to the Boone County Board of Education that caused them to pay Rush Enterprises for 4,993 cases of hand soap when, in fact, the Boone County Board of Education had only received approximately 829 cases. The Boone County Board of Education paid approximately $474,696 for hand soap that was never delivered.
Rush Enterprises was operated by Jesse Marks, who is named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the indictment. Barker and Marks conspired to overbill the Boone County Board of Education for the undelivered products and split the proceeds from the fraudulent scheme. Barker received approximately $2,000,000 as a result of the fraudulent scheme, and then used his share of the proceeds to make extravagant purchases for his personal benefit.
From at least in or about March 2020 through in or about December 2023, Barker, Marks and other persons conspired to commit mail fraud as part of the scheme to defraud the Boone County Board of Education. The fraudulent invoices and purchase orders submitted by Barker caused the Boone County Board of Education to send a series of checks through the United States Mail to Rush Enterprises. Marks deposited those checks into his business account for Rush Enterprises, wrote checks from his business account to himself, cashed those checks at multiple banks, and paid Barker his share of the proceeds from the fraudulent scheme with the cash. Marks delivered cash payments to Barker in person at various locations in Boone County during the time period.
The Boone County Board of Education received federal funds annually in excess of $10,000 during the 2021, 2022 and 2023 fiscal years, and the money fraudulently obtained by Barker through his scheme included federal funds. Barker also laundered proceeds of his fraudulent scheme by purchasing a utility vehicle and making down payments toward the purchase of a track loader and excavator.
Barker is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, 11 counts of mail fraud, three counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, and three counts of money laundering. If convicted, Barker faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy count and each mail fraud count, and up to 10 years in prison for each theft and money laundering count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“At a time when Boone County Schools faced significant challenges, particularly while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Barker used his position of authority to enrich himself at the expense of the children of Boone County,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Mr. Barker’s scheme siphoned millions of much-needed dollars from our public schools, and the indictment unsealed today seeks to hold him accountable for his criminal actions.”
Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the West Virginia State Police, and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU), and the assistance provided by the West Virginia Department of Education.
“This scheme not only defrauded the public of their money, but it also directly impacted the health, safety, and wellbeing of the most vulnerable in our community: our children,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Rather than supporting educators and ensuring resources for students were available, this individual instead sought to line his own pockets. The FBI and our partners remain committed to holding those responsible accountable and seeking justice for victims.”
“Today’s action alleges that Mr. Barker not only abused his position of trust for personal gain but did so at the expense of Boone County students. That is unacceptable,” said John Carlo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Eastern Regional Office. "OIG will continue to aggressively pursue those who misappropriate education funds for their own purposes. West Virginia’s students and taxpayers deserve nothing less.”
“Mr. Barker was entrusted with the responsibility of ordering supplies necessary for the maintenance of the Boone County schools. Instead, he allegedly exploited his position at the school to launder millions of dollars to enrich himself", said Kareem Carter, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office. "Today’s indictment should serve as an example of IRS Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners commitment to continue to work together to hold accountable and disrupt bad actors like the defendant.”
“Barker isn’t just accused of stealing much needed funds from Boone County schools and its students, he stole from all West Virginians and taxpayers throughout the country,” said West Virginia State Auditor JB McCuskey. “This type of fraud has not been tolerated under my watch in local government through our PIFU and I’m proud of the work we have done to help our partners in the United States Attorney’s Office to root out this behavior and send the message that you will be held accountable.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Price is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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-194.
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Former Employee Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Defraud Illinois Nursing and Rehabilitation FacilityRead the Press Release
A former scheduler of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) at an Illinois nursing and rehabilitation facility pleaded guilty in federal court to fraud charges in connection with the hiring and payment of “ghost” employees who never actually worked at the facility.
Alisha Richardson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. In pleading guilty, the defendant admitted that, from roughly October 2017 through April 2019, she was employed as a CNA scheduler at a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Forest Park that provided medical benefits and services to patients. While employed at the facility, Richardson planned, organized, and executed a scheme to defraud the facility by making it appear that at least five individuals were employed at the facility when they were not (the “ghost” employees). Richardson submitted false time sheets and other documents, causing the facility to generate paychecks for these “ghost” employees. Richardson then split the proceeds with the “ghost” employees or forged their signatures, signing over the paychecks to herself. As a result of the fraud, the facility paid approximately $103,094.01 for work that was never performed. In the plea agreement, the defendant agreed to the entry of a forfeiture judgment for that amount.
“The defendant in this case stole money that should have been used to provide nursing and rehabilitative care to older Americans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously investigate and prosecute those who commit crimes that affect programs that benefit vulnerable Americans.”
“The defendant’s ghost payrolling scheme resulted in a substantial loss for an organization that provides critical services to elderly Americans,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “We will continue to investigate, prosecute, and hold accountable anyone who attempts to scam their employer out of payroll funds.”
“Financial fraud and abuse take critical resources out of our health care system and defrauds the American public,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the FBI Chicago Field Office. “This case is the result of successful, multi-agency collaboration into the defendant’s scheme. The FBI and our partners will continue to allocate significant resources to investigate crimes like these and protect the integrity of our federal health care programs.”
“Our agency is committed to ensuring that federal health care programs are protected from all types of fraud, waste and abuse. Providers who submit fraudulent records and bill for “ghost” services damage our federal health care programs and the beneficiaries they serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate any similar allegations of fraud.”
Richardson pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso in Chicago, Illinois. A sentencing date will be set by the court. In addition to the forfeiture judgment, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the matter.
Senior Trial Attorney James T. Nelson of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Julien for the Northern District of Illinois are prosecuting the case.
For more information about the enforcement efforts of the Consumer Protection Branch visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
Former Columbus police officer sentenced to prison for stealing, selling cocaineRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – John Castillo, 32, of Grove City, was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 46 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
According to court documents, Castillo was previously a Columbus police officer assigned to investigate drug crimes. In February 2021, he conspired with another officer to steal and sell approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine. Castillo and the other officer took approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine from a house on North Everett Avenue and did not turn it into evidence. They planted two additional kilograms of cocaine for law enforcement discovery later that day at the house. The 10 kilograms of cocaine were stored in the other officer’s basement before they were given to another individual to sell.
Castillo was arrested in February 2024 and pleaded guilty in June 2024.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Elena Iatarola, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr.
Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes special agents and officers from the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office and the Columbus Division of Police.
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Former CFO of San Francisco Law Firms Admits to Years-Long Scheme to Steal More Than $1.3 Million from His EmployersRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A Palm Springs man pleaded guilty today to one count of bank fraud and one count of money laundering related to a years-long scheme to embezzle more than $1.3 million from his former employers, two San Francisco law firms.
According to court documents, Tony Archuleta-Perkins, 48, formerly of San Francisco, held various roles at the firms, eventually becoming Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As the CFO, Archuleta-Perkins was in a position of trust and had access to the law firms’ payroll systems and end-to-end payments automation platforms. During the course of his employment, Archuleta-Perkins used this access to embezzle funds in various ways.
The primary way that Archuleta-Perkins stole money from the law firms was to cause the firms to make false and fraudulent payments to a non-profit organization he had set up and solely controlled. Archuleta-Perkins admitted to stealing more than $1.1 million using this method. Archuleta-Perkins also embezzled funds from the law firms by falsely adding “one-time reimbursements” to his regular paychecks or special bonus payroll checks through the use of the law firms’ payroll software. He admitted to stealing more than $106,000 using this method. Archuleta-Perkins also admitted that he endorsed a $41,663.69 tax refund check made out to one of the law firms, deposited it into a bank account belonging to the non-profit, and then wrote himself a check for the same amount.
As part of his plea agreement, Archuleta-Perkins admitted that he knew that the principal of one of the law firms was undergoing serious health issues that kept him out of the office, and that the principal’s physical condition made him unusually vulnerable and particularly susceptible to Archuleta-Perkins’s criminal conduct.
In total, Archuleta-Perkins admitted that he was responsible for at least $1,321,752.72 in losses to his victims. Archuleta-Perkins used the stolen money for personal expenses, including payments on a Best Buy credit card.
Archuleta-Perkins pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344(2) and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity (money laundering) in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison as to the bank fraud charge and a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison as to the money laundering charge. A federal district judge will determine and impose a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).
Archuleta-Perkins, who was arrested on June 28, 2024, remains free on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. before the Honorable Jacqueline Scott Corley, U.S. District Judge.
U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikhil Bhagat is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Madeline Wachs. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Former CEO of Long Island Public Telecommunications Company Charged with Insider TradingRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, an indictment was unsealed charging Ken Peterman, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (Comtech), a publicly traded company based in Melville, New York, with insider trading and securities fraud. Peterman was arrested this morning in San Diego and is scheduled to make his initial appearance tomorrow in federal court in the Southern District of California. He will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, the defendant exploited for his own personal benefit confidential information, including derogatory news of his own impending termination, that was meant to be available only for corporate purposes,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “In doing so before he was shown the door, Peterman breached the trust and confidence placed in him by his former employer and its shareholders. My Office will vigorously prosecute those, like Peterman, who would seek to enrich themselves at the expense of ordinary investors and the integrity of the securities markets.”
Mr. Peace also expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, New York Regional Office for its work on the case.
“Ken Peterman allegedly acted on non-public information of the company’s confidential fiscal reporting and his pending termination to avoid financial repercussions. This alleged attempt at self-preservation exploited a respected position and disrupted public confidence in future financial leadership. The FBI remains committed to apprehending those who fraudulently prioritize personal wealth over adherence to the regulations of our economic system,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy.
As alleged, Peterman was the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Comtech. In his capacity as an officer and director of the company, Peterman obtained material, non-public information concerning the company’s financial performance and internal decision-making. For example, in early March 2024, Peterman received a confidential briefing from Comtech’s Chief Financial Officer, during which Peterman was informed of an upcoming negative earnings release. In addition, around the same time, Peterman was informed that, based on an alleged improper relationship with a subordinate employee, Comtech’s Board had resolved to terminate Peterman for cause. The indictment alleges that on March 12, 2024, shortly after learning of the negative earnings report and his impending ouster, and prior to the public release of such information, Peterman hurriedly sold and/or attempted to sell tens of thousands of shares of Comtech’s stock, which he held in two brokerage accounts.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Peterman faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of securities fraud, and up to 20 years in prison if convicted of wire fraud.
In July 2022, Mr. Peace was selected as the Chairperson of the White Collar Fraud subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). As the leader of the subcommittee, Mr. Peace plays a key role in making recommendations to the AGAC to facilitate the prevention, investigation and prosecution of various financially motivated, non-violent crimes, including frauds affecting the integrity of the markets, such as those Peterman is alleged to have committed.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Bagnuola is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
KEN A. PETERMAN
Age: 67
Encinitas, CaliforniaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-489 (JMA)
24-cr-489_peterman.indictment.pdfFlorida Resident Indicted for Political Fundraising FraudRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., returned an indictment yesterday charging Jason Pallante, 52, of Orlando, Florida, with defrauding political donors by operating numerous political fundraising websites that fraudulently promised to support presidential candidates and instead using the money he raised to enrich himself.
According to the indictment, Pallante operated the America Great PAC, purportedly a Super PAC able to receive unlimited contributions to finance independent expenditures and other independent political activity. During the 2023 — 2024 presidential primary season, Pallante created dozens of websites that claimed to support various specific candidates for president. Pallante allegedly designed these websites to appear affiliated with a particular candidate or campaign, such as by using photos of the candidate, first-person language, and the same font as the candidate’s campaign. Pallante also accepted checks made out directly to presidential candidates or their campaigns. Pallante directed all of the contributions to America Great PAC. According to the indictment, Pallante raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from these websites and did not use any of the money to support the advertised presidential candidates. Instead, Pallante allegedly used contributions to perpetuate the scheme and to pay himself more than $162,000 in 2023 and $334,000 in 2024.
Pallante is charged with three counts of mail fraud and four counts of wire fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. 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 Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia; and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Man Sentenced to 55 Months for Skimming Credit Cards, Identity Theft, and Transporting Stolen Goods in Colorado Springs AreaRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Yamany Guerra-Pena, 36, a Cuban national and Miami, Florida resident, was sentenced to 55 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution to multiple victims in the amount of $76,980 after pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of identity theft, and one count of conspiracy to transport stolen goods and altering motor vehicle identification numbers (VINs).
According to the plea agreement, from 2021 through early 2023, Guerra-Pena and others installed numerous skimmers on gas pumps in the Colorado Springs area, which were used to steal customers’ bank account numbers. Guerra-Pena used that data to manufacture fraudulent clone-cards. Those clone-cards were used to purchase thousands of dollars’ worth of diesel fuel, which was resold on the black market. Guerra-Pena also stole personal vehicles and heavy construction equipment, removed the VINs, and sold the vehicles to unwitting buyers in the Miami area.
“Stopping criminals like Guerra-Pena who prey on innocent Coloradans is a critical priority of our office,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “This case is an excellent example of how local and federal law enforcement work together to protect our communities.”
“This sentencing demonstrates our collective resolve to deter crimes threatening our financial infrastructure,” said Special Agent in Charge Marc DellaSala, U.S. Secret Service, Denver Field Office. “We are dedicated to disrupting all schemes which undermine our nation’s financial security and negatively impact law-abiding Americans. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners at the Colorado Springs Police Department for their dedication to this effort.”
“The Colorado Springs Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit takes these types of crimes seriously because of the significant impact they have on individual community members and local businesses who are the ones truly victimized by these ‘skimming’ crimes,” said Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez. “We are thankful for the impact that we can have on these types of criminal operations with the help of our federal partners.”
United States District Court Judge William J. Martinez presided over the sentencing. The United States Secret Service Denver Field Office, and the Colorado Springs Police Department handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Tim Neff handled the prosecution.
Case Number: 23-cr-00037-WJM
Florida Man Admits Stealing Mail from Missouri and Illinois ChurchesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Florida on Tuesday admitted stealing checks from mailboxes churches in Missouri and Illinois.
Lourdes Mario Anton, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of mail. He admitted that on Oct. 3, 2024, he and a juvenile were caught on video stealing mail from a Missouri church’s mailbox. The next day, police spotted the white Toyota minivan Anton was driving and stopped it. Anton allowed officers to search the minivan, which contained a tool they used to steal mail and the receipt for a FedEx package that Anton addressed to himself in Hollywood, Florida. Investigators intercepted the package, which containing 27 checks with a total face value of $14,584 that had been sent to or from religious organizations in eastern Missouri and southern Illinois, including a church in St. Peters, Missouri.
Anton is scheduled to be sentenced March 21, 2025. The mail theft charge carries a potential penalty of up to 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and a fine.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the St. Charles County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.
Five Indicted for Alleged Multi-State, Transnational Conspiracy to Obtain Driver's Licenses for Ineligible ApplicantsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An indictment was unsealed yesterday charging five individuals with conspiring to obtain driver’s licenses for ineligible applicants, principally undocumented individuals without legal status residing in the United States (the customers).
The following defendants have been indicted on one count of conspiracy to unlawfully produce and possess with intent to transfer identification documents, two counts of possession with intent to use or transfer unlawfully identification documents and one count of furnishing a false passport to another for use:
• Edvan Fernandes Alves De Andrade, 34, formerly of Worcester, currently of Brazil; • Leonel Texeiera De Souza Junior, 38, formerly of Milford, currently of Brazil; • Gabriel Nascimento De Andrade, 26, of Boston; • Cesar Agusto Martin Reis, 28, of Waterbury, Conn; and
• Helbert Costa Generoso, 39, of Danbury, Conn.Gabriel Nascimento De Andrade, Cesar Agusto Martin Reis and Helbert Costa Generoso were arrested, and appeared in federal court in Worcester for an initial appearance. Gabriel Nascimento De Andrade was ordered detained pending trial. Cesar Agusto Martin Reis and Helbert Costa Generoso were ordered detained pending a detention hearing on Dec. 16, 2024.
According to the charging document, the defendants conspired, from in or about November 2020 through in or about September 2024, to fraudulently procure driver’s licenses for customers who resided in states that prohibited undocumented individuals from obtaining driver’s licenses. Prior to July 2023, undocumented individuals residing in Massachusetts were not permitted to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses. Beginning in 2019, undocumented individuals residing in New York became eligible to obtain New York driver’s licenses. The defendants allegedly conspired to fraudulently obtain New York driver’s licenses for customers who did not reside in New York, including Massachusetts residents, and after July 2023 they also conspired to fraudulently obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses for customers who did not reside in Massachusetts. The defendants allegedly typically charged the customers approximately $1,400 to obtain the driver’s licenses.
In New York, before obtaining a driver’s license, applicants were required to pass a written permit test and complete driver’s education coursework from a New York driving school. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) required online permit test-takers to allow the NY DMV to take pictures of the test-takers, with a web camera, during the test. This was to ensure that the test-taker was the applicant, and that there was not a person sitting with and helping the applicant with the test.To avoid the customers having to take the permit tests, the defendants allegedly conspired to obtain, from the customers, several pictures of the customers, sitting down, making it look as if the customers were taking the tests. The defendants then allegedly completed the permit tests for the customers online, and during the tests, when prompted by the NY DMV, caused the pictures that the customers took of themselves to be uploaded, purporting to show that it was the customers who were taking the tests, not the defendants. The defendants also allegedly created fraudulent driver’s education certificates of completion, purportedly from New York driving schools, forged the signatures of driving school staff on the fake certificates, and gave these documents to the customers to provide to the NY DMV.
The NY DMV also required that applicants appear at a NY DMV location and provide documents to prove their identity and residence in New York. The defendants and other co-conspirators allegedly conspired to meet the customers who were Massachusetts residents at locations in Massachusetts, and drove them to NY DMV branch locations, typically several customers at a time. When they arrived at the NY DMV locations, the defendants allegedly gave the customers fraudulent documents falsely purporting to demonstrate that the customers resided in New York. The customers provided these fake records to the NY DMV staff, and the NY DMV relied on the misrepresentations to issue New York driving permits to the customers. The defendants allegedly arranged for the NY DMV to mail the permits to locations in New York that were controlled by the defendants, who then provided the permits in hand to the customers. The defendants allegedly scheduled road driving license tests for the customers with the NY DMV, and drove the customers again to New York, where the customers took the road tests. If the customers passed the tests, the NY DMV mailed the driver’s licenses to addresses in New York, which the defendants allegedly controlled, and the defendants and other co-conspirators then provided the licenses to the customers.
The defendants allegedly conspired to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses for out-of-state residents, in generally the same manner as they obtained the New York licenses for Massachusetts residents. In Massachusetts, it is alleged that the defendants conspired to fraudulently obtain purported foreign passports to provide to the customers to use as proof of identity with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (MA RMV), in support of customer driver’s license applications.
Collectively, the defendants allegedly conspired to fraudulently apply for licenses for more than 1,000 customers, obtained licenses for more than 600 of customers and collected at least hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The charges of conspiracy to unlawfully produce and possess with intent to transfer identification documents, and possession with intent to use or transfer unlawfully identification documents, carry up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of furnishing a false passport to another for use carries up to up to 10 years in prison, supervised release of up to three years and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Kelly Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the NY DMV Division of Field Investigation, the Boston, Danbury (Conn.) and Waterbury Police Departments, the Bridgeport Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and Offices of the New York State Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
24-40030_indictment_-_de_andrade_et_al.pdf
Federal Jury Convicts Wagoner County Resident of Eight Counts of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Richard Leroy Osborn III, age 47, of Wagoner County, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of eight counts of child sexual abuse, including five counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and three counts of Abusive Sexual Contact. Two of the counts of conviction carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
The jury trial began with testimony on December 9, 2024, and concluded on December 11, 2024, with the guilty verdicts.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that Osborn sexually assaulted three children starting in 2011 and continuing until May of 2022, when one of the children first disclosed the sexual abuse. Additionally, the United States presented evidence that Osborn, already a registered sex offender at the time of the crimes, had previously sexually abused three other victims when they were minors.
The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The crimes occurred in Wagoner County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservations, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Kea W. Riggs, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court of New Mexico, sitting by assignment, presided over the trial in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Osborn will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service until sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morgan Muzljakovich and Nicole Paladino represented the United States.
Federal Indictment Charges South Carolina Duo with Conspiracy to Commit Extortion, Cyberstalking, and Wire Fraud for Scheme That Resulted A Victim's DeathRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal grand jury in Charlotte has charged Trysten Anthony Cullon, 26, and Jade Ashlynn Stone, 25, both of South Carolina, with conspiracy to commit extortion, cyberstalking, and wire fraud for a scheme to defraud a vulnerable victim and his immediate family members using extortive and threatening text messages, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to allegations in the indictment, from September 5 to September 8, 2024, the defendants conspired to engage in an extortive and threatening text message conspiracy and a cyberstalking conspiracy that targeted a victim identified in court documents as C.T. The indictment alleges that C.T. had an intellectual disability and was classified as Educable Mentally Disabled. Because of his disability, C.T. was extensively supported by his immediate family and did not live on his own. C.T. was also employed at a fast-food restaurant chain in Charlotte.
The indictment alleges that Cullon and Stone used a stolen phone to send C.T.’s family members multiple harassing and intimidating text messages demanding money and threatened to provide derogatory and embarrassing information to C.T.’s employer, including salacious claims that C.T. was a pervert, that he harassed girls, and that he paid girls for sexual pictures, unless they were paid. Further, the indictment also alleges that Cullon and Stone conspired to defraud C.T. by stealing cellular telephones and other personal items and making and attempting to make transfers using C.T.’s CashApp and PayPal accounts.
The indictment alleges that, as a result of the substantial emotional distress caused by the extortive and threatening text messages sent by the defendants, C.T. committed suicide.
The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit extortion and wire fraud conspiracy, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each offense. They are also charged with conspiracy to commit cyberstalking which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The charges against Cullon and Stone are allegations, and the defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
FBI Arrests Man Charged with Political Fundraising Fraud Using a Scam PACRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jason Pallante, 52, of Orlando, Florida, was arrested today by special agents with the FBI and other law enforcement partners on charges he operated numerous political fundraising websites and illegally took the money for his own use. Pallante is charged with three counts of mail fraud and four counts of wire fraud.
The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the Washington Field Office.
According to the federal indictment, returned on December 10th and unsealed today, Pallante operated the America Great PAC purportedly as a Super PAC. During the presidential primary season, Pallante created dozens of websites that claimed to support various specific candidates for President, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. Pallante allegedly designed these websites to appear affiliated with a particular candidate or campaign, such as by using photos of the candidate, first-person language, and the same font as the campaign. Pallante also accepted checks made out directly to presidential candidates or their campaigns. Unbeknownst to the contributors, all of this money was directed to America Great PAC. Pallante did not use the money raised from these websites to support the advertised presidential candidates. Instead, Pallante allegedly used contributions to perpetuate the scheme and pay himself more than $162,000 in 2023 and $334,000 in 2024.
“Campaign finance scams – like the one alleged here – harm victims twice over, stealing their money and preventing them from using that money to support the causes and candidates of their choice,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “The Department and our Office will follow all the evidence and, with our law enforcement partners, prosecute these scams.”
“Pallante allegedly defrauded voters who believed they were donating to presidential candidates, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for himself,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Sundberg. “As his indictment demonstrates, the FBI will pursue charges against fraudsters who seek to line their pockets by exploiting donors' participation in the political process.”
If convicted, Pallante faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Erie Resident Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Leading Large-Scale Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 252 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit money laundering, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on John Christopher Bisbee, 44.
According to information presented to the Court in connection with the defendant’s guilty plea, between July 2019 and June 2020, Bisbee participated in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Specifically, Bisbee led and directed a drug trafficking organization that operated in Erie and surrounding areas, including across the border with New York, and obtained kilogram quantities of methamphetamine that he distributed to others. Through a source of supply in Atlanta, Bisbee imported dozens of kilograms of methamphetamine at a time, packaged it for final distribution, and provided it to a network of co-conspirators below him to sell and collect proceeds from the drugs.
During the execution of a search warrant at Bisbee’s residence, law enforcement agents seized two handguns and more than 100 rounds of ammunition. Under federal law, Bisbee is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition based on previous felony convictions for drug trafficking. Bisbee further admitted that he possessed the firearms in furtherance of the instant federal drug trafficking crime.
In addition to the methamphetamine conspiracy, Bisbee also admitted to conspiring to commit money laundering by using cash proceeds from drug sales to purchase real estate in the Erie area. In connection with Bisbee’s plea, the defendant further agreed to forfeit over $305,000 in cash and jewelry that was seized during the investigation.
Bisbee’s sentencing follows that of co-defendant Alexis Brolin Jr. in September 2024, who was sentenced to 204 months in prison. Brolin directed the drug trafficking organization’s activity in Clearfield and surrounding areas.
“John Bisbee was a major methamphetamine trafficker in the Erie area whose network stretched across northwestern and central Pennsylvania and into New York,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Drugs and firearms are too often a deadly combination in our communities, and today’s 21-year sentence—along with Alexis Brolin’s recent 17-year sentence—reflect our collective resolve at all levels of law enforcement to pursue the most dangerous offenders in this district with the full weight of federal law.”
“Bisbee received a severe sentence in federal prison for leading a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking organization,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Philadelphia Field Division. “This investigation exemplifies how collaboration with our law enforcement partners safeguards our communities against criminal organizations.”
“The Pennsylvania State Police thank Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon, with whom we have a longstanding relationship, for the exceptional prosecution of both these individuals,” said Lieutenant Scott A. Bauer, Criminal Investigation Section Commander for the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop C. “These sentences are the result of a tremendous amount of effort put forth by members of our Troop C, G, and A Vice Units, along with the DEA, and I would like to commend and recognize the hard work of all of the troopers, agents, and task force officers who played a role during this significant investigation. The coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies and their members made the results of this investigation possible.”
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Bisbee. Additional agencies participating in this investigation included 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.
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Edward Keith Perkins, 31, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 19, 2024, Perkins shipped a box containing approximately 4.43 kilograms of methamphetamine from California to a Virginia Street address on the West Side of Charleston, West Virginia. On August 22, 2024, Perkins drove to the Virginia Street address. Law enforcement approached the vehicle Perkins was driving after a passenger in the vehicle retrieved the package from the porch of the residence and placed it in the vehicle’s trunk. Perkins fled the vehicle when the officers approached but was later apprehended. Perkins admitted that the package contained approximately 50 grams of fentanyl in addition to the 4.43 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Perkins is scheduled to be sentenced on March 6, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT). 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.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys JC MacCallum and Alexander A. Redmon are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-158.
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Delaware County Woman Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Armed Carjacking in South PhiladelphiaRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Nateirah Ortiz, 25, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 96 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment by United States District Court Judge Chad F. Kenney, for one count of carjacking; one count of carrying and using a firearm during, and in relation to, the commission of a crime of violence; and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Ortiz was indicted on those violations in April of this year. She pleaded guilty in August, admitting to carjacking a man at approximately 7 p.m. on January 31, 2024, in South Philadelphia. As part of her plea, the defendant also admitted to carrying and using a firearm to commit this offense.
According to the publicly filed documents in this case, the victim reported being carjacked on the 1100 block of Washington Avenue. He relayed that, while walking to his vehicle, a silver 2018 Toyota RAV4, the defendant demanded his car keys and pointed a gun at him. The victim complied, giving the defendant his key, and ran to a nearby business for assistance calling 911. The defendant entered the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene.
Information about the incident was soon broadcast via police radio citywide. At approximately 9:17 p.m., 24th District police officers on patrol observed the carjacked vehicle traveling on the 3100 block of Kensington Avenue and attempted to conduct a vehicle investigation. The officers stopped their vehicle in front of the RAV4 and another police unit stopped behind it. After waiting for the officers to get out of their car and approach her, Ortiz fled at a high rate of speed, nearly striking their police vehicle in the process. The officers immediately went over the air requesting assistance, and units in the area began searching for the carjacked vehicle.
As police officers drove down Richmond Street, they observed that a RAV4 fitting that description had crashed into several cars parked on the 3700 block of Richmond. The officers saw the defendant walking away from the scene and apprehended her, with police recovering a loaded handgun from underneath a parked van a few feet away.
“Gunpoint carjackings are terrifying for victims and unsettling for the entire community,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “That’s why this office will continue to work hand-in-hand with the Philadelphia Police Department and ATF to prosecute these violent offenders. As Nateirah Ortiz’s sentence shows, committing a carjacking in our city is a life-changing decision. A crime that took just moments will land you in prison for years.”
“Nateirah Ortiz is going back to prison for a senseless and dangerous crime — carjacking a man at gunpoint, endangering the neighborhood and police as she sped away, and wrecking multiple cars,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “Working together with the Philadelphia Police Department in the Carjacking Task Force, we will continue to hold carjackers accountable and help keep Philadelphia’s streets safe.”
“Today’s sentencing is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when law enforcement agencies stand shoulder-to-shoulder,” said Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. “Through constant collaboration with our federal partners — particularly the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the ATF — we’ve sent a clear message that violent crime will be met with swift, decisive action. By working together, we ensure that those who endanger our communities are held fully accountable, and we reinforce our shared commitment to keeping every Philadelphian safe.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony J. Carissimi and Robert E. Eckert.
Dean of Pittsfield High School and One Other Charged with Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Pittsfield men, including the Dean of Pittsfield High School, have been arrested and charged today for allegedly conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine in Western Massachusetts.
Lavante Wiggins, 30, of Pittsfield and Theodore Warren, a/k/a “Monty,” 42, also of Pittsfield, were charged with one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The defendants were arrested this morning and released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield this afternoon.
According to the charging documents, Wiggins, the Dean of Students at Pittsfield High School, operated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed large amounts of cocaine in and around the Pittsfield area. It is alleged that Warren is a trusted member of the DTO who serves as a runner for Wiggins. According to the charging documents, in August 2024, Wiggins expressed concern that he was under investigation and that he would send Warren to complete drug sales and deliver cocaine. It is alleged that one of Wiggins’ customers amassed a debt of more than $34,000 for cocaine that Wiggins provided on credit. It is further alleged that Wiggins and Warren then went about collecting on that debt while continuing to supply large amounts of cocaine to that customer. Specifically, Wiggins allegedly directed Warren to distribute cocaine to that customer on four separate occasions between September and December 2024: approximately 91 grams of cocaine on Sept. 10, 2024; approximately 100 grams of cocaine on Oct. 14, 2024; 125 grams of cocaine on Oct. 31, 2024; and 150 grams of cocaine on Dec. 10, 2024.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, West Springfield, Easthampton and Pittsfield Police Departments; Berkshire, Hampden and Franklin County Sherriff’s Offices; Massachusetts State Police; and the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches, Chief of the Springfield Branch Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
DOJ Byrne Grants to Washington State Police Departments pay for a variety of crime fighting toolsRead the Press Release
Seattle – Some 13 different law enforcement entities are receiving more than $2.6 million in federal Byrne grants to pay for a wide variety of law enforcement programs, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The projects are proposed by each jurisdiction and DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance evaluates them and determines funding.
“The proposals being funded this cycle range from high tech items for officer safety such as drones, robots and ballistic vests, to officer recruitment programs and school resource officers,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “There is even a grant for something called “The Grappler” which assists officers with safely stopping a fleeing vehicle in a high-speed chase.”
The Seattle Police Department received two large grants – the biggest, $750,012 is for Seattle and surrounding jurisdictions using the city as the fiscal agent. The grant is for Seattle and its suburbs to use for a variety of programs that reduce crime. The programs can be for law enforcement training and overtime, for victim services and community-based programs.
The second large grant to Seattle supports innovation in the 9-1-1 dispatch system. SPD is partnering with the National Policing Institute to implement and evaluate the Intelligent Risk Management system (IRM) for emergency calls. The system is used to evaluate calls to see if alternative dispatch, such as mental health specialists is appropriate. The program will undergo rigorous testing and evaluation. Seattle hopes the program can improve police capacity and enhance public trust. The system will also be evaluated for replication in other jurisdictions across the country.
These are the other police departments receiving grants:
- Tacoma & Pierce County - $339,235 – for support of youth violence reduction strategies and a sex offender records management system.
- Snohomish County - $448,000 to support use of Rapid DNA system for use in solving crimes and identifying victims of crime or natural disasters.
- Clark County and Vancouver - $121,258 – the two law enforcement agencies will share the funds and enhance public safety with equipment purchases.
- Bellingham - $40,170 – the funds support adding more bicycle officers, and de-escalation equipment as well as ensuring each officer has a ballistic vest.
- Kitsap County - $39,423 to purchase ballistic vests capable of deflecting high caliber rifle shots.
- Lakewood - $39,064 – for the purchase of a tactical robot to allow officers to evaluate a situation without putting officers in harm’s way.
- Everett - $34,720 – to enhance recruitment efforts for qualified law enforcement officers using various digital strategies. Reducing the officer vacancies from 28 down to less than 5.
- Thurston County -$19,809 – for purchase of two “Grappler Police Bumper Pursuit” technology systems – a net and tether system used to safely stop a vehicle in a car chase.
- Bremerton - $14,524 – for crime prevention strategies in its downtown core.
- Marysville - $11,426 – for an Unmanned Aerial System (drone) for flyovers during warrant service or other law enforcement purposes involving threats, missing persons, barricaded subjects or hostage situations.
- Lynnwood - $10,209 – equipment purchases for officer safety.
- Longview -$10,098 – to continue the school resource officer program in Longview and Cowlitz County.
The Byrne Grants are named in honor of New York City Police Officer Edward R. Byrne, who was killed in the line of duty on February 26, 1988. Officer Byrne was just 22 years old.
Crew Member Sentenced to 19 Years for East Coast Gun-Point Robberies of Six South Asian Jewelers That Netted MillionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – William Hunter, 28, of Washington D.C., was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 228 months in federal prison for participating in a multi-state string of violent gun-point robberies of South Asian jewelry stores that netted millions of dollars in cash and gold for the 15-member crew, allegedly led by Trevor Wright, aka rapper “Taliban Glizzy.”
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony A. Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the Washington Field Office; FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado of the Newark Field Office; U.S. Marshal Peter Marketos of the United States Marshals Service; and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Hunter, aka “Ill Will,” pleaded guilty on September 4, 2024 to interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery) and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. In his plea, Hunter accepted responsibility for six robberies across Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania that not only stole millions of dollars in jewelry, but terrorized multiple victims and left behind a wake of destruction and financial loss. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Christopher R. Cooper ordered Hunter to serve 48 months of supervised release.
According to court documents, over the course of 18 months, Hunter and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to rob multiple South Asian jewelry stores of heavy gold jewelry of high purity. The conspiracy began in January 2022 and continued until August 2023 when several of the co-conspirators had been charged and arrested.
Each robbery was carefully coordinated in advance of its commission and employed a similar modus operandi, one that the co-conspirators seemed to hone and perfect over time and with each new criminal act. The co-conspirators researched stores to select their targets before meeting in Washington, D.C. and traveling in one or more getaway vehicles to the stores. To evade law enforcement detection, some of the suspect vehicles were stolen or outfitted with stolen tags. At least one of the vehicles was carjacked by Hunter and others at gunpoint on September 11, 2022, and later used in a robbery on September 20, 2022.
The co-conspirators often cased the stores in advance of the robbery and gained access by a variety of means, including using sledgehammers to shatter a store’s door or windows before storming in. The co-conspirators employed a show of force to gain compliance from their victims, with at least one co-conspirator armed with a firearm in each instance. They used hammers to smash the glass display cases, filling bags with gold jewelry and resulting in significant damage throughout the stores. In every single instance, however, Hunter and his co-conspirators terrorized the store’s owners, employees, and customers by engaging in an armed takeover of the store and then ransacking it before fleeing.
Often, following the robberies, the stolen gold would be melted to bars and ultimately converted to cash. Hunter and his co-conspirators would then flaunt their ill-gotten gains on social media.
On March 6, 2023, in Washington, D.C., law enforcement arrested Hunter on an outstanding arrest warrant issued out of Maryland arising from an October 22, 2022, armed carjacking. At the time of his arrest, Hunter had a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number in his waistband. That same day, law enforcement executed a residential warrant at Hunter’s D.C. residence and recovered, among other items, 135 live rounds of assorted ammunition, four rifle magazines, one speed loader, and an AR-15 rifle drum magazine. They also recovered clothing that appeared consistent with some worn by Hunter during the commission of robberies, along with a crowbar and a hammer.
In April 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Hunter and Trevor Wright, aka rapper “Taliban Glizzy,” in connection with the armed robbery of Paradise Jewelry Store. On August 17, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 19-count Superseding Indictment, charging Hunter and his co-conspirators in connection with nine armed robberies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Virginia, with substantial planning and coordination occurring in D.C. On March 12, 2024, a Second Superseding Indictment was filed, adding charges related to two additional robberies, including one in D.C., as well as charges related to the recovery of firearms and narcotics from multiple residences associated with the various co-conspirators.
According to his plea agreement, Hunter accepted responsibility for his roles in: (1) the January 7, 2022, armed robbery of Yasini Jewelers in Falls Church, Virginia; (2) the September 20, 2022, armed robbery of Sonia Jewelers and Boutique in Springfield, Virginia; (3) the October 25, 2022, armed robbery of Paradise Jewelry in Paterson, New Jersey; (4) the November 10, 2022, armed robbery of Baral Jewelers and Gift Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; (5) the November 27, 2022, armed robbery of Sara Emporium Jewelry in Jersey City, New Jersey; and (6) the January 27, 2023, armed robbery of Princess Diamonds in Falls Church, Virginia.
This case was investigated by the ATF, Metropolitan Police Department, and FBI Newark and Washington Field Offices. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi and Andrea Duvall.
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CHARGES/SENTENCETrevor Wright, 33Taliban GlizzyWashington DCInterfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery); conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; possessing a firearm during a crime of violence; money laundering; conspiracy to engage in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity.William Hunter, 28Ill WillWashington DCSentenced to 228 months on Dec. 11, 2024, after pleading guilty to interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery); and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.Avery Fuller, 29
Deavry Cordell Fuller, Fully AceWashington DCPending sentencing after pleading guilty in the Middle District of Florida to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.Franklin Hunter, 30GinoWashington DCInterfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery); conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence; conspiracy to engage in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity.Davon Johnson, 31
YBWashington DCSentenced to 111 months on November 20, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.Decarlos Hill, 30LosMarylandSentenced to 57 months on November 6, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.Lamont Marable, 28 Washington DCSentenced to 93 months on November 11, 2024, for interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery); and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.Keith McDuffie, 27 CaliforniaInterfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery); conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.Jameise Christian, 33
Safety, Safe, Safe PlayWashington DCPending sentencing after pleading guilty in the Middle District of Florida to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.Andrew Smith, 30
Drewso, DrewMarylandSentenced to 138 months in prison on October 17, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.Robert Sheffield, 33
Real LifaaWashington DCInterfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery); conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; possessing a firearm during a crime of violence; felon in possession of a firearm.Jaylaun Brown, 22Lil LaunyWashington DCConspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act robbery).Timothy Conrad, 33
TwinWashington DCSentenced to 168 months on October 1, 2024, for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and for possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.Antonio Tate, 21 Washington DCSentenced to 120 months for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.Delonte Martin, 35 Washington DCSentenced to 108 months for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.Photo introduced into evidence depicts the robbery of $250,000 in jewelry from Princess Diamonds in Falls Church, Virginia
Surveillance photo depicts William Hunter walking with a tray of jewelry in one hand and a gun in the other during the January 7, 2022, armed robbery of Yasini Jewelers.
Images posted on October 29 and November 1, 2022, to Hunter’s Instagram account depict him with stacks of cash, a firearm, and a wristwatch.
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Colombian National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Kidnap and Assault U.S. Army Soldiers in ColombiaRead the Press Release
MIAMI - A Colombian national pleaded guilty today to his role in kidnapping and assaulting two members of the U.S. military who were on temporary duty in Bogotá, Colombia.
According to court documents, Pedro Jose Silva Ochoa, 47, of Bogotá, and his co-defendants targeted, incapacitated, and kidnapped two U.S. soldiers in Bogotá. The two victims, who were serving on orders in Colombia, went to an entertainment district in Bogotá to watch a soccer game on the evening of March 5, 2020. They went to a pub, where one of Silva Ochoa’s co-conspirators incapacitated the victims by putting drugs, including benzodiazepines, in their drinks. Silva Ochoa’s co-conspirators then escorted the victims into a waiting car driven by Silva Ochoa, kidnapped them, and took their wallets, debit cards, credit cards, and cell phones. Silva Ochoa and his co-conspirators used one victim’s credit card and the other victim’s debit card to make purchases and withdraw money. The two victims lost consciousness until the following day, by which point they had been separated.
Pursuant to a plea agreement, Silva Ochoa pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to kidnap an internationally protected person. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Silva Ochoa was extradited in May from Chile to the United States, and he is the second co-defendant to plead guilty in this criminal scheme. Co-defendant Arango Castellanos was extradited in May 2023 from Colombia to the United States, pleaded guilty in January to the charges in the indictment, and was sentenced in May to 48 years and nine months in prison. Co-defendant Uribe Chiran was extradited in September from Colombia to the United States; she is currently scheduled for trial in February 2025.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole A. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Miami Field Office’s Extraterritorial Squad investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, and FBI’s Office of the Legal Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile, provided significant assistance. The Justice Department also thanks Colombian and Chilean law enforcement authorities for their valuable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertila Fernandez for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Clayton O’Connor and Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case.
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Colombian National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Kidnap and Assault U.S. Army Soldiers in ColombiaRead the Press Release
A Colombian national pleaded guilty today to his role in kidnapping and assaulting two members of the U.S. military who were on temporary duty in Bogotá, Colombia.
According to court documents, Pedro Jose Silva Ochoa, 47, of Bogotá, and his co-defendants targeted, incapacitated, and kidnapped two U.S. soldiers in Bogotá. The two victims, who were serving on orders in Colombia, went to an entertainment district in Bogotá to watch a soccer game on the evening of March 5, 2020. They went to a pub, where one of Silva Ochoa’s co-conspirators incapacitated the victims by putting drugs, including benzodiazepines, in their drinks. Silva Ochoa’s co-conspirators then escorted the victims into a waiting car driven by Silva Ochoa, kidnapped them, and took their wallets, debit cards, credit cards, and cell phones. Silva Ochoa and his co-conspirators used one victim’s credit card and the other victim’s debit card to make purchases and withdraw money. The two victims lost consciousness until the following day, by which point they had been separated.
Pursuant to a plea agreement, Silva Ochoa pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to kidnap an internationally protected person. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Silva Ochoa was extradited in May from Chile to the United States, and he is the second co-defendant to plead guilty in this criminal scheme. Co-defendant Arango Castellanos was extradited in May 2023 from Colombia to the United States, pleaded guilty in January to the charges in the indictment, and was sentenced in May to 48 years and nine months in prison. Co-defendant Uribe Chiran was extradited in September from Colombia to the United States; she is currently scheduled for trial in February 2025.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole A. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Miami Field Office’s Extraterritorial Squad investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, and FBI’s Office of the Legal Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile, provided significant assistance. The Justice Department also thanks Colombian and Chilean law enforcement authorities for their valuable assistance.
Trial Attorneys Clayton O’Connor and Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertila Fernandez for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Chicago Man Charged in Federal Court with Trafficking Dozens of Firearms to West AfricaRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been charged with federal firearm violations for allegedly trafficking dozens of firearms from the United States to the West African nation of Ghana.
A criminal complaint filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges ANTHONY NEE AMOO, 54, with willfully exporting firearms in violation of U.S. laws and regulations. Nee Amoo was arrested on Monday and remains in federal custody. A detention hearing is set for Thursday at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole.
According to the complaint, Nee Amoo purchased 71 firearms in northern Illinois from 2006 to 2024 and exported them to Ghana by either personally traveling with the guns or shipping them in vehicles or barrels. The complaint alleges that Nee Amoo did not declare the firearms or inform the shippers about them. He also lacked a U.S. license to export the guns, the complaint states. For each of the 29 firearms Nee Amoo purchased since October 2020, he signed a federal form warning him that exporting a firearm without proper authorization from the U.S. government subjects him to a fine or imprisonment, the charges allege.
The complaint was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys LeighAnn M. Thomas and Michael Maione.
The investigation is being conducted in coordination with ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago. The CGIC is a centralized law enforcement hub that focuses exclusively on investigating and preventing gun violence in Chicago and throughout northern Illinois. The CGIC is an interagency collaboration that brings together - under one roof - federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and intelligence analysts to move quickly to investigate and prosecute violent crimes.
Disrupting illegal firearms trafficking is a centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s cross-jurisdictional strike force aimed at reducing gun violence. As part of the Chicago firearms trafficking strike force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with the FBI, ATF, Chicago Police Department, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in the Northern District of Illinois and across the country to help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms and identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
Holding firearm offenders accountable through federal prosecution is also a focus of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) – the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney's Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The charge in the complaint is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison.
nee_amoo_complaint.pdfChicago Attorney Convicted of Tax Fraud and Witness Tampering ChargesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted a Chicago attorney of committing tax fraud, attempting to tamper with a witness, and violating a court order.
MICHAEL ABRAMSON, 75, of Wilmette Ill., was convicted Tuesday on all 15 tax fraud, witness tampering, and violation of court order charges against him. The jury returned the verdicts after a week-long trial in federal court in Chicago. U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah set sentencing for May 1, 2024.
Abramson was an attorney in Chicago when he filed and caused to be filed false individual tax returns for himself and false corporate returns for a company in which he held an ownership interest – Illinois-based Leasing Employment Services Co., Inc. Evidence at trial revealed that Abramson provided more than $1 million for personal expenses to a woman with whom he was romantically involved. He then took deductions on what were falsely characterized as commissions or loans and included the fraudulent loans as an asset on the company’s tax returns. The expenses Abramson characterized as purported loans included funds expended on behalf of the woman related to a condo in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, several luxury automobiles, and payments for travel, shopping, and restaurants.
Following the indictment in this case, the Court ordered Abramson not to have any contact with witnesses, including Abramson’s bookkeeper, whom Abramson knew would be an important witness at trial. Weeks before trial was initially set to begin on Feb. 5, 2024, Abramson gave the bookkeeper a copy of her previous court testimony, on which he had made handwritten notes changing, supplementing, or otherwise scripting her answers, and told her to review it before trial. Although Abramson told the bookkeeper not to bring the notes to a meeting with law enforcement, the bookkeeper nonetheless turned the scripted transcript over to law enforcement.
The jury convictions were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard M. Rothblatt and Edward A. Liva, Jr.