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10 December 2024
Ashland Man Sentenced for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. – An Ashland man, Walter Sherman Thomas, 43, was sentenced on Monday, to 240 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for distribution of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, a cyber tip led law enforcement to a Reddit account that was reported for uploading child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement searched the Reddit account and found several sexually explicit images of minors. Additionally, a Reddit chat, that detailed the user’s employment, lead law enforcement to identify Thomas as the owner of the account. Law enforcement interviewed Thomas and searched his phones, which contained 205 sexually explicit images and 87 sexually explicit videos of minors.
Under federal law, Thomas must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 25 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief William Todd Kelley, Ashland Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Ashland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Arizona Man Sentenced for Attempted Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Robert Frenchie McGriff, 44, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to 10 years in prison for attempted transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, from March through June 2019, McGriff began communicating with an individual he believed to be a minor female on Instagram. McGriff told the individual that he was a pimp and actively recruited her to work for him in Arizona as a prostitute. In June 2019, McGriff traveled by bus from Phoenix, Arizona to Turlock, California with the intent of retrieving the minor female in Turlock and transporting her to work for him as a prostitute. McGriff was thereafter arrested by law enforcement.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Prosecutions Unit and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorneys Whitnee Goins and Shea Kenny prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education
38 Charged in Alleged Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Greensboro, NC – A federal indictment charging 38 defendants with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine hydrochloride was unsealed today, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina.
The indictment charges the following individuals with narcotics distribution conspiracy:
[1] NICHOLAS TYLER CURRY, age 30, of Mount Gilead, NC, also known as “Hundough” and “Hondo”;
[2] EMMANUEL MARTIMIANO LEON-SOTO, age 44, of Naco, Mexico, also known as “Manny,” “Jose Manuel Lopez-Castro,” “Jesus Lopez Castro,” “Pedro Beltran Zazueta,” “Pedro Zazueta Beltran,” “Emmanuel Gomez,” “Emanuel Leon,” “Emanuel Leon-Soto,” “Manuel Leon Soto,” “Jose Manuel Lopez Castro,” and “Emanuel Pena Gomez”;
[3] JIMMY MENDOZA ARENAS, age 36, of Phoenix, AZ, also known as “Gordo,” “Jay Jay,” and “JJ”;
[4] CRANDALL ORTAIS INGRAM, age 32, of High Point, NC, also known as “Turk”;
[5] KELLY EMANUEL HARRINGTON, JR., age 31, of Candor, NC;
[6] ERICK LEMAR POLLARD, age 42, of Candor, NC, also known as “Black” and “E”;
[7] JERRY MCCLURE, JR., age 40, of Winston-Salem, NC;
[8] ANTHONY OKURTIS RASHAD LLOYD, age 29, of High Point, NC, also known as “Ant”;
[9] CHRISTOPHER TRELONNIE EVERETTE, age 31, of Candor, NC, also known as “Bank Rich” and “Bank”;
[10] DAMON LEE INGRAM, age 46, of Candor, NC, also known as “Danky”;
[11] TRENT DASHUN STARNES, age 28, of Mount Gilead, NC, also known as “Trinidad”;
[12] CARMEN VALENZUELA, age 37, of Glendale, AZ;
[13] IVANGIANNI VALENZUELA GONZALEZ, age 20, of Glendale, AZ;
[14] RAY COZART, JR., age 29, of Jackson Springs, NC, also known as “The Mayor,” “Bigrayful DaMayor,” “Big Rayful,” and “Rayful”;
[15] SAMMY SOQUI, age 36, of Tucson, AZ;
[16] BERNARD ESQUIRE CAIN, age 33, of Winston-Salem, NC;
[17] ABEL GEBREHIWET ZERATSION, age 30, of Winston-Salem, NC;
[18] NIKONDA TAYE INGRAM, age 31, of High Point, NC, also known as “Slatt” and “Big Boy”;
[19] CHARLES EUGENE ROBBINS, age 65, of Phoenix, AZ;
[20] ADAN VILLAREAL-GRAJEDA, age 39, of Phoenix, AZ;
[21] JORGE ANTONIO LOPEZ-VALDEZ, age 18, of Glendale, AZ;
[22] LEWIS RONDEZ PRATT, age 34, of Candor, NC;
[23] ADRIAN DEVON HILL, age 54, of Lenoir, NC;
[24] PRECIOUS SEQUILA HERRON, age 28, of Tucson, AZ;
[25] SHAINA ALEAH HUNT, age 27, of Fairmont, NC;
[26] SCOTTIE PERETT STANBACK, age 43, of Jackson Springs, NC;
[27] AHMAD RASHAUN SAUNDERS, age 31, of Winston-Salem, NC, also known as “Heart”;
[28] CORNEILLOUS DEONTE STALEY, age 33, of Ellerbe, NC, also known as “Sosa”;
[29] SANIYAH JENAY MCCORKLE, age 19, of Cherryville, NC;
[30] AMYA KYONNA GORDON, age 21, of Mount Gilead, NC;
[31] KATEY ANN LAMONDS, age 26, of Mount Gilead, NC;
[32] GERMAN LOPEZ-GOMEZ, age 22, of Phoenix, AZ;
[33] XAVIER FABRICE ELLIS, age 27, of Jackson Springs, NC, also known as “Zay”;
[34] CAMARIUS KISON PHILLIPS, age 22, of Candor, NC, also known as “CBo”;
[35] CODY ANTHONY CURRY, age 29, of Tucson, AZ, also known as “Boss Curry,” “El Jefe,” and “Boss Man”;
[36] TERELL MYHIEM BALDWIN, age 22, of Troy, NC, also known as “Backstreet”;
[37] MICHAEL WILLIAM CURTIS, age 49, of Archdale, NC; and
[38] JUSTIN RAND ALLEN, age 35, of Candor, NC.
The indictment also charges 10 of the defendants named above with conspiracy to launder the proceeds of the drug trafficking scheme. Those charged with money laundering conspiracy include NICHOLAS TYLER CURRY, EMMANUEL MARTIMIANO LEON-SOTO, JIMMY MENDOZA ARENAS, CRANDALL ORTAIS INGRAM, ANTHONY OKURTIS RASHAD LLOYD, TRENT DASHUN STARNES, CARMEN VALENZUELA, PRECIOUS SEQUILA HERRON, SHAINA ALEAH HUNT, and CODY ANTHONY CURRY.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison for narcotics conspiracy, and up to 20 years for money laundering conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
As of today, 37 of the 38 defendants are in custody. Of 26 defendants arrested today, 18 will have initial court appearances today or tomorrow before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joi E. Peake of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC). Eight defendants were arrested outside the MDNC and will have initial appearances in the districts of arrest. Eleven other defendants—NICHOLAS TYLER CURRY, JIMMY MENDOZA ARENAS, CRANDALL ORTAIS INGRAM, JERRY MCCLURE, JR., BERNARD ESQUIRE CAIN, ABEL GEBREHIWET ZERATSION, ADAN VILLAREAL-GRAJEDA, LEWIS RONDEZ PRATT, AHMAD RASHAUN SAUNDERS, GERMAN LOPEZ-GOMEZ, and CAMARIUS KISON PHILLIPS—are currently in federal or state custody on related charges and will be arraigned on these charges at a later date. One defendant remains at large.
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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Investigating agencies include the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, Candor Police Department, Mesa (Arizona) Police Department, Davie County Sheriff’s Office, Forsyth County Drug Task Force, Mooresville Police Department, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, and Surry County Sheriff’s Office.
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9 December 2024
Windsor, Colorado Business Owner and Company Sentenced for Conspiring to Delete Emissions Controls on Hundreds of Heavy Duty Diesel Trucks in Violation of the Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Elite Diesel Service Inc., formerly located in Windsor Colorado, and its owner, Troy Lake Sr., were sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act by disabling the monitoring components of the emissions control systems on hundreds of heavy-duty commercial trucks throughout the country. Eight co-conspirators located in seven different states had previously been sentenced for their role in the conspiracy.
According to the plea agreements, between approximately January 2017 through December 2020, Elite and Lake instructed Elite employees to disable the computerized on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems on at least 344 heavy-duty commercial trucks. OBDs are required under the Clean Air Act to monitor emissions control hardware on vehicles to ensure that they are functioning properly. Elite’s co-conspirators, companies that operated diesel truck garages or diesel truck fleets, had disabled the emissions control hardware on these trucks and hired Elite and Lake to manipulate the OBDs so that the OBDs would not detect the malfunctions. This violated the Clean Air Act’s prohibition against tampering with monitoring devices, 42 U.S.C. § 7413(c)(2)(C).
Emissions controls on vehicles are critical to maintaining air quality, and when these controls are disabled, the increase in excess tailpipe pollution is significant. A study of the effects of tampering with these 344 trucks showed that the conspirators in this case collectively caused an illegal increase in pollutants of at least 1,300 tons of excess nitrogen oxides, 30 tons of excess non-methane hydrocarbons, 600 tons of excess carbon monoxide, and 30 tons of excess particulate matter. The World Health Organization has found that diesel exhaust is a carcinogen and causes lung cancer. Diesel exhaust is also associated with asthma and an increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory disease. These impacts disproportionately affect low-income communities that tend to be located near highways and other high-traffic areas.
Lake was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in custody and a fine of $2,500. Elite was sentenced to a five-year term of probation and ordered to pay a fine of $37,500. Elite was also ordered to make a payment of $12,500 to a program operated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment to repair the emissions control systems on vehicles owned by low-income drivers who cannot afford to bring their vehicles into compliance. The total assessment was based upon Elite’s demonstration that it was unable to pay a higher amount. Elite also agreed to enter into a corporate compliance and reporting program.
The convictions of Elite and Lake are the culmination of an investigation into a widespread conspiracy to tamper with emission controls on diesel trucks across the country. The co-conspirators, who cooperated with the government during its investigation, were previously sentenced to pay fines and make payments for community service projects designed to offset some of the environmental harm caused by the violations, as follows:
- Endrizzi Diesel LLC of Bolivar, MO, was assessed a penalty of $220,000 including a fine and a community service payment to the Walnut Grove, MO School District to help replace old school buses with newer and cleaner school buses.
- Pro Diesel Inc. of Des Moines, IA, was assessed a penalty of $155,000 including a fine and a community service payment to the Des Moines Area Community College to fund development of curricula to train diesel mechanics on servicing emissions controls.
- McDermid Sales & Service Inc. of Oconto Falls, WI, was assessed a penalty of $112,500 including a fine and a community service payment to the Oconto Falls School District to help replace old school buses with newer and cleaner school buses.
- Hammes Repair Inc. of Seneca, KS, was assessed a penalty of $117,500 including a fine and a community service payment to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment for the purchase of electric groundskeeping equipment to replace old gas-fired equipment.
- Crossroads Repair Inc. of Jamestown, ND, was assessed a penalty of $97,500 including a fine and a community service payment to the Jamestown Rural Fire Department to help replace an old firefighting truck with a newer and cleaner truck.
- ATP Oilfield Services LLC of Fort Lupton, CO, was assessed a penalty of $107,500 including a fine and a community service payment to the CDPHE program to repair emissions controls on vehicles owned by low-income drivers.
- Beatty Bodyworks Inc. of Oklahoma City, OK, was assessed a fine of $15,000 based on defendant’s inability to pay a higher fine.
- Perkins Diesel LLC of Strafford, MO, was assessed a penalty of $95,500 including a fine and a community service payment to the Walnut Grove, MO School District to help replace old school buses with newer and cleaner school buses.
The above eight defendants were also sentenced to probation and were required to enter into corporate compliance and reporting programs.
“These violations of the Clean Air Act affected the health of people in Colorado and across the nation,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “These sentences reflect the seriousness of these crimes.”
“For years, the defendants led a large-scale conspiracy designed to violate the Clean Air Act by defeating emissions control equipment on hundreds of heavy-duty commercial trucks,” said Special Agent in Charge Lance Ehrig of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division in Colorado. “The actions by the defendants and their co-conspirators directly resulted in a significant increase in excess pollution, which diminished air quality and further placed vulnerable populations at risk of developing adverse health conditions. Today’s sentencing demonstrates that individuals and companies who violate our nation’s environmental laws and threaten our nation’s air quality will be held criminally responsible for their actions.”
The defendant was sentenced by Judge Regina Rodriguez on December 5, 2024.
The Environmental Protection Agency handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Weber and Special Assistant United States Attorney Linda Kato handled the prosecution.
Case Number: 24-cr-00118-RMR
Westland Man Sentenced for Role in Armed Robbery of Albion HydroponicsRead the Press Release
Andrew Curtis Williams participated in the February 2020 Crime
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Andrew Curtis Williams, 27, of Westland, Michigan, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison for his role in two separate offenses relating to the February 2020 armed robbery of Albion Hydroponics in which a gun was used to physically assault a store employee and place him in restraints.
“This crime was extremely dangerous,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “No one should fear violence while simply doing their job. These are serious crimes, and my office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure offenders are held accountable and our communities are safe from violent crimes.”
Williams previously pleaded guilty in August 2024. According to court documents, Williams admitted to being part of a conspiracy to rob Albion Hydroponics on February 10, 2020. He also admitted to the separate offense of brandishing a firearm while committing the robbery.
During the robbery, William’s co-defendant Kyle Lynn Carson, 28, of Jackson used a firearm to strike the victim of the robbery with a gun. Carson previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 months in prison for his role in the offense.
An unknown third man participated in the robbery. Anyone with information about this person should contact the Grand Rapids Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at 616-301-6100.
“Tis the season for gun violence accountability. As such, the upcoming holidays just got a little bit more joyful. Everyone deserves to feel safe as they try to provide for themselves and their families,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Mr. William’s greed and actions represent “the worst of the worst” in our community. In the end, accountability matters. The moral of this story is simple: if you use an illegal firearm to commit violent acts, you most certainly should pack your bags for a very long stay in federal prison.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey is prosecuting it.
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Upper St. Clair Resident Charged with Lying to FBI Regarding Involvement with HizballahRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been charged by Criminal Complaint in Pittsburgh with making a false statement or representation involving international terrorism to a department or agency of the United States, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The two-count Criminal Complaint names Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, as the sole defendant, and charges that, on or about October 20, 2024, Molloy lied to FBI agents during an investigation involving international terrorism, in violation of federal law. Molloy was arrested and appeared in federal court today in Chicago, Illinois.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the Complaint, which was unsealed today, Molloy, a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, traveled to Lebanon in August 2024 with a desire to join Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). While in Lebanon, Molloy appeared to encounter obstacles in doing so. Molloy then traveled from Lebanon to Syria in October 2024 in an effort to contact the Syrian branch of Hizballah. The affidavit further alleges that Molloy also supported and idolized violence and wanted to kill Jews, as evidenced by multiple images and videos on his electronic devices and the names he chose as his monikers for his social media and email accounts. Molloy returned to the United States and began residing in the Pittsburgh suburb of Upper St. Clair, where Molloy continued to engage in conduct consistent with his desire to join Hizballah. Upon arriving at the Pittsburgh International Airport on October 20, 2024, Molloy lied to agents of the FBI when he told them that (1) he had no current or future plans to become involved with Hizballah and (2) he had no business in, nor was he meeting with anyone, in Syria. These statements and representations were false because Molloy knew at that time that (1) he did have current and future plans to become involved with Hizballah and (2) Molloy travelled to Syria in furtherance of his attempts to join Hizballah, and while in Syria, set up a meeting with an individual there. Read the full affidavit filed in support of the Criminal Complaint against Molloy here.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to eight years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh and Chicago offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Complaint.
A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Attorney’s Office Enters Agreement with Frankfort Hospital to Ensure Effective Communication with Deaf and Hard of Hearing PatientsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.—The United States has reached an agreement with Frankfort Regional Medical Center (“FRMC”), a 173-bed acute care facility located in Frankfort, Ky., to resolve allegations that FRMC violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), by failing to ensure effective communication with a deaf patient who uses American Sign Language (“ASL”).
At multiple hospital visits during her pregnancy, FRMC failed to provide the patient with an ASL interpreter or other effective means of communication. Additionally, despite her request for an in-person interpreter during her labor and delivery, the patient had to provide her own interpreter for her cesarean section. FRMC also failed to ensure effective communication during the patient’s recovery stay, and during a subsequent hospital visit when she sought treatment for her infant. Moreover, FRMC failed to provide an interpreter or other appropriate auxiliary aids and services to the patient’s mother, who is also deaf and was attending the patient’s labor and delivery as a support person. FRMC cooperated fully with the United States’ investigation of this matter, which substantiated the patient’s allegations.
Under the terms of its agreement with the United States, FRMC will modify its policies and practices consistent with the ADA, including those that address providing effective communication and securing qualified interpreters for patients; will train its staff and inform affiliated medical providers about the policies; will report any future complaints; and will cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure ongoing compliance. FRMC also will pay a $62,500 civil penalty to the United States, $100,000 to the patient, and $10,000 to her mother.
“It is critical that patients who are deaf or hard of hearing have equal access to health care, which includes having the ability to communicate with their health care providers,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV. “This settlement reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the rights of those who are deaf or hard of hearing and ensuring that they are able to effectively participate in discussions and decisions regarding their health care.”
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Pond and investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Section, in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination or experienced a civil rights violation by a place of public accommodation or public entity in Eastern Kentucky can submit a complaint to the U.S. Attorney’s Office by email at [email protected] or by phone to the Civil Rights Hotline at (859) 685-4880.
For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edky/civil-rights. More information about the ADA is available at the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information line at (800) 514 0301 or (800) 514 0383 (TTY) and on the ADA website at www.ada.gov.
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fully_executed_settlement_agmt_frmc.pdfU.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, Along with Tribal and Local Law Enforcement Officials, Release Second “Don’t Click December” PSARead the Press Release
BOISE – During the holiday season, online criminals increasingly target Idahoans through online scams and fraud schemes. Today, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, along with the FBI, the Fort Hall Police Department, the Bannock County Prosecuting Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Offices, the Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Offices, the Idaho Falls Police Department, and the Pocatello Police Department, released a second PSA as part of their joint “Don’t Click December” Consumer Protection Campaign. The AARP is also participating in the announcement and the awareness campaign.
The campaign advises members of the public to exercise skepticism and caution when receiving unsolicited online, email, pop-up, or text communications from unknown or unverified sources. If there is any doubt about a link, message, or attachment, law enforcement cautions: “Don’t Click It.”
In the second PSA, available here, Bannock County Prosecutor Stephen Herzog, Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson, and U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit warn the public about the “QR Code” scam and explain some of the ways in which individuals can protect themselves.
This scam targets individuals through corrupt or fictitious QR codes. Often the scammer will email or text a scam QR code in an attempt to trick you. They may even cover up legitimate QR code with their own corrupted code with the goal getting you to visit a bogus website that can steal your information if you log in. Always verify with the restaurant or business if you suspect a QR code is suspicious.
As part of the ongoing campaign, two additional PSAs are planned to be released in the weeks leading up to Christmas in an effort to alert the public to common online fraud schemes that Idaho law enforcement has seen affect Idahoans.
Unfortunately, these are not the only schemes affecting the public, and new schemes arise all the time. Law enforcement hopes that the “Don’t Click December” Consumer Protection Campaign will raise public awareness and encourage individuals to talk to their friends and relatives about not clicking suspicious links, texts, messages, pop-ups, or attachments.
“We have witnessed many Idahoans lose their hard-earned money or their entire retirement savings to online scams. And, sadly, this type of crime tends to spike during the holiday season,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “But, together, we can reduce the risks by talking with each other about how to avoid such scams, and I’m grateful to our law enforcement partners and the AARP for joining us in the Don’t Click December campaign. We also encourage Idahoans to report any scams as soon as possible so that law enforcement can investigate and we can bring these vicious online criminals to justice.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners recognize that we all must work to eliminate the stigma individuals may experience if they are victimized. There is no shame to falling victim to an online scheme, which are often designed by professional criminals, sophisticated, and tested repeatedly across the country.
For this reason, the “Don’t Click December” Consumer Protection Campaign also publicizes ways to report scams and incidents of fraud to the FBI and local law enforcement.
To learn more about these and other scams targeting Americans visit FBI.gov, and if you believe you have been victimized, take-action by reporting it to FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov or by contacting your local law enforcement agency.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office and HSI Charge Childcare Owner in Alleged Minor Sexual Abuse CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – The owner of Cardiel Childcare Services in Las Cruces is charged with attempted enticement of a minor after an investigation revealed alleged systematic sexual abuse of a child under his care.
Juan Jose Cardiel, Sr., 79, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for December 11, 2025.
According to court documents, Cardiel allegedly showed the minor victim naked photos of herself as a baby and toddler, displayed a video of people engaging in sexual acts to the victim, forced the victim to perform sexual acts on him, and inappropriately touched the victim. This is alleged to have occurred on numerous occasions.
The complaint also states that Cardiel was previously arrested by Las Cruces Police Department on May 1, 2024, on state charges of Criminal Sexual Contact with a Minor.
If convicted of the current charge, Cardiel faces not less than 10 years in prison and up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department and the U.S. Marshals. Assistant United States Attorneys Matilda McCarthy Villalobos and Jackson Dering are prosecuting the case as part of as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
HSI is seeking other potential victims in this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact HSI at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP (877-447-4847) or online at www.hsi.gov.
A criminal complaint 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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U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Agreement with Hudson and Morris County Boards of Elections to Ensure Polling Place Access to Voters with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
NEWARK--The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey has secured agreements with the Hudson and Morris County Boards of Election to ensure that the counties provide accessible polling places to voters with disabilities, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced today. The agreement resolves the United States’ investigations into both counties’ compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by state or local government in its programs or services.
The United States’ investigation identified architectural barriers at multiple polling places in both counties that rendered some of the polling places not fully accessible to voters with disabilities. The Boards of Elections in both counties have cooperated fully with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to reach these agreements to improve physical accessibility at their respective polling place locations.
“Ensuring that all eligible citizens can participate in the voting process is one of the most fundamental elements of our democracy. Voters with disabilities have a right to vote at their local polling places free from barriers to physical accessibility. Our office remains committed to using every tool available to ensure that all eligible New Jersey voters can cast their ballot without barriers.”
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger
Under the settlement agreement, the Election Boards will each employ temporary measures, such as portable ramps and signage, where appropriate, to make their existing polling places accessible. They will also train poll workers on the ADA’s accessibility requirements, how to use temporary measures to make polling places accessible, and how to survey polling locations for accessibility on Election Day. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor the Board of Elections’ compliance with the agreements and provide them with technical assistance.
The United States is represented by Senior Civil Rights Counsel Kelly Horan Florio and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thandiwe Boylan of the U.S. Attorney’s Civil Rights Division.
Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may file a complaint with the U.S Attorney’s Office at http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement/complaint or call the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Complaint Hotline at (855) 281-3339. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TDD).
hudson.settlementagreement.pdf morris.settlementagreement.pdfU.S. Attorney's Office Announces Sentencing of Online Predator for Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Santo Domingo man has been sentenced to 72 months in federal prison and 15 years of supervised release for sexually assaulting a minor victim after grooming her through social media and gaining unauthorized access to her home on the Navajo Nation.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Jordian Pacheco, 33, an enrolled member of the Santa Domingo Pueblo, was arrested on January 10, 2021, after the victim's mother discovered him hiding in her daughter's closet. Navajo Police Department officers responded to the call and initially detained Pacheco, who provided false identification.
The investigation revealed that Pacheco had developed a relationship with the 14-year-old victim through TikTok and email over the course of a year. Pacheco, who was 29 years old at the time, did not disclose his true age to the victim.
On January 9, 2021, Pacheco drove to the victim's residence on the Navajo Nation while her mother was away. He then engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexual acts with the minor.
During the investigation, it was uncovered that Pacheco had a history of contacting minors online using usernames such as "youngduke12," "Little Felon," and "Scott Little Felon." He tried to ingratiate himself with minors, requesting photographs and attempting to meet them at local high school sporting events while lying about his age.
Upon his release from prison, Pacheco will be subject to 15 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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Troy Man Admits Possessing a Machinegun in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Richawn McClain, age 26, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to possessing and intending to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
McClain faces a mandatory prison term of at least 10 years and up to life, a supervised release term of at least 3 years and up to life, and a maximum $1 million fine. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
McClain admitted that on January 9, 2024, he possessed a handgun that had been modified to make it into a machinegun, 32 grams of cocaine, and more than 900 fentanyl pills. Inside of the same bag as the narcotics, McClain had $22,770, which he must forfeit as part of his plea.
The DEA investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.
Theodore Man Sentenced to Prison for Fraud Schemes and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Theodore man was sentenced to 32 months in prison for a bank fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, and a wire fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Sean Donnell White, 30, engaged in various fraud schemes between 2020 and 2022. One of White’s fraud schemes involved stealing mail to obtain victims’ bank account and personal identifying information. White recruited a postal employee, Kristen Arieale Williams, to participate in the scheme. Williams illegally sold White an “arrow” key for $2,500 in cash. Arrow keys are government property and will open, among other things, all blue postal collection boxes in a particular geographic area. Law enforcement caught White using the key to steal mail from collection boxes outside the Bel Air Mall in Mobile in November 2022. White stole hundreds of pieces of mail using the key and committed numerous fraudulent bank transactions totaling at least $69,508.69 using counterfeited checks that he generated based on information he stole from the mail.
White’s other fraud scheme was a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam. To carry out the scheme, White bought stolen identities from illicit dark web marketplaces online. Using those stolen identities, White opened Coinbase and associated bank accounts, both of which he controlled. White selected banks that he knew allowed accountholders to overdraw their accounts by as much as $35,000. White then overdrew several accounts, making cryptocurrency trades in the Coinbase accounts using the unsettled funds. White siphoned any profits from the trades into accounts he controlled. The victim banks suffered losses if White lost money on the trades. As part of this “Coinbase scam,” White obtained at least $210,000 in fraudulently derived criminal proceeds.
In addition to the 32-month prison sentence, Judge DuBose ordered White to serve a five-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will undergo drug testing and treatment, and will be subject to credit restrictions. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge DuBose ordered White to pay $35,334.10 in victim restitution, a $210,000 money judgment, and $300 in special assessments.
A federal jury convicted Williams of various fraud offenses in November 2023. Judge DuBose sentenced Williams to three years in federal prison and ordered her to pay victim restitution.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the USPS–Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case. The Brewton Police Department and the U.S. Small Business Administration–Office of Inspector General provided substantial assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Bodnar and Justin Roller prosecuted the cases on behalf of the United States.
Ten Count Indictment Unsealed Charging Eight Individuals and Two Law Firms with Offenses in Connection with Staged Automobile Collisions in the New Orleans AreaRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS –The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice announce the unsealing of a ten count superseding indictment charging RYAN J. HARRIS, a/k/a “Red,” (“HARRIS”), age 36, of New Orleans; SEAN D. ALFORTISH (“ALFORTISH”), age 57, of New Orleans; VANESSA MOTTA (“MOTTA”), age 43, of New Orleans; JASON F. GILES (“GILES”), age 45, of New Orleans; LEON M. PARKER, a/k/a “Chunky,” (“PARKER”), age 51, of New Orleans; DIAMINIKE F. STALBERT (“STALBERT”), age 34, of Metairie; CARL MORGAN (“MORGAN”), age 66, of New Orleans; and TIMARA N. LAWRENCE (“LAWRENCE”), age 34, of New Orleans. Also charged are the law firms MOTTA LAW, LLC (“MOTTA LAW”) and THE KING FIRM, LLC (“THE KING FIRM”), both of New Orleans. The superseding indictment was returned on Friday, December 6, 2024, and unsealed on Monday, December 9, 2024, after PARKER was arrested by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”).
Count One charges defendants HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW FIRM, GILES. THE KING FIRM, MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT and LAWRENCE with Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1343, and 1349. Count Two charges defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM with Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. Count Three charges defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, and MOTTA LAW with Obstruction of Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1503(a) and 2. Count Four charges defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, and MOTTA LAW with Witness Tampering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(b)(1) and 2. Count Five charges defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM with Obstruction of Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1503(a) and 2. Count Six charges defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM with Witness Tampering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(b)(1) and 2. Count Seven charges defendant STALBERT with Making False Statements, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2). Count Eight charges defendant HARRIS with Witness Tampering through Murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(a)(1)(C), 1512(a)(3)(A), and 2. Count Nine charges defendant HARRIS with Retaliation Against a Witness Through Murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1513(a)(1)(B), 1513(a)(2)(A), and 2. Count Ten charges defendant HARRIS with Causing Death Through Use of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(j)(1) and 2.
According to the superseding indictment, defendants HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM,MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT, and LAWRENCE were members of a conspiracy that engaged in a fraud scheme, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, witness tampering through murder, and retaliation against a witness through murder. The members of the conspiracy intentionally staged automobile collisions in the New Orleans metropolitan area and submitted fraudulent insurance claims based on the staged collisions. The members of the conspiracy filed fraudulent lawsuits in state and federal court based on the staged automobile collisions. The members of this conspiracy also obstructed justice and made material misrepresentations in court cases to prevent detection of their scheme by law enforcement and members of the judiciary.
The superseding indictment alleges that HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM, MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT, LAWRENCE, Cornelius Garrison (“Garrison”), then attorney Danny Patrick Keating (“Keating”), Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Roderick Hickman (“Hickman”), and others participated in a scheme in which they intentionally staged automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area. The scheme included individuals who rode in automobiles as passengers knowing they would be part of staged collisions. Those individuals later lied as part of fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits based on the staged collisions. Additionally, the scheme included individuals who drove automobiles and intentionally collided with 18-wheeler tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles, in order to stage collisions (“slammers”). After the staged collisions, the slammers would flee the scene and a passenger would falsely claim to have been driving at the time of the collision. HARRIS, Garrison, Labeaud, and Hickman were slammers. HARRIS, Garrison, Labeaud, and Hickman also recruited and conspired with others to participate in staged collisions. Additionally, the scheme included individuals (“spotters”) who drove getaway cars that allowed the slammers to flee the scene after causing a collision and evade detection by law enforcement. The spotters would sometimes also pretend to be eyewitnesses and would flag down the commercial vehicles after the staged collisions, alleging that the commercial vehicles were at fault. Additionally, the scheme included individuals, including ALFORTISH, MOTTA, GILES, Keating, other attorneys and others associated with the attorneys, who pursued fraudulent claims and fraudulent lawsuits knowing they were based on staged collisions.
Garrison worked with HARRIS as a slammer and spotter. Similar to HARRIS, Garrison recruited others to participate in staged collisions. Both HARRIS and Garrison caused or attempted to cause passengers in the staged collisions to hire the attorneys who were part of the scheme. Between approximately December 12, 2011, and the date of the superseding indictment, HARRIS, Garrison, Labeaud, Hickman, and others caused multiple staged collisions in order to file fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits based on the staged collisions. The scheme involved the use of the mail and the use of interstate wires, including through the filing of fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits. The superseding indictment includes twenty-two (22) staged collisions perpetrated by the charged defendants.
The superseding indictment alleges that, in or around 2019, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM became aware of the federal criminal investigation into the staged collision scheme. ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM committed various acts of obstruction of justice and witness tampering to cover-up the illegal collision scheme and to obstruct justice. These acts included ALFORTISH, MOTTA, and MOTTA LAW conspiring to 1) manipulate an individual into making a false statement, 2) offering to pay Garrison and to move Garrison outside of the United States if Garrison agreed not to cooperate with the federal criminal investigation into the staged collision scheme, and 3) obstructing Garrison and HARRIS’s participation in civil depositions related to 18-wheeler tractor trailer collisions. Also, GILES and THE KING FIRM manipulated Labeaud and Hickman by secretly recording them, and thereby obstructing justice and committing witness tampering. GILES and THE KING FIRM also suggested that Labeaud leave town while there was increased attention on the staged collisions and convinced passengers in staged collisions to sign documents created to cover up the scheme.
In or around October 2019, Garrison began covertly cooperating with the federal government concerning staged automobile collisions. On September 18, 2020, Garrison was indicted in the Eastern District of Louisiana with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, and other offenses related to the staged collisions. The superseding indictment alleges that on September 22, 2020, HARRIS murdered, and aided and abetted the murder of Garrison, as part of a scheme to prevent Garrison from cooperating with the federal government and exposing the scheme to stage collisions.
In addition, the superseding indictment charges STALBERT with lying to Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on May 28, 2020, in connection with her involvement in staged collisions.
PARKER made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Michael B. North, on Monday, December 9, 2024. Defendant HARRIS remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest on May 3, 2024. Defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM, MORGAN, STALBERT, and LAWRENCE will make their initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge in the near future.
If convicted of Count One, defendants HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM,MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT, and LAWRENCE face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. If convicted of Count Two, defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victims. If convicted of Counts Three or Five, defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM face up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. If convicted of Counts Four or Six, defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. If convicted of Count Seven, defendant STALBERT faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. If convicted of Counts Eight, Nine, or Ten, defendant HARRIS faces a mandatory life sentence, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine as to each of these three counts. For each of the ten counts, any charged defendant also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for the charged conduct.
Including this superseding indictment, sixty-three (63) defendants have been charged in the federal probe into the staging of automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
The U.S. Attorney's Office reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice, would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of the FBI, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne; Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; and Trial Attorney J. Ryan McLaren of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.
Tarpon Springs Felon Previously Convicted for Attempted Murder of A Police Officer Convicted for Possessing Ammunition Loaded into Ar-15 Ghost GunRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found James Patrick Sychowski (48, Tarpon Springs) guilty of possessing ammunition by a convicted felon. Sychowski faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. Sychowski was indicted on May 17, 2023.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on February 7, 2023, at his mother’s residence in Tarpon Springs, Sychowski armed himself with a loaded AR-15 “ghost gun” he built himself over the course of several months, threatened to kill his mother and her husband, and threatened to shoot at any police officers responding to the scene. When officers from the Tarpon Springs Police Department arrived, Sychowski fled and was later arrested in Clearwater. Officers discovered the AR-15 ghost gun on Sychowski’s bed in his room and discovered the construction materials and accessories Sychowski used to build the AR-15. Further investigation revealed that Sychowski had purchased the AR-15 components online and shipped them to the Tarpon Springs residence.
Bank statements and financial documents presented at trial corroborated Sychowski’s purchase of the ghost gun components and his purchase of PMC 5.56mm ammunition and a magazine from a local firearms store in Holiday, Florida. Evidence presented to the jury obtained from Sychowski’s cell phone corroborated the firearm and accessories purchases and featured a photograph of the same AR-15 ghost gun.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tarpon Springs Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and David J. Pardo.
TPD Receives $2.5M in Grant Funding from the Department of Justice to Further Investigate Sexual Assault KitsRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson, City of Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols, and Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen proudly announced a $2.5M grant from the National Sexual Kit Initiative.
The grant will allow the Tulsa Police Department to continue working on the prosecution of unsolved sexual assault cases. This is critical to enhancing the response to sexual assaults and ensuring justice for victims. This funding will not only help link victims with advocates and services but also help implement best practices to prosecute offenders and increase public safety.
The National Sexual Kit Initiative is finding that a significant number of people who have committed multiple violent sexual assaults are being linked to other unsubmitted kits. Not only are those people committing sexual assaults, but they are frequently responsible for homicides and other violent offenses.
“This essential funding allows victims of sexual assault to receive long-awaited justice,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “My hope is that this grant will enable the Tulsa Police Department to reopen unsolved cases and help the survivors of sexual assault move forward with closure.”
“Even with the strides made by the Tulsa Police Department in recent years to address cold cases and previously untested rape kits, there is more work to be done as we seek to do right by our neighbors and for the victims of these senseless crimes,” Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols said. “I spent my career in the legislature working to ensure we ended the backlog on rape kit testing and I’m committed to doing so as mayor. Having the funding to be able to continue this testing will help us solve some of the most underreported crimes in Tulsa and make sure victims get the justice they deserve while removing these predators off our streets. I’m thankful for the U.S. Department of Justice for its help in making this a funding priority, and I’m eager to work with the Tulsa Police Department as we set the bar high and do all that we can to combat sexually based crimes in our community.”
Chief Dennis Larsen said, "This $2.5 million grant from the Department of Justice is a critical step forward in our commitment to justice for sexual assault survivors. It will enable us to process backlogged kits, potentially solve cold cases, and provide closure to victims who have waited far too long for answers. This funding not only supports our efforts to enhance the efficiency of our forensic services but also reinforces our resolve to ensure that no stone is left unturned in seeking justice."
In total, the Department of Justice, through its Office of Justice Programs, is awarding more than $4.4 billion in grants across the country. This funding will support state, local, and community-based efforts and evidence-based interventions that reduce violence, crime, and recidivism.
“BJA is pleased to award new SAKI funding to the city of Tulsa in support of its efforts to address unsubmitted sexual assault kits and to advance improvements in addressing sexually motivated crimes,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “This funding will prioritize the voices of victims and survivors, while providing essential resources to advance investigations into cold cases.”
More information about this award and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP FY24 Grant Awards site.
About the Office of Justice Programs
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Sumter Man Pleads Guilty to Destruction of an Energy Facility and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. —Donald Ray Hurst, Jr., 35, of Sumter, has pleaded guilty to destruction of an energy facility and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Aug. 11, 2023, Duke Energy called law enforcement to respond to a power outage near Fish Road in Dalzell. FBI agents and deputies with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office arrived and saw that the regulator bank, which helps distribute power to the local community and businesses, had multiple holes in it that appeared to be from bullets. The damage resulted in a power outage to several thousand customers. The cost of the clean-up and replacement of the regulators was over $100,000.
Investigators spoke to witnesses who stated they heard gunshots near the regulators on Aug. 9. After speaking with witnesses, agents installed a pole camera at that location. Two days later, they returned and found that the regulators had been shot again. They also recovered a 9mm shell casing at the scene.
A review of the pole camera footage revealed that a white van arrived near the regulators. The van stopped and gunshots were seen being fired toward the energy facility. Agents located the owner of the van, with the help of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and interviewed the owner who was in possession of the vehicle. The owner stated that Hurst and another individual possessed the van during the time of the shooting. Agents searched the van and found a spent 9mm shell casing.
Agents later executed a search warrant on Hurst’s residence and recovered a firearm in his room and a 9mm handgun in a safe in another room of the house. Forensic analysis determined that the shell casing found at the scene of the shooting on Aug. 14 and the shell casing recovered from the van were fired from the 9mm handgun. Hurst’s fingerprint was also found on the trigger of the 9mm handgun, and the key to the safe containing the firearm was located with Hurst’s car keys.
While incarcerated, Hurst was heard on a recorded jail phone call informing someone about a hard drive in his room that needed to be recovered because it “could get someone in trouble.” In a subsequent recorded phone call, Hurst admitted to shooting the regulator bank. He also stated that the hard drive found at his home contained images of child sexual abuse material that he acquired from the dark web.
Agents retrieved the hard drive from the home. A search warrant on the hard drive revealed several images that were confirmed to be CSAM by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Hurst faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and a lifetime of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment for each charge. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Hurst after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sumter Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lamar J. Fyall and Michael Shedd are prosecuting the case.
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Southeast Missouri Man Sentenced to 152 months in Prison for Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Friday sentenced a man to 152 months in prison for selling methamphetamine.
In February of 2023, Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force officers received information that Johnny O. Morrow was selling methamphetamine. Officers made two purchases of meth totaling 22 grams from Morrow at his home in Fisk, Missouri, in Butler County. When officers arrived to serve a court-approved search warrant for Morrow’s home, he tried to run away but was caught and detained while still on the premises. After being read the search warrant, an officer heard Morrow make multiple statements about killing whoever had told on him.
Officers found a pill bottle in a bedroom containing eight bags of meth packaged in a manner consistent with drugs intended for delivery, totaling approximately 31.6 grams, a separate pill bottle containing approximately 64.78 grams of meth and a bag of approximately 52.97 grams of meth concealed in a jacket. After being read his Miranda rights, Morrow said all the drugs belonged to him.
Morrow, now 54 and from Steele, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau in June to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force and the Butler County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Willis and Christopher Shelton prosecuted the case.
Santa Cruz-Based MS-13 Gang Members Sentenced to over Twenty Years in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Commit MurderRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Erick Escalante-Torres and Jose Noe Ramirez-Avelar, members of the La Mara Salvatrucha gang (better known as MS-13) based in Santa Cruz, were sentenced today to 27 years and 11 months in prison and 22 years in prison, respectively, for racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and other crimes. The sentences were handed down by the Honorable Edward J. Davila, U.S. District Judge, following the defendants’ convictions by guilty plea.
Escalante-Torres, 29, also known as “Deceptico” or “Problematico,” and Ramirez-Avelar, 34, also known as “Chepito” or “Sparky,” were both actively involved in the MS-13 enterprise in Northern California from approximately 2015 to 2017. According to their plea agreements, MS-13 members and associates earn promotions and prestige by committing criminal activities benefitting the gang, including by engaging in violent crimes such as murder and attempted murder of rival gang members.
In the summer of 2016, Escalante-Torres, Ramirez-Avelar, and others began planning to murder a man they believed to be associated with the rival 18th Street gang. Once the gang received approval for the killing from higher-up gang leaders in El Salvador, the group began surveilling the victim’s movements and plotting different ways to kill him. According to court documents, they decided to kill the victim late at night when he would routinely walk to a nearby taqueria to escort home his fiancée who worked the late shift. On Sept. 22, 2016, they executed their plan, fatally shooting the victim on his way to pick up his fiancée. The victim was not actually affiliated with the rival gang.
Both defendants were also involved in other gang shootings. In May and June 2016, Escalante-Torres and Ramirez-Avelar helped destroy the evidence from a murder committed by another Northern California MS-13 clique. In July 2016, Escalante-Torres and others drove into rival gang territory and, after spotting suspected rival gang members, Escalante-Torres fired two shots, hitting one victim in the leg.
“Defendants engaged in murder and other violent crimes to carry out the goals of MS-13, a transnational criminal organization. Their ruthless actions threatened public safety in Santa Cruz,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “With these sentences, we are sending a strong message to gang members that these crimes will be fully investigated and prosecuted, and justice will be served.”
“This case illustrates the direct threat transnational gang activity is to our communities and the indiscriminate and needless devastation it brings to innocent families,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco Special Agent Charge Tatum King. “HSI San Francisco will aggressively pursue individuals engaged in this criminal activity and ensure they face the consequences for their actions. HSI San Francisco appreciates the dedicated work of its special agents together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Santa Cruz Police Department in bringing these individuals to justice.”
Both defendants pleaded guilty on Aug. 19, 2024, to one count of racketeering conspiracy, one count of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. Escalante-Torres also pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering and one count of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Judge Davila also sentenced each defendant to a five-year term of supervised release in addition to the terms of imprisonment. Escalante-Torres has been in federal custody since 2018, and Ramirez-Avelar has been in federal custody since 2017. Both defendants began serving their sentences today. In addition to Escalante-Torres and Ramirez-Avelar, 10 other members of the Santa Cruz clique have been convicted and sentenced for their involvement in criminal activity as members of the gang.
Assistant United States Attorneys George Hageman and Aseem Padukone are prosecuting this case with the assistance of Mimi Lam. The prosecution is the result of a years-long investigation by HSI and the Santa Cruz Police Department.
Registered Sex Offender from Minnesota Indicted for Attempting to Sexually Exploit a 12-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 19, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Matthew W. Tolkinen (age: 53) of Wadena, Minnesota.
According to court documents, Tolkinen engaged in a conversation with an undercover law enforcement officer from the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office who was posing online as a 12-year-old girl. During the conversation, Tolkinen repeatedly described his desire to have sex with the child, whom he believed was in school. In the conversation, Tolkinen also described his plan in graphic detail, requested naked photographs of the child, represented that the child could not get pregnant, and warned the child that the planned sexual activity was going to be painful.
Tolkinen was arrested in Minnesota on November 20, 2024. Court records indicate that agents searched Tolkinen’s phone and discovered the conversations he had with the undercover officer. They also observed that on the day Tolkinen was indicted by the grand jury, he searched for driving directions to Appleton, Wisconsin.
Tolkinen appeared before Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach on December 5, 2024, and was ordered detained. His jury trial is scheduled to begin on February 10, 2025.
Tolkinen is a registered sex offender based on a 2018 conviction for soliciting a child to engage in sexual conduct in Ramsey County, Minnesota.
Tolkinen now faces charges alleging that he attempted to sexually exploit a minor and persuade that minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a), and committing a felony offense involving a minor as an individual required to register as a sex offender, contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Section 2260A. If convicted of the charges, Tolkinen faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander E. Duros.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Red Hook Drug Dealer Sentenced on Cocaine Distribution ConvictionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Niah Henry, 35, of St. Thomas, was sentenced by Chief District Judge Robert Molloy to six months incarceration followed by four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to documents filed in court, on December 6, 2023, Henry sold cocaine to an undercover agent during a joint operation conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force and the Virgin Islands Police Department. During the investigation, law enforcement identified Henry as part of a broader network responsible for distributing narcotics in the Red Hook area which is approximately 800 feet from the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School in St. Thomas.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Woods.
Prince George’s County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Marquis Hayes Henderson, 24, Laurel, Maryland, to seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for robbery and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, and Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to the guilty plea, Henderson and four other co-conspirators met on April 29, 2022, at a Clinton-Maryland storage lot before driving a stolen vehicle to a nearby convenience store. Henderson brought and pointed a firearm at an employee outside of the store before ordering the worker to go inside and lay down in one of the aisles. Meanwhile, another co-conspirator entered the store with a power tool and broke open the store’s ATM. The second co-conspirator worked with a third co-conspirator to take $35,020 in cash from the ATM. The trio joined the other two co-conspirators who were waiting in the stolen vehicle before fleeing.
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.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Rosenthal and William D. Moomau who prosecuted the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Previously Convicted Federal Felon Convicted at Trial for Possessing Firearm in Connection with Drug Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – After a four day trial, a federal jury found Ryan E. Dales, age 36, guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime.
The verdict was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).
A jury trial in connection with the remaining counts in the Superseding Indictment pertaining to Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft charges is scheduled to begin on January 13, 2025. These charges relate to Dales’s alleged receipt of fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits and his alleged use of victim identities to obtain various high-end lawnmowers on credit.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on January 20, 2023, Defendant was arrested pursuant to a federal arrest warrant and, that same day, a federal search warrant was executed at Defendant’s residence located at 900 E Fort Ave. in Baltimore—a luxury apartment building in the Locust Point area of Baltimore. During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement located and seized, among other things various items used in connection with Defendant’s illegal business selling drugs, including:
- two loaded firearms, a stolen Smith & Wesson firearm, S/N: HDW0599 and one which was a privately-made “ghost gun” Polymer80 9mm firearm with no serial number;
- a box containing 28 rounds of 9mm ammunition, including hollow point ammunition;
- numerous packages of controlled dangerous substances, including hundreds of grams of fentanyl packaged for street level distribution;
- multiple digital scales; sifters, a heat sealer, a bag containing 10,000 empty capsules meant to package drugs, other drug packing materials, various cutting agents, a respirator; and
- six cell phones.
Dales later voluntarily waived his Miranda rights and admitted to living in his apartment alone and that the firearms seized in his apartment were his. He also told law enforcement that he was a “very resourceful person”—referring to his livelihood as a drug dealer. Dales’s DNA was later determined to be present on both firearms and their magazines.
Law enforcement’s later review of Defendant’s devices revealed the existence of numerous Telegram chats where he negotiated purchasing drugs and cutting agents from multiple people, including mass producers of fentanyl in China. Investigators further found evidence that about a month before the execution of the search warrant, Dales traveled to Boston with a firearm (identical in appearance to the ghost gun found in his apartment) and a bag full of cash to purchase drugs. Dales’s device search history included searches for where fentanyl is produced in China, how to dye powders, and how many bullets a Smith and Wesson M&P 9c firearm—the same type seized from his apartment—can hold.
Dales faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm; a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, and up to life in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. District Chief Judge George Levi Russell, III, has scheduled sentencing for a later to be determined date.
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 District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and DOL-OIG for their work in connection with the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley, and Reema Sood, who are prosecuting the federal case. He also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Pennsylvania Man Arrested After Driving to Albany for Planned Sexual Abuse of MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – David Gruber, age 39, of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, was arrested last week and charged with traveling across state lines to the Capital Region with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
According to a criminal complaint, in November 2024 Gruber began communicating with an individual to discuss and plan his sexual abuse of a person he believed to be a 9-year-old child residing in Albany County, New York. Gruber planned to drive from Pennsylvania to Albany County and pay $300 in order to sexually abuse the person he believed to be a child. On December 5, 2024, Gruber was arrested after arriving in Albany at a prearranged meeting location. Gruber had $460 in cash on him at the time of his arrest. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Gruber initially appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart on December 6 and was ordered detained. He faces a maximum term of 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
FBI and the New York State Police are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew M. Paulbeck is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Orange County Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Prison for House Flipping Investment Scam that Raised More Than $17 MillionRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Costa Mesa man was sentenced today to 181 months in federal prison for running fraudulent investment schemes that raised more than $17 million by promising investors – several of them elderly – returns of up to 10% that would be generated through real estate deals that turned out to be bogus, and for disobeying a court order to surrender to federal authorities for violating the terms of his pretrial release.
Brett Barber, 45, a former co-owner of the Newport Beach-based BNZ Capital One LLC and National American Capital, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II, who scheduled a January 9, 2025, restitution hearing in this case.
At today’s hearing, Judge Wright said, “There may not have been bloodshed, but this was real violence. [The defendant] knew these people were in their golden years, and he just took it all.”
Barber pleaded guilty in October 2023 to two counts of wire fraud and one count of criminal contempt.
“This defendant enriched himself through a fraudulent investment scheme that solicited millions of dollars from retirement funds belonging to his victims, including older adults,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “My office is committed to protecting vulnerable communities from fraud and other harms. Today’s sentence sends a message to victims that we are here to fight for them and hold con artists and other fraudsters accountable for their actions.”
From May 2019 to October 2021, Barber participated in two schemes to defraud victim investors out of their money and property.
In the first scheme, BNZ Capital, its principals, and several marketers raised money by falsely representing that the firm bought and sold real estate projects and “flipped” real estate. Barber, co-conspirator Louis Zimmerle, 65, of Sacramento, and the marketers falsely promised investors a “guaranteed” return of between 8% and 10%, as well as potential bonuses based on successful deals. According to court documents, Barber told investors that their funds were “safe” and “FDIC insured.”
In fact, while BNZ Capital did purchase some real estate, it did not take any substantial steps to develop parcels, nor did BNZ flip real estate for a profit. Rather, BNZ primarily used investor funds to pay Barber, Zimmerle, and others associated with the scheme, including purchasing residences where Barber and Zimmerle lived. Some of the investors’ money was used to repay earlier investors.
During this scheme, Barber, Zimmerle, and the marketers solicited or caused to be transferred to BNZ Capital approximately $13.8 million from victim investors. Investigators estimate that actual losses resulting from this scheme are at least $7 million.
Barber received and kept approximately $2,933,970 of investor money for his personal gain. At least five BNZ Capital investors were elderly, vulnerable victims who suffered substantial hardship because of the fraud committed against them.
After Barber learned that federal officials were investigating BNZ Capital, he began a second fraudulent scheme, this time involving a company he formed in January 2021 called National American Capital (NAC). The NAC scheme operated, in substance, the same way as the BNZ Capital fraud. That is, Barber and marketers working at his direction lied to investors by saying their money would be used to fund real estate development projects. In fact, there were no such projects, and the only way NAC could repay earlier investors was by soliciting money from new investors.
Specifically, in October 2021, Barber met with a person he believed was a prospective investor, but who in fact was an undercover law enforcement official. During this meeting, Barber told several lies: that NAC had been in business for 20 years, that it owned 10 parcels of land in Laguna Beach, and that it had purchased property in Newport Beach and turned it into a four-plex. None of these statements was true.
This scheme caused a loss of at least $3.5 million. Barber received and kept at least $388,669 of investor money for his personal gain.
During the BNZ Capital and NAC schemes, Barber failed to disclose to investors that he previously was barred from acting as or associating with a broker-dealer by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Finally, after a federal grand jury indicted Barber in October 2021, he was released on bond. In January 2023, a court found that Barber violated the terms of his pretrial release and ordered him to surrender to the United States Marshals Service by January 13. Barber willfully disobeyed the court’s order and failed to surrender. In March 2023, Barber was arrested in Santa Cruz County, California. He eventually was transferred to federal custody in Los Angeles, where he remains.
Zimmerle pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of wire fraud for participating in the scheme. Judge Wright on June 3 sentenced Zimmerle to five years’ probation, fined him $10,000, and ordered him to pay $684,500 in restitution.
In October 2021, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed civil charges against Barber, Zimmerle, and BNZ Capital for fraudulently raising more than $13 million from over 100 retail investors. That litigation remains pending.
The FBI investigated this matter. The SEC provided substantial assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Maxwell K. Coll of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section and Anne C. Gannon of the Orange County Office prosecuted this case.
Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Drew Lamont Scruggs, 48, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 27, 2024, Scruggs pawned a Kimber model Stainless Ultra Carry II .45-caliber pistol at a Huntington business. Scruggs admitted to possessing the firearm and that the firearm was later determined to have been stolen at the time he possessed it.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Scruggs knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for voluntary manslaughter on June 25, 1997, trafficking in cocaine on April 1, 1998, and on November 12, 2012, and failure to comply with order or signal of a police officer on November 3, 2015, and on August 6, 2019, all in Summit County, Ohio, Court of Common Pleas.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-49.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: An Ohio man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for possessing child pornography.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Andrew Ladich-McGrew, 28, to 72 months in prison followed by six years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $28,000 in restitution.
According to court records, in June 2020, investigators with Maine State Police and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at an apartment Ladich-McGrew was renting in Presque Isle. The search warrant was based on a report by electronic service provider Discord that Ladich-McGrew’s account was involved in the possession of sexually explicit images of children under the age of 16. Discord is an online communication platform that, among other functions, allows users to communicate with text-based chats and to send and receive media files. During the initial investigation, images and videos were found on an online storage drive connected to Ladich-McGrew’s computer. In November 2020, a second investigation was launched, leading investigators to a computer that contained multiple files of child sexual abuse material. As with the external hard drive, the images included children as young as three years old being sexually abused. At the time of his arrest, Ladich-McGrew was living in Ohio.
HSI and the Maine State Police investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
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Neurologist pays nearly $1M to settle false billing allegations for electro-acupuncture devicesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 52-year-old Pearland man has agreed to pay $948,359.85 to resolve allegations he submitted false claims for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Dr. Basem Hamid is a neurologist and pain medicine doctor who practices in Houston. Basem Hamid MD PA is an entity Hamid used to conduct his medical practice.
From Aug. 27, 2019, to Oct. 3, 2022, Hamid billed Medicare for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes. These are invasive procedures usually requiring use of an operating room. As a result, Medicare pays thousands of dollars per procedure.
However, neither Hamid nor his staff performed these surgical procedures, according to the allegations.
Instead, patients allegedly received devices used for electro-acupuncture, which only involved inserting monofilament wire a few millimeters into patients’ ears and taping the neurostimulator behind the ear with an adhesive. All device placements took place in Hamid’s clinic, not a hospital or surgical center, and no incision was made on a patient, according to the allegations. Many patients claimed the adhesive came loose and the device fell off on its own accord within a few days.
“Individuals suffering from chronic pain put their faith in skilled medical professionals to help them find relief and improve their quality of life,” said Hamdani. “Our federal health care system entrusts providers with the medical care of our country’s most vulnerable, and it is important for healthcare providers to give accurate information about the services they provide for reimbursement – not misrepresent those services in an attempt to increase their bottom line.”
“When health care professionals submit false claims to federal health care programs like Medicare, they erode public trust and divert taxpayer-funded resources away from those who truly need them,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG). “Dr. Hamid not only exploited Medicare for personal financial gain but also misled some of our most vulnerable citizens, according to the allegations. DHHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation with DHHS-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura E. Collins handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Michigan Men Sentenced for Smash-and-Grab at St. Louis County Jewelry StoreRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Two men from the Detroit, Michigan area have been sentenced to federal prison for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of Rolex watches from a jewelry store in Ellisville, Missouri.
U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Monday sentenced Kordaryl Cross, 35, to 57 months in prison. Judge Autrey sentenced Dajuan Marcellus, 34, in October to 37 months in prison. Both were ordered to pay $344,300 to the jeweler.
On Jan. 10, 2023, Cross bought sledgehammers at a Missouri retailer. Marcellus, Cross and at least two others stole a Dodge Ram truck from Brentwood that they then drove to Ellisville the next day. Marcellus and one other person entered the store and used sledgehammers to smash glass cases containing the watches while Cross monitored the time. They then drove to a parking garage and abandoned the stolen truck. Cross and Marcellus took the watches to Illinois.
Cross and Marcellus each pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.
Both Cross and Marcellus were on supervised release for separate robbery cases in the Eastern District of Michigan at the time of the crime. They were each sentenced in 2023 to 18 months in prison.
The Ellisville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendolyn Carroll prosecuted the case.
Miami Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years for Producing and Attempting to Produce Child Sexual Abuse Materials Using Hidden CamerasRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Gray Edward Rivera (46, Miami) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for production and attempted production of child sexual abuse materials. Once Rivera is released from prison, he will be required to serve a 10-year period of supervised release. Gray Edward Rivera was found guilty by a jury on September 5, 2024.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Rivera gifted three items – a Bluetooth speaker, calendar/clock, and a USB charging tower – containing hidden cameras to a child and set them up in the child’s bedroom. In addition, a hidden camera smoke detector was discovered in the living room area. Those cameras were later discovered by the child’s mother, and she contacted the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Rivera was out of the country at the time.
The CCSO partnered with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and obtained Rivera’s cell phones when he re-entered the United States via a border search. A review of Rivera’s cell phones resulted in the discovery of 14 files containing child sexual abuse material of the child, as well as phone activity related to the use of the app for controlling the hidden cameras. Records obtained by law enforcement showed that Rivera had purchased three of the hidden cameras online.
“This predator’s use of hidden cameras to spy on a child in intimate areas in her own home is a heinous violation of trust and privacy,” said Tim Hemker, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge. “Thanks to the diligent efforts of the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, and the protective nature of the victim’s mother, this predator will now spend more than two decades behind bars for his appalling actions. This investigation underscores our commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and pursuing justice for those who seek to exploit and harm children.”
This case was investigated by the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, to include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, , and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
McKeesport Felon Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Firearms Trafficking and Violating Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 134 months of imprisonment on his conviction of firearms offenses and conspiracy, as well as violations of his federal supervised release, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Duane Jackson, 39.
According to information presented to the Court, Jackson engaged in a conspiracy to acquire numerous firearms from April through November 2021, and, in fact, acquired approximately 26 firearms during that period. At the time, Jackson was on federal supervised release for a prior felony conviction for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. During the conspiracy, Jackson also attempted to obtain numerous machinegun conversion devices, also known as Glock switches.
Judge Stickman imposed a sentence of 120 months of imprisonment for the new offenses, and a consecutive sentence of 14 months of imprisonment for the defendant’s violations of his supervised release. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman reiterated the gravity of the offenses, noting the plague that illegal firearms, and the violence associated with them, inflicts on the community.
“Firearms trafficking and violent crime often go hand in hand,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “During the conspiracy in this case, Duane Jackson, a convicted felon, illegally acquired over two dozen firearms. Today’s sentence of over 11 years sends a clear message: if you traffic in firearms, you will be held accountable under federal law. This office will continue to work every day with our law enforcement partners at all levels of government to stop the illegal flow of firearms across western Pennsylvania.”
“Duane Jackson was fueling violent crime in our communities through his endeavors,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “Illegal firearms trafficking puts guns in the hands of dangerous criminals. Including devices that enable pistols to be fired like machineguns made them remarkably hazardous. ATF is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to stop dangerous criminals like Jackson and to making western Pennsylvania’s neighborhoods a safer place to live.”
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jackson.
Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable Issues 2024 ReportRead the Press Release
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and White House Counsel Ed Siskel co-chaired a convening of the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable (LAIR) today where they announced the issuance of the 2024 LAIR Report. Attorney General Garland discussed the report and the role that data and research play in advancing access to justice through federal policymaking and government actions. The Department’s Office for Access to Justice (ATJ), which leads the work of LAIR, facilitated the convening. LAIR also announced that in 2025 its interagency work and report will focus on federal agency efforts and opportunities to expand access to justice for victims and survivors of crimes and other legal violations.
This year’s report focuses on data that offer insight into people’s ability to access justice and resolve problems implicating legal issues. It highlights how such data are essential to efforts to expand access to justice and offers a roadmap for the improved collection and use of data. It also explains the ways in which such data benefit a wide range of other justice stakeholders, including state and local governments, courts, community-based and advocacy organizations and researchers. Drawing on the input and efforts of LAIR staff, LAIR member agencies, justice system stakeholders, and external experts, the report sets forth strategic solutions and highlights the work of LAIR’s 28 federal agency members to use data and research to expand access to justice.
“Every day, millions of Americans face problems that are legal in nature,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “The Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable’s 2024 Report focuses on how data held by federal agencies can illuminate these problems, how people navigate and address them and how federal agencies can help resolve or prevent them. The report underlines the importance of collecting, using and sharing these data in a secure, people-centered way. It also offers concrete strategies, examples, and resources to further those efforts.”
“The office is proud of LAIR’s continued growth in scope and importance, as it addresses some of society’s most pressing issues by looking across the federal government for solutions,” said ATJ Director Rachel Rossi. “Building on this years’ work, in 2025, LAIR will focus on strengthening the federal government’s ability to support access to justice for victims and survivors of crime and other violations. These efforts will continue LAIR’s urgent work to advance access to justice and pursue public safety for the American people.”
At the convening, Attorney General Garland and Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Mizer provided remarks highlighting the Department’s commitment to promoting access to justice and to furthering the work of LAIR. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff and White House Counsel Ed Siskel also provided remarks. Member agency leaders discussed recent activities and accomplishments in using data and research to address access to justice challenges faced by the people they serve. Agency leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts to mobilize resources and develop access to justice solutions. They also heard directly from legal aid providers about the challenges that individuals can face in accessing government programs and services and the impact that recent agency efforts have made for clients and communities.
In 2012, more than a dozen federal agencies came together under the leadership of the White House Domestic Policy Council and the Justice Department to launch LAIR. It is co-chaired by the Attorney General and White House Counsel and convenes 28 federal agencies and offices to improve coordination among federal programs and increase availability of meaningful access to justice for individuals and families, regardless of wealth and status. LAIR’s work is supported by LAIR Executive Director Allie Yang-Green in the Department of Justice’s Office for Access to Justice and federal agency LAIR Representatives from member agencies. Through interagency collaboration and stakeholder engagement, LAIR develops policy recommendations that improve access to justice in federal, state, local, Tribal and international jurisdictions; advances relevant evidence-based research, data collection and analysis of civil legal and indigent defense; and promulgates best practices. Additionally, LAIR assists with implementation of Goal 16 of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development and provide access to justice for all.
Lawrence Man Charged with COVID Relief and Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was charged today in federal court in Boston with scheming to fraudulently obtain and misuse COVID-19 relief funds and stealing Social Security benefits.
Randolph Dominguez, 57, was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of theft of government money. Dominguez will make an appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.
The charging document alleges that, in June 2020, Dominguez submitted a loan application on behalf of an interpreter business he owned and operated, Dominguez SP Interpreters, to the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which provided loans to small businesses that suffered substantial economic injury due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dominguez is alleged to have fraudulently obtained $74,900 in EIDL funds from the SBA in July 2020 when he claimed falsely on his EIDL application that his gross business revenue was $600,000 the previous year, when it was only $16,989. Further, Dominguez is alleged to have improperly spent all of the EIDL funds received on non-business expenses.
Separately, it is alleged that, from April 2001 through June 2022, Dominguez stole approximately $163,642 in Social Security benefits.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of theft of government money provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lancaster Drug Traffickers Sentenced to a Total of 27 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tyre Amahdikeem Brooks, 23; John Matthew Railey, 36; and Ricky Shane Underwood, 43, all of Lancaster, were sentenced to a total of 27 years federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges.
Evidence presented to the court showed the three men conspired together in the Lancaster area to distribute methamphetamine beginning in January 2020. In June 2020, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office narcotics investigators made two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Brooks. In July 2020, Brooks was arrested on outstanding state drug trafficking warrants. He was in possession of a loaded AR-15 style assault rifle, a 9mm pistol equipped with an extended ammunition magazine, and a quantity of methamphetamine. In 2022, Brooks was also arrested in Rock Hill for possessing firearms and unlawful narcotics.
In January 2021, Railey was found with nearly an ounce of 99% pure methamphetamine during a domestic incident. The following month, Railey sold a quantity of methamphetamine to Lancaster County narcotics investigators during an undercover controlled buy.
In February 2021, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office narcotics investigators made a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Underwood. Investigators searched Underwood’s home a few days and found more methamphetamine and a firearm. In March 2023, investigators made another controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Underwood. A second search was made of Underwood’s home and more methamphetamine, and another firearm were found in the home.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis presided over the case.
- Brooks pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 108 months in prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.
- Railey was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine.
- Underwood pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 72 months in prison, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Rock Hill Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Taylor and William K. Witherspoon are prosecuting the case.
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Key West Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Resisting Coast Guard Officers Near South BeachRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Dec. 4, Jeremie Calo, of Key West, Fla., was sentenced to federal prison for resisting and evading the U.S. Coast Guard’s rescue attempts for several hours.
According to the court filings in support of Calo’s plea, the Coast Guard approached a small vessel with six persons onboard, including Calo, just south of South Beach in Biscayne Bay, Fla, in August of 2022. None of the vessel occupants were wearing life jackets. Due to the small boat’s location and the occupants’ failure to wear life jackets, the Coast Guard officers ordered the passengers to disembark and board a Coast Guard vessel to be taken back to a sailboat for everyone’s safety. Calo was the sole occupant who refused to comply with the Coast Guard officers’ rescue attempts. As a result, the Coast Guard officers had to forcibly remove Calo from the small boat and put him onto the Coast Guard boat for safety. Shortly thereafter, Calo jumped off the Coast Guard boat and into the bay. Calo then spent more than two hours swimming around in the bay, evading and resisting rescue attempts from the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies. For example, Calo physically resisted being assisted back into the Coast Guard boat by slapping away the hands of an assisting officer.
Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga sentenced Calo to three months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, including seven months of home detention, and a $2,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Matt Margelot for the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Miami Office, made the announcement.
CGIS investigated this matter. Coral Gables Police Department, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Miami Beach Police Department, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission assisted. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosenfeld prosecuted the case.
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 24-cr-20263.
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Justice Department Sues South Carolina for Violating Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
The Justice Department sued the State of South Carolina today for unnecessarily segregating adults with mental illness in adult care homes, in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. The department previously notified South Carolina of its findings of civil rights violations in a July 2023 letter, which identified steps that the state should take to remedy the violations.
“People with disabilities in South Carolina can and must be able to receive services in their own homes, rather than being isolated in institutions,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to ensure that people with disabilities can receive the services necessary to enable and empower them to leave institutions, and participate fully in community life.”
“The ADA requires public entities to administer services, programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “South Carolina must remedy the alleged violations identified by the Justice Department so that these individuals can obtain services in their own communities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
The ADA and Olmstead decision require state and local governments to ensure that the services for adults with mental illness are provided in the most integrated setting appropriate. Community-based services, such as Assertive Community Treatment and supportive housing, are effective in supporting people in their own homes and communities rather than institutional settings. Absent these services, many South Carolinians with mental illness who could live in the community remain in, and continue to enter, adult care homes.
The lawsuit alleges that South Carolina violates the ADA by failing to provide community-based services to prevent the unnecessary segregation of adults with mental illness in adult care homes. As a result, over a thousand adults with mental illness are segregated in adult care homes for years, and more continue to enter these facilities each month.
The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina. Individuals with information relevant to this matter can contact the department by emailing [email protected].
For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov/topics/community-integration/.
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt.
Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by the Worcester Police Department and City of Worcester, MassachusettsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Justice Department announced today the findings from its pattern or practice investigation into conduct by the City of Worcester, Mass. and the Worcester Police Department (WPD). According to the findings, the City of Worcester and WPD engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights secured by the U.S. Constitution and federal law.
Specifically, as detailed in the investigative report, the Justice Department finds that the WPD uses excessive force, including unjustified uses of tasers, police dogs and strikes to the head. Officers rapidly escalated minor incidents by using more force than necessary, including during encounters with people who have behavioral health disabilities or are in crisis. WPD’s use of excessive force violates the Fourth Amendment. WPD has allowed certain officers at times to engage in outrageous government conduct and violate the constitutional rights of women suspected of being involved in the commercial sex trade by engaging in sexual contact while undercover as part of official investigations. This violates the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause.
The Department’s investigation also describes serious concerns about some credible reports that officers have sexually assaulted women under threat of arrest and engaged in other sexual misconduct and concerns that WPD lacks adequate policies and practices to respond to and investigate sexual assaults by officers and others. Finally, the Department raised concerns that WPD engages in racially discriminatory policing. Deficiencies in policies, training, supervision, and accountability contribute to the city and WPD’s unlawful conduct.
“Our comprehensive investigation revealed that the Worcester Police Department uses excessive force and has allowed undercover police officers to engage in sexual contact with women suspected of being involved in the commercial sex trade,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This is the first time the department has issued a pattern or practice finding involving sexual misconduct by officers. We look forward to working with city officials to institute reforms that build on their own preliminary efforts but that will fully bring an end to these unlawful and unconstitutional practices. The Justice Department is committed to standing firm against sexual misconduct in all its forms.”
“Excessive force and sexual misconduct at the hands of officers who took an oath to serve and protect deeply diminishes the public’s trust in its sworn officers” said U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “The actions by certain officers who engaged in this conduct are not a reflection of the many hard working and ethical officers at the WPD who did not engage in such misconduct or the thousands of police officers around the Commonwealth who serve with honor every day. While the findings announced in today’s report are serious and sobering, today we start a new chapter. We look forward to working with the City of Worcester and the new leadership of the Worcester Police Department to implement reforms that will prevent these kinds of incidents from reoccurring.”
The Justice Department opened this investigation on Nov. 15, 2022, pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (Section 12601), which prohibits law enforcement officers from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law.
The report acknowledges the changes already made by the City and WPD and identifies additional remedial measures that the Department believes are necessary to address its findings. The Department is committed to working collaboratively with the City and WPD to address and remedy the harms the investigation identified.
The Justice Department will hold a webinar at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, to provide more information about the findings. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Please email [email protected] to register. The Department will also be seeking input from the Worcester community on remedies to address the investigation’s findings. Members of the public may submit recommendations by email at [email protected] or by phone at 617-275-8756.
This matter was investigated by AUSA Jennifer Serafyn, Chief of the Civil Rights Unit; AUSAs Michelle Leung and Greg Dorchak of the Civil Rights Unit; and members of the Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts is available at www.justice.gov/usao-ma.
Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by the Worcester Police Department and City of Worcester, MassachusettsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today the findings from its pattern or practice investigation into conduct by the City of Worcester, Massachusetts, and the Worcester Police Department (WPD).
According to the findings, the City of Worcester and WPD engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights secured by the U.S. Constitution and federal law.
Specifically, as detailed in the investigative report, the Justice Department finds that:
- WPD uses excessive force, including unjustified uses of tasers, police dogs and strikes to the head. Officers rapidly escalated minor incidents by using more force than necessary, including during encounters with people who have behavioral health disabilities or are in crisis. WPD’s use of excessive force violates the Fourth Amendment.
- WPD has allowed certain officers at times to engage in outrageous government conduct and violate the constitutional rights of women suspected of being involved in the commercial sex trade by engaging in sexual contact while undercover as part of official investigations. This violates the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause.
The department’s investigation also describes serious concerns about some credible reports that officers have sexually assaulted women under threat of arrest and engaged in other sexual misconduct; and concerns that WPD lacks adequate policies and practices to respond to and investigate sexual assaults by officers and others. Finally, the department raised concerns that WPD engages in racially discriminatory policing.
Deficiencies in policies, training, supervision, and accountability contribute to the city and WPD’s unlawful conduct.
“Our comprehensive investigation revealed that the Worcester Police Department uses excessive force and has allowed undercover police officers to engage in sexual contact with women suspected of being involved in the commercial sex trade,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This is the first time the department has issued a pattern or practice finding involving sexual misconduct by officers. We look forward to working with city officials to institute reforms that build on their own preliminary efforts but that will fully bring an end to these unlawful and unconstitutional practices. The Justice Department is committed to standing firm against sexual misconduct in all its forms.”
“Excessive force and sexual misconduct at the hands of officers who took an oath to serve and protect deeply diminishes the public’s trust in its sworn officers” said U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “The actions by certain officers who engaged in this conduct are not a reflection of the many hard working and ethical officers at the WPD who did not engage in such misconduct or the thousands of police officers around the Commonwealth who serve with honor every day. While the findings announced in today’s report are serious and sobering, today we start a new chapter. We look forward to working with the City of Worcester and the new leadership of the Worcester Police Department to implement reforms that will prevent these kinds of incidents from reoccurring.”
The Justice Department opened this investigation on Nov. 15, 2022, pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 12601 (Section 12601), which prohibits law enforcement officers from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law. The investigation was conducted by career attorneys and staff in the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
The report acknowledges the changes already made by the City and WPD and identifies additional remedial measures that the department believes are necessary to address its findings. The department is committed to working collaboratively with the City and WPD to address and remedy the harms the investigation identified.
The department will also be seeking input from the Worcester community on remedies to address the investigation’s findings. Members of the public may submit recommendations by email at [email protected] or by phone at 617-275-8756.
The Justice Department will hold a webinar at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, to provide more information about the findings. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Please email [email protected] to register.
Information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts is available at www.justice.gov/usao-ma.
Justice Department Awards $1.5 Million to Louisiana State Police for Sexual Assault Kit InitiativeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance has awarded $1,500,000 to Louisiana State Police for the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) to research, review, and collect lawfully-owed DNA from arrestees and convicted offenders for enrollment in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) in hopes that they will return hits to generate new investigative information in unsolved cases.
The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab (LSPCL) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is responsible for receiving, verifying acceptability, and analyzing lawfully-owed arrestee and convicted offender DNA collections, as well as developing and uploading DNA profiles into the CODIS database. LSPCL also retains the collected DNA samples for match verification and other quality assurance purposes. The State of Louisiana began collecting and enrolling lawfully owed convicted offender samples into CODIS in 2002 and has been a trailblazer regarding lawfully owed arrestee collections, becoming the first state in the country to collect and enroll lawfully owed arrestee samples into CODIS (2003), and analyze lawfully-owed arrestee samples as a part of the booking process using Rapid DNA technology (2022).
For more information about these awards, please contact the OJP Office of Communications at 202-307-0703 or [email protected].
Justice Department Announces Tribal Consultations to Consider Legislative Proposals to Preserve Tribal Sovereignty and Address the Balance of Jurisdiction in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today it will hold Tribal consultations around its consideration of legislative proposals to address the balance of jurisdiction in Indian country that was upended by the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta.
Indian country is a legal term that generally describes Tribal reservations, lands, communities, and allotments that fall under the jurisdiction of the United States.
Until two years ago, there was a long-held understanding, shared by the federal government and Tribes, that a law passed by Congress, the General Crimes Act, limited a state’s authority to prosecute some crimes committed in Indian country, namely those crimes committed by non-Indian defendants against Indian victims. Those crimes could be prosecuted only by federal or Tribal authorities. In Castro-Huerta, the Supreme Court rejected that understanding.
Instead, the Supreme Court ruled that the General Crimes Act does not limit a state’s inherent jurisdiction to prosecute non-Indian defendants who commit crimes against Indian victims in Indian country. In other words, based on the Supreme Court’s decision, the federal government, states, and Tribes now have concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute these types of crimes throughout the United States.
Because the Supreme Court’s decision was based on the language in a statute, Congress, exercising its constitutional plenary power over Indian affairs, could pass legislation restoring the previous balance of jurisdiction in Indian country.
“The Department of Justice is committed to working with Native communities to advance our shared goal of Tribal safety while respecting and uplifting Tribal sovereignty,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These upcoming consultations are consistent with the Department’s longstanding practice of working collaboratively with our Tribal partners to promote safe communities throughout Indian country.”
The Justice Department and the Department of the Interior (DOI) held joint listening sessions on Sept. 26-27, 2022, to discuss with Tribal representatives the implications of the Castro-Huerta decision and the impact on Tribal communities. More than 500 Tribal leaders and other Tribal representatives participated in these discussions. Several clear themes emerged, including a view from Tribes that the Castro-Huerta decision diminished Tribal sovereignty, injected confusion into a complex legal and operational landscape, and presented long-term implications for state interference in Tribal affairs. A common view emerged that legislation and clarifying federal guidance were in order.
Several Tribes also reported that Castro-Huerta has negatively impacted their cross-deputization, cross-jurisdictional, and other cooperative law enforcement agreements with states, which prior to Castro-Huerta were an important part of successful law enforcement and criminal justice schemes on many reservations.
Based on those listening sessions, other feedback, and experience over the past two years, the Justice Department is now considering whether to support a legislative proposal to restore the previous balance of jurisdiction in Indian country and, if so, what form that legislation should take. Two draft proposals are presented for Tribal review and consideration.
Both proposals make clear that states lack jurisdiction over crimes within Indian country committed by or against Indians, unless expressly authorized by federal statute. Both proposals also state that unless otherwise authorized by federal statute, states must, before exercising such jurisdiction, (1) ensure compliance with the procedures for obtaining Tribal consent of the impacted Indian Tribe, and (2) where applicable, comply with a procedure to amend the state constitution or laws
The Department is releasing a framing paper, which will be available on the Department’s Tribal Justice and Safety website and includes additional background and the two legislative proposals. The Justice Department plans to hold consultations in January 2025.
Jacksonville Felon Sentenced to More Than Seven Years for Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger has sentenced Emanuel Toney Cuff (24, Jacksonville) to seven years and three months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Cuff entered a guilty plea in September 2024.
According to court documents, on February 20, 2024, officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office were on patrol when they observed Cuff commit multiple traffic violations on a bicycle. While conducting a records search, an officer found an arrest warrant for Cuff and placed him under arrest. During a search of Cuff, officers found a loaded .40 caliber pistol with a large-capacity magazine hidden in Cuff’s waistband, five small bags of dipentylone, a small bag of marijuana, and $185 cash in varying denominations. Cuff was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including armed carjacking, carjacking, and robbery by sudden snatching. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.
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.
Jet Ski Cocaine Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Emmanuel Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 33, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine before United States Magistrate G. Alan Teague. Rodriguez-Rodriguez, along with Jose Torres-Russi, Ben Carrasquillosanto, Jose Martes-Gonzalez, Wilfredo Vazquez-Lopez, Jonathan Fernandez Montesino, Esteban Borrome Diaz, Smarling Villilo De Los Santo, and Guillermo Morales, were indicted on drug trafficking conspiracy and related charges for the December 11, 2021, cocaine smuggling operation between St. Thomas and Culebra, PR and St. Thomas. If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court records, on December 11, 2021, Customs and Boarder Protection Air and Marine Operations officers observed four jet skis traveling from Culebra, Puerto Rico, towards Mermaid’s Chair Beach located at Botany Bay, St. Thomas, where four individuals were awaiting their arrival. Officers later observed duffle bags being loaded onto the jet skis after which the jet skis quickly departed Mermaid’s Chair Beach and headed back in the direction of Culebra. The officers also noticed that a red Jeep Wrangler was the only vehicle parked at Mermaid’s Chair Beach while the transaction was ongoing. Officer pursued the four jet skis as they sped towards Culebra. One jet ski operator abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot but left behind a duffle bag containing 26 kilograms of cocaine. Officers later apprehended jet ski operators Torres-Russi, Carrasquillosanto and Martes-Gonzalez. The remaining six defendants, including Rodriguez Rodriguez, were apprehended by federal agents as their vehicle attempted to exit the gated community at Botany Bay, St. Thomas. During their arrests, agents recovered two Glock pistols, one with an obliterated serial number, in the defendants’ vehicle.
This case was investigated by Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Inmate Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Weapon at FCI McDowellRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – William Williams, 24, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell, was sentenced today to one year and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 12, 2022, an FCI McDowell staff member conducted a random pat-down search of Williams and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in his left front pants pocket. The shank was a piece of metal approximately five inches long with a sharpened point on one end and a cloth handle. Williams admitted to possessing the shank, and further admitted that it was designed and intended to be used as a weapon.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-52.
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Hudson County Man Admits Role in Four Robberies and Two Shootings in Jersey City, New JerseyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County man admitted his role in four robberies and two shootings in Jersey City, New Jersey, which took place on the same night, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Rodney Williams, 32, of Jersey City, New Jersey pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to an Indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Williams’ co-defendant, Siobhan Chandler, was sentenced on April 25, 2024 to 12 years’ imprisonment followed by 5 years’ supervised release for her role.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On the evening of November 14, 2021, Williams and Chandler committed multiple armed robberies and two shootings in Jersey City. The criminal activity began when Williams, acting alone, robbed a store while he pointed his gun at the clerk and demanded money. The clerk handed money to Williams who then fled.
A short time later, Williams, now with Chandler, robbed a gas station, where Williams pointed his gun at two attendants and demanded money. When the attendants did not immediately comply, Williams shot one of the attendants in the chest. Williams and Chandler then fled.
Williams and Chandler later entered another store, and Williams again pointed his gun at a clerk and demanded money. The clerk handed money to Williams and he and Chandler fled.
Williams and Chandler then entered a nearby restaurant, and Williams again pointed his gun at the cashier and demanded money. When the cashier did not immediately comply, Williams shot the cashier in the chest. The cashier then handed money to Williams, after which Williams and Chandler fled.
The Hobbs Act robbery charges to which Williams pleaded guilty each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison; the conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to a crime of violence charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison; the using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence charges carry statutory mandatory minimum terms of 7 (Count Four) and 10 years (Count Nine) in prison and maximum potential penalties of life in prison. Any term of imprisonment on Counts Four and Nine must run consecutive to any other prison term imposed on the other counts. Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for April 23, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited officers of the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Kearns, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanks the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shontae D. Gray and Eli Jacobs of the Criminal Division in Newark.
williamsetal.indictment.pdf
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEJAVAHN WATKIN, 25, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a narcotics trafficking charge.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 1, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force executed a court-authorized search warrant at Watkin’s apartment on Broad Street in Hartford. The search revealed approximately 38 grams of loose fentanyl, approximately 1,800 wax folds of fentanyl, quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, a loaded Glock .22 caliber handgun, and $18,362 in cash. Watkin was arrested at that time. Investigators subsequently recovered a loaded Stag Arms Stag-15 rifle that they determined Watkin had thrown from a window as they were about to enter his apartment.
Watkin pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Watkin has been detained since his arrest.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has assisted the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.
Gloucester County Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Possession of Firearms as A FelonRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Gloucester County man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute thousands of methamphetamine pills and possessing two firearms as a felon, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
George W. Joyce, 40, of Glassboro, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Christine P. O’Hearn to an information charging him with one count of possessing with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. Judge O’Hearn imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On March 29, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Joyce’s residence in Glassboro, New Jersey. Officers recovered from Joyce’s bedroom approximately 2,587 methamphetamine pills that Joyce admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute to others. Joyce further admitted to possessing two loaded firearms that officers also recovered from his bedroom. Joyce’s possession of the firearms was unlawful because he was a felon.
In addition to the prison term, Judge O’Hearn sentenced Joyce to 4 years of supervised release.U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of FBI’s Wilmington Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno in Baltimore, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. He also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware, the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, the Delaware State Police, and the New Castle County (Delaware) Police Department for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
joyce.information.pdf
Fort Madison Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Fort Madison man pleaded guilty today to four counts of failure to file income tax returns.
According to public court documents, Marty Feinberg, 58, owned and operated a scrap metal business in Fort Madison. Feinberg willfully failed to file federal income tax returns for the calendar years 2018-2021 at the times required by law, despite having received gross income substantially in excess of the IRS’s filing requirements.
Feinberg is scheduled to be sentenced on March 10, 2025, and faces a potential sentence of up to one year in prison on each count. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation investigated this case
Former Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Theft of Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford woman pleaded guilty on Dec. 3, 2024 to stealing federal funds by filing false tax returns in order to obtain fraudulent tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).
Valentina Martinez, 50, pleaded guilty to five counts of theft of government money. Senior U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for March 6, 2025.
According to court documents, Martinez worked for a national tax preparation service. After preparing returns for clients and providing them copies of their returns, Martinez added fraudulent claims for business deductions to the clients’ returns without their knowledge and electronically filed the false returns in order to obtain fraudulent refunds. Martinez caused the tax refunds to be deposited onto debit cards that she used to make ATM withdrawals, and to pay for a Florida vacation and other purchases. Martinez’s scheme was discovered and her employment terminated when a taxpayer client complained to the preparation service about a missing refund. By then, Martinez had already filed at least 12 false returns and caused more than $45,000 in losses to the IRS.
The prosecution of Martinez is part of a Stolen Identity Refund Project (“SIRF”) program operated by the IRS to identify tax preparers who use stolen identities to steal money from the United States Treasury by filing fake tax returns that claim tax refunds without the named taxpayer’s knowledge.
The charge of theft of government money carries a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release. a fine of $250,000and restitution to the IRS. Sentences are imposed by the federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jonathan Wlodyka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Victor A. Wild of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Rensselaer County Elections Commissioner Sentenced for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jason Schofield, age 45, of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to 1 year of probation, and to pay a $2,000 fine and a $1,200 special assessment, for unlawfully using the names and dates of birth of voters to fraudulently apply for absentee ballots for elections held in Rensselaer County in 2021.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Schofield was an Elections Commissioner at the Rensselaer County Board of Elections (“RCBOE”) from April 2018 until December 2022, when he resigned in anticipation of his guilty plea.
In pleading guilty to a 12-count indictment, Schofield admitted that in 2021, he unlawfully possessed and used the names and dates of birth of voters in connection with 12 absentee ballot applications he submitted in the voters’ names to the New York State Voter Absentee Ballot Application Request Portal.
Schofield admitted that for each application, he falsely certified that he was the voter requesting the ballot. He also admitted that he took personal possession of 9 of these ballots, while knowing and intending that RCBOE records would falsely reflect that the ballots had been mailed to the voters.
The FBI investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett prosecuted it.
Former Chief of Staff to Mayor in Lawrence Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Lawrence, Mass., pleaded guilty on Dec. 6, 2024 in federal court in Boston to transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Jhovanny Martes-Rosario, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for March 10, 2025. In April 2023, Martes-Rosario was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Martes-Rosario was identified by law enforcement as the likely user of Yahoo and Apple accounts, in February 2023, containing child pornography. A search was executed at Martes-Rosario’s residence and an iPad device was seized which contained child pornography files. Martes-Rosario admitted that he was the owner of the email addresses and that he searched for and downloaded child pornography to his personal iPad and later sent it to his email address for storage. He also admitted he had been searching for and storing child pornography for years.
The charge of transportation of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit and Meghan C. Cleary of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.