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4 December 2024
Eighteen Cleveland Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Federal Charges for RICO Conspiracy, Murder, Kidnapping, Assault, Firearms Violations, and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
A federal district court in the Northern District of Ohio today unsealed a second superseding indictment against 18 members and associates of a violent street gang known as the Fully Blooded Felons, who have been charged with various federal crimes, including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, firearms violations, and drug trafficking offenses.
The investigation that led to the second superseding indictment took place over the last two years. Agents apprehended individuals in a series of coordinated arrests. They seized cocaine, methamphetamine, over 400 grams of fentanyl, and 15 illegally possessed firearms throughout the investigation.
“The superseding indictment alleges that these 18 defendants were leaders, members, or associates of the Fully Blooded Felons, a violent gang that — for more than a decade — made money and controlled territory in Northern Ohio through murder, arson, robbery, drug trafficking, and firearms possession,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Violence and other gang activities make communities less safe for all of their residents. Addressing violent crime — including through the arrests announced today — is one of the Criminal Division’s highest priorities. I am proud of the outstanding work done by our Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, in partnership with our federal, state, and local partners, to make our communities safer places to live by targeting the most violent offenders on our streets.”
“As the indictment alleges, the Fully Blooded Felons styled themselves after a Mafia crime family, terrorizing Cleveland’s streets and operating an open-air illegal drug market in the Cedar Central neighborhood for years. I commend the valiant efforts of our brave law enforcement partners who have worked diligently to win back our streets and protect our community by taking down these bad actors,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “The USAO will aggressively continue to pursue — through RICO prosecutions and other federal charges — violent criminals who seek to secure territory, power, and money by ruthlessly harming others, peddling poisons, and creating an atmosphere of fear. Members of FBF or other violent gangs in this district who have yet to be caught should think twice before continuing to engage in such illegal and destructive behavior.”
“For several years, according to the indictment, these individuals committed a homicide, armed robberies, and unlawfully imported and distributed fentanyl and other dangerous opioids throughout the community,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “The Fully Blooded Felons, a subset of the Heartless Felons criminal network, has been identified as Cleveland’s most significant gang threat and their reign of terror is over thanks to the collaborative efforts of FBI and the Safe Streets Gang Task Force. We will not waver in our mission to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle gangs not only in the larger cities across America, but also right here in northern Ohio.”
As alleged in the second superseding indictment, the Fully Blooded Felons have been in existence in Ohio since approximately 2012, operating primarily out of the east side of Cleveland, as well as Akron, Youngstown, and elsewhere. They are also allegedly active in the Ohio prison system.
According to the facts alleged in the indictment, the Fully Blooded Felons’ structure includes a “Commission,” which is a group of members tasked with maintaining the structure and organization of the enterprise through physical discipline and by determining which illicit means the organization would use to make money.
As alleged in the indictment, the Fully Blooded Felons had rules that members were required to abide by. The rules were disseminated to members online, by text message, and in face-to-face communications. Members were required to abide by “omerta,” or the code of silence. Members were also required to memorize and recite at meetings the “Fully Five,” a set of rules that included following all orders issued by the Commission, pledges of loyalty to fellow members, and being respectful to Capos, a position held by senior gang members. If a member did not know the “Fully Five,” they were punished. Members were also expected to know and abide by the “Fully Commandments,” a similar set of rules.
Fully Blooded Felon members allegedly utilized different two separate stash-houses at a local apartment complex. According to court documents, during the execution of two search warrants, law enforcement recovered over 300 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as seven firearms.
Members and associates of the Fully Blooded Felons allegedly came together for the common purposes of making money through robberies and drug trafficking, preserving and promoting Fully Blooded Felon territory, and promoting and enhancing the Fully Blooded Felon enterprise and its members and associates’ activities.
According to the indictment, on Sept. 12, 2023, three Fully Blooded Felon members — Raven Mullins, Henry Burchett, and James Clemons — and another individual shot and killed a victim on the west side of Cleveland. After killing the victim, the defendants allegedly fled the scene in a stolen Honda Pilot, which Fully Blooded Felon members later burned.
The second superseding indictment alleges a years-long pattern of racketeering and violence including a murder, kidnapping, assaults, and drug trafficking.
The defendants and their charges are:
- Raven Mullins, 35, also known as Dunny and Dun, of Cleveland, is charged with RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, numerous counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Henry Burchett, 29, also known as Noodles, Noo, and Omerta, of Cleveland, is charged with RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, numerous counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Elijah Johnson, 37, also known as Loon, of Youngstown, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Demarcus Elliott, 37, also known as Moo and Fast Lane, of Cleveland, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Dontez Hammond, 35, also known as Donny and Tez, of Cleveland, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and illegal receipt of a firearm and ammunition by a person under indictment.
- Jeffrey Lee, 24, also known as Fatty, of Cleveland, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, numerous counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Jerrell Jones-Ferrell, 25, also known as Ruga, of Cleveland, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, felon in possession of a firearm, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Devonte Johnson, 32, also known as D Nut and Nut, of Euclid, Ohio, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and felon in possession of a firearm.
- Jerome Williams, 29, also known as Jay, and JT, of Cleveland, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Christepher Horton, 41, also known as Cam and Killa, of Cleveland, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Deeundra Perkins, 33, also known as Drizzy, of Garfield Heights, Ohio, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Deon Blackwell, 38, also known as White Boy, of Cleveland, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- James Clemons, 32, also known as Flock, Pope, and Fully Pope Flock, of Cleveland, is charged with RICO conspiracy and murder in aid of racketeering.
- Alex Darden, 23, also known as Lil’ Pee Wee, of Cleveland, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Esmond Williams, 35, also known as Relle, of Cleveland, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Adrionna Null, 27, also known as Ali, of Cleveland, is charged with kidnapping in aid of racketeering and assault in aid of racketeering.
- Myeasha West, 31, also known as Action, of Lorain, Ohio, is charged with kidnapping in aid of racketeering and assault in aid of racketeering.
- Kyla Sharie Tyler, 27, also known as Yayeo, of Cleveland, is charged with kidnapping in aid of racketeering and assault in aid of racketeering.
The FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the Cleveland Division of Police, U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Trial Attorneys Brian W. Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Hanna and Robert F. Corts for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
December Federal Grand Jury 2024-A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the December Federal Grand Jury 2024-A Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Malachi Bernard Carson. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. Carson, 24, of Tulsa, is charged with engaging in a sexual act by fear, force, and threat. Further, Carson allegedly engaged in a sexual act with a minor child under 16 years old. The FBI and Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-377
Adrian Hatfield. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Hatfield, 24, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Flynn is prosecuting the case.
24-CR-378Jordan Shay Ryan Kelly. Robbery in Indian Country. Kelly, 34, of Miami and a member of the Shawnee Tribe, is charged with taking property of value from another person by force, violence, and intimidation. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Miami Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Dowdell is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-379
Roberto Lopez Manuel. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Manuel, 46, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Apr. 2015. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-380
Mario Albert Ordaz, Jr. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Ordaz, 49, of Riverbank, California, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema M. Onias is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-381
Council Bluffs Individuals Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Two Council Bluffs individuals were sentenced to federal prison for possessing firearms as felons.
According to public court documents, in December 2022, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the joint Council Bluffs residence of Anthony Michael Huff, 37, and Bobbie Jo Adkins, 37. Inside the residence, a loaded 12-gauge shotgun was in a bedroom, where a marijuana grow lab was also located, as well as ammunition found in the living room. On Adkins’s cell phone, law enforcement later located photos of the shotgun where Huff told Adkins “we got the gun.”
Huff and Adkins are both felons and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. In 2012, Huff was convicted of two felony counts of terroristic threats in the Nebraska District Court for Dodge County. In 2015, Adkins was convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon, in the Iowa District Court for Page County.
Huff received a 37-month sentence, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Adkins received a 48-month sentence, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Council Bluffs Police Department, and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement (SWINE) Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 3 ½ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BIRMIHGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegally possessing firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and United States Marshal Martin Keely.
U.S. District Court Judge Annmarie C. Axon sentenced Ro’Daryus Donell Mitchell, 27, of Center Point, to 42 months in prison. In August, Mitchell pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on May 31, 2023, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force (GCRFTF) was looking for Mitchell for multiple arrest warrants. Mitchell had arrest warrants for 22 counts of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle; four counts of Theft of Property, Second Degree; one count of Receiving Stolen Property, Second Degree; and a probation revocation warrant for Violation of the State Firearms Act. USMS GCRFTF deputies found Mitchell at a residence in Birmingham and arrested him on the outstanding warrants. A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a Glock 9mm pistol loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition, an American Tactical .300 pistol, a Taurus .45 caliber pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition, and multiple loaded and unloaded firearm magazines. The American Tactical .300 pistol had been reported stolen to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on May 12, 2023. The Taurus .45 caliber pistol had been reported stolen to the Birmingham Police Department on May 25, 2023. At the time of this incident, Mitchell had been convicted of two counts of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County.
USMS GCRFTF and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kristy Peoples prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced on drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge Annemarie Axon sentenced Waymon Lanar Robinson, Jr., 31, of Birmingham, to 140 months in prison. In September, Robinson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on March 1, 2023, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted surveillance on a house in Tarrant, Alabama, associated with the gang “Hard2Kill.” Officers conducted a traffic stop in an alleyway behind the house. Officers saw Robinson place something inside his pants and walk away from the house. They approached Robinson and asked if he had any weapons on him. Robinson said he did and showed the officer a Glock .40 caliber pistol in his waistband. Robinson also had fentanyl, methamphetamine, hydrocodone pills, heroin, and marijuana inside of a Crown Royal Bag in his pants.
The FBI investigated the case, along with the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Byrd prosecuted the case.
Clay County White Supremacist Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 10 Years on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Danny Ray Boree (39, Keystone Heights) to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Boree to forfeit a Raven Arms pistol traceable to the firearm offense. Boree was arrested on September 8, 2023, and ordered detained. He entered a guilty plea on July 10, 2024.
According to court documents and proceedings, Boree is a member of the Unforgiven, a violent white supremacy gang. On June 8, 2023, a deputy with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) pulled over a vehicle for a stop sign violation in Keystone Heights. Upon approaching the car, the deputy observed Boree in the passenger seat with a meat cleaver/hatchet directly in front of him and a knife in a sheath by his feet. For his safety, the deputy directed Boree to step out of the car. As Boree exited the vehicle, the deputy observed part of a clear baggie in the waistline of Boree’s shorts. During a pat down of Boree, the deputy removed the baggie which contained a large amount of methamphetamine. During a subsequent search of the car, the CCSO located a Raven Arms pistol and additional methamphetamine.
At the time of the offenses, Boree had previously been convicted in Florida state court of 10 felonies, including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2007, 2019). As a convicted felon, Boree is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law. Boree was released from the Florida Department of Corrections in January 2023 for his last firearm conviction.
“We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office as we continue our shared commitment to combating drugs and preventing the violence that often accompanies them,” said Sheriff Michelle Cook. “Together, we are making significant strides in keeping Clay County safe.”
“Residents of Northeast Florida are much safer with this violent criminal in federal prison,” said ATF Tampa Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “Disrupting the Unforgiven’s nefarious activities takes unwavering commitment and we’re proud to have helped the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and federal prosecutors with this huge win.”
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
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.
Charges Filed in the Armed Robbery of a Postal Maintenance Worker and Multiple High-Volume Thefts of U.S. Mail from Multi-Family Luxury Residences in D.C., Virginia, and MarylandRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ibrahim Emmanuel De La Cruz, 25, of Washington D.C., was extradited to face charges filed by criminal complaint with the alleged high-volume thefts of U.S. Mail in Washington D.C., Arlington Va., and Bowie, Maryland, as well as an armed robbery of a Postal maintenance worker, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Special Agent-in-Charge Jacob Cameron, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Washington Field Office.
The 43-page complaint, filed in September 2024 in the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia, charges De La Cruz with multiple counts of theft or receipt of stolen mail and the August 10, 2024, armed robbery of a postal maintenance worker.
“The defendant is charged with robbing a postal worker and repeatedly raiding mail collection boxes, apparently seeking to use the checks, credit cards, and personal identifying information he stole for his financial benefit. We stand ready to partner with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to hold accountable those who assault postal carriers and those who steal the valuable letters and items we depend on the Postal Service to ship,” said U.S. Attorney Graves for the District of Columbia.
“The safety and security of the U.S. mail, our employees and customers remain central to the mission of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” said Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood. “Protecting postal workers from crimes of violence and bringing those criminals who perpetuate these crimes to justice is of great importance. This case highlights the critical work of Postal Inspectors in safeguarding the integrity of the mail and pursuing individuals who commit theft or fraud against individuals. We will continue collaborating with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to ensure that criminals are held accountable.”
According to the complaint, beginning in December 2023, multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD), began investigating multiple high-volume mail thefts from mailboxes at multi-family luxury residences and the potentially related robberies of letter carriers and other victims in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
The investigation found that a man was using stolen U.S. Postal Service “arrow keys” to access USPS collection boxes, outdoor parcel lockers, cluster box units, and apartment mailbox panels. The suspect in the thefts resembled a man who had robbed a postal maintenance worker of his arrow keys on August 10, 2024, while the suspect appeared to be gripping a pistol tucked into his waistband.
Through surveillance camera footage, Instagram posts, and cell phone tracking, De La Cruz was tied to a theft of mail from two apartment complexes on February 19, 2024, on the 2300 block of Champlain Street NW; the theft of mail from collection box units on February 29, 2024, from the 1600 block of R Street NW; the theft of mail using a stolen arrow key on March 3, 2024, from an outdoor locked mail area on the 2200 block of 17th Street NW; the theft of mail using a stolen arrow key on March 4, 2024, from the 2400 block of Ontario Road, NW; the theft of mail on March 5, 2024, from the 2100 block of California Avenue NW; theft of mail on March 5, 2024, from the National Landing in Arlington, Va.; the theft of mail from cluster boxes using an arrow key on March 21, 2024, on the 1500 block of Pointer Ridge Place in Bowie, MD; and theft of mail on August 10, 2024, from the 700 block of Parkside Place, NE.
De La Cruz is also suspected of using personal identifying information gleaned from the stolen mail to obtain bank accounts and credit cards in other people’s names. The defendant allegedly used money stolen from accounts to pay for student tuition, rent, utilities, and cell phone bills. According to the complaint, De La Cruz also posted a rap on YouTube boasting of his exploits.
This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Army Criminal Investigation Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar.
An complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Canal Winchester man sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for drug, gun, fraud crimesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Thomas O. Crowell, 35, of Canal Winchester, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 188 months in prison for committing narcotics, firearms and financial fraud crimes. A federal jury convicted Crowell in January 2024.
Crowell, who is also known as “T-Mack,” was a significant drug trafficker in the Columbus area who was investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to court documents and trial testimony, Crowell possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana in June 2021. During a search warrant of Crowell’s residence, investigators discovered fentanyl and cocaine hidden in the grill in the backyard. Throughout the house, Crowell kept drug packaging material and drug cutting agent.
Crowell also illegally possessed firearms in his home, namely, a rifle and a Glock. Crowell is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Finally, Crowell was also convicted of wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining COVID-relief Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding by falsely claiming to own a trucking business called “Thomas Crowell.” In April 2021, Crowell applied for the PPP loan and received nearly $20,000.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; and Hilliard Police Chief Michael Woods announced the sentence imposed today by Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Pakiz and Damoun Delaviz are representing the United States in this case.
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Bryan County Resident Pleads Guilty to Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kyle Duffner, age 26, of Durant, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Information of one count of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree.
The Information alleged that on June 27, 2021, Duffner unlawfully killed a child with malice aforethought during the perpetration of child abuse.
The crime occurred in Bryan County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Durant Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Duffner will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Paladino represented the United States.
Brockton Man Arrested for Selling Fentanyl; Multiple Machineguns and Kilograms Recovered During SearchRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was arrested today for allegedly selling over 100 grams of a fentanyl analogue to a cooperating witness. At the time of the alleged offense, the defendant was on probation for a 2019 fentanyl conviction and on pretrial release for a separate March 2024 drug arrest.
Joshua Tavares, 29, was charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl analogue. Tavares was arrested this morning and following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Dec. 6, 2024.
According to the charging documents, on Nov. 1, 2024, Tavares sold 100 grams of a fentanyl analogue to a cooperating witness which was captured on video recording.
During searches of Tavares’s residence and multiple suspected stash houses, approximately four kilograms of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, packaging materials for distribution of controlled substances and over $89,000 in cash were recovered. A .40 caliber Glock firearm and a 9mm Glock firearm with a machinegun conversion device were also located at Tavares’ residence.
A 9mm Glock firearm with a machinegun conversion device and a tactical laser sight was allegedly recovered from a stash location along with numerous rounds of ammunition and multiple loaded magazines, including a 50 round “drum” style magazine. Machinegun conversion devices, commonly referred to as “switches,” are designed to convert firearms into fully automatic weapons.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams and more of fentanyl analogue provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang 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.
Bradenton Man Sentenced to More Than 27 Years for Producing Child Sex Abuse Material via Hidden Camera in Smoke DetectorRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung today sentenced Joshua Scott Landers (48, Bradenton) to 27 years and 3 months in federal prison for producing and possessing child sex abuse material. A federal jury found Landers guilty on August 27, 2024.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Landers installed a video camera inside a smoke detector on the ceiling of the teenage victim’s bedroom. Landers then manipulated the footage to save photos and videos of the victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Courtney Derry.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Bowling Green Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison in Fentanyl Distribution CaseRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – The final member of a two-man fentanyl distribution case was sentenced this week to 10 years in prison for attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, and Director Tommy Loving of the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force made the announcement.
According to court documents, on December 2, 2024, Faisl Alzharani, 27, of Warren County, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and on April 23, 2024, Ahmed Al-Duliami, 25, of Warren County, was sentenced to 7 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for attempting to possess with the intent to distribute a fentanyl mixture. On August 11, 2022, in Warren County the defendants picked up a package which they believed contained fentanyl, but that package had previously been seized by law enforcement and the fentanyl removed.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The USPIS Louisville Domicile, Bowling Green Office, HSI Bowling Green, and the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II of the United States Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office prosecuted the case.
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Bank contractor indicted for loading debit cards with fraudulent fundsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Houston woman who worked as a contractor for a national bank has been taken into custody on wire fraud and conspiracy charges, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jaysha Victorian, 23, has already made her initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo.
A federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment Nov. 20, which was unsealed upon her arrest.
In the span of just a few weeks in January 2021, Victorian allegedly utilized her access to the victim bank’s systems to load prepaid debit cards with fraudulent credits when she knew no such credits were warranted. The charges allege the debit cards included prepaid cards that were used to provide unemployment benefits, including for the state of California.
According to the indictment, cardholders were able to withdraw the fraudulent funds from bank branches and ATMs before the credited money could be rescinded.
Victorian’s conduct allegedly resulted in over $8 million of fraudulent credits, over $7 million of which were withdrawn or used.
If convicted, Victorian faces up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud charge as well five years for the conspiracy. Both convictions also carry fines of up to $250,000.
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Department of Labor-OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Karen Lansden are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Albany Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kamaro Campbell, age 42, of Albany, was sentenced today to 144 months in prison for possessing cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute them and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of that 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.
Agents found 105 grams of fentanyl, 95 grams of cocaine, and a fanny pack containing a loaded pistol and $15,000 inside of Campbell’s bedroom closet when executing a search warrant on June 28, 2023. A separate search of Campbell’s storage unit led to the recovery of an additional 105 grams of cocaine. Campbell admitted to selling an additional 155 grams of cocaine and 74 grams of methamphetamine.
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 5-year-term of supervised release and ordered Campbell to forfeit the pistol seized in his apartment.
The DEA investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted.
18 Ohio Gang Members and Associates Charged in Second Superseding IndictmentRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio today unsealed a second superseding indictment against 18 members and associates of a Cleveland-based, violent street gang known as the Fully Blooded Felons or “FBF.” The defendants charged are alleged to have committed numerous federal crimes, including Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, firearms violations, conspiracy, and drug trafficking. The investigation that led to this second superseding indictment took place throughout the last two years, with the initial indictment issued on Dec. 20, 2023, followed by a superseding indictment on April 4, 2024.
According to court documents, members of FBF have engaged in criminal activity for more than a decade in Ohio, since approximately 2012. The gang was primarily based on the east side of Cleveland, but also established strongholds in Akron, Youngstown, and other areas. The scope and reach of the gang’s alleged criminal operations included attempts to infiltrate the Ohio prison system.
Federal and local law enforcement agents and officers apprehended individuals in a series of coordinated arrests. They seized several controlled substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and more than 400 grams of fentanyl. They also confiscated 15 illegally possessed firearms throughout the investigation.
“The superseding indictment alleges that these 18 defendants were leaders, members, or associates of the Fully Blooded Felons, a violent gang that — for more than a decade — made money and controlled territory in Northern Ohio through murder, arson, robbery, drug trafficking, and firearms possession,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Violence and other gang activities make communities less safe for all of their residents. Addressing violent crime — including through the arrests announced today — is one of the Criminal Division’s highest priorities. I am proud of the outstanding work done by our Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, in partnership with our federal, state, and local partners, to make our communities safer places to live by targeting the most violent offenders on our streets.”
“As the indictment alleges, the Fully Blooded Felons styled themselves after a Mafia crime family, terrorizing Cleveland’s streets and operating an open-air illegal drug market in the Cedar Central neighborhood for years. I commend the valiant efforts of our brave law enforcement partners who have worked diligently to win back our streets and protect our community by taking down these bad actors,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “The USAO will aggressively continue to pursue—through RICO prosecutions and other federal charges—violent criminals who seek to secure territory, power, and money by ruthlessly harming others, peddling poisons, and creating an atmosphere of fear. Members of FBF or other violent gangs in this District who have yet to be caught should think twice before continuing to engage in such illegal and destructive behavior.”
“For several years, these individuals committed a homicide, armed robberies, and unlawfully imported and distributed fentanyl and other dangerous opioids throughout the community, said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “The Fully Blooded Felons, a subset of the Heartless Felons criminal network, has been identified as Cleveland’s most significant gang threat and their reign of terror is over thanks to the collaborative efforts of FBI and the Safe Streets Gang Task Force. We will not waver in our mission to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle gangs not only in the larger cities across America, but also right here in northern Ohio.”
During the investigation, law enforcement officials uncovered the defendants’ patterns of racketeering activity, which included their establishment of an organizational structure for their criminal enterprise involving gang membership hierarchy, titles, and rules. The FBF’s framework was allegedly created by its highest-ranking member, Raven Mullins, who held the self-proclaimed position of “Godfather.” The gang structure included a “Commission” made up of a member subgroup known as “Commissioners.” Together, they maintained the enterprise’s organization through physical discipline and by determining which illicit means they would pursue to generate income. To accomplish their goal of promoting and enhancing their criminal enterprise and its members’ and associates’ activities, and preserving and protecting their territories, FBF members and associates conspired to commit and did commit a murder, assaults, robberies, and drug trafficking.
As the indictment alleges, each FBF member was expected to follow a set of rules that Mullins primarily established. Mullins and the Commission disseminated these expectations to FBF members online, in text messages, and by face-to-face communications. Members were required to memorize and recite a set of rules, known as the “Fully Five,” at meetings, and they faced punishment if they answered incorrectly. Rules included following all orders issued by the Commission, pledging their loyalty to fellow members, and being respectful to the “Capos,” who were FBF members in leadership roles beneath the Commissioners. They were also expected to know and adhere to the “Fully Commandments,” another set of rules similar to the “Fully Five.”
Investigators discovered that gang members occupied two separate units at a local apartment complex that they used as stash-houses to facilitate drug trafficking. While executing two search warrants, law enforcement officers recovered more than 400 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and multiple firearms from these locations.
According to the second superseding indictment, on Sept. 12, 2023, Raven Mullins, Henry Burchett, and James Clemons, along with another unidentified individual, shot and killed a victim on the west side of Cleveland. After killing the victim, the defendants fled the scene in a stolen vehicle that was later set on fire.
The second superseding indictment alleges a years-long pattern of racketeering and violence, including a murder, kidnapping, assaults, and drug trafficking. The defendants and their charges are as follows:
- Raven Mullins, aka Dunny, aka Dun, 35, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, numerous counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Henry Burchett, aka Noodles, aka Noo, aka Omerta, 29, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, numerous counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Elijah Johnson, aka Loon, 37, of Youngstown, Ohio, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Demarcus Elliott, aka Moo, aka Fast Lane, 37, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Dontez Hammond, aka Donny, aka Tez, 35, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Jeffrey Lee, aka Fatty, 24, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, numerous counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Jerrell Jones-Ferrell, aka Ruga, 25, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Devonte Johnson, aka D Nut, aka Nut, 32, of Euclid, Ohio, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Jerome Williams, aka Jay, aka JT, 29, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Christepher Horton, aka Cam, aka Killa, 41, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Deeundra Perkins, aka Drizzy, 33, of Garfield Heights, Ohio, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Deon Blackwell, aka White Boy, 38, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- James Clemons, aka Flock, aka Pope, aka Fully Pope Flock, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy and murder in aid of racketeering.
- Alex Darden, aka Lil’ Pee Wee, 23, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Esmond Williams, aka Relle, 35, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Adrionna Null, aka Ali, 27, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with kidnapping in aid of racketeering and assault in aid of racketeering.
- Myeasha West, aka Action, 31, of Lorain, Ohio, is charged with kidnapping in aid of racketeering and assault in aid of racketeering.
- Kyla Sharie Tyler, aka Yayeo, 27, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with kidnapping in aid of racketeering and assault in aid of racketeering.
An indictment is merely an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to the case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, their role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
The specific mission of the OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, transnational drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security and are related to the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Northern District of Ohio. The OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is composed of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF), and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshals Service (USMS), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Border Patrol, along with task force officers from numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Cleveland Division of Police. Prosecutions are led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, the Cleveland Division of Police, USMS, the DEA, and the ATF.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul E. Hanna and Robert F. Corts for the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorneys Brian W. Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
3 December 2024
Wilkinsburg Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing and Attempting to Prevent Seizure of FirearmsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of being a felon in possession of firearms and attempting to take action to prevent seizure, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Javon Pope, 36, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on the morning of November 19, 2019, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) discovered Pope inside a Wilkinsburg residence at which another individual had just been arrested and officers had observed several firearms in plain view. The agents detained and searched Pope, finding a digital scale, a small amount of marijuana, and a cellular telephone. Upon the execution of a search warrant for the residence, agents found four firearms, but in different locations from where they had been initially observed by officers and with one of the rifles now disassembled.
A search warrant for Pope’s cellular telephone revealed an internet search for “how long does it take to get a search warrant” during the morning of November 19, as well as several telephone calls between Pope and a resident of the home that took place shortly after the first defendant’s arrest, along with pictures of Pope with several of the firearms from the residence. Pope previously had been convicted of two felony offenses. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for March 26, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and United States Postal Inspection Service, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pope.
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.
Waterloo Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison in Check Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Waterloo woman who stole nearly $250,000 from three financial institutions between 2020 and 2022 was sentenced today to more than two years in federal prison. Angela Celina Hernandez, formerly known as Angela Celina Sermeno, age 40, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 31, 2024, guilty plea to one count of bank fraud.
In a plea agreement, Hernandez admitted that she was the sole signatory on a checking account for a roofing company at a credit union in Dubuque. In January 2020, Hernandez repeatedly redeposited previously cleared checks from a Wisconsin contractor in order to falsely and temporarily inflate the balance of the account. Hernandez then caused over $150,000 in rapid transfers and withdrawals on this fraudulently and temporarily inflated balance. Then, in July 2021, Hernandez passed bad checks at a second credit union, resulting in over $75,000 in loss to that credit union. Finally, in February 2022, defendant passed more bad checks at a third financial institution, resulting in an additional $12,000 in loss.
Hernandez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Hernandez was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $248,005.28 in restitution the three financial institutions. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hernandez was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-1031.
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Warren Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime Offense for Defacing Predominantly Black ChurchRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A Warren, Michigan man pleaded guilty today to defacing a predominantly Black church in Roseville, Michigan, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Chevoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court documents, in October 2021, David Bluer, 34, spray-painted several swastikas, the word “die,” and other graffiti on the Roseville church because of the race and color of individuals associated with the church. Specifically, the defendant admitted that he intentionally defaced the church because the church serves a predominantly Black congregation and has a Black pastor.
For this, Bluer pleaded guilty to one count of damaging religious property. Bluer faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
“Today’s guilty plea should send a clear message that our office will aggressively protect our district’s houses of worship, including against attacks motivated by race and color,” U.S. Attorney Ison said.
"Racially motivated crimes have no place in our society," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "Hate crimes are message crimes intended to sow fear and terror in communities. Through this prosecution, the Justice Department sends its own message — that we will protect communities from such hate-fueled violence and use every tool at our disposal to investigate and prosecute those who perpetrate these heinous attacks."
“David Bluer's guilty plea to a hate crime for defacing a predominantly Black church underscores the FBI's steadfast commitment to addressing civil rights violations and holding individuals accountable for acts of hate. This targeted criminal act, coupled with Mr. Bluer's admission of harboring hatred based on race and ethnicity, highlights the FBI's dedication to safeguarding faith-based communities in Michigan," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI plays a critical role in investigating hate crimes, especially those targeting vulnerable communities. Acts of hate and violence, such as defacing places of worship, not only violates the law but also seek to instill fear and division in our communities. The FBI's involvement in this case, in collaboration with the Roseville and Warren Police Departments, exemplifies the FBIs proactive approach to protecting individuals from hate-fueled acts and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their despicable actions. By working closely with local law enforcement, the FBI ensures that those who commit hate crimes are identified, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Their continued efforts demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting all communities, upholding civil rights, preserving the safety of places of worship, and ensuring justice for victims of intolerance.”
Bluer is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2025.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Carlson of the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Virginia Man Sentenced for Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Jamar Handon, 33, of Arlington, Virginia, was sentenced to 114 months in prison for aiding and abetting the false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
According to court documents, Handon worked with others to straw purchase firearms in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties. Handon is prohibited from having firearms because of prior convictions of violent felon in possession/transport of a weapon, and possession of ammunition.
Handon will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
United States Settles Claim Against New York Dermatology Practice Whose Medical Doctor Refused to Perform a Medical Procedure on an HIV-Positive PatientRead the Press Release
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today a settlement with Advanced Dermatology, P.C. (Advanced Dermatology), a New York-based practice with dermatology offices located throughout the metropolitan area and other states, resolving allegations that one of its medical doctors violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA), by refusing to perform a scheduled procedure on an individual with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) until the end of the day after all other patients had been treated or reschedule his appointment for another day when no other patients were being treated. Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in places of public accommodation such as medical facilities. HIV is a disability that falls within the protection of the ADA. Advance Dermatology cooperated with the United States’ investigation and in resolving the matter.
“This settlement reflects this Office’s commitment to robust enforcement of the ADA and ensuring that patients with HIV have access to medical care,” stated United States Attorney Peace.
This matter was initiated after the U.S. Department of Justice received a complaint from John Doe,[1] an individual who is HIV-positive. John Doe alleged that a dermatologist employed by Advanced Dermatology at its Fresh Meadows, New York office refused to perform a Mohs micrographic surgery on a scheduled date and time. The surgical procedure had been scheduled to treat John Doe’s basal cell carcinoma.
The United States’ investigation determined that the dermatologist refused to perform the scheduled surgery, and that the dermatologist told John Doe that the reason for his refusal was John Doe’s HIV-positive status and concern for the safety of a technician working with the doctor. The dermatologist told John Doe that he would need to wait until the end of the day after all other patients had been treated or reschedule his appointment for another day when no other patients were being treated. John Doe left Advanced Dermatology that day without being treated. The United States determined that Advanced Dermatology discriminated against John Doe on the basis of his HIV status in violation of Title III of the ADA.
Under the terms of the settlement, Advanced Dermatology will ensure that its policies and practices are brought into compliance with Title III of the ADA, adopt a non-discrimination policy establishing that Advanced Dermatology does not discriminate in providing services to those with disabilities, and train its staff annually about HIV/AIDS and discrimination. Advanced Dermatology will also pay a civil penalty of $15,000 to the United States.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no admission or determination of liability.
This matter was handled by the Office’s Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cooper is in charge of the prosecution.
[1] John Doe is identified by a pseudonym to protect his privacy.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Announce Charges in Domestic-Violence CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Brimhall, New Mexico man has been charged with two felony crimes—Assault of a dating partner by strangling and Assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Victor Badonie, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and was released with conditions to include home detention and GPS monitoring. Trial in this case has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, on March 6, 2024, Badonie allegedly assaulted Jane Doe by strangling, suffocating, and attempting to strangle and suffocate her. Badonie also struck Doe, which resulted in serious bodily injury.
If convicted, Badonie faces a maximum of 10 years in prison per felony charge, followed by three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Pueblo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zach Jones is prosecuting the case.
An 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 Hosts Meeting of the Western District Health Care Fraud Working GroupRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today the annual meeting of the Western District’s Health Care Fraud Working Group, a partnership of federal and state agencies focused on combating health care fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars in the Western District of North Carolina.
The working group comprises investigators, analysts, auditors, and attorneys from state and federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the North Carolina Attorney General’s Medicaid Investigations Division, the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the South Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division, and the Office of Personnel Management.
At today’s meeting, U.S. Attorney King reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among the partner agencies and recognized their contributions.
“Health care fraud undermines public trust, exploits vulnerable patients, and siphons billions from taxpayer-funded programs,” said U.S. Attorney King. “By combining our expertise and resources we can detect, dismantle, and prosecute health care fraud schemes and protect vital government programs that so many North Carolinians rely upon for their health care needs. I am grateful to our partner agencies for their dedication to protect our health care system and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The Health Care Fraud Working Group’s mission is to detect health care fraud through coordinated investigations, information sharing, identification of existing and emerging schemes, and case development. This includes uncovering schemes of fraudulent billing, COVID-19-related fraud, kickback schemes, and fraud targeting government health care programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE. The working group also focuses on fraud committed by both corporate entities and individuals, including hospitals, telemedicine companies and providers, nursing home chains, pharmacies and pharmaceutical manufacturers, durable medical equipment suppliers, physicians, therapists, and affiliated health care professionals.
If you suspect Medicare or Medicaid fraud, please report it by phone at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477), or via email at [email protected].
To report Medicaid fraud in North Carolina, call the North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division at 919-881-2320 or fill out an online complaint form.
TRICARE fraud can be reported here.
Fraud against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system can be reported at www.vaoig.gov/hotline.
U.S. Attorney Will Thompson to Honor Excellence in Law Enforcement at Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, December 4, 2024Read the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will honor more than 80 law enforcement professionals during the 2024 Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse in Charleston.
The annual awards ceremony recognizes the exemplary service of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who have provided invaluable assistance to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia in cases and initiatives.
Thompson will present awards for outstanding law enforcement work on major cases involving drug crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes and the sexual exploitation of minors. Thompson will also present awards honoring the Law Enforcement Officers of the Year, the Drug and Violent Crime Task Force of the year, and the Outstanding Community Partner.
WHAT: 2024 Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony
WHEN: Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse, Charleston, Fifth Floor
*** NOTICE: cameras and other recording devices will be permitted on the fifth floor of the Courthouse for the ceremony only. ***
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Successful Conclusion of Agreement with City of Yonkers and Yonkers Police Department to Ensure Commitment to Constitutional PolicingRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Kristen Clarke, the Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, announced today the successful conclusion of the United States’ long-running investigation into the Yonkers Police Department (YPD) under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. In November 2016, the U.S., the City, and YPD entered into an agreement to implement and improve upon policies and procedures in the areas of use of force, citizen complaints, use-of-force and misconduct investigations, supervisory oversight, and training. Today, the U.S. agreed to terminate the agreement and commends the City and YPD on their achievements.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Since the commencement of our investigation in 2007, the Yonkers Police Department has worked assiduously and cooperatively to implement significant reforms which ensure that its officers are well trained, well informed, and guided on appropriate uses of force, and that a thorough and robust review system is in place to identify potentially problematic incidents, officers, training, and tactics. The Yonkers Police Department has achieved substantial compliance with all provisions of the agreement and established policies and programs that demonstrate a dedication and commitment to serving the community and ensuring its safety and well-being. I commend the Yonkers Police Department for its efforts.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said: “The success of Yonkers and the Yonkers Police Department under this agreement demonstrates the fundamental truth that fair, constitutional and effective policing can enhance public safety and promote trust between police and the community they are sworn to protect and serve. Through this agreement, the city and YPD have significantly decreased settlement payouts on excessive force claims, and from 2017 to 2023, violent crimes in Yonkers also fell substantially. We commend YPD leadership, including former YPD Commissioners Charles Gardner and John Mueller, current YPD Commissioner Christopher Sapienza, as well as civilian staff and officers for their commitment to ensure constitutional policing for the people of Yonkers. Our settlements with police departments are of little utility unless real work and effort is put in to ensure that reforms are brought to life and successfully implemented.”
The successful conclusion of the agreement between the U.S., the City of Yonkers, and the YPD resolves a long-running investigation into YPD. In 2009, the U.S. issued a technical assistance letter highlighting concerns regarding the overall content and structure of YPD’s policies and procedures manual, with specific focus on YPD’s use-of-force policies, investigations of its officers’ use of force, the lack of supervisory oversight, its training program and materials, community relations, and its recruitment and evaluation of personnel. After issuing the 2009 technical assistance letter, the U.S. conducted further reviews of YPD’s revised policies and procedures, use-of-force reports, and citizen complaint investigations through early 2015. These reviews indicated that the concerns underlying the recommendations in the 2009 letter had not been sufficiently addressed.
Following extensive negotiations, in November 2016, the U.S., the City, and YPD entered into an agreement requiring YPD to: maintain and implement clear policies to avoid using excessive and unreasonable force; timely document and review uses of force; maintain and implement clear and appropriate policies on investigatory stops and detentions, as well as searches and arrests; develop a system to collect data on all investigatory stops and searches, except stops purely for traffic enforcement; ensure the transparency and accessibility of the misconduct complaint process and investigate all misconduct complaints fully and fairly; continue the development and implementation of a computerized risk management system to identify and respond to potentially problematic incidents, officers, units, training and tactics; continue to maintain and build community relationships and engage constructively with the community; develop a survey to measure officer outreach to a cross-section of community members in each precinct; and ensure that officers and supervisors receive appropriate levels of training in constitutional policing. The agreement also required YPD to ensure the First Amendment rights of onlookers or bystanders to witness, observe, record, and/or comment on officer conduct. The agreement further provided that consultants retained by the Justice Department would conduct compliance reviews to ensure that YPD has implemented the measures required by the agreement. Finally, the agreement provided for termination once the U.S. agreed that YPD had achieved substantial compliance with all provisions and had maintained substantial compliance for 12 months.
Since the agreement was executed, the U.S. and its consultant, Charles Reynolds, the former president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, have had full access to YPD and its records. The U.S. has requested, reviewed, and commented on: YPD’s revised use-of-force policies and procedures, and policies protecting the public’s right to observe and record officer conduct; use-of-force reporting and command-level reviews of use-of-force reports at all levels of force; misconduct complaint investigations; stop and search reports; the implementation and use of YPD’s Risk Management System; training materials; and community policing initiatives.
Over the period the agreement has been in place, there are substantial indicia that the agreement has led to improvements in the constitutionality and effectiveness of YPD’s policing. The City of Yonkers has experienced a significant reduction in excessive force settlement payouts due to a marked decrease in allegations of unlawful uses of force. Additionally, YPD’s Internal Affairs Department has dramatically improved its average times to complete critical use-of-force investigations, from 245 days in 2019, down to 69 days in 2023. Similarly, YPD’s Internal Affairs Department has significantly reduced its average times for completing civilian misconduct complaint investigations, from 236 days in 2019, to 72 days in 2023. The City of Yonkers has also experienced a 22% reduction in violent crimes over the last five years.
YPD has also implemented or enhanced programs beyond what is required by the agreement. In August 2020, YPD instituted a trial body-worn camera program, which has been expanded to require that all Field Services Division officers, as well as officers designated by the Commissioner, use body-worn cameras. YPD has also substantially increased the length of its Field Training Officer program, by mandating that recruits undergo 256 field training hours to be certified as an officer. YPD also maintains a Crisis Negotiation Team that is one of the largest of its kind in the New York City metropolitan area, and whose core mission is to use de-escalation techniques to resolve volatile life-threatening situations without the use of force. YPD’s Community Affairs Division is also actively engaged in multiple programs, outreach, and community-based cooperative projects. YPD is currently engaged in over 40 outreach programs and participates in over 70 school events every year.
YPD’s leadership has been instrumental in making these changes. U.S. Attorney Williams praised the work of former YPD Commissioners Charles Gardner and John Mueller, current YPD Commissioner Christopher Sapienza, and the civilian staff and sworn officers of the Yonkers Police Department.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tomoko Onozawa is charge of the case.
Two men sentenced to prison for trafficking meth and machinegunsRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – Two Virginia men were sentenced to federal prison after attempting to sell methamphetamine and machineguns.
According to court documents, on Dec. 20, 2023, Damien Jahon Reynolds, 36, of Woodford, and Trey Wright, 26, of Fredericksburg, sold purported "ecstasy" pills, which were later determined to be methamphetamine, 12 machinegun conversion devices (MCDs), and 2 privately made firearms that were equipped with two additional MCDs. Reynolds and Wright sold the items to an undercover Special Agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Reynolds provided these items to Wright and possessed more methamphetamine and MCDs at his residence.
MCDs render semiautomatic firearms capable of fully automatic fire and are considered machineguns by law.
On April 24, Wright pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and possession of machineguns. Wright was sentenced today to two years and six months in prison.
On April 25, Reynolds pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of machineguns. On Nov. 21, Reynolds was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Hubbard, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Duffey prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-16.
Two Individuals Charged in Conspiracy to Sexually Exploit ChildrenRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two individuals have been indicted on multiple child sexual exploitation charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
A five-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Wisam A. Sharieff, 43, of Euless, Texas, and Blake Miller Barakat, aka “Hamna,” 50, of Shelby County, Alabama, with conspiracy to engage in the sexual exploitation of children, conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
According to the indictment, between September 27, 2024, and October 15, 2024, Sharieff and Barakat conspired together to coerce a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct; and they conspired to receive and distribute child pornography.
FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case along with the FBI Dallas-Fort Worth Violent Crimes Task Force and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney R. Leann White is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Defendants Sentenced to 10 Years and Eight Years in Prison for Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme “IcomTech”Read the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that defendants DAVID BREND and GUSTAVO RODRIGUEZ were sentenced to 10 years and eight years in prison, respectively, for their roles in the large-scale cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme known as IcomTech. The sentences were imposed by the Honorable Jennifer L. Rochon following a two-week trial in March of this year, in which BRENDand RODRIGUEZ were both convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “David Brend and Gustavo Rodriguez were central to the IcomTech Ponzi scheme – Rodriguez as the chief architect of its sham website, Brend as a face-to-face salesman who peddled the bogus enterprise and its supposed lucrative returns for investors. Together with others, Brend and Rodriguez defrauded thousands of people out of millions of dollars. Both were found guilty by a unanimous jury. Now they will serve substantial prison sentences for their crimes.”
According to the Indictment, public filings, public court proceedings, and the evidence presented at trial:
IcomTech launched in mid-2018, when codefendant David Carmona hired RODRIGUEZ to build a website for the scheme. IcomTech was a purported cryptocurrency mining and trading company that promised to earn its victim-investors (“Victims”) profits in exchange for their purchase of purported cryptocurrency-related investment products. Carmona, BREND, and the other promoters of IcomTech, falsely promised their respective Victims, among other things, that profits from the companies’ cryptocurrency trading and mining would result in guaranteed daily returns on Victims’ investments. In reality, IcomTech did not engage in cryptocurrency trading or mining for its Investors, and BREND and IcomTech’s other promoters used Victim funds to pay other Victims, to further promote the schemes, and to enrich themselves.
IcomTech promoters, including BREND, traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad, where they hosted lavish expos and small community presentations aimed at luring Victims to invest in the schemes, including in the Southern District of New York. During larger-scale events, IcomTech promoters presented on purported investment products and the compensation plan, encouraged Victims to invest as a means of achieving financial freedom, and boasted about the amount of money they were earning. IcomTech promoters often showed up at larger-scale events in expensive cars and wearing luxury clothing as a way of exhibiting their purportedly legitimate success from IcomTech.
Victims invested in the IcomTech by purchasing investment products from promoters using cash, checks, wire transfers, and actual cryptocurrency. Following a Victim’s investment, a Victim would be provided with access to an online portal where the Victim could monitor the purported returns. While Victims saw “profits” accumulate on the online portal, most Victims were unable to withdraw any of these so-called profits and ultimately lost their entire investments. By contrast, IcomTech’s promoters, including BREND, siphoned off, in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars in Victim funds, which they withdrew as cash, spent on IcomTech promotional expenses, and used for personal expenditures such as luxury goods and real estate.
RODRIGUEZ worked with Carmona to run IcomTech’s website and online portal, where Victims were provided with personal accounts. Carmona and RODRIGUEZ discussed how to structure IcomTech’s compensation plan and investment products; for example, RODRIGUEZ advised Carmona on where Carmona should set the purported daily returns on Victims’ investment packages and on the size of the investment packages that Carmona should offer for sale.
At least as early as August 2018, Victims who attempted to withdraw money from their online portal accounts had difficulty doing so and, when they complained to promoters, they were met with excuses, delays, and hidden fees, if they were able to make any withdrawals at all. Despite these complaints, IcomTech promoters, including BREND, continued to promote IcomTech and accept Victims’ investments, and RODRIGUEZ continued to maintain the website. As complaints mounted, IcomTech began offering a proprietary crypto-tokens for sale as a means of injecting liquidity into IcomTech. Promoters of the schemes claimed that these tokens, known as “Icoms”, would eventually be worth a significant amount of money when they were accepted by companies for payment for goods and services. This was false. In reality, “Icoms” were essentially worthless and resulted in further financial loss to Victims. By in or about the end of 2019, IcomTech stopped making payments to Victims and IcomTech collapsed.
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In addition to the prison sentences, RODRIGUEZ, 48, of North Hollywood, California, was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $40,000, which represent RODRIGUEZ’s direct proceeds from the crime, and restitution to victims in an amount to be determined. BREND, 50, of Tampa, Florida, was also ordered to pay forfeiture and restitution in amounts to be determined by Judge Rochon at future proceedings.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations’ El Dorado Task Force. Mr. Williams also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for their assistance.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Maimin, T. Josiah Pertz, Benjamin A. Gianforti, and Cecilia E. Vogel are in charge of the prosecution.
Statement Regarding the Death of Defendant Michael J. MiskeRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – On December 1, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced that Defendant Michael J. Miske had been found unresponsive and was later pronounced deceased. The United States Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded, and the Chief Medical Examiner of the City and County of Honolulu conducted an autopsy and is continuing to examine the cause of death, which examination remains ongoing. Presently, there is no finding of foul play or suicide.
On July 18, 2024, a federal jury convicted Miske after a seven-month trial of 13 counts of criminal conduct, including a racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, chemical weapons offenses, and obstruction of justice. The jury also determined in a subsequent criminal forfeiture proceeding that Miske must forfeit assets estimated to exceed $20 million. Miske’s sentencing hearing, originally scheduled for November 26, 2024, was continued to January 30, 2025. Miske was facing a mandatory minimum term of life in prison.
According to United States Attorney Clare E. Connors: “Michael Miske’s death was unexpected and may terminate some of the ongoing criminal proceedings. The United States spent years investigating Miske’s large-scale criminal enterprise and then years preparing for one of the most grueling trials in this office’s history. Justice was served in the process but aspects of the case remain unfinished. In particular, we are committed to pursuing recovery of the assets found forfeitable by a federal criminal jury and will file pleadings in court as necessary and appropriate.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Inciong, Michael Nammar, KeAupuni Akina and Aislinn Affinito prosecuted the underlying criminal case. Akina and Affinito prosecuted the subsequent criminal forfeiture proceeding, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig Nolan and Sydney Spector.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Cocaine While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YOANNI SUAREZ, also known as “Cuba,” 48, last residing in Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2016, Suarez was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 78 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for trafficking heroin. He was released from federal prison in April 2021.
In July 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began investigating a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was distributing kilogram quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Connecticut. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and other investigative techniques, revealed that the head of the drug trafficking organization was receiving narcotics from sources in California via Mexico, and using Suarez’s son, Giovanny Jorrin, to send narcotics proceeds back to his sources. In February 2023, investigators seized two parcels that were mailed by Jorrin from a post office in West Hartford to California. One of the packages contained approximately $6,500 in cash and two new Apple iPhones, and the second package contained approximately $38,300 in cash.
Further investigation revealed that Suarez had a prior relationship with an identified narcotics source of supply. While on federal supervised release, Suarez helped arrange for packages of fentanyl and cocaine to be shipped to Connecticut, coordinated the sale of drugs to others in the Hartford area, and assisted in the collection and shipment of drug proceeds back to the source.
Suarez has been detained since his arrest on June 7, 2023. On June 13, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Jorrin pleaded guilty to a related charge and, on June 7, 2024, was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.
This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington and A. Reed Durham.
The case is being prosecuted through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Spokane Man with Multiple Domestic Violence Convictions Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Orlando L. Peterson, age 34, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Person Convicted of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence in Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 25 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on September 6, 2022, Peterson got into an altercation with his ex-girlfriend at his home, pushed her down some stairs, and stole a 9mm handgun from her purse. After the ex-girlfriend left the home, Peterson located her a short distance away and confronted her while he was holding the handgun.
When Spokane Police contacted Peterson, he was in the car with another woman. The woman gave officers an extended pistol magazine she stated Peterson had asked her to hide.
Later that day, Spokane Police executed a search warrant at Peterson’s home. Police found the handgun Peterson took, along with multiple rounds of assorted ammunition. Peterson was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition as a result of multiple convictions for misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence.
In October 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref announced her office’s Safe Homes, Safe Community Initiative to prevent domestic violence homicides and prevent abusers who have previously been convicted of domestic violence offenses from having access to firearms. Partnering with the Yakima Police Department, Yakima County Prosecutor’s Office, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, and domestic violence prevention advocates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office focuses enforcement on individuals identified as repeat domestic violence abusers who unlawfully possess firearms.
“Everyone deserves to live in a safe home free of domestic violence and fear of gun violence. Here, Mr. Peterson pushed his ex-girlfriend down stairs and then later confronted her with a loaded gun, said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “My office, through our Safe Homes, Safe Community initiative focuses our enforcement efforts on repeat offenders, particularly those with a history of domestic violence and, like Mr. Peterson, are prohibited from having access to firearms. In so doing, we are protecting victims, law enforcement officers who respond to volatile domestic abuse situations, and the entire community.”
“Firearms in the hands of convicted domestic abusers are an extreme danger to our families and our communities,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “So, this sentence is well justified and ensures that Mr. Peterson is safely away from our community for the imposed time period. We will always focus on investigating domestic abusers who use firearms in the furtherance of their violent crimes.”
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Spokane Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael L. Vander Giessen and Michael J. Ellis.
2:23-cr-00014-MKD
Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison After Being Caught with Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Tuesday sentenced a registered sex offender who was caught with child pornography while on supervised release from a prior child pornography offense to 10 years in prison.
Michael A. Kight pleaded guilty in 2015 to receipt of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography and was sentenced to six years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. On May 19, 2023, a U.S. probation officer learned that Kight had been communicating with other sex offenders whom he had met in prison, and that Kight had sent images on a digital SD card to one. A search of Kight’s computer found 27 images and one video containing child sex abuse material.
Kight, 31, pleaded guilty in August to one count of possession of child pornography as a prior offender.
The U.S. Probation Office and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Self-proclaimed “Short Sale Queen” and associates indicted in federal mortgage fraud schemeRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Three Texas women have been charged with federal violations related to a mortgage fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Nicole Espinosa, also known as Short Sale Queen, 35, of Plano; Stephanie Smith, also known as Stephanie Parks, 44, of Midlothian; and Selena Baltazar-Hill, 28, of Dallas, were indicted by a federal grand jury on November 20, 2024, and charged with federal violations related to a mortgage fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas. The two-count indictment charges them with conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution and conspiracy to submit false statements to a federally insured financial institution. The defendants have been arrested and are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Aileen Goldman Durrett on December 4, 2024.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2017, Espinosa, Smith, and Baltazar, along with others, are alleged to have operated a mortgage fraud scheme using various companies, including Short Sale Queen, L.L.C. The defendants researched and located properties that were in the pre-foreclosure short sale process and approached the homeowners about listing the properties for sale. After signing a listing agreement with the homeowners, the defendants submitted various fraudulent documents to financial institutions and mortgage companies for the purpose of freezing or halting the foreclosure process. Such documents included falsified purchase agreements from purported “buyers,” as well as altered “proof of funds” letters showing the “buyers” had the means to purchase the property. Based on these representations, the financial institutions halted foreclosure proceedings, waived fees collection, and unknowingly allowed the defendants time to find a real buyer, or in other instances, cancel the deal when they could not locate a legitimate buyer. All told, the defendants are alleged to have fraudulently submitted documents for at least 88 properties totaling over $8 million in sales, obtained at least $390,000 in commissions and processing fees, and caused at least $2.5 million in losses to these financial institutions.
If convicted, the defendants each face up to 30 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Department of Veterans Affairs. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anand Varadarajan.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Schererville Man Sentenced to 168 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Erik P. Grant, 32 years old, of Schererville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Grant was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Grant and his mother, co-defendant Debra Moore, conspired to distribute methamphetamine between November 2022 and July 2023. While detained at the Porter County Jail, Moore assumed control of his methamphetamine dealing operation, selling the drug on multiple occasions. Grant has an extensive criminal history which includes six prior felony convictions.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.
San Fernando Valley Man Agrees to Plead Guilty to Engineering $5.9 Million Ponzi Scheme Targeting Elderly Church ParishionersRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man has agreed to plead guilty to a federal felony charge for swindling clients – many of them elderly church parishioners – in a long-running Ponzi scheme that took in more than $5.9 million in victim investor money, the Justice Department announced today.
Sylvein William Maximilian D’Habsburg XVII, 48, a.k.a. “Sylvein Scalleone,” of West Hills, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud.
D’Habsburg is expected to enter his guilty plea in the coming weeks in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
According to his plea agreement filed today, from at least January 2018 to June 2023, D’Habsburg hired recruiters to identify potential investors for his two companies, Wild Rabbit Technologies LLC and BAI Intelligence LLC, targeting the local Filipino community, including elderly church parishioners.
At investment presentations, D’Habsburg claimed that he had an artificial intelligence (AI) technology that could predict the future and detect a COVID-19 infection based solely on a video recording, among other things. D’Habsburg also falsely claimed to investors that he had received approximately $500 million in investments for his companies from retired pro athletes and other noteworthy people, such as Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Steve Wozniak, and that he would use the investment funds to hire personnel and obtain patents.
But D’Habsburg did not use the victims’ money to hire personnel or obtain patents. Instead, he used his victim investors’ money to purchase luxury cars, such as a 1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II Continental Sedanca de Ville by Barker, and rare antiques, such as a pair of Italian carved Giltwood Thrones from the 1800s.
As a result of his fraudulent scheme, D’Habsburg caused his victim investors a total of approximately $5.9 million in losses.
Once D’Habsburg enters his guilty plea, he will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The FBI is investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jason C. Pang of the General Crimes Section and Alexander Su of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section are prosecuting this case.
Richmond felon sentenced to over two years in prison after pulling a handgun during an argumentRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on Jan. 26, 2024, Richmond Police (RPD) observed Mario Leequan Thorne, 27, at a convenience store engaged in a verbal dispute. At one point, Thorne removed a semi-automatic handgun from his waistband and waved it in the air.
As other officers arrived, Thorne was sitting in the driver seat of his vehicle where six young, unsecured children were inside. Detectives asked Thorne to step out of the vehicle, detained him, and conducted a sweep of the driver seat area. Detectives recovered a handgun, as well as Thorne’s Virginia ID, a baggie containing 2.32 grams of fentanyl, another baggie containing 3.07 grams of cocaine, and a digital scale.
In 2022, Thorne was convicted of possession of a concealed weapon. As a previously convicted felon, Thorne cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Wright prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-69.
Rhode Island Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cranston, R.I. man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his involvement in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed fentanyl throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Mario Rafael Dominguez-Ortiz, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to one year and a day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In May 2024, Dominguez-Ortiz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Dominguez-Ortiz was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2022 along with nine other individuals.
In March 2021, an investigation began into a DTO operating in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island led by Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara. The investigation identified Dominguez-Ortiz as a member of the DTO who was employed by Ortiz-Alcantara to deliver fentanyl. On four occasions between July and November 2021, Dominguez-Ortiz delivered fentanyl to a cooperating source. The total amount of fentanyl that the defendant distributed over the fourth-month period was approximately 500 grams.
Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara pleaded guilty in December 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 5, 2025.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira; and Fairhaven Police Chief Michael J. Myers made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Homeland Security Investigations; Bristol County Sherriff’s Office; and Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Scituate, Yarmouth, Providence (R.I.) and West Warwick (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
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.
Repeat Federal Offender Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison after Passing Kilogram of Cocaine to Car with Three ChildrenRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Harold Vernard Greene, Jr., age 45, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for drug trafficking with three children in a vehicle. This conviction marks Greene’s third federal conviction in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
“Greene is a frequent-flyer federal felon with direct ties to Mexico based drug traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “We won’t allow habitual narcotics traffickers to operate in our state and will be relentless in pursuing cases all the way to the foreign supplier.”
In January 2023, law enforcement identified Greene meeting with drug couriers in Wilmington. Subsequently, they continued their investigation and conducted a surveillance operation on March 21, 2023. During this operation, they observed Greene travel to a parking lot at a Wilmington mall, where he received a package from a drug courier. Shortly after receiving the package, Greene handed it to a person in another vehicle. The driver of that vehicle was Greene’s girlfriend, Three minor children were present in the vehicle with Greene’s girlfriend. A search of the girlfriend’s vehicle revealed that the package given to her by Greene contained a kilogram of cocaine.
Law enforcement then executed a search warrant at Greene’s apartment. At this location, they seized a loaded firearm, bulk cash, drug packaging materials, four cell phones, and varying amounts of psilocybin gummies and marijuana products—further investigation of the seized phones uncovered direct communication with drug traffickers based in Mexico.
Greene’s criminal history includes two prior federal convictions: one in 2013 for cocaine trafficking that resulted in an 84-month sentence and another in 2017 for possessing drugs while in federal prison, leading to an additional 24-month sentence. Additionally, Greene has four state felony convictions for drug trafficking.
“This career criminal is a tragic example of individuals who have wanton disregard for the safety of our community, including children as was the case in this investigation,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “DEA’s efforts in bringing him to justice will ensure he spends well deserved time in prison.”
“I am extremely proud of the men and women of the WPD for their tireless work on this case. As is evident with his prior criminal record, the suspect continues to disrespect the law and disregards the safety of others. In this case, he also endangered several children. Our agency will not tolerate criminals who seek to place the stability of their illegal operations over the well-being and safety of our citizens. I want to thank all of those who worked on this case and appreciate the continued efforts by U.S. Attorney Easley to ensure a lengthy prison sentence that fits the crime,” said Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams.
Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The DEA, SBI, and the Wilmington Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons prosecuted the case.
This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, 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.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for the case number 7:23-CR-00103-D.
Registered sex offender sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for again distributing, possessing child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Knox County man who was previously convicted of a crime against children was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 250 months in prison for new, similar offenses.
Lee Allen Goudy, 30, of Howard, Ohio, distributed and possessed child pornography after being convicted of an offense relating to sexual abuse of a minor.
According to court documents, in August 2023, the FBI received a tip that Goudy was a Tier II registered sex offender and was believed to have uploaded child pornography online.
At least four cyber tipline reports related to Goudy were generated from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The investigation revealed that Goudy had distributed child pornography from a Reddit account via Kik messenger and on Twitter.
Approximately 650 videos and 100 images of child sexual abuse material were recovered from Goudy’s iPhone. His collection included sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, and the sexual torture of babies. For example, one video depicted a newborn infant being smacked in the face, grabbed by the throat and shaken back and forth.
Goudy’s iPhone search history also included searches like “supervised release monitoring iPhone” and “does federal monitoring work on iPhone.”
A second cell phone of Goudy’s also revealed searches for content related to violence, rape and sex acts against infants and toddlers. That phone included 150 images of child sexual abuse material that Goudy had traded on Discord.
Goudy was arrested in September 2023 for violating his federal supervised release warrant; he pleaded guilty in April 2024 to the instant child pornography crimes. Goudy was originally sentenced in April 2018 to 78 months in prison.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.
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Queens Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Robbing Bank While on ParoleRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Gerald DeRosse was sentenced by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II to 180 months in prison for committing a violent robbery of a Ridgewood Savings Bank in Queens, New York. He is also required to pay $205 in restitution and $205 in forfeiture. DeRosse pleaded guilty to the charge in May 2024.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New York Field Office, announced the sentence.
“The defendant, a serial bank robber, chose to terrorize hard-working bank tellers and customers, for his own selfish purposes. The victims, including an elderly woman the defendant locked in a chokehold, will never forget that day,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “It is a vital part of our mission to protect our community, and my Office will continue to tirelessly prosecute repeat offenders who show no respect for the law.”
“While on parole for a prior bank robbery, Gerald DeRosse once again terrorized our city by committing the same crime in which he utilized an innocent bystander as collateral to ensure his demands were met,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy. “DeRosse's actions carelessly endangered the lives of others out of personal greed. The FBI will not tolerate repeat offenders who consistently threaten the safety of our city and its citizens.”
As described in the government’s sentencing memorandum and other court documents, on April 6, 2023, DeRosse entered a branch of Ridgewood Savings Bank on Myrtle Avenue in Glendale, Queens, grabbed an elderly bank customer around the neck, and yelled that he was going to “blow her f-----g brains out” if the bank teller did not give him money. Another customer hid under a desk during the robbery. A screenshot from the bank’s video surveillance system, showing this harrowing moment, appears below.
The bank teller obeyed DeRosse’s demand and gave him $205 in cash. DeRosse then fled, but he was identified and arrested by the FBI a few weeks later. DeRosse previously had been convicted of robbery-related crimes on at least seven occasions and was on parole, having served a 13-year sentence for bank robbery at the time he committed this bank robbery. He had been released from state prison less than a month earlier.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca M. Schuman is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
Gerald DeRosse
Age: 55
Broad Channel, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-221 (WFK)
Pittsford woman pleads guilty to check kiting schemeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Katherine Mott-Formicola, 54, of Pittsford, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to financial institution fraud and money laundering, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Testani, who is handling the case, stated that Mott-Formicola was a controlling member of several business entities, operating 10 business accounts at Five Star Bank and seven business accounts at Kinecta Federal Credit Union. Between November 29, 2022, and March 11, 2024, she perpetrated a “check-kiting” scheme by sending hundreds of checks between the various bank accounts for the purpose of fraudulently inflating the balance of the accounts. Mott-Formicola would write a check from one account for a dollar amount greater than what the bank account actually contained. Then, she would deposit the over-valued check into another bank account that she controlled at a different institution, knowing that banks typically place funds into a depositing account before confirming the funds in the withdrawing account. Accordingly, during this delay, she would temporarily inflate the cash balance in her accounts at various financial institutions by writing over-valued checks that were still honored, despite the originating account having insufficient funds. During the course of the scheme, Mott-Formicola intentionally kited over 500 over-valued checks between her various bank accounts for the purpose of over-inflating her accounts. Furthermore, because the inflated account balance would only last until the depositing institution eventually discovered that the withdrawing account had insufficient funds, Mott-Formicola would kite additional checks into the withdrawing accounts to allow the scheme to continue without detection.
In March 2024, Kinecta ultimately dishonored Mott-Formicola’s latest round of over-valued checks to her Five Star Bank accounts and charged back the amounts. Because she had already spent approximately $20,907,000 from her various Five Star accounts that she did not actually have, the charge-back resulted in an approximately $20,907,000 overdraw balance. Mott-Formicola spent the $20,907,000 on her various business ventures and personal items, such as real estate. Five Star Bank was able to recover some funds, ultimately suffering a loss of $18,979,005.79.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Executive Special Agent-in Charge Harry Chavis, New York Field Division, and the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 1, 2025, before Judge Geraci.
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Pittsburgh Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Keith Harris, 25, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on June 11, 2024, Pittsburgh Police officers observed Harris fleeing an alley where it was later discovered that two firearms had been stowed. Harris attempted to conceal the firearms—both of which were loaded, and one of which was reported stolen—between a vending machine and beverage crates in the alleyway. As a previously convicted felon, Harris is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for April 2, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Court remanded Harris into the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and local law enforcement agencies conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harris.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Mail Theft Scheme, Altering Stolen Checks and Money OrdersRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Zachkey James, 29, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge R. Barclay Surrick to 48 months’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and forfeiture of $345,681.68 for impersonation of a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier, unlawful possession of three USPS Arrow Keys, mail theft, and possession of stolen mail.
James was charged by complaint and arrested in November 2022, and in April of this year, pleaded guilty to all charges in a 12-count superseding information.
From 2020 through his arrest, the defendant perpetrated an elaborate scheme to steal more than $300,000 from hundreds of victims. He dressed as a United States Postal Service letter carrier and traveled through Philadelphia using stolen Arrow Keys to steal the mail from blue USPS collection boxes in broad daylight.
He rifled through the stolen mail, pulling out checks and money orders, altered the payee name on these checks and money orders to be payable to himself and co-conspirators, and then either cashed the forged checks and money orders or deposited the forged checks and money orders into accounts controlled by himself and co-conspirators.
When Postal Inspectors executed a federal warrant to search his apartment and vehicle, they found piles of undelivered mail, hundreds of checks and money orders waiting to be forged, approximately 15 undelivered mail-in ballots (all of which were delivered to the appropriate county board of election in time to be counted), solvent and toothbrushes used to wash checks and money orders, multiple stolen Arrow Keys, and a USPS letter carrier uniform.
“These weren’t just pieces of paper that Zachkey James stole,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “These were people’s mortgage and utility payments, their loan payoffs, their child support checks — and for numerous victims, the repercussions of his thefts were devastating. My office and the USPIS will continue to investigate and prosecute these mail theft cases to hold the perpetrators fully accountable.”
“Protecting the mail from theft is a core mission of the Postal Inspection Service,” said Christopher Nielsen, Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division for the Postal Inspection Service. “When someone steals mail, Postal Inspectors will work relentlessly to hold those individuals to account. Today, accountability came for Zachkey James, who was sentenced for stealing checks out of the U.S. Mail and fraudulently passing those checks through the financial system. I want to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for their continued support in prosecuting these cases.”
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Brown.
Peruvian National Extradited for Facilitating Peruvian Call Center Scheme That Threatened and Defrauded Spanish-Speaking U.S. ConsumersRead the Press Release
A resident of Lima, Peru, was extradited to the United States and was arraigned today in a federal court in Miami, where he stands accused of facilitating fraud schemes perpetrated by numerous Peruvian call centers that defrauded victims across the United States, the Justice Department and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) announced today.
David Cornejo Fernandez, 36, will face federal wire fraud, extortion and conspiracy charges. Cornejo was arrested on May 17, by Peruvian authorities pursuant to a U.S. extradition request. He has remained incarcerated since that time.
According to the indictment, the defendant provided Internet-based telephone lines, caller-ID spoofing services, and recording capabilities to fraudulent call centers from November 2012 through June 2019. Cornejo provided his co-conspirators in Peru with the technology to place fraudulent and extortionate calls to vulnerable Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States. Cornejo’s co-conspirators falsely told victims that they had been selected to receive a prize, such as a tablet containing an English language course. Many victims expressed interest in receiving the prizes. In later calls, victims were told that they were required to make large payments to receive the prizes. When victims objected, the callers falsely claimed that victims would face severe consequences — including court proceedings, arrest or harm to their immigration status — if they did not pay. The callers impersonated attorneys, court officials, federal agents and police officers to threaten and intimidate victims into making payments.
Cornejo provided his co-conspirators with the software — and at times, the training — to convincingly impersonate government officials and extort payments from victims. Cornejo provided his co-conspirators with the technology to manipulate the phone numbers on victims’ caller IDs, which enabled them to place threatening calls that appeared to be coming from U.S. federal agencies, court officials or law enforcement agencies. Cornejo also placed recordings on his co-conspirators’ inbound phone lines that appeared to be recordings from actual U.S. courts, police departments and federal agencies, including the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These recordings enhanced the apparent legitimacy of the threatening calls and were used to extort payments from vulnerable consumers in the Southern District of Florida and across the United States.
“The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute transnational criminals who seek to take advantage of vulnerable U.S. consumers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners across the globe to thwart criminals who defraud and extort U.S. victims from outside the United States. I thank the Republic of Peru, including the Peruvian National Police, for its assistance extraditing this individual to face charges here in the United States.”
“The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations, to include the elderly and recent immigrants,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “We will not allow transnational criminals to use fear tactics and intimidation to steal money from the public we serve. Individuals who defraud American consumers will be brought to justice, no matter where they are located.”
“Today’s initial appearance of David Cornejo Fernandez is strong evidence of the dedication between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida who will stop at nothing to bring those who victimize our citizens to justice,” said Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas of the USPIS Miami Division. “I want to thank the Republic of Peru and all our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to combat these transnational schemes that defraud U.S. consumers. Together, we continue to send a strong message, that justice has no borders and this collaboration between countries demonstrates those efforts to preserve the rule of law.”
A six-count federal indictment was filed against the defendant in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in February 2023 and was unsealed upon the defendant’s extradition to the United States. The defendant has been charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and extortion.
If convicted, Cornejo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
USPIS investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Peruvian National Police and the Peruvian Attorney General’s Office provided critical assistance.
Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorney Carolyn Rice of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch prosecuted the case.
The Justice Department continues to investigate and bring charges in other similar matters involving threats against Spanish-speaking residents of the United States. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Consumer complaints may be filed with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its fraud enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Peruvian National Extradited for Facilitating Peruvian Call Center Scheme That Threatened and Defrauded Spanish-Speaking U.S. ConsumersRead the Press Release
Note: View the Spanish translation here.
MIAMI — A resident of Lima, Peru, was extradited to the United States and was arraigned today in a federal court in Miami, where he stands accused of facilitating fraud schemes perpetrated by numerous Peruvian call centers that defrauded victims across the United States, the Justice Department and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) announced today.
David Cornejo Fernandez, 36, will face federal wire fraud, extortion and conspiracy charges. Cornejo was arrested on May 17, by Peruvian authorities pursuant to a U.S. extradition request. He has remained incarcerated since that time.
According to the indictment, the defendant provided Internet-based telephone lines, caller-ID spoofing services, and recording capabilities to fraudulent call centers from November 2012 through June 2019. Cornejo provided his co-conspirators in Peru with the technology to place fraudulent and extortionate calls to vulnerable Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States. Cornejo’s co-conspirators falsely told victims that they had been selected to receive a prize, such as a tablet containing an English language course. Many victims expressed interest in receiving the prizes. In later calls, victims were told that they were required to make large payments to receive the prizes. When victims objected, the callers falsely claimed that victims would face severe consequences — including court proceedings, arrest or harm to their immigration status — if they did not pay. The callers impersonated attorneys, court officials, federal agents and police officers to threaten and intimidate victims into making payments.
Cornejo provided his co-conspirators with the software — and at times, the training — to convincingly impersonate government officials and extort payments from victims. Cornejo provided his co-conspirators with the technology to manipulate the phone numbers on victims’ caller IDs, which enabled them to place threatening calls that appeared to be coming from U.S. federal agencies, court officials or law enforcement agencies. Cornejo also placed recordings on his co-conspirators’ inbound phone lines that appeared to be recordings from actual U.S. courts, police departments and federal agencies, including the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These recordings enhanced the apparent legitimacy of the threatening calls and were used to extort payments from vulnerable consumers in the Southern District of Florida and across the United States.
“The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations, to include the elderly and recent immigrants,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “We will not allow transnational criminals to use fear tactics and intimidation to steal money from the public we serve. Individuals who defraud American consumers will be brought to justice, no matter where they are located.”
“The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute transnational criminals who seek to take advantage of vulnerable U.S. consumers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners across the globe to thwart criminals who defraud and extort U.S. victims from outside the United States. I thank the Republic of Peru, including the Peruvian National Police, for its assistance extraditing this individual to face charges here in the United States.”
“Today’s initial appearance of David Cornejo Fernandez is strong evidence of the dedication between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida who will stop at nothing to bring those who victimize our citizens to justice,” said Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas of the USPIS Miami Division. “I want to thank the Republic of Peru and all our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to combat these transnational schemes that defraud U.S. consumers. Together, we continue to send a strong message, that justice has no borders and this collaboration between countries demonstrates those efforts to preserve the rule of law.”
A six-count federal indictment was filed against the defendant in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in February 2023 and was unsealed upon the defendant’s extradition to the United States. The defendant has been charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and extortion.
If convicted, Cornejo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
USPIS investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Peruvian National Police and the Peruvian Attorney General’s Office provided critical assistance.
Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorney Carolyn Rice of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch prosecuted the case.
The Justice Department continues to investigate and bring charges in other similar matters involving threats against Spanish-speaking residents of the United States. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Consumer complaints may be filed with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its fraud enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Conspiring to Launder Cybercrime Fraud ProceedsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A recidivist money launderer from Pennsylvania has been sentenced for his role in an international money laundering conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples.
U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Toochukwu Michael Okorie, 46, of Bristol, Pennsylvania, to 108 months in prison. Okorie was convicted in July of conspiracy to commit money laundering. In 2011, Okorie was convicted of wire fraud and money laundering in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
According to evidence presented at trial, from June 2017 through May 2019, Okorie helped launder hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraud proceeds through two front companies: TMO Consulting LLC and Collective Intelligence Forensics LLC. During the conspiracy, Okorie and his co-conspirators would receive wire transfers from business email compromise, romance scam, and other frauds—including from victims in the Northern District of Alabama. Okorie and his co-conspirators would then move the fraud proceeds among bank accounts in an effort to disguise their origin and conceal their fraudulent nature. After paying themselves a commission, members of the conspiracy ultimately would wire the proceeds to bank accounts in Nigeria or use them to purchase automobiles that were shipped overseas.
U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco previously sentenced two other individuals involved in the money laundering conspiracy: On January 20, 2022, Paulinus Ebhodaghe, 40, of Clementon, New Jersey, was sentenced to 37 months in prison; and Ohimai Asikhia, 37, of Glassboro, New Jersey, was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward J. Canter and John M. Hundscheid prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force provided assistance during the investigation.
For more resources on cybercrime, visit www.ic3.gov.
Pelham Man Sentenced to 80 Years in Prison on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Pelham man was sentenced today on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon.
U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Neal Richard Goodacre, 54, to 960 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. In July, Goodacre pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. These convictions will require Goodacre to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to the plea agreement, in July 2023, the Queensland, Australia, Child Exploitation Task Force discovered images of child pornography on a Russian file-sharing website. Queensland officers connected the account used to post the images to Goodacre at a residence in Pelham, Alabama. On September 13, 2023, HSI executed a search warrant at Goodacre’s residence. Agents recovered two electronic devices containing 29 images and one video of child pornography. Goodacre produced some of the child pornography he possessed.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case along with the Queensland, Australia, Child Exploitation Task Force and the Pelham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.
If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Operations Manager Charged in Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York operations manager was charged today in federal court in Boston for allegedly conspiring to offer and pay kickbacks to doctors in exchange for ordering medically unnecessary brain scans.
Timothy Doyle, 45, of Selden, N.Y. was charged and has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-kickback statute. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging documents, from at least June 2013 through at least September 2020, Doyle allegedly conspired with others, including two managers for a mobile medical diagnostics company that performed transcranial doppler (TCD) scans, to enter into kickback agreements with various doctors. TCD scans are brain scans that measure blood flow in parts of the brain. It is alleged that Doyle and his co-conspirators agreed to offer and pay doctors kickbacks, some in cash and others by check, based on the number of TCD ultrasounds the doctors ordered. Doyle and his co-conspirators allegedly created purported rental and administrative service agreements, which on paper made it appear as if doctors were compensated for the TCD company’s use of space and administrative resources of the ordering doctor’s practice based on fair market value and not based on the volume or value of referrals. It is also alleged that these agreements were shams that hid the true nature of the arrangement of paying per test.
According to the charging documents, the scheme resulted in fraudulent bills of approximately $70.6 million to Medicare.
The charge of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jonathan Wlodyka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office; Carol S. Hamilton, Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard Locker and Mackenzie Queenin of the Health Care Fraud Unit are 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.
Ontario Man Arrested on Complaint Alleging He Exported Shipments of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Military Items to North KoreaRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Bernardino County man was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint alleging that he exported to North Korea shipments of firearms, ammunition and other military items that were concealed inside shipping containers bound from Long Beach.
Shenghua Wen, 41, of Ontario, is charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a felony that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Wen – a Chinese national illegally residing in the United States – was arrested this morning and is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. His arraignment is expected to occur in the coming weeks.
“It is essential that we protect our country from hostile foreign states that have adverse interests to our nation,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We have arrested a defendant who allegedly acted at the direction of the North Korean government by conspiring to illegally ship firearms, ammunition, and other military equipment to North Korea. I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for stopping this threat and their tireless commitment to the security of our nation.”
“The significance of this arrest and discovery of this scheme cannot be overstated,” said FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis. “Not only did the investigative team prevent additional restricted items going to the North Korean regime, but they gathered valuable intelligence for the United States and our allies. I’m proud of the hard work that went into building the case against Wen by dedicated agents and our partners who specialize in cases that involve illegal exports to foreign adversaries who evade sanctions and utilize weapons and technology for nefarious purposes.”
According to an affidavit filed on November 26 with the complaint, Wen obtained firearms, ammunition, and export-controlled technology with the intention of shipping them to North Korea – a violation of federal law and United States sanctions against that nation. Wen and his co-conspirators allegedly exported shipments of firearms and ammunition to North Korea by concealing the items inside shipping containers that were shipped from Long Beach through Hong Kong to North Korea.
On August 14, law enforcement seized at Wen’s home two devices that he intended to send to North Korea for military use: a chemical threat identification device and a hand-held broadband receiver that detects eavesdropping devices. On September 6, law enforcement seized approximately 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition that Wen allegedly obtained to send to North Korea.
A review of Wen’s iPhone revealed to law enforcement that in December 2023, Wen smuggled items from Long Beach to Hong Kong with their destination being North Korea. Messages retrieved from Wen’s cellphones revealed discussions he had earlier this year with co-conspirators about shipping military-grade equipment to North Korea. Some of these messages include photographs that Wen sent of items controlled for export under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. From January 2024 to April 2024, Wen sent emails and text messages to a U.S.-based broker about obtaining a civilian plane engine. There also were several text messages on Wen’s iPhone concerning price negotiation for the plane and its engine.
Wen is a Chinese national who is illegally in the United States after overstaying his student visa and is therefore prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition. Wen lacks the required licenses from the U.S. government to export ammunition, firearms, and the other devices that law enforcement seized at his home to North Korea.
“The results of today’s arrest and search warrants are a testament to HSI and our partner agencies commitment to national security and protecting our sensitive technology” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson. “It is a federal crime to illegally obtain and export certain US technologies by foreign countries and those who seek to circumvent the law will be thoroughly investigated.”
“Mr. Wen’s arrest is a significant advancement in our collective efforts towards protecting our national security, safeguarding sensitive U.S. technologies and other export-controlled items, and ensuring accountability for the alleged bad actions,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office.
“The defendant’s alleged attempts to illicitly export firearms and military technology from the United States at the behest of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea constitute an alarming violation of sanctions and export control laws,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Dunlap of the Office of Export Enforcement, Los Angeles Field Office. “OEE is committed to working with our federal partners to identify and disrupt illegal export schemes that undermine regional stability and our national security interests at home and abroad.”
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; DCIS; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Gerdes of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the U.S. Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting this case.
Okmulgee County Resident Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of an ExplosiveRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Steven William Burden, age 46, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of an Explosive.
The Indictment alleged that on November 16, 2020, Burden knowingly possessed thirty-one semi-gelatin dynamite sticks after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa Police Department.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Satter represented the United States.
New York man pleads guilty after drunken behavior forced flight to be divertedRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A New York man who threatened flight attendants and fellow passengers pled guilty today to interference with a flight crew.
According to court documents, on May 13, 2023, James Tyqwon Ford, 31, was a passenger on a nonstop flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to New York. Prior to the first beverage service, flight crew members smelled the odor of alcohol aboard the aircraft and made a general announcement that passengers are prohibited from consuming personal alcohol aboard the aircraft. Following the announcement, Ford became disruptive, being disrespectful toward to and using profanity against the flight crew.
A flight attendant advised Ford that cursing at the flight crew is not tolerated, reiterated that he could not consume personal alcohol aboard the aircraft, and notified him that law enforcement would be called when the flight landed. Ford responded with additional lewd comments and stated that the police would have to catch him first. Ford later walked to the rear galley of the aircraft and approached another flight attendant. Ford made physical threats against the first flight attendant, including that he wished to punch her in the face and shoot her.
Passengers informed flight crew members that Ford was making them fear for their safety by making lewd comments, stating that he brought a firearm aboard the plane, and threatening to “tear the plane apart.”
Ford’s wife attempted to remove a bottle of Hennessy from his possession, leading to an altercation and Ford had to be separated from her by other passengers for her to escape to a different section of the aircraft.
Ford then approached crew members at the rear galley of the plane a second time, threatening to have friends in New York follow the crew members to their hotel and “destroy them.”
Ford’s disruptive behavior, threats, and actions towards his wife forced the flight to divert from its intended destination of New York, landing instead in Richmond. Law enforcement officers met the flight upon landing and removed Ford from the plane.
Ford is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Jordan-Detamore is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-142.