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22 November 2024
Two Chicago-Area Residents Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conducting Online Inheritance and Romance ScamsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An undercover law enforcement investigation has resulted in federal prison sentences for two Nigerian nationals residing in the Chicago suburbs who conducted online inheritance scams and other fraud schemes.
Using aliases, ANTHONY EMEKA IBEKIE and SAMUEL ANIUKWU communicated with victims throughout the United States, convincing them they had received substantial inheritances and needed to send money to individuals associated with the defendants in order to claim it. In addition to the inheritance scam, the pair carried out an online romance scam that involved communicating with victims via social media and dating websites, building trust with the victims through a purported online romance, and convincing them to send money to a predetermined recipient. Aniukwu and Ibekie also orchestrated a “business email compromise” scam that targeted corporate email accounts.
The fraud schemes were uncovered by a covert law enforcement investigation. The scams resulted in losses to victims of at least $3.5 million.
A federal jury earlier this year convicted Ibekie, 59, of Oswego, Ill., on all 14 counts of wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, making false statements to a bank, and passport fraud. U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger on Thursday sentenced Ibekie to 20 years in federal prison.
Aniukwu, 50, of Romeoville, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and money laundering charges. Judge Seeger on Nov. 8, 2024, sentenced Aniukwu to ten years in prison.
A third defendant, JENNIFER GOSHA, 52, a U.S. citizen from Oak Park, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges of wire fraud and making false statements to a federal agent. Gosha is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Seeger on Dec. 18, 2024.
Aniukwu’s and Ibekie’s sentencings were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office, Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago, and Ruth Mendonça, Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Chicago. Valuable assistance was provided by the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige A. Nutini and Megan DeMarco represent the government.
Tulare Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Aaron Iribe, 35, of Tulare, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to five years and 10 months in prison and for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on July 27, 2020, Iribe coordinated the delivery of 16 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover officer. The methamphetamine was seized from a vehicle driven by Iribe’s co-defendant, Daniel Lopez. The undercover officer arranged to purchase 20 pounds of methamphetamine for $80,000 from Iribe’s Mexico-based co-conspirator.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT). Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.
Co-defendant Daniel Lopez pleaded guilty on Aug. 8, 2024, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 19, 2024.
This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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. The Sacramento Strike Force is a 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 Sacramento Strike Force is to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) shipping narcotics, firearms, and money through the Eastern District of California, thereby reducing the flow of these criminal resources in California and the rest of the United States. The Sacramento Strike Force leads intelligence-driven investigations targeting the leadership and support elements of these DTOs and TCOs operating within the Eastern District of California, regardless of their geographic base of operations.
Tucson Woman Sentenced to 60 Months for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for ProfitRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Mariana Garcia-Tapia, 32, of Tucson, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 60 months in prison. Garcia-Tapia pleaded guilty on July 10, 2024, to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit Placing in Jeopardy the Life of Any Person. She was given an additional 12 months in prison to run consecutive to her sentence for violating the conditions of her supervised release in a separate case (CR-22-00816-002-PHX-DJH).
On February 2, 2024, near Naco, Arizona, a United States Border Patrol camera operator observed four suspected undocumented noncitizens approach a 2011 Volkswagen Routan. Another Border Patrol agent responded and observed the group get into the Routan. When Border Patrol stopped the vehicle, they found that it was only occupied by the driver and co-defendant, Sharnesia Latrice Cooley, her two-year-old minor son and the defendant, Garcia-Tapia. A search of the area revealed four injured people strewn along the road just east of the San Pedro Bridge. Their injuries were consistent with having jumped from a moving vehicle. They were transported to the hospital with serious head trauma among other injuries, and it was determined that all four were illegally present within the United States. One of the undocumented noncitizens admitted that they had made arrangements to be smuggled into the United States for a sum of money.
The co-defendant, Cooley, was found guilty by way of jury trial. She is currently set for sentencing on January 16, 2025, before Judge Rash.
Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia Renee Quezada and Caroline Allen, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR 24-00910-2-TUC-SHR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-161_Garcia-Tapia# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Three Charlotte Men Charged with Stealing High-End Vehicles Appear in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Three Charlotte men charged with conspiring to steal high-end vehicles appeared in federal court today, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. A grand jury returned the criminal indictment earlier this week, which remained under seal until today.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
Jonathan Marquis Stitt, 36, Francisco Arnoldo Lopez Pena, 41, and Jason Randall Spearman, 43, all of Charlotte, are charged with conspiring to violate federal laws prohibiting the transportation, possession, and sale of stolen vehicles and the altering and removal of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). Each defendant is separately charged with altering the VINs of specific vehicles. In addition, Stitt is also charged with two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle and Spearman is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The indictment alleges that, between 2020 and October 2024, the defendants and their co-conspirators engaged in a conspiracy to steal high-end motor vehicles worth millions of dollars from businesses and individuals in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland. In order to maximize profits, Stitt and other co-conspirators allegedly sought to obtain high-end vehicles, including various luxury models made by Acura, Cadillac, Lamborghini, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as trucks and other expensive models from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Freightliner, and GMC.
According to allegations in the indictment, once in possession of the stolen vehicles, the defendants and their co-conspirators regularly altered or tampered with the stolen vehicles’ original VINs to avoid detection by law enforcement and to maximize resale value. Stitt and his co-conspirators also used fraudulent 30-day tags on the stolen vehicles, caused certain of the stolen vehicles to be fraudulently registered with state motor vehicle agencies, and repainted stolen vehicles, all in an effort to further avoid detection from law enforcement.
According to allegations in the indictment, Stitt and his co-conspirators often sought to sell the stolen vehicles at prices significantly below their fair market value, and also possessed several of the stolen vehicles for personal use and to further facilitate the scheme.
The defendants were detained by the U.S. magistrate judge at their initial appearance pending detention hearings next week. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The charge of possession of a stolen vehicle carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The charge of altering or removing a VIN carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. And the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum prison term of 15 years.
This is the fifth indictment filed in the U.S. District Court in Charlotte related to federal offenses involving stolen vehicles since August 2023. In July 2024, a Charlotte man was indicted for stealing high end luxury vehicles and altering VINs, including several vehicles from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Also, in March 2023, two individuals were charged for a scheme that involved buying and selling stolen vehicles from across the country. In August 2023, five individuals were indicted for stealing luxury vehicles from dealerships throughout the United States, and two additional individuals were indicted in November 2023, for orchestrating high-end auto thefts from businesses in South Carolina.
The charges against the defendants are allegations and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney King commended the FBI and CMPD for their investigation of the case and thanked the National Insurance Crime Bureau and Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Bozin and Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
Theodore Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Theodore man was sentenced to 121 months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Howard Leon Crum, Jr., 54, sold methamphetamine to confidential informants on two occasions in January and March 2022. Those sales led narcotics agents to obtain warrants to search Crum’s house in Theodore. During the execution of those search warrants, agents seized additional methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and Crum’s cell phones, which contained extensive communications that he had with coconspirators regarding drug deals. In an interview with agents, Crum admitted that he was a “middleman” drug dealer, buying large amounts of methamphetamine at a time and redistributing it for other, high-level drug dealers.
In addition to the 121-month prison term, United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose ordered Crum to serve a five-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will undergo drug testing and treatment, and will receive mental health treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge DuBose ordered Crum to pay $100 in special assessments.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Tampa Woman Sentenced to Prison for Smuggling More Than $100,000 in Cash into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Mirtza Ocana (39, Tampa) to five months in federal prison for smuggling bulk cash into the United States. The court also ordered Ocana to pay a $10,000 fine and to forfeit more than $100,000 that she had tried to smuggle into the United States. Ocana entered a guilty plea on August 12, 2024.
According to court documents, on February 5, 2024, Ocana returned to the United States on a flight from Cuba. As Ocana passed through passport control, she told U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents that she did not have anything to declare, including any cash over $10,000. When agents searched Ocana’s bags, they discovered $31,409 in cash in her luggage and purse. Agents then patted down Ocana and found an additional $71,300 concealed under her clothing. In total, Ocana attempted to smuggle approximately $102,400 into the United States.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Recruiting Individuals to Pass Counterfeit Federal Reserve NotesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Trentavius Quntez Scott (37, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Scott faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and restitution to the victims he defrauded. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents and public records, Scott appeared in federal court on September 26, 2024, pursuant to a writ bringing him to Jacksonville from the Hillsborough County Detention Center where he is serving a sentence for a counterfeit-related crime. The court ordered Scott detained. Scott is also wanted on a felony arrest warrant out of Hernando County on an unrelated financial crime case.
According to the plea agreement, in July 2023, Scott recruited an individual to assist him in passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Scott provided the individual with counterfeit the counterfeit currency, then the two traveled to Ocala. In Ocala, Scott and the individual went to a retail store and passed multiple counterfeit bills. In March 2024, Scott recruited two more individuals and provided them with counterfeit cash. Scott and the two individuals traveled to St. Johns County where they passed more counterfeit Federal Reserve notes at a retail store.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Prison for Illegally Exporting Firearm Parts to IsraelRead the Press Release
CHICAGO —A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for illegally shipping firearm parts to Israel.
AMIN BETUNI shipped the firearm parts to individuals in Israel on at least three occasions in 2022. The parts included rifle barrels, gas blocks for rifles, and bolt carrier groups. Betuni put false information on the shipping labels and concealed the firearm parts in packages containing auto parts or George Foreman grills. The firearm parts were on the United States Commerce Control List and subject to federal export regulations. As such, their export from the U.S. to Israel required a license or written approval from the Department of Commerce, neither of which was obtained by Betuni prior to his shipments.
During a court-authorized search of Betuni’s residence in Palos Hills, Ill., in December 2022, law enforcement discovered more than 1,200 rounds of assorted ammunition, a shotgun, rifle, and handgun, additional bolt carrier groups, and three firearm conversion devices, also known as “Glock switches,” which equip firearms to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger.
Betuni, 37, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal charge of knowingly and fraudulently exporting firearm parts in violation of U.S. laws and regulations. U.S. District Judge John F. Kness on Thursday sentenced Betuni to 46 months in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations, and Aaron Tambrini, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Palos Hills, Ill. Police Department. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn D. McCarthy.
“Export-control violations are critically important because they undermine federal laws and regulations that seek to protect international security,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue those who seek to exploit U.S. export-control laws for financial gain.”
"The sentencing of Betuni to 46 months in federal prison for illegally shipping firearm parts highlights the serious consequences of violating export control laws,” said SAC Fitzgerald. “This case underscores the critical importance of strong law enforcement partnerships. By working together, we can effectively investigate and prosecute those who stand in the way of public safety.”
“The sentencing of Amin Betuni sends a strong message to those that violate export controls,” said SAC Tambrini. “This multi-agency investigation demonstrates the commitment by law enforcement to intercept firearms hidden in small appliances to thwart the illegal trade of firearms around the globe.”
St. Petersburg Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Eric L. Lemon (46, St. Petersburg) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses. Lemon entered a guilty plea in July 2024.
According to court documents, Lemon and his co-conspirators sold methamphetamine, cocaine, bath salts, and a variety of prescription pills out of various trap houses in St. Petersburg. During the investigation into Lemon, law enforcement seized more than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and four firearms. Lemon previously served 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses.
This case was investigated by the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David P. Sullivan and James A. Muench.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Springfield Sex Offender Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography.
Marvin E. Smith, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 16 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Smith to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.
On March 5, 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography.
Smith’s state parole officer discovered images of child pornography on his cell flip phone on Feb. 8, 2023. The next day, the manager of the halfway house where Smith resided discovered a microSD card that had been taped to the back of Smith’s television. Investigators found additional files of child pornography on the microSD card, including infants and prepubescent girls being sexually assaulted and children engaged in bestiality and bound. In total, investigators found more than 6,400 files of child pornography.
Smith has prior felony convictions for possessing child pornography and residing within 1,000 feet of a school. Smith had been released from state prison eight months earlier and was on parole at the time he committed the federal offense in this case.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the FBI, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Slidell Man Sentenced for Misappropriation of Postal FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARREN PHILLIP COLER, JR. (“COLER”), age 35, pled guilty on August 7, 2024 to misappropriation of postal funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1711. COLER was sentenced on November 20, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
According to court records, COLER, an employee of the United States Postal Service (USPS), beginning in July 2021 and continuing until November 2021, did knowingly and willfully use money and property, totaling $62,033, belonging to the USPS.
COLER was sentenced to six months in prison, two years of supervised release, mandatory restitution in the amount of $62,033 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González of the General Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schrier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The sentencing took place on November 20, 2024.
Tanner Lee Hershman, 29, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hershman was indicted for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury in April 2024. He pleaded guilty to Possession of a Stolen Firearm in August 2024.
On December 21, 2023, officers were called to a residence in Sioux Falls for a report of a domestic disturbance. The reporting party alleged that she had been assaulted by Hershman inside the residence that evening. In speaking with the reporting party, law enforcement learned that Hershman, a convicted felon, was also in possession of a firearm. A Glock model 44, semi-automatic pistol was subsequently located in the garage of the residence and confirmed to be a firearm reported stolen in October 2023. Through investigation, detectives discovered that Hershman had stolen the firearm from the gun owner’s vehicle on October 8, 2023.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Beau J. Blouin prosecuted the case.
Hershman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Shelton Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Assault Rifle and Ammunition in WaterburyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL RIVERA, also known as “Macho,” 32, of Shelton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing an assault rifle and ammunition.
According to the evidence presented during Rivera’s trial, in the early morning hours of July 5, 2020, Waterbury Police officers responded to a shots-fired complaint in the area of William Street and Laurel Street in Waterbury. When officers arrived on William Street, Rivera, who was wearing a body armor vest, attempted to flee by climbing over a fence. Rivera was apprehended, and a search of the area from which he had run revealed a Romarm/Cugir, AK Type Model, 7.62 x 39mm caliber, semi-automatic rifle containing a fully-loaded 30-round magazine. Rivera also possessed one round of ammunition in his pocket.
Rivera’s criminal history includes convictions for felony firearm, robbery, and burglary offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On October 19, 2023, Rivera was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
It is alleged that on June 21, 2022, while he was released on bond and awaiting trial in this case, Rivera unlawfully possessed a stolen 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, and two Kevlar bullet proof vests. He has been detained since July 13, 2022, and additional charges are pending in Hartford federal court. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a charge is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Waterbury Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patricia Stolfi Collins through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice 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 www.justice.gov/psn.
Serial Burglar SentencedRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man was sentenced today for three counts of second-degree burglary and four counts of third-degree burglary in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Mark Alfred Foreman, 38, to 70 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Hill further ordered Foreman to pay more than $3,200 in restitution.
Between 5 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on November 16, 2023, Foreman admitted to committing seven burglaries around Tulsa. Foreman broke into two homes and four vehicles using various destructive methods. His final stop that morning alerted Tulsa Police officers. When officers saw Foreman, they pursued him until he crashed into a fence. From there, he took off on foot and was ultimately found by a K-9 officer and detained.
During Foreman’s string of burglaries, his girlfriend was assisting him. She was detained later that day. The Tulsa County District Attorney’s office prosecuted and convicted her for her role in the burglaries.
Foreman is a citizen of Sac and Fox Nation. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Flynn prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about PSN, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Second Former NYCHA Superintendent Convicted of Bribery and Extortion Offenses at TrialRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Jocelyn E. Strauber, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”); William S. Walker, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”); Vicky Vazquez, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (“HUD OIG”); and Jonathan Mellone, the Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), announced that HECTOR COLON, a former New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) superintendent, was convicted today of bribery and extortion under color of official right for taking thousands of dollars from contractors in exchange for awarding those contractors no-bid contracts or approving payment on previously awarded contracts at NYCHA developments for approximately three years. The verdict followed a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Corruption is an insidious crime—difficult to detect, corrosive in its effect on government agencies, and damaging to the public’s trust in government institutions. As a NYCHA Superintendent, Hector Colon abused his position of public trust by demanding thousands of dollars of bribes from contractors, betraying his duty to NYCHA residents, the City of New York, and taxpayers. The jury’s unanimous verdict sends a clear message that those who use their public offices for personal gain will be held accountable.”
DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said: “When public servants demand payoffs from vendors providing services to the New York City Housing Authority, they drive up the cost of those services, diverting valuable resources from the residents of public housing. Today, this suspended NYCHA employee stands convicted by a jury for this criminal conduct, joining 59 convicted colleagues, among the 70 who have been charged. And to date, NYCHA has implemented 11 of DOI’s 14 recommendations intended to thwart employees who would use positions of trust to enrich themselves at the expense of New Yorkers that NYCHA serves. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and our federal law enforcement partners for their commitment to protect public resources and to hold accountable those public servants who abuse their authority.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker “Today’s guilty verdict — the second successful trial following HSI’s sweeping task force investigation into bribery and extortion amongst NYCHA personnel — underscores the importance of collaboration among law enforcement partners in protecting and serving New Yorkers. The pervasive corruption exemplified by Colon’s conduct continues to be brought to light, and HSI New York’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force is proud to have played a role uncovering the exploitation of an underserved community for personal gain.”
HUD OIG Special Agent in Charge Vicky Vazquez said: “Colon took advantage of his position of trust and engaged in a deplorable bribery and kickback scheme to enrich himself. Moreover, he violated the fair process for awarding government contracts, putting the integrity of HUD programs at risk. HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our prosecutorial, law enforcement, and oversight partners to aggressively pursue individuals who engage in activities that jeopardize HUD programs.”
DOL-OIG Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone said: “Suspended NYCHA superintendent Hector Colon abused his position to extort contractors in exchange for no-bid construction contracts that violated the requirements of federal law. Today’s conviction sends a clear message that public corruption will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who corruptly exploit federally funded governmental programs at the expense of American taxpayers.”
According to the evidence presented in court during the trial:
NYCHA is the largest public housing authority in the country, providing housing to New Yorkers across the City and receiving over $1.5 billion in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) every year. When repairs or construction work at NYCHA housing require the use of outside contractors, services must typically be purchased via a bidding process. However, when the value of a contract was under a certain threshold, designated staff at NYCHA developments, including superintendents, could hire a contractor of their choosing without soliciting multiple bids. With either type of contract, a NYCHA employee needed to certify that the work was satisfactorily completed in order for the contractor to receive payment from NYCHA.
COLON, a superintendent at multiple NYCHA developments in Manhattan between 2019 and 2021, including Harlem River Houses, Fort Washington Houses, and Drew Hamilton Houses, demanded and received cash in exchange for NYCHA contracts by either requiring contractors to pay up front in order to be awarded the contracts or requiring payment after the contractor finished the work and needed COLON to sign off on the completed job. COLON typically demanded approximately 10% of the contract value—between $500 and $1,000 depending on the size of the contract—or a flat bribe of $1,000 for signing off on invoices for completed work. In total, COLON demanded and received thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in NYCHA contracts.
Of the 70 individual NYCHA employees charged with bribery and extortion offenses in February 2024, 58 have pled guilty, and two have been convicted after trial.
If you believe you have information related to bribery, extortion, or any other illegal conduct by NYCHA employees, please contact [email protected] or (212) 306-3356. If you were involved in such conduct, please consider self-disclosing through the SDNY Whistleblower Pilot Program at [email protected].
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COLON, 46, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of one count of federal program bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of extortion under color of official right, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Department of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the HUD Office of Inspector General, and DOL-OIG, which work together collaboratively as part of the HSI Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, as well as the special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob R. Fiddelman, Catherine Ghosh, and Jane Kim are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Jayda Foote and Shirel Garzon.
San Fernando Valley Man Sentenced to More Than 1 Year in Prison for Sending Emails in Which He Threatened to Bomb FBI’s L.A. OfficeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison for sending threatening emails to the FBI, including ones in which he threatened to bomb the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and referenced the notorious “Unabomber.”
Mark William Anten, 53, of Sun Valley, was sentenced by United States District Judge Wesley L. Hsu.
At the conclusion of a three-day trial, a jury on June 5 found Anten guilty of two counts of threats by interstate communication.
“Federal agents deserve our appreciation for risking their lives to enforce the law and protect our community,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Threats against law enforcement are unacceptable and we will continue to stand with the FBI and the rest of our law enforcement partners against those who threaten them.”
“Mr. Anten double-downed on his intimidation and credible death threats to FBI employees at their place of employment,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “There are civil, productive ways to disagree with the government if so inclined, but threats of violence is not one of them and – as evidenced by today's sentencing – will only lead to prison.”
From July 2023 to December 2023, Anten sent a series of increasingly threatening communications to the FBI, culminating in two threats to bomb the FBI field office in Westwood.
The emails included repeated references to Theodore John Kaczynski, a.k.a. “The Unabomber,” whose 20-year bombing campaign killed three people and injured nearly two dozen more. Kaczynski was convicted of federal crimes, spent the bulk of his prison sentence in the Supermax federal prison in Colorado and died in a different federal prison last year.
On November 20, 2023, two FBI task force officers interviewed Anten in front of his residence. During the interview, Anten admitted to sending the previous communications and the officers admonished him to stop contacting agents. Despite the admonition, Anten’s conduct escalated.
On December 5, 2023, Anten sent to FBI agents an email in which he wrote, “I AM THE UNABOMBER” and “I WILL UNABOMB THE LOS ANGELES FBI HQ.”
The next day, Anten wrote to FBI agents, “I can go on a mass murder spree. In fact it would be very explainable by your actions.” He concluded the email with, “[y]ou ain’t getting away with this one,” and signed the email, “SuperMax or Death.”
Anten also sent FBI agents an email, which attached a photograph depicting the results of an internet search for “how to make a dirty bomb.”
Later that day, Anten visited the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and later emailed agents that he visited their building and would continue to do so. Surveillance footage confirmed Anten’s presence there.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Clifford D. Mpare of the General Crimes Section and Kedar S. Bhatia of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section prosecuted this case.
Romanian Group Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property from WalmartRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – COSTEL ALIMAN (“ALIMAN”), SABINA MUNTEANU (“MUNTEANU”), and RAMBO HARNA (“HARNA”), citizens of Romania, were charged on November 21, 2024 in a three-count superseding indictment for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen goods, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. ALIMAN and MUNTEANU were previously indicted in Counts 2 and 3 for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to Count 1 of the superseding indictment, ALIMAN, MUNTEANU, and HARNA, conspired to defraud Walmart stores across the country, out of merchandise, money orders, and money transfer requests. ALIMAN would count out money in front of a Walmart cashier, while one of his co-conspirators, including MUNTEANU and HARNA, would distract the cashier. Using a sleight-of-hand technique, ALIMAN would pretend to hand the cashier the full amount while secretly retrieving a large portion of the cash. The co-conspirators would then return merchandise for a refund to other Walmart stores in a different state or obtain the full value of money orders and money transfer requests after having only paid for a fraction of the cost.
If convicted of Count 1, ALIMAN, MUNTEANU, and HARNA each face up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. As to Counts 2 and 3, ALIMAN and MUNTEANU each face up to 2 years of imprisonment, up to 1 year of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and Walmart Home Office Central Investigations Organized Retail Crime Division in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Rochester man going to prison on gun and drug chargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Shawnle McClary, 48, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that between 2021 and January 17, 2024, McClary conspired with Timothy Jackson, Jr. a/k/a T a/k/a T-Rock, Gary Fuller a/k/a G, Felicia Collins a/k/a Keisha and others to sell cocaine and fentanyl. McClary regularly packaged cocaine for sale, and transported quantities of cocaine and fentanyl from a stash location at residences on Forester Street to stash and/or sale locations on Angle Street in Rochester. On January 17, 2024, law enforcement searched numerous locations in Rochester utilized by members of the conspiracy as well as McClary’s Mobile Drive residence in the Town of Greece. During the searches, approximately 805 grams of cocaine, 210 grams of fentanyl, 223 grams of cocaine, $7,682 in cash, seven loaded firearms, and drug paraphernalia were seized.
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.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Repeat Offender Sentenced for Illegal Gun Possession in Southwest GeorgiaRead the Press Release
A Southwest Georgia resident with a lengthy criminal history in the community was sentenced to prison today for illegally possessing a firearm resulting from separate a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation.
Marcus Ryan Telfair, 30, of Baconton, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 130 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on June 26. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat convicted felons caught with firearms during the commission of other crimes will see their cases in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office supports the work of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to make our communities safer and hold serial offenders accountable.”
"Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to ensuring that those with a history of violent crime are held accountable for their actions. The illegal possession of firearms by convicted felons poses a significant threat to our communities, and we will continue to work tirelessly to remove these dangerous individuals from our streets,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka.
“This conviction showcases the efforts that we are conducting with our state and federal partners in addressing career criminals,” said Albany Police Chief Michael Persley. “It is my desire that the message is loud and clear that if a person commits a crime and possesses a firearm, there are no limits to the full prosecution of those actions. We are focused on finding those who insist on creating an unsafe community in order for others to feel safe wherever they go.”
According to court documents and statements made in court in the Telfair case, Albany Police Department (APD) officers responded to a disorderly conduct call on Oct. 23, 2023, on West Society Avenue. A landscaper working nearby called 911 after he observed Telfair dragging a woman by her hair in the street, who was screaming for help. The landscaper attempted to intervene, but Telfair drew a gun, pointed it at the man and threatened to shoot him if he did not step away. When the police arrived, Telfair ran off and was found hiding underneath a porch. A 9mm semiautomatic pistol and a knife were located in Telfair’s backpack; the gun was stolen out of a truck earlier in the year. The female victim advised Telfair had robbed her of her belongings. In addition, another citizen contacted police on Oct. 14, 2023, after a man matching Telfair’s description flashed a gun at him while stealing items from his truck. APD recovered some of the stolen items from inside the backpack Telfair had in his possession during his arrest. Telfair has several prior criminal convictions in the Superior Court of Dougherty County, Georgia, including robbery, entering auto and interfering with government property.
These cases are 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 of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The Telfair case was investigated by the Albany Police Department (APD) with assistance from ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Redavid prosecuted the cases for the Government.
Raleigh County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Justin L. Saunders, 27, of Mabscott, was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 30, 2023, law enforcement officers arrested Saunders in Beckley on a felony warrant. During the arrest, officers found a Ruger model EC9s 9mm handgun on Saunders.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Saunders knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for first-degree robbery and malicious wounder in Raleigh County Circuit Court on June 5, 2012.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian D. Parsons and Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-185.
President and CEO of Las Vegas-Based Company Pleads Guilty for Role in Investment Fraud Scheme Where He Stole Millions in Victim Investor FundsRead the Press Release
A Nevada man pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of wire fraud stemming from his role in a years-long fraud scheme, during which he stole more than $6.1 million in victim investor funds.
According to court documents, Mykalai Kontilai, formerly Michael Contile, 55, of Las Vegas, facilitated an investment fraud scheme involving his company, Collector’s Coffee Inc., doing business as Collector’s Café (Collector’s Coffee), a company incorporated in California and headquartered in Las Vegas. From 2012 to 2018, Kontilai made or caused to be made numerous materially false and misleading representations to induce victims to invest in Collector’s Coffee — a company he claimed was on the verge of launching an online auction house for third-party owned collectibles, such as Hollywood and sport memorabilia. As a result of Kontilai’s numerous false and misleading statements, including that investor funds would be used for legitimate business purposes, that Kontilai had personally invested millions of his own money in the company, and that he did not take a salary, Kontilai successfully raised approximately $23 million from Collector’s Coffee investors. However, rather than using the proceeds as represented, Kontilai stole approximately $6.1 million for his own personal use, including for the purchase of luxury goods, apartments, and vehicles.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Kontilai for misappropriating investor funds in or around 2017. Kontilai obstructed the investigation by forging documents that he caused to be transmitted to the SEC and lied under oath to the SEC. Kontilai was charged in connection with this conduct both in the present case on June 3, 2020, and in a separate case in the District of Colorado on March 10, 2020. While under investigation but prior to charging, Kontilai fled to Russia and was ultimately arrested on an Interpol Red Notice in Germany in 2023. He was extradited back to the United States to face the pending charges in May. As part of the plea agreement in this case, the government will move to dismiss the Colorado case at sentencing.
Kontilai pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 4 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)'s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition from Germany of Kontilai.
Trial Attorneys Brandon Burkart and Sara Hallmark of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (FRD) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada prosecuted this case. Former FRD Trial Attorney Emily Scruggs provided valuable assistance.
President and CEO of Las Vegas-Based Company Pleads Guilty for Role in Investment Fraud Scheme Where He Stole Millions in Victim Investor FundsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS - A Nevada man pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of wire fraud stemming from his role in a years-long fraud scheme, during which he stole more than $6.1 million in victim investor funds.
According to court documents, Mykalai Kontilai, formerly Michael Contile, 55, of Las Vegas, facilitated an investment fraud scheme involving his company, Collector’s Coffee Inc., doing business as Collector’s Café (Collector’s Coffee), a company incorporated in California and headquartered in Las Vegas. From 2012 to 2018, Kontilai made or caused to be made numerous materially false and misleading representations to induce victims to invest in Collector’s Coffee — a company he claimed was on the verge of launching an online auction house for third-party owned collectibles, such as Hollywood and sport memorabilia. As a result of Kontilai’s numerous false and misleading statements, including that investor funds would be used for legitimate business purposes, that Kontilai had personally invested millions of his own money in the company, and that he did not take a salary, Kontilai successfully raised approximately $23 million from Collector’s Coffee investors. However, rather than using the proceeds as represented, Kontilai stole approximately $6.1 million for his own personal use, including for the purchase of luxury goods, apartments, and vehicles.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Kontilai for misappropriating investor funds in or around 2017. Kontilai obstructed the investigation by forging documents that he caused to be transmitted to the SEC and lied under oath to the SEC. Kontilai was charged in connection with this conduct both in the present case on June 3, 2020, and in a separate case in the District of Colorado on March 10, 2020. While under investigation but prior to charging, Kontilai fled to Russia and was ultimately arrested on an Interpol Red Notice in Germany in 2023. He was extradited back to the United States to face the pending charges in May. As part of the plea agreement in this case, the government will move to dismiss the Colorado case at sentencing.
Kontilai pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 4 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.
The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition from Germany of Kontilai.
Trial Attorneys Brandon Burkart and Sara Hallmark of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (FRD) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada prosecuted this case. Former FRD Trial Attorney Emily Scruggs provided valuable assistance.
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Phelps County Felon Caught with Guns and Methamphetamine Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Friday sentenced a convicted felon caught with guns and methamphetamine to 15 years in prison.
Clifford Pankey, 42, pleaded guilty in July to being a felon in possession of a firearm and admitted distributing meth, making meth and possessing numerous firearms as a convicted felon, including stolen and defaced firearms.
Law enforcement officers conducting a court-approved search of Pankey’s home south of St. James on Jan. 26, 2023, encountered Pankey, who admitted possessing meth and guns. Officers found a .22 caliber revolver with a partially defaced serial number, a defaced Ruger.380 caliber semiautomatic pistol, three rifles, four pistols and a shotgun. They also found stolen property and about 230 grams of meth that Pankey said he intended to sell.
The case was investigated by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Becker prosecuted the case.
Parker Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact of a ChildRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Raymond Gene Aspa, Sr., 72, of Parker, was sentenced on November 5, 2024, by United States District Judge John J. Tuchi to 166 months in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release. Aspa pleaded guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child on October 31, 2023.
Between May 18, 2012, and May 18, 2013, Aspa engaged in abusive sexual contact with the minor victim at his residence in Parker. Both the victim and Aspa are members of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) and the abusive sexual contact occurred on the CRIT Indian Reservation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina J. Reid-Moore, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-00473-PHX-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-160_Aspa# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Orlando Man Indicted for Committing Multiple Sexual Exploitation Offenses Against MinorsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Brandon Laverne Parsons (30, Orlando) with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempted production of child sexual abuse material, attempted unlawful transfer of obscene material to a minor, and two counts of distributing, and one count of possessing child sexual assault material. If convicted, Parsons faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for the attempted enticement offense, a minimum penalty of 15, up to 30, years for the attempted production offense, a minimum penalty of 5, up to 20, years for each distribution offense, up to 20 years for the possession offense, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the attempted transfer of obscene material.
According to court documents, between October 1 and 17, 2024, Parsons communicated with an individual whom he believed to be a 13-year-old child via a social media platform. The individual was an uncover law enforcement officer. During the course of that conversation, Parsons requested that the “child” send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM), attempted to set up a meeting with the 13-year-old, and sent the child explicit images of himself.
In addition, Parsons distributed CSAM in March and April 2024. Parsons also possessed CSAM in October 2024, including videos and images where the victim was under 12 years of age.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Orlando Police Department, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Joshua Finken, age 46, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on November 22, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Finken to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Finken will be required to complete a 5-year term of supervised release. Finken also forfeited $17,282.00 as proceeds obtained as a result of his participation in the meth distribution conspiracy.
On September 27, 2022, investigators executed a warrant to search a residence on South 45th Street in Omaha, where Finken and James Graves resided. Investigators found a safe in Graves’s upstairs bedroom containing a small quantity of meth. Finken resided in the basement of the residence, where investigators found several ounces of meth, three realistic appearing Airsoft pellet guns, and drug proceeds in the amount of $17,282.00. Graves was present at the time of the search and was arrested. Finken was not present and was therefore not immediately arrested.
Finken was arrested nearly a month later on October 23, 2022, when Omaha Police Department officers responded to a motorcycle accident at South 45th Street and Leavenworth Street in Omaha. When officers arrived, Finken, who had crashed into construction cones, was running away on foot from the scene. Officers arrested him. Finken left a backpack at the scene of a motorcycle accident. The bag was searched and found to contain several more ounces of meth.
On August 29, 2023, Chief Judge Rossiter sentenced James Graves to imprisonment for 151 months, to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Transnational Organized Crime (TOC-West) Task Force, the Bellevue Police Department, and the Omaha Police Department.
Oahu Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Fentanyl Distribution Resulting in Death and Assault of U.S. Marshals OfficerRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced that Matthew McBraun, 38, of Oahu, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright to 96 months in prison for distributing fentanyl cut with heroin that resulted in an overdose death. McBraun was sentenced to an additional 24 months’ incarceration for assaulting a United States Marshals Service Deputy Security Officer while in custody. McBraun previously pled guilty to the assault, and a federal jury later convicted him of distribution of a controlled substance and possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute.
“McBraun’s criminal actions wholly support the serious sentenced imposed in this case,” said United States Attorney Connors. “Every day, law enforcement officers put themselves in dangerous situations to keep our community safe. We will continue to prosecute aggressively those who harm our community by distributing illegal narcotics and committing violent crimes, as well as those who harm law enforcement officers carrying out their sworn duties.”
As revealed in Court, in October 2022, McBraun sold fentanyl to an individual, Cory Germain, who was acting as a middleman for the victim. The victim overdosed and died a day later. At trial, investigators testified that drug paraphernalia at the scene of the overdose victim’s death contained a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, and a toxicology report revealed both fentanyl and metabolites of heroin in the victim’s body. Both a medical toxicologist and drug trafficking expert testified that it is extremely common for fentanyl to be cut with heroin. The medical toxicologist further testified that the fentanyl contributed to the victim’s death and the but-for cause of death was fentanyl and heroin.
While incarcerated pending trial on these drug charges, McBraun headbutted a U.S. Deputy Security Officer who was transporting him to the Honolulu Federal Detention Center (“FDC”). According to information provided to the Court, McBraun was upset because the officer braked unexpectedly during the drive. As he was being escorted from the vehicle to FDC, he lunged headfirst at the officer, who sustained injuries to his face as a result.
At sentencing, Judge Seabright imposed a significant upward variance from the advisory Sentencing Guidelines range, finding by a preponderance of the evidence that McBraun’s distribution of fentanyl cut with heroin was both the cause and a contributing factor to the victim’s death. Judge Seabright noted that to ignore McBraun’s role in the victim’s death would be to ignore reality.
Court proceedings confirmed that McBraun’s fentanyl source was Sajib Anas, who in turn received illegal narcotics from Bronson Kepaa. Anas, Kepaa, and Germain all pled guilty to various federal charges. Germain was sentenced in July 2024 to approximately one year in prison. In October 2024, Anas received 85 months in prison. Kepaa was sentenced to 151 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and 120 months for possessing an unregistered firearm.
The drug investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Honolulu Police Department. The assault investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aislinn Affinito, Michael Nammar, and Mohammad Khatib prosecuted the case.
Nine Individuals Arrested on Federal and State ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – As part of an investigation into the transnational criminal organization 18th Street Gang operating in and around the North Shore area of Boston, four men were arrested and charged yesterday with federal drug offenses. Five individuals were also arrested for various state crimes including drug trafficking, child abuse crimes (including rape of a child, posing a child in a state of nudity and possession of child pornography) and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The following individuals have been charged in U.S. District Court in Boston with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl:
- Orlando Mancia, a/k/a Intruso, 22, of Everett, who is an alleged member of the 18th Street Gang;
- Tony Cartegena-Chacon, 46, of Chelsea;
- Hector Luis Santana Guzman, a/k/a “DJ Black,” 33, of Lawrence; and
- John Angel, 31, of Nantucket
“Fentanyl continues to devastate lives across Massachusetts, and the defendants arrested yesterday allegedly pumped this poison into North Shore communities for a profit,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “These charges represent the continued close working relationship across federal, state and local law enforcement to relentlessly investigate, identify and disrupt criminal organizations and our efforts to protect our communities from lethal narcotics.”
“With this operation, the FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force has removed alleged drug traffickers accused of pushing deadly poison onto our streets, hoping to avoid detection,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This case highlights how the FBI and our partners at every level are working together to target criminals wreaking havoc and mayhem, just to make money and a name for themselves on the street.”
“The arrest of these individuals, including a known 18th Street gang member, for dealing fentanyl in the North Shore of Boston is a critical step in combating the devastating impact of illegal drugs in our communities,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. “Fentanyl continues to claim lives at an alarming rate, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to holding accountable those who profit from this deadly substance. By working collaboratively with our federal, state, and local partners, we are sending a clear message: we will not tolerate the distribution of dangerous narcotics that endanger the lives and safety of our citizens.”
According to the charging documents, on Oct. 15, 2024, Mancia sold approximately 500 pressed fentanyl pills to a cooperating witness in Everett. Later, on Oct. 23, 2024, it is alleged that Mancia again sold another 500 pressed fentanyl pills along with cocaine to the cooperating witness in Everett. According to the charging documents, Cartegena-Chacon distributed and possessed with intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl.
It is alleged that approximately 100 grams of suspected cocaine and approximately $25,000 cash were recovered from Angel’s residence on Nantucket during a search at the time of his arrest.
Additionally, as part of the investigation, the following additional individuals were arrested and charged in state court with various crimes including drug trafficking (including fentanyl and cocaine), child abuse crimes (including rape of a child, posing child in a state of nudity and possession of child pornography) and unlawful possession of ammunition:
- Elvin Martinez, 23, of Everett;
- Marlon Eduardo Varela, 20, of Everett;
- Fidel Alexis Orellana, 21, of Cheslea;
- Bryan Molina, 21, of Chelsea; and
- Luis Borja, 20, of Chelsea.
The federal charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life, of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000,000. 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 U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and ATF SAC Ferguson made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; and the Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Hoefle and Timothy Moran of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are 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.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New York man pleads guilty to money laundering crimes related to nearly half million dollars stolen from local business through computer malwareRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A New York man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to crimes related to laundering hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Columbus strength training equipment manufacturer.
Aleksandr Bogomolny, 53, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit and committing money laundering.
According to court documents, in May 2021, the FBI received a complaint to its Internet Crime Complaint Center from Rogue Fitness, which is headquartered in Columbus. The company had identified 78 outgoing transfers from a PayPal account between March 29 and April 29, 2021, totaling nearly half a million dollars.
The FBI discovered a banking Trojan that had infected the computer of a customer service employee just prior to the transfers. The specific Trojan found on the employee laptop is known by the FBI to steal banking credentials and usually targets corporate victims.
The stolen money was transferred to 22 different card numbers, including to Bogomolny’s Bank of America card.
Further investigation of Bogomolny’s bank account revealed that between December 2019 and July 2021, he laundered more than $247,000 in criminal proceeds through his account.
While executing a search warrant at the defendant’s Brooklyn residence, agents found documents that included more than 341,000 unique identifiers like names, addresses, dates of birth and Social Security numbers. The search also discovered images of driver’s licenses, U.S. passports and full lists of full credit card numbers.
Bogomolny also used the online gambling site FanDuel to conspire to launder money. He and others would steal a victim’s identity and use it to create a FanDuel account. Then criminal proceeds were deposited into the account and later withdrawn. In total, Bogomolny and others used this scheme to deposit nearly $572,000 and withdraw more than $485,000 of the criminal proceeds.
Finally, Bogomolny’s plea documents detail that, in 2023, the defendant met with undercover FBI agents and agreed to launder $20,000 for a six percent fee. The funds were represented as proceeds of illegal drug activities.
Between November 2023 and March 2024, Bogomolny sent $18,800 of the original $20,000 back to the undercover FBI agents through multiple ACH transactions.
Bogomolny later agreed to accept another $50,000 from the undercover agents. He met up with the agents in April 2024 and accepted the money, at which point he was arrested.
Money laundering and conspiring to launder money are federal crimes punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence, and sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court at a future hearing based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
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 guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate is representing the United States in this case.
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Monmouth County Man Charged with Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man made his initial court appearance today for an alleged armed bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Jeffrey L. Kniffin, 50, of Wall Township, is charged by complaint with one count of armed bank robbery. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah L. Singh in Trenton federal court and was detained. A detention hearing is scheduled for November 25, 2024.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Oct. 23, 2024, Kniffin entered a bank in Wall Township, New Jersey, and demanded cash from a bank teller before grabbing and displaying for the teller a firearm. On several occasions during the robbery, Kniffin instructed the teller and other bank employees who were present, “Don’t do anything stupid.” After taking by force and intimidation cash from the teller, Kniffin fled the bank. He was apprehended and arrested by law enforcement several minutes later. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement recovered from Kniffin and his immediate surroundings a loaded firearm and more than $17,000 in cash.
The count of armed bank robbery carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited officer of FBI Newark’s Jersey Shore Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Wall Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Sean O’Halloran, and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
kniffin.complaint.pdfMichigan Woman Convicted of $1.4M Health Care Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
A Michigan woman was convicted today for her role in a conspiracy to defraud the United States and receive illegal health care kickbacks.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Mary Smettler-Bolton, 71, of Oakland County, referred Medicare beneficiaries to several Metro Detroit home health companies in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks paid by the owners and operators of the home health companies. Over the course of four years, Smettler-Bolton and her co-conspirators caused over $1.4 million of loss to Medicare.
Smettler-Bolton was convicted of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and receive illegal health care kickbacks and one count of violating the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. She is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy count and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the kickback count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Ryan Elsey and Assistant Chief Shankar Ramamurthy of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Mexican national sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in the United States, has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Francisco Santana Herrera, 42, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. crone on November 21, 2024.
According to information presented in court, on April 10, 2024, Herrera was stopped for speeding in a construction zone on Interstate 10 in Beaumont. During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered approximately 16 kilos of cocaine.
This case was investigated by Beaumont Police Department, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations/Customs Enforcement. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove.
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Mexican National Admits Role in Smuggling and Labor Trafficking Scheme, Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that APOLINAR FRANCISCO PAREDES ESPINOZA, also known as “Pancho,” 58, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to charges stemming from his involvement in a scheme to smuggle aliens into the U.S., harbor them at Hartford area residences, force them to work, and threaten to harm them in various ways if they failed to pay exorbitant fees, interest, and other living expenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in September 2022, the FBI and Hartford Police interviewed several Mexican nationals who disclosed that they were smuggled from Mexico into the U.S. and transported to Hartford. The investigation revealed that victims typically arranged with Maria Del Carmen Sanchez Potrero, her co-conspirators in Connecticut, and associates in Mexico to cross the border into the U.S. in exchange for a fee of between $15,000 and $20,000 that each would need to pay once they were in the U.S. In most cases, the victims were required to turn over a property deed as collateral before leaving Mexico. They were then smuggled across the border and transported to Hartford area residences, including Sanchez’s and Paredes’ residence on Madison Street in Hartford, often at a substantial risk of bodily injury or death.
After the victims arrived in Connecticut, they were told that they would have to pay $30,000, with interest, and that they would have to pay Sanchez and her co-coconspirators for rent, food, gas and utilities. Sanchez, Paredes, and their co-conspirators created false documents for the victims, including Permanent Residence cards and Social Security cards, and helped the victims find employment in the Hartford area. In addition to their own jobs, some victims were required to perform housework and yardwork, or to assist Paredes in his job responsibilities, without compensation and without having their debt reduced.
Victims were rarely provided with an accounting of their debt. If victims failed to make regular payments, or in amounts that Sanchez, Paredes, and their co-conspirators expected, they were sometimes threatened, including with threats to harm family members in Mexico, to take property in Mexico that had been secured as collateral, to reveal victims’ immigration status to U.S. authorities, and to raise their interest payments.
To date, investigators have identified 18 victims of this scheme.
In November 2014, Paredes was encountered in the U.S. and removed the same day via foot at Hildago, Texas. He illegally reentered the U.S. and, in December 2018, was arrested by East Hartford Police and charged with various motor vehicle offenses. He was again removed to Mexico in February 2019.
Paredes has been detained since his arrest on March 1, 2023.
Paredes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to encourage and induce, bring in, transport, and harbor aliens, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and to illegal reentry of a removed alien, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of two years. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for February 28.
Sanchez and her daughter, Porfiria Maribel Ramos Sanchez, previously pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
As part of their plea agreements, Paredes, Sanchez, and Ramos, have agreed to restitution orders of $494,608.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Krull and Shan Patel.
Members of Massive Methamphetamine Conversion and Trafficking Ring SentencedRead the Press Release
ROME, Ga. - Rosa Elena Rangel Pantoja, Dustin Burgess, and Berzain Leal Batrez have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in operating a large methamphetamine conversion and distribution organization.
“Methamphetamine production and distribution continues to pose a grave threat to public safety, especially when trafficked using the large-scale and international operation utilized by the defendants in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Thanks to the vigilance and investigative work of our law enforcement partners, this operation has been dismantled and these drug traffickers have been prosecuted for their crimes.”
“Driven by greed, these drug traffickers’ activities posed a significant threat to our communities, and to the lives of several children who lived in close proximity to this highly volatile clandestine lab,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “The success of this investigation is proof that those destroying our communities with methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs will be held accountable.”
“While communities across our state continue to struggle with the ongoing drug crisis, there are criminal enterprises, like Rangel’s drug trafficking organization, whose sole purpose is to profit from addiction and suffering,” said, Mitchell Jackson, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Dalton office. “The FBI is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to shut down these dangerous organizations that pump poison into our neighborhoods.”
“These sentences reflect the consequences these defendants received for their destructive impact they caused on communities,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta that covers Georgia and Alabama. “HSI is committed to holding those accountable who distribute their poison into our communities.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: From at least October 2021 until August 2022, Rosa Elena Rangel Pantoja (“Rangel”) led a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that manufactured crystal methamphetamine in Georgia. Members of the DTO transported liquid methamphetamine from Mexico to the Northern District of Georgia in the gas tanks of semi-trucks. The DTO members then pumped the liquid methamphetamine out of the semi-trucks and cooked it into crystal methamphetamine, using at least two clandestine laboratories to convert the methamphetamine.
In March 2022, law enforcement first began investigating the DTO when Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agents were notified that a Hispanic female, later identified as Rangel, was purchasing large amounts of acetone, which is a critical component in converting liquid methamphetamine into crystal methamphetamine. Based on the substantial amount of acetone that was being purchased, agents suspected Rangel was supplying the acetone to a methamphetamine laboratory.
In August 2022, agents found one of the methamphetamine conversion laboratories in Canon, Georgia, after observing a semi-truck delivering liquid methamphetamine to the lab. A search warrant was executed and agents seized over 250 gallons of liquid methamphetamine and nearly 10 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. Rangel rented the property where members of the DTO cooked the methamphetamine on the lower level of a barndominium, while she and her four children lived in the upper level of the same building. Agents also seized two firearms from Rangel’s bedroom.
In November 2022, agents found a second methamphetamine conversion laboratory in Austell, Georgia, after tracking Batrez’s movements to the Mexico border and back to Georgia. Agents later observed members of the DTO delivering liquid methamphetamine to the laboratory, and upon executing a search warrant, over 160 gallons of liquid methamphetamine and 75 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine was seized at that location.
After the seizures, further investigation revealed that Rangel had been working with a “boss” based in Mexico to run the operation, with whom she had regular communication. Rangel then relayed communications to other DTO members, including threats from the boss. Rangel was also responsible for paying other DTO members, as well as giving instructions on supplying the methamphetamine labs with the acetone needed for the conversion process.
U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II sentenced the defendants in the case as follows:
Rosa Rangel, 40, of Canon, Georgia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Rangel was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on November 6, 2023, after she pleaded guilty.
Dustin Burgess, 36, of Ellijay, Georgia, was sentenced to 13 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Burgess was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on October 5, 2023, after he pleaded guilty.
Berzain Leal Batrez, 44, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to seven years, 11 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Batrez was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on October 5, 2023, after he pleaded guilty.
Judge Ray is also scheduled to sentence two other defendants in the case, Martha Karina Rangel-Pantoja, 42, of Ellijay, Georgia on January 13, 2025, and Uriel Plancarte Mendoza, 31 of Canon, Georgia on March 21, 2025.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia State Patrol, Bartow County Sherriff’s Office, Calhoun Police Department, Cherokee County, North Carolina Sheriff’s Office, Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, Murray County Sheriff’s Office, Dalton Police Department, Chatsworth Police Department, Gilmer County Homeland Security Agency, and Tennessee 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cal Leipold and Bethany L. Rupert are 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.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Member of the Otis Sanders Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man, Quenton James Franklin, 28, was sentenced today in federal court on his conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana as a member of the Otis Sanders drug trafficking organization. Franklin is Sanders’ cousin and was charged as a co-defendant in the federal indictment. Franklin pled guilty to the conspiracy charge in August of 2024.
Sanders was convicted by a jury in May of 2023 for his participation as the leader of the organization. Evidence from the trial showed that Sanders operated a large-scale interstate drug distribution organization in south Mobile County, with ties to Biloxi, Mississippi and Houston, Texas. Sanders arranged for the acquisition of methamphetamine shipments in Houston and used couriers in private vehicles and on commercial transportation to bring the drugs to Mobile. Drug proceeds were also delivered to Houston by certain couriers. Sanders and his organization relied upon violence to further the illegal drug distribution scheme, one such incident resulting in a drive by shooting at a residence on Ramsay Road in or about May of 2023. Mobile County sheriff’s deputies responding to the call discovered Sanders’ abandoned Chevrolet Tahoe near the intersection of Highway 188 and Ramsay Road, riddled with bullet holes from return fire during the shoot-out. In July of 2024, Sanders was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for various violations of the drug laws.
Court documents show that Franklin was a courier in the organization involved in the transportation of at least one load of methamphetamine for Sanders from Texas to Sanders’ residence in Biloxi, Mississippi. Others, and sometimes Sanders himself, transported methamphetamine from that residence to other members of the conspiracy for distribution in Mobile and elsewhere. Franklin also distributed some of Sanders’ drugs to his own customer base in Mobile.
United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose sentenced Franklin to 3 years in custody. When Franklin is released from custody, he will serve a five-year term of supervised release. Franklin will be subject to search upon reasonable suspicion that he has violated the conditions of supervision, and he will also be subject to drug testing and treatment. No fine was imposed in the case, but the judge ordered that Franklin pay $100 in special assessments.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security, the Beaumont Police (Texas) Department, the St. Tammany Parish (Louisiana) Sheriff’s Office, and the Mobile Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organization 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.
Marion Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm was sentenced November 21, 2024, to more than three years in federal prison.
James Carl Morgan, age 42, from Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 26, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
At the guilty plea, Morgan admitted that on June 6, 2023, he knowingly possessed a Canik TP9 SF, 9x19mm caliber pistol, as a felon. On June 6, 2023, police officers went to a Cedar Rapids motel to arrest Morgan on a warrant for possession of a firearm as a felon from 2022. When officers knocked on the motel room door, Morgan attempted to crawl out the window, but reentered the room when confronted by a police dog. After officers cleared the room, they found the loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine on the floor by the window.
Morgan was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Morgan was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Morgan is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-24.
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Man Who Shot at Nashville Police Officer Charged with Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A man who shot at a Metro Nashville police officer was charged with a federal firearms violation, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski.
According to the complaint, Knykholas Lane, 21, of Nashville, was already on probation after having been convicted of two felony counts of Aggravated Burglary when Metro Nashville police officers responded to the 700 block of Lewis Street based on a citizen complaint that an armed man was attempting to break into a woman’s residence.
In the early morning hours of November 19, 2024, officers observed Lane as the suspect in the possible break-in and ordered him to stop. However, Lane fled on foot and, as officers pursued him, they observed a pistol in his right hand. According to the complaint, Lane then pointed the pistol at an MNPD officer and fired a shot. The officer returned fire, striking Lane twice. Officers recovered a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol which Lane had used to shoot at the officer. Lane was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. After the shooting, officers learned that Lane also had outstanding warrants for his arrest on charges of Domestic Violence and False Imprisonment.
“Stopping armed felons who put members of our community at risk is among our highest priorities,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “When those individuals put not just citizens but also our police officers in danger, we will act swiftly to hold offenders accountable.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Kurtzman is prosecuting the case.
A federal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Man Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Threatening Law Enforcement and Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Machesney Park, Ill. man has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for threatening to assault and murder federal law enforcement officers and unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition.
JACOB BALABUSZKO, 28, admitted in a plea agreement that after an FBI Task Force Officer and an FBI Special Agent interviewed him in 2020 and 2021 as part of an official investigation, he threatened, “Next time you two come to my house unannounced, I’m going to shoot you on sight, that is a threat.” Balabuszko made additional threats in a Signal chat group, inciting others in the group to kill law enforcement officers and collect their badges, shoot out their tires, and burn down their homes. Balabuszko admitted in the plea agreement that he had the capacity to carry out these threats by illegally possessing firearms, ammunition, and body armor in his home.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston sentenced Balabuszko to 41 months in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Illinois State Police assisted in the investigation. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd.
Man Admits Selling Fatal Dose of FentanylRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man pleaded guilty Friday and admitted selling the fentanyl that killed a 52-year-old in 2023.
Sylvester Clay, 50, admitted that on Dec. 8, 2023, he sold fentanyl to the victim on the parking lot of a gas station on the St. Louis – St. Louis County line. The victim’s friend had picked him up from a hospital in Springfield, Missouri earlier that day, and the victim asked the friend to take him to St. Louis to get something for the pain he was having. The drug transaction was captured on video. After leaving the station, the victim consumed some of the fentanyl, said it was a hard hit and then passed out. His friend drove the victim to the hospital in Hermann, Missouri. The victim was found dead in the car. He was killed by a lethal dose of both fentanyl and oxycodone, but the fentanyl alone was enough to kill him, his plea agreement says.
On Jan. 19, 2024, investigators interviewed Clay, who admitted selling the victim drugs and identified himself in photos taken from the gas station surveillance video.
Clay pleaded guilty to one felony count of distribution of a controlled substance. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 20, 2025. Both sides have agreed to recommend 13 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerome McDonald is prosecuting the case.
Local veterinarian agrees to pay civil penalty for alleged controlled substance act violationsRead the Press Release
On Nov. 21, a civil settlement agreement was executed between Dr. Rodney Hartshorn, 58, a veterinarian in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and the United States Attorney's Office. Dr. Hartshorn agreed to pay a $30,000 monetary penalty to resolve alleged violations of the Controlled Substance Act.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agents from the Cheyenne Tactical Diversion Squad and Diversion Investigators from the Rocky Mountain Field Division began investigating Dr. Hartshorn based on a tip stating that Dr. Hartshorn’s veterinary practice, Avenues Pet Hospital, routinely takes back controlled substances from clients, places the returns in an unlocked “donated” medication bin, and allows the controlled substances to be used by other clients.
On April 23, DEA conducted an inspection of Avenues Pet Hospital and found systemic recordkeeping violations and failures to safeguard controlled substances. DEA personnel also seized controlled substances found in the “donated” medication bin.
“It is through our partnership with the DEA that we can ensure DEA registrants maintain proper records and institute proper protocols so that controlled substances do not fall into the wrong hands,” said Acting United States Attorney Eric Heimann.
“DEA works diligently to ensure the safety of the public by regulating the use of controlled substances,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen. “We work daily to ensure DEA registrants are using their registrations in a manner consistent with the best interests and safety for the people of Wyoming.”
The case was investigated by DEA Special Agents and Diversion Investigators and handled by Assistant United States Attorney Levi Martin.
Case No. 2024-V-00086
Little Rock Man Convicted of Illegally Possessing Firearms Multiple Times Will Spend 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Little Rock man federally convicted twice for illegal gun possession received a 15-year prison sentence for his latest crime. Combined with his previous federal sentence, Juantay Jackson, 37, will spend 20 years in federal prison following the ruling handed down Thursday by United States District Court Chief Judge Kristine G. Baker.
A federal grand jury indicted Jackson on May 3, 2023, on three charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, following an arrest on September 8, 2022. He pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on October 19, 2023.
Jackson had been previously indicted on identical charges on March 6, 2018, stemming for a separate incident that occurred in 2017 when Jackson also had a gun and drugs in his vehicle. After pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in that case, Jackson was scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2019. However, Jackson failed to appear for that hearing and evaded police until his arrest on September 8, 2022, when he again had a gun and drugs in his vehicle. Ultimately, Jackson received a 10-year sentence for his 2017 crime.
On Thursday, Judge Baker sentenced Jackson to 15 years in federal prison for his 2022 crime, plus three years of supervised release. From that 15-year sentence, 10 years are to be run consecutive to the 10 years Jackson received in his previous case, resulting in 20 years of total imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
In Jackson’s most recent case, an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) revealed that on September 8, 2022, North Little Rock police officers attempted to stop on a vehicle driven by Jackson, however Jackson fled from officers in the vehicle while driving at speeds in excess of 65 mph in a 30-mph zone before ultimately crashing into a light pole. Jackson then fled on foot but was apprehended. Officers located two bags of pills which contained methamphetamine in Jackson’s pocket. Officers also searched Jackson’s vehicle and found a loaded handgun in the driver’s side floorboard, additional ammunition, and a large-capacity magazine. Officers also located a backpack containing marijuana in the rear seat.
This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the North Little Rock Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shelby Shelton.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Large Scale Drug Trafficker from the Tri-Cities Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington – U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that on November 19, 2024, United States District Judge Edward F. Shea sentenced Dwight Norwood, Jr., age 27, of Kennewick, Washington, to 84 months in federal prison on fentanyl distribution charges. Judge Shea also imposed 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in November 2021, members of the Safe Streets Task Force developed information that Norwood was distributing large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in Eastern Washington. Investigators also learned that Norwood lived and sold drugs out of a fifth wheeler in Benton City, Washington.
Early on the morning of February 24, 2022, Norwood’s girlfriend called Benton County Sheriff’s Office and told deputies that Norwood had given her a black eye, was chasing her in a blue Mustang, and was trying to shoot her. A short time later deputies spotted Norwood driving the Mustang near a gas station in Benton City. Deputies activated their emergency lights and attempted to arrest Norwood, but he took off running.
Deputies used a K-9 to track Norwood, located him hiding near his trailer in Benton City, and arrested him. Deputies obtained a search warrant for the Mustang. Inside, deputies found a fully loaded .45 caliber pistol, over 800 hundred fentanyl laced pills, and two additional cell phones. Norwood’s DNA was later confirmed to be on the firearm; Norwood is a confirmed felon.
Agents also obtained a search warrant for Norwood’s trailer. Inside, they located a drug scale with residue, additional fentanyl-laced pills, drug ledgers, and several cell phones.
“Illicit fentanyl has a devastating impact on our community, including a close nexus with violent crime and poisoning deaths. Mr. Norwood was distributing a significant amount of these poison pills in the Tri-Cities region,” stated United States Attorney Waldref. “My office will continue to fight the fentanyl epidemic by working closely with our law enforcement partners to target those who contribute to this deadly crisis.”
“This was not Mr. Norwood’s first run in with the law” said Gregory L. Austin, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office. “His decision to distribute Fentanyl is now landing him in federal prison. Combatting the scourge of this deadly drug, which devastates communities across our country, is a priority for the FBI and our partners.”
This case was investigated by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force, which includes additional officers and detectives from the Kennewick Police Department, Pasco Police Department, Richland Police Department, Border Patrol and Department of Corrections. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
22-cr-06009-EFS
Lafourche Parish Resident Guilty of Federal Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 20, 2024, FAUSTIN WILLIAMS, (“WILLIAMS”), age 46, of Thibodaux, Louisiana pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to one count of possessing, with the intent to distribute, an amount of cocaine and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. Judge Africk scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2025.
As to the drug count, WILLIAMS faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release. As to the firearm count, WILLIAMS faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. Both counts also carry a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
According to court records, on June 5, 2024, multiple law enforcement agencies executed search warrants on several residences in Lafourche Parish stemming from an investigation into a cocaine and methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. This conspiracy operated throughout Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, within the Eastern District of Louisiana. WILLIAMS was found inside a residence during a search and possessed two firearms and cocaine, packaged for distribution. WILLIAMS is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior cocaine distribution convictions.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Thibodaux Police Department, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
KC Man Indicted for Computer HackingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for hacking into the computer systems at an area nonprofit and a health club business.
Nicholas Michael Kloster, 31, was charged in a two-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Nov. 19. That indictment was unsealed and made public today following Kloster’s arrest and initial court appearance.
The federal indictment charges Kloster with one count of accessing a protected computer without authorization and obtaining information.
Kloster allegedly entered the premises of a business, identified in court documents as Company Victim 2, which operates multiple health clubs in Kansas and Missouri, shortly before midnight on April 26, 2024. The following day, Kloster sent an email to one of the owners of Company Victim 2, claiming that he had gained access to the computer system. Kloster also claimed to have “assisted over 30 small to medium-sized industrial businesses in the Kansas City, Missouri area” and attached a copy of his resume.
Following Kloster’s intrusion, the indictment says, employees with Company Victim 2 noted that Kloster’s monthly gym membership fee was reduced to $1, that his photograph was erased from the gym’s network, and determined that Kloster stole a gym staff nametag. A few weeks later, Kloster posted an image to a social media profile which appeared to be a screen capture of his desktop showing control of the security cameras for Company Victim 2, with a chatbox window with the message “how to get a company to use your security service.”
The federal indictment also charges Kloster with one count of causing reckless damage to a protected computer during unauthorized access.
Kloster allegedly entered the premises of a nonprofit corporation, identified in court documents as Company Victim 3, on May 20, 2024. Kloster entered an area that is not available to the public and accessed a computer with access to the company’s network. Kloster utilized a boot disk, the indictment says, which enabled him to access Company Victim 3’s computer through multiple user accounts. By accessing Company Victim 3’s computer in such a manner, the indictment says, the use of this boot disk enabled Kloster to circumvent the password requirements on Company Victim 3’s computer and change the password assigned to one or more of the users of Company Victim 3’s computer. Kloster was able to install a virtual private network on this computer. Since Kloster’s intrusion into its computer and its network, Company Victim 3 has sustained losses in excess of $5,000 in an attempt to remediate the effects from this intrusion.
In addition to these two victims, the indictment refers to a third victim, identified in court documents as Company Victim 1. According to the indictment, Kloster was employed by Company Victim 1 in March and April 2024. Kloster allegedly used a company credit card to make numerous personal purchases, including a thumb drive that was advertised as a means to hack into vulnerable computers.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Daly and Nicholas Heberle. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Justice Department's Procurement Collusion Strike Force Commemorates Fifth Anniversary with Law Enforcement PartnersRead the Press Release
Yesterday, the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) commemorated the PCSF’s fifth anniversary in Washington with a celebration involving law enforcement partners and key stakeholders from across the government. Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Jonathan Kanter, PCSF Director Daniel Glad and other department officials were joined by representatives from among the PSCF’s 12 national law enforcement partners and 25 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and other key stakeholders from the law enforcement and oversight community.
The PCSF fifth anniversary event featured remarks from AAG Kanter, who noted the PCSF’s growing impact and the importance of criminal antitrust enforcement. Director Glad offered welcome remarks recounting the PCSF’s history, mission and future. Department of Interior Inspector General and Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency Chair Mark Greenblatt highlighted the effectiveness of the PCSF’s collaborative model and that, even in light of its substantial gains over the last five years, more of the PCSF’s work is needed to combat the growing risks in contract and grant oversight.
The anniversary featured several panels composed of PCSF partner agency representation. Acting Department of Commerce Inspector General Jill Baisinger and U.S. Postal Service Inspector General Tammy Hull discussed present and near-future procurement oversight threats that their agencies are facing, and the mitigation tools they have deployed to address those threats. Expert panelists from Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the U.S. Agency for International Development OIG discussed global and international considerations. The anniversary concluded with a panel discussion featuring expert panelists from the Department of Transportation OIG, General Services Administration OIG and Environmental Protection Agency OIG, who discussed data, analytics and collaboration driving future PCSF enforcement efforts.
The PCSF is the Justice Department’s coordinated, joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local.
Since its inception in November 2019, the PCSF has opened more than 145 criminal investigations and trained more than 39,000 people. In that time, the PCSF and Antitrust Division have obtained over 60 guilty pleas and trial convictions and have investigated and prosecuted over 85 companies and individuals involving over $575 million worth of government contracts and contract kickbacks.
AAG Kanter’s remarks can be viewed here.
Director Glad’s remarks can be viewed here.
Chair Greenblatt’s remarks can be viewed here.
AAG Jonathan Kanter delivers remarks at the Justice Department’s PCSF Fifth Anniversary U.S. Postal Service Inspector General Tammy Hull and Acting Department of Commerce Inspector General Jill Baisinger speak during the Justice Department’s PCSF Fifth Anniversary Department of Interior Inspector General and Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency Chair Mark Greenblatt delivers remarks at the Justice Department’s PCSF Fifth Anniversary Representatives from the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the U.S. Agency for International Development OIG discuss global considerations during the Justice Department’s PCSF Fifth Anniversary Representatives from the Department of Transportation OIG, General Services Administration OIG, and Environmental Protection Agency OIG, discuss data, analytics, and collaboration during the Justice Department’s PCSF Fifth Anniversary PCSF Director Dan Glad delivers closing remarks at the Justice Department’s PCSF Fifth AnniversaryJustice Department Announces an Organizational Assessment of the Marysville, Kansas Police Department under the COPS Office’s Collaborative Reform InitiativeRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced that it will provide an Organizational Assessment of the Marysville, Kansas Police Department through its Collaborative Reform Initiative. This is a voluntary program that is offered at the request of law enforcement agencies that are seeking to improve their services and operations. Over the next year, the Marysville Police Department will work in partnership with the COPS Office Collaborative Reform Initiative team to focus on:
- Community Policing
- Workforce Development
- Strategic Planning
- Employee Wellness
- Technology, Data, and Organizational Learning
“Requesting an Organizational Assessment review shows that an agency is being pro-active in its efforts to create the best department possible to serve the needs of its community,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “I applaud the Marysville Police Department for taking this important step, and the Department looks forward to working with them.”
“It is only by examining what’s going well, and what could be improved upon, that an agency can make strides to building a department the community wants and deserves,” said Director Hugh T. Clements Jr. of the COPS Office. “Ultimately, it’s the members of the Marysville Police Department and the Marysville community who will be the beneficiaries of this work.”
Regular updates on the team’s work with the Marysville Police Department will be provided at: www.cops.usdoj.gov/active-oa-site-marysville-ks-police-department as part of the transparency and public accountability of this new Organizational Assessment effort.
The Collaborative Reform Initiative encompasses three programs offering expert services to state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies: the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center, Critical Response, and Organizational Assessment programs (complete details of these programs can be found at www.cops.usdoj.gov/collaborativereform). Managed out of the COPS Office, this continuum of services is designed to build trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve; improve operational efficiencies and effectiveness; enhance officer safety and wellness; build agencies’ capacity for organizational learning and self-improvement; and promote community policing practices nationwide.
The Organizational Assessment program provides the most intensive form of technical assistance on the continuum, involving in-depth assessments and long-term assistance to improve the fairness, effectiveness, and efficacy of agency operations that build trust with communities. A continual assessment and implementation process ensures that time and resources are used to focus on identifying areas for improvement, reinforcing agency strengths, and assisting with the implementation of improvements expeditiously. At the same time, the process provides transparency and accountability with routine public reporting and community input. Each engagement will be supported by a multidisciplinary assessment team composed of subject matter experts with diverse experience and perspectives, including in law enforcement, community engagement, research and evaluation, program management and organizational reform.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Justice Department responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Justice Department agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. The COPS Office has been appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 138,000 officers.
Justice Department Announces an Organizational Assessment of the Maryland Natural Resources Police under the COPS Office’s Collaborative Reform InitiativeRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced that it will provide an Organizational Assessment of the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) through its Collaborative Reform Initiative. This is a voluntary program that is offered at the request of law enforcement agencies that are seeking to improve their services and operations. Over the next year, NRP will work in partnership with the COPS Office Collaborative Reform Initiative team to focus on:
- Community Policing
- Workforce Development
- Strategic Planning
- Employee Wellness
- Technology, Data, and Organizational Learning
“The work of law enforcement encompasses a wide range of duties and responsibilities, but there are key and standard tenets to building all successful agencies,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “I applaud the Maryland Natural Resources Police for voluntarily taking on the work of applying these tenets to its operation.”
“Every law enforcement agency can benefit by taking an in-depth look at the work of its department and seeing what’s working and where there are opportunities for improvement,” said Director Hugh T. Clements Jr. of the COPS Office. “Focusing on key areas such as workforce development and employee wellness are critical for an agency to continue to grow and improve.”
Regular updates on the team’s work with the NRP will be provided at www.cops.usdoj.gov/active-oa-site-maryland-dnr as part of the transparency and public accountability of this new Organizational Assessment effort.
The Collaborative Reform Initiative encompasses three programs offering expert services to state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies: the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center, Critical Response, and Organizational Assessment programs (complete details of these programs can be found at www.cops.usdoj.gov/collaborativereform). Managed out of the COPS Office, this continuum of services is designed to build trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve; improve operational efficiencies and effectiveness; enhance officer safety and wellness; build agencies’ capacity for organizational learning and self-improvement; and promote community policing practices nationwide.
The Organizational Assessment program provides the most intensive form of technical assistance on the continuum, involving in-depth assessments and long-term assistance to improve the fairness, effectiveness, and efficacy of agency operations that build trust with communities. A continual assessment and implementation process ensures that time and resources are used to focus on identifying areas for improvement, reinforcing agency strengths, and assisting with the implementation of improvements expeditiously. At the same time, the process provides transparency and accountability with routine public reporting and community input. Each engagement will be supported by a multidisciplinary assessment team composed of subject matter experts with diverse experience and perspectives, including in law enforcement, community engagement, research and evaluation, program management and organizational reform.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Justice Department responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Justice Department agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. The COPS Office has been appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 138,000 officers.
Jury finds Columbus man guilty of leading narcotics, sex trafficking & financial fraud conspiraciesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A jury found a Columbus man guilty on all counts for leading drug, sex trafficking and financial fraud conspiracies and then attempting to obstruct justice and tamper with witnesses.
The United States proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Ricco Lamonte Maye, 42, used threats, violence and manipulation of drug dependencies to ensure individuals carried out his criminal schemes.
Maye was found guilty on all 14 counts as charged. The verdict was announced on Nov. 21 following a trial that began on Oct. 31 before Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison.
“The jury correctly found today that Ricco Maye is a dangerous man who used violence and threats of drug withdrawal to coerce victims into engaging in illegal activity for his own profit,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “As the government proved at trial, Maye oversaw a variety of criminal endeavors, victimizing vulnerable populations, causing the death of one addicted person, and obstructing justice in an ill-fated attempt to avoid accountability. After today’s conviction, he will no longer be able to manipulate and control victims to enrich himself.”
Court documents and trial testimony detail that Maye used individuals to buy and sell drugs, sell women for sex, and fraudulently apply online for COVID-19 relief funds. Proceeds from all the crimes went to the defendant.
Beginning in at least 2018, Maye’s drug trafficking organization primarily distributed narcotics to addicts in street-level quantities. He regularly purchased narcotics from supply sources both inside and outside of Ohio and used addicts to help sell the drugs in Columbus. In addition to cash, Maye would accept stolen goods, gift cards, Social Security numbers and other items as payment for the drugs.
Maye initially gave drugs to women for free and later manipulated their addiction by requiring them to earn drug money through prostitution. Maye provided the means for the women to engage in prostitution – frequently obtaining hotel rooms, having the women driven to the hotels, providing cell phones, and directing Internet prostitution ads. Maye collected the prostitution proceeds, enforced specific rules on the women and punished the women through physical violence.
Maye was also found guilty of providing fentanyl that resulted in an overdose death. In November 2018, Maye communicated with the victim in the hours before his death. The victim had been obtaining cocaine from Maye off and on for years and sought to obtain cocaine from him again in this instance but received a fatal dose of fentanyl instead.
Trial testimony detailed that Maye used violence against victims as part of overseeing his drug trafficking organization, including “stomping victims out,” smacking them, punching them, breaking their bones and knocking out their teeth.
In a financial conspiracy, Maye and other defendants filed for and received more than $30,000 in fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Maye kept all or a portion of the others’ benefits.
Maye was originally charged by indictment in November 2020 and has remained in federal custody since. After his initial arrest, Maye attempted to obstruct the ongoing investigation into his sex trafficking and other criminal activities and conspired to tamper with witnesses. Maye’s obstruction of justice included his directing the threatened murder of a potential government witness.
Due to Maye’s prior federal drug trafficking conviction, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison for distributing a controlled substance that resulted in death and the drug conspiracy charged in his case is punishable by a minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison. The sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion conspiracy is punishable by at least 15 years and up to life in prison. Conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Conspiring to tamper with a witness carries a potential penalty of up to 30 years in prison. Obstructing a sex trafficking investigation is punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
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 and Explosives (ATF); Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other officials with the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which was formed under Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, announced the guilty verdicts. Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill and Assistant United States Attorney Kevin W. Kelley are representing the United States in this case.
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Jury Finds Convicted Sex Offender Guilty of Attempted Child Sex OffenseRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Chad Allen Pease (48, Fort Pierce) guilty of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and committing a felony offense involving a minor when required to register as a sex offender. Pease faces a minimum penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. He must also forfeit a cellphone which he used in the commission of the offense.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on February 3, 2024, Pease began communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer (UC) whom Pease believed to be the father of a 13-year-old girl. During the course of the conversation, Pease made plans to meet up with the UC and his “daughter” so that Pease could sexually assault the child. Pease drove 18 miles to the meeting location and conducted countersurveillance before fleeing the scene. Nevertheless, law enforcement was able to identify Pease, reconstruct his activities that evening, and later arrest him at his residence in Fort Pierce.
Pease was previously convicted of a sex offense in 2008 after sending explicit photographs and traveling to have sex with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. He has been required to register as a sex offender ever since.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jury Convicts Man of March 2024 Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Maurice Edwards, 20, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty on November 21, 2024, by a Superior Court jury, of armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his role in a March 2024 traffic-accident-turned-carjacking in the Deanwood neighborhood of Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The Honorable Andrea Hertzfeld scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2025. Armed carjacking carries a mandatory minimum term of fifteen years of incarceration.
According to the government’s evidence, on the evening of March 11, 2024, Edwards drove a car through a stop sign and struck the victim’s vehicle at the intersection of 48th Pl. NE and Lee St. NE, as the victim was driving home from work. After Edwards and his co-conspirator got out of their car, Edwards pulled a gun on the victim, causing the victim to retreat from his driver’s side door. Edwards’ co-conspirator got into the victim’s car and drove away, and Edwards chased after the victim and held him down, allowing his co-conspirator to make off with the victim’s car.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case was investigated, prosecuted, and tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Cocuzza and Mark Levy.