Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Monday 30 September 2024
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Aiken County Public Schools in South Carolina to Protect Civil Rights of English Learner StudentsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today a settlement agreement with the Aiken County Public School District in South Carolina to resolve the department’s investigation into allegations that English learner students were not receiving appropriate instruction and services.
The department’s investigation identified concerns that the district failed to provide hundreds of English learner students, including students with disabilities, the language instruction they needed to become fluent in English. English learner students also faced barriers to full participation in core subjects like science, math and social studies. Under the agreement, the district will ensure that English learner students receive sufficient English language instruction from qualified teachers and that teachers of core subjects are trained on instructional strategies to help support English learners in their classrooms.
“Students who are learning English deserve the same access to educational opportunities as their classmates,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring school districts comply with federal civil rights laws designed to provide equal access to education so that all students can pursue their dreams and aspirations. This agreement will help support English learner students in the Aiken County Public Schools so they can participate fully in their schools’ academic programs.”
“All South Carolina students deserve a chance to learn and engage in coursework. For English learners that means help in overcoming language barriers,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We are pleased that the Aiken County School District is working to serve the needs of its English learners so they can fully participate in their coursework and become successful members of our community.”
The district cooperated fully throughout the investigation and has already begun making improvements to its English learner program, including hiring a full-time director and training instructional coaches on strategies to better serve students. Under the agreement, the district will ensure its teachers have the qualifications, training and support needed to help students learn English and participate fully in their core subject classes. The district will also provide language translation and interpretation of important school information to parents who are not fluent in English and create an advisory board composed of parents, educators and community members.
The department’s Civil Rights Division conducted its investigation under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974, which was enacted 50 years ago last month.
Enforcement of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt, and additional information about the work of the division’s Educational Opportunities Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/combating-national-origin-discrimination-schools.
Members of the public can report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
View a copy of the settlement agreement here.
View the settlement summary here. (Y en español aquí.)
View the settlement cover letter here. (Y en español aquí.)
Jury Convicts Ocala Man for COVID Relief FraudRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Henry Troy Wade (47, Ocala) guilty of six counts of wire fraud. Wade faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 2025. A federal grand jury had returned an indictment against Wade on November 22, 2022.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) provided loans to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of funds came from Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). Between April 5, 2020, and March 24, 2021, Wade applied for 11 EIDLs on behalf of 5 different businesses he claimed to own. Five of these applications were approved and Wade electronically received $524,400 through four loans and two grants.
Wade’s EIDL applications, however, contained multiple factual misrepresentations. Wade claimed he owned a restaurant, a farm, a child daycare, and two heating and air conditioning businesses. In actuality, Wade did not have the necessary licenses for any of these types of businesses. Even though he listed multiple employees on the EIDL applications, Wade never had paid any employment taxes nor had he registered the business names with the Internal Revenue Service or the Florida Department of Revenue. Wade also misrepresented his business income on the assorted applications by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
Joplin Man Sentenced for Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for stealing mail from Joplin residents as part of a conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud.
Aaron M. Blake, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to three years and seven months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Blake to pay $12,482 in restitution to his victims.
On Feb. 13, 2024, Blake pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Co-defendant Emily Anna-Lee Sturgis, 31, pleaded guilty on July 22, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud and to one count of bank fraud and awaits sentencing.
Sturgis and Blake admitted they conspired from December 2022 to Jan. 26, 2023, to steal mail out of residential mailboxes and off porches in Joplin. The stolen mail included credit cards, debit cards, checks, cash, jewelry, and documents that contained personal identifying information (such as names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and bank account information). They stole Pandora jewelry from one victim’s mailbox, and a Christmas card that contained a $500 check from another victim’s mailbox. They used the stolen credit cards to unlawfully make purchases.
Blake, with the knowledge and assistance of Sturgis, used the stolen personal information to open credit card accounts and bank accounts under those stolen names. He then used these fraudulently created credit and bank accounts to make unlawful purchases.
Sturgis and Blake attempted to obtain at least $13,845 from their victims and did obtain at least $12,482 from their victims.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Carthage, Mo., Police Department and the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Illegally Armed Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS—Desmond Valentine, 32, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 190 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, on April 14, 2022, Valentine was pulled over by IMPD officers and arrested on a state charge for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. During a search, officers found a plastic baggie containing 7.31 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin in Valentine’s pocket. Officers also found a 9mm Glock handgun inside of the pocket of a jacket laying in the back seat.
On the same day, IMPD officers executed a search warrant at Valentine’s Indianapolis home. There, they found items used for preparing and processing fentanyl and heroin, including digital scales, cutting agents, and blender equipment. Through subsequent investigation, officers determined that Valentine had been dealing heroin and fentanyl since the summer of 2021, distributing over 400 grams of fentanyl.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage—a tiny amount that can fit on the tip of a pencil. Seven out of ten illegal fentanyl tablets seized from U.S. streets and analyzed by the DEA have been found to contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
Valentine is prohibited by law from ever possessing a firearm due to his previous felony convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, aggravated battery, and robbery.
“This violent felon was pumping deadly fentanyl and heroin into our community—all while illegally armed,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Every neighborhood deserves to be safe from criminals dealing deadly drugs and armed with deadly weapons. I commend the DEA, IMPD, and our federal prosecutors for their efforts to hold this defendant accountable and take him off our streets. The federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that these very serious crimes carry very serious consequences.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha G. Spiro, who prosecuted this case.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
###
Huntington Woman Sentenced to More than 10 Years in Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Kyla Smith, also known as “Flaca,” 29, of Huntington, was sentenced today to 10 years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Smith admitted to her role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Southern District of West Virginia.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 29, 2023, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Smith on Eighth Avenue in Huntington. Smith admitted that the officer saw her conceal a bag of methamphetamine in the front of her pants during the traffic stop. Smith surrendered the methamphetamine to the officer, and admitted that she intended to distribute the controlled substance. Smith further admitted that she participated in the DTO from at least August 2023 through November 2023. Smith distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl to various customers, including some who redistributed the controlled substances that she provided to them.
Smith and other DTO participants used multiple residences to store and distribute quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, including a Davis Street residence in Huntington maintained by Smith. On November 15, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at Smith’s Davis Street residence and seized approximately 477 grams of fentanyl.
Smith is among 27 individuals indicted in a 53-count indictment that charges the defendants with distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl transported from Detroit, Michigan, in Huntington and other locations within the Southern District of West Virginia.
Smith is also among 21 defendants who have pleaded guilty in the main case. One other of the 27 indicted individuals pleaded guilty to a related offense in a separate case. The indictment against the remaining defendants is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-180.
###
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Weslee Nathaniel Black, 38, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession of a short-barrel shotgun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 28, 2024, law enforcement officers ordered Black to exit a vehicle on the 1300 block of Marcum Terrace in Huntington and arrested him for grand larceny of the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and seized a Hatfield Gun Company model PAS 12-gauge shotgun with a shortened barrel. Black admitted that he possessed the firearm, that he knew it had a shortened barrel when he purchased it, and that it was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Black knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior conviction for domestic battery in Cabell County Magistrate Court on January 31, 2023.
Black is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $10,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-84.
###
Honduran Man Sentenced for Online and Sexual Contact with MinorRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Eliazar Ramos Rosa, 24, of Honduras, was sentenced to 327 months in federal prison for the coercion and enticement of a 10-year-old Jefferson County girl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rosa exchanged over 1,000 messages, photos, and videos with the victim via Snapchat. He ultimately traveled to the victim’s Harpers Ferry home and engaged in sexual activity with her. Rosa recorded the encounter on his phone.
Rosa will be on lifetime supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The FBI and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Hawaii Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Atomic Energy ActRead the Press Release
Mark Kazee, 60, of Hawaii, pleaded guilty today to violating the Atomic Energy Act by transferring equipment containing Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)-regulated radioactive material from a company he was employed by, which held an NRC required license for the material, to another company without making a record of such transfer as required. Kazee was part owner of the second company, which did not have a license from the NRC.
According to court documents, Kazee worked in the materials and equipment testing industry for over 30 years, serving both as an inspector and as a supervisor of inspectors who used industrial radiography. Industrial radiography is the process of using a radiation source and a specialized camera to examine materials below the surface to check for flaws. Industrial radiography can emit X-rays, gamma rays and neutrons. Kazee worked for the first company starting in 2016 as its regional manager in Hawaii. Kazee’s employer had contracts to conduct testing with various companies in Hawaii, including petroleum refineries.
In September 2018, Kazee and another person created their own company to conduct the same type of testing as Kazee’s employer. Kazee’s company did not have the required license from the NRC to conduct industrial radiography. Soon after Kazee’s employer’s contract with a major refinery on Oahu expired in January 2019, Kazee’s new company began conducting inspections at the refinery, including industrial radiography, using his old employer’s equipment. The equipment contained Iridium-192 and depleted uranium radioactive material. Although Kazee knew he was required to create and maintain a record for his employer for any transfer of the radiography equipment to any other company or individual who was not his employer, he did not.
“Radiography is an impressive technology, and when it is used with proper safeguards, it increases safety and improves lives,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute those like Kazee who would circumvent legal requirements for transfer of radioactive materials and treat radiation safety and security as an afterthought.”
“Kazee knew what had to be done to comply with the regulations that protect the public from potential harms arising from the use of radioactive materials, but consciously chose not to follow them,” said U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors for the District of Hawaii. “His failures appropriately have criminal consequences and we will continue to pursue such to protect the community.”
“It is crucial that those who use radioactive material for commercial purposes follow the rules to protect the user and the public,” said Director Thomas Ashley of the NRC’s Office of Investigations. “The NRC does not tolerate willful violations of its requirements and demands that licensees and their employees act with integrity and abide by requirements put in place to ensure they’re used safely.”
Kazee is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 13 before U.S. District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright for the District of Hawaii. Kazee faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison. Judge Seabright will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The NRC's Office of Investigations investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Kris Dighe of the Environment and Natural Resources Division's Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
Hawaii Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Atomic Energy ActRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Mark Kazee, 60, of Hawaii, pleaded guilty today to violating the Atomic Energy Act by transferring equipment containing Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)-regulated radioactive material from a company he was employed by, which held an NRC required license for the material, to another company without making a record of such transfer as required. Kazee was part owner of the second company, which did not have a license from the NRC.
According to court documents, Kazee worked in the materials and equipment testing industry for over 30 years, serving both as an inspector and as a supervisor of inspectors who used industrial radiography. Industrial radiography is the process of using a radiation source and a specialized camera to examine materials below the surface to check for flaws. Industrial radiography can emit Xrays, gamma rays and neutrons. Kazee worked for the first company starting in 2016 as its regional manager in Hawaii. Kazee’s employer had contracts to conduct testing with various companies in Hawaii, including petroleum refineries.
In September 2018, Kazee and another person created their own company to conduct the same type of testing as Kazee’s employer. Kazee’s company did not have the required license from the NRC to conduct industrial radiography. Soon after Kazee’s employer’s contract with a major refinery on Oahu expired in January 2019, Kazee’s new company began conducting inspections at the refinery, including industrial radiography, using his old employer’s equipment. The equipment contained Iridium-192 and depleted uranium radioactive source material. Although Kazee knew he was required to create and maintain a record for his employer for any transfer of the radiography equipment to any other company or individual who was not his employer, he did not.
“Kazee knew what had to be done to comply with the regulations that protect the public from potential harms arising from the use of radioactive materials, but consciously chose not to follow them,” said U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors for the District of Hawaii. “His failures appropriately have criminal consequences and we will continue to pursue such to protect the community.”
“Radiography is an impressive technology, and when it is used with proper safeguards, it increases safety and improves lives,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute those like Kazee who would circumvent legal requirements for transfer of radioactive materials and treat radiation safety and security as an afterthought.”
“It is crucial that those who use radioactive material for commercial purposes follow the rules to protect the user and the public,” said Director Thomas Ashley of the NRC’s Office of Investigations. “The NRC does not tolerate willful violations of its requirements and demands that licensees and their employees act with integrity and abide by requirements put in place to ensure they’re used safely.”
Kazee is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13 before U.S. District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright for the District of Hawaii. Kazee faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison. Judge Seabright will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The NRC’s Office of Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates for the District of Hawaii and Senior Trial Attorney Kris Dighe of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Injectable Stem Cell Product Manufacturer Sentenced for Distributing Unapproved DrugRead the Press Release
The founder and chief executive officer of a California-based company that marketed stem cell-based products allegedly linked to 19 hospitalizations was sentenced today to 36 months in prison following his conviction under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
John W. Kosolcharoen, 53, most recently of Orange County, California, pleaded guilty last month in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California to one count of introducing an unapproved new drug into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead. Kosolcharoen is currently in federal custody on a separate, unconnected conviction. The court set a restitution hearing for Dec. 3.
According to court documents, beginning in 2016, Kosolcharoen created two companies, Liveyon LLC and Genetech Inc., to manufacture and distribute injectable stem cell products made from human umbilical cord blood. Liveyon marketed the products under different brand names, including “ReGen.” In pleading guilty, Kosolcharoen admitted that he and others misrepresented ReGen as suitable for the treatment of a variety of conditions, such as lung and heart diseases, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and others. Liveyon marketed the products throughout the United States until about April 2019 using advertising materials that contained multiple false and misleading statements about their purported safety and effectiveness. At sentencing, the government alleged that sales of Liveyon products generated approximately $21.6 million in revenue between 2017 and 2018.
“Misleading the public about the safety and effectiveness of purported cures and treatments is illegal,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will work with its law enforcement partners to prosecute individuals who market potentially dangerous products for personal gain.”
“Exploiting the hopes of patients suffering from serious illnesses is not merely greedy, it’s cruel,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who take advantage of victims’ fears and anxieties to line their pockets.”
In recent years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers that patients seeking cures and remedies for serious diseases and conditions may be misled about unapproved stem cell products that are illegally marketed, have not been shown to be safe or effective, and, in some cases, may have significant safety issues that put patients at risk. Stem cell products are regulated by FDA, and generally they must have FDA approval before being introduced into interstate commerce.
In 2018, FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received reports of patients in multiple states requiring hospitalization for bacterial infections after receiving Liveyon products. Kosolcharoen admitted that he and others fraudulently induced customers into purchasing stem cell-derived Liveyon products by, among other things, misleading the public about the cause and severity of adverse events suffered by Liveyon patients and falsely reporting and concealing material facts regarding the outcome of an FDA inspection of Genetech. The government alleged in court filings that an investigation by CDC, with the assistance of state and local health departments, found that the stem cell products were linked to the hospitalization of 19 patients in eight different states.
The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, FBI, Amtrak Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Department of Labor Employment Benefits Security Administration and the California Department of Health Care Services investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Aveis and David Chao for the Central District of California and Assistant Director Ross S. Goldstein and Trial Attorneys Meredith B. Healy, Kathryn A. Schmidt and Peter J. Leininger of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch handled the case.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
Former Wyatt Correctional Officer Sentenced for Attempting to Smuggle Contraband into the FacilityRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A now former Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility correctional officer was sentenced today for attempting to smuggle contraband inside the facility, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Kristopher White, 26, pleaded guilty on May 13, 2024, to a federal charge of attempting to provide contraband in prison. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to time served, two years of probation - the first six months to be served in home confinement with GPS monitoring, and 200 hours of community service.
At the time of his guilty plea, White admitted to the court that he agreed to participate in an inmate-led scheme to smuggle contraband inside the Wyatt Detention Center. White admitted that, during non-working hours, he met with an associate of a detainee who provided him with several pieces of paper soaked in a controlled substance, as well as payment for White’s participation.
On December 2, 2021, while on-duty, White left the detention center and retrieved the contraband from his vehicle. As he reentered the facility, the defendant was intercepted by Wyatt Professional Standards Unit officials and the contraband was seized.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie M. White.
###
Former Executive at Irvine-Based Company That Marketed Faulty Stem Cell Products Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The imprisoned founder and CEO of an Orange County-based company that marketed stem cell-based products linked to multiple hospitalizations was sentenced today to 36 months in federal prison – consecutive to his current prison sentence.
John Warrington Kosolcharoen, 53, most recently of Rancho Santa Margarita, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II, who also scheduled a December 3 restitution hearing in this case.
Kosolcharoen pleaded guilty on August 26 to one count of introducing an unapproved new drug into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead. Kosolcharoen is currently in custody serving a sentence for a separate, unconnected conviction.
“Exploiting the hopes of patients suffering from serious illnesses is not merely greedy, it’s cruel,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who take advantage of victims’ fears and anxieties to line their pockets.”
“Misleading the public about the safety and effectiveness of purported cures and treatments is illegal,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will work with its law enforcement partners to prosecute individuals who market potentially dangerous products for personal gain.”
Beginning in 2016, Kosolcharoen created two companies, the Irvine-based Liveyon LLC and the San Diego-based Genetech Inc., to manufacture and distribute injectable stem cell products made from human umbilical cord blood. Liveyon marketed the products under different brand names, including “ReGen.”
Kosolcharoen and others misrepresented ReGen as suitable for the treatment of a variety of conditions, such as lung and heart diseases, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and others. Liveyon marketed the products throughout the United States until about April 2019 using advertising materials that contained multiple false and misleading statements about their purported safety and effectiveness.
In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers that patients seeking cures and remedies for serious diseases and conditions may be misled about unapproved stem cell products that are illegally marketed, have not been shown to be safe or effective, and, in some cases, may have significant safety issues that put patients at risk. Stem cell products are regulated by FDA, and generally they must have FDA approval before being introduced into interstate commerce.
Kosolcharoen misled the FDA about Liveyon’s activities by directing Liveyon’s purchase orders to falsely state that the stem cell products were being sold “for research purposes only.” In 2018, FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received reports of patients in multiple states requiring hospitalization for bacterial infections after receiving Liveyon products. Kosolcharoen admitted that he and others fraudulently induced customers into purchasing stem cell-derived Liveyon products by, among other things, misleading the public about the cause and severity of adverse events suffered by Liveyon patients, and falsely reporting and concealing material facts regarding the outcome of an FDA inspection of Genetech. According to FDA records, that inspection documented evidence of significant deviations from good manufacturing and tissue practices.
FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations; the FBI; Amtrak Office of Inspector General; Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Labor Employment Benefits Security Administration; and the California Department of Health Care Services investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Aveis of the Major Frauds Section and David H. Chao of the General Crimes Section, Assistant Director Ross S. Goldstein and Trial Attorneys Meredith B. Healy, Kathryn A. Schmidt and Peter J. Leininger of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch prosecuted this case.
Former Colorado Springs Area Man Sentenced to 168 Months of Imprisonment After Sex Abuse of A Minor ConvictionRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Mitchel Crow, 32, was sentenced to 168 months of imprisonment and 12 years of supervised release after being found guilty by a federal jury on three counts of sexual abuse of a minor.
According to facts established at trial, between May of 2020 and mid-December of 2020, Crow engaged in several sexual acts with a minor within a residence located on Fort Carson, an Army post near Colorado Springs. Crow was a civilian living on post and was responsible for the care of the minor at the time.
“There is nothing more important than protecting children in our society,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “This long sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s abuse of a minor he was supposed to be protecting.”
"Child sex offenders prey on the most vulnerable victims. This sentence will not erase the harm inflicted upon the victim, but we hope it is a step towards recovery," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners such as U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division will continue to work together to put predators who harm children in prison."
United States Senior District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore presided over the sentencing. The FBI Denver Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Tom Minser and Al Buchman handled the prosecution.
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 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. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
Former California Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Attempting to Murder Two Jewish Men Leaving Los Angeles Synagogues Last YearRead the Press Release
A former California man who shot and wounded two Jewish men last year as they left religious services in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles was sentenced today to 35 years in prison.
Jaime Tran, 30, formerly of Riverside, pleaded guilty on June 3 to two counts of hate crimes with intent to kill and two counts of using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
“After years of spewing antisemitic vitriol, the defendant planned and carried out a two-day attack attempting to murder Jews leaving synagogue in Los Angeles,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Vile acts of antisemitic hatred endanger the safety of individuals and entire communities, and allowing such crimes to go unchecked endangers the foundation of our democracy itself. As millions of Jewish Americans prepare to observe the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Justice Department reaffirms its commitment to aggressively confronting, disrupting, and prosecuting criminal acts motivated by antisemitism, or by hatred of any kind. No Jewish person in America should have to fear that any sign of their identity will make them the victim of a hate crime.”
“Targeting people for death based solely on their religious and ethnic background brings back memories of the darkest chapters in human history,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “Such hate-fueled violence has no place in America. We hope the sentence imposed today sends a strong message to all in our community that we will not tolerate antisemitism and hate of any sort. For those who engage in hate crimes, the punishment will be severe.”
“This country was founded by many who fought for religious freedom, and practicing our religion continues to be a sacred and fundamental right,” said Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI will always defend that constitutional right. Those who violate the First Amendment by violent acts, those who would target the innocent based on hatred, will be held accountable.”
“While this sentencing cannot fully restore the sense of safety stolen from the two victims and the Jewish community, it is a decisive step towards justice and a clear message that such acts of hate and violence will not be tolerated,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi.
According to the government’s sentencing submission, Tran obsessed over his antisemitic hatred for years leading up to the attack. In 2018, Tran left graduate school after making antisemitic comments about other students. From August 2022 to December 2022, Tran’s antisemitic statements escalated and included increasingly violent language, including messages to former classmates such as “I want you dead, Jew,” and “Someone is going to kill you, Jew.” Tran described himself as a “ticking time bomb” and maintained social media accounts with the handle “k1llalljews.”
In November 2022, Tran emailed two dozen former classmates a flyer containing antisemitic propaganda, including the statement, “EVERY SINGLE ASPECT OF THE COVID AGENDA IS JEWISH.” The following month, Tran emailed his former classmates excerpts from an antisemitic website further denigrating Jewish persons.
As a result of previous mental health holds, as of 2023, Tran was prohibited from purchasing firearms. In January 2023, in Phoenix, Tran asked a third party to buy two firearms for him. Tran selected the firearms he wanted and paid approximately $1,500 in cash to the third party, who then purchased them. Law enforcement identified the third party, who has now pleaded guilty in Arizona to illegally selling Tran the firearm used in the shootings. Messages later retrieved from his phone reflected that defendant had asked multiple people to purchase firearms for him and had offered to pay more if no background check was performed.
In early February 2023, Tran sent an online message stating: “it’s time to kill all Jews.” On the morning of Feb. 15, 2023, Tran used the internet to research locations with a “kosher market,” planning to shoot someone near a kosher market because he believed there would be Jewish people in the area. Tran drove to Pico-Robertson and shot a Jewish victim wearing a yarmulke as he was leaving religious services at a synagogue. Tran, believing the victim was Jewish, shot him at close range centimeters from his spine, intending to kill him. Tran then fled the scene in his car.
The next morning, Feb. 16, 2023, Tran returned to the Pico-Robertson area, intending to shoot another Jewish person. Tran shot a second Jewish victim, also wearing a yarmulke and leaving a synagogue after attending religious services. Tran shot the victim at close range, intending to kill him, as the victim crossed the street. Tran again fled the scene.
Both victims survived the attacks. Law enforcement arrested Tran on Feb. 17, 2023, after a witness reported seeing someone shooting a firearm behind a motel. When he was arrested, Tran told law enforcement that he was “practicing” with his assault weapon. In its sentencing position, the government argued that “[h]ad defendant not been caught the night of his second shooting, his campaign of terror would likely have continued.”
The FBI and Los Angeles Police Department investigated the case. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Cathedral City Police Department, Fountain Valley Police Department, Beverly Hills Police Department, and UCLA Police Department, all in California, provided substantial assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathrynne N. Seiden and Frances S. Lewis for the Central District of California prosecuted the case.
Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Massachusetts Housing AgencyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to defrauding a Massachusetts housing agency where she worked in 2022, along with defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in connection with the pandemic Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Alihea Jones, 51, of Brandon, Fla., pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Jan. 16, 2025.
In 2022, Jones worked remotely for the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for six months where she worked with the Residential Aid to Families in Transition (RAFT) program, which provides funds to assist low-income Massachusetts residents facing eviction and other housing emergencies. Immediately after she was terminated, Jones, who was still logged into the RAFT database, accessed the files of four RAFT program participants and authorized electronic payments to their landlords in the amounts of $7,500, $8,800, $6,925 and $10,000. However, Jones changed the routing and bank account numbers from the landlords’ accounts to four unauthorized accounts in Georgia: an account in the name of Jones’s business, Beauty Concepts by Alihea, LLC (Beauty Concepts); Jones’s personal account; and the accounts of persons identified in the charging document as “Friend A” and “Friend B” – all without knowledge or permission from DHCD. After these transfers went through, Friend A and Friend B each paid Jones a $2,000 kickback.
Earlier, in 2021, Jones also fraudulently obtained a $187,000 PPP loan from a Massachusetts lender, which the SBA later forgave.
Under the PPP, authorized lenders issued SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses during the COVID pandemic to help keep workers employed. If a business spent the money on payroll and other permissible business expenses, the SBA forgave the loan.
Jones submitted a PPP loan application to a Massachusetts lender falsely stating that Beauty Concepts had 17 employees and an average monthly payroll expense of $74,800. In fact, Beauty Concepts did not employ anyone. Unaware that Jones’s information was false, the SBA agreed to guarantee a $187,000 loan to Beauty Concepts. The lender transmitted the loan proceeds to the Beauty Concepts account in Georgia. Jones later applied to have her loan forgiven. Again, she included false employee count and payroll information. Unaware that Jones’s representations were false, the SBA forgave the loan principal and accrued interest.
In total, Jones caused a loss of $222,074, with $33,225 payable to the DHCD and $188,849 payable to the SBA.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison; three years of supervised release; and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss, whichever is greater; restitution; and forfeiture.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Massachusetts Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of the Public Corruption Unit is prosecuting the case.
Five Former IRS Employees Sentenced in Connection with COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Five former IRS employees were recently sentenced for defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs. This case was brought as a part of an interagency effort to combat and prevent such fraud by federal employees.
According to court documents, Brian Saulsberry, 48, of Memphis, was employed by the IRS as a Program Evaluation and Risk Analyst in the Human Capital Office in Memphis, Tennessee. Saulsberry laundered funds he received from a scheme to defraud the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, a federal stimulus program authorized to provide loans to small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Saulsberry submitted false EIDL applications and obtained $171,400 in loan funds. After obtaining the fraudulent loan funds, Saulsberry transferred the funds to his personal checking account. He then used the loan funds for purposes not authorized by the EIDL Program, but instead transferred $100,000 to an investment account, knowing that the property involved in the transaction was derived from unlawful activity.
In addition to Saulsberry, four other former IRS employees, Courtney Quinshe Westmoreland, 40, Fatina Hewitt, 37, Roderick DeMarco White II, 29, and Tina Humes, 58, were convicted for defrauding federal stimulus programs authorized as part of the CARES Act, including the EIDL Program and the Paycheck Protection Program. The five former federal employees collectively sought over $1 million. They then used the loan funds to invest in personal accounts, purchase cars and luxury goods, and pay for personal travel, including trips to Las Vegas.
In October 2022, the Justice Department announced charges against the five former IRS employees. Saulsberry pled guilty to one count of money laundering in December 2023. On September 25, 2024, Saulsberry was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Sheryl H. Lipman to 18 months of imprisonment with 2 years of supervised release to follow and was ordered to provide $171,400 to the Government in forfeiture. There is no parole in the federal system.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren for the Western District of Tennessee, Acting Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Heather M. Hill, and Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware of the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) made the announcement.
TIGTA and SBA-OIG investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Justin Woodard and Trial Attorneys Sara Porter, Kelly Z. Walters, and Thomas D. Campbell of the Fraud Section’s Gulf Coast Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. André III for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the cases.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
###
For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in FederalRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced on Thursday, September 26, to 147 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, in October of 2023, detectives with the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force seized over 500 fentanyl pills, a Glock pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device and a large amount of U.S. currency from Jaylin Williams, age 24. At the sentencing hearing the Court received evidence that one-month prior, Williams fled from the Arkansas State Police on Interstate 49, reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour before stopping his vehicle and fleeing on foot. Williams was in unlawful possession of a firearm during that incident. The Court also considered evidence at the hearing that Williams previously shot one of his customers in relation to a drug deal in April of 2022. Williams has been a convicted felon since 2019, when he was convicted in Washington County of robbery.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force, Fayetteville Police Department, Arkansas State Police and ATF investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case was prosecuted as 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Federal Jury Finds Fresno Woman Tied to M30 King of Fresno Guilty of Trafficking Fentanyl, Cocaine, and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On Friday, Sept. 27, after a four-day trial, a federal jury found Alma Lucia Garza, 23, of Fresno, guilty of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine as well as possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Garza was a trusted assistant of the self-proclaimed M30 King of Fresno, Horacio Torrecillas Urias Jr. Between Nov. 2, 2021, and March 31, 2022, Garza conspired with Torrecillas Urias and others to obtain, directly from sources in Mexico, tens of thousands of counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills and large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine. The conspiracy included the distribution of these illicit drugs to drug dealers inside and outside of California. On Jan. 27, 2022, Garza mailed a package containing cocaine and methamphetamine to a co-defendant in New Mexico. Law enforcement seized the package before it arrived at its destination. On Feb. 9, 2022, Garza traveled with Torrecillas Urias to Sanger to deliver thousands of pills laced with fentanyl and methamphetamine. Those pills were seized by law enforcement during the execution of a residential search warrant two days later.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the United States charged Garza, Torrecillas Urias, and 17 others. With the verdict in today’s case, all defendants have pleaded or been found guilty. Sentencing in Garza’s case is set for Jan. 6, 2025. She faces a maximum sentence of 20 years prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
The case is the result of an investigation by the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team (a multi-agency team composed of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno Police Department), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Clovis Police Department, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Antonio J. Pataca are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.
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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Federal Jury Convicts St. Francisville Man of Assault Upon a Federal Officer in Performance of Official DutyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr., announced the conviction of Lionel Haile, age 31, of St. Francisville, Louisiana. After a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles, the jury unanimously convicted Haile of assaulting a U.S. Postal employee with a dangerous weapon and inflicting bodily injury.
As the evidence at trial demonstrated, on December 31, 2021, Haile attacked a U.S. Postal employee with a sharp object as she was delivering mail to an apartment complex in Zachary, Louisiana, inflicting a stab wound on her right leg. The victim fought against Haile’s repeated attempts to stab her on her upper body and legs. She escaped Haile, ran towards a vehicle as it was exiting the apartment complex, jumped inside the vehicle, and rode off with her rescuer. Haile fled the scene. Authorities arrested Haile on January 6, 2022, following the publication of his photograph on CrimeStoppers.
As a result of his conviction, Haile now faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Zachary Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy S. Johnson and Robert W. Piedrahita.
Federal Charges Announced Against Inmates for Violent Crimes Committed in the Metropolitan Detention Center in BrooklynRead the Press Release
Today in Brooklyn, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced charges in five cases addressing violence at New York City’s federal pretrial detention facility, the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC-Brooklyn), located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. These include charges against inmates for the murder of Uriel Whyte on June 7, 2024, the murder of Edwin Cordero on July 17, 2024, an attempted murder on April 27, 2024 and two violent assaults on August 24 and 27, 2024. The defendants, all of whom were previously ordered detained at MDC-Brooklyn on other charges, will be arraigned in the coming days.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Lisa O. Monaco, United States Deputy Attorney General and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges.
“Violence will not be tolerated in our federal jails.” stated United States Attorney Peace. “As alleged, in June and July of this year, two men detained at MDC-Brooklyn—Uriel Whyte and Edwin Cordero—were murdered by fellow inmates using makeshift weapons. Others at MDC-Brooklyn have been viciously assaulted by inmates, as alleged in the three other cases announced today. As the only federal pretrial facility in New York City, MDC-Brooklyn houses pretrial inmates accused of some of the most serious crimes in our region. No matter the reason for their detention, my Office will work tirelessly to vindicate the rights of victims who suffer violence within MDC-Brooklyn and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who choose to commit such heinous acts. Let these charges serve as a warning to those who would engage in criminal conduct behind bars, and anyone else who facilitates those crimes: your conduct will be exposed, and you will be held accountable.”
Mr. Peace thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons for their assistance with the investigations.
“Today’s charges demonstrate the Justice Department’s commitment to rooting out violence and criminal behavior at federal detention facilities—a critical component of our work to improve conditions across the Federal Bureau of Prisons,” stated Deputy Attorney General Monaco. “Violence and contraband in our prisons are unacceptable, and the Department will hold accountable those who threaten the safety of anyone in our custody.”
“Several inmates of Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center allegedly orchestrated a series of distinct violent assaults, including the murders of fellow inmates, Uriel Whyte and Edwin Cordero. While this federal jail houses dangerous pretrial inmates, order and safety must remain paramount. Awaiting potential criminal charges is not a warranted justification to subject a detained individual to unnecessary attacks. May today’s indictments reflect the FBI’s determination to apprehend violent criminals, regardless of where the incidents may occur,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy.
United States v. Andrew Simpson and Devone Thomas, 24-CR-360 (EK)
The defendants Andrew Simpson and Devone Thomas, who were previously detained at MDC-Brooklyn on racketeering and robbery charges, respectively, have been indicted by a grand jury for their roles in the June 7, 2024 murder of inmate Uriel Whyte.
On the morning of June 7, 2024, following a verbal dispute between Simpson and Whyte, cellmates Simpson and Thomas armed themselves with makeshift weapons and proceeded to engage in a series of two-on-one attacks against Whyte. The escalating violent attacks, which took place over a span of approximately 15 minutes, were committed against Whyte inside Simpson and Thomas’s shared cell, which served to hide their conduct from guards and surveillance cameras. The attacks culminated with Whyte suffering a severe stab wound to his neck, which severed his carotid artery. While Whyte was able to exit the cell and seek medical aid, he succumbed to his wounds shortly thereafter despite the efforts of onsite medical personnel and responding paramedics.
Simpson and Thomas are charged with murder in a federal detention facility, assault in a federal detention facility, obstruction of justice and possession of contraband in prison for their roles in fatally stabbing Whyte at MDC-Brooklyn.
If convicted, Simpson and Thomas face mandatory sentences of life in prison.
The government’s case against Simpson and Thomas is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs and General Crimes Sections. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Maffei, Sophia Suarez and Elizabeth D’Antonio are in charge of the prosecution.
United States v. Jamaul Aziz, James Bazemore and Alberto Santiago, 24-CR-380 (NCM)
The defendants Jamaul Aziz, also known as “bugz,” James Bazemore, also known as “TJ” and “RS,” and Alberto Santiago, also known as “Kom” and “dotcom,” have been indicted by a grand jury for their roles in the July 17, 2024 murder of Edwin Cordero, a fellow inmate at MDC-Brooklyn. Aziz and Santiago were both previously detained at MDC-Brooklyn for various serious gun and drug-trafficking crimes; Bazemore was detained for racketeering conspiracy, murder in-aid-of racketeering, use of a firearm resulting in death and being a felon in possession of a firearm. All three have admitted their guilt or been found guilty in their underlying cases.
In the afternoon of July 17, 2024—following an earlier altercation between Cordero and Santiago—Santiago, Aziz and Bazemore met with each other intermittently over approximately half an hour. Cordero then reengaged with Santiago—both of them armed with makeshift weapons—when shortly after Aziz and Bazemore, also armed, joined in. Aziz, Bazemore and Santiago cornered Cordero while swinging and stabbing at him. After Cordero was able to escape, Bazemore continued to attack him, which allowed Santiago to approach Cordero from behind and stab him in the center of his chest, perforating various parts of his heart. Cordero then staggered forward, and Bazemore stabbed him in the back. Aziz and Bazemore next cornered the victim again next to a table and repeatedly stabbed, struck and kicked him, including after he fell to the ground and tried to shield himself with the table. Staff members quickly responded to the commotion and delivered emergency medical care but were unable to save the victim.
The indictment charges Aziz, Bazemore and Santiago with premeditated murder within a federal detention facility, conspiracy to commit murder within a federal detention facility, assault resulting in serious bodily injury within a federal detention facility and possession of one or more objects designed to be used as weapons within a prison.
If convicted, the defendants face mandatory sentences of life in prison.
The government’s case against Aziz, Bazemore and Santiago is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs and General Crimes Sections. Assistant United States Attorneys Irisa Chen and Elizabeth D’Antonio are in charge of the prosecution.
United States v. Luis Rivas, 24-CR-390 (OEM)
The defendant Luis Rivas has been indicted by a grand jury with attempted murder in a federal detention facility, assault in a federal detention facility and possession of contraband in prison, for his role in the April 27, 2024 assault of another inmate at MDC-Brooklyn. At the time of the attack, Rivas was detained at MDC-Brooklyn after being convicted of racketeering and assault in-aid-of-racketeering charges related to his membership in the gang La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). On the morning of April 27, 2024, Rivas and two other MS-13 members brutally attacked another inmate in their housing unit. Prior to the attack, the victim was sitting peacefully, relaxing with his feet up. Rivas then approached the victim, took a makeshift weapon from his waistband, and stabbed the victim with it. Two other MS-13 members then came to Rivas’ aid and assisted him in punching and stabbing the victim repeatedly. After the assault, the victim was taken to MDC- Brooklyn’s medical unit and then to a hospital to treat the approximately 44 stab wounds to his back, chest, abdomen, right arm and legs.
If convicted, Rivas faces up to 45 years in prison.
The government’s case against Rivas is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Sherman is in charge of the prosecution.
United States v. Bruce Silva and Hassan Elliott, 24-MJ-556 (MMH)
The defendants Bruce Silva and Hassan Elliott have been charged by complaint with assault in a federal detention facility for their roles in the August 27, 2024 assault of another inmate at MDC-Brooklyn. At the time of the attack, Silva was detained at MDC-Brooklyn in connection with pending charges including racketeering conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, firearms charges, attempted murder and assault in-aid-of racketeering in connection with his participation in multiple shootings in the Bronx, and other crimes related to his membership in “Dub City,” a street gang based in the Bronx. Elliott was detained at MDC-Brooklyn at the time of the attack in connection with 29 pending charges related to his membership in “1700 Scattergood,” a violent drug trafficking organization operating in Northeast Philadelphia, including the murder in-aid-of racketeering of a Philadelphia police sergeant (who was seeking to execute search and arrest warrants for Elliott at the time of his murder), racketeering conspiracy, three other murders in-aid-of racketeering, multiple charges related to multiple other shootings and related firearms and narcotics offenses.
On the morning of August 27, 2024, Silva and Elliott tried to attack another inmate in their housing unit. They took makeshift weapons from their waistbands and tried to stab and slash their intended victim. When a fourth inmate interceded, Silva stabbed the fourth inmate in the spine with a makeshift icepick, leaving the icepick protruding from the inmate’s back. Silva and Elliott then continued to try to attack both the stabbing victim and their original intended victim. After the assault, the stabbing victim was taken to MDC-Brooklyn’s medical unit and then to a hospital to remove the weapon from his spine and treat him.
If convicted, Silva and Elliott each face up to 10 years in prison.
The government’s case against Silva and Elliott is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Shami is in charge of the prosecution.
United States v. Leury Mojica, 24-MJ-559 (MMH)
Defendant Leury Mojica was charged by complaint with assaulting a federal officer. As alleged in the complaint, on August 24, 2024, Mojica punched a corrections officer in the face after the victim offered Mojica breakfast. Mojica was originally detained at MDC-Brooklyn in connection with a Hobbs Act robbery charge, and also previously participated in a violent stabbing of another inmate, which conduct was taken into account in his May 2024 sentencing in the Southern District of New York.
If convicted, Mojica faces up to 20 years in prison.
The government’s case against Mojica is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges in all of the indictments and complaints are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Defendants:
ANDREW SIMPSON
Age: 26
Brooklyn, New YorkDEVONE THOMAS
Age: 24
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-360 (EK)
--------------
JAMAUL AZIZ
Age: 44
New York, New YorkJAMES BAZEMORE
Age: 42
Bronx, New YorkALBERTO SANTIAGO
Age: 28
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-380 (NCM)
----------------
LUIS RIVAS
Age: 29
Jamaica, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-390 (OEM)
----------------
BRUCE SILVA
Age: 28
Bronx, New YorkHASSAN ELLIOTT
Age: 26
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-MJ-556 (MMH)
----------------
LEURY MOJICA
Age: 21
Bronx, New York
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-MJ-559 (MMH)Federal Charges Announced Against Inmates for Violent Crimes Committed in Metropolitan Detention Center in BrooklynRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced charges in five cases addressing violence at New York City’s federal pretrial detention facility, the Metropolitan Detention Center, (MDC), located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. These include charges against inmates for the murder of Uriel Whyte on June 7, the murder of Edwin Cordero on July 17, an attempted murder on April 27, and two violent assaults on Aug. 24 and 27. The defendants, all of whom were previously ordered detained at the MDC on other charges, will be arraigned in the coming days.
“Today’s charges demonstrate the Justice Department’s commitment to rooting out violence and criminal behavior at federal detention facilities — a critical component of our work to improve conditions across the Federal Bureau of Prisons,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Violence and contraband in our prisons are unacceptable, and the Department will hold accountable those who threaten the safety of anyone in our custody.”
“Violence will not be tolerated in our federal jails,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “As alleged, in June and July of this year, two men detained at the MDC — Uriel Whyte and Edwin Cordero — were murdered by fellow inmates using makeshift weapons. Others at the MDC have been viciously assaulted by inmates, as alleged in the three other cases announced today. As the only federal jail in New York City, the MDC houses pretrial inmates accused of some of the most serious crimes in our region. No matter the reason for their detention, my office will work tirelessly to vindicate the rights of victims who suffer violence within the MDC and prosecute all those who choose to commit such heinous acts to the full extent of the law. Let these charges serve as a warning to those who would continue their criminal conduct behind bars, and anyone else who facilitates those crimes: your conduct will be exposed, and you will be held accountable.”
“Several inmates of Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center allegedly orchestrated a series of distinct violent assaults, including the murders of fellow inmates, Uriel Whyte and Edwin Cordero,” said Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy of the FBI New York Field Office. “While this federal jail houses dangerous pretrial inmates, order and safety must remain paramount. Awaiting potential criminal charges is not a warranted justification to subject a detained individual to unnecessary attacks. May today’s indictments reflect the FBI’s determination to apprehend violent criminals, regardless of where the incidents may occur.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Federal Bureau of Prisons provided assistance in the investigations.
United States v. Simpson and Thomas, 24-CR-360
Andrew Simpson and Devone Thomas, who were previously detained at the MDC on racketeering and robbery charges, respectively, were indicted by a grand jury for their roles in the June 7, murder of inmate Uriel Whyte.
On the morning of June 7, following a verbal dispute between Simpson and Whyte, cellmates Simpson and Thomas armed themselves with makeshift weapons and proceeded to engage in a series of two-on-one attacks against Whyte. The escalating violent attacks, which took place over a span of approximately 15 minutes, were committed against Whyte inside Simpson and Thomas’ shared cell, which served to hide their conduct from guards and surveillance cameras. The attacks culminated with Whyte suffering a severe stab wound to his neck, which severed his carotid artery. While Whyte was able to exit the cell and seek medical aid, he succumbed to his wounds shortly thereafter despite the efforts of onsite medical personnel and responding paramedics.
Simpson and Thomas are charged with murder in a federal detention facility, assault in a federal detention facility, obstruction of justice, and possession of contraband in prison for their roles in fatally stabbing Whyte at the MDC.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Maffei, Sophia Suarez, and Elizabeth D’Antonio for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case.
United States v. Aziz, Bazemore and Santiago, 24-CR-380
On Sept. 24, a grand jury in the Eastern District of New York returned an indictment charging Jamaul Aziz, also known as bugz; James Bazemore, also known as TJ and RS; and Alberto Santiago, also known as Kom and dotcom, with four crimes related to their roles in the July 17 murder of Edwin Cordero, a fellow inmate at the MDC. Aziz and Santiago were both previously detained in the MDC for various serious gun and drug-trafficking crimes; Bazemore was detained for racketeering conspiracy, murder in-aid-of racketeering, use of a firearm resulting in death, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. All three have admitted their guilt in their underlying cases.
In the afternoon of July 17 — following an earlier altercation between the victim and Santiago — Santiago, Aziz, and Bazemore met with each other intermittently over approximately half an hour. Santiago then reengaged with the victim — both of them armed with makeshift weapons — when shortly after Aziz and Bazemore, also armed, joined in. Aziz, Bazemore, and Santiago cornered the victim while swinging and stabbing at him. After the victim was able to escape, Bazemore continued to attack the victim, which allowed Santiago to approach the victim from behind and stab the victim in the center of his chest, perforating various parts of his heart. The victim then staggered forward, and Bazemore grabbed the victim and stabbed him in the back. Aziz and Bazemore next cornered the victim again next to a table and repeatedly stabbed, struck, and kicked the victim, including after he fell to the ground and tried to shield himself with the table. Staff members quickly responded to the commotion and delivered emergency medical care but were unable to save the victim.
Aziz, Bazemore, and Santiago are charged with premeditated murder within a federal detention facility, conspiracy to commit murder within a federal detention facility, assault resulting in serious bodily injury within a federal detention facility, and possession of one or more objects designed to be used as weapons within a prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Irisa Chen and Elizabeth D’Antonio for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case.
United States v. Luis Rivas, 24-CR-390
A grand jury indicted Luis Rivas today on attempted murder in a federal detention facility, assault in a federal detention facility, and possession of contraband in prison for his role in the April 27, assault of another inmate at the MDC. At the time of the attack, Rivas was detained at the MDC after being convicted of racketeering and assault in-aid-of-racketeering charges related to his membership in the gang La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). On the morning of April 27, Rivas and two other MS-13 members brutally attacked another inmate in their housing unit. Prior to the attack, the victim was sitting peacefully, relaxing with his feet up. Rivas then approached the victim, took a makeshift weapon from his waistband, and stabbed the victim with it. Two other MS-13 members then came to Rivas’ aid and assisted him in punching and stabbing the victim repeatedly. After the assault, the victim was taken to MDC’s medical unit and then to a hospital to treat the approximately 44 stab wounds to his back, chest, abdomen, right arm and legs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Sherman for the Eastern District of New York is prosecuting the case.
United States v. Bruce Silva and Hassan Elliott, 24-MJ-556
Bruce Silva and Hassan Elliott were charged by complaint with assault in a federal detention facility for their role in the Aug. 27, assault of another inmate at the MDC. At the time of the attack, Silva was detained at the MDC in connection with pending charges in the Southern District of New York, including racketeering conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, firearms charges, attempted murder and assault in-aid-of racketeering in connection with his participation in multiple shootings in the Bronx, and other crimes related to his membership in “Dub City,” a street gang based in the Bronx, New York. Elliott was detained at the MDC at the time of the attack in connection with 29 pending charges in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, including the murder in-aid-of racketeering of a Philadelphia Police Sergeant (who was seeking to execute search and arrest warrants for Elliott at the time of his murder), racketeering conspiracy, three other murders in-aid-of racketeering, multiple charges related to multiple other shootings, and related firearms and narcotics offenses related to his membership in “1700 Scattergood,” a violent drug trafficking organization operating in Northeast Philadelphia.
On the morning of Aug. 27, Silva and Elliott tried to attack another inmate in their housing unit. They took makeshift weapons from their waistbands and tried to stab and slash their intended victim. When a fourth inmate interceded, Silva stabbed the fourth inmate in the spine with a makeshift icepick, leaving the icepick protruding from the inmate’s back. Silva and Elliott then continued to try to attack both the stabbing victim and their original intended victim. After the assault, the stabbing victim was taken to the MDC’s medical unit and then to a hospital to remove the weapon from his spine and treat him.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Shami for the Eastern District of New York is prosecuting the case.
United States v. Leury Mojica, 24-MJ-559
Leury Mojica was charged by complaint with assaulting a federal officer. As alleged in the complaint, on Aug. 24, Mojica punched a corrections officer in the face after the victim offered Mojica breakfast. Mojica was originally detained at the MDC in connection with a Hobbs Act robbery charge, and also previously participated in a violent stabbing of another inmate, which conduct was taken into account in his May sentencing in the Southern District of New York.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Berman for the Eastern District of New York is prosecuting the case.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Epsilon Senior Executive and Sales Manager Both Sentenced for Selling Data on Millions of U.S. Consumers to FraudstersRead the Press Release
Two men were sentenced to prison today for selling targeted lists of U.S. consumers for the benefit of mass-mailing fraud schemes that defrauded hundreds of thousands of Americans out of tens of millions of dollars. Following a two-week trial, a federal jury convicted Robert Reger, 57, of Boulder, Colorado, and David Lytle, 64, of Leawood, Kansas, of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and numerous counts of substantive mail fraud and wire fraud. For these crimes, the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado sentenced Reger, 57, to 120 months in prison, and Lytle, 64 to 48 months in prison.
According to evidence presented at trial, over the course of 10 years, the defendants were key participants in a scheme that knowingly sold targeted lists of consumers and their addresses to perpetrators of fraud schemes involving the sending of false and deceptive mail to consumers, particularly elderly and vulnerable people. The defendants committed the crimes while working at data broker Epsilon Data Management LLC (Epsilon), which used transactional data collected from marketing clients to predict new “responsive buyers” using computer algorithms and a database of 100 million U.S. households. Evidence at trial showed that the defendants used Epsilon’s algorithms to predict and sell lists of consumers most likely to respond to the fraud schemes’ mailings. The defendants’ business unit worked with dozens of clients that sent scam letters promising large prizes or falsely personalized astrological mailings promising wealth.
Evidence at trial showed that the defendants’ crimes helped facilitate harmful fraud on the victims whose data they sold. For example, the defendants sold nearly 100 lists of names and addresses to a particular fraudster client who used the data to defraud more than 218,000 victims of more than $23.7 million. Epsilon’s data showed that many victims were repeatedly defrauded by this single scheme, including more than 12,000 victims who were defrauded more than 20times each. At trial, elderly victims and their adult children testified about the scam letters victims received falsely promising cash prizes.
“Today’s sentences should make clear that those who illegally use Americans’ personal information to facilitate fraud will face serious consequences.” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will investigate and prosecute individuals who use their access to our personal data to target vulnerable Americans for their own gain.”
“Far too often, we prosecute cases where criminals prey on the elderly and vulnerable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “This sentence demonstrates that those who exploit the most vulnerable in our society for financial gain will be prosecuted and held accountable for their despicable actions.”
“The results of this collaborative investigation with the US Postal Inspection Service and its partners, has resulted in the arrests and convictions of two individuals who knowingly helped criminals target and scam vulnerable members of our community out of millions,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)’s Criminal Investigations Group. “This investigation demonstrates the continued commitment of the US Postal Inspections Service, to protect our most vulnerable communities. Our dedicated fraud teams allow us to expose and target criminals who try to hide behind these complex schemes. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to ensure these individuals face justice.”
USPIS’ Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force investigated this matter.
Senior Trial Attorney Alistair Reader and Assistant Director Rachael Doud of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Weber for the District of Colorado prosecuted the case. Senior Trial Attorney Ehren Reynolds and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Hetal Doshi for the District of Colorado also assisted in the case.
The defendants’ former employer, Epsilon resolved its criminal liability via a deferred prosecution agreement in 2021, paying $150 million in penalties and victim compensation. That victim compensation effort has returned $122 million to more than 200,000 victims of fraud schemes to which Epsilon provided data.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Epsilon Senior Executive and Sales Manager Both Sentenced for Selling Data on Millions of U.S. Consumers to FraudstersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two men were sentenced to prison today for selling targeted lists of U.S. consumers for the benefit of mass-mailing fraud schemes that defrauded hundreds of thousands of Americans out of tens of millions of dollars. Following a two-week trial, a federal jury convicted Robert Reger, 57, of Boulder, Colorado, and David Lytle, 64, of Leawood, Kansas, of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and numerous counts of substantive mail fraud and wire fraud. For these crimes, the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado sentenced Reger, 57, to 120 months in prison, and Lytle, 64 to 48 months in prison.
According to evidence presented at trial, over the course of 10 years, the defendants were key participants in a scheme that knowingly sold targeted lists of consumers and their addresses to perpetrators of fraud schemes involving the sending of false and deceptive mail to consumers, particularly elderly and vulnerable people. The defendants committed the crimes while working at data broker Epsilon Data Management LLC (Epsilon), which used transactional data collected from marketing clients to predict new “responsive buyers” using computer algorithms and a database of 100 million U.S. households. Evidence at trial showed that the defendants used Epsilon’s algorithms to predict and sell lists of consumers most likely to respond to the fraud schemes’ mailings. The defendants’ business unit worked with dozens of clients that sent scam letters promising large prizes or falsely personalized astrological mailings promising wealth.
Evidence at trial showed that the defendants’ crimes helped facilitate harmful fraud on the victims whose data they sold. For example, the defendants sold nearly 100 lists of names and addresses to a particular fraudster client who used the data to defraud more than 218,000 victims of more than $23.7 million. Epsilon’s data showed that many victims were repeatedly defrauded by this single scheme, including more than 12,000 victims who were defrauded more than 20times each. At trial, elderly victims and their adult children testified about the scam letters victims received falsely promising cash prizes.
“Today’s sentences should make clear that those who illegally use Americans’ personal information to facilitate fraud will face serious consequences.” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will investigate and prosecute individuals who use their access to our personal data to target vulnerable Americans for their own gain.”
“Far too often, we prosecute cases where criminals prey on the elderly and vulnerable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch for the District of Colorado. “This sentence demonstrates that those who exploit the most vulnerable in our society for financial gain will be prosecuted and held accountable for their despicable actions.”
“The results of this collaborative investigation with the US Postal Inspection Service and its partners, has resulted in the arrests and convictions of two individuals who knowingly helped criminals target and scam vulnerable members of our community out of millions,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)’s Criminal Investigations Group. “This investigation demonstrates the continued commitment of the US Postal Inspections Service, to protect our most vulnerable communities. Our dedicated fraud teams allow us to expose and target criminals who try to hide behind these complex schemes. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to ensure these individuals face justice.”
USPIS’ Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force investigated this matter.
Senior Trial Attorney Alistair Reader and Assistant Director Rachael Doud of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Weber for the District of Colorado prosecuted the case. Senior Trial Attorney Ehren Reynolds and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Hetal Doshi for the District of Colorado also assisted in the case.
The defendants’ former employer, Epsilon resolved its criminal liability via a deferred prosecution agreement in 2021, paying $150 million in penalties and victim compensation. That victim compensation effort has returned $122 million to more than 200,000 victims of fraud schemes to which Epsilon provided data.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
###
El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Aiken en South Carolina para proteger los derechos civiles de estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglésRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy un acuerdo de conciliación con el Distrito Escolar Público del Condado de Aiken en South Carolina para resolver la investigación del Departamento de las acusaciones de que los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés no estaban recibiendo las horas lectivas y los servicios adecuados.
La investigación del Departamento identificó inquietudes de que el Distrito no proporcionó a cientos de estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés –incluidos estudiantes con discapacidades– la enseñanza lingüística que necesitaban para dominar el inglés. Los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés también se enfrentaron a barreras a la plena participación en asignaturas de contenido básico como ciencias, matemáticas y estudios sociales. En virtud del acuerdo, el Distrito se asegurará de que los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés reciban suficiente enseñanza de inglés de maestros calificados y que los maestros de asignaturas de contenido básico estén capacitados en estrategias de enseñanza para ayudar a los estudiantes de inglés en sus aulas.
«Los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés se merecen el mismo acceso a oportunidades educativas iguales como sus compañeros de clase», afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia se compromete a garantizar que los Distritos escolares cumplan con las leyes federales de derechos civiles diseñadas para proporcionar la igualdad de acceso a la educación para que todos los estudiantes puedan perseguir sus sueños y aspiraciones. Este acuerdo ayudará a apoyar a los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés en las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Aiken para que puedan participar plenamente en los programas académicos de sus escuelas».
«Todos los estudiantes en South Carolina se merecen la oportunidad de aprender y participar en los trabajos de curso. Para aquellos estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés, esto significa que se debe ayudarles a superar las barreras lingüísticas», declaró Adair F. Boroughs, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de South Carolina. «Nos complace ver que el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Aiken esté trabajando para servir las necesidades de sus estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés para que estos puedan participar plenamente en sus trabajos de curso y convertirse en miembros exitosos de nuestra comunidad».
El Distrito cooperó plenamente durante toda la investigación y ya ha comenzado a realizar mejoras en su programa de aprendizaje de inglés, lo que incluye la contratación de un director a tiempo completo y la provisión de capacitación a los instructores sobre estrategias para servir mejor a los estudiantes. En virtud del acuerdo, el Distrito se asegurará de que sus maestros tengan las cualificaciones, la formación y el apoyo necesarios para ayudar a los estudiantes a aprender inglés y participar plenamente en sus asignaturas de contenido básico. Por otra parte, el Distrito también proporcionará traducción e interpretación de información escolar importante a los padres que no dominen el inglés y creará un consejo consultivo compuesto de padres que están aprendiendo inglés, educadores y miembros de la comunidad.
La División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento llevó a cabo su investigación en virtud de la ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades Educativas de 1974.
La aplicación de la ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades Educativas es una de las principales prioridades de la División de Derechos Civiles. Puede encontrar información adicional sobre la División de Derechos Civiles en su sitio web en www.justice.gov/crt, e información adicional sobre el trabajo de la Sección de Oportunidades Educativas de la División está disponible en www.justice.gov/crt/combating-national-origin-discrimination-schools.
Los miembros del público pueden denunciar posibles infracciones de los derechos civiles en civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
Detroit Man Sentenced to More than 10 Years in Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Michael Dayshawn Harris, also known as “Polo,” 31, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of quantities of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 6, 2022, Harris sold approximately 29 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington. Harris admitted to the transaction and further admitted to arranging it beforehand when the confidential informant called him earlier that day.
Co-defendant Desmond Devon Magee, also known as “Rich,” 28, of Detroit, was sentenced on May 22, 2023, to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-210.
###
Cumberland County Man with Human Trafficking Ties Sentenced to 10 Years on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Cumberland County man was sentenced today to 120 months for illegal firearm possession. On May 23, 2024, following a four-day trial, a federal jury convicted Markus Odon McCormick, age 39, of possession of a firearm by a felon. Prior to his federal conviction, a state jury found McCormick guilty of human trafficking charges, in a case investigated by the Fayetteville Police Department.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, on December 10, 2020, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call from a woman reporting gunfire and an assault. The first responding deputies found McCormick standing by his vehicle and the victim bleeding from head injuries. The victim was later transported to the hospital. A responding law enforcement officer noticed a firearm in a crawlspace opening of a nearby mobile home. Upon further investigation, narcotics and a 9mm caliber pistol were discovered under the home, which was owned by the victim. Subsequent laboratory testing revealed the presence of McCormick’s DNA on the pistol.
McCormick has prior felony convictions, including federal conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack), which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie A. Childress, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Gainer, prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-276-FL-BM.
Court Sentences Texas Mother to 60 Months Imprisonment for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – United States District Court Judge, Jeffrey U. Beaverstock sentenced Zolia Rosa Zuniga of Texas to 60 months imprisonment for her part in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.
Documents filed with the court and evidence introduced in court established that on January 5, 2021, a Baldwin County Sheriff's Office's Special Operations Unit Task Force Officer (TFO) stopped Zuniga on Interstate 10 for travelling too closely behind another vehicle. Due to a number of suspicious circumstances during the stop the TFO deployed his canine named “Darlin” to sniff the outside of the vehicle and the canine alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from the vehicle. After the canine alert law enforcement searched the vehicle and found approximately 32 pounds of methamphetamine secreted behind the speakers in the vehicle.
Zuniga later admitted to law enforcement that she knowingly agreed to transport the drugs for an individual from Mexico that had agreed to pay her $10,000 for her courier services. Zuniga further admitted she was driving from Texas to the Tampa, Florida area with the drugs when she was stopped in Baldwin County. Zuniga is the mother of two minor children.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Willie Frank Gordon, 42, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to twenty-two years in federal prison after previously being found guilty at trial for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and federal supervised release violations. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“The investigation and prosecution of armed drug traffickers – in this case by a repeat offender – is central to our mission to protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence illustrates our shared resolve to keep our communities safe and the significant consequences associated with federal drug and firearm violations.”
On March 15, 2022, Gordon was arrested during a traffic stop for driving without a license. During an inventory search of the vehicle, law enforcement located a black backpack containing approximately 200 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, and associated drug paraphernalia, along with a loaded, chambered pistol. Law enforcement also located a firearm holster in the glove box of the vehicle, three cell phones, and over $2,000 on Gordon’s person. Gordon initially denied knowledge of the controlled substances and the firearm, but ultimately admitted to his possession of the items during an interview with investigators. Law enforcement also located surveillance footage of Gordon approximately 30 minutes prior to the traffic stop where he was observed carrying the black backpack to a vehicle before driving away.
Prior to committing this offense, Gordon had been convicted in six state felony cases and one federal felony case, which included a prior drug trafficking conviction, several drug possession convictions, and firearms convictions. At the time of his current offense, Gordon was on federal supervised release for his federal convictions of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition after serving 85 months in prison. He also had additional violent convictions in his history to include assault and battery.
Gordon’s imprisonment will be followed by 5-years of supervised release.
This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Chinese National and DPRK Facilitator Extradited to the United States; Faces Charges of Conspiracy, Bank Fraud, and Violating North Korea SanctionsRead the Press Release
On Sept. 27, the Commonwealth of Australia extradited Jin Guanghua, 53, to the United States. Jin, a Chinese national, and his co-conspirators North Korean banker, Sim Hyon-Sop, 50, and Chinese nationals Qin Guoming, 60, and Han Linlin, 41, both of Liaoning Province, were all charged by indictment in 2022 in connection with a multi-year scheme to facilitate the sale of tobacco to North Korea through the U.S. financial system in violation of the sanctions imposed on North Korea. Jin made his initial appearance in the District of Columbia today.
Between 2009 and 2019, the defendants engaged in a scheme to purchase leaf tobacco for North Korean-owned entities and used front companies and false documentation to cause U.S. financial institutions to process at least 310 transactions worth approximately $74 million that the financial institutions otherwise would have frozen, blocked, investigated, or declined, had they known that the transactions involved trade with North Korea. The transactions resulted in an estimated nearly $700 million in revenue for North Korean entities, and ultimately, for the government of North Korea. The defendants are charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to violate and violations of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the North Korean sanctions regulations, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and laundering monetary instruments.
Jin was residing in Australia and was attempting to depart the country for China at the time of his arrest by Australian authorities on March 23, 2023. The arrest followed a request by the United States for Jin’s provisional arrest with a view toward extradition.
This case is part of a larger Justice Department response to the ongoing efforts of North Korea to evade sanctions and use the U.S. financial system to engage in illicit trafficking of tobacco products. As alleged in the indictment, trafficking in tobacco products generates revenue for advancing North Korea’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) programs. North Korea has been developing nuclear weapons since at least 2006 and financed these activities through illicit trade, including trafficking of tobacco and counterfeit cigarettes, which North Korea has engaged in since at least 1992. North Korea’s counterfeit cigarette production capacity is estimated to exceed two billion packs a year. Counterfeit cigarettes are a major source of income to the North Korean regime and may be the single most lucrative item in the North Korean portfolio, as smuggled tobacco is estimated to garner revenue as much as $20 on every $1 spent in cost. North Korean tobacco sales are alleged to flow back to the North Korean government, including to slush funds designed to sustain the loyalty of a core of party elite and to underwrite weapons development programs.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for bank fraud, 20 years in prison for violating IEEPA, and 20 years in prison for committing money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch made the announcement.
The FBI Phoenix Field Office and HSI Colorado Springs and investigating the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Australian Attorney-General’s Department, the Australian Federal Police, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen P. Seifert, David Recker, and Steven Wasserman for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Brian Rickers and Jorge Casillas.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Chinese National and DPRK Facilitator Extradited to the United States; Faces Charges of Bank Fraud, Conspiracy, and Violating North Korea SanctionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Sept. 27, the Commonwealth of Australia extradited Jin Guanghua, 53, to the United States. Jin, a Chinese national, and his co-conspirators North Korean banker, Sim Hyon-Sop, 50, and Chinese nationals Qin Guoming, 60, and Han Linlin, 41, both of Liaoning Province, were all charged by indictment in 2022 in connection with a multi-year scheme to facilitate the sale of tobacco to North Korea through the U.S. financial system in violation of the sanctions imposed on North Korea. Jin made his initial appearance in the District of Columbia today.
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves made the announcement with Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch made the announcement.
Between 2009 and 2019, the defendants engaged in a scheme to purchase leaf tobacco for North Korean-owned entities and used front companies and false documentation to cause U.S. financial institutions to process at least 310 transactions worth approximately $74 million that the financial institutions otherwise would have frozen, blocked, investigated, or declined, had they known that the transactions involved trade with North Korea. The transactions resulted in an estimated nearly $700 million in revenue for North Korean entities, and ultimately, for the government of North Korea. The defendants are charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to violate and violations of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the North Korean sanctions regulations, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and laundering monetary instruments.
Jin was residing in Australia and was attempting to depart the country for China at the time of his arrest by Australian authorities on March 23, 2023. The arrest followed a request by the United States for Jin’s provisional arrest with a view toward extradition.
This case is part of a larger Justice Department response to the ongoing efforts of North Korea to evade sanctions and use the U.S. financial system to engage in illicit trafficking of tobacco products. As alleged in the indictment, trafficking in tobacco products generates revenue for advancing North Korea’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) programs. North Korea has been developing nuclear weapons since at least 2006 and financed these activities through illicit trade, including trafficking of tobacco and counterfeit cigarettes, which North Korea has engaged in since at least 1992. North Korea’s counterfeit cigarette production capacity is estimated to exceed two billion packs a year. Counterfeit cigarettes are a major source of income to the North Korean regime and may be the single most lucrative item in the North Korean portfolio, as smuggled tobacco is estimated to garner revenue as much as $20 on every $1 spent in cost. North Korean tobacco sales are alleged to flow back to the North Korean government, including to slush funds designed to sustain the loyalty of a core of party elite and to underwrite weapons development programs.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for bank fraud, 20 years in prison for violating IEEPA, and 20 years in prison for committing money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Phoenix Field Office and HSI Colorado Springs and investigating the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Australian Attorney-General’s Department, the Australian Federal Police, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen P. Seifert and Steven Wasserman, and Paralegal Specialists Brian Rickers and Jorge Casillas for the District of Columbia, along with Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, are prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division provided substantial assistance on this matter.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
##
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
Cartersville Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ROME, Ga. – Ian Alicea Prewett has been sentenced to federal prison for enticing children to perform sexual acts for the purpose of producing child pornography.
“Prewett is a sexual predator who enticed and victimized innocent children,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “His prosecution and sentence are examples of our office’s steadfast commitment to engage with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable individuals like Prewett who seek to exploit the anonymity of the internet to sexually abuse vulnerable children.”
“This sentence represents a victory in the ongoing battle to protect our most vulnerable citizens — our children. This predator, who has perpetrated unspeakable horrors on minors, will now face justice for the seriousness of his crimes,” said Steven N. Schrank, Acting Special Agent in Charge who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and its law enforcement partners will continue to use every available resource to find, arrest and prosecute those who seek to exploit children.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: On various dates between 2020 and 2022, Ian Alicea Prewett uploaded sexually explicit digital images of minors to Instagram. Although Prewett tried to conceal his online identity, federal agents identified him as the individual who uploaded the images and, in May 2023, obtained a warrant to search his home. During the search, agents discovered a cell phone associated with the Instagram accounts that Prewett used to distribute child pornography.
At the time agents executed the search warrant, Prewett was already awaiting trial in Cobb County, Georgia, for statutory rape, child molestation, and child enticement. Those charges resulted from Prewett chatting with a 14-year-old girl on Instagram, asking her to send him sexually explicit photographs of herself, and then engaging in sex acts with her.
Prior to his arrest in May 2023, Prewett used social media to entice numerous minors to create sexually explicit material and engage in sexual acts. One of his victims was a minor under eight years old living in the United Kingdom. Prewett directed her to send him pictures and videos of herself performing sexual acts. Prewett also instructed a minor from Mobile, Alabama to do the same and he later traveled to Alabama to meet, photograph, and engage in sex acts with the minor.
Ian Alicea Prewett, 31, of Cartersville, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II to 20 years in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release. Prewett was convicted of sexual exploitation of children after he pleaded guilty on April 24, 2024.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Cobb County Police Department, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Wiltshire Police (United Kingdom).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore S. Hertzberg and Calvin A. Leipold, III prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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.
Career Offender Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Distribution of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal judge recently sentenced a Memphis man who pled guilty to two counts of distribution of controlled substances. Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on October 4, 2022, special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine and two grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl from Marcus Smith, 41, in Memphis, TN. Smith had previous state felony convictions for aggravated assault and narcotics-related offenses.
On September 26, 2024, Smith was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes to ten years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in Memphis, Tennessee. Assisting in the investigation were the Homeland Securities Investigations Laboratories in Savannah, Georgia and the Bartlett Police Department.
Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorney Bryce H. Phillips for prosecuting this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case.
###
For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Brooklyn-Based Home Health Care Agencies Settle Fraud Claims for $9.75 Million and Agree to Pay $7.5 Million in Wages and Benefits to Underpaid AidesRead the Press Release
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Letitia James, New York State Attorney General, announced settlement agreements with Brooklyn-based licensed home care service agencies (LHCSAs) Edison Home Health Care of New York LLC (Edison) and Preferred Home Health Care of New York LLC (Preferred) today. The settlement agreements address allegations that Edison and Preferred, which were related companies, violated the federal False Claims Act and New York State’s False Claims Act in claiming that they paid their home care aides the minimum wages required under New York State law. The agencies received payments from Medicaid, which is funded in part by the federal government, and much of that money was meant to pay the wages and benefits of their aides.
Today’s settlement with Edison and Preferred follows similar settlements with the LHCSAs All American Homecare Agency, Crown of Life Care NY LLC, and White Glove Community Care, Inc.
“Home health aides work long hours at difficult, often thankless tasks to ensure that the vulnerable individuals who they provide services to are properly cared for,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “These aides deserve the hard-earned benefits guaranteed them under the law and my Office will ensure that they are accurately compensated.”
Mr. Peace thanked the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Office of the New York State Attorney General for its partnership in the government’s investigation and resolution of this important case.
“Home health aides provide crucial care to our most vulnerable neighbors and loved ones, and they deserve to be paid for their hard work,” said Attorney General James. “Edison and Preferred cheated employees out of years of pay and cheated New York taxpayers by defrauding Medicaid for their own benefit. This is a tremendous victory for our ongoing efforts to protect hardworking New Yorkers’ rightfully earned wages. My office will do everything in our power to ensure that companies cannot steal wages and take advantage of the system. Thank you to U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for his continued partnership in rooting out Medicaid fraud.”
The New York Wage Parity Act sets minimum wage and benefits requirements for LHCSAs that employ home care aides who render services to Medicaid recipients in New York City and in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. Under the Wage Parity law, aides are to be paid a minimum amount in total compensation; only then will the LHCSAs receive Medicaid reimbursement for home care services. The required compensation comes in the form of a base wage and a supplemental benefit. The base wage must be paid in cash. The benefit portion can include the value of vacation, holiday, and sick pay, among other things. It can also include health insurance, pension plans, or educational assistance. Today, the minimum amount of total compensation for an aide in New York City is $19.09 per hour; for Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties, the minimum is $18.22 per hour.
Home health aides perform all aspects of personal care for sick or homebound patients and frequently work long shifts lasting up to 24 hours. The tasks performed in caring for patients are demanding and can consist of assisting or lifting patients out of bed and bathing, dressing, grooming, preparing meals for and, in some instances, feeding them. Patients may suffer from physical or mental disorders that can make the work of the aides physically and emotionally taxing. In fact, it was in recognition of the difficulty of this work that New York passed the Wage Parity Act.
The Settlement
This Office, in coordination with the New York State Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, commenced an investigation after whistleblowers alleged that certain LHCSAs had knowingly defrauded the federal government and New York State by underpaying home health aides in violation of the Wage Parity Act. The government’s investigation determined that Edison and Preferred certified their compliance with the law and sought and received reimbursement from Medicaid, even though the government determined that their payments to their aides fell short of the requisite compensation.
Under the terms of the agreements with the United States and New York State, Edison and Preferred have agreed to pay $3.9 million to the United States and $5.85 million to New York State for conduct that took place from 2012 to 2022.
In addition to the payments to resolve the government’s fraud claims, Edison and Preferred are required to pay $7.5 million to current and former aides who were and are entitled to compensation under the Wage Parity Act. Moreover, Edison and Preferred have admitted to conduct that led the government to determine that they fell short of Wage Parity Act requirements.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Blume of the Office’s Civil Division.
Amsterdam Woman and Las Vegas Man Charged in Pandemic Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jodi Drygula, age 52, of Amsterdam, New York, and Anthony Camou, age 45, of Las Vegas, Nevada, have been indicted on mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud charges for fraudulently obtaining pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits in the names of other people.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG); Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); and Lucy Lang, New York State Inspector General (NYS-OIG), made the announcement.
Drygula appeared on August 27, 2024, before United States Magistrate Christian F. Hummel in Albany, and Camou appeared on September 13, 2024, before United States Magistrate Daniel J. Albregts in the District of Nevada; both defendants were ordered released with conditions.
The indictment alleges that from July 2020 through September 2021, Drygula and Camou fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits from the New York State Department of Labor (“NYSDOL”) in the names of three people. As a result of their conspiracy, which included additional fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits, Drygula and Camou defrauded the NYSDOL out of more than $250,000. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty.
The mail fraud and conspiracy charges carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The case is being investigated by USDOL-OIG, USPIS, and NYS-OIG, with assistance from the New York State Department of Labor. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew M. Paulbeck and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
54 Defendants Charged with Federal Firearms-Related Crimes Since October 2023 Through Partnership Between United States Attorney’s Office and Tucson Police DepartmentRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the Tucson Police Department (TPD) announced today the results of the first year of the PSP Pilot Program, a collaborative effort between the USAO and the TPD, in which local defendants are referred federally for charges involving firearm-related offenses. The partnership has resulted in 54 defendants being charged since October 2023. In 2022, the Tucson Police Department was selected by the United States Department of Justice as a partner agency in the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP), an initiative to combat violent crime, with an emphasis on drug, gang, and gun violence. Cases referred for federal prosecution also receive additional investigative assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives-Tucson and the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Tucson.
Representative cases referred for PSP prosecution include:
United States v. Jesus Antonio Najar: Najar was indicted by a federal grand jury with multiple firearms and narcotics offenses, occurring on three different dates. On April 19, 2024, TPD officers apprehended Najar for allegedly driving a stolen vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers found unregistered AR Drop In Auto Sear Swift Links (parts designed and intended solely and exclusively for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun capable of automatic fire), unregistered silencers without serial numbers, and an AR pistol with an obliterated serial number. On October 12, 2023, Najar allegedly conspired and possessed cocaine for distribution while using and possessing a Glock 17 with a machinegun conversion device attached and two additional firearms. Najar is alleged to have possessed the machinegun conversion device that was not registered to him. In addition, Najar is alleged to have possessed an unregistered short-barrel rifle on December 11, 2023. Najar is currently in custody.
United States v. Geoffrey Fred Cruzado: Cruzado was indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal possession of approximately 134 rounds of ammunition as a convicted felon, after allegedly threatening an intimate partner. Cruzado is currently in custody.
United States v. Jessica Guillen-Morales: A federal grand jury indicted Guillen-Morales with possession of six firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of unregistered firearms, illegal reentry, and possession of a firearm by an alien after she was found to be present illegally in the United States in Tucson, on November 19, 2023, after having been deported to Mexico from the United States less than three weeks earlier. Guillen-Morales is currently in custody.
United States v. Israel Manuel Ortiz: In January 2024, TPD officers encountered Ortiz in possession of approximately 57 grams of counterfeit oxycodone “M30” pills, later determined to contain fentanyl, and a .40 caliber pistol. Ortiz, a three-time convicted felon for misconduct involving weapons and armed robbery, was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Possessor and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Ortiz is currently in custody.
United States v. Isaiah Thomas Taylor: When TPD officers were serving a state arrest warrant for Taylor at a residence last February, Taylor, a convicted felon for misconduct involving weapons, was found to be in possession of a Glock pistol. A subsequent search of the residence revealed three additional Glock pistols, including one fitted with a fully automatic conversion device. Taylor was indicted by a federal grand jury with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Possessor and Possession of a Machine Gun. Taylor is currently in custody.
United States v. Jesus Alfredo Romo: On October 6, 2023, Romo fled in a vehicle from TPD officers during a traffic stop. Once Romo was apprehended, a 9mm loaded handgun was observed on the driver’s side floorboard and a backpack was retrieved from the vehicle containing 60,000 fentanyl tablets and two baggies of methamphetamine, one weighing over 2.5 grams and the other over 0.8 grams. Officers also found two digital scales and Romo had almost $1,300 in cash on his person. Romo, who was previously convicted of felony possession of dangerous drugs for sale, was indicted on November 21, 2023, with various counts including Trafficking in Firearms and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. He pleaded guilty to those two charges with stipulated, concurrent sentences of five and 10 years. His anticipated sentencing date is January 15, 2025. Romo is currently in custody.
“The evolving threat of firearms in America requires vigilance and cooperation,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “We see a growing number of defendants who possess devices used to convert a firearm to a more dangerous fully-automatic mode, and we intend to seek sentencing enhancements for the possession of those dangerous devices. Our efforts to mitigate the specific threat in Tucson through a local-federal partnership are paying dividends and protecting the community.”
“Gun crime has impacted the Tucson community at an unacceptable rate over the past several years. Through the PSP program, TPD's partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies have expanded, and we are collectively making significant strides in arresting those responsible for making our community less safe,” said Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar. “Individuals who illegally possess firearms, sell drugs, or engage in gun violence will be held accountable through TPD arrests and federal prosecution by the United States Attorney’s Office. This behavior has no place in Tucson, and we are grateful for the partnerships that are leading to jail sentences for violent offenders, which directly results in decreased gun violence.”
“This is a perfect example of how cooperative law enforcement should work,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber. “By teaming up, federal and local agencies can collaboratively work to rid our communities of those violent criminals who plague law abiding citizens and the communities they live in.”
“These cases are a prime example of how the Public Safety Partnership program works. No single agency can combat violent crime on its own and this program brings a multi-agency approach to better protect our communities,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez. “The FBI will continue to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime in Tucson and throughout Arizona.”
The National Public Safety Partnership was established by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide an innovative framework to enhance federal support of state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecution authorities in enhancing public safety. PSP began as a pilot program, the Violence Reduction Network, in 2014 and is designed to promote interagency coordination by leveraging specialized law enforcement expertise with dedicated prosecutorial resources to promote public and community safety. PSP serves as a DOJ-wide program that enables participating sites to consult with and receive expedited, coordinated training and technical assistance, and an array of resources from DOJ to enhance local public safety strategies. This model enables DOJ to provide jurisdictions of different sizes and diverse needs with data-driven, evidence-based strategies tailored to the unique local needs of participating cities to build their capacities to address violent crime challenges. PSP has engaged with more than 60 sites since the program’s inception.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
CASE NUMBERS: CR-24-03292-SHR
CR-24-01981-RCC
CR-24-00677-RCC
CR-24-01171-RCC
CR-24-05416-JCH
CR-23-01846-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-130_PSP Pilot Program# # #
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 news15 Gang Members and Their Associates Sentenced for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Fifteen members or associates of a south St. Louis gang that sold fentanyl have been convicted and sentenced for drug, gun and other crimes.
Rapper Davante “Jizzlebuckz” Lindsey, 27, was sentenced September 9 to 12 years in prison. Andre “Luh Half” Pearson, 28, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on September 20. Lindsey and Pearson were leaders of the 55 Boyz, a gang and drug trafficking organization that at one time was responsible for a significant amount of the fentanyl being sold in south St. Louis. Lindsey and Pearson helped form the 55 Boyz out of other gangs, including YPG (Young Project Goons), TKO (Team Knockout), The Strip, Pressure Gang, and CAVE. Lindsey was the face of the gang, rapping about the gang, fentanyl distribution and other illegal activity, according to court documents.
The final two defendants in the initial phase of the case were sentenced Monday. Five others were indicted individually, and all five have pleaded guilty. Four have been sentenced.
"Working together, the United States Attorney’s Office, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, ATF and IRS – Criminal Investigation targeted and prosecuted a drug gang that was the main source of supply of fentanyl in the south St. Louis area," said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. "And as is often the case for drug trafficking organizations and gangs, they were both the targets of drug-linked shootings as well as the perpetrators of such violence.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department began investigating the fentanyl dealing in September of 2021. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had independently been investigating another matter and arrested someone with drugs and guns. Both agencies began working in concert, and IRS – Criminal Investigations later joined to target money laundering and trace the illegal proceeds of drug sales.
The co-conspirators used phones to arrange drug sales, even sending out text messages advertising their illegal product.
Investigators made a series of court-approved searches of various locations in the St. Louis area, eventually seizing about two dozen guns, more than $120,000 in cash, thousands of capsules containing fentanyl and two vehicles. Two homes purchased with rug proceeds were forfeited, as well as the cash value of a third home. Diamond jewelry was also seized, including a 55 Boyz chain necklace with roughly 2,500 tiny diamonds.
The others who have been convicted and sentenced along with Lindsey and Pearson are Edward “Edot” Hopkins, 22, Tony Evans, 35, Araven Johnson, 29, Douglas Simpson, 35, Jeffrey Moore, 26, Shawn Liggins, 22, Omar Lewis, 23, Willie Lindsey, 44, Jamond “Huncho” Dismukes, 24, Travon Weatherspoon, 34, Birtha Lindsey, 43, Erik Simmons, 30, and Armani Tatum, 33.
Separately, Martez Lindsey, 32, Jaheim “DaeDae” Young, 23, Jaron Tate, 24, and Jhonetta Phillips, 33, have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced on drug or gun charges. Ja’Vonne Lindsey, 20, awaits sentencing.
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.
Sunday 29 September 2024
Shreveport Woman Indicted for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – KRISTEN LEVIN, a/k/a Kristen Cassels, (“LEVIN”), a resident of Shreveport, Louisiana, was indicted on September 26, 2024, on three counts of Wire Fraud, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the indictment, LEVIN was employed by Company A from 2015 to 2020. Company A was partly located in St. Rose, Louisiana. LEVIN misused her position to steal funds, totaling approximately $589,729.12, from Company A by using fraudulent invoices for products never received by Company A. LEVIN knew she was not entitled to this money.
If convicted, LEVIN faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans stated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Kathryn McHugh of the Financial Crimes Unit and Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
New Orleans Men Sentenced for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ALPHONSE BAZILE (“BAZILE”), age 78, and RAYSHAUD GREEN (“GREEN”), age 35, both of New Orleans, were each sentenced on September 18, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to 180 months incarceration, three (3) years of supervised release and the payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to the counts of the superseding indictment against them.
Specifically, Count 1 charged BAZILE with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
Count 2 charged GREEN with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8), and 2. Count 3 charged GREEN with possession of a machine gun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o), 924(a)(2), and 2.
According to court documents, on August 17, 2022, New Orleans Police Department officers responded after learning that a shooting occurred at BAZILE’s residence, near Curran Boulevard and Haney Drive in New Orleans, LA. Surveillance footage revealed an earlier fight between juveniles outside of the residence. Although the fight had ended and the juveniles dispersed, approximately 30 minutes later, a group of juveniles in a car returned while BAZILE and GREEN were standing outside. A few of the juveniles exited the car, armed with firearms, and approached BAZILE and GREEN. BAZILE told them to leave and, they did. GREEN and BAZILE then returned to the residence. While inside, BAZILE armed himself with a .32 caliber revolver and ammunition. GREEN armed himself with a Polymer 80 Model P940C, nine-millimeter firearm, with a Glock auto-sear, that converted the weapon into an automatic machine gun. BAZILE and GREEN then exited the residence, firing at the juveniles, killing one.
On September 8, 2022, GREEN was arrested in New Orleans and, a search of a bedroom in GREEN’s residence uncovered the same firearm he used to shoot at the juveniles.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit handled the prosecution of this matter.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Weapons OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TALYA SMITH (“SMITH”), age 29, of New Orleans, was indicted on September 26, 2024 for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.
SMITH is charged in Count 1 of the indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute Tapentadol and Marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D). He is charged in Count 2 with Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). In Count 3, he is charged with Possession of a Machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o), and in Count 4 with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)1).
As to Count 1, SMITH faces up to twenty years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. As to Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison, which is to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to Count 3, he faces up to ten years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release. Finally, as to Count 4, SMITH faces up to fifteen years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
According to court documents, on or about March 31, 2024, SMITH allegedly possessed with the intent to distribute tapentadol and marijuana. He also allegedly illegally possessed a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber handgun and ammunition in furtherance of his possession, with intent to distribute, tapentadol and marijuana. Additionally, this firearm had a machinegun conversion device attached to it. Lastly, as a previously convicted felon, SMITH knew he was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry of a Removed Alien Previously Convicted of a FelonyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSE MANUEL CHENO (“CHENO”), age 55, a Mexican national, was sentenced on September 25, 2024 after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a deported alien previously convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and (b)(2).
According to court documents, CHENO was encountered in Jefferson Parish on March 31, 2023, after having been previously deported on January 27, 2018. Furthermore, on or about May 5, 2005, CHENO was convicted of Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana in the District of Arizona.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced CHENO to a term of imprisonment of twenty-one (21) months, a term of supervised release of two years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Houston Man Sentenced to 18 Months Imprisonment for Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JIAQIN YE (“YE”), age 29, a resident of Houston, Texas, was sentenced on September 26, 2024 to 18 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier, after previously pleading guilty to making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) related to a government imposter scam.
According to court documents, YE traveled from Houston, Texas, to a residence in Covington, Louisiana, to collect approximately $34,500.00 from the victim of a government imposter scam. When YE arrived, he was arrested by the FBI, and then made false statements to agents relating to his prior involvement in similar schemes.
In addition to prison, YE was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
For more information on how to prevent being the victim of fraud, please visit the Federal Trade Commission website at https://www.ftc.gov/. You can also report internet crime on the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center website found at https://www.ic3.gov/.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney and Elder Justice Coordinator Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.
Gretna Man Sentenced for Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –FELIX MACKEY (“MACKEY”), age , a Gretna, Louisiana resident, was sentenced on September 25, 2024, by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine hydrochloride, and cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. Also, FELIX pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). MACKEY was sentenced to 192 imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, MACKEY sold methamphetamine to a confidential source on three occasions in May 2021. On June 3, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant on MACKEY’s residence and found 92.127 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, 99.31 grams of cocaine, and 10.13 grams of cocaine base. Law enforcement also seized a black Taurus Model PT111, nine-millimeter pistol, bearing serial number TJT26730 and loaded with eleven (11) bullets. MACKEY had previously been convicted of a felony in Plaquemines Parish.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit.
* * *
Former Army Reservist Guilty of Conspiring to Steal Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that former United States Army reservist CODY FRANCIS (“FRANCIS”), pled guilty on September 26, 2024 to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds. FRANCIS stole $11,378.27 from the United States Department of the Army, by claiming reimbursement for performing military funeral honors ceremonies that never actually happened.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans. At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.”
By pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, FRANCIS faces up to five (5) yearsimprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. FRANCIS has agreed to repay the Department of the Army for the $11,378.27 in stolen funds. FRANCIS will be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown on February 13, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Arizona Resident Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that WILLIAM J. WHITE, age 63, of Phoenix, Arizona was sentenced on September 25, 2024, by the Honorable Sarah S. Vance, U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Louisiana, for bank fraud.
According to documents filed in federal court, WILLIAM J. WHITE entered a local bank and used a false identification document during an attempt to cash a forged and fraudulent check. The defendant was sentenced to fifteen (15) months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release and ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Diplomatic Security Service, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Friday 27 September 2024
Woman and Her Two Daughters Sentenced to Federal Prison for Labor Trafficking Conspiracy in Chicago SuburbsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A woman and her two daughters were sentenced to federal prison terms today for conspiring to force undocumented West African children to work in the Chicago suburbs.
NAWOMI AWOGA and her two daughters, MARINA OKE and ASSIBA LEA FANDOHAN, were convicted last year of conspiring to conceal, harbor, and shield from detection two children from the West African country of Benin. Awoga coached the victims, then age 14 and 12, in Benin to lie to U.S. immigration authorities about their family relationships in order to obtain tourist visas. Awoga then accompanied the children into the United States. Once in the U.S., Awoga, Oke, and Fandohan harbored the victims in residences in the Chicago suburbs of Country Club Hills and Hazel Crest while forcing the victims to provide labor and services for the defendants’ financial gain. The defendants used violence against the victims to force them to work both inside the residences and at a nearby hair salon.
U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey imposed the prison sentences today in federal court in Chicago. Awoga, 75, of Hazel Crest, Ill., was sentenced to eight and a half years. Oke, 38, of Country Club Hills, Ill., was sentenced to seven years and ten months. Fandohan, 35, of Hazel Crest, Ill., was sentenced to six years and eight months.
The sentences were 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; James Mead, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Mark Woods-Hawkins, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service’s Chicago Field Office. Substantial assistance in the investigation was provided by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Chicago Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking, and the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Office in Cotonou, Benin. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barry Jonas and Tiffany Ardam, and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin M. Linsley.
“Labor traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause unimaginable harm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “My office is committed to using every available resource to combat labor trafficking and support victims and survivors.”
“The conviction of Awoga and her daughters underscores our unwavering commitment to bringing justice to the most vulnerable among us,” said HSI SAC Fitzgerald. “These defendants not only exploited and abused two young children, but they also coerced them into lying to authorities to facilitate their heinous scheme. This case highlights the relentless efforts of our law enforcement partners to dismantle such criminal networks and ensure that those who perpetrate these despicable acts are held accountable.”
“Nawomi Awoga, Marina Oke, and Assiba Lea Fandohan trafficked two children who they forced to work for them,” said DOL-OIG SAC Mead. “The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and bring to justice those who engage in labor trafficking and involuntary servitude, particularly when minors are involved.”
“Combating trafficking requires a strong coalition of local and global partners to share resources and information, better equip front-line workers, and track and respond to evolving trafficking trends,” said DSS SAC Woods-Hawkins. “I’m proud to say that justice was finally served in this child labor trafficking case that has spanned nearly a decade. It was through our successful partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Benin, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Justice that we were able to secure this verdict and move closer to delivering justice for the victims.”
Anyone with information about a potential human trafficking situation is encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting 233733. More information about the Justice Department’s work to combat human trafficking can be found here.
Winter Garden Man Who Backed Vehicle into Business and Stole Six Firearms Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Edward Vincenzo Camacho (20, Winter Garden) has pleaded guilty to theft of a firearm from a federal firearms licensee. Camacho faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, just before midnight on August 18, 2023, Camacho backed a sports utility vehicle into the front of a federal firearms licensee business. After smashing the front door and wall of the business, Camacho entered the store and broke a glass case where multiple firearms were housed. Camacho stole six firearms and then fled in his vehicle.
Camacho was apprehended less than two hours later after a foot pursuit with law enforcement. During the foot pursuit, Camacho was seen tossing three firearms onto the ground, two of which were confirmed to be stolen from the federal firearms licensee business.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Winter Park Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Alexa McNeff.
This case is part of the 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Wichita, Kansas Woman Convicted by Jury for Transportation of a Minor for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that a federal jury in Omaha, Nebraska, returned a guilty verdict on September 27, 2024, against Joan Robinson, age 35, of Wichita, Kansas, for one count of transportation of a minor for prostitution. The verdict subjects Robinson to a potential prison term of up to life and a minimum of ten years. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher presided over the trial and set sentencing for January 9, 2025.
This investigation began on November 16, 2022, when Minor Victim 1 (“MV1”) and co-defendant Khalah Beard were stopped for shoplifting at a Wal-Mart in Omaha. The responding officer suspected that sex trafficking may have been involved and she reported the matter to the Omaha Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit. MV1 was identified as a missing minor who was a ward of the state of Kansas. She had been missing for years at the time of this incident and was only 17 years old.
Throughout the investigation, it was determined that on November 12, 2022, Robinson, along with co-defendants Khalah Beard, and Alexas Davis, drove from Wichita to Omaha so that Beard, Davis, and MV1 could engage in prostitution. They checked into adjoining hotel rooms in Omaha which were booked by Robinson using her Priceline account. Photos of MV1 were used to advertise commercial sex acts online. Davis, who was in an intimate relationship with Robinson, kept track of the others and would report to Robinson about when MV1 and Beard would have “dates.” Davis was charged with making sure Robinson was receiving her “cut” of money from the other two girls’ “dates” as Robinson expected to receive half the proceeds from all the “dates.” When Robinson learned she was not getting her “share” from MV1 and Beard, she and Davis abandoned MV1 and Beard in Omaha.
The other two co-defendants both plead guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor earlier this month. The maximum prison term for both of the co-defendants is a term of up to life. Alexas Davis is set for sentencing on December 18, 2024, and Khalah Beard is set for sentencing on January 15, 2025.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Wichita Police Department.
Vermont Man Charged with Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced today that on April 25, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Travis Collins, age 42, formerly of Chittenden County, Vermont with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Collins entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on September 24, 2024 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Collins be detained during the pendency of this matter.
According to court records, on January 9, 2024, Collins was arrested in downtown Burlington, Vermont, on outstanding State of Vermont warrants. At the time he was arrested, Collins was wearing a backpack that contained a loaded pistol. The pistol, which had an obliterated serial number, was later determined to have been stolen. Collins was held in state custody until his appearance in federal court on September 24.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Collins is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Collins faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Collins is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
U.S. Marshals Arrest over 3,400 fugitives in Operation North StarRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced that the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) arrested 3,421 violent fugitives, including 216 for homicide, 803 for assault, and 482 for weapons offenses, during the latest phase of its high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative called Operation North Star FY 2024 (ONS FY24).
ONS FY24 enforcement activities covered 74 operational days, from May 10 to Sept. 13, and targeted fugitives and violent offenders in 10 metropolitan areas, prioritizing those who used firearms in the commission of crimes or signaled high risk factors for violence. ONS FY24 targeted violent offenders wanted on warrants for homicide, sexual offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, and firearms violations. During the operation, investigators also seized 534 firearms, more than $508,000 in U.S. currency, and 456 kilograms in illegal narcotics, including 138 pounds and over 550,000 pills of deadly fentanyl.
The 10 metropolitan areas selected for ONS FY24 were identified using data from the National Crime Information Center and the FBI Uniform Crime Report, and included Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Charleston and North Charleston, South Carolina; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Little Rock, Arkansas; Phoenix; St. Louis (to include East St. Louis, Illinois); Birmingham, Alabama; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio; and San Antonio.
“We first launched Operation North Star in 2022 to identify and apprehend the most dangerous fugitives and violent offenders,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “From May to September of this year, the U.S. Marshals Service worked with state and local law enforcement partners in 10 metropolitan areas to arrest more than 3,400 fugitives and violent offenders and seize large quantities of firearms and fentanyl. I am deeply grateful to every Deputy U.S. Marshal, Task Force Officer, investigator, and police officer who carried out these arrests, and who did so at great risk to themselves.”
“Over the past year, the Marshals Service conducted Operation North Star in 10 cities across the country experiencing high levels of gun violence,” said USMS Director Ronald L. Davis. “Over 3,000 dangerous fugitives, including over 200 homicide suspects, were apprehended and removed from neighborhoods. The success of this operation is the result of the outstanding combined efforts of our Deputies and Task Force Officers, along with strong collaboration with the community and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.”
Since July 2022, in a total of 30 locations, USMS Operation North Star initiatives have resulted in the apprehension of more than 10,200 wanted fugitives, including 1,153 charged with homicide, in addition to the removal of more than 1,425 weapons associated with violent crime. The agency utilized a data-driven, evidence-based approach to remove the dangerous criminals who are the drivers of violence in those communities. The concept behind interagency law enforcement operations such as ONS evolved largely from regional and district fugitive task forces. Since the 1980s, the USMS has combined its resources and expertise with local, state, and federal agencies to find and apprehend dangerous fugitives.
Significant arrests:
Aaron Michael Jones was arrested on May 20, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by members of the Middle Louisiana Task Force. He was wanted by the Baton Rouge Police Department for home invasion, domestic abuse battery, and child endangerment.
Hayden Bates-Vellmure, Jordan Elijah Jackson, Allan Gilbert, and Patrick Biscoe were arrested on May 22, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas, by members of the North Texas Fugitive Task Force. The four were wanted on charges relating to a drive-by shooting, which injured multiple children. The arrest team recovered nine handguns and one shotgun.
Garron Stevenson was arrested on May 21, in St. Louis, by USMS personnel from the Eastern District of Missouri. He was wanted for the unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree murder after opening fire at a street racing event, striking seven people and killing a 14-year-old. An AR-15 style rifle and a revolver were recovered during the arrest.
Michael Muldovan was arrested on Aug. 15, in Sterling, Virginia, by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. He was wanted in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for first degree statutory rape and indecent liberties with a child.
View ONS FY24 operational photographs here.
View the ONS FY24 B-Roll video here.
For more information on ONS FY24 visit USMarshals.gov.
U.S. Attorney’s Office to work with Fremont County to reduce domestic violenceRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming will be working closely with the Fremont County Attorney’s Office to prosecute gun crimes related to domestic violence. This comes as the U.S. Department of Justice designated Fremont County, along with 78 other communities across the United States, as communities that could benefit from increased intimate partner violence resources and where the local jurisdiction is committed to partnering with the Department to increase the use of federal tools to prosecute offenders. This designation is made under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022, also known as VAWA.
“The VAWA designation of Fremont County allows for a state prosecutor to serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney who can then prosecute gun crimes in federal court,” explained Acting U.S. Attorney Eric Heimann. “This partnership will allow for the federal prosecution of appropriate domestic violence offenders prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms. Prosecution of federal gun crimes committed by these offenders will result in significant prison sentences, which will make Fremont County safer by removing these violent offenders from the community and deterring others from unlawfully possessing or using guns.”
Fremont County Attorney Patrick LeBrun remarked, “This partnership will greatly increase options available to Fremont County law enforcement in deterring violent domestic batterers from possessing firearms and escalating levels of violence. Local law enforcement is the front line defender fighting this scourge in Fremont County. And with this designation, the option of additional prosecution resources and stricter punishment for the appropriate offender will be a telephone call away.”
The VAWA designation and partnership between the Fremont County Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Justice Department program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and in support of the Justice Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.