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6 November 2024
La Porte Man Sentenced to 48 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – An Indiana man who owns Glycerin Traders marketed and sold an “Ethanol Extraction” product as a pure food-grade product, when in fact, the product contained high levels of methanol leading to multiple deaths and severe physical injuries for those who consumed the product.
Dennis R. Zeedyk, 53 years old, of La Porte, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to mail fraud and tax fraud by a distiller, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Zeedyk was sentenced to 48 months in prison, 1 year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution to the victims of the offense in a total amount of $43,727.93. Zeedyk was also ordered to pay a fine of $76,500.
“Defendant Zeedyk is a modern-day snake oil salesman, who hawked his product to unwitting consumers as being a “pure”, food-safe and “safe for human consumption” ethanol product when, in fact, his product contained high levels of deadly methanol,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “As this prosecution shows, the United States government, through its various law enforcement agencies, will use its power to protect the consuming public from criminal businessmen, like Zeedyk, who use lies to entice consumers to purchase and to use products that are dangerous.”
Anthony Gledhill, Assistant Administrator for Field Operations, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) said, “This was an egregious, and thankfully, rare crime involving an illegal still and fraudulent product misrepresentations that resulted in the loss of life because of a product that should have never entered the domestic marketplace. TTB takes our responsibility for maintaining a reliable and safe alcohol marketplace seriously, and we greatly appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana and our local, state, and federal partners.”
According to documents in the case, Zeedyk owns a business called Glycerin Traders that processes and trades glycerin, methanol, and other biofuel products. From October 2016 through May 2018, Zeedyk manufactured and sold a product called “Ethanol Extraction.” Zeedyk marketed the Ethanol Extraction product as pure, non-denatured, food-grade grain ethanol distilled from 100% corn. Zeedyk advertised the product as a solvent to extract essential oils from cannabis, herbs, and other plants; for creating medicinal tinctures and perfumes; for baking in the kitchen; and as an all-natural cleaning product, among many other uses. The product was labeled as 95% ethanol and 5% purified water. Zeedyk sold Ethanol Extraction through Amazon, eBay, and an online website to customers in states throughout the country.
Zeedyk’s representations about the product were false. In actuality, the source material for the Ethanol Extraction product came from the remnants of denatured industrial alcohol shipments from Lake Michigan barges. Zeedyk then illegally distilled the alcohol through a distilling apparatus not registered with the federal government. The final product that Zeedyk sold to customers contained toxic high levels of methanol—approximately 30% to 45% methanol. When ingested, methanol can cause a wide variety of symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, seizures, abdominal pain, vomiting, blindness, and even death.
From October 2016 to May 2018, more than 1,200 customers bought Ethanol Extraction. Zeedyk stopped selling the product in May 2018 after learning that a customer had died from drinking it. Attempts were made to distribute recall notices, but not all customers responded to the recall, and there are unaccounted containers of Ethanol Extraction. At least three customers have died from ingesting the product, and several others suffered severe physical injuries.
“Far from a harmless misrepresentation, this defendant's lies led to the deaths of three innocent people and caused health problems for many others. This sentence strongly demonstrates that all actions have consequences and should serve as a deterrent to others to reconsider their choices,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI will continue to collaborate with our partners to ensure those who engage in such deceptive actions are held accountable, reinforcing our shared commitment to protect the public.”
“This case highlights the power of collaboration between IRS Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners to protect the public from individuals who jeopardize safety and trust for financial gain,” said Kareem Carter, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to holding accountable those who put profit over the public’s safety ensuring they face the consequences of their actions.”
This case was investigated by the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Hadley Police Department (Massachusetts). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander, Joel Gabrielse, and Philip C. Benson.
Jury convicts felon for possessing firearms and pipe bombsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury has convicted a 35-year-old Corpus Christi resident for felon in possession of a firearm and possessing unregistered pipe bombs, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for approximately 90 minutes before convicting Robert Spencer following a three-day trial.
The jury heard that law enforcement investigated a call reporting a shooting in the area. During the investigation, authorities approached Spencer, who fled into his home while appearing to be armed. This led to a standoff lasting an hour, during which law enforcement heard two gunshots from inside the home as Spencer yelled for them to leave. Eventually, Spencer exited his home without a firearm and law enforcement arrested him.
Authorities executed a search warrant for Spencer’s home and found six pipe bombs and three firearms, along with boxes of ammunition, in the attic. They also discovered another firearm next to Spencer’s home, where authorities initially spotted him. Spencer admitted to law enforcement that he personally assembled the pipe bombs and claimed ownership of the firearm found next to the house.
Testing confirmed the pipe bombs were destructive devices as defined by the law. In addition, the pipe bombs were not properly registered to Spencer in the National Firearms Registration and transfer record.
During the trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury that Spencer was unaware of the firearms found in his attic and outside his home. They contended that the pipe bombs Spencer admitted to making were not destructive devices. The jury rejected these claims and found him guilty as charged.
As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms by federal law.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos presided over the trial and set sentencing for Feb. 4, 2025. At that time, Spencer faces up to 15 years in federal prison for possession of firearms and up to 10 years for possession of unregistered pipe bombs and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Corpus Christi Police Department with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S Attorneys Patrick Overman and Ashley Martin prosecuted the case with the assistance of Paralegal Rachel Gonzales.
Jasper County felon sentenced to over 21 years for federal gun and drug violationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Jasper convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Larry Buckley, 44, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on November 6, 2024.
According to information presented in court, in October 2022, a joint investigation began between federal, state and local law enforcement, identifying Buckley as a source of supply for a drug trafficking organization distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in the Jasper and Lufkin areas, as well as the Sabine Parish, Louisiana area. During the investigation, it was determined Buckley was supplying numerous individuals with large amounts of methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers were able to purchase methamphetamine and firearms directly from Buckley. Buckley has previously been convicted of various felony offenses including engaging in organized criminal activity, manufacture delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and burglary of a habitation. As a convicted felon, Buckley is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, 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 work 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.
This case was investigated by the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
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Gretna Couple Sentenced for Conducting an Unlicensed Money Transmitting BusinessRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kenneth Breyer, age 75, and Elaine (a.k.a. Edith) Breyer, age 74, both of Gretna, Nebraska, were sentenced on November 6, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced both Kenneth and Elaine Breyer to five years of probation. Chief Judge Rossiter also ordered the Breyers to pay $55,000 in restitution.
An investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service determined that in early 2023, an elderly victim, who resided in Louisville Kentucky, was falsely informed by an unknown individual that she had won $18.5 million in the Publisher’s Clearing House. The unknown individual directed the victim to send $100,000 to various addresses for the purported reason of pre-paying taxes and fees for her winnings to be released. The victim was instructed by the unknown individual to send $70,000 of those proceeds to the Breyers.
Between February 3, 2023, and February 13, 2023, the Breyers received three separate mailings from the victim which contained payments totaling $70,000. The Breyers then transmitted $55,000 of the victim’s funds to others involved in the fraudulent scheme who were located outside of Nebraska. The remaining $15,000 was seized by law enforcement from the Breyers before the funds could be distributed.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Fresno Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Louie Santiago Seja Jr., 35, of Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 14 years and one month in prison for receipt of visual depictions of minors being sexually abused, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The prison sentence is to be followed by 10 years of supervised release during which time Seja’s access to minors, computers, and the internet will be restricted, and he will be required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, in February and March 2019, Seja used a cellphone to receive more than 600 images of children being sexually abused. Some of the images depicted violence and prepubescent minors.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Central Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, specifically Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Committing $144,000 in COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Henry Ellard Jr., 39, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to stealing $144,000 in COVID-19 relief money, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court records, in July 2020, Ellard created Baptiste Ellard LLC. He then caused Baptiste Ellard LLC to apply for and receive $144,000 in COVID-19 relief money from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Ellard falsely represented to the SBA that Baptiste Ellard LLC had 10 employees, an annual payroll of more than $695,000, and that he would use the loan proceeds for business expenses. However, Ellard knew the company had no employees, no annual payroll, and no real operations and as such, the company was ineligible for PPP loans. Ellard subsequently used $144,000 of the relief money for personal expenses, including restaurants, bars, airfare, hotels, clothing, and golf.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Barton and Arelis M. Clemente are prosecuting the case.
Ellard is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 24, 2025. Ellard faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and fine of $250,000. 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.
This case is part of the California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force, which is one of the interagency COVID-19 fraud strike forces established by the United States Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California, and focuses on large-scale, multistate, and egregious pandemic relief fraud. The strike force uses prosecutor-led, and data analyst-driven, teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief money.
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.
Forty-Eight Defendants Charged in Imperial Valley Takedown of Drug Trafficking Network Linked to Sinaloa CartelRead the Press Release
EL CENTRO – Five indictments were unsealed in federal court today charging 48 alleged members of an Imperial Valley-based, Sinaloa Cartel-linked drug trafficking organization accused of distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin and bulk cash smuggling.
In a coordinated takedown this morning, more than 140 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials arrested 25 defendants and executed 15 search warrants in Imperial County, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Stockton, as well as in Yuma, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. As of this afternoon, the search continues for 23 fugitives.
Including seizures today and throughout this long-term investigation, authorities have seized more than 3,600 kg (about 8,000 pounds) of methamphetamine; substantial quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin; and one firearm.
Crimes charged in the indictments include drug trafficking, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.
According to court records, the defendants belonged to a drug trafficking organization based in the Imperial Valley and Mexicali, Mexico with ties to Los Rusos, one of the most violent and significant factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
“This investigation represents another blow to traffickers of deadly drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “With the indictment of four dozen individuals, we are not only disrupting a major drug trafficking network but also taking significant steps to protect our community from the devastation these drugs cause. We are committed to dismantling these dangerous operations and ensuring that those who fuel the crisis are held accountable.”
“HSI’s challenge with investigating cases tied to the Sinaloa Cartel is to not just chase those who profit from addiction, but to dismantle the transnational network responsible for plaguing our communities and tearing families apart,” said Shawn Gibson, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “The success of today’s takedown would not have been possible without the unwavering support and assistance from our law enforcement partners. By working together, we each bring a unique skillset to the fight against these trafficking organizations and can disrupt and dismantle cells like these.”
“This successful operation underscores the pivotal role that collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies plays in safeguarding our communities,” stated Roque Caza, Area Port Director for the Calexico Port of Entry. “At U.S. Customs and Border Protection, our mission is to protect the nation’s public by preventing dangerous substances from entering the United States. This joint effort highlights our commitment to disrupting the flow of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, addressing the dangerous impacts on public health and safety. Together, we stand strong in our fight against these illicit activities and remain steadfast in protecting our borders and communities.”
“The Sinaloa Cartel and any other criminal organization will fare poorly here in the Imperial Valley as we have just seen,” said El Centro Sector Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino. “With seamless coordination between HSI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and a multitude of state and local agencies, yet another set of alleged traffickers and criminals were prevented from harming the community.”
According to court records, employing undercover operations and four rounds of wiretaps, agents conducted numerous controlled purchases, traffic stops of personal vehicles and several tractor trailers, and searches of houses and stash locations leading to large seizures of narcotics. In one instance on April 27, 2022, authorities seized 256 pounds of methamphetamine after intercepting phone conversations between several defendants about a big sale. Federal agents watched the transaction from afar, then conducted a traffic stop on the drug-laden tractor-trailer. Law enforcement officials located four duffel bags containing 256 pounds of methamphetamine in the cab of the truck.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark and Owen Roth.
DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr2316-WQH
Adrian Garcia Age: 28 El Centro, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of Controlled Substances – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a) and (b)(1)
Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 24cr2320-WQH
Fausto Herrera-Lopez, AKA “Vecino”* 50 Mexicali, MX
Rodolfo Ramirez-Palacios, AKA “Rudy”* 34 Mexicali, MX
Tereso Ramirez-Velasquez 54 San Bernadino, CA
Juan Carlos Ojeda-Saldana 35 Brawley, CA
Jose David Morales-Rodriguez* 46 Brawley, CA
Ernesto Morales-Rodriguez* 41 Mexicali, MX
Vicente Barrera-Robles* 32 Mexicali, MX
Ricardo Ruben Pinzon 24 El Centro, CA
Jose Ramon Ochoa-Monteverde 31 El Centro, CA
Salvador Martinez 54 Los Angeles, CA
Juan Carlos Martinez* 52 Los Angeles, CA
Rogelio Robledo-Valdez* 26 Mexicali, MX
Maria Elena Reyes 50 Wichita, KS
Gabriela Estrada* 46 Mexicali, MX
Jaime Mayoral 40 El Centro, CA
Marcos Arturo Barrera 28 Brawley, CA
Oscar Silvas-Gamez 32 Fresno, CA
Juan Ernesto Salas Villela* 37 Fontana, CA
Yeiming Hernandez 34 Calexico, CA
Frank Gustavo Zendejas 56 Calipatria, CA
Gerardo Medina Plancencia 45 Calexico, CA
Jose Andres Leyva 55 El Centro, CA
Stephanie Melgoza* 21 Salinas, CA
Victor Rene Herrera* 24 Los Angeles, CA
Arnulfo Morfin-Moreno* 52 Pasco, WA
Edgar Garcia* 24 Las Vegas, NV
Roberto Valenzuela De La Torre* 27 Sonora, MX
Leonardo Saldivar* 38 San Bernardino, CA
Francisco Ramirez* 52 Tolleson, Arizona
Luis Fernando Simental Palacios* 34 Mexicali, MX
Abraham Noe Esparza-Garcia* 36 Mexicali, MX
Angelica Guerrero 29 Calexico, CA
Sergio Sanchez 46 Long Beach, CA
Nicholas Adam Fortier 41 Portland, OR
Luis Alberto Felix* 38 Pacoima, CA
Elizabeth Echeverria 43 Las Vega, NV
Alvaro Guerrero 46 Los Angeles, CA
Pedro Estrada* 50 San Diego, CA
Bernadette Lucero Vallejos* 33 Goodyear, AZ
Maribel Garcia Barajas 56 El Centro, CA
Jose Arturo Mendiola Porras* 57 Mexicali, MX
Enrique Villalobos 43 Stockton, CA
Israel Alejandro Ramirez-Velasquez 60 Perris, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances - Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1), and 846
Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine
Distribution of Controlled Substances – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a) and (b)(1)
Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine
Possession of Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a) and (b)(1)
Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine
Bulk Cash Smuggling – Title 31, U.S.C., Section 5332(a) and (b)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
Conspiracy to Commit Bulk Cash Smuggling – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr2318-WQH
Nilda Charlenne Ledon Age: 34 El Centro, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Bulk Cash Smuggling – Title 31, U.S.C., Section 5332(a) and (b)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr2319-WQH
Jasmine Santos Age: 34 Los Angeles, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Bulk Cash Smuggling – Title 31, U.S.C., Section 5332(a) and (b)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr217-WQH
Brenda Lara* Age: 32 Los Angeles, CA
Romulada Contreras* Age: 75 Mexicali, MX
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Commit Bulk Cash Smuggling – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
Bulk Cash Smuggling – Title 31, U.S.C., Section 5332(a) and (b)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
*Fugitives
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations, Calexico Office
United States Border Patrol, El Centro Sector Intelligence Unit
Customs and Border Protection, Calexico Intelligence Division
Imperial County Narcotics Task Force
Drug Enforcement Administration, Imperial County Office
United States Postal Inspectors
Federal Bureau of Investigations, Imperial County Office
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations
United States Marshals Service
Calexico Police Department
Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
Brawley Police Department
San Bernardino Police Department Narcotics Unit
California Highway Patrol
El Centro Police Department
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Fort Belknap man sentenced to more than three years in prison for stabbing woman on Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Fort Belknap man who admitted stabbing a woman multiple times during an argument on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to three years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Leon Boyd Messerly, 64, pleaded guilty in July to assault with a dangerous weapon.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that on July 13, 2023, in their home on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Messerly and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, got into a fight. Jane Doe stated that Messerly was angry at her for not protecting his son and punched her in the face. Messerly also grabbed a chef’s knife and stabbed Jane Doe multiple times in her neck, back and left arm. Messerly then went to a friend’s house and told the friend that he had stabbed Jane Doe. The friend checked on Jane Doe and drove her to the emergency room. Jane Doe was transported to a hospital in Great Falls where she underwent multiple surgeries.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Former Rochester firefighter going to prison on child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brett Marrapese, 32, of Irondequoit, NY, who was convicted of distribution and receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that between January 2016, and June 13, 2023, Marrapese used a cell phone, laptop computer, an email account, and multiple social media and internet chat applications, including Omegle; Kik; Snapchat; and Instagram, to produce, receive, distribute, and possess child pornography. In total, Marrapese received more than 600 images of child pornography that he obtained from others via the internet. He also posed as a teenage boy causing minors to produce and send to him sexually explicit images of themselves. Some of the images that Marrapese distributed and received depicted violence against and sexual abuse of children, infants, and toddlers.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Peters, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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Former Licensed Counselor Sentenced for Defrauding MedicaidRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to five years of probation and six months of home confinement for health care fraud.
According to court documents, Lucinda Perez, 57, had been a licensed professional counselor since 2003 and worked as a sole practitioner performing home visits beginning in 2011. From no later than April 2015 through at least January 2023, she defrauded the Texas Medicaid program by submitting claims for child counseling services she did not perform. In some cases, Perez was out of town or in other states visiting various casinos during the time periods she had claimed in Medicaid filings. Billing records show Perez fraudulently received approximately $267,400 from service claims from Aug. 1, 2015 to July 31, 2019.
Perez was indicted for five counts of health care fraud and five counts of aggravated identity theft on Nov. 3, 2021. She was arrested Nov. 15, 2021. In addition to the probation, Perez was ordered to pay $267,402 in restitution.
“Not only did this defendant defraud the government out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, she also abused the trust of families to whom she provided services,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “My office will continue to pursue cases of fraud, waste, and abuse of public health systems.”
The Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Chung and Kelly Stephenson prosecuted the case.
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Federal Jury Finds Lincoln County Man Guilty of Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – After two days of trial, a federal jury convicted Michael Allen Kenney, 53, of Hamlin, of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence at trial proved that on May 17, 2023, Putnam County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call at a video poker parlor in Poca and encountered Kenney. An officer saw Kenney reach into his waistband and retrieve a Ruger Model EC9s 9mm pistol. Officers seized the firearm and arrested Kenney.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Kenney knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions, including convictions for possession of a stolen vehicle in Kanawha County Circuit Court on October 27, 2017, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm in Mason County Circuit Court on August 5, 2014, and fleeing with reckless indifference in Putnam County Circuit Court on February 11, 2014.
Kenney is scheduled to be sentenced on February 24, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
“Today’s verdict holds a dangerous criminal accountable for his unlawful conduct,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I commend the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for their investigative work, and Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley C. Shamblin and Stephanie Taylor and our trial team for securing the guilty verdict in this case.”
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the jury trial.
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-40.
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Farmville woman pleads guilty in scheme to set up fake company, bank account to cash a stolen checkRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Farmville woman pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit bank fraud relating to her role in a conspiracy to set up a fake company and associated bank account to cash a stolen check for nearly half a million dollars.
According to court documents, on Sept. 21, 2021, a North Carolina business issued a check for $468,477.13 to a subcontractor, Summit Solutionz, Inc., made payable to “Solutionz,” and placed the check in the mail. At some point between Sept. 21, 2021, and Sept. 27, 2021, members of the conspiracy stole the check.
On Sept. 27, 2021, a member of the conspiracy incorporated “The Solutionz GA, Inc.” in Georgia. Pia Lawson, 51, was named the “CEO” and “CFO” of Solutionz GA. On Sept. 28, 2021, Lawson opened a business checking account for Solutionz GA and certified that she was the Chief Executive Officer and a beneficial owner of Solutionz GA. On Sept. 30, 2021, Lawson deposited the $468,477.13 check into the Solutionz GA account.
Through a series of financial transactions and transfers, Lawson depleted the fraudulently obtained funds between October and November of 2021, including, for example, the transfer of $65,000 to her personal checking account.
Lawson is scheduled to be sentenced on March 18, 2025, and faces up to 30 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Day is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-106.
Eugene Man Indicted for Posting Violent Threats OnlineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment Tuesday charging a Eugene, Oregon man with posting violent threats online, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Jeffrey Allen Voss, 31, has been charged with transmitting interstate threats and attempting to tamper with evidence.
According to court documents, between September 24 and 27, 2024, Voss is alleged to have posted several videos of himself online making violent threats, including two in which he was holding a firearm. In another video, Voss discussed becoming the next Kip Kinkel, referring to a school shooter who, in 1998, first murdered his parents then opened fire at a Springfield, Oregon school, killing two of his classmates and injuring twenty-five others.
Following those videos, on September 27, 2024, concerned citizens called 911 to report a Facebook Live video Voss posted wherein he allegedly claimed he was minutes from a high school and made violent threats. Acting quickly, the Eugene Police Department located and arrested Voss the same day.
On October 1, 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant on Voss’s residence. Agents located and seized two firearms, one replica firearm, ammunition, body armor, electronic storage media, and a handwritten note outlining his desires for vengeance and specifying individuals Voss wished to harm. The same day, upon learning his residence would be searched, Voss attempted to persuade an individual to conceal or remove evidence from his home.
Voss made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
If convicted, Voss faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $500,000.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Danville Man Convicted of Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT- The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Bressi, age 52, of Danville, Pennsylvania, was convicted on November 4, 2024, on charges related to a multi-year conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogues following a six-day jury trial before Chief U.S District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Bressi was convicted on charges of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl, carfentanil and 3-methylfentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute acetyl fentanyl. Bressi used his business, Shiva Science and Technology, in East Buffalo Township from 2015 through 2019, to make various fentanyl analogues that he would then sell to his distributors in Philadelphia, PA and the Cleveland, OH areas. Although the Shiva business purported to be engaged in cutting edge technology, a search warrant executed in 2019 showed that it was in fact a front company designed to conceal a fentanyl manufacturing operation. Over the course of the conspiracy, Bressi manufactured hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl analogues, the equivalent of millions of individual doses.
Bressi was detained pending sentencing, which will occur at a later date not yet specified by the court.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey W. MacArthur, Jeffery St. John, and Alisan V. Martin are 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.
Bressi faces a maximum lifetime term of imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Centre County Man Charged with Production and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that William S. Welsh, age 28, of State College, Pennsylvania, was indicted on November 5, 2024, by a federal grand jury on charges of production and possession of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on January 15, 2023, Welsh employed a minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. The indictment also alleges that from December 29, 2021 through April 4, 2024, Welsh possessed images depicting minors, including minors under the age of 12, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Bronx Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for December 2021 MurderRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that RICARDO FERGUSON, a/k/a “Maybach,” was sentenced to life in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Berman for the December 5, 2021 murder of Robert Brown, Sr., inside of Aqueduct Park in the Bronx. FERGUSON was convicted of murder, robbery, and drug charges following a six-day trial in June 2024. FERGUSON shot Brown in the head and attempted steal crack cocaine from Brown during a dispute over drugs.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Ricardo Ferguson used violence and intimidation to maintain control over his drug operation. In furtherance of that drug operation, he executed Robert Brown in a public park, in broad daylight, in front of several witnesses. For this senseless act of violence, Ferguson will spend the rest of his life in prison. Today’s sentence fittingly underscores the craven nature of Ferguson’s actions. We will continue to aggressively pursue justice in cases involving such wanton acts of violence. I want to thank our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors from this Office for their tireless efforts in pursuing justice in this case.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment and evidence at trial:
FERGUSON and others participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in the vicinity of Aqueduct Park in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. In the months leading up to the murder, FERGUSON and his co-conspirators threatened Robert Brown, Sr. because Brown had been selling bags containing larger quantities of crack cocaine than the other dealers in the park. On December 5, 2021, FERGUSON and a co-conspirator attacked and attempted to rob Brown in Aqueduct Park. During the attempted robbery, and physical attack, FERGUSON pulled out a gun and shot Brown in the head. Brown was 63 years old at the time of the murder.
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In addition to the prison term, FERGUSON was sentenced to 120 months to run consecutive to the sentence of life in prison, and five years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), the Special Agents and NYPD Task Force Officers from the Special Investigations Division assigned to the Southern District of New York, and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area analysts.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic Gentile, Jun Xiang, Mathew Andrews, and Peter Davis are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Ananya Sankar.
Bank Manager Sentenced to Prison for Misusing Position to Steal Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars from Bank CustomerRead the Press Release
A former New York-based branch manager was sentenced yesterday to 13 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $208,938.68 in both restitution and forfeiture of criminal proceeds for misusing his position to steal approximately $208,938.68 from a customer’s accounts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2020 to April 2020, James Gomes, 43, of New York, used his position as a branch manager of an international financial institution to improperly access a customer’s accounts and to steal a total of approximately $208,938.68. Without authorization, Gomes linked his personal phone number to the customer’s accounts and enrolled the customer’s accounts in the bank’s online banking services. In March and April 2020, Gomes fraudulently transferred the customer’s funds to Gomes’ personal bank and investment accounts at other financial institutions. To cover up his scheme, Gomes created a fraudulent email address containing the customer’s name, which he used to engage in fictitious conversations with his own official bank email address to make it appear that the customer was communicating with him. Gomes continued the scheme even after the customer’s death on April 5, 2020.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General investigated the case, with assistance from the Morristown Police Department.
Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea R. Rooney of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Pesce for the District of New Jersey prosecuted the case.
MLARS’ Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system. Since its creation in 2010, the Bank Integrity Unit has prosecuted financial institutions for violations of the BSA, money laundering, sanctions, and other laws, imposing total penalties of over $25 billion.
Bank Manager Sentenced to 13 Months in Prison for Misusing Position to Defraud Bank Customer of Hundreds of Thousands of DollarsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former New York-based branch manager of an international financial institution was sentenced to 13 months in prison for misusing his position to steal more than $208,000 from a customer’s accounts, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, announced today.
James Gomes, 43, of New York, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud affecting a financial institution. Judge Salas imposed the sentence on Nov. 5, 2024, in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in court:
From January 2020 to April 2020, Gomes used his position as a branch manager of an international financial institution to improperly access a customer’s accounts and to steal $208,939. Without authorization, Gomes linked his personal phone number to the customer’s accounts and enrolled the customer’s accounts in the bank’s online banking services. In March and April 2020, Gomes fraudulently transferred the customer’s funds to Gomes’ personal bank and investment accounts at other financial institutions. To cover up his scheme, Gomes created a fraudulent email address containing the customer’s name, which he used to engage in fictitious conversations with his own official bank email address to make it appear that the customer was communicating with him. Gomes continued the scheme even after the customer’s death on April 5, 2020.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Salas sentenced Gomes to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $208,939 and forfeiture of $208,939 in criminal proceeds.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark; and special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, New York Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. He also thanked the Morristown Police Department for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marko Pesce of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark and Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Chelsea R. Rooney of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS).
MLARS’ Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system. Since its creation in 2010, the Bank Integrity Unit has prosecuted financial institutions for violations of the BSA, money laundering, sanctions, and other laws, imposing total penalties of over $25 billion.
Atlanta VA Doctor Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Female Veteran PatientRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Following an eight-day trial, Rajesh Motibhai Patel, a primary care physician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Decatur, Georgia, was found guilty by a jury of violating a patient’s constitutional right to bodily integrity while acting under color of law and for engaging in unwanted sexual contact.
“Dr. Patel violated the cardinal rule of a physician to do no harm to patients under his care,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Veterans who consulted him for treatment, like the victim in this case, trusted Dr. Patel and he violated that trust. His conviction hopefully provides a measure of healing for those impacted by his crimes.”
“The verdict is an important step in seeking justice for a sexual assault committed against a veteran seeking care at a VA medical center,” said Michael J. Missal, Inspector General for the Department of Veterans Affairs. “VA employees are entrusted with keeping our nation’s veterans safe while receiving care. Acts of violence against veterans in VA facilities are reprehensible and shatters that trust. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold anyone who would commit these crimes accountable.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: Rajesh Motibhai Patel, a physician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, was charged with sexually assaulting four of his female patients during routine exams, where he groped their breasts and improperly touched their vaginal area between 2019 and 2020. The jury acquitted him of charges related to three victims and found him guilty of violating the fourth victim.
Rajesh Motibhai Patel, 69, of Lilburn, Georgia is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. by U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II. Dr. Patel was found guilty by a federal jury on November 5, 2024.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin N. Spritzer and Jennifer Keen are prosecuting the case.
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.
Alton Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
CONCORD – An Alton man pleaded guilty in federal court for violating his sex offender registration requirements, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Chad Amodio, 52, of Alton, pleaded guilty to three counts of failure to register his online identifiers. Chief United States District Court Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for February 24, 2025.Amodio has a prior federal conviction for traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct. As a result of this prior conviction, Amodio is required to register as a sex offender. Among other things, Amodio is required to report on his sex offender registration paperwork any internet or online identifiers, which includes screen names and user profiles on social media accounts.
In December 2023 and January 2024, Amodio was using an unregistered screen name in an internet chat room for teenagers. Within the chat room, Amodio began communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. Amodio exchanged hundreds of sexual messages with the purported minor. Amodio requested photographs of the purported minor and suggested that they meet in person, even offering to pick her up from school so they could engage in illegal sexual activity. After Amodio was identified, authorities discovered two other online identifiers that Amodio had failed to report.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The United States Marshals Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, the Haverhill Massachusetts Police Department, and the Alton New Hampshire Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kasey Weiland and Matthew Hunter are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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40-Month Sentence in Connection with a May 2023 Shootout Near a Nightclub in Northwest Washington D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Garrick Richardson, 30, of Washington D.C., was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to 40 months in federal prison in connection with a May 13, 2023, shootout near a DuPont nightclub, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Richardson pleaded guilty on March 4, 2024, to an information charging him with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge John D. Bates ordered Richardson to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on May 13, 2023, just after 3 a.m., a large group of men was outside the Abigail nightclub at 1730 M Street NW. At 3:09 a.m., a physical altercation erupted in the parking garage next to the nightclub. The fight quickly broke up, with two of the men entering a silver Kia, and the rest briefly exiting the parking garage towards M Street.
As the silver Kia attempted to leave the garage, the men who had left the parking garage briefly returned with a much larger group and swarmed around the Kia. Richardson, who was wearing a black t-shirt with white lettering, dark jeans, white shoes, was one of the men. The men surrounded the Kia in what appeared to be an attempt to stop it from leaving. As Richardson ran toward the driver side of the vehicle, another man pulled at the vehicle’s door and then punched the window. The Kia tried to pull forward, but Richardson ran after it, holding what appeared to be a black handgun with an extended magazine in his right hand.
Garrick Richardson, circled in yellow, carried a handgun with an extended magazine in his right hand during an altercation in a Dupont garage.
As the silver Kia began reversing out of the garage, Dirk Easton, who was with Richardson, pointed a different black handgun with an extended magazine and ran forward at the vehicle, firing multiple times directly at its front windshield. After several shots, Easton was struck in the eye by a ricochet bullet and fell to the ground, dropping his firearm.
Richardson, circled in yellow, watched as Easton, circled in red, fired multiple times at the silver Kia that was trying to leave the parking garage.
Police officers recovered a black Glock 35 .40 caliber handgun that had been converted to fire as a machine gun. Testing linked DNA on the weapon to Richardson.
Richardson and others escorted Easton to GWU Hospital, with Richardson riding in the back of a black BMW. From the back of the BMW, officers later recovered a black Glock 35 .40 caliber handgun, outfitted with a switch that converted it a fully automatic machine gun, and an extended magazine. A DNA test confirmed Richardson’s unlawful possession of it. The investigation revealed the Raleigh, North Carolina, Police Department had reported the weapon stolen on April 22, 2023.
Three other men were arrested and charged in the garage shootout. Easton, 28, pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon and, on July 23, 2024, was sentenced to 72 months in prison. Adrian Vinson, 23, pleaded guilty to carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and, on February 20, 2024, was sentenced to 66 months in prison. Tyron Hines, 32, pleaded guilty to carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and on March 19, 2024, was sentenced to 72 months in prison.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Tepfer.
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17-year-old sentenced to more than 29 years in prison for murder in shooting death of man on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A 17-year-old who admitted to murdering a man by shooting him on the Crow Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 29 years and seven months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Orrin Richard Alden III, of Crow Agency, pleaded guilty in September to an information charging him with second-degree murder and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
“Far too many juveniles are resorting to deadly violence, which is as alarming as it is unacceptable. Alden took another young man’s life in a brutal and shocking way. He should no longer be on our streets, which is why we argued so strenuously for a long federal prison sentence. We can’t get the victim’s life back, but we will move swiftly and aggressively against those like Alden who think violence is the answer to their problems,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents, the government alleged that on May 5, 2024, an unidentified body was recovered from the Little Big Horn River in Crow Agency. The body was later determined to be an 18-year-old male identified as John Doe. An autopsy was conducted, and two bullets were recovered.
Doe’s family last saw him alive on either April 27 or 28 as he was walking with a group of males toward the location on the Little Big Horn River where his body was recovered. Alden was identified as one of the males in the group. On the day Doe disappeared, a witness saw Doe with a black backpack that contained marijuana, a sizeable amount of methamphetamine and a large amount of cash.
The government further alleged that the group of males, including Alden and Doe, drank alcohol and smoked marijuana before walking to the river. Alden and one of the other males were overheard discussing that Doe was carrying money. Alden, one of the males, and Doe got separated from the group. When that happened, a single shot was heard. Immediately after the first shot was heard, Alden was seen with a rifle in his hand. As Doe tried to run away, he grabbed his side and said, “You shot me, you shot me, Tripp (a nickname for Alden).” A second shot was heard. Minutes later, Alden and the male who was with him joined the rest of the group. They were laughing, and the other male had Doe’s backpack and the rifle.
The group then went to Alden’s house where Alden and the male who was seen carrying the backpack and rifle removed their clothing and put it in a black bag. The male used his shirt and rubbing alcohol to clean a hatchet. Another of the males asked if he could call an ambulance for Doe. The male who was with Alden when Doe was shot told him no. Alden and the male took the rifle and black bag of clothing and stashed them in an abandoned building near Alden’s house.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation.
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10 Convicted in South Carolina for Multi-State Identity Theft and Fraud RingRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ten defendants have been convicted in federal court for their participation in an identity theft and fraud ring based out of Columbia, South Carolina with victims in at least South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Missouri, and New York. The following defendants have been convicted of the following offenses:
- Ronda Weston, a/k/a “Lisa Caldwell,” a/k/a “Lisa Baker,” 49, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud related to PPP loans. Weston faces up to 20 years in federal prison, plus an additional mandatory two years in prison consecutive to any other time, forfeiture of assets and property seized from Weston during the investigation, and mandatory restitution. Weston is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 21. This is Weston’s third federal prosecution.
- Kashon Harrison, 46, of Elgin, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy. Harrison faces an agreed-upon two years in prison, forfeiture of assets and property, and mandatory restitution. Harrison is awaiting sentencing. This is Harrison’s second federal prosecution.
- Michael Terrance Butler, 54, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. Butler faces up to 20 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 14.
- Kasaun Dante Simons, 27, of Blythewood, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy. Simons faces up to 20 years in prison, forfeiture of assets and property seized from Simons during the investigation, and mandatory restitution. Simons is awaiting sentencing.
- William Charles Brown, 37, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Brown faces a mandatory two years in federal prison, forfeiture of assets and property, and mandatory restitution. Brown is awaiting sentencing. This is Brown’s second federal prosecution.
- Monique Sherrie Corbett, a/k/a “Monique Sumter,” 52, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by one year of supervision, and more than $37,000 in restitution.
- Stanzetta Teresa Johnson, 63, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Johnson faces a mandatory two years in prison, forfeiture of assets and property, and mandatory restitution. Johnson is awaiting sentencing.
- Shakirah Khalidah Chapman, 28, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Chapman faces a mandatory two years in prison, forfeiture of assets and property, and mandatory restitution. Chapman is awaiting sentencing.
- Ashley Nicole Drummond, 39, of Lugoff, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Drummond faces a mandatory two years in prison, forfeiture of assets and property, and mandatory restitution. Drummond is awaiting sentencing.
- Darryl Dewayne Dumas, 61, of Palatka, Florida, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by one year of supervision.
According to evidence presented in court, from at least July 2020 through August 2023, the conspirators obtained the stolen personal identifying information of identity theft victims from the dark web, including the names, home addresses, social security numbers, dates of birth, and credit scores of victims from at least nine states. One defendant’s home was searched by federal search warrant, and that search led to the recovery of a ledger with 151 identity theft victims listed in alphabetical order. Agents recovered fraudulent identity documents and financial records from numerous conspirators.
Weston generally led the scheme and recruited others to participate. The conspirators used the stolen identities to manufacture fraudulent driver’s licenses, utility bills, pay stubs, social security cards, and bank statements using their identity theft victims’ names and credit but with photos of the conspirators on the driver’s licenses. They then obtained money and property through fraudulent means, including:
- A vehicle purchase scheme, where conspirators obtained luxury vehicles including a Jaguar, a Maserati, a Range Rover, RVs, pickup trucks, sports utility vehicles, sedans, golf carts, motorcycles, three-wheel side-by-side vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles;
- A vehicle title loan scheme, where conspirators obtained title loans from financial institutions in the name of their identity theft victims by claiming they were selling vehicles between themselves;
- A personal title loan scheme, where conspirators obtained personal loans from financial institutions in the name of their identity theft victims by claiming planned home renovations or the purchase of appliances; and
- A residential rental scheme where conspirators fraudulently leased and rented residences in the name of their identity theft victims but for their own personal use, often leaving the residence owner unpaid and a debt in their identity theft victims’ names.
Individual conspirators were responsible for as much as $650,000 fraud through this scheme, and during the investigation, agents seized residences, real property, boats, vehicles, golf carts, cash, and other property as fruits and proceeds of the scheme. Many of the vehicles have been returned to the sellers.
Some conspirators also obtained fraudulent loans through the PPP program, which provided fully forgivable loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide emergency relief to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson accepted the guilty pleas of the defendants and will sentence the eight defendants awaiting sentencing at a later date. All of the defendants will be subject to court-ordered supervision by the U.S. Probation Office following any term of incarceration.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the Columbia Police Department and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels is prosecuting the case.
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5 November 2024
Westbrook Bank Robber Who Threatened to Detonate a Car Bomb at South Portland Bank Sentenced to 3 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Westbrook man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland for bank robbery.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Jason Arsenault, 41, to 36 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $1,700 in restitution. Arsenault pleaded guilty on July 29, 2024.
According to court records, on January 26, 2024, Arsenault pulled up to the drive‑through window of a South Portland bank wearing a black winter hat, sunglasses and a black mask covering his face. Using the pneumatic tube, he passed a note to the teller that read, “CAR BOMB No Cops Alarms or WE ALL DIE $50,000 in 20’s.” The teller placed some cash into the pneumatic tube, and Arsenault took the funds and drove away. Using multiple surveillance cameras, investigators were able to trace the vehicle’s movements and capture an image of Arsenault’s face, leading to his identification. Six days following the robbery, Arsenault was arrested in Portland, and he confessed to the robbery and directed investigators to the money hidden in a backpack in Baxter Woods in Portland. The backpack and all but $1,700 in stolen funds were recovered.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the South Portland and Portland police departments.
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Wagoner Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Christopher Kent Leondis Honeycutt, age 44, of Wagoner, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Information for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
The Information alleged that on January 24, 2024, Honeycutt knowingly possessed 50 grams or more of mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, with intent to distribute. The Information also alleged that on that same date, Honeycutt knowingly possessed a semi-automatic pistol and 56 rounds ammunition, shipped and transported in interstate commerce, despite having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and knowing of such conviction.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Honeycutt will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Ulster County Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register Email AddressRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joseph Nash, a/k/a “Nash Von Wicked” and “Nash Bridges,” age 45, of Port Ewen, New York, pled guilty today to failing to update his registration as a sex offender to include an email address that he failed to disclose. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and United States Marshal David L. McNulty made the announcement.
Nash admitted that he became a Tier II sex offender after he pled guilty in federal court in 2009 to distributing child pornography. Nash knew that as a registered sex offender, he was required to report, among other things, all email addresses he used to the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services. Despite this requirement, he created an email address in August 2023 and failed to disclose it to New York authorities as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Nash, who was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense, further admitted he also did not disclose this email address and a contemporaneously created Facebook account to the U.S. Probation Office for the Northern District of New York.
In addition to his guilty plea to failing to update his registration information as a sex offender, Nash also admitted today that his conduct violated the terms of supervised release imposed as a result of his child pornography conviction.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 7, 2025 before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. The SORNA offense carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. The supervised release violations carry a maximum term of 2 years in prison. 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 United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
U.S. Attorney Appoints Election Officer for the Western District of KentuckyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Raymond McGee will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for today’s general election. AUSA McGee has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Kentucky, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Bennett said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Bennett stated, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO McGee will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. Tips can be submitted through the FBI’s national tip line at 800-CALL-FBI or via www.tips.fbi.gov. The Louisville FBI field office can be reached by the public at 502-263-6000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Bennett said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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U.S. Army Research Biologist Sentenced to 51 Months Imprisonment for Engaging in A Bribery Scheme and Ordered to Forfeit the FundsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Jason Edmonds, age 45 of North East, Maryland was sentenced yesterday to 51 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release for conspiring to commit bribery at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. In addition, the Court ordered Edmonds to forfeit $111,794.83, which is equal to the value of the bribes he received.
The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Mid-Atlantic Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
“Edmonds’ actions as a public official harmed government integrity. Bribery spawns distrust of government and the work we do on behalf of the taxpayers, “said U.S. Attorney Barron. “The sentence imposed today sends a clear message of intolerance to any public official who would abuse their position of trust for personal financial gain”.
"Fair and free competition is essential to ensure taxpayer money is not wasted and to maintain the trust in our government contracts and programs," says FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. "The FBI and our partners stand ready to root out fraudsters seeking to corrupt and falsely influence the process for their personal gain."“Our government officials are entrusted to protect and ensure a fair procurement process. Edmond’s actions violated that trust.” said DCIS Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard. “DCIS is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect our tax dollars from fraud and corruption."
According to the guilty plea, Edmonds was employed by the United States Army as a Research Biologist at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (“CCDC”) Chemical Biological Center (“CB Center”) located at the Aberdeen Proving Ground (“APG”). The CCDC CB Center was the nation’s principal research and development center for non-medical chemical and biological weapons defense. The CB Center developed technology in the areas of detection, protection, and decontamination.
From 2012 to 2019, Edmonds accepted cash and other financial benefits from John Conigliaro, the owner and CEO of EISCO, Inc. in exchange for favorable action on CB Center contracts. For example, in July 2013, Edmonds directed a $300,000 CB Center project to EISCO. Three months later, in October 2013, Conigliaro gave Edmonds $40,000 in cash so that Edmonds could purchase two rental real estate properties. Once Edmonds purchased the rental properties, Conigliaro paid for thousands of dollars of renovations to the rental properties.Relative to the cash exchange, Edmonds and Conigliaro executed a “Promissory Note,” which was subsequently amended by Edmonds on June 14, 2014. In the amended “Promissory Note,” Edmonds credited himself $18,100 against the $40,000 in cash for past projects that Edmonds had directed to EISCO at the CB Center. Edmonds also wrote that Conigliaro would provide him an additional $25,000 in exchange for future projects that Edmonds would direct to EISCO.
Between December 2016 and August 2017, Edmonds directed a series of government projects to EISCO in exchange for a stream of benefits from Conigliaro, including a kitchen remodel at Edmonds’s personal residence, the purchase of a granite countertop, a kitchen sink, and new siding to his home.
In June 2020, after federal agents attempted to interview Edmonds and Conigliaro, the co-conspirators met approximately three times to discuss the investigation. During those meetings, Edmonds proposed that he and Conigliaro inform federal investigators that Edmonds had repaid Conigliaro with gold and baseball cards, knowing that it was false. At sentencing, the Court found that this behavior constituted obstruction of justice under U.S.S.G. § 3C1.1 and imposed a two-level enhancement.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI, the DCIS , and the Army Criminal Investigation Division for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bijon A. Mostoufi, who is prosecuting the federal case, and Paralegal Specialist Joanna Huber.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Tucker Man Sentenced for Enticement of a Minor on the Choctaw Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Tucker man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for enticement of a minor on the Choctaw Indian Reservation.
According to court documents, Antonio Deron Wallace, 36, used the internet to entice a minor under the age of sixteen to engage in sexual activity. Wallace was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2021, and pled guilty in March of 2024.
U.S. Attorney Todd Gee and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The Choctaw Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Payne and Brian K. Burns prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.
Thirteen Defendants Charged with Conspiring to Distribute Oxycodone, Some Through an Interstate Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Twelve western Pennsylvania residents and one Indiana resident have been charged by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone in two separate but related Indictments—charging one count and 22 counts, respectively—announced today by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan. Each of the Indictments names six western Pennsylvania residents as defendants, with the 22-count Indictment also charging Dr. Martin J. Maassen, a resident of Lafayette, Indiana, with distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance. A complete list of the defendants is included at the bottom of this release.
The charged drug conspiracies allege conduct spanning several years—from January 2019 to July 2024 (as to the 22-count Indictment) and from December 2019 to July 2024 (as to the one-count Indictment). The conspiracy charges in each Indictment allege that the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. Further, as to Maassen, the 22-count Indictment also charges the physician with 21 additional counts of unlawful distribution of an amphetamine commonly known as Adderall.
For the conspiracy charge, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Maassen faces an additional penalty of up to 20 years of imprisonment on each of the controlled substance distribution charges. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
“The illegal distribution of addictive and deadly drugs continues to tear apart communities throughout western Pennsylvania and the rest of the country,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “What makes the conduct alleged here even more troubling is the involvement of a physician—a resident of another state, no less. Dismantling drug trafficking organizations is at the center of what our office does, and these charges should send a clear and loud message: whether you sell drugs out on the street or while wearing a white coat in a doctor’s office, law enforcement at all levels of government will work as long and as hard as it takes to hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The allegations in these indictments are serious and deeply concerning,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “Dr. Maassen stands accused of unlawfully distributing powerful painkillers such as oxycodone and amphetamines such as Adderall. Doctors such as Maassen have a legal and moral obligation to prescribe these drugs for legitimate medical purposes and within the usual course of professional practice; Maassen allegedly did neither. The unlawful distribution of oxycodone has contributed to the opioid crisis that has so adversely affected our communities.”
Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, assisted by the Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Monroeville Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Canonsburg Police Department, Clairton Police Department, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police, and Munhall Police Department, conducted the investigations leading to the Indictments.
These prosecutions are part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Indictment 1
NameAge
Place of ResidenceMartin J. Maassen82
Lafayette, INWilliam J. Kelley64
West Mifflin, PAJeffery A. Yates51
Pittsburgh, PARhodney Yates55
Tarrs, PANick Bombiani34
Pittsburgh, PAKahla Sweeney31
Pittsburgh, PALeonard Hoffman78
Braddock, PAIndictment 2
NameAge
Place of ResidenceJon L. Brinson44
Duquesne, PAGerald B. Ragin Jr.59
Duquesne, PALashawn Hardy51
Pittsburgh, PAKimberly Scabora56
West Mifflin, PAEmerson L. McClelland Jr.68
Pittsburgh, PAPhillip Reich60
Duquesne, PATexas Resident Sentenced for Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Matthew Hunter Colville, age 32, of Mount Pleasant, Texas, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison for the illegal possession of a firearm.
The charges arose from an investigation by the United States Marshals Service, the Eastern District of Oklahoma Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
On March 19, 2024, Colville pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. According to investigators, on September 24, 2023, members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force apprehended Colville on outstanding arrest warrants out of the state of Texas for Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant and Unlawful Possession of Firearm by a Felon. While taking him into custody, law enforcement seized a chamber-loaded 9mm pistol and a loaded magazine from Colville. At the time of the arrest, Colville had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Honorable John C. Coughenour, Senior U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, sitting by assignment, presided over the sentencing hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Colville will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Geizura and Edith Singer represented the United States.
Texas Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — William Lesley, 34, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to four years and nine months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers conducted a parole search in Galt at the residence of Lesley’s co-defendant, Dexter Weeks, 35, a known felon on parole. While clearing the residence, officers encountered Lesley as he was coming out of a bedroom. In the bedroom where Lesley had exited, officers found a loaded Ruger pistol in a backpack on the floor near the bed. Lesley is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has multiple state felony convictions.
After pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, Weeks was sentenced on Aug. 27, 2024, to seven years in prison.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Tallahassee Couple and Ghanaian Man Sentenced for Participating in A Ghana-Based Romance Scam Which Victimized the ElderlyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentences of three defendants who were convicted for their participation in a Ghana-based romance scam:
- Sadia Alhassan, 35, a citizen of Ghana who resided in Tallahassee, Florida was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and one count of operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business.
- Shawn William Smith, 26, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to serve 1 day in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, to include 150 hours of community service, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and one count of operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business.
- Mohammed Saaminu Zuberu, 39, a citizen of Ghana who was naturalized as a dual U.S. citizen and who resided in Aldie, Virginia, was sentenced to serve approximately 5½ months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and one count of operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business.
"Given our large elder population, Florida experiences far too many instances of fraud against unsuspecting, vulnerable seniors through overtures of affection,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating and vigorously prosecuting those who seek to steal the hard-earned savings of our senior citizens."
Each will also be required to pay $581,261.67 in restitution to their victims.
“Whether you are spearheading the scheme or acting as a “money-mule,” there is no tolerance for those who are knowingly involved with defrauding citizens throughout the United States in a romance scam,” said Juan A. Vargas, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate those who target innocent people, especially our elderly, and use the U.S. Mail to abuse their trust for financial gain.”
Court documents reflect between March 2019, and March 2022, unknown individuals in Ghana engaged in a military romance scam in which they used telephone and online platforms to contact (usually) elderly victims in the United States and trick them into believing that they were involved in a romantic relationship with another person. Eventually through continued communications, the victims were duped into sending money to their supposed romantic partner (who they had never actually met in person). Sadia Alhassan, who was in the United States on a student visa, and her husband, Shawn Smith, knowingly served as money launderers (also known as “money mules”) for the unknown scammers in Ghana. Smith and Alhassan did not have any direct communications with the scam victims; rather, the victims were instructed by the “romantic partner” to send money via the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) or a commercial interstate carrier to an address in Tallahassee which turned out to be used by Smith and Alhassan, or to bank accounts that they controlled.
“Targeting the elderly for financial gain is morally reprehensible,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Protecting this vulnerable population is not just the responsibility of family members, but also law enforcement agencies like HSI and our partners. We are committed to apprehending those who target our seniors.”
Court records also show that Mohammed Zuberu served as an intermediary between Smith and Alhassan and the unknown Ghana scammers. On at least one occasion, Zuberu sent a screenshot of USPS receipt (including the tracking number of a package en route to Smith and Alhassan) to Alhassan via a social media phone application. The receipt was consistent with having been sent from one of the elderly victims to a “romantic partner” during their communications. Once Smith and Alhassan received the package in Tallahassee, Alhassan sent a photo of the received package back to Zuberu to alert the scammers that the fraud money was received. The money and/or money orders contained in such packages were then used, in part, to buy money orders which were deposited into bank accounts of Zuberu and others. Within a few days of being deposited in Zuberu’s account, the money was usually withdrawn at ATMs located in Ghana.
“I want to remind everyone to be extremely careful when sending money to someone you barely know,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office. “These manipulators preyed on the good nature of their elderly victims, plain and simple. We all have a desire to feel close to someone and this group sought to exploit that for their own greed. We will continue to do everything we can to bring the criminals who run these types of scams to justice.”
Court records also reflect that the defendants used and operated multiple registered and unregistered business entities to transfer funds on behalf of the public without an appropriate money transmitting businesses license as required by Florida law. Further, the defendants operated such money transmitting businesses knowing that the funds being transported and transmitted were derived from a criminal offense or were intended to be used to promote or support unlawful activity. As a result of their conduct, Smith, Alhassan, Zuberu, and others fraudulently received more than approximately $500,000 to which they were not entitled.
These convictions were the result of a joint investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. 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 FTC 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, at www.ovc.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
St. Louis County Felon Admits Shooting at PoliceRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A convicted felon on Monday pleaded guilty and admitted shooting at St. Louis County Police Department officers.
On the day his trial was set to begin, Dexter McKinnies. 34, pleaded guilty to five felonies: one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts each of assault on a federal officer and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. On Sept. 1, 2020, police, including officers who are members of the FBI Violent Crime Safe Streets Task Force, were trying to arrest McKinnies. They arranged a meeting with McKinnies and his brother, Lawton McKinnies, under a ruse in which the McKinnies thought they would be performing maintenance work on a property in St. Louis County. Police arrested Lawton McKinnies, who was armed with a 9mm pistol, on a felony warrant. When they tried to arrest Dexter McKinnies, he ran while firing multiple shots at officers with a 9mm pistol, striking a truck owned by the FBI. Officers returned fire and struck McKinnies.
Dexter McKinnies, who is a convicted felon and is thus barred from possessing a firearm, is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 18, 2025. He faces 20 years to life in prison.
Lawton McKinnies, now 36, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to three years in prison. In March, he was sentenced to another year for violating his supervised release.
The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donald Boyce and Nichole Frankenberg are 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.
South Boston Man Indicted for Role in Elder Fraud Conspiracy that Defrauded Victim of Nearly $500,000Read the Press Release
BOSTON – A South Boston man was indicted by a grand jury in Boston today in connection with a scheme that defrauded a 75-year-old elderly man from Berkshire County, Mass., of approximately $500,000.
Urvishkumar Vipulkumar Patel, 21, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Patel was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Oct. 7, 2024. He was subsequently released by the Court on conditions including GPS monitoring and orders that he remain in Massachusetts.
According to the charging documents, beginning in or about February 2024 and continuing until on or about Oct. 7, 2024, Patel and others participated in a scheme to defraud victims.
It is alleged that Patel’s co-conspirator contacted the victim by phone, posing as an official from the U.S. Treasury Department named “Sam Wilson.” Wilson allegedly told the victim that Treasury documents showed him as being involved in a money laundering scheme and instructed the victim to take out the cash from his bank accounts to send to the Treasury Department for safekeeping. It is further alleged that Wilson directed the victim to place the cash in a taped box with the victim’s own name and address written on it and then sent couriers to the victim’s home to collect the boxes of cash. Prior to each collection, Wilson allegedly made the victim describe the clothes he would be wearing and provided the victim with a “PIN” passcode the couriers were to recite upon pickup.
It is alleged that on or about Oct. 7, 2024, Patel drove from South Boston to North Adams, Mass., for the purpose of retrieving cash from the victim. On that date, it is alleged that Patel spoke with an individual he believed to be the victim and provided the prearranged passcode, before taking possession of the box of cash and driving away. Patel was immediately apprehended.
The investigation remains ongoing. Members of the public who believe they are victims of a cybercrime – including elder fraud scams, cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, investment scams, and business email compromise fraud scams – should contact [email protected]. To report elder fraud, please visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center or contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 (833–372–8311) Monday - Friday, 10am - 6pm EST.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the North Adams Police Department and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Somerville Tax Preparer Convicted of False Tax Returns SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Somerville tax preparer was convicted by a federal jury yesterday on charges that he prepared false tax returns in the names of taxpayers.
Yves Isidor, 68, was convicted of five counts of filing false tax returns. Isidor was acquitted on one count. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Feb. 6, 2025.The evidence at trial established that from at least 2012 through 2020, Isidor operated a tax preparation business under the name Tax and Realty Pro to file more than 1,200 tax returns in the names of clients, charging between $100 to $500 per return. Isidor added false information to six tax returns to claim deductions for fictitious medical and dental expenses, gifts to charities and unreimbursed employee business expenses. The false returns resulted in taxpayers receiving tax refunds to which they were not entitled or paying lower taxes than they owed. Six taxpayers testified at trial that Isidor had never discussed the false items with them, and they were not aware he had inserted them into their returns. An undercover agent also testified that he was present and observed the defendant create a false tax return in the agent’s undercover name.
“When someone hires an individual to complete your tax returns, they have a right to expect honesty, professionalism and integrity. Most importantly, you expect them to provide accurate information to the IRS,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Yves Isidor lied to his clients, who had no idea that he had improperly filed tax returns on their behalf until they were contacted by investigators and alerted to the false information in their returns. Tax fraud is not a victimless crime. We all suffer when people like Yves Isidor lie and cheat the tax system.”
“The guilty verdict of Yves Isidor demonstrates IRS Criminal Investigation’s commitment to the prosecution of tax return preparers who are looking to exploit the American taxpayers,” said Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “Isidor held a position of trust in his local community as a tax return preparer and he used that trust to take advantage of his clients by preparing fraudulent tax returns, often without his clients’ knowledge, resulting in the underpayment of legitimate tax obligations that all Americans are required to pay. The jury’s verdict in this case sends a clear message that tax fraud is not a victimless crime. These countless acts lead to the reduction of tax revenue that local communities rely on to fund schools and maintain essential civil services.”
The charges of aiding and assisting in the filing of false federal tax returns each provide for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, IRS SAC Chavis and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Christina M. Grimes, Trial Attorney for the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Six Individuals Indicted for Conspiring to Murder Fulton County Detention OfficersRead the Press Release
Wayne Alford, Latasha Baker, Matthew Freeman, also known as “Coach Poker,” “Pokerface Matt,” and “Gotti Freeman,” Jaheim Arnold, also known as “Slime” and “Toppslime,” Carlos Pearson, also known as “Rico Reflection” and “Rice Rico,” and Jayden Barnes, also known as “Swipe” and “El Swiper,” have been indicted for conspiracy to murder two Fulton County Jail detention officers in exchange for payment, and for other drug and firearms offenses.
“These defendants demonstrated a callous disregard for human life when allegedly plotting to murder detention officers who threatened their illegal drug and contraband activity at the Fulton County Jail,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Our office is especially proud of the critical federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships that made this successful investigation and indictment possible. Prosecuting threats of violence against law enforcement officials during the performance of their duties is a top priority for the Department of Justice and those who engage in such offenses will be held accountable.”
“No law enforcement officer should have to be fearful for their life simply because they are carrying out their sworn duties,” said Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We are extremely grateful that this plot was foiled before harm could come to either of the targeted individuals. The FBI and our partners will relentlessly pursue the harshest punishment for the individuals involved in this crime.”
“It is unthinkable and deplorable that one of our detention officers would conspire to have one or more of her co-workers killed,” said Fulton County Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat. “This indictment underscores the serious nature of the allegations and the importance of accountability. We must ensure that those who are entrusted with public safety adhere to the highest standards of conduct, and any breach of that trust will be met with swift justice.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the indictment, and other information presented in court: Wayne Alford, a pretrial detainee at the Fulton County Jail - South Annex, allegedly conspired with others, both in and out of prison, to kill at least two detention officers who had interfered with his contraband and narcotics trafficking operations.
Latasha Baker, a detention officer at the Fulton County Jail and Matthew Freeman, who was serving a sentence for armed robbery at Valdosta State Prison, allegedly agreed with Alford to hire and pay individuals to kill the detention officers. The conspirators communicated using contraband cell phones from inside the jail and prison.
Carlos Pearson and Jayden Barnes allegedly agreed to commit the murders for $1,000 each. The plot was thwarted when the targeted detention officers detected tracking devices attached to the bottom of their vehicles. Several of the conspirators are known to be members of the GoodFellas gang.
A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment on October 22, 2024, that was unsealed on November 4, 2024. The defendants were charge in the indictment as follows:
- Wayne Alford, 27, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder for hire, one count of drug trafficking conspiracy, and one count of conspiracy to carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
- Matthew Freeman, 26, of Glennville, Georgia, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder for hire, one count of drug trafficking conspiracy, and one count of conspiracy to carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
- Latasha Baker, 38, of Hampton, Georgia, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder for hire, one count of drug trafficking conspiracy, and one count of conspiracy to carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
- Jaheim Arnold, 21, of Atlanta, Georgia, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder for hire, one count of drug trafficking conspiracy, and one count of conspiracy to carry a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. He was also charged with one count of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
- Carlos Pearson, 33, of College Park, Georgia, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder for hire.
- Jayden Barnes, 19, of Atlanta, Georgia was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder for hire.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. LaGrone and Teresa M. Stolze are prosecuting the case.
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.
Shakopee Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Shakopee man has been sentenced to 160 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession and distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the evidence presented at trial, law enforcement executed a series of controlled buys of methamphetamine from Saul Rodriguez Pineda, 40, on three separate occasions between September and October 2022. On October 12, 2022, law enforcement searched the residence where Rodriguez Pineda was staying in Shakopee, Minnesota, and found 31 pounds of methamphetamine in Rodriguez Pineda’s yard as well as a liquid methamphetamine conversion lab. Law enforcement also found numerous items related to drug trafficking inside the residence.
Following a three-day trial in March 2024, Pineda was convicted on three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On October 30, 2024, Pineda was sentenced by Judge Donovan W. Frank in U.S. District Court.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force, and the Shakopee Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raphael B. Coburn and Allen A. Slaughter presented the matter at trial.
Santa Fe Springs Man Sentenced to Prison for Submitting Fake Online Tips Claiming Others Planned Attacks on Military FacilitiesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Santa Fe Springs man has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for reporting eight online tips to the United States Department of Defense (DOD) falsely claiming that certain women were about to perpetrate mass-casualty attacks at U.S. military facilities in Los Angeles and Orange counties, the Justice Department announced today.
Daniel Sandoval, 29, was sentenced Monday by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson.
Sandoval pleaded guilty on February 12 to one count of false information and hoaxes.
According to his plea agreement, on March 21, 2021, Sandoval knowingly provided an online tip to the DOD reporting system that falsely stated that a woman – identified in court documents as “S.C.” – was planning to detonate bombs in a “mass attack” at a U.S. Navy weapons facility located in Seal Beach. According to Sandoval’s tip, the attack would involve “blowing up military vehicles stationed there and civilian personnel vehicles.”
During the following two days, Sandoval made seven more online tips to the DOD, falsely identifying additional women who purportedly posed threats. For example, on March 22, 2021, Sandoval provided an online tip to the DOD that falsely stated a woman – identified in court documents as “S.H.” – and others planned to detonate bombs at a U.S. military hospital located in Bell Gardens.
On March 23, 2021, Sandoval provided a false online tip to the Defense Department that falsely stated a woman – identified in court documents as “L.E.” – and others were planning to bomb and conduct a mass shooting at a U.S. Army Reserve Center in South El Monte.
Sandoval admitted in his plea agreement that his conduct substantially disrupted public and government functions and services, including the evacuation of personnel from a Navy building due to the false tip.
“[Sandoval’s] unlawful conduct harmed not only the military bases he targeted and the personnel living or working on those bases, but also harmed the innocent women who he claimed were perpetrating these dangerous threats,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum.
The FBI’s Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation in this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander H. Tran of the General Crimes Section and James A. Santiago of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section, prosecuted this case.
San Bernardino County Woman and Man Arrested on Indictment Alleging $2.1 Million Scheme to Illegally Get COVID Jobless BenefitsRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – Two San Bernardino County residents were arrested today on a nine-count federal grand jury indictment alleging they fraudulently obtained more than $2.1 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds by submitting more than 120 fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits using stolen identities, including those of California state prisoners.
Lisa Puente, 43, of Rialto, and Arthur Marquez, 53, of San Bernardino, were arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Riverside.
Both defendants are charged with six counts of mail fraud and one count of use of unauthorized access devices. Puente and Marquez also each are charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.
Puente and Marquez pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, and a December 30 trial date was scheduled. A federal magistrate judge ordered Puente released on $20,000 bond and ordered Marquez released on $10,000 bond.
According to the indictment returned on October 9 and unsealed today, from February 2020 to August 2023, Puente and Marquez filed with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) fraudulent applications for UI benefits in the names of other people. EDD administers California’s unemployment benefits program. The other people included individuals who did not qualify for UI because they were incarcerated in California state prisons and people whose personal identifying information (PII) was used without their permission.
The fraudulent applications falsely stated that they were individuals whose employment had been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered eligibility for UI benefits under federal law. The applications also falsely stated that the named claimants resided and had worked in California. In fact, most identity theft victims in this scheme did not live in California. The applications also used false mailing addresses, bogus prior annual income information, and that the named claimants were unemployed self-employed individuals whose employment was adversely impacted by COVID-19.
As a result of the bogus UI applications that Puente and Marquez filed, EDD authorized Bank of America to issue debit cards in the names of dozens of victims and straw claimants. Once in possession of the debit cards, the defendants withdrew the UI benefits loaded onto the debit cards by making cash withdrawals at ATMs and bank branches and by using the debit cards to buy items sold at businesses.
In total, Puente and Marquez causing at least 124 fraudulent applications for UI benefits to be filed, causing losses to EDD and the United States Treasury of approximately $2,136,768.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each mail fraud count, up to 10 years in federal prison for the unauthorized access device count, and a mandatory two-year consecutive prison sentence for the aggravated identity theft count.
The United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General; the California Employment Development Department Investigation Division; Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Special Service Unit; the United States Secret Service; the U.S. Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General; and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Mitchell M. Suliman of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this 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.
On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams.
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.
Richland Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Transporting Minor Across State Lines for Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Richland, Mo., man who sexually abused a victim between the ages of 10 and 17 was sentenced in federal court today.
Robert Norman Kennedy, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Kennedy to a lifetime of supervised release following incarceration. Kennedy will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
On Jan. 18, 2024, Kennedy pleaded guilty to transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
The victim told investigators that Kennedy forced her to engage in sex and that he sexually abused her starting at age 10. After law enforcement began an investigation into the sexual abuse, Kennedy forced the victim to leave Missouri, and they traveled from Missouri through several states where he continued to sexual abuse the victim. Kennedy and the victim ended up in Georgia, where the victim reported they had lived in a van parked in the driveway of Kennedy’s brother’s residence and in a tent in the back yard. Law enforcement arrested Kennedy on unrelated charges in December 2022 at which time the victim and Kennedy were living at a motel.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Registered Sex Offender from Damariscotta Sentenced to 18 Years for Possessing, Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Damariscotta man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Trey Knof, 28, to 216 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $20,250 in restitution. Knof pleaded guilty on February 13, 2024.
According to court records, in August 2022, Knof used an internet-based mobile application to transfer an internet hyperlink containing child pornography to an online covert FBI employee. As part of its review of the material that Knof distributed, the FBI located numerous image and video files of child sexual abuse material, including victims as young as infants. In May 2023, the FBI executed a warrant for Knof’s residence, vehicle, and person, and child sexual abuse material was recovered from his mobile phone.
Knof was a registered sex offender in Maine with prior state convictions for gross sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor, dissemination of sexually explicit material, and possession of sexually explicit material of a minor under 12.
The FBI investigated this case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at https://report.cybertip.org or 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
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Real Estate Developer Sentenced for Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Haidir Altoon, 52, of Farmington Hills, was sentenced to one day of incarceration to be followed by two years of supervised release with the first 6 months under house arrest, a $10,000 fine, and 100 hours of community service for conspiring to commit bribery with Richard Sollars, the former Mayor of City of Taylor, and Jeffrey Baum, City of Taylor Community Development Manager, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Altoon, the owner of Dominick’s Market and a real estate developer, paid bribes to Sollars by giving him tens of thousands of dollars in cash, scratch-off lottery tickets, and other items of value in connection with the City of Taylor’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR) program. Under the ROFR program, the City of Taylor acquired tax-foreclosed properties from Wayne County and selected developers to rehabilitate and eventually purchase the poperties. After meeting Sollars at his market and expressing interest in acquiring houses under the ROFR program, Sollars asked Altoon to cash fraudulent checks from his campaign fund. Sollars made campaign checks payable to Dominick’s Market in various amounts, each purporting to represent payment for catering services provided to the campaign. At Sollars’s direction, Altoon prepared false invoices for catering services that were not actually provided and gave Sollars some or all of the proceeds from the cashed fraudulent checks for Sollars’s personal use.
Following an evidentiary hearing, the Court found that Sollars received $70,362.98 from this, and other wire fraud schemes related to his campaign account. It was also part of the conspiracy that Altoon gave money and other things of value to Jeffrey Baum, who, at the time, was running the ROFR program for the City. In exchange for the cash and other things of value that Altoon provided to Sollars and Baum at Sollars’s direction and without the knowledge and consent of the City Council, Baum facilitated the transfer of nine ROFR properties to Altoon.
“This case should send a message to anyone who seeks to do business with local municipalities that giving into the corrupt demands of public officials does not pay. My office will aggressively prosecute and hold accountable both the bribe payer, as well as the bribe receiver, since any exchange of bribes deny the citizens of this district the honest services they expect and deserve,” said United States Attorney Ison.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Robert Moran.
Pittsburg County Resident Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree MurderRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Timothy Kenneth Barber, age 44, of Hartshorne, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Indictment charging him with one count of Second-Degree Murder in Indian Country.
The Indictment alleged that on December 20, 2023, Barber killed the victim with malice aforethought.
The crime occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Barber was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.
Passaic County Man Admits to Failure to Pay Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man today admitted his role in a $3.5 million payroll tax evasion scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Walter Hass, 62, of Hewitt, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of failure to collect, account for, and pay over payroll taxes.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Hass was the owner and operator a shipping/logistics company located in Oakland, New Jersey. Since 2014, he has operated the company under three different names. He failed to collect, truthfully account for, and pay over payroll taxes to the IRS on behalf of each of these companies from 2014 to 2022. In total, he failed to pay over to the IRS at least $3.5 million in payroll taxes. Instead of paying over payroll taxes to the IRS, Hass used company money to fund his personal lifestyle, including the purchase of luxury vehicles, including Aston Martins and McClarens, high-end watches and jewelry, designer clothing items and accessories, tickets to sporting events, home renovations, vacations, water sports vehicles, and extravagant meals.
The charge to which Hass has pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for April, 22, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Calle and Edeli Rivera of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
hass.information.pdfOwners of Clark County automotive repair and performance shop sentenced to home confinement, probation for conspiracy and violations of Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
Tacoma – The owners of two Clark County automotive businesses were sentenced yesterday afternoon for conspiracy and felony violations of the federal Clean Air Act for tampering with diesel trucks’ emissions monitoring systems, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Tracy Coiteux, 44, and Sean Coiteux, 50, of La Center, Washington, were both sentenced to four years of probation, four months of home confinement, 60 hours of community service and each must pay a $10,000 fine. The two are the co-owners of Racing Performance Maintenance Northwest (known as RPM) and a related sales company called RPM Motors and Sales NW. Tracy Coiteux was convicted by a jury in May 2024 following a three-day jury trial. Sean Coiteux pleaded guilty in March 2024.
The United States Attorney’s Office recommended that the Court sentence both defendants to prison time. At the sentencing U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, “The defendants put their desire for money above their duty to the community and environment… But this once prosperous middle-aged couple is now in financial ruin.” .
“These defendants removed pollution controls from some 375 trucks, causing them to continuously spew massive amounts of pollutants into the environment. Emissions of diesel exhaust are harmful to human health with links to cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “The Coiteuxs knew their conduct was illegal and was harming the environment but kept it up to help pay for their 10-acre estate, yacht, and collection of exotic cars. The Department of Justice will continue to seek to hold business owners accountable for putting the health of the community at risk.”
An indictment returned in May 2021 charged the Coiteuxs with conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and eleven specific violations of the Clean Air Act for tampering with the emissions-monitoring system on vehicles when removing pollution control equipment between January 2018 and November 2020.
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, the investigation began when a former RPM employee notified the EPA that the company was performing the unlawful modifications, which are known as “deletes” and “tunes.” A single truck that has been deleted and tuned can cause the same amount of pollution as up to 1,200 trucks with compliant emissions systems. These modifications are marketed to truck owners as improving vehicle power and performance.
The investigation revealed that between January 2018 and January 2021, the defendants charged their customers fees of about $2,000 per truck to remove (delete) emissions control systems required by federal law. They then modified (tuned) legally required software that works to ensure the vehicle’s pollution remains within legal limits. RPM Motors and Sales sometimes offered, as part of the sale of a truck, to remove the emissions control system after the customer purchased a truck. Email and other electronic records document the conspirators’ purchase of equipment and software kits to remove the pollution control and reprogram the monitoring systems.
Over the three years described in the court records, the defendants took in more than $500,000 for illegal modifications. Even as they broke the law, the couple used the income for their 10-acre compound with a saltwater pool and garage housing an extensive collection of expensive exotic cars.
In asking for prison time, prosecutors argued, “By deleting 375 trucks, (the) Coiteuxs in effect placed the pollution equivalent of 127,500 new trucks on the road. To put this in perspective, there are only 274,000 diesel trucks registered statewide in Washington. Based on these figures, RPM’s modifications had the capacity to increase total diesel pollution by 46% above the pollution caused by all compliant registered light duty diesel trucks statewide.”
“For years, the defendants intentionally violated the Clean Air Act by defeating emissions control equipment on well over three hundred diesel trucks,” said Special Agent in Charge Lance Ehrig of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA CID) in Washington. “Their actions directly resulted in significant excess pollution being emitted into the air, which are linked to heart and lung diseases and even cancer. Today’s sentencing demonstrates that individuals and their companies who violate our nation’s environmental laws and deliberately threaten human health and the environment will be held criminally responsible for their actions.”
The case was investigated by Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson and Cindy Chang and Environmental Protection Agency Special Assistant United States Attorney Karla Gebel Perrin.
Owen County Man Sentenced for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – An Owenton, Ky., man, Tyler Leathers, 35, was sentenced to 180 months in prison on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Greg Van Tatenhove, following convictions for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, and 10 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to his plea agreement, on September 29, 2023, law enforcement served an unrelated state arrest warrant on Leathers and searched the property. Inside, they found cocaine, a ledger, multiple clear baggies, scales, and several thousand dollars. In the garage, law enforcement found methamphetamine, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and additional drug trafficking paraphernalia. Law enforcement also found 10 firearms, throughout the residence. Leathers admitted that he possessed the drugs with the intent to distribute them and that he possessed the firearms in furtherance of his drug distribution.
Under federal law, Leathers must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Brent Caldwell, Owen County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Owen County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Baker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Orlando Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing A MachinegunRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jeremiah Cundiff (19, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession of a machinegun. Cundiff faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on October 23, 2023, law enforcement apprehended Cundiff, who had an active warrant for his arrest. During the apprehension, Cundiff fled and made a stealthy movement. At the area of Cundiff’s movement, a loaded firearm with a machinegun conversion device installed (pictured below), was recovered. Cundiff’s DNA was found on the firearm.
The type of machinegun conversion device in this case is commonly referred to as a “switch,” and is designed and intended, solely and exclusively, to convert a semiautomatic pistol into a machinegun, causing the pistol to fire more than one shot with the single pull of the trigger.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with valuable assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.
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.
Okmulgee Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Wilbert Lamon Rivers, age 26, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
The Indictment alleged that on November 4, 2023, Rivers knowingly possessed a semiautomatic pistol and forty rounds of ammunition after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Muscogee (Creek) Lighthorse Police Department, the Okmulgee Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Rivers will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Nigerian national arrested on arrival in U.S. on indictment for multi-million-dollar romance fraudRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 40-year-old Nigerian national was arrested upon his arrival at an airport in Texas on an indictment returned in the Western District of Washington. Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo was indicted in December 2023 for 14 counts of wire fraud connected to his romance fraud scheme. Nwadialo was traveling from Nigeria when he was arrested. Nwadialo will be transported to the Western District of Washington for arraignment.
“All too often the defendants in these romance scams are overseas and unreachable by U.S. law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “I congratulate investigators who are alert to any opportunity to arrest such defendants and hold them accountable.”
According to the indictment and criminal complaint filed in the case, Nwadialo allegedly defrauded victims of more than $3.3 million. According to the indictment, Nwadialo used various versions of the name ‘Giovanni” when he met his victims online on websites such as Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café. Nwadialo used false images for his profile and typically told the victims that he was in the military and deployed overseas so he could not meet the victims in person. Using these personas, Nwadialo invented many reasons he needed the victims to send him money. In one such case in 2020, he indicated he had been fined by the military for revealing his location to the victim. He asked the victim to help him pay the $150,000 fine. In all, that victim was defrauded of at least $2.4 million.
A second victim was contacted in 2019 to help move funds from U.S. accounts to accounts controlled by the defendant and his co-schemers. In this instance Nwadialo represented that he needed the help moving money in connection with his father’s death. The victim transferred at least $330,000 to the accounts controlled by the defendant.
A third victim was defrauded by Nwadialo when he told her that he was investing money for her. He claimed that a check she received from another victim was proceeds from her investments and he had her “reinvest” the money in a specific cryptocurrency account that he controlled. The victim transferred at least $270,000 at Nwadialo’s direction.
Finally, in August 2020, Nwadialo defrauded another victim who he met on an online dating site and caused this victim to transfer at least $310,000 by claiming he needed financial assistance, including help paying for his father’s funeral or his son’s school tuition.
The fourteen counts of wire fraud relate to the communications with Nwadialo and the wiring of funds from victims to the defendant and his co-schemers.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to twenty years in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sok Jiang.
nwadialo_indictment.pdf