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Thursday 26 September 2024
Burlington County Man Admits Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, man admitted receiving images of child sexual abuse over an online network, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Charles Borrelli, 62, of Burlington, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Bumb on Sept. 25, 2024, to an information charging him with receipt of child pornography.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Jan. 3, 2022, Borrelli used an internet network to download sexually explicit images of children. Borrelli also distributed images and videos of child sexual abuse on a peer-to-peer file sharing network on Jan. 3, 2022. Borrelli possessed over 600 images and videos of child sexual abuse, which were found on a vast collection of personal electronic devices when members of law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in February 2022. Some of the images were of infants.
The charge of receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years I prison, and a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. However, because Borrelli has a prior conviction for possessing child pornography, he will face an enhanced penalty on the receipt charge of a mandatory minimum term of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum term of 40 years of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas in Newark; and members of the New Jersey State Police, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and Mount Laurel Police Department with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey R. Harteis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
borrelli.information.pdfBrowning man admits assault in burning woman with hot knife on Blackfeet Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A Browning man accused of burning a woman on the hand with a hot knife in a residence on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Dale Ray Racine, 32, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Racine faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
A plea agreement in the case calls for a sentence of between 41 months and 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 30, 2025. Racine remained detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in the early morning hours of Feb. 14, Racine was drinking at a residence in Browning. The victim, Jane Doe, also was present. At some point, Racine placed a green knife in a wood stove until it was red hot. Racine removed the knife from the fire and burned Doe with it. Doe reported to law enforcement and medical providers that Racine was trying to brand her neck. Doe held up her hand to stop the branding, at which point Racine intentionally burned her hand. Doe was treated for second-degree burns to her hand.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, investigated the case.
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Bowling Green Felon Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Bowling Green man was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and illegally possessing a firearm by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Michael Delaney of the Bowling Green Police Department made the announcement.
“I appreciate the excellent work of ATF and the Bowling Green Police Department in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “It showcases the ongoing collaboration between our federal and local law enforcement partners. And the result of the combined effort - sending a defendant with a lengthy criminal history to federal prison for 15 years - makes the community safer for all who live, work, and visit here.”
According to court documents, Jedidiah Martin, 44, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute 221.4 grams of methamphetamine, and illegally possessing a Springfield Armory XDS .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol by a convicted felon. Martin had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On February 13, 2017, in Warren Circuit Court, Martin was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
On February 13, 2017, in Warren Circuit Court, Martin was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school.
On May 5, 2003, in Warren Circuit Court, Martin was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, first-degree, first offense, and possession of a controlled substance, first-degree, first offense.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Bowling Green Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Behavioral Healthcare Company Executive Pleads Guilty to Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Chief Executive Officer of Dana Group Associates, who is also the former Chief Operating Officer of Prime Behavioral Health, pleaded guilty today to a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs by directing false billing for patient visits.
Miguel Saravia, 42, of Hanson, pleaded guilty to six counts of health care fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Jan. 2, 2025.
From approximately 2017 to 2022, Saravia directed a group of individuals with no billing or medical training to enter Current Procedural Terminology codes (CPT) for therapy services that were not provided and to upcode CPT codes used for psychotherapy visits. Saravia submitted, or directed the submission of, false claims for treatment that was not provided or for more complex and expensive treatment than was provided.The charge of health care fraud carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. 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 Joshua S. Levy; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Insurance Fraud Bureau Executive Director Anthony DiPaolo; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly B. Lawrence and Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Lindsey Ross and Steven Sharobem of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit are prosecuting the case.
Baltimore City Man Sentenced to Fourteen Years in Federal Prison for Committing Several Armed Robberies and CarjackingsRead the Press Release
Baltimore – On September 25, 2024, United States District Judge George L. Russell, III, sentenced Tavon Reid-El, age 25, of Baltimore City, Maryland, to fourteen (14) years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for committing two armed commercial robberies and three armed carjackings in Baltimore City, Maryland.
The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and, Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore City Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on December 28, 2019, Reid-El robbed an employee of Safeway Lock & Key. According to the employee, he was dispatched to the 1500 block of Fernley Road in Baltimore City to provide assistance with a vehicle lockout. When the employee arrived at the location, he was met by Reid-El, who indicated that he was locked-out of his vehicle, a white Nissan Sentra. The Safeway employee then programmed a new key fob and requested payment from Reid-El. Reid-El provided partial payment, and the employee informed Reid-El that he owed a balance. An unidentified co-conspirator, armed with a handgun, then approached the employee. Reid-El demanded the employee empty his pockets and return the money that Reid-El had given to him. Reid-El and the unknown suspect then took the employee’s wallet and cellphone, as well as work tools from the employee’s work van. The men also attempted to abduct the employee but were unsuccessful.
On January 11, 2020, Reid-El committed three armed carjackings in Baltimore City. During all three carjackings, Reid-El arrived at the scene in a white sedan and then approached the victims, brandishing a handgun. Reid-El then stole the vehicles and personal items of the victims. Co-defendant Tyree Bethel operated the white sedan during some of the carjackings.
At approximately 12:00 p.m. on January 11, 2020, Reid-El robbed at gunpoint a locksmith for Jet Locksmith in the 1700 block of East 32nd Street in Baltimore City. At the location, the victim met with Reid-El, who informed the locksmith that he had locked his keys inside his white 2016 Honda Accord. The locksmith then unlocked the Honda and Reid-El retrieved the keys. As the locksmith prepared a work order and asked Reid-El how he was paying for the service, Reid-El replied that he was paying with cash. The locksmith then walked to his work vehicle and noticed Reid-El following him. Reid-El then lifted the hemline of his sweatshirt and revealed a brown-handled revolver firearm and asked the locksmith for his money, wallet and cellphone. Reid-El also demanded that the locksmith open the safe contained in the locksmith’s work vehicle. The locksmith complied and provided Reid-El with his wallet, cellphone, and cash from the vehicle’s safe. Reid-El then entered the white Honda Accord and departed the area.
A cellular telephone tracking order was authorized for two cellular phone numbers. Utilizing the tracking order, BPD officers were able to track one of the phones to a silver Honda Accord. BPD officers stopped the vehicle and located inside were Reid-El, co-defendant Tyree Bethel and another individual. The cellphone that was being tracked was recovered from Reid-El. Officers also recovered from Reid-El the cellphone of one of the victims. The other cellphone was tracked to the home address of co-defendant Bethel.
In mid-January 2020, several victims from the commercial armed robberies and carjackings responded to the BPD Citywide Robbery section and were each shown photograph arrays. The victims each positively identified Reid-El as the perpetrator of the crimes.
On January 16, 2020, a search warrant was authorized for the residence of co-defendant Tyree Bethel. During the search of the residence, law enforcement officers recovered, among other items, the Auto Pad Pro stolen from the employee of Safeway Lock & Key on December 28, 2019.
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.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Sippel, Jr., who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke Delivers Remarks Announcing the Justice Department Findings of Civil Rights Violations by the Lexington, Mississippi Police Department and City of LexingtonRead the Press Release
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
Good afternoon. My name is Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Justice Department. Joining me is Todd W. Gee, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.
We are here today to announce the findings from our pattern or practice investigation into the City of Lexington, Mississippi, and the Lexington Police Department.
We find reasonable cause to believe that the Lexington Police Department and the City of Lexington engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the First, Fourth and 14th Amendments of the Constitution, Safe Streets Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Specifically, we find that the Lexington police use excessive force; unlawfully stop, search and arrest people — including by jailing people on illegal “investigative holds” — unlawfully jail people without affording prompt access to court; violate the rights of people engaged in free speech and expression, including by retaliating against critics of the police; and unlawfully discriminate against Black people.
The department also unlawfully arrests, jails and detains people based on their failure to pay money without assessing their ability to pay; unlawfully arrests people just because they owe outstanding fines; and imposes money bail without justification and, again, without assessing ability to pay. The fact that fines and fees fund the department drives its law enforcement, resulting in a crude policing-for-profit scheme. The Lexington Police Department operates under an unconstitutional financial conflict of interest.
Lexington’s focus on revenue and its overly aggressive form of policing leaves the people of Lexington harassed, feeling helpless and hopeless. For example, on the day we opened our investigation, Lexington officers chased a man down and tased him until he foamed at the mouth. In the previous months, police officers had repeatedly arrested the man for minor offenses most police departments would have handled with a ticket. For stealing sugar packets from a gas station, the man spent 13 days in jail. He spent four days in jail for taking a second cup of coffee after paying for the first. Each time, the Lexington police kept him in jail because he could not afford to pay the fines or the $50 processing fee Lexington charges for every arrest. Especially for a person in poverty, these fines are no small thing. Even though he has no money, the man owes the Lexington Police Department over $7,500. At no point did the police or city assess his ability to pay those fines.
In America, being poor is not a crime, but in Lexington, their practices punish people for poverty. On Feb. 29, we provided official notice to Lexington city officials and the police department about our concerns regarding illegal arrests and detentions that penalize people for lacking resources. Lexington has made some changes in response to our notice. But, as today’s findings show, more meaningful reform is necessary.
Lexington’s fines and fees have been absolutely devastating for the people who live there. Although Lexington is in one of the poorest counties in America, people owe the police department $1.7 million in outstanding fines. The Lexington municipal court has issued bench warrants for over 650 people based on unpaid fines — equivalent to roughly half of Lexington’s population. Based on these warrants, police officers have unlawfully arrested and jailed people, using the leverage of incarceration to extract more money from them.
Other times, the Lexington police send people to jail for days or weeks for minor offenses. These people wait in jail until they can go before a judge or they can get enough money together to pay their fines. This, too, violates people’s civil rights. For example, the Lexington police arrested a Black man for allegedly taking $15 worth of gas. The police told him his fine was $300. He couldn’t pay it. The police sent him to jail until the next scheduled court date — two weeks later.
Unjustly enforcing fines and fees creates a two-tiered system of justice that can perpetuate a cycle of poverty. It also fuels a financial conflict of interest for the police department. The police must enforce the law even-handedly, not based on generating revenue. Lexington, though, focused its law enforcement on strategies that generated income, even at times linking officers’ paychecks to the number of arrests they made. Over the past two years, Lexington has made nearly one arrest for every four people in town — more than 10 times the per capita arrest rate for Mississippi.
The Lexington police also illegally arrest people for using profanity, and they retaliate against people who film officers or criticize the police. The First Amendment protects swearing, yet the Lexington police broke down a man’s back door and arrested him for swearing in a public place. The First Amendment also protects the right to film or criticize officers. But when a man filmed officers approaching his suicidal brother with their guns raised, a police officer batted the man’s phone out of his hand, pushed him to the ground and arrested him.
While making arrests, the Lexington police frequently use excessive force. We found instances in which officers used a taser like a cattle prod to punish people or to make them comply more quickly with officers’ orders. For example, officers used a taser to shock a Black man 18 times until he was covered in his own vomit and unable to speak or walk. Officers punch, hit or kick people who are unarmed and handcuffed. One officer kicked a Black man in the groin so hard that he wet himself. Another used his gun to repeatedly hit a Black man already in handcuffs. An officer knocked an elderly Black man unconscious. Nor are children spared from attack. An officer grabbed a Black child by the neck and shoved him into a patrol car, banging the child’s head against the door frame.
Black people bear the brunt of the Lexington Police Department’s illegal conduct. Lexington’s former police chief, Sam Dobbins, who regularly spoke disrespectfully to Black men, set in motion the aggressive enforcement of low-level violations. Dobbins left the department when recordings of him using other racial slurs were released. Officials told us that with Dobbins gone, so too was the problem. We found, however, that the discriminatory practices he initiated continue unabated. Lexington officers frequently tase, punch and beat Black people without justification, while we identified no such use of force on white people. Low-level traffic violations that resulted in arrest for Black people yielded only warnings or citations for white people. The result? 98% of people arrested for traffic offenses are Black. This pattern of racial discrimination not only violates the law. It also erodes the community’s trust in law enforcement, the judicial system, and the government more broadly.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, half of America’s police departments have 10 officers or fewer. Every person in the United States enjoys certain fundamental civil rights, regardless of the size of their town, the contents of their bank account or the color of their skin. Residents of rural and underserved communities have the same rights and deserve the same protection as people who live major cities. The Justice Department is committed to providing that protection. Police misconduct in smaller communities may not always garner national attention, but rest assured, the Justice Department is watching. No city, no town, no law enforcement agency is too large or too small to evade our efforts to safeguard the constitutional rights that every American enjoys. Small and mid-sized police departments must not be allowed to violate people’s civil rights with impunity.
To the people of Lexington, I want you to know that we heard you. We listened carefully to your testimonies. We thank you for having the courage to speak out.
The Lexington Police Department and the City of Lexington have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department to address the challenges we outline today. As we begin the hard, essential work of rebuilding trust and restoring equal justice under law, we need to continue to hear from the Lexington community in the coming days and weeks.
We stand with the people of Lexington to extend justice to all its residents, rich and poor, regardless of their race.
I’ll now welcome U.S. Attorney Todd Gee.
Asheville Man Is Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A FelonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Dion Lamont Lowman, 48, of Asheville, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Chief U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger ordered Lowman to begin serving the federal sentence after the defendant completes the 19-month state sentence he is currently serving for a drug conviction.
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office, and Chief Michael Lamb of the Asheville Police Department (APD), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, on June 13, 2023, APD officers encountered Lowman in Asheville. The officers, who knew that Lowman had outstanding arrest warrants, observed Lowman drive a vehicle with a South Carolina license plate and proceeded to follow him. The officers continued to follow Lowman, and saw the defendant park his vehicle into the back parking area of a residence. The officers then observed another individual get into Lowman’s front passenger side. While the officers were pulling up, they observed the other individual quickly exit Lowman’s vehicle and walk away. The officers approached Lowman’s vehicle and ordered the defendant to come out. Lowman complied and the officers placed Lowman and the other individual under arrest. The officers then searched Lowman’s vehicle and seized a loaded firearm. The officers checked the firearm’s serial number and determined it was stolen. Lowman has prior criminal convictions, to include drug trafficking, and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
On April 15, 2024, Lowman pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the DEA and the Asheville Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Asheville Drug Trafficker on Federal Supervised Release for Firearms Conviction Is Sentenced to 12+ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Douglas Aaron Holcomb, 48, of Asheville, was sentenced today to 151 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. This sentence runs consecutive to an additional 24 months in prison Holcomb was sentenced to on May 30, 2024, for violating his federal supervised release.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, Sheriff Lowell S. Griffin of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), and Sheriff Chuck Owenby of the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, in June 2023, Holcomb was placed on federal supervised release after serving a prison term for a federal firearms offense. On June 27, 2023, law enforcement in Henderson County observed Holcomb driving a vehicle with an expired license plate and proceeded to conduct a traffic stop. Over the course of the stop, a police K9 alerted to the presence of drugs. Law enforcement searched Holcomb’s vehicle and located a black backpack in the middle of the back seat floor. Inside the backpack, law enforcement found a pistol brace device designed to convert a semiautomatic pistol to function with a stock as a rifle would, and a box of 28 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. Law enforcement also opened the hood and searched the engine compartment of the vehicle. There, law enforcement located a plastic container and a black zippered pouch attached to the vehicle with blue painter’s tape. The plastic container contained over 100 grams of methamphetamine and a 1911 style .45 caliber pistol magazine containing eight rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. The black zippered pouch contained a Sig Sauer model 1911, .45 caliber pistol loaded with one round of .45 caliber ammunition in the chamber and a magazine containing seven rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. In total, officers recovered 51 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition from Holcomb’s possession.
On February 26, 2024, Holcomb pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Annabelle Chambers prosecuted the case. Ms. Chambers is a state prosecutor with the office of the 43rd Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Ashley Welch to serve as SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville. Ms. Chambers is sworn in both state and federal courts. The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the office of the 43rd Prosecutorial District and the United States Attorney’s Office. The SAUSA position helps ensure the effective and vigorous prosecution of federal court cases that impact the counties within the 43rd Prosecutorial District.
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.
Arapahoe woman sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for child abuseRead the Press Release
Kandace Sitting Eagle, 34, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment for aggravated child abuse, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and assault with a dangerous weapon. These crimes arose from abuse of Sitting Eagle’s 13-year-old child.
According to trial evidence and statements made at the sentencing, Kandace Sitting Eagle and her husband, Truman Sitting Eagle, who was sentenced to 108 months in prison in August 2024, abused the child for weeks in late 2023. The abuse included beatings with a metal rod, isolation, and starvation. A school resource officer discovered the abuse during a welfare check made after the child had not been to school in over a month. During the visit, Kandace and Truman repeatedly lied to the officer regarding the whereabouts and welfare of the child. The officer eventually found the child in a crawl space under the Sitting Eagles’ trailer where his parents were hiding him.
Kandace Sitting Eagle was indicted on Jan. 12, 2024, and convicted by a federal jury on June 13, after a four-day trial. In addition to the 121 months in prison, the sentence includes five years of supervised release and $33,000 in restitution to Wyoming Medicaid for medical expenses related to the victim’s care. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Sept. 24, in Cheyenne.
This crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Wind River Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook.
Albany County Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Thomas Berrington, age 33, of Colonie, New York, pled guilty yesterday in federal court to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea yesterday, Berrington admitted that between June of 2023 and January of 2024, he repeatedly sexually abused a minor female child for the purpose of photographing and video recording the abuse. The victim was eight years old when Berrington’s abuse of her began.
At sentencing, currently scheduled for January 30, 2025, in Albany New York, Berrington faces a term of imprisonment between 15 and 60 years, a term of post-release supervision between 5 years and life, and a fine of up to $250,000. Berrington will also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim, forfeit the device used in the offense, and will be required to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force – comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the New York State Police and Colonie Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle 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.
Acadia Healthcare Company Inc. to Pay $19.85M to Settle Allegations Relating to Medically Unnecessary Inpatient Behavioral Health ServicesRead the Press Release
Acadia Healthcare Company Inc., a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Franklin, Tennessee, has agreed to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and related state statutes by knowingly billing for medically unnecessary inpatient behavioral health services or for services that did not meet federal and state regulations. Acadia Healthcare Company owns and operates inpatient behavioral health facilities throughout the United States, including The Pavilion at HealthPark LLC, doing business as Park Royal Hospital in Ft. Myers, Florida; Riverwoods Behavioral Health LLC, doing business as Lakeview Behavioral Health in Norcross, Georgia, and as Riverwoods Behavioral Health System in Riverdale, Georgia; Ten Broeck Tampa LLC, doing business as North Tampa Behavioral Health in Wesley Chapel, Florida; PHC of Michigan LLC, doing business as Harbor Oaks Hospital in New Baltimore, Michigan; and Seven Hills Hospital LLC, doing business as Seven Hills Hospital in Henderson, Nevada (collectively, Acadia).
The United States contended that, between 2014 and 2017, Acadia knowingly submitted false claims for payment to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for inpatient behavioral health services that were not reasonable or medically necessary. In particular, the United States contended that Acadia admitted beneficiaries who were not eligible for inpatient treatment and failed to properly discharge beneficiaries when they no longer needed inpatient treatment and had improper and excessive lengths of stay. The United States further alleged that Acadia knowingly failed to provide adequate staffing, training and/or supervision of staff, which resulted in assaults, elopements, suicides and other harm resulting from these staffing failures. In addition, Acadia allegedly failed to provide inpatient acute care in accord with federal and state regulations, including, but not limited to, by failing to provide active treatment, to develop and/or update individualized assessments and treatment plans, to provide adequate discharge planning and to provide required individual and group therapy.
Under the settlement agreement, Acadia will pay $16,663,918 to the United States to resolve its liability under the False Claims Act for its allegedly false Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE billings. The Medicaid program is jointly funded by the states and the federal government, and pursuant to separate settlement agreements, Acadia will pay an additional $3,186,082 to Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Nevada to resolve their state law claims against Acadia.
“This settlement demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to ensuring that federal healthcare programs pay only for services that are needed and properly provided,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “It is particularly important that health care providers satisfy these requirements when providing services to a vulnerable patient population, such as residents of an inpatient behavioral health facility.”
“Federal health care programs rely upon the honesty and credibility of participating providers,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The Justice Department will hold accountable those who seek to exploit these programs for personal gain, jeopardizing the health of patients.”
“Medical providers who participate in federally funded health care programs must follow the law when billing Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement illustrates HHS-OIG’s commitment to protecting the integrity of these taxpayer-funded programs and the well-being of enrollees seeking treatment. Working closely with the United States Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners, we will continue to thoroughly investigate such fraudulent billing schemes.”
“Billing TRICARE for medically unnecessary inpatient behavioral health services or for services that did not meet federal and state regulations impacts our ability to reimburse providers in a timely manner for care that is needed to keep our military ready to defend the nation,” said Rear Admiral Matthew Case of the U.S. Navy and Acting Assistant Director for Health Care Administration for the Defense Health Agency. “We thank our state and federal partners for their work on this case, and the whistleblowers who came forward for their bravery. As a result, we are able to continue delivering one of the most comprehensive and affordable health benefits available to any American.”
The settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Franka Tirado, Brian Snyder and Jamie Thompson, all former employees of Acadia. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam cases are captioned U.S. ex rel. Tirado, et al. v. Park Royal Hospital et al., Case No. 2:17-cv-201-FtM-99 (MDFL), and U.S. ex rel. Thompson v. Acadia Healthcare Company Inc., et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-543-FtM-38CM (MDFL). The whistleblower share of the federal portion of the settlement will be $3,166,144.42.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, as well as the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Senior Trial Counsel Sarah Arni of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and former Senior Litigation Counsel Lindsay Griffin for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Settlement
Acadia Healthcare Company Inc. to Pay $19.85M to Settle Allegations Relating to Medically Unnecessary Inpatient Behavioral Health ServicesRead the Press Release
Note: View the settlement here.
Tampa, FL – Acadia Healthcare Company Inc., a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Franklin, Tennessee, has agreed to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and related state statutes by knowingly billing for medically unnecessary inpatient behavioral health services or for services that did not meet federal and state regulations. Acadia Healthcare Company owns and operates inpatient behavioral health facilities throughout the United States, including The Pavilion at HealthPark LLC, doing business as Park Royal Hospital in Ft. Myers, Florida; Riverwoods Behavioral Health LLC, doing business as Lakeview Behavioral Health in Norcross, Georgia, and as Riverwoods Behavioral Health System in Riverdale, Georgia; Ten Broeck Tampa LLC, doing business as North Tampa Behavioral Health in Wesley Chapel, Florida; PHC of Michigan LLC, doing business as Harbor Oaks Hospital in New Baltimore, Michigan; and Seven Hills Hospital LLC, doing business as Seven Hills Hospital in Henderson, Nevada (collectively, Acadia).
The United States contended that, between 2014 and 2017, Acadia knowingly submitted false claims for payment to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for inpatient behavioral health services that were not reasonable or medically necessary. In particular, the United States contended that Acadia admitted beneficiaries who were not eligible for inpatient treatment and failed to properly discharge beneficiaries when they no longer needed inpatient treatment and had improper and excessive lengths of stay. The United States further alleged that Acadia knowingly failed to provide adequate staffing, training and/or supervision of staff, which resulted in assaults, elopements, suicides and other harm resulting from these staffing failures. In addition, Acadia allegedly failed to provide inpatient acute care in accord with federal and state regulations, including, but not limited to, by failing to provide active treatment, to develop and/or update individualized assessments and treatment plans, to provide adequate discharge planning and to provide required individual and group therapy.
Under the settlement agreement, Acadia will pay $16,663,918 to the United States to resolve its liability under the False Claims Act for its allegedly false Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE billings. The Medicaid program is jointly funded by the states and the federal government, and pursuant to separate settlement agreements, Acadia will pay an additional $3,186,082 to Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Nevada to resolve their state law claims against Acadia.
“This settlement demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to ensuring that federal healthcare programs pay only for services that are needed and properly provided,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “It is particularly important that health care providers satisfy these requirements when providing services to a vulnerable patient population, such as residents of an inpatient behavioral health facility.”
“Federal health care programs rely upon the honesty and credibility of participating providers,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The Justice Department will hold accountable those who seek to exploit these programs for personal gain, jeopardizing the health of patients.”
“Medical providers who participate in federally funded health care programs must follow the law when billing Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement illustrates HHS-OIG’s commitment to protecting the integrity of these taxpayer-funded programs and the well-being of enrollees seeking treatment. Working closely with the United States Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners, we will continue to thoroughly investigate such fraudulent billing schemes.”
“Billing TRICARE for medically unnecessary inpatient behavioral health services or for services that did not meet federal and state regulations impacts our ability to reimburse providers in a timely manner for care that is needed to keep our military ready to defend the nation,” said Rear Admiral Matthew Case of the U.S. Navy and Acting Assistant Director for Health Care Administration for the Defense Health Agency. “We thank our state and federal partners for their work on this case, and the whistleblowers who came forward for their bravery. As a result, we are able to continue delivering one of the most comprehensive and affordable health benefits available to any American.”
The settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Franka Tirado, Brian Snyder and Jamie Thompson, all former employees of Acadia. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam cases are captioned U.S. ex rel. Tirado, et al. v. Park Royal Hospital et al., Case No. 2:17-cv-201-FtM-99 (MDFL), and U.S. ex rel. Thompson v. Acadia Healthcare Company Inc., et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-543-FtM-38CM (MDFL). The whistleblower share of the federal portion of the settlement will be $3,166,144.42.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, as well as the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Senior Trial Counsel Sarah Arni of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and former Senior Litigation Counsel Lindsay Griffin for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
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Wednesday 25 September 2024
司法部與加州阿拉米達縣警長辦公室 達成語言使用協議Read the Press Release
司法部今天宣布已與加州阿拉米達縣警長辦公室 (下稱「ACSO」) 達成解決協議，解決了對 ACSO 是否遵守 1964 年《民權法案》第六章規定的非歧視義務的調查。
根據該協議的條款，ACSO 已同意採取多項行動，以改善其管轄區內英語能力有限 (LEP) 的個人可使用的語言服務。《民權法案》第六章禁止接受聯邦財務援助的實體因個人的種族、膚色和國籍而作出歧視。任何基於所說語言而作出的差別待遇，包括排除或拒絕 LEP 人士享有計劃和服務的福利，均可能構成違反第六章下的民族血統歧視。
司法部民權司助理檢察長 Kristen Clarke 表示：「司法部民權司致力確保我們國家的執法機構能夠服務和保護社區中的每一個人，無論他們的英語能力是否有限。阿拉米達縣警長辦公室透過此項協議，展示了他們對改善社區服務而作出的承諾，並已採取重大行動來履行承諾。」
早前，司法部收到有關資訊，指 LEP 人士在與 ACSO 人員溝通時可能無法獲得足夠的語言服務。該部門其後開始針對 ACSO 進行調查。
在此協議下，ACSO 將制定正式的全辦公室語言服務指示，並指定一名員工擔任 ACSO 的 LEP 協調員。此外，他們為員工提供語言協助訓練，同時改善品質監控，以要求提供準確且經過品質評估的語言協助服務，並接受一段時間的部門監督。
此協議是司法部《執法機構語言通達倡議》(下稱「LELAI」) 的一部分。該倡議在全國範圍內協助執法機構克服語言障礙，以更好地服務和保護社區，並確保執法人員的安全。該計劃由民權司帶領進行，提供技術援助資源和工具，以協助州和地方執法機關為 LEP 人士提供有意義的語言使用服務；積極吸引希望審查、更新和/或加強其語言使用政策、計劃和訓練的執法機關參與；並加強執法機關、社區利益相關者和 LEP 人士之間的聯繫。
有關民權司的其他資訊，請瀏覽 www.justice.gov/crt，而有關英語能力有限和《民權法案》第六章的資訊，請瀏覽 www.lep.gov。更多有關 LELAI 的資訊，請瀏覽 www.lep.gov/law-enforcement。公眾可透過 civilrights.justice.gov/report/ 網站報告可能違反公民權利的行為。
司法部与加利福尼亚州阿拉米达县警长办公室 达成语言使用协议Read the Press Release
司法部今天宣布已与加州阿拉米达县警长办公室 (下称“ ACSO”) 达成解决协议，解决了对 ACSO 是否遵守 1964 年《民权法案》第六章规定的非歧视义务的调查。
根据协议条款，ACSO 同意采取一系列措施，改善其管辖范围内英语水平有限 (LEP) 的个人可使用语言服务。《民权法案》第六章禁止接受联邦财政援助的实体基于种族、肤色和民族血统做出歧视行为。基于所讲语言而做出的区别对待，包括排斥或拒绝向LEP 人士提供计划和服务的福利，可能构成违反《第六章》中的民族血统歧视。
司法部民权司助理司法部长克里斯汀-克拉克（Kristen Clarke）表示：“司法部民权司致力于确保我们国家的执法机构能够为社区中的每个人提供服务和保护，无论他们的英语水平是否有限。通过这项协议，阿拉米达县警长办公室表明了他们致力于改善社区服务的承诺，并为履行这一承诺采取了重要措施。“
早前，司法部收到有关信息，指出 LEP 人士在与 ACSO 人员沟通时可能无法获得足够的语言服务。随后，司法部开始对 ACSO 进行调查。
在此协议下，ACSO 将制定正式的全办公室语言服务指示，并指定一名员工担任 ACSO 的 LEP 协调员。此外，他们为员工提供语言协助训练，同时改善品质监控，以要求提供准确且经过品质评估的语言协助服务，并接受一段时间的部门监督。
该协议是司法部《执法机构语言通达倡议》(下称“LELAI”)的一部分。该倡议在全国范围内协助执法机构克服语言障碍，以更好地服务和保护社区，并确保执法人员的安全。在民权司的领导下，该倡议提供技术援助资源和工具，帮助州和地方执法部门为有语言障碍的个人提供有意义的语言使用服務；积极动员希望审查、更新和/或加强其语言使用政策、计划和培训的执法机构参与进来；并加强执法机构、社区利益相关者和有语言障碍的人群之间的联系。
有关民权司的更多信息，请访问 www.justice.gov/crt。有关英语能力有限和《民权法案》第六章的信息，请访问 www.lep.gov。有关 LELAI 的更多信息，请访问 www.lep.gov/law-enforcement。公众可通过 civilrights.justice.gov/report/ 网站举报可能侵犯公民权利的行为。
ਨਿਆਂ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਨੇ ਕੈਲੀਫੋਰਨੀਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਲਮੇਡਾ ਕਾਉਂਟੀ ਸ਼ੈਰਿਫ ਦੇ ਦਫਤਰ ਨਾਲ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਸਮਝੌਤਾ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਕੀਤਾRead the Press Release
ਅੱਜ ਨਿਆਂ ਵਿਭਾਗ (Justice Department) ਨੇ ਐਲਾਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਕਿ ਉਸਨੇ ਕੈਲੀਫੋਰਨੀਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਲਮੇਡਾ ਕਾਉਂਟੀ ਸ਼ੈਰਿਫ ਦੇ ਦਫਤਰ (Alameda County Sheriff’s Office) (ACSO) ਨਾਲ ਇੱਕ ਪ੍ਰਸਤਾਵ ਸਮਝੌਤਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਇੱਕ ਜਾਂਚ ਦਾ ਵਿਸ਼ਲੇਸ਼ਣ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਕੀ ACSO 1964 ਦੇ ਸਿਵਲ ਰਾਈਟਸ ਐਕਟ (Civil Rights Act of 1964) (Title VI) ਦੇ ਟਾਈਟਲ VI ਹੇਠ ਆਪਣੀਆਂ ਗੈਰ-ਵਿਤਕਰੇ ਭਰੀਆਂ ਜ਼ਿੰਮੇਵਾਰੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਪਾਲਣਾ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਨਹੀਂ।
ਸਮਝੌਤੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਸ਼ਰਤਾਂ ਹੇਠ, ACSO ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰ ਖੇਤਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੀਮਤ ਅੰਗਰੇਜ਼ੀ ਮੁਹਾਰਤ (LEP) ਵਾਲੇ ਵਿਅਕਤੀਆਂ ਲਈ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਦੀ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੁਧਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਕਈ ਕਦਮ ਚੁੱਕਣ ਲਈ ਸਹਿਮਤੀ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੈ। ਟਾਈਟਲ VI ਉਹਨਾਂ ਸੰਸਥਾਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵਰਜਤ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਜਾਤੀ, ਰੰਗ ਅਤੇ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਮੂਲ ਦੇ ਅਧਾਰ ਤੇ ਵਿਤਕਰਾ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਿਆਂ ਵੱਲੋਂਸੰਘੀ ਵਿੱਤੀ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰਦੀਆਂਹਨ। ਬੋਲੀ ਜਾਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਦੇ ਅਧਾਰ ਤੇ ਵਿਤਕਰੇ ਵਾਲਾ ਵਿਵਹਾਰ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੈ, LEP ਵਾਲੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਸੇਵਾਵਾਂ ਦੇ ਲਾਭਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਬੇਦਖਲੀ ਜਾਂ ਇਨਕਾਰ ਕਰਨਾ, ਟਾਈਟਲ VI ਦੀ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਮੂਲ ਸਬੰਧੀ ਵਿਤਕਰੇ ਦਾ ਰੂਪ ਧਾਰਨ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ।
ਨਿਆਂ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦੇ ਸਿਵਲ ਰਾਈਟਸ ਡਿਵੀਜ਼ਨ (Civil Rights Division) ਦੇ ਸਹਾਇਕ ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਜਨਰਲ ਕ੍ਰਿਸਟਨ ਕਲਾਰਕ (Kristen Clarke) ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, "ਨਿਆਂ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦਾ ਸਿਵਲ ਰਾਈਟਸ ਡਿਵੀਜ਼ਨ ਇਹ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਵਚਨਬੱਧ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸਾਡੇ ਦੇਸ਼ ਦੀਆਂ ਲਾੱ ਐਨਫੋਰਸਮੈਂਟ ਏਜੰਸੀਆਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਭਾਈਚਾਰਿਆਂਵਿੱਚ ਹਰ ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਸੇਵਾ ਦੇ ਸਕਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ, ਭਾਵੇਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਅੰਗਰੇਜ਼ੀ ਦੀ ਸੀਮਤ ਮੁਹਾਰਤ ਹੋਵੇ।" । ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਅੱਗੇ ਕਿਹਾ, "ਇਸ ਸਮਝੌਤੇ ਰਾਹੀਂ, ਅਲਾਮੇਡਾ ਕਾਉਂਟੀ ਸ਼ੈਰਿਫ ਦੇ ਦਫ਼ਤਰ ਨੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਭਾਈਚਾਰਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ, ਜਿਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਸੇਵਾ ਦਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਆਪਣੀ ਵਚਨਬੱਧਤਾ ਦਰਸਾਈ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਲਈ ਸੇਵਾਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਿਹਤਰ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਵੱਡੇ ਕਦਮ ਚੁੱਕੇ ਹਨ।"
ACSO ਬਾਰੇ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦੀ ਜਾਂਚ ਉਸਦੇ ਬਾਅਦ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਹੋਈ, ਜਦੋਂ ਚਿੰਤਾਵਾਂ ਪੈਦਾ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਮਿਲੀ ਕਿ LEP ਵਾਲੇ ਵਿਅਕਤੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ACSO ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀਆਂਨਾਲ ਮੀਟਿੰਗਾਂ ਦੇ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਢੁੱਕਵੀਆਂ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਸੇਵਾਵਾਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਮਿਲ ਸਕਦੀਆਂ।
ਇਸ ਸਮਝੌਤੇ ਰਾਹੀਂ, ACSO ਇੱਕ ਰਸਮੀ, ਦਫ਼ਤਰ-ਵਿਆਪੀ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਨਿਰਦੇਸ਼ ਤੈਅ ਕਰੇਗਾ, ACSO ਲਈ LEP ਕੋਆਰਡੀਨੇਟਰ ਵਜੋਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀਆਂਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਮੈਂਬਰ ਨਿਯੁਕਤ ਕਰੇਗਾ, ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਬਾਰੇ ਸਟਾਫ ਨੂੰ ਸਿਖਲਾਈ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕਰੇਗਾ, ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਸਬੰਧੀਸਹੀ ਅਤੇ ਕੁਆਲਿਟੀ ਦਾ ਮੁਆਇਨਾ ਕੀਤੀਆਂ ਗਈਆਂਸੇਵਾਵਾਂ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਲਈ ਕੁਆਲਿਟੀ ਨਿਯੰਤਰਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੁਧਾਰ ਕਰੇਗਾ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਭਾਗੀ ਨਿਗਰਾਨੀ ਦੀ ਮਿਆਦ ਤੋਂ ਗੁਜ਼ਰੇਗਾ।
ਇਹ ਸਮਝੌਤਾ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦੀ ਲਾੱ ਐਨਫੋਰਸਮੈਂਟ ਲੈਂਗੂਏਜ ਐਕਸੈਸ ਇਨੀਸ਼ੀਏਟਿਵ (Law Enforcement Language Access Initiative) (LELAI) ਦਾ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਕਿ ਭਾਈਚਾਰਿਆਂਨੂੰ ਬਿਹਤਰ ਸੇਵਾ ਦੇਣਅਤੇ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਰੱਖਣ ਅਤੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂਨੂੰ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਰੱਖਣ ਲਈ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਸਬੰਧੀ ਰੁਕਾਵਟਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਦੂਰ ਕਰਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਾੱ ਐਨਫੋਰਸਮੈਂਟ ਏਜੰਸੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਦੇਸ਼ ਵਿਆਪੀ ਯਤਨ ਹੈ। ਸਿਵਲ ਰਾਈਟਸ ਡਿਵੀਜ਼ਨ ਦੀ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਹੇਠ, ਇਹ ਪਹਿਲਕਦਮੀ ਤਕਨੀਕੀ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਸਰੋਤ ਅਤੇ ਸਾਧਨ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ, ਜੋ LEP ਵਾਲੇ ਵਿਅਕਤੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਅਰਥਪੂਰਨ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕਰਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਾਜ ਅਤੇ ਸਥਾਨਕ ਲਾੱ ਐਨਫੋਰਸਮੈਂਟ ਦੀ ਮਦਦ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ; ਸਕਾਰਾਤਮਕ ਰੂਪ ਨਾਲ ਅਜਿਹੀਆਂ ਲਾੱ ਐਨਫੋਰਸਮੈਂਟ ਏਜੰਸੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਆਪਣੀਆਂ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਨੀਤੀਆਂ, ਯੋਜਨਾਵਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਸਿਖਲਾਈ ਦੀ ਸਮੀਖਿਆ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਅੱਪਡੇਟ ਕਰਨਾ ਅਤੇ/ਜਾਂ ਮਜ਼ਬੂਤ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ; ਅਤੇ ਲਾੱ ਐਨਫੋਰਸਮੈਂਟ ਏਜੰਸੀਆਂ, ਭਾਈਚਾਰਕ ਸਟੇਕਹੋਲਡਰਾਂ ਅਤੇ LEP ਵਾਲੀਆਂ ਆਬਾਦੀਆਂ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਸਬੰਧ ਨੂੰ ਮਜ਼ਬੂਤ ਕਰਦੀਹੈ।
ਸਿਵਲ ਰਾਈਟਸ ਡਿਵੀਜ਼ਨ ਬਾਰੇ ਵਾਧੂ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ www.justice.gov/crt 'ਤੇ ਉਪਲਬਧ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਸੀਮਤ ਅੰਗਰੇਜ਼ੀ ਮੁਹਾਰਤ ਅਤੇ ਟਾਈਟਲ VI ਬਾਰੇ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ www.lep.gov 'ਤੇ ਉਪਲਬਧ ਹੈ। LELAI ਬਾਰੇ ਵਧੇਰੇਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ www.lep.gov/law-enforcement 'ਤੇ ਉਪਲਬਧ ਹੈ। ਲੋਕ ਸੰਭਾਵੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਹੱਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਦੀ ਰਿਪੋਰਟ,
civilrights.justice.gov/report/ ਤੇ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ।
जस्टिस डिपार्टमेंट ने कैलिफोर्निया में एलामीडा काउंटी शेरिफ के ऑफिस के साथ लैंग्वेज एक्सेस एग्रीमेंट कियाRead the Press Release
जस्टिस डिपार्टमेंट ने आज घोषणा की है कि विभाग ने कैलिफोर्निया में एलामीडा काउंटी शेरिफ के ऑफिस (ACSO) के साथ एक रिजोल्यूशन एग्रीमेंट किया है, इससे यह इन्क्वॉयरी रिजॉल्व हो गई है कि क्या ACSO सिविल राइट्स एक्ट, 1964 के टाइटल VI के अंतर्गत नॉनडिस्क्रिमेशन ऑब्लिगेशन्स का अनुपालन कर रहा है या नहीं।
इस एग्रीमेंट की शर्तों के अंतर्गत, ACSO अपने ज्यूरिसडिक्शन में लिमिटेड इंग्लिश प्रोफिशिएंसी (LEP) वाले लोगों के लिए भाषा के बेहतर एक्सेस के लिए विभिन्न कदम उठाने हेतु सहमत हो गया है। टाइटल VI में ऐसा नियम है कि जो एंटिटीज फेडेरल फाइनेंशियल असिस्टेंस प्राप्त करती हैं, वे किसी व्यक्ति की नस्ल, रंग तथा राष्ट्रीय मूल के आधार पर उसके साथ भेदभाव नहीं कर सकती हैं, ऐसा करना निषेधित है। बोली जाने वाली भाषा के आधार पर भेदभावपूर्ण (डिफरेंशियल) व्यवहार करने समेत अंग्रेजी भाषा की कम समझ अर्थात LEP वाले व्यक्तियों को लाभों या सेवाओं का लाभ से वंचित करने या मना करने को टाइटल VI के उल्लंघन में नेशनल ओरिजिन डिस्क्रिमिनेशन माना जा सकता है।
“जस्टिस डिपार्टमेंट का सिविल राइट्स डिवीजन यह सुनिश्चित करने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है कि हमारे राष्ट्र की लॉ एनफोर्समेंट एजेंसीज अपने समुदायों के सभी लोगों को सर्व एवं प्रोटेक्ट कर सकें, भले ही उनके पास अंग्रेजी भाषा की सीमित समझ ही क्यों न हो,” यह बात जस्टिस डिपार्टमेंट के सिविल राइट्स डिजीवन के असिस्टेंट अटॉर्नी जनरल क्रिस्टेन क्लार्क ने कही। “इस एग्रीमेंट के माध्यम से एलामीडा काउंटी शेरिफ के ऑफिस ने यह दर्शाया है कि वे जिन समुदायों को सर्व करते हैं, वे उनके प्रति प्रतिबद्ध हैं तथा उनके लिए सेवाएं बेहतर बनाने के प्रति महत्वपूर्ण कदम उठाए हैं।”
ACSO के विरुद्ध डिपार्टमेंट की इन्क्वॉयरी उस समय शुरू की गई थी, जब ऐसा चिंताजनक जानकारी प्राप्त हुई कि अंग्रेजी भाषा की कम समझ अर्थात LEP वाले व्यक्तियों को ACSO कर्मियों के साथ संपर्क के दौरान शायद पर्याप्त भाषा सेवाएं नहीं प्राप्त हो पाती।
इस एग्रीमेंट के माध्यम से, ACSO एक औपचारिक, कार्यालय-व्यापी भाषा एक्सेस डायेक्टिव एस्टैबलिश करेगा, अपने कार्मिकों में से किसी एक सदस्य को ACSO के लिए LEP कॉर्डिनेटर नामित करेगा, स्टाफ को भाषा सहायता संबंधी प्रशिक्षण प्रदान करेगा, क्वालिटी कंट्रोल में सुधार करेगा ताकि एक्यूरेट तथा क्वालिटी एसेस्ड लैंग्वेज असिस्टेंस सर्विसेज दी जा सकें, तथा कुछ समय तक डिपार्टमेंटल मॉनिटरिंग करेगा।
यह एग्रीमेंट डिपार्टमेंट के लॉ एनफोर्समेंट लैंग्वेज एक्सेस इनीशिएटिव (LELAI) का हिस्सा है, जो कि समुदायों को बेहतर तरीके से सर्व एवं प्रोटेक्ट करने हेतु भाषा बाधाएं दूर करने में लॉ एनफोर्समेंट एजेंसीज की सहायता करने के लिए एक राष्ट्रव्यापी प्रयास है। सिविल राइट्स डिवीजन के नेृतत्वाधीन यह पहल तकनीकी सहायता संसाधन तथा टूल्स प्रदान करते हैं, जो अंग्रेजी भाषा की कम समझ अर्थात LEP वाले व्यक्तियों को अर्थपूर्ण भाषा पहुंच प्रदान करने में स्टेट और लोकल लॉ एनफोर्समेंट एजेंसी की मदद कर सकते हैं; लॉ एनफोर्समेंट एजेंसीज के साथ सकारात्मक रूप से जुड़ते हैं जो कि अपनी भाषा पहुंच नीतियों, योजनाओं, तथा प्रशिक्षण को रिव्यू, अपडेट, तथा/अथवा सुदृढ़ बनाना चाहती हैं; तथा लॉ एनफोर्समेंट एजेंसीज, कम्युनिटी स्टेकहोल्डर्स तथा अंग्रेजी भाषा की कम समझ अर्थात LEP वाले व्यक्तियों के बीच में कनेक्शन को सुदृढ़ बनाते हैं।
सिविल राइट्स डिवीजन के बारे में अधिक जानकारी www.justice.gov/crt पर उपलब्ध है, तथा अंग्रेजी भाषा की कम समझ तथा टाइटल VI संबंधित जानकारी www.lep.gov पर उपलब्ध है। LELAI के बारे में अधिक जानकारी www.lep.gov/law-enforcement पर उपलब्ध है। आम जनता, सिविल राइट्स के संभावित उल्लंघनों की रिपोर्ट civilrights.justice.gov/report/ पर कर सकती है।
وزارة العدل تتوصل إلى اتفاق توفير الخدمات اللغوية مع مكتب قائد شرطة مقاطعة ألاميدا في كاليفورنياRead the Press Release
أعلنت وزارة العدل اليوم أنها توصلت إلى اتفاق مع مكتب قائد شرطة مقاطعة ألاميدا في كاليفورنيا نتيجة للتحقيق حول ما إذا كان مكتب قائد شرطة مقاطعة ألاميدا ملتزمًا بعدم التمييز بموجب الباب السادس من قانون الحقوق المدنية لعام 1964 (الباب السادس).
بموجب شروط الاتفاق، وافق مكتب قائد شرطة مقاطعة ألاميدا على اتخاذ عدد من الخطوات لتحسين الخدمات اللغوية المتاحة للأفراد ذوي الكفاءة المحدودة في اللغة الإنجليزية (LEP) في ولايته القضائية، حيث يحظر الباب السادس على الجهات التي تتلقى مساعدة مالية فيدرالية التمييز على أساس العرق أو اللون أو الأصل القومي، وقد تشكل المعاملة التفضيلية القائمة على اللغة المستخدمة - بما في ذلك استبعاد الأشخاص ذوي الكفاءة المحدودة في اللغة الإنجليزية من مزايا البرامج والخدمات أو حرمانهم منها - تمييزًا على أساس الأصل القومي مما يشكل انتهاكًا للباب السادس.
صرحت مساعدة المدعي العام كريستين كلارك في قسم الحقوق المدنية بوزارة العدل: "إن قسم الحقوق المدنية بوزارة العدل ملتزم بضمان تمكن وكالات إنفاذ القانون في بلادنا من خدمة وحماية الجميع في مجتمعاتهم، بغض النظر عما إذا كانت كفاءتهم محدودة في اللغة الإنجليزية، ومن خلال هذه الاتفاقية، يظهر مكتب قائد شرطة مقاطعة ألاميدا التزامه واتخاذه خطوات هامة نحو تحسين الخدمات المقدمة للمجتمعات التي يخدمها".
بدأ تحقيق الوزارة بشأن مكتب قائد شرطة مقاطعة ألاميدا بعد تلقي معلومات تثير القلق إزاء احتمال عدم تلقي الأفراد ذوي الكفاءة المحدودة في اللغة الإنجليزية خدمات لغوية كافية أثناء لقاءاتهم بموظفي مكتب قائد شرطة مقاطعة ألاميدا.
من خلال هذا الاتفاق، سيضع مكتب قائد شرطة مقاطعة ألاميدا توجيهًا رسميًا لتوفير الخدمات اللغوية على مستوى المكتب، ويعين أحد أفراد موظفيه كمنسق للأفراد ذوي الكفاءة المحدودة في اللغة الإنجليزية (LEP) لمكتب قائد شرطة مقاطعة ألاميدا ويوفر تدريبات للموظفين على المساعدة اللغوية، ويحسن ضوابط الجودة للمطالبة بخدمات المساعدة اللغوية الدقيقة ذات جودة تم تقييمها ويخضع لفترة مراقبة إدارية.
يعد هذا الاتفاق جزءًا من مبادرة إتاحة الخدمات اللغوية لجهات إنفاذ القانون (LELAI) التابعة للوزارة، وهي جهد وطني لمساعدة وكالات إنفاذ القانون في التغلب على الحواجز اللغوية لخدمة المجتمعات وحمايتها بشكل أفضل والحفاظ على سلامة الضباط. بقيادة قسم الحقوق المدنية، توفر المبادرة الموارد التقنية المساعدة والأدوات التي يمكن أن تساعد وكالات إنفاذ القانون على مستوى الولاية والمستوى المحلي في توفير الخدمات اللغوية للأفراد ذوي الكفاءة المحدودة في اللغة الإنجليزية؛ وتعمل بشكل إيجابي على إشراك وكالات إنفاذ القانون التي تريد مراجعة وتحديث و/أو تعزيز سياسات وخطط وتدريبات توفير الخدمات اللغوية؛ وتعزز العلاقة بين وكالات إنفاذ القانون والجهات المعنية في المجتمع والمجموعات ذوي الكفاءة المحدودة في اللغة الإنجليزية.
تتوفر معلومات إضافية حول قسم الحقوق المدنية على www.justice.gov/crt ومعلومات حول الكفاءة المحدودة في اللغة الإنجليزية والباب السادس متوفرة على www.lep.gov. تتوفر مزيد من المعلومات حول LELAI على www.lep.gov/law-enforcement. يمكن للأفراد من العامة الإبلاغ عن انتهاكات الحقوق المدنية المحتملة من خلال civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
Yalobusha county man sentenced to 10 years for illegal gun possession and conspiracy to distribute fentanylRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN, MS – Lee Everett Henson, 53, was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and the possession of firearms used in drug trafficking.
The investigation began after the U.S. Postal Service intercepted a package that contained nearly 100 grams of fentanyl, which is over 800 pills. Independently, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics purchased approximately 80 fentanyl pills from Henson using confidential informants.
Henson was arrested and at the time, possessed over 700 fentanyl pills, approximately 40 grams of cocaine, and two firearms. Henson had previously been convicted of murder in the State of Texas and was on parole at the time.
On September 24, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Henson to 123 months in federal prison for the offenses to be followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Aycock imposed the 63-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl to run consecutive to the 60-month sentence for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
“Fentanyl is poison, and our office will do everything in our power to see that traffickers go to prison,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “AUSA Julie Addison should be proud of her work with our state and federal partners to bring a dangerous criminal to justice and to get these drugs off of our streets.”
"Combatting illicit drugs in the mail is a top priority for the US Postal Inspection Service,” said Scott Fix, Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “The sentence handed down today should serve as a reminder to other perpetrators that we remain steadfast with our law enforcement partners to bring those who engage in this activity to justice.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance by the Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Howell Addison prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Walla Walla Man Who Attempted to Flee from Police Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a Machine GunRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Troy Michael Hays, age 30, was sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a Machinegun. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 72 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on January 31, 2023, Detectives with the Walla Walla Police Department (WWPD) attempted to stop Hays, who was driving a gray Acura Integra, for reckless driving. Hays sped off and was not pursued at that time.
A few hours later, WWPD Detectives spotted Hays driving the same Acura Integra. Hays sped through a stop sign and turned a corner. Detectives activated their emergency lights and followed Hays’s car. When detectives turned the corner, they saw the Acura Integra several blocks ahead, speeding through a residential neighborhood. Detectives watched the Acura drive into a dead-end street and then lost sight of the vehicle. When Detectives arrived at the dead-end, they saw the Acura Integra stopped, hanging over the edge of a canal that ran perpendicular to the dead-end street. The Integra’s engine was still running; however, Hays had bailed out and fled. A short time later, WWPD located Hays in Wildwood Park, which was close where he abandoned the Acura.
Back at the Acura, Detectives noticed several rounds of loose ammunition in the car and became concerned that Hays had disposed of a firearm while running from the crash scene. The following morning, WWPD and the Walla Walla Regional Drug Gun Task Force returned to the canal. There, detectives located a 9mm Glock handgun placed between two pieces of concrete about 600 feet from where the Acura Integra crashed. Further examination of the gun revealed there was no debris or dust on it, consistent with the firearm being placed in the location recently, and Hays’s DNA was confirmed to be present on the machine gun. A distribution quantity of rainbow fentanyl-laced pills were also located in the vehicle.
The firearm had a “Glock switch” on it, which is a modification that attaches to the rear of a Glock handgun to convert it from semi-auto handgun to an automatic machine gun. The firearm had been reported stolen from Oregon.
“Mr. Hays recklessly attempted to run from law enforcement and dispose of a firearm with an illegal machinegun conversion device,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Gun ‘switches’ convert handguns into dangerous automatic machine guns that pose a significant danger to law enforcement and our communities. Protecting the public is our top priority, and my office is working hand in hand with federal, state, and local partners to remove these devices from our streets for everyone’s safety.”
“This sentence was clearly warranted,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Mr. Hays’ reckless behavior behind the wheel of a car, compounded by his possession of a machine gun, was clearly a danger to the community. Those possessing and using these illegal adapters to turn semi-automatic firearms into machine guns put themselves and the public at risk.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Walla Walla Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
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Violent Henderson Felon Sentenced to Almost Four Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE—Daniel Matthew Connell, 28, of Henderson, Kentucky, has been sentenced to 47 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on January 22, 2024, Daniel Connell was a passenger in a vehicle Indiana State Police troopers stopped for a traffic violation. Troopers observed a syringe in the center console. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, troopers found a loaded, .40 caliber handgun under the front passenger seat where Connell was seated. Troopers located a live .40 caliber round of ammunition in his pants pocket during a pat-down search, the same size and manufacturer as the rounds loaded in the seized handgun.
Connell was arrested for possession of the syringe and illegal possession of a firearm and held in the Vanderburgh County Jail. While he was detained, Connell used recorded jail phone lines to make calls in which he openly admitted to possessing the firearm and attempted to get his mother to contact investigators and claim that it was her firearm to avoid prosecution.
Connell is prohibited by law from ever possessing a firearm due to his previous felony convictions for second-degree robbery and first-degree possession of Methamphetamine in the Henderson, Kentucky courts.
“Illegally armed felons drive gun violence and other criminal activity in our communities,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with ATF and our state and local partners, will continue to prioritize federal prosecution of the armed criminals who pose the greatest danger to those closest to them and to the public. The sentence imposed today demonstrates that violent criminals who choose to illegally possess guns risk significant time in federal prison with no possibility of parole.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Indiana State Police and Evansville Crime Guns Intelligence Center investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
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USAO NDWV Secures False Claims Act Settlement Relating to Use of Amniotic Fluid Injections for Pain ManagementRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - The Pain Center of Virginia, PLLC d/b/a the Pain Center of West Virginia ("The Pain Center of West Virginia"), a clinic located in Martinsburg, West Virginia, has agreed to pay $750,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of false claims to Medicare for the use of amniotic fluid injections for pain management.
The Pain Center of West Virginia submitted claims to Medicare for treatment related to various orthopedic conditions and the pain associated with those conditions. The United States alleged that at the time it submitted these claims, The Pain Center of West Virginia knew that Medicare did not cover the use of amniotic fluid injections for pain management.
Under the settlement, in addition to paying the United States $750,000, The Pain Center of West Virginia will enter into a three-year Integrity Agreement with the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General.
The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Savino and Christopher Prezioso for the Northern District of West Virginia, in conjunction with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Sentencing of Final Defendant in 2018 Espanola Kidnapping and Murder CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Espanola man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison his part in the kidnapping, torture and murder a woman over an alleged $400 debit card theft.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Jane Doe used Crystal Ramos's debit card to withdraw $400 without permission. Ramos, who is now deceased, enlisted Jorge Dominguez, Luis Mariscal-Lopez and another individual to assist in a plot against the victim.
On January 14, 2018, the conspirators lured Jane Doe to a house in Espanola under the pretense of socializing and using drugs. Upon arrival, the victim was violently assaulted and tortured her using various objects, including firearms and power tools until Jane Doe succumbed to her injuries.
Following the murder, the conspirators attempted to conceal their crimes with the help of Johnny Black by cleaning the crime scene, transporting the body to a remote location, burning the remains and evidence in fire pits, and eventually buried the victim’s remains in a shallow grave.
The victim's remains were eventually located. Forensic evidence collected at the burn site implicated the defendants in attempts to destroy evidence.
Johnny Black pleaded guilty to federal firearms offenses and being an accessory after the fact and was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison.
Mariscal-Lopez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping and was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Crystal Ramos died in a shootout with police in Colorado on June 14, 2018.
Upon his release from prison, Dominguez will be subject to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Espanola Police Department, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, Bureaus of Indian Affairs, and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Marshall and Caitlin L. Dillon are prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Continues Gun Safety Initiative with Oct. 3 Program in LakewoodRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – To help keep children, teens, and communities safe, the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio has launched an awareness and education initiative to inform the public about the importance of securing firearms and storing them safely. As part of this initiative, the USAO is partnering with the City of Lakewood to present an information session, “Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives,” Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6:30 - 8 p.m., at the Cove Community Center, 12525 Lake Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107.
The City of Lakewood will host the program, but residents of all communities are invited to attend. Topics include data and trends regarding firearms-related accidents and self-imposed harm, focusing on children and teens in particular; the connection between these tragedies and unsafe firearms-storage practices; the effects that such tragedies have on both individual families and the broader public; a gun lock demonstration and distribution; and steps to help prevent firearms-related tragedies by following and encouraging safe firearms-storage practices.
The program features several speakers: U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio; firearms safety advocate and YMCA of Greater Cleveland Behavioral Health Manager Marlon Johnson, LPCC; MetroHealth Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator Anthony Zalewski, RN; Lakewood Police Chief Kevin Fischer; and Lakewood Mayor Meghan George.
As part of the program, local police officers will distribute free gun locks; attendees will not need to provide any personal information to receive one. Officers will also exhibit other types of safe storage devices, demonstrate how to use them, and individually discuss safe storage options with attendees.
“When you make the choice to own a firearm, you owe it to your neighbors to do so responsibly. As a whole, our community must do a better job to ensure that we store firearms in a safe manner, where a curious child or a despondent adolescent cannot readily access them. In April, a three-year-old child in Brunswick died from a gunshot wound after he found a gun in his own home, and accidentally discharged it while playing with it. Just a month later, in May, a two-year-old toddler in Euclid similarly died when he accidentally shot himself after he found a firearm in his home. More recently, a five-year-old boy in Utah died after—once again—finding his parent’s gun and accidentally shooting himself. Every one of these tragedies could have been prevented,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Instead, these children—and the thousands of people of all ages who use firearms to take their own lives each year—are gone, and their families’ lives are irrevocably changed. In launching this initiative, our goal is to protect children, at-risk teens, and young adults from grave danger in homes where firearms are present. Our kids’ safety is everyone’s joint responsibility.”
The USAO’s Safe Storage campaign’s message kicked off in September with a similar program held in Richmond Heights. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, recognized annually by the National Institute of Mental Health. The number of firearm-related suicides rose nationally by 20% across the population from 2012 to 2022. The highest increases were found among younger people, according to fatal injury data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The risk of accidents also increases when firearms are easy to find and access. From 2003 to 2021, 85% of children fatally injured were located at a house or apartment, and 56% of incidents occurred in their own homes, according to the CDC report “Unintentional Firearm Injury Deaths Among Children and Adolescents Aged 0-17 Years.” More than 70% of firearms used were stored loaded, and nearly 80% of firearms were stored unlocked and easily found on a bed, under a pillow, under a mattress, or inside or on top of a nightstand, according to the report.
“We’re calling on our community partners and the public to help us spread awareness of these largely preventable accidents and instances of self-harm,” said U.S. Attorney Lutzko. “Much like seatbelt education helps to save lives of those involved in car accidents, spreading the word about safe storage will save lives—many times, the lives of our children and teens who we have a special duty to protect. Our goal is to amplify the message of responsible firearm ownership through this community-centered, public-safety strategy.”
The USAO has posted on its website a host of free community resources discussing safe storage practices and providing tools for community members to spread the word about safe storage practices and help encourage them. Among the items included are bulletin board flyers, adult and child’s safety pledge certificates, and owners’ firearms safety manuals. Visit justice.gov/usao-ndoh/safe-gun-storage to view them. The public is also encouraged to follow the USAO on Facebook (@usaondoh) and X (@NDOHnews) to reshare safe gun storage tips and information.
Additional safe storage community programs are slated to be announced.
U.S. Attorney's Office to Work with Local Partners to Reduce Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022.
The Justice Department – through its United States Attorney’s Offices (USAOs) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Field Divisions – will partner with each designated jurisdiction to develop a plan to reduce intimate partner gun violence and to prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g) from owning firearms. In the Eastern District of New York, the borough of Brooklyn has been designated as one of the jurisdictions.
“My Office will continue to use every tool and resource available to address domestic violence in our communities and hold violent actors accountable,” stated United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace. “Strong community partnerships are key to our ability to meaningfully engage in this endeavor, and we thank all of our partners for their untiring efforts.”
“ATF is committed to our continued partnerships in aggressively pursuing prohibited possession of firearms due to domestic violence convictions and certain protective orders. Community safety is our top priority and combatting prohibited firearms possession by domestic abusers is another way we prevent violent gun crime within our communities,” stated ATF New York Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller.
Communities have been designated in close coordination with community stakeholders. They include rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas, and Tribal communities. The Justice Department used data to identify communities that could benefit from increased focus on intimate partner violence resources and where the local jurisdiction is committed to partnering with the Department to increase the use of federal tools to prosecute offenders under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). The designation represents the partnership and coordination between the Department and the local jurisdiction to ensure federal resources are being leveraged effectively to address intimate partner gun violence.
In the EDNY, this initiative will not only support the Office’s close work with its federal and state law enforcement partners, especially ATF, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department, but it will also bolster its partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, such as The Salvation Army and Restore NYC, as well as the New York State Office of Victim Services and the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic & Gender-Based Violence, which operates the New York City Family Justice Centers, to provide needed support to victims of domestic violence.
The Justice Department anticipates additional jurisdictions to be designated as USAOs continue coordination with their local stakeholders. All USAOs, with or without specific community designations under Section 1103, will continue to combat intimate partner gun violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy and in support of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.
U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Sentencing of Albuquerque Man for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 60 months in prison following an investigation that revealed he was sharing child pornography on a Peer-to-Peer network.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, in 2017, the New Mexico Department of Justice initiated an investigation into an IP address registered to the residence of William Day, 59, which was suspected of sharing child pornography on a Peer-to-Peer network. Subsequently, it was confirmed that a device at Day's residence was used to share images of child pornography on March 31, 2017.
On May 31, 2017, officers from the Albuquerque Police Department executed a search warrant at Day’s residence. During the execution of the warrant, Day was interviewed and admitted to downloading files containing images of nude underage girls on the same day.
Officers seized several devices, including a Lenovo laptop and an HP laptop, both of which were found to contain images and videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including prepubescent minors. In a plea agreement, Day admitted to possessing these devices.
Upon his release from prison, Day will be subject to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement today.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Jesse Pecoraro 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 U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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U.S. Attorney and FBI Charge Man for Drive-by Shooting in ZuniRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni Pueblo man was charged by criminal complaint with federal firearms violations following a drive-by shooting that occurred on the Pueblo of Zuni Indian Reservation.
Devin Wyaco, 33, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on September 19, 2024, John Doe and his girlfriend were riding their bikes in Zuni, New Mexico when they noticed a white sedan with tinted windows drive past them, going in the same direction as them. The sedan then did a U-turn and stopped before driving back towards them. As the vehicle passed them, one shot was fired from the passenger side, striking John Doe in his abdomen.
John Doe was transported via ambulance first to Zuni Hospital, then to University of New Mexico Hospital. When he was later interviewed by investigators, John Doe identified the vehicle as belonging to Wyaco’s girlfriend.
Investigators executed a federal search warrant on Wyaco’s girlfriend’s residence. There, they spoke to Wyaco’s girlfriend, who stated she had been in the vehicle with Wyaco at the time of the shooting. Wyaco’s girlfriend told investigators that he had fled and was still in possession of the firearm.
If convicted, Wyaco faces a minimum of 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
View the Criminal Complaint.pdfA criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney Johnson Announces $6.2 Million in Justice Department Grants to Address Domestic Violence within Tribal CommunitiesRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson announced the award of more than $6.2 million in Department of Justice grants to assist tribal governments within the Northern District of Oklahoma. The grants were awarded by the Department's Office of Justice Programs.
“This funding allows Tribal Governments with the Northern District of Oklahoma to build, support, and advance the citizens within their tribe,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “In return, Tribal organizations, crisis centers, and law enforcement agencies benefit from these investments and make our communities safer.”
The Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program assists Tribal governments and authorized designees of Tribal governments to:
- Decrease the incidence of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking in Tribal communities;
- strengthen the capacity of Tribes to exercise their sovereign authority to respond to these violent crimes; and
- ensure that perpetrators of these violent crimes are held accountable for their criminal behavior.
The following organizations received funding from the Grants to Indian Tribal Government Program:
- Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma received $1,169,642
- Eastern Shawnee Tribe received $793,463
- Miami Tribe of Oklahoma received $792,148
- Quapaw Nation received $600,000
- Delaware Tribe of Indians received $282,632
The 2024 Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Tribal Victim Services Program is for implementing services for victims of crime that meet needs identified by the community and reflect tribal community values and traditions. The following organizations received funding from the 2024 Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Tribal Victim Services Program:
- The Eastern Shawnee Tribe, the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, and the Osage Nation each received $441,989.
- The Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma received $394,653
- The Seneca Cayuga Tribe Oklahoma received $254,413
- The Shawnee Tribe received $229,973
The awards announced above are part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. The Office of Justice Programs grant page has more information about these and other funding opportunities.
About the Office of Justice Programs
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and SMART Office – can be found at www.ojp.gov.
The Awards in Action
The Miami Tribe Office of Public Health/Wellness, the Quapaw Nation’s Family Service Department, the Eastern Shawnee Haven Program, and the Peoria Shield are agencies of the Oklahoma Tribal Government that work to address violence against American Indian/Alaska Native women by providing survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking referrals to local agencies and Tribes operating programs to meet various identified needs.
The Miami Tribe Office of Public Health/Wellness will use the funding to engage in building activities to plan and implement a new, comprehensive domestic violence program that includes direct services and community outreach. The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma has partnered with the Community Crisis Center of Northeast Oklahoma, a local non-profit, to plan this project.
The Quapaw Nation’s Family Service Department will use the funding to: 1) expand outreach and education activities, 2) they will provide victim advocacy and client assistance services, 3) they will provide legal assistance to victims. The Quapaw Nation has partnered with the Native Alliance Against Violence, a Tribal coalition, to plan this project.
The Eastern Shawnee Haven Program is using the funding to 1) provide transitional housing to victims, 2) provide advocacy and emergency victim assistance to victims, 3) provide community outreach and education, and 4) provide training and self-care for advocates. The Eastern Shawnee Tribe has partnered with an advisory committee, including women from the community to be served, to plan this project.
The Peoria Shield is using the funding to 1) expand victim services beyond crisis intervention services, 2) develop a housing assistance program for victims, and 3) develop and implement a supervised visitation/safe exchange program. The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma has partnered with the Native Alliance Against Violence, a Tribal coalition, to plan this project.
Two Philadelphia Men Convicted at Trial for August 2023 Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Quadir Findley, 24, and Eric Dickerson, 24, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were convicted Monday at trial on one count each of carjacking for stealing a victim’s vehicle at gunpoint in the early hours of August 5, 2023. Findley was also convicted of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He was previously convicted of voluntary manslaughter, aggravated jury tampering, and drug distribution.
The defendants will be sentenced at a later date. Findley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment. The maximum possible sentence for Dickerson is 15 years’ imprisonment.
“Don’t say anything or I’ll blow your ‘f---ing’ head off — those were Quadir Findley’s words to the carjacking victim he forced down to the ground at gunpoint,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “No one should be terrorized like that and made to fear for their life. Findley and Eric Dickerson are violent criminals, exactly the type of offenders that the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force is focused on, and we’ll continue to lock these carjackers up to make the city safer.”
“Carjacking is a serious federal crime that will not go unpunished,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree. “ATF Philadelphia Field Division and the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force will continue to ensure justice for the victims and make our communities safer through federal prosecution.”
The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Catherine Dos Santos and Priya De Souza.
Two Lead Men Indicted for Possessing a Machine GunRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted two men from Lead, South Dakota, for illegal possession of machine guns.
Ray Steele, age 62, was indicted in May of 2024 for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on August 7, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
John Sitar, age 43, was indicted in September of 2024 for Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun and Possession of Unregistered Firearm. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on September 23, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
In May of 2024, search warrants were executed at the residences of Steele and Sitar. Law enforcement found seven firearms, thousands of ammunition rounds, hundreds of ammunition components, and six machine gun conversation devices in Steele’s residence. Steele is a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms. Sitar was found to possess a machine gun conversion device, as well as a short-barrel rifle which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by law.
“Machine gun conversion devices convert semi-automatic firearms into highly lethal and illegal machine guns,” said Alison J. Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. “The use of such devices presents a grave threat to both the public and law enforcement.”
The maximum penalty for Steele upon conviction is up to 15 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The maximum penalty for Sitar upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges are merely an accusation and Steele and Sitar are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigations are being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Lead Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the cases.
Steele was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending his trial, which is scheduled for December 17, 2024. Sitar was released on bond pending his trial, which has not been scheduled yet.
Two Inland Empire Men Indicted for Alleged Marijuana Dispensary Robbery in Which Firearm Barrel Was Pressed Against Victim’s HeadRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – Two Inland Empire men were indicted today by a federal grand jury for allegedly robbing of a San Bernardino marijuana dispensary at gunpoint, a crime in which one of them pressed the barrel of his pistol to the head of a store employee lying face down on the floor.
Tyrie Ravon Contreras, 32, of Barstow, and Kenyon Lamonte Watson, 19, of Perris, are charged with one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy, and one count of using of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Contreras also is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“We must send a message of zero-tolerance for violent gun crime,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Under federal law, we have powerful tools to hold accountable those who use firearms to rob businesses and my office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring gun criminals to justice.”
According to the four-count indictment returned today and other court documents, on August 9, three masked suspects robbed a marijuana dispensary in San Bernardino. Contreras and an accomplice – both armed – entered the store’s main showroom and ordered three employees behind the counter to the ground. Contreras then climbed over a glass display case and pressed the barrel of his pistol to the head of one of the employees, who at that point was lying on the floor with her face down.
While inside the store, Contreras, Watson, and an accomplice stole cannabis, marijuana products, and approximately $500 in cash, all belonging to the store. The robbers then fled the dispensary, loading the store’s safe and stolen merchandise into the back seat of Watson’s white BMW sports sedan.
Two weeks later, police arrested Contreras following a home invasion robbery and lengthy vehicle pursuit, which ended with Contreras crashing the victim’s stolen vehicle, according to court documents. Contreras fled on foot and tossed a backpack before being apprehended. Police found a .40-caliber firearm in the backpack. Both the firearm and the backpack matched those on surveillance video in Contreras’ possession during the August 9 dispensary robbery, as did the trousers Contreras wore during the robbery. Contreras is in state custody.
Contreras is not legally permitted to possess a firearm because his criminal history includes several felony convictions, including one in San Bernardino County Superior Court in June 2018 for second-degree robbery.
Watson was arrested on September 12 and was ordered jailed without bond. Watson’s arraignment is scheduled for October 1 in U.S. District Court in Riverside.
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 of all charges, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the San Bernardino Police Department are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Peter H. Dahlquist of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case.
Trucking Company Owner Sentenced to Prison as Part of Federal Investigation That Dismantled Mexico-to-Chicago Drug PipelineRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The owner of a Texas trucking company has been sentenced to 25 years in prison as part of a federal investigation that dismantled a Mexico-to-Chicago drug pipeline.
JOSE FARIAS owned a trucking company in McAllen, Texas, and resided in Mexico. In 2015 and 2016, Farias arranged with truck drivers to transport dozens of kilograms of narcotics to the Chicago area hidden in the hollowed-out wheel axles of tractor-trailers. Farias supervised numerous traffickers who unloaded the trucks in the Chicago area and distributed the drugs to sellers. The traffickers then hid narcotics proceeds in the trucks for transport back to Texas and Mexico.
Farias’s drug trafficking organization used warehouses in Naperville, Ill. and Sugar Grove, Ill., as well as an abandoned auto lot in the West Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago and an auto repair shop in Channahon, Ill. During the investigation, law enforcement searched these locations and seized approximately 54 kilograms of heroin and nearly 17 kilograms of cocaine, as well as $630,200 in illicit cash proceeds.
In all, the drug trafficking organization distributed approximately 130 kilograms of heroin and approximately 45 kilograms of cocaine in the Chicago area. Seven other defendants were also convicted in federal and state courts as part of the investigation.
A federal jury in Chicago in 2021 convicted Farias, 44, on drug conspiracy and possession charges. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey on Monday sentenced Farias to 25 years in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
“The drugs defendant caused to be distributed were resold to thousands of people, fueling addiction, tearing families apart, and decimating communities — all for the profit of defendant and his co-conspirators,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard M. Rothblatt and Kristen Totten argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.
Three New Jersey Attorneys and a New Jersey Realtor Indicted for Roles in Short Sale Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Three New Jersey licensed attorneys and a New Jersey licensed realtor were indicted for their roles in defrauding financial institutions in a short sale fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Lawyers Bruce Egert, 69, of Tenafly, New Jersey, Nelson Kong, 44, of Bethpage, New York, Seung Han Shin, aka Aaron Shin, 42, of Old Tappan, New Jersey, and realtor Francisco Sanchez, 48, of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, were each indicted by a federal grand jury with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and three counts of bank fraud. Egert and Kong were also charged with three counts of false statements to a financial institution.
Shin and Kong were arraigned on Sept. 19, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court. Egert and Sanchez were arraigned on Sept. 23, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court. Each of the defendants was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case:
From June 2013 through December 2016, Egert, Kong, Shin, Sanchez, and others fraudulently induced mortgage lenders to participate in “short sale” transactions. In a typical short sale transaction, a financial institution agrees to allow a homeowner in financial distress to sell their home for less than they owe on their mortgage. Such transactions are called short sales because the market value of the house is less than the amount owed by the homeowner and the lender agrees to accept a payment “short” of the amount owed. Through fraudulent misrepresentations and false statements, Mehdi Kassai, with the help of his conspirators, purchased homes at significant discounts from the note-holding banks both in his name and using stolen identities. Kassai, Egert, Kong, Shin, and Sanchez failed to reveal to the banks that Kassai and Egert had already arranged to flip the homes to other buyers at much higher prices, and that the homes were flipped in violation of deed restrictions regarding the time before which a resale could occur and the maximum resale price. Some of the properties purchased were resold at a substantial profit, that is, “flipped,” the same day the short sale closed.
Steve Kang and Joshua Son were realtors who represented short sale sellers whose homes were sold to Kassai. In return for their involvement in the scheme, Kassai shared with them portions of the profits of the resales. Egert was Kassai’s attorney who represented him in the short sales, and, among other things, conspired with Kassai to use stolen identities to purchase short sale properties and submitted or caused to be submitted fraudulent HUD-1 Settlement Statements to the victim banks. Kassai recruited Kong to represent certain sellers, and, among other things, Kong drafted agreements. Shin was a bankruptcy attorney Kassai paid to file bankruptcy petitions on behalf of short sale sellers to forestall imminent foreclosures on the properties. Shin failed to disclose that Kassai, the short sale buyer, was involved in these transactions. Sanchez was a realtor Kassai paid to assist in the management and control of the short sale process. If Kassai attempted to buy a short sale property in his own name and was rejected, Sanchez assisted Kassai with finding a straw buyer to acquire the short sale property.
Kassai pleaded guilty On Dec. 18, 2018, to an information charging him with bank fraud (Counts One and Two), wire fraud affecting a financial institution (Count Three), and money laundering (Count Four). He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to 16 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $7.94 million in restitution for 32 illicit transactions.
Kang pleaded guilty on May 30, 2019, to an information charging him with bank fraud (Count One) and wire fraud affecting a financial institution (Count Two). He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to time served and ordered to pay $2.38 million in restitution.
Son pleaded guilty on May 30, 2019, to an information charging him with bank fraud (Count One) and wire fraud affecting a financial institution (Count Two). He was sentenced by Judge Martini to time served, two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2.38 million in restitution.
The conspiracy to commit bank fraud count, bank fraud counts, and false statements to a financial institution counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak; special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas; and special against of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Boston / New York Field Division under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin DiGregory of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
egertetal.indictment.pdfTexas Businessman Accused of $1.9 Million COVID Test Kit FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A Texas businessman has been indicted in St. Louis and accused of fraudulently seeking more than $4.5 million from Medicare for COVID test kits and obtaining more than $1.9 million.
Rashid Naqvi, 51, of the Houston area, was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on September 4 on four counts of wire fraud conspiracy and one count each of obstruction of a federal audit and conspiracy.
He appeared in court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty.
The indictment accuses Naqvi of fraudulently obtaining $1,974,479 from Medicare from March 2023 through September 2024 by billing for numerous COVID-19 test kits that were sent to patients who had never requested them. Many of the patients were dead, the indictment says. Naqvi obtained victims’ Medicare Numbers and identifiers without their knowledge or consent by paying a total of $488,435 in illegal kickbacks to co-conspirators, the indictment says. It says Naqvi used two laboratories that he owned to submit the false claims to Medicare, Elite Diagnostics Inc. in Missouri and Astro Diagnostics Inc. in the Southern District of Texas.
The indictment says Naqvi attempted to conceal his scheme by disguising kickback payments as payments for COVID test kits, creating a sham contract with one of the companies supplying the information and submitting false documents to Medicare investigators during an audit. He continued submitting false claims to Medicare even after patients called to tell him that they did not request or want the test kits, the indictment says. Naqvi sought a total of $4,579,850 from Medicare.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Obstruction of a federal audit and conspiracy are each punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“Today’s indictment reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding Medicare and ensuring that its resources are used appropriately,” said Linda T. Hanley, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “There are serious consequences for individuals who seek to manipulate federal health care programs by exploiting enrollees’ personal information and participating in illegal kickbacks. HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold those accountable who undermine the integrity of our health care system.”
The FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting the case.
Tamaulipas man sentenced for importing 25 kilograms of cocaine into the United StatesRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 58-year-old man has been sentenced for importing 25 kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Fidel Aguirre-Montalvo pleaded guilty June 6, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Aguirre to serve 46 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On April 25, Aguirre arrived in a vehicle at the Pharr Port of Entry from Mexico. Authorities then referred him for secondary inspection where they discovered 24 bundles of cocaine hidden in the floor area of the vehicle. Aguirre admitted to attempting to bring narcotics into the country in return for an undisclosed amount of money.
The cocaine weighed approximately 25 kilograms.
Aguirre will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.
Springbrook Man Sentenced to Prison for Failure to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Gregory Vreeland, 55, Springbrook, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to one year and one day in federal prison for failure to pay employment taxes. Vreeland pleaded guilty to this charge on April 18, 2024. Vreeland paid $684,469 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in unpaid taxes prior to entering a guilty plea in the case.
Vreeland owns and operates Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad, Inc. (the Railroad) which provides recreational train ride experiences, as well as rail car storage and rail switching services. Vreeland also co-owned and operated the Country House Motel and RV Park (the Motel) starting in August 2015. Both the Railroad and the Motel operated out of Spooner, Wisconsin.
The defendant served as the Railroad’s president and the Motel’s managing partner and was responsible for all aspects of the businesses, including among other things: signing checks, paying creditors, paying employees, signing and filing payroll taxes, making payroll tax deposits, and making banking deposits. Vreeland made the financial decisions for the Railroad and the Motel, including the filing of employment tax returns.
Vreeland failed to file employment tax forms for the Railroad from the fourth quarter of 2017 through all of 2021 and failed to pay over the associated employee withholdings for that same time period. Vreeland also failed to file employment tax forms for the Motel from the third quarter of 2015 through the third quarter of 2020 and failed to pay over the associated employee withholdings for that same time period. Vreeland used the employee withholdings to buy land and equipment to expand the Railroad’s operations, and to purchase a personal residence in Springbrook.
Vreeland was aware of his obligation to file employment tax forms and pay employment taxes because from 2014 to mid-2016, he received civil notices from the IRS for non-payment, which he initially ignored. Vreeland made no attempt to cooperate with the IRS until it began levying bank accounts.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson stated that Vreeland’s failure to pay employment taxes was a serious crime and was “part of a long-sustained pattern of criminal conduct.” Judge Peterson noted that the crime was aggravated by the fact that Vreeland had failed to pay over employment taxes from his businesses from 2014 - 2016 and then he engaged in the same conduct again starting in 2018. Judge Peterson also called Vreeland’s acts selfish and said the acts showed that Vreeland did not believe the tax laws applied to him.
The charge against Vreeland was a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Spokane Man Caught with Methamphetamine Sent Through the U.S. Mail Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Ramon Alonso Delgado, age 24, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced on one count of Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or more of Actual Methamphetamine. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 51 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on August 30, 2022, a postal inspector in Spokane was contacted by another postal inspector in Arizona about a suspicious parcel, addressed to Delgado’s Spokane address. The parcel was subsequently sent directly to the U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office in Spokane.
On September 2, 2022, the postal inspector executed a search warrant on the parcel and seized a pound of methamphetamine and 2,000 fentanyl-laced pills.
“My office will continue to battle the drug epidemic on all fronts, including attempts to use the U.S. Postal Service as a way to traffic illegal substances,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Thanks to the stellar investigative work by our law enforcement partners and dedicated prosecutors in my office, drugs that are responsible for so much death and destruction in our communities were removed from the street, and the distributors were held accountable.”
“Today’s sentencing should send a clear message that using the U.S. Mail to facilitate drug trafficking activities will not be tolerated,” stated Anthony Galetti, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Seattle Division. “This successful investigation is a result of strong partnerships both within the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and with our local and federal law enforcement partners. Together we will continue to be vigilant in the pursuit of justice against those who illegally utilize the U.S. Postal Service to traffic dangerous narcotics.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Cashman and Timothy J. Ohms.
2:22-cr-00126-TOR
South Carolina Man Indicted for Fraudulently Obtaining Millions from Delaware State Child Support Services Bank AccountRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Brandon Lamont Swain (53, Columbia, SC) with eight counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Swain faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison on each count.
According to the indictment, Swain fraudulently obtained millions of dollars from the State of Delaware, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS), Positive Pay bank account. The State of Delaware used the DCSS account to distribute child support payments to custodial parents.
In connection with the scheme, Swain caused more than $2.7 million to be transferred from the DCSS account to various businesses and financial institutions, for his personal gain. For example, Swain used the DCSS account to purchase over $2 million in timeshare interests in resort properties in Orlando and elsewhere.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.
Six Block Gang Member Faces Minimum of Ten Years in Federal Prison for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Al’Donta Easterling (26, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Easterling faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, beginning no later than October 2022 and continuing through July 2024, Easterling was an armed distributor for a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that transported large quantities of marijuana from California to Jacksonville. Easterling and his co-conspirators routinely traveled to California, where they acquired marijuana and smuggled it back to Jacksonville in suitcases on commercial flights or through mail parcels. In Jacksonville, Easterling and his co-conspirators sold marijuana from short-term rental properties. At these residences, Easterling and his co-conspirators routinely carried and possessed firearms to protect themselves, the drugs they distributed, and proceeds from the drug sales. Federal agents seized more than 100 kilograms of marijuana from the DTO during the investigation. On May 22, 2024, detectives from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) arrested Easterling after finding a pound of marijuana and a loaded Glock pistol in his vehicle. According to JSO, Easterling is a documented member of the Six Block street gang.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Aakash Singh and Kirwinn Mike.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.
Sheriff’s Deputies Allegedly Tipped Off DEA TargetRead the Press Release
Two sheriff’s deputies who allegedly tipped off a drug trafficker about an impending DEA raid are being federally prosecuted, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kyle Linker, 33, was charged via criminal information and pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of obstruction of justice.
His colleague, Paul Jessen, Jr., 34, was indicted Tuesday on one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, two counts of obstruction of justice, and two counts of making false statements. He has not yet entered a plea.
“Local, state, and federal law enforcement must work in concert to keep our communities safe. When we find a uniformed officer has undermined another agency’s investigation, we take swift action,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Law enforcement works best when we work as a team.”
"It's deeply troubling when sworn Law Enforcement officers disclose information about upcoming operations to criminals," said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. "It endangers the officers in the operation and jeopardizes the evidence they are seeking. The FBI will continue to provide all available resources towards identifying, investigating, and presenting for prosecution any individuals who betray their badges and their oaths of office."
“Every day, the men and women of the DEA work with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to bring drug dealers to justice,” said Towanda Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s El Paso Field Division. “Mr. Linker chose to partner with the drug dealers instead, and now he too will face the consequences.”
According to Mr. Linker’s plea papers, the two deputies met the drug trafficker during the execution of a state search warrant in Los Ranchos, New Mexico, in July 2021. After finding methamphetamine inside his residence, they recruited him as a confidential informant.
In November 2021, a DEA agent notified Mr. Linker that the agency planned to conduct an operation near the drug trafficker’s home. Fearing the operation might target the trafficker, Mr. Linker reached out to warn him about the impending operation. The drug trafficker canceled his upcoming transaction, and the DEA was unable to gather evidence against him.
Upon examining the drug trafficker’s phone records, DEA agents began to suspect that he had been tipped off by Mr. Linker and decided to conduct another operation without notifying Mr. Linker first.
In December 2021, the DEA executed a search warrant at the drug trafficker’s residence and located more than 470 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm.
During the ensuing interview, the drug trafficker admitted to the agents that he had been previously tipped off by Mr. Linker. The DEA devised a plan to confirm the trafficker’s account.
Shortly thereafter, an agent contacted Mr. Linker to inform him the DEA was planning to use an informant to purchase methamphetamine from the drug trafficker. Although the agent specifically instructed Mr. Linker not to contact the trafficker, Mr. Linker messaged the trafficker to “call me ASAP.”
Unbeknownst to Mr. Linker, the drug trafficker was still in the presence of law enforcement.
The drug trafficker called Mr. Linker, who told him he was “on DEA’s radar” and instructed him to have someone else deliver drugs to the DEA informant.
Shortly after receiving word from the DEA that the operation would continue as planned, Mr. Linker texted Mr. Jessen to complain about the DEA’s plan.
“Tell [trafficker] not to sell to anyone. And go to a hotel or stay with someone else for a bit,” Mr. Jessen allegedly responded.
“What I should do is have you call [trafficker] that way when they ultimately say I tipped [trafficker] off I can show them my call logs and be like I haven’t talked to him since this morning,“ Mr. Linker texted back.
“I’ll [expletive] do it,” Mr. Jessen allegedly responded.
“Perfect,” Mr. Linker said. “Plausible deniability for me.”
The pair then allegedly called the drug trafficker from Mr. Jessen’s phone.
Mr. Linker told the drug trafficker the DEA would move forward with the operation and advised him to “shut everything down.” He then gave the trafficker excuses he could use to explain why he’d called off the transaction.
The drug trafficker was charged in a separate federal case. In June 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and is currently awaiting sentencing.
Mr. Linker now faces up to 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set.
Mr. Jessen – who is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law – faces up to 70 years in federal prison if convicted of all counts.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Albuquerque District Office, and the Department of Justice – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Northern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long is prosecuting the case in the District of New Mexico.
Second Child Predator Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing a Child and Drugging Them with MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS—Dustin Scott Cox, 54, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child.
According to court documents, between at least February and September of 2020, Dustin Cox conspired with Zachary Nichols to sexually abuse and produce sexual images of a fifteen-year-old child. Cox is a repeat child sex offender, convicted in 2004 for coercing a 14-year-old to perform sex acts in exchange for a new bicycle.
In 2020, Cox was Zachary Nichols’ methamphetamine dealer. Nichols sexually abused the child victim for years. Nichols began allowing Cox to sexually abuse the child as well, in exchange for supplying Nichols with methamphetamine. On multiple occasions, Cox and Nichols recorded their sexual abuse of the victim. The child was nearly incapacitated because of drug use in some of the child sex abuse material that Nichols and Cox created.
In June of 2024, Zachary Nichols was sentenced to 42 years in federal prison for his role in sexually exploiting and abusing the child.
“These heinous predators repeatedly sexually abused a child, incapacitated them with meth, and traded the victim’s body for drugs,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Our hearts go out to the survivor of these horrific abuses, and we hope this prosecution brings them some measure of peace. The lifelong trauma inflicted by these sick criminals merits federal prison sentences that will ensure that neither of them ever harms another child. Together with our partners at the FBI and IMPD, our office is committed aggressively prosecuting sex offenders who prey upon our children and removing them from our communities.”
“Every child deserves to be live and thrive in a safe environment without worry of harm and abuse. This sentence reflects the severity of this heinous offense and should put others on notice that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable those who prey on our children,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton.
The FBI and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. Cox has also been ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the victim and maintain his sex offender status wherever he lives, works, or goes to school upon release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted this 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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.
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Ra Medical Systems, Inc. & Physicians Pay over $8 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations of Illegal KickbacksRead the Press Release
DETROIT – United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today a series of three civil settlements, totaling over $8 million, related to, among other allegations, kickbacks that medical device company Ra Medical Systems, Inc. (Ra Medical), paid to various physicians across the country related to Ra Medical’s DABRA laser.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Regional Office, Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office.
Ra Medical was a medical device company that was formerly headquartered in Carlsbad, California. From 2017-2019, Ra Medical manufactured and sold a device known as the DABRA Laser. The settlement with Ra Medical resolves the following alleged violations of the False Claims Act:
- Ra Medical marketed the DABRA Laser for use in atherectomies, a procedure whereby plaque is mechanically removed from occluded blood vessels in patients suffering from peripheral artery disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, had not approved the DABRA Laser for use in atherectomy procedures.
- Additionally, Ra Medical knowingly marketed the DABRA Laser despite product performance issues causing frequent calibration and overheating problems, which posed a risk to physicians and patients, and prompted a recall in August 2019.
- Ra Medical also knowingly offered and paid illegal remuneration to certain physicians to induce them to use the DABRA Laser in violation of the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute. The United States contends that the illegal remuneration consisted of cash payments and fees paid in connection with purported training events and consulting services. The United States further contends that RMS tracked utilization of its high-volume physician customers using an internal document titled “Who Deserve[] Love,” which was used to identify physicians that RMS should target with offers of improper remuneration. Two of the recipients of the alleged kickback payments were Elias Kassab, M.D. (Kassab), of Dearborn, Michigan, and David Allie, M.D. (Allie), of Lafayette, Louisiana.
The Federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying anything of value to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded programs. The statute is intended to ensure that a medical provider’s judgment is not compromised by improper financial incentives.
Under the terms of the agreement with Ra Medical, which was entered into pursuant to DOJ’s inability to pay settlement guidelines and was executed in December 2020, Ra Medical paid $2.5 million up front and would pay up to $28 million more if future financial contingencies were met. In January 2023, Ra Medical paid an additional $5 million, after its reverse merger with Catheter Precision, Inc., triggered one of the contingencies.
The settlement with Ra Medical remained under seal while the United States continued its investigation into Kassab and Allie, among others, who were alleged to have received improper kickbacks. In a separate settlement, Kassab and two of his companies agreed to pay $450,000 to resolve the allegations against them. In the third settlement, Allie and his consulting company agreed to pay $250,000 to resolve the allegations against them.
“The United States will not allow doctors to hold out their hands expecting to be paid to use and promote a device,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “The millions of people who depend on our federal healthcare programs deserve and expect medical decisions untainted by kickbacks, and this settlement reflects our commitment to pursuing not just the companies that pay illegal kickbacks, but also the physicians who willingly extract and accept them.”
“The payment of kickbacks to induce referrals can undermine the trust in our nation’s providers and result in costly reductions to our federal health care programs," said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to ensure the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars.”
“Healthcare services are being unlawfully influenced by medical providers engaging in criminal kickback schemes, significantly impacting programs such as Medicare and Medicaid," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "Our office is fully committed to investigating and holding accountable those individuals and organizations involved in illegal profit-driven practices that harm our medical system.”
“Protecting TRICARE, the healthcare system for military members and their dependents, is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General," stated Special Agent-in-Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. "The settlement agreement announced today demonstrates our ongoing commitment to work with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of healthcare fraud.”
The civil settlements resolve the claims brought by Robert Gruber, under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under these provisions, a private party may file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Gruber v. Ra Medical Systems, Inc., et al., No. 19-12044 (E.D. Mich.). The whistleblower will receive a combined $1,722,000 from the three settlements. The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only; there has been no determination or admission of liability.
The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonny Zajac of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, with assistance from HHS-OIG, the FBI, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
RGV tax preparers sent to prison for $3M tax fraud schemeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Three local sisters have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to aid and assist in the preparation of filing fraudulent tax returns to the IRS, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Maria Lourdes Campos and her sisters Elizabeth Romo and Gloria Romo pleaded guilty May 2.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now imposed a 42-month term of imprisonment for Campos, while Elizabeth Romo received 36 months and Gloria Romo received a one-year term of supervised release. Campos, Elizabeth Romo and Gloria Romo were ordered to pay $151,741, $119,793 and $9,528 in restitution, respectively. Campos and Elizabeth Romo were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony that included details about the systemic nature of the tax fraud at Campos Tax Service where employees, without explicit instruction, perpetuated inflated and fraudulent tax returns as part of the business model. Throughout the years that Maria Campos orchestrated this scheme, she enjoyed the financial spoils, including purchasing luxury vehicles and expanding her business to three locations.
“These sentencings stand as a resolute warning – the Southern District of Texas is unwavering in its commitment to eradicating financial crimes that plague the South Texas border,” said Hamdani. “To those who think they can exploit or perpetuate financial crimes in the Rio Grande Valley, it’s not a matter of if, but when you will face the full force of the Department of Justice. It is our duty and profound obligation to ensure that justice is not just an ideal, but a reality that resonates through every corner of our community.”
“The Campos and Romo sisters turned their family business into a large-scale tax fraud operation, expanding their scheme across multiple locations to drastically increase the number of fraudulent tax returns submitted to the IRS. Through their actions, they amassed millions of dollars in illegal tax refunds. This is a clear demonstration of criminal intent, driven by greed,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “Their business model was not just about financial gains, but also undermined the public’s trust in the integrity of tax preparers, who are relied upon to submit honest and accurate tax returns.”
Campos was the owner and operator of Campos Tax Service (CTS) located in the Rio Grande Valley for over 10 years. Employed at Campos Tax Service were Campos’s two sisters, Elizabeth Romo and Gloria Romo.
With the sisters’ assistance, most CTS clients fraudulently applied for and claimed either residential energy credits, business expenses or childcare credits. CTS employees did this to earn larger tax refunds for its clients. Once CTS employees completed the tax returns, they did not review the completed documents with their clients and only provided them with refund amounts or incomplete documents.From 2018 to 2020, Campos Tax Service filed approximately 6,501 federal income tax returns which included over $5 million of residential energy credits.
The false and fraudulent filings between Campos, Elizabeth Romo and Gloria Romo resulted in a total sustained tax harm of $3,672,472.
All were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric D. Flores and Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.
Quincy, Illinois, Man Sentenced to Five Years for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Quincy, Illinois, man, Damond Thomas, 31, was sentenced on September 23, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough, to 60 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.
Thomas was indicted in September 2023 and pleaded guilty in May 2024. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Myerscough concluded that Thomas was responsible for the distribution of more than 60 grams of methamphetamine in the Central District of Illinois. Thomas’ criminal history includes two Illinois state court convictions involving weapons offenses.
The statutory penalties for distributing methamphetamine are up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Illinois State Police, the Quincy Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Thomas 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.
Providence Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Acquisition of SNAP Benefits, Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Dominican national unlawfully present in the United States and living in Providence was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy that defrauded the United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of more than $213,000 in benefits, and for illegally possessing a firearm at the time of his arrest, announced United States Attorney Zachary Cunha.
Giomar Lopez Meireles, 41, pleaded guilty on May 29, 2024, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, illegal acquisition or use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 24 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. At the government’s request, the court also ordered the defendant to pay restitution in the amount of $213,397 to the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, which administers federal SNAP benefits in Rhode Island.
Lopez Meireles previously admitted to a federal judge that he conspired with others to submit fraudulent online applications for SNAP benefits in the form of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. As part of the scheme, the group used the real identities and social security numbers of third parties to submit fraudulent benefit applications . The ill-gotten, government funded, benefit cards were then either mailed to Lopez Meireles’s own residence or to a nearby addresses. The defendant sold some of these cards for cash while using some of the cards to make purchases for himself and others. He also sent some of the cash he received from selling the EBT cards to individuals in the Dominican Republic who were involved in the scheme.
During a court-authorized search of Lopez Meireles’s residence in October 2023, law enforcement seized a collection of fraudulently obtained EBT cards, many of which were wrapped in a paper ledger listing dollar amounts and PINs. Also seized was a 9mm pistol located in Lopez Meireles’s bedroom closet, wrapped in clothing.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julianne Klein.
This matter was investigated the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General and the Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit - Fraud Detection & Prevention Unit. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, Rhode Island State Police, Providence Police Department, and Woonsocket Police Department.
Prineville Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Drug Treatment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Prineville, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for using stolen identities to submit fraudulent health care claims resulting in over $1.5 million in misappropriated funds from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Medicaid Program and filing false tax returns that failed to report earnings she received.
Darla K. Byus, 55, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $2,033,315 in restitution to OHA and the IRS.
“Her crimes betrayed the trust placed in this company as a substance abuse treatment provider in Oregon. We thank the state and federal investigators for their dedication and commitment to ending this scheme,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices. “Business owners who abuse the system to line their pockets at the expense of our communities will be held accountable.”
“HHS-OIG is committed to protecting Oregon communities and taxpayer funds from schemes targeting Oregon’s Medicaid program, which provides necessary services to vulnerable populations,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG values our continued partnership with the Oregon Department of Justice’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and other law enforcement partners and will continue to investigate those who threaten the integrity of federal and state health care programs and the people served by them.”
“I am pleased that the joint investigation between our Medicaid Fraud Unit at Oregon DOJ and five federal agencies turned up the evidence needed for the United States Attorney to successfully prosecute this complex case. Oregon’s Medicaid program will get back over a million dollars it is rightfully owed, and those who try to defraud Oregonians and undermine our social safety net programs should be on notice— they will be caught and prosecuted,” said Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum.
According to court documents, from January 2019 to August 2021, Byus used her company, Choices Recover Services (CRS), to overbill the OHA Medicaid Program for substance abuse counseling services and to submit fraudulent reimbursement claims using the stolen identities of Medicaid recipients.
As an OHA Medicaid Provider for drug and alcohol related counseling services, CRS had access to a provider portal through the Medicaid Management Information System. Byus exploited this access to privileged information to determine a victim’s Medicaid eligibility. She then used their personally identifiable information to submit claims without the victim’s knowledge or authorization. Byus used the stolen identities more than 45 victims, at least a third of which were identified by searching jail roster websites for recent drug or alcohol related offenses.
Using CRS, Byus submitted over $3 million in false claims to the OHA Medicaid Program and received over $1.5 million in fraudulent proceeds. She used the misappropriated funds to purchase multiple properties in Oregon and to gamble. In addition, Byus knowingly filed false tax returns for herself and CRS, failing to pay approximately $450,438 in taxes.
On May 13, 2024, Byus was charged by criminal information with heath care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making a false tax return and, on June 20, 2024, she pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division, and the Oregon Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. It was prosecuted by Joseph H. Huynh and Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
Previously convicted felon sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for fentanyl, firearmsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man who illegally possessed kilograms of narcotics and multiple loaded firearms in the same residence as six young children was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 135 months in prison.
Shedrick Hawkins, 33, possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and illegally possessed firearms as a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, in April and May 2023, investigators learned Hawkins was the source of supply for many undercover drug transactions they had conducted.
In June 2023, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Hawkins’s residence, where six children ranging from infancy to 9 years old were present. At the residence, investigators discovered nearly one kilogram of fentanyl, more than 1.7 kilograms of cocaine and four firearms. One of the firearms had a sear installed, which makes the firearm capable of acting as a fully automatic weapon. Investigators also discovered nearly $18,000 in cash, five cell phones and multiple rounds of ammunition in the residence.
Hawkins was charged federally in June 2023 and pleaded guilty in May 2024.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein announced the sentence imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Pakiz and Kevin W. Kelley, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Heidy T. Carr of the Columbus City Attorney’s Office are representing the United States in this case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and gangs that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Receipt of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of the Western District of Pennsylvania has been sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by ten years of supervised release on his federal felony conviction pertaining to his receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Shawn Michael Hoffman, age 41, following his guilty plea to this violation of federal law. In imposing the sentence, Judge Hardy emphasized the extremely serious nature of this federal offense and the harm the defendant caused to the minor victim.
The one-count Information named Shawn Michael Hoffman, age 41, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the information presented to the court, in September 2019, Hoffman initiated online communications and solicited sexually explicit visual depictions of the minor. Hoffman also received visual depictions of the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct using the internet and cellular phone.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this 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.justice.gov/psc.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Transporting a Minor with the Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – John Oathout, age 54, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Friday to 25 years in prison for transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Oathout admitted that after a romantic relationship ended with the victim’s mother, the victim’s mother permitted the defendant to take her daughter on overnight trips to Virginia and New York. During the week of Thanksgiving 2021, the defendant arranged to pick up the 5-year-old child from her home in Delaware and transport her to a hotel in Kingston, New York, where he subjected the child to sexual contact.
In addition to sentencing Oathout to serve 25 years in prison, Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 20-year term of supervised release, which Oathout will begin serving after he is released from prison, at which time Oathout will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated this case. The Task Force includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Carling Dunham prosecuted 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 Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locates, 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.
Over 100 Defendants Federally Charged with Fraud Related to the COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO-MDFL) has federally charged 109 individuals with fraud schemes designed to exploit state and federal programs implemented to alleviate the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts include complementary actions by the USAO-MDFL’s Criminal, Civil, Asset Recovery, Appellate Divisions, in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
“The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office, in cooperation with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, is committed to holding accountable those people who schemed to steal or otherwise obtain through misconduct benefits intended for Americans coping with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg.
With respect to criminal enforcement, the USAO-MDFL and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies combined resources in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force with the purpose of identifying, investigating, and federally prosecuting fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, the Task Force has prosecuted 109 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”), as well as government Healthcare programs such as Medicare. Collectively, these defendants sought to defraud the United States of over $96 million. Of the 109 charged defendants, 74 have already been found guilty while prosecution remains pending against 35 defendants.
The Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force continues to aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals that took advantage of COVID-19 programs. On September 20, 2024, for example, a federal grand jury convicted Angela Chew (60, Leesburg) of conspiracy to bribe a public official and commit wire fraud, three counts of bribery of a public official, and six counts of wire fraud. Chew faces up to 5 years in federal prison on the conspiracy count, up to 15 years in federal prison on each of the bribery counts, and up to 20 years in federal prison on each of the wire fraud counts. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2024.
According to evidence presented at trial, Chew conspired with three others to submit applications for COVID-19 EIDLs containing false and fraudulent information in exchange for bribe payments. The evidence showed Chew used her position as a loan specialist for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to internally access those loan applications that she and a co-conspirator had submitted on behalf of others. Chew then took actions on the applications within the SBA’s internal processing system that moved the loans towards approval. For example, Chew submitted a loan on behalf of a co-conspirator’s business that she knew was not active or operating at the time she submitted the loan. The loan was flagged as a duplicate by the SBA’s internal system, which stopped the application from progressing toward approval and funding. Chew then entered the SBA’s loan processing system, accessed the loan application, reactivated it, and manipulated the loan’s status multiple times to progress the application toward approval and funding in the amount of $150,000. In exchange, Chew received thousands of dollars in bribe payments from two of her co-conspirators. The evidence showed that Chew caused the funding of at least six EIDL applications, for a total loss of over $800,000.
In July 2024, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Jared Dean Eakes (33, Jacksonville) with five counts of wire fraud and three counts of bank fraud. According to the superseding indictment, Eakes participated in a scheme to defraud investors and fraudulently secured approximately $4,752,270 in PPP loans. Eakes caused the submission of four PPP loan applications—including applications for two of the entities involved in the scheme to defraud investors—which contained false and fraudulent supporting documentation and statements regarding the entities’ employees and payroll. Once Eakes obtained the PPP loans, he did not use the funds for qualifying expenses as required by the program. Instead, he used the funds to engage in options trading or withdrew the funds in cash.
In addition to criminal prosecutions, the MDFL-USAO continues to investigate and pursue civil redress against individuals and entities who fraudulently or otherwise inappropriately obtained PPP funds. As an example of the latter scenario, in September 2024, Miles Partnership, LLC (“Miles”), a travel and tourism consulting company headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, agreed to a civil settlement of $2,281,950 to resolve allegations that Miles improperly obtained and received forgiveness for a second draw PPP loan. According to the information contained in the qui tam complaint, Miles was required to file a registration statement under FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act) due to its work with various foreign tourism boards. The United States investigated these allegations with the cooperation of Miles. The civil settlement will conclude the lawsuit.
Further, the USAO-MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $20 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $18 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture.
The U.S. Attorney General has 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. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own.
The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Small Business Administration—Office of Inspector General, the Small Business Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Housing Finance Agency—Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board—Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Agency for International Development, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida.
The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.
United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida
COVID Fraud Criminal Cases
Charged Cases
Defendant(s) (Age)
Charge(s)
Max. Imprisonment
Type of Fraud*
Intended Loss Amount
Tampa Division
Devontaie DeravilAggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI$480kJordan RossWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
EIDL/PPP$1.3MMarquett James
Alyson Marquett
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL/PPP$96kWillie Murray Jr.Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
HCF$5MCharles Driver Jr.Conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
UI$175kEric CanonicoWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP$2.3MAlexander LeszczynskiWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP$1.1MCapree HolmesWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL$159kJavarus PoliteWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$20kLuis MoralesWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$40kRosson HamiltonWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$20kDavid AntonettiWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$40kCarlos DonesWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$14kSantos Cruz RiveraWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$16kTevyan HepburnWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$20kJeanty CherilusWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL/PPP$370kGage BowenWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$20kThese COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Tiffany Fields, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, Jennifer Peresie, Michael Kenneth, Merrilyn Hoenemeyer, and Daniel BaezaOrlando Division
Evan Edwards
Joshua Edwards
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
Visa fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
False statements
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP$8MEmmet BowensWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP$740kLatresia WilsonFalse statements
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
HCF$2.6MShawn Simmerer
Seth Downes
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
False claim
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
PPP$344k
Daniel Bohorquez
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
EIDL$546kThese COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick, Amanda Daniels, and DOJ Trial Attorney Keith ClouserFort Myers Division
Venera PriceMail fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
ERAP$82kTimothy JolloffWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP/EIDL$2.1MLisa JolloffMoney laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP/EIDL$2.1MDiop McKenzieBank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
EIDL/PPP$237kThese COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava and Trent ReichlingJacksonville Division
Jared EakesWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP$4.7MNatasha Hemming
Tiffany Gonsalves
Joshua Seedhaire
Conspiracy
Access device fraud
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
UI$5.6MThese COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs David Mesrobian and John CannizzaroOcala Division
Lisa Starkes
Ivan Starkes
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$80kThis COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah NowalkAdjudicated Cases
Tampa Division
Demarius WilsonWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$18kThis COVID Fraud case from the Tampa Division is being handled by AUSA Michael KennethOrlando Division
Robert BurnsWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$57kWilliam Barrientos
Grisoris Barrientos
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL$693kAngela ChewConspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
Bribery of a public official
Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL$732kThese COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by Amanda Daniels, Diane Hu, and Richard VaradanJacksonville Division
James WiggWire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
PPP$476kCrystal HarvellWire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
PPP$20kThese COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA, Kevin Frein
and Tysen Duva
Ocala Division
Passion JacksonWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$20kNicole HardingWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP$20kHenry WadeWire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL$500kThese COVID Fraud cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSA Hannah NowalkSentenced Cases
Tampa Division
Louis Thornton, IIIWire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP$815kKary Stevenson
Corey Quinn
Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson)
Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn)
UI$1MBridgitte KeimBank fraud
Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison
PPP$588kWayne GanawayConspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison
EIDL$300kRolanda WingfieldAccess device fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison
UI$135kEriaius BentleyRacketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison
UI$3MTywon SpannRacketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison
UI$3MKeaujay HornsbyRacketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: 10 years and 10 months in federal prison
UI$3MKareem SpannRacketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: 10 years and 10 months in federal prison
UI$3MRandy JonesWire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison
EIDL/UI$250kJulio LugoConspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP$4.4MKeith NicolettaConspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 24 months in federal prison
PPP$1.9MRosenide VenantConspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
EIDL/PPP$413kMelinda HernandezConspiracy to commit wire fraud,
wire fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: Three years and six months in federal prison
UI$1.5MBri’antina MillsWire fraud and theft of government funds
Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison
EIDL$10KJorge Gutierrez EcheverriaWire fraud
Sentence imposed: Two years and six months in federal prison
EIDL$150kOmar Esquivel BelloWire fraud
Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison
EIDL$242kSteve Moodie
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison
UI$1.5MRichard SimpkinsConspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison
PPP$1.9MDevaris McClainConspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud
Sentence imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison
UI$85kJalissa McDuffyWire fraud
Sentence imposed: 3 years supervised release with 6 months home detention
PPP$41kKieanna GarrettWire fraud
Sentence imposed: 60 days’ imprisonment
EIDL$40kMarqus Willard JohnsonBank fraud
Money laundering
Sentence imposed: 18 months’ imprisonment followed by 60 moths supervised release
PPP$500kMehdi TaziConspiracy, Aggravated identity theft
Sentenced imposed: 5 years imprisonment followed by4 years supervised release
UI$1.5MTyree WingfieldConspiracy, Aggravated identity theft
Sentenced imposed: 5 years and 10 months imprisonment followed by4 years supervised release
UI$1.5MDawn OgundeleTheft of government funds
Sentence imposed: 2 years’ probation
PPP$20kAlexander AlliWire fraud conspiracy
Sentence imposed: 13 months’ imprisonment
EIDL$80kCharles CunninghamBank fraud
Sentence imposed: 21 months’ imprisonment
PPP$800kJailyn HolmesWire fraud
Sentence imposed: 5 years’ probation
PPP$20kNicole Bramble-KingWire fraud
Sentence imposed: 5 years’ probation
PPP$40kTommy LouisvilleWire fraud
Sentence imposed: 12 months’ imprisonment
PPP$33kJoseph AbdoWire fraud
Illegal monetary transactions
Sentence imposed: 5 years’ probation
PPP$500kBarrett PurvisWire fraud
Money laundering
Sentence imposed: 2 years and 9 months in federal prison
EIDL$499kBergeline LexisConspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence imposed: 10 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP$68kThese COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, Jennifer Peresie, Merrilyn Hoenemeyer, Jay Trezevant, SAUSA Chris Poor, and DOJ Trial Attorney John ScanlonOrlando Division
Daniel JohnsonConspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, unlawful transfer of firearm
Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 6 months in federal prison
UI$2.3MJacquavius SmithPossession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison
PPP$10kJohnson EustacheWire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
EIDL/PPP$2.2MJoseph HarrisonConspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison
UI$2.1MTomas ZiupsnysConspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
PPP$2MHolly UrbanConspiracy to commit bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison
PPP$1.5MJoel GreenbergConspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release
Sentence Imposed: 11 years in federal prison
EIDL$430kDon Cisternino
Wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 8 years and 6 months in federal prison
PPP$7.2MKeith IngersollConspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: 9 years, 1 month in federal prison.
EIDL$66kJaheim DavisAccess device fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 6 months in federal prison.
UI$219kTeresa McIntyreConspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses
Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation
EIDL$730kBrian BlakePossession of device-making equipment, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 9 years and 8 months in federal prison
PPP/UI$832kJoseph FaubertBank fraud
Sentenced Imposed: 5 years probation
PPP$778kThese COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, Shannon Laurie, and Jennifer Harrington, and U.S. Attorney Roger HandbergJacksonville Division
Jacob ByrdWire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation
PPP$10kDeconna BurkeWire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation
PPP$20kDesmond WilliamsWire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud
Sentenced Imposed: 5 years’ probation
PPP$40kKenneth LandersWire fraud and illegal monetary transaction
Sentence Imposed: 1 year in federal prison followed by 1 year of supervised release
PPP$1.4MChristopher DaragjatiWire fraud , Theft of government funds, and Aggravated identity theft
Sentenced imposed: 5 years’cisternino imprisonment followed by 3 years’ supervised release.
PPP$150kThis COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division was handled by AUSA Kevin Frein and Michael CoolicanFort Myers Division
Casey CrowtherBank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction
Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison
PPP$2.7MAnthony Bruey
Amber Bruey
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, illegal monetary transactions
Sentence Imposed:
Anthony Bruey: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison
Amber Bruey: 4 years in federal prison
PPP/EIDL$881kEdrica Leann WatsonFalse statement to a lending institution
Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison
PPP$392kDaniel Joseph TisoneWire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person
Sentence Imposed: 7 years in federal prison
PPP/EIDL/MSLP$10.7MLiliana GonzalezWire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 5 years of probation with 18 months of home confinement
PPP$169kAl Clint LaRocheBank fraud
Sentence Imposed: Two years in federal prison
PPP$1MDenis CasseusBank fraud and illegal monetary transaction
Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison followed by 3 years’ supervised release
PPP$298kEvan GravesWire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 18 months in federal prison
EIDL$1.3MIsmaelle ManuelBank fraud
Sentence Imposed: Credit for time served followed by 5 years supervised release
PPP$280kThese COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling, Michael Leeman, Jesus M. Casa, Simon Eth, and Yolande ViacavaOcala Division
Lavelle HarrisWire fraud
Sentence Imposed: Two years and three months in federal prison
PPP$1.2MThis COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division was handled by AUSA Hannah NowalkTypes of Fraud*
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Main Street Lending Program (MSLP)
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Health Care Fraud (HCF)
Nine Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On May 15, 2024, a federal grand jury in Knoxville, Tennessee, returned a 21-count indictment against nine defendants—Jamal Witcher, 35, of Mansfield, Ohio; Taeshawn Witcher, 18, of Detroit, Michigan; Skyler Anthony Starkey Steward, 18, of Mansfield, Ohio; Ricky Lynn Coffey, 36, of Bean Station, Tennessee; Keshon Lee, 27, of Detroit, Michigan; Emani Mason, 25, of Detroit, Michigan; Gianna Ryan, 22, of New Castle, Pennsylvania; Payton English, 27, of Mooresburg, Tennessee; and Bernie Smallwood, 62, of Mooresburg, Tennessee.
The indictment charges all the defendants with a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846. It additionally charges Jamal Witcher, Taeshawn Witcher, Steward, Coffey, Lee, Mason, and Ryan with possession with intent to distribute or distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). The indictment charges Coffey with possession with intent to distribute cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), possession of a firearm, including a firearm equipped with a silencer, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), and possession of an unregistered firearm in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 5861(d). It also charges Jamal Witcher, Taeshawn Witcher, and Steward with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 924(c). Jamal Witcher is charged with money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(3). English and Smallwood are also charged with maintaining drug involved premises in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 856(a)(2).
The indictment was unsealed after the last of the defendants appeared in court on September 25, 2024, before the Honorable Debra C. Poplin, United States Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. All have pleaded not guilty, and the trial has been set for November 19, 2024, before the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court at Knoxville.
Upon conviction, Jamal Witcher, Taeshawn Witcher, and Steward each faces a statutory mandatory minimum term of 15 years and up to life in prison and other penalties; Coffey faces a statutory mandatory minimum term of 40 years and up to life in prison and other penalties; Lee, Mason, Ryan, and Smallwood each faces a statutory mandatory minimum term of ten years and up to life in prison and other penalties; and English faces up to 20 years in prison and other penalties.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III, of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.
This indictment is the result of an investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the 4th Judicial District Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the 3rd Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Grainger County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office, the Knoxville Police Department, the White Pine Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation.
The case is a part of the 313 Initiative, a concerted and organized effort by numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to identify, target, and dismantle groups from the Detroit area that are bringing deadly drug combinations into Knox County and surrounding areas.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Hollingshead-Cook will represent the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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