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29 October 2024
Crystal Springs Man Sentenced to over 9 Years in Prison for Brandishing a Firearm During a Carjacking in JacksonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Crystal Springs man was sentenced today to 110 months in prison for brandishing a firearm while carjacking a woman in front of her home in Jackson.
According to court documents, Christopher Lawrence Murray, 31, brandished a pistol during a carjacking in the Jackson area. In May of 2021, Murray and another man approached a woman sitting in her car in front of her home. Working in tandem, both men pointed pistols at the woman and demanded she hand over her cellular phone and the keys to her car. The woman, at gunpoint, complied with the demands and the men left in the woman’s car.
Murray was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 6, 2023, and he pled guilty on July 31, 2024, to brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.
In an effort to focus resources on carjacking in Jackson, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jackson Police Department and the Capitol Police Department formed a carjacking task force in April of 2024. In keeping with the Justice Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, the task force represents a strategic enforcement priority for the department, focusing federal resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime.
Convicted Felon Who Fled Police at High Speed in a Stolen SUV Sentenced for Possessing a Loaded Machine GunRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jamal Fleming, 32, of Washington D.C. was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 46 months in federal prison for possessing a loaded machine gun as he led police on a chase in a stolen SUV while under the influence of cocaine. Fleming crashed the vehicle into a utility pole and then attempted to elude officers on foot before becoming stuck in a fence. The conviction, which is Fleming’s third for possessing an illegal firearm, involves a weapon that had been modified into a fully automatic machine gun.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Fleming pleaded guilty on March 8, 2024, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the 46-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb ordered Fleming to serve 36 months of supervised release.
On October 11, 2023, at about 10 p.m., Prince George’s County police observed a black Jeep Grand Cherokee driving in the 4200 block of 58th Avenue in Bladensburg, Maryland. The officers were aware of a recent rash of commercial armed robberies in the county involving a black Grand Cherokee. The officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The SUV fled, pursued by police by several police cruisers. MPD’s Falcon helicopter also followed the SUV as it entered Washington, D.C. About five miles from the start of the pursuit, the SUV crashed into a utility pole in the alleyway behind the 4200 block of Eads Street NE. Leaving the SUV running, Fleming jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot, dashing through an alleyway, until he was caught on a fence where officers apprehended him.
Fleming crashed the SUV into a utility pole following a five-mile high-speed chase.
Officers searched Fleming and recovered a key fob to the SUV that they used to unlock it. Inside the SUV, officers found a black Glock 29 loaded with 16 rounds of 10mm ammunition. The weapon was outfitted with a “switch,” which converted the gun into a fully automatic firearm, and a laser sight. Later DNA testing linked the firearm to Fleming. Officers determined that the SUV had been stolen the week before from an automotive repair shop in Beltsville.
Officers discovered a loaded Glock -- outfitted with a laser sight and a “switch” that made the weapon fully automatic – on the floor of the SUV on the driver’s side.
Fleming has been barred from possessing a gun since 2016 after he was convicted of illegal possession of a firearm. On May 5, 2022, Fleming was driving when he was stopped by police. He had an open bottle of champagne in the vehicle’s cupholder, a bag containing more than a pound of marijuana, cocaine, pills and a Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun. On December 12, 2022, Fleming was sentenced to five years in prison with all but one year suspended, along with three years of supervised probation. In October 2023, at the time of his most recent arrest, Fleming was still on probation.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Tepfer.
23cr0370
California Company Charged with Conspiring to Sell Misbranded N95 Masks to Hospital in Early Months of COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California company, and three individuals who owned and managed the company, have been charged and have agreed to plead guilty to charges relating to the shipment of facemasks that were misbranded as N95 respirators during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.
Advoque Safeguard LLC (ASG) was charged with one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded devices into interstate commerce with intent to defraud or mislead, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Jason Azevedo, 33, of Cedar Creek, Texas; Paul Shrater, 51, of Simi Valley, Calif.; and Andrew Stack, 52, of Santa Cruz, Calif., were charged with one count of introduction of misbranded devices into interstate commerce. Plea hearings have not yet been scheduled by the Court.
Earlier this month, a second company, JDM Supply LLC (JDM), and two individuals, Daniel Motha and Jeffrey Motha, were charged and agreed to plead guilty in connection with this investigation. In addition, in August 2023, another individual, Jason Colantuoni, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit price gouging.
According to the charging documents, in the spring of 2020, during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, ASG and JDM conspired to ship facemasks that were misbranded as National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved, N95 respirators. It is alleged that one hospital, identified as “HOSPITAL 1,” accepted and paid for hundreds of thousands of purported N95 masks that were manufactured by ASG and sold to HOSPITAL 1 by JDM. (HOSPITAL 1 did not use the masks, which were eventually returned to ASG.) It is further alleged that ASG and JDM misled the hospital into believing that the ASG masks were NIOSH-approved N95s, when in fact they were not. In August 2020, a NIOSH lab tested a sample of the ASG masks that had been shipped to HOSPITAL 1. All 10 ASG masks tested between 83.94% and 93.24% filtration efficiency, and thus fell under the 95% minimum level of filtration efficiency required for N95 respirators.
The charge of conspiracy to introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce a misbranded device with intent to defraud or mislead provides for a fine of $500,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss of the offense, whichever is greater and up to five years of probation. The charge of introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce a misbranded device provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison; up to one year of supervised release; and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Fernando McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Brady and Howard Locker of the Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Career Assistant United States Attorney to Lead DOJ Election Day Program in the District of North DakotaRead the Press Release
Fargo - United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Rick L. Volk will lead the efforts of the Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Volk has served as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of North Dakota for the past 20 years, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the Office’s handling of Election Day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department headquarters in Washington.
“Lawfully casting a vote without interference or discrimination and having that voted counted in a fair and free election is a fundamental right in North Dakota and across the country,” Schneider said. “There is a history in the District of North Dakota of election officials and staff serving their critical roles without being subject to unlawful threats or violence, and the Department of Justice will do its part to uphold that tradition and protect the integrity of the election process. With an experienced career federal prosecutor as a point of contact on Election Day, our Office stands ready to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns or election fraud in real time while the polls are open.”
Volk has led the Office’s Election Day efforts since 2004 and has served as DEO during five presidential elections. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Volk will be on duty while the polls are open in the District of North Dakota. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 701-530-2420 and/or 701-297-7400.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The relevant FBI field office for the District of North Dakota can be reached by the public at 763-569-8000.
Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
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Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Guns from Georgia to ConnecticutRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYREE THOMAS, 39, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking firearms from Georgia to Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Thomas’ criminal history includes felony convictions and he is prohibited from purchasing firearms. Between approximately August and December 2021, Thomas traveled to Georgia multiple times where, using a family member as a straw purchaser, he acquired approximately 24 firearms. He then transported the firearms to Connecticut where he sold or transferred them to others, including felons, gang members, and juveniles.
Nine of the firearms that Thomas acquired in Georgia have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut, including three that were seized during traffic stops, one of which was possessed by a juvenile; one that was found in the possession of felon who was subsequently federally prosecuted for the offense; one that was used in a Bridgeport shooting incident in August 2022, that resulted in the death of one of victim and injury to two others; one that was recovered from a Bridgeport murder suspect who used it to commit suicide during a standoff with law enforcement in Tennessee in June 2022; and one that was recovered from a homicide victim in Meriden in March 2023. Fifteen of the guns have not been located.
Thomas was arrested on September 6, 2023. On June 17, 2024, he pleaded guilty to crossing state lines with the intent to engage in the unlawful dealing of firearms.
Thomas, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 7.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Rahul Kale. through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/PSN.
Boise Health Care Company and Former Therapist Resolve Fraudulent Psychotherapy Billing Allegations Involving Vulnerable Refugee PopulationRead the Press Release
KA Health Services, and its Owner Paid $321,576.51 to Resolve Allegations they Fraudulently Billed for Psychotherapy and Related Services that Were Not Performed or Not Performed by a Qualified Professional; Former Psychotherapist at KA Health Admits to Violations of the False Claims Act as Part of a $40,000 Consent Judgment
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced that KA Health Services (KA Health) and its owner, Khalid Ameri, paid $321,576.51 to resolve allegations that they knowingly submitted or caused the submission of false claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy, language interpretation, and other services. The United States contended that these submissions were false because the claimed services were never provided and/or not provided by a qualified professional.
As a result of the same investigation, licensed professional counselor Karen Canfield, 61, of Boise, consented to a judgment against her in United States District Court after admitting to violations of the False Claims Act. Canfield admitted to knowingly causing KA Health to submit false or fraudulent claims to Medicaid for reimbursement for psychotherapy, language interpretation, and other services.
According to court records, Canfield admitted that she knew that KA Health’s clients were refugees that recently arrived in the United States and were not fluent in English. Rather than treat KA Health’s clients, Canfield directed language interpreters – who were not licensed or otherwise qualified to provide psychotherapy services – to meet with the clients without Canfield being present or otherwise participating in the meeting. Canfield further admitted that she filled out their medical records in a false or fraudulent manner because those records indicated she had provided services when she was not, in fact, meeting with KA Health’s clients – much less providing them with therapy. Canfield later signed the false medical records, which she knew KA Health then used as the basis for submitting claims to Medicaid for reimbursement.
“The vast majority of Idaho’s health care providers play by the rules. Our office is committed to rooting out the few wrongdoers, particularly those that prey on vulnerable patient populations,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. “Healthcare fraud enforcement is and will remain an important priority for our office. We will not tolerate individuals and businesses who compromise the integrity of the healthcare system for financial gain.”
“These resolutions demonstrate our commitment to protecting Idaho communities from schemes targeting Idaho’s Medicaid program, which provides necessary services to some of the most vulnerable populations in the state,” 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 Idaho Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and our other law enforcement partners, and will continue to investigate fraud allegations, which threaten the integrity of both federal and state health care programs and the people served by them.”
These matters were investigated jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Additional assistance was provided by the Idaho State Department of Health and Welfare. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wertheim handled the cases.
The claims resolved by the settlement against KA Health and Khalid Ameri are allegations only and there has been no admission or determination of liability. For additional case information for the Canfield case and publicly available court documents, see United States v. Canfield, 1:24-CV-00460-BLW (U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho.)
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Berks County Businessman Indicted on Tax Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Alan C. Redmond, 42, of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, was charged by indictment with six counts of failure to pay over employment taxes between 2019 and 2021 for Bene Market LLC, a call center in Reading, Pa., that purported to act as a broker of insurance, selling health insurance and related products over the telephone. The defendant made his initial appearance in federal court on these charges this afternoon.
The indictment alleges that, as the 96% general partner of Bene Market, and as the individual with ultimate and final decision-making authority for the corporation, Redmond was legally obligated to withhold Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from wages paid to employees (known as “trust fund taxes”) and to pay over these taxes to the IRS each quarter, along with matching contributions from the employer for Social Security and Medicare taxes.
The indictment further alleges that between 2019 and 2021, Redmond caused Bene Market to withhold over $1 million in trust fund taxes from the wages and paychecks of its employees, but Redmond did not pay over these withheld amounts to the IRS on behalf of the employees, as required. Instead of paying over the trust fund taxes withheld from employee paychecks, Redmond caused Bene Market to make thousands of dollars of expenditures for his own personal benefit, including property purchases, airline tickets, limousine services, vehicle purchases, event tickets, mortgage payments, and partnership distributions.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a three-year period of supervised release, and a $1,500,000 fine.
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Crawley and Samuel Dalke.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 75 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – On October 28, 2024, U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Larry Benner, age 39, of Baltimore, Maryland to 75 months prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department (“BPD”).
According to the guilty plea, BPD officers were monitoring Citiwatch cameras in Baltimore city on January 21, 2023 when they observed Benner and two codefendants engaged in drug activity. BPD officers arrived on scene and placed the defendants under arrest. Officers recovered various controlled dangerous substances from Benner, including approximately 87 grams of cocaine, 5 grams of fentanyl, and quantities of heroin, Alprazolam, and Buprenorphine. Officers also recovered from Benner a Smith & Wesson 9mm Luger pistol loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition and an additional drum magazine loaded with 35 live 9mm cartridges.
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.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Liane Kozik and Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. O’Donohue III, who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Alabama Man Sentenced for Threatening Fulton County Sheriff and District AttorneyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Arthur Ray Hanson, II has been sentenced to federal prison for transmitting interstate threats to injure Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis because of their connections to the Fulton County, Georgia investigation and prosecution of former President Donald Trump.
“Public servants have a responsibility to enforce our criminal laws, and anyone who threatens to harm or intimidate them will face the consequences of their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners who diligently worked to ensure public officials are free to perform their essential work without the threat of physical attack.”
“Threats against public servants are not only illegal, but also a threat against our democratic process,” said Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution. We take this responsibility very seriously and seek to punish those who engage in this type of criminal behavior, and to send the message that such conduct will not be tolerated.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: On August 6, 2023, Hanson called the Fulton County Government customer service line twice and left two voicemails—the first for Sheriff Labat and the second for District Attorney Willis. During both calls, Hanson threatened violence against these officials.
In his message for Sheriff Labat, Hanson made statements that included the following:
- “If you think you gonna take a mugshot of my President Trump and it’s gonna be okay, you gonna find out that after you take that mugshot, some bad [expletive]’s gonna happen to you;”
- “If you take a mugshot of the President and you’re the reason it happened, some bad [expletive]’s gonna happen to you;”
- “I’m warning you right now before you [expletive] up your life and get hurt real bad;” and
- “Whether you got a [expletive] badge or not ain’t gonna help you none;” and “you gonna get [expletive]ed up you keep [expletive]ing with my President.”
In Hanson’s message for District Attorney Willis, he made statements that included the following:
- “Watch it when you’re going to the car at night, when you’re going into your house, watch everywhere that you’re going;”
- “I would be very afraid if I were you because you can’t be around people all the time that are going to protect you;”
- “There’s gonna be moments when you’re gonna be vulnerable;”
- “When you charge Trump on that fourth indictment, anytime you’re alone, be looking over your shoulder;” and
- “What you put out there, [expletive], comes back at you ten times harder, and don’t ever forget it.”
Arthur Ray Hanson, II, 59, of Huntsville, Alabama, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. P. Boulee to one year, nine months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $7,500 fine. Hanson was convicted on these charges on July 3, 2024, after he pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting interstate threats.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
2nd Georgia Man Sentenced for Role in Stolen Check SchemeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: An Atlanta, Georgia man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland this week for conspiring to commit bank fraud.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Rasheed Colbert, 33, to 10 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $69,744 in restitution. Colbert pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024.
According to court records, in March 2022, Colbert and coconspirators stole checks out of the mailboxes of local businesses then used the stolen checks to create counterfeit checks. The counterfeit checks were made payable to unhoused individuals Colbert and others recruited to cash them. Colbert and his coconspirators netted just under $70,000 from the cashed counterfeit checks.
Coconspirator Mantavious Jones, 36, also of Atlanta, received a 16-month prison sentence for his role in the scheme to be followed by three years of supervised release.
The New England Cyber Fraud Task Force and Kennebunk Police Department investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Saco and Scarborough police departments.
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10 people charged in Alaska drug trafficking ringRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska announced today that 10 people have been charged through three indictments in connection with a drug trafficking organization operating in Anchorage.
According to court documents, Rodney Godwin, 50, is allegedly the leader of a drug trafficking organization responsible for trafficking kilograms of controlled substances in Alaska. From April 2023 to May 2024, Godwin allegedly conspired with at least nine other people to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and other controlled substances in Alaska.
Court documents allege that members of the organization used firearms during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes. On Nov. 13, 2023, Jeremy Nichols, 40, allegedly possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On May 31, 2024, Reigna Archuleta, 39, also allegedly carried or used a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to a detention memo, Archuleta allegedly attempted to body smuggle roughly $21,000 in cash through the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport while traveling to Seattle with Godwin. The cash was seized at security.
Court documents also allege that Godwin and Miles Apatiki, 37, conspired to launder money as part of the enterprise.
In total, law enforcement has seized approximately 3.8 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 1.3 kilograms of heroin and tens of kilograms of assorted other controlled substances allegedly connected to this drug trafficking organization.
Defendants in these cases include:
- Rodney Godwin, of Anchorage, is charged with one count of continuing criminal enterprise, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and one count of money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, Godwin faces up to life in prison.
- Calvin Oktollik, 37, of Anchorage, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. If convicted, Oktollik faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Miles Apatiki, of Anchorage, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, Apatiki faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Jennifer Godwin, 40, of Anchorage, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. If convicted, Godwin faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Andrew Akulaw, 41, of Anchorage, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Akulaw faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Reigna Archuleta, of Anchorage, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of attempted possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and one count of carrying firearms during a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Archuleta faces up to 20 years in prison.
- David Henry, 50, of Palmer, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Henry faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Page Peak, 25, of Sterling, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Peak faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Corabelle Bolden, 55, of Anchorage, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Bolden faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Jeremy Nichols, of Black Diamond, Washington, is charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a firearm during and in relations to a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Nichols faces up to 20 years in prison.
The defendants were arrested and made their initial court appearances over the last five months before U.S. Magistrate Judges of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile, IRS Criminal Investigation, Alaska State Troopers and Anchorage Police Department, is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody Tirpak is prosecuting the case.
Case numbers:
United States v. Godwin et al.: 3:24-cr-00049
United States v. Nichols: 3:24-cr-00061
United States v. Bolden: 3:24-cr-00085
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
UPDATE: This release has been updated to include IRS Criminal Investigation, the Alaska State Troopers and the Anchorage Police Department as investigating agencies.
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28 October 2024
Winston-Salem Man Involved in Two Car Chases SentencedRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A Winston-Salem, North Carolina man was sentenced today in Greensboro to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to two firearm charges, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
AMARI JAQUEZ HAIRSTON, age 21, was sentenced to consecutive sentences of 60 months imprisonment (Count Two) and 84 months imprisonment (Count Six), plus 5 years supervised release, by the Honorable William L. Osteen, Jr., United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC. In addition to prison time, HAIRSTON was ordered to forfeit two Glock handguns, two machine gun conversion devices, extended magazines, and multiple rounds of ammunition.
HAIRSTON pleaded guilty on August 7, 2024, to two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
According to court records, the charges against HAIRSTON relate to two separate incidents:
On July 15, 2022, Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) officers looking for a suspect in a gang-related shooting attempted to stop a black Honda carrying four people. The driver fled, traveling at extremely high speeds on Silas Creek Parkway and weaving in and out of traffic During the chase, pursuing officers saw HAIRSTON, who was a passenger in the back seat, throw drugs and guns from the left rear passenger window. WSPD officers and Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies stopped and located items HAIRSTON threw from the black Honda while others continued the pursuit. The Honda was intentionally bumped by a FCSO deputy on Reynolda Road and wrecked. Items that HAIRSTON threw from the Honda included two Glock handguns, a large capacity magazine, ammunition, a baggie containing 5.8 grams of fentanyl, and approximately 340 grams of marijuana.
On October 11, 2023, WSPD officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a blue Dodge Charger traveling north on Polo Road at a high rate of speed. The driver of the Charger fled and, while attempting to evade the police vehicle, crossed the double yellow line and collided with a tractor trailer heading west on Akron Drive. After the wreck, the driver, later identified as HAIRSTON, fled on foot. The Dodge Charger HAIRSTON was operating was stolen from Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 3, 2023. At the time of the theft, the vehicle contained three firearms, none of which have been recovered. In a search of the stolen Charger, officers located HAIRSTON’s North Carolina ID, a Glock handgun and a Machine Gun Conversion Device or “switch,” approximately 50 grams of marijuana packaged in individual baggies, a scale, 15 pills and several pill fragments containing fentanyl, and other controlled substances.
The case was investigated by the Winston-Salem Police Department, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The case was prosecuted by MDNC Assistant United States Attorney Robert A. J. Lang.
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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Waterbury Man Sentenced to Prison for Attempted Drug Robbery in BridgeportRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KAREEM PORTER, also known as “Reem,” 24, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in an attempted drug robbery in Bridgeport.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 28, 2023, Porter, Andy Marte, and Tyrone Allen drove to a Bridgeport apartment building where they intended to carry out a robbery at an apartment in which they believed they would find drugs and drug proceeds. Marte instructed Porter and Allen, who had a crowbar, to carry out the robbery while Marte remained in the car and to serve as a getaway driver. After failing to enter the apartment, Marte contacted Jermaine Bethel, who arrived to participate in the robbery. Porter, Allen, and Bethel tried again to enter the apartment, but failed, and then returned to the vehicle where they were encountered by law enforcement. Officers searched the vehicle and its occupants and seized two handguns, which Marte had brought to the robbery, and the crowbar.
On April 4, 2024, Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery.
Porter, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 6, 2025.
Marte, Allen, and Bethel pleaded guilty to the same charge and await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Karen Peck.
United States Obtains $400,000 Judgement against Oklahoma Physician for Issuing Invalid Prescription for Schedule II Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A judgment for $400,000 has been entered against CHRISTOPHER BRADSHAW, D.O. (“Dr. Bradshaw”) in a civil lawsuit for issuing invalid prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances in violation of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (“Act”) and its regulations, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
During the relevant time, Dr. Bradshaw was licensed by the Oklahoma State Board of Osteopathic Examiners to practice medicine in the State of Oklahoma. Dr. Bradshaw also was a DEA registrant having a registered address in Oklahoma City, OK.
Schedule II controlled substances are those with a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence and that have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. The Schedule II substances at issue in this lawsuit were Adderall® (amphetamine mixed salts), Vyvanse® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), and Norco® (hydrocodone, bitartrate, and acetaminophen).
To be valid under the Act, a prescription for Schedule II controlled substances must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose by an individual practitioner acting in the usual course of his or her professional practice. In the State of Oklahoma:
- Osteopathic physicians cannot sign blank prescription forms;
- Osteopathic physicians may not dispense, prescribe, administer, or otherwise distribute any drug, controlled substance, or other treatment without sufficient examination or the establishment of a physician/patient relationship; and
- Osteopathic physicians may not issue a prescription for a controlled substance without documentation, diagnosis, and physical exam.
From March 29, 2019, to May 4, 2020, Dr. Bradshaw issued sixteen prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances without documentation, physical exam, or the establishment of a physician-patient relationship with the recipients. This unprofessional conduct was outside the course of usual professional practice and violated federal and Oklahoma law.
On October 17, 2024, United States District Judge Jodi W. Dishman entered a default judgment in favor of the United States and directed Dr. Bradshaw to pay civil penalties in the amount of $400,000, which represents a $25,000 penalty for each of the sixteen violations of the Act. In determining the appropriate penalty amount, the Court considered a number of factors, including the egregiousness of Dr. Bradshaw’s conduct, the risks associated with Schedule II controlled substances, the potential for public harm, and the need for meaningful deterrence against future infractions.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Diversion Control. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda R. Johnson and Ronald R. Gallegos prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney's Office Announces District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—United States Attorney Natalie Wight announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ethan Knight will lead the efforts of this office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.
AUSA Ethan Knight, Cyber and National Security Unit Chief, has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Oregon, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Department of Justice Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“The Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process,” said Natalie Wight, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The Justice Department has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation on Election Day, threats of violence directed at election officials and workers, and election fraud. The department will address these violations wherever they occur. The department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.
The FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. To report allegations, contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or www.tips.fbi.gov.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
If you have questions about the Justice Department’s Election Day Program in Oregon or need assistance directing election-related complaints to the proper authorities, District Election Officer Knight can be reached by calling (503) 727-1000.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
U.S. Navy Reserve Officer Sentenced for Bribery Scheme Involving Department of State’s Approval Process for Special Immigrant VisasRead the Press Release
A U.S. Navy Reserve Commander from Florida was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his role in a years-long bribery scheme involving Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan nationals.
According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, Jeromy Pittmann, 53, of Pensacola, accepted bribe payments from Afghan nationals in exchange for drafting, submitting, and verifying fraudulent letters of recommendation for Afghan nationals who applied for SIVs with the U.S. Department of State. Since 2009, Congress has authorized the State Department to offer a limited number of SIVs to enter the United States for Afghan nationals who were employed as translators for U.S. military personnel. Pittmann signed over 20 letters in which he fraudulently represented that he personally knew and had supervised the Afghan national visa applicants while they worked as translators in support of the U.S. military and NATO; that the applicants’ lives were in jeopardy because the Taliban considered them to be traitors; and that, based on his personal knowledge of the applicants, he believed they did not pose any threat to the national security of the United States. In truth, Pittmann did not know the applicants and had no basis for recommending them for SIVs. In exchange for the fraudulent letters, Pittmann received several thousands of dollars in bribes. To avoid detection, Pittmann received the bribe money through an intermediary and created false invoices purporting to show that Pittmann was receiving the money for legitimate work unrelated to his military service.
On July 12, Pittmann was convicted by a jury in the District of New Hampshire after a four-day trial of conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, making a materially false writing, and conspiring to commit money laundering.
“By protecting Afghan nationals who risk their personal safety to help the U.S. government, the SIV program is essential for the security of U.S. military and diplomatic personnel in Afghanistan,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Jeromy Pittmann, however, used his position of authority over the program to benefit foreign nationals who paid him bribes, falsely asserting that they had served the United States. Today’s sentence demonstrates that the Justice Department has zero tolerance for those who place their self-interest ahead of our national security.”
“This case shows how someone betrayed his sacred oath of office to commit crimes for personal gain, with no regard for how his actions could threaten U.S. homeland security and harm Afghans, who risked their lives to help the United States,” said Inspector General John F. Sopko of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). “It also shows how a U.S. Government investigation — from initial tip to prosecution to conviction — can hold individuals accountable for their crimes. I’m proud of SIGAR special agents and our investigative partners who brought Pittmann to justice, and I hope their hard work will deter others from pursuing similar acts.”
“Pittmann’s participation in this bribery scheme not only jeopardized the integrity of the SIV program, which protects our allies, but also introduced significant security risks to our nation,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our partners will continue to hold accountable those who exploit government processes for personal gain, ensuring that the safety of the public and our warfighters is preserved.”
“Pittmann deliberately chose self-enrichment over service when he violated federal law in his lengthy bribery scheme. He also compromised the integrity of the Afghan SIV system which is intended for those who faithfully performed activities while working for, or on behalf of, the U.S. government in Afghanistan,” said Inspector General Robert P. Storch of the Department of Defense. “The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), in collaboration with its law enforcement partners, is resolved to help bring to justice those who abuse their public office for personal gain.”
“The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is firmly committed to protecting the integrity of all U.S. visas and travel documents,” said Deputy Assistant Director Greg Batman of DSS. “This case is the result of a strong partnership among federal law enforcement agencies and DSS’ global network of special agents working together to stop visa and passport crimes, and to stop criminals from earning illegal income by exploiting U.S. visas, passports, and foreign nationals.”
SIGAR, NCIS, DCIS, and DSS investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Matt Kahn and Theodore M. Kneller of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and DEA Announce Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Task ForceRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and Special Agent in Charge, Jarod Forget, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, announced that their agencies have formed the Maryland Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Task Force (“MFFOTF”).
The alarming rate of overdoses in Maryland has continued, resulting in more than 2,000 deaths from July 2023 through June 2024 – more than 1,600 were fentanyl related.
“This problem demands a reinvigorated, unified response throughout Maryland,” said Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “Devastated communities and families are urging us to do more, especially more education and intervention to prevent the needless loss of life.”
According to the DEA, fentanyl has reached every corner of Maryland. It is cheaper and more readily available than ever before.
The Maryland Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Task Force is a joint local, state, and federal task force consisting of sworn law-enforcement members from agencies throughout Maryland. Led and coordinated by DEA’s Washington Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, task force participants remain with their departments conducting their normal duties and will serve on the task force as a collateral duty when needed. The goal of task force is to raise awareness and increase the number of prosecutable overdose-death cases through proper evidence collection and preservation, while also conducting community outreach to educate vulnerable communities throughout Maryland.
“The threat to our national security posed by illicit drugs extends beyond traditional challenges and directly impacts public health and safety. Every day, the DEA — alongside its local, state, and federal partners — works to preserve the safety and health of our citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Forget. “As you can see, we recognize that it is essential to direct our resources to the most affected communities. This initiative is a clear example of our collective response to disrupt and dismantle criminal drug trafficking networks, both domestic and abroad, and provide training, operational resources, and engage directly with the communities to talk about drug prevention, fentanyl, and how only ‘One Pill Can Kill’.”
As of October 2024, MFFOTF is comprised of 17 state, local, and federal law-enforcement offices:
- Anne Arundel County Police Department
- Baltimore Police Department
- Baltimore County Police Department
- Calvert County Sheriff’s Office
- Cecil County Sheriff’s Office
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Frederick City Police Department
- Hagerstown Police Department
- Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
- Montgomery County Police Department
- Ocean City Police Department
- Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff
- St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
- U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland
- Washington County Sheriff’s Department
- Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department
- Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program
As part of this work, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA created the following: a Public Service Announcement, a training for first-responding law enforcement arriving to an overdose crime scene, and a training for community education and outreach. As part of community outreach efforts, members of the task force have already delivered presentations on the dangers of fentanyl to more than 200 senior citizens across the state, including in Salisbury, Elkton, Hagerstown, Denton, and Prince Frederick.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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U.S. Attorney Appoints Election Officer for the Eastern District of KentuckyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – United States Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV, announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Kate Smith will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Smith has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Kentucky and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Shier said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Shier stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Smith will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 859-685-4884.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (502) 263-6000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Shier said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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Twelve Charged in Lubbock Cocaine BustRead the Press Release
Twelve alleged cocaine dealers we arrested in Lubbock last week, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Eleven of the defendants made their initial appearances Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amy Burch.
Those charged in a 17-count indictment unsealed today include:
- Esteban Renee Garcia, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility
- Rodrick Deone Hall, aka “Dirty,” charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine base, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility
- Leticia Chavez, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine
- Shannon Sainz, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and unlawful use of a communications facility
- Janie Reyna, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility
- Anthony “AV” DeLeon, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility
- Isaac “Ike” Rodriguez, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility
- Anthony McIntire, aka “Ace,” charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility
- Roland Vasquez Gomez, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted distribution of cocaine, and unlawful use of a communications facility
- Rodrick Lamont Bibbs, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base
- Michael Tijerina, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine
As a result of the operation, the twelfth defendant, Miguel Ramirez-Pedroza, was arrested and charged via criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. (His initial appearance in federal court will be scheduled at a later date.)
During last week’s operation, agents searched six locations and seized approximately six kilograms of cocaine, five firearms, and $55,000 in cash.
An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, some defendants face potential life sentences in federal prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division – Lubbock Resident Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosive’s Dallas Field Division – Lubbock Resident Agency, the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, the Lubbock Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Plainview Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Long and Ryan Redd are prosecuting the case.
The operation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCEDTF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threat 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.
Title 16 Defendant Sentenced to 12 Years for August 2023 Spree That Included Armed Robbery and CarjackingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Montello Washington, 18, of Washington D.C., was sentenced to 144 months in prison for an August 2023 carjacking and an armed robbery in Northwest Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
On October 25, 2024, Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced Washington to the 12 year prison term and also ordered three years of supervised release.
Washington, who was 17 years old at the time of the offenses and who had been charged as an adult under Title 16, pleaded guilty on August 16, 2024, to one count of carjacking, one count armed robbery, and two counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence before Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz.
According to the proffer of facts during the plea hearing, Washington admitted that, at around 1:00 a.m., on August 16, 2023, he and another unidentified male accomplice approached the victim, who was returning home from his work shift, at the 5400 block of 9th Street NW. Washington brandished a firearm with a laser sight and demanded the victim’s phone, wallet, and keys. The victim complied, and Washington and his accomplice returned to their vehicle and fled the location. Soon after, at approximately 2:00 a.m., on August 16, 2023, Washington and an accomplice carjacked another victim. The victim was exiting his vehicle at the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue NW, when Washington and his accomplice surrounded the victim’s vehicle. Washington held the victim at gunpoint and demanded the victim’s car keys and phone. Washington drove off in the victim’s vehicle while his accomplice drove off in the vehicle that he and Washington arrived in.
Washington was ultimately apprehended in the afternoon of August 16, 2023, after MPD Falcon pursued him while he was fleeing from police officers in a stolen vehicle and after a subsequent foot pursuit. During that vehicle pursuit, a firearm with a laser sight was tossed from the fleeing vehicle and recovered by officers.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They commended the work of Assistant United States Attorneys Sabena Auyeung and Stephanie Dinan, who prosecuted the case.
Terrebonne Parish Man Guilty of Methamphetamine Conspiracy and DistributionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PERCY HOWARD (“HOWARD”), age 32, a resident of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, pled guilty before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter on October 24, 2024, to federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.
More particularly, according to court documents, HOWARD pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectible amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and 846. HOWARD also pled guilty to possession, with the intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. Lastly, HOWARD pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
As to each drug charge, HOWARD faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to a maximum of life in prison, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. As to the firearms charge, HOWARD faces up to15 years in prison, up to $250,000.00 in fines, not more than three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
His sentencing is set for February 25, 2025.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Houma Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and the Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Offices. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit.
Syracuse Man Sentenced to over 21 Years for Receiving Child Pornography from Multiple Minors via SnapchatRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – William Futrell, age 31, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to serve over 21 years (262 months) in federal prison following his previous conviction for ten counts of receipt of child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, Buffalo Field Office, and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
As part of his previous guilty plea, Futrell admitted that he used Snapchat to communicate with minors from across the country. In some instances, Futrell would offer to pay the minor children to entice them to send explicit images to him, but with no intention of ever paying them. On at least the 10 occasions charged, Futrell obtained, directly from minor children, images depicting the children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Futrell is a registered sex offender with a previous conviction for possession of child pornography in New York.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered that Futrell serve a 15-year term of post-incarceration supervised release. Futrell will be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison.
United States Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the investigation with the assistance of the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the NYSP Troop D Computer Crime Unit. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck prosecuted Futrell 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.
St. Louis Woman Admits Theft of Dead Father’s Retirement BenefitsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis, Missouri woman on Monday admitted misusing $55,000 of her father’s Social Security benefits after his death.
Carmen Needy, 65, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money. She admitted that after her father’s death on Aug. 31, 2016, his Social Security retirement benefits continued to be deposited onto a debit card. Between 2016 and May of 2020, Needy used the debit card to access $55,381 in benefits to which she was not entitled.
Needy is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 30, 2025. Her crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. A defendant’s ultimate sentence is determined by the court and is based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Klocke is prosecuting the case.Smithfield Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Smithfield man was sentenced to 300 months in prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. On July 23, 2024, Jarel Antonio Rayford, age 29, pled guilty to the charge.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Rayford prostituted a 17-year-old minor over the course of several months in 2021. He also took multiple sexually explicit images of her and posted them in online advertisements to sell her in prostitution. Rayford knew the victim was just seventeen and was also in a very vulnerable position, which he took advantage of to continue trafficking her. Additionally, Rayford used physical and emotional abuse to control the minor victim.
“We have launched two Human Trafficking Task Forces to expose and prosecute anyone who exploits North Carolina’s kids for sex or forced labor,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “Our victim-centric approach focuses on stabilizing victims, getting them resources, and helping them through the court process. If you have a tip about trafficking, text 233733 today.”
Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Raleigh Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations investigated the cases, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Blondel and Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-00021-M.
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Sidney Man Sentenced for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Fentanyl and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Isidro Alvarado, age 36, of Sidney, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 28, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Alvarado to 240 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and 120 months on the gun charge. The sentences are to run concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Alvarado is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
From July 2021 to July 2022, Alvarado and others worked together to sell meth and fentanyl in and around Kearney, Nebraska. In November 2021, Alvarado sold meth and a shotgun to a confidential informant (CI). The investigation into Alvarado and his co-defendant revealed he was dealing meth and fentanyl around the Kearny area and sending money from drug proceeds back to Mexico. Alvarado had a prior felony conviction for drugs, making him ineligible to possess a firearm.
Alvarado’s co-defendant, Samantha Miller, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment in February 2024.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and FBI.
Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Witness RetaliationRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Patrick Civitello, age 18, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to witness retaliation, admitting that he assaulted a 15-year-old boy in retaliation for the boy’s mother testifying last year in a federal criminal trial.
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.
Patrick Civitello is the son of Jeffrey Civitello Sr. and the younger brother of Jeffrey Civitello Jr., both of whom were convicted of federal drug trafficking charges following a jury trial in Albany in April 2023. A witness, identified in the indictment as V-1, testified at that trial.
In pleading guilty, Patrick Civitello admitted that on the evening of May 19, 2024, while at a restaurant in Glenville, New York, he observed V-1, who was with her 15-year-old son (“V-2”). At the time he observed V-1, Patrick Civitello was speaking on the phone with Jeffrey Civitello Jr. (who was incarcerated), and Patrick Civitello told his brother that he had just seen V-1 walk into the restaurant. Patrick Civitello then said “I gotta rag this bitch, I gotta call you back,” meaning that he intended to retaliate against V-1 for her trial testimony. Jeffrey Civitello Jr. responded, “Ok run down, but do it away from everyone if you could.”
V-1 and V-2 then exited the restaurant and headed to their vehicle in the parking lot. Patrick Civitello, who was following V-1 and V-2 out of the restaurant, briefly stopped in the parking lot to remove his watch and a cross-body bag. Having placed those items on the ground of the parking lot, Patrick Civitello charged in the direction of V-1 and V-2. He punched V-2 in the head, and continued to punch and kick V-2 after V-2 fell to the ground. V-2 suffered minor abrasions and bruises, including to his head, neck, and hand.
Patrick Civitello, who has been in custody since his arrest on June 13, 2024, will be sentenced on February 28, 2025. He faces up to life in prison and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Glenville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Barnett and Dustin Segovia are prosecuting this case.
Rockford Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for sex trafficking.
TRAVIS THOMAS, 34, was convicted in June of sex trafficking, including multiple counts of coercing and transporting the victim across state lines to engage in prostitution. U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. imposed the sentence Friday during a hearing in federal court in Rockford.
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Rockford Police Department, Hoffman Estates, Ill. Police Department, and Winnebago County, Ill. Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincenza L. Tomlinson and Jessica S. Maveus, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica V. Mallory.
In 2017 and 2018, Thomas targeted the victim, supplied her with crack cocaine that kept her dependent on him, and manipulated her drug addiction to force and coerce her to engage in commercial sex acts for Thomas’s financial benefit. Thomas transported the victim to hotels in Rockford, Wisconsin, and Texas for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts. Thomas also used and threatened physical violence against the victim to force and coerce her to continue to engage in commercial sex. Thomas then kept all of the proceeds and spent it on himself and others, including a new vehicle, gambling, clothing, and food.
In addition to the commercial sex, Thomas also used fraud and financial coercion to take the victim’s credit cards, file fraudulent tax returns and insurance claims in her name, empty her bank accounts, and sell her belongings. The victim was finally able to escape in April 2018, with the help of an individual who took the victim to a hospital after she was severely beaten by Thomas. While at the hospital, a trained nurse identified her as a victim of sex trafficking and called law enforcement.
If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1 800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Previously Convicted for Accidentally Killing a Friend While Shooting a Rap Video, DC Man Sentenced to 24 months for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Robert Theodore Smith, 28, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 24 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm in March 2024, less than a month after he had completed a sentence for a voluntary manslaughter that was committed during the shooting of a rap video.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
On June 7, 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 24-month prison term, U.S. District Judge John D. Bates today ordered Smith to serve 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on March 14, 2024, MPD officers were patrolling on the 5300 block of East Capitol Street, SE., when they approached Smith. One of the officers approached Smith and asked him about the noticeable bulge protruding from the cross-body bag Smith was wearing. Smith stated there was nothing in the bag. An officer stepped toward Smith, who broke into a run. The officer immediately apprehended Smith. Inside the bag, the officer discovered a polymer 80 pistol with a Glock 23 slide that was loaded with one round in the chamber and nine rounds in the magazine.
In 2018, Smith had been making a rap music video when he accidentally fired the loaded gun he was using as a prop, killing his friend who was performing in the video with him. Smith was sentenced to 72 months and five years of supervised release. He was released on February 8, 2024. Soon after, he procured a handgun.
This case was investigated by the MPD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar.
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Port Arthur felon sentenced to federal prison for gun and drug violationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Arthur convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms and drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Jacob Jermaine Alpough, 42, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on October 28, 2024.
According to information presented in court, on October 10, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Alpough’s residence located on West 5th Street in Port Arthur. At the time of the search, Alpough was the only individual at the residence. During the search, officers found two tightly wrapped packages containing approximately one kilogram of cocaine under the dining room table. They also located a food storage container in the kitchen with approximately one kilogram of cocaine. Additionally, there was a semi-automatic pistol laying on the floor of the living room in plain view near where Alpough had been sleeping. The firearm had an extended magazine with 17 rounds of ammunition in it. Alpough is a convicted felon, having three prior felony convictions in Jefferson County for possession of a controlled substance and another conviction for intoxicated assault. As a convicted felon, Alpough is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Quinn.
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Philadelphia Man Sentenced to over 24 Years in Prison and Dominican Citizen Sentenced to 25 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute 36 Kilograms of Fentanyl, Maintaining Two Drug HousesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Gabriel Rivera-Otero, aka “Carlos Vasquez,” aka “Gustavo,” 42, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Angel Reyes-Valdez, aka “Abel Anton Alberto Nunez,” 47, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, were sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III to 293 months in prison plus 10 years of supervised release, and 300 months in prison plus five years of supervised release, respectively, for drug offenses.
In July of this year, after a four-day trial, the jury found the defendants guilty of possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Reyes-Valdez was also convicted of illegal reentry after deportation; upon completion of his sentence, he will be deported.
As proven at trial, on October 28, 2020, Rivera-Otero and Reyes-Valdez met in a parking lot in Philadelphia to transfer six kilograms of fentanyl between them. Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested both men, after recovering the fentanyl from a diaper box on the front passenger seat of Rivera-Otero’s vehicle.
The same day, DEA agents searched two separate Philadelphia residences where Rivera-Otero and Reyes-Valdez stored and packaged large quantities of controlled substances. At the residence used by Rivera-Otero, agents seized approximately 700 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging material, and drug manufacturing equipment. At the residence used by Reyes-Valdez, agents seized approximately 30 kilograms of fentanyl, including numerous brick-shaped packages of the drug and over 110,000 fentanyl pills, as well as drug packaging material, drug manufacturing equipment, a loaded firearm, and over $90,000 in U.S. currency.
Both defendants have prior felony drug convictions in the United States and Reyes-Valdez had been previously deported from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic three times between 2007 and 2014.
“Four years ago today, in a Philly parking lot, Rivera-Otero and Reyes-Valdez met to exchange multiple kilos of fentanyl and wound up in handcuffs instead,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “In all that day, the DEA seized 36 kilos of fentanyl from the defendants, which otherwise would have ended up on the street, with potentially deadly consequences. The lengthy sentences imposed on these repeat offenders ensure that they won’t soon push more poison in our city — or anywhere else, for that matter.”
“Together Rivera-Otero and Reyes-Valdez possessed over 36 kilograms of fentanyl, which is a staggering amount of a potentially lethal drug that has had catastrophic effects on our region and across the nation at large,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “That Reyes-Valdez was deported from the United States on three prior occasions and returned to the Philadelphia area where he was found in possession of the kilograms of fentanyl noted above, over 110,000 fake pills containing fentanyl, and a loaded firearm shows the threat he posed to our community. Both he and Rivera-Otero have earned these severe federal prison sentences.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Ashenfelter and Timothy Lanni.
Peoria Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Multi-Year Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Chad Duane Campen, 35, was sentenced on October 24, 2024, to 135 months (11.3 years) following his convictions for bank fraud (one count), wire fraud (three counts), illegal monetary transaction (one count), bankruptcy fraud (one count), and false statements under oath (one count).
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the government presented evidence that Campen successfully swindled dozens of individuals and financial institutions between 2013 and 2021. During the course of the sentencing, the court heard from several of Campen’s victims who described themselves as “survivors” of Campen’s crimes. Campen pretended to be engaged in various business ventures ranging from farming to the construction of a solar farm. Via this elaborate scheme, Campen obtained loans from multiple banks using each fraudulent loan to not only enrich himself but also to pay off his previous victim. By the time his scheme collapsed, the government showed that Campen had obtained more than $17 million from these banks, of which almost $5 million was still outstanding.
Campen, however, did not limit himself to stealing from banks, he also defrauded individuals. Witnesses, victim letters, and other evidence demonstrated how Campen would pretend to befriend people over the course of years and be welcomed into their families and homes only to steal from them. Campen caused a family farm to have its equipment repossessed after he claimed their equipment as his to secure one of his fraudulent loans. In another instance, Campen offered to assist an elderly man, gained access to his home, and stole more than $50,000 from him. And Campen convinced a family to invest in a purported farming opportunity. The family took out a loan using their own farm as collateral. When Campen’s fraud scheme collapsed, the family not only lost the money they had given Campen, but their farm—which had been in their family for more than 100 years—had to be sold.
Another victim of Campen’s fraud was the Village of Bartonville, Illinois. Campen with co-conspirator Richard Weiss, convinced the Village to extend loans and additional funds to tear down the old Bowen Building in Bartonville. Campen lied to the Village and made promises that he could recoup the Village’s loan and investments through the sale of materials from the building. Campen secured these funds by falsely claiming that he already had buyers lined up for the stone for the building. As a result of Campen’s fraud, the Village lost the equivalent of half of all its property tax revenue for an entire year.
Campen’s co-conspirator in certain acts connected with that fraud, the owner of the Bowen building, Richard Weiss, 62, of Pekin, Illinois, was charged in a separate case in February 2024 with bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, related to his and Campen’s receipt of funds from the Village. He pleaded guilty to both counts in February and was sentenced the same day as Campen to 15 months of imprisonment. Weiss’s sentence took into account his unique personal characteristics and significantly smaller role in the offense. In imposing the sentence, Judge Shadid noted that Weiss himself was a victim of Campen’s fraud.
As Campen’s scheme began to unravel, he tried to use the mechanisms of bankruptcy court to delay his creditors and prevent discovery of his fraud. Campen committed additional fraud in the bankruptcy court by filing counterfeit documents and making false statements in his pleadings and under oath. Campen’s fraud was quickly detected by the professionals with the Office of the United States Trustee for Region 10, who added to the growing investigation of Campen by providing a criminal referral to the United States Attorney’s Office.
A seventeen-count indictment was filed January 19, 2022, and Campen was arrested and detained five days later. Although he has filed several motions and appeals requesting bond, he has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest. Campen entered into a written plea agreement in March 2024, pleading guilty to seven of the seventeen counts.
The statutory penalties for the charges are:
Charge
Imprisonment Time
Supervised Release
Bank Fraud (Ct. 5)Not more than 30 years5 yearsWire Fraud (Cts. 6, 12, 13)Not more than 20 years3 yearsIllegal Monetary Transaction (Ct. 14)Not more than 10 years3 yearsBankruptcy Fraud (Ct. 16)Not more than 5 years3 yearsFalse Statements Under Oath (Ct. 17)Not more than 5 years3 yearsDuring his term of supervised release, Campen is to refrain from engaging in any occupation, business or profession related to the banking industry, including, but not limited to, employment by a bank or any other financial institution.
“The defendant’s repeated acts of fraud caused great damage not only to financial institutions, but also to members of our community, including but not limited to the Village of Bartonville and its taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris. “Our office is committed to protecting individuals and banks from predatory acts like those of the defendant and will vigorously pursue such cases. We are grateful to our federal law enforcement partners, the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Office of the United States Trustee for Region 10.”
“Today’s sentence will go a long way in protecting the integrity of the bankruptcy system,” said Nancy J. Gargula, United States Trustee for Indiana and the Central and Southern Districts of Illinois (Region 10). “We are grateful to U.S. Attorney Harris and our law enforcement partners for their commitment to protect the interests of creditors and the public.”
“Driven by an unquenchable thirst for ill-gotten gains, Chad Campen embarked on an eight-year fraud spree which led to devastating results for those who put their trust in him,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “This sentence sends a clear message about the consequences of greed and demonstrates the resolve of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to follow the money trail and ensure justice.”
“Over several years, Chad Campen defrauded dozens of victims, creating severe economic distress for families and straining resources for institutions that fell victim to his fraud scheme,” said Marta C. Grijalva, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “This sentencing reflects the consequences of actions that caused significant financial pain to not only institutions and communities, but also individual families. That is why IRS Criminal Investigation and its fellow law enforcement partners remain committed to safeguarding the financial security of our communities and holding accountable those who exploit the system for personal gain.”
The case investigation was conducted by the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. The bankruptcy fraud charge was referred for criminal prosecution by the Office of the United States Trustee for Region 10, Nancy J. Gargula. The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. Region 10 is headquartered in Indianapolis, with additional offices in South Bend, Indiana, and Peoria, Illinois. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas F. McMeyer represented the government in the prosecution.
Pasco County Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Steroids and Possession of an Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Mitchell Bunkowske (32, Land O Lakes) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids and possession of an unregistered firearm. Bunkowske faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between January 2019 and June 2021, Bunkowske was a source of supply who sold quantities of anabolic steroids, a Schedule III controlled substance, to customers across the United States. He used the United States Postal Service to mail vials containing different types of steroids to customers, including testosterone propionate and drostanolone propionate. Bunkowske also sold anabolic steroids to middlemen who, in turn, supplied them to other customers, including members of the United States Navy. When federal agents executed a search warrant at Bunkowske’s home in June 2021, they found a large quantity of steroids in a variety of different forms. Bunkowske later admitted that he distributed steroids, that he did not have a medical license to do so, and that he was not a medical provider.
In addition to seizing the controlled substances, federal agents also recovered from Bunkowske’s home an FN Herstal PS90 5.7x28 caliber rifle with a magazine containing 50 rounds of ammunition. The barrel of the rifle had been replaced with a shortened barrel such that the rifle’s overall length was about 20 inches, including a barrel length of about 12 inches. Under federal law, the nature and measurements of that rifle necessitate registration with the National Firearms Registration and
This case was investigated by the United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Owner of Boston Pizzeria Chain Sentenced to More than Eight Years in Prison for Forced LaborRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of Stash’s Pizza, a pizzeria chain in Massachusetts, was sentenced on Oct. 25, 2024 for forced labor charges. The defendant forced or attempted to force six victims to work for him and comply with excessive workplace demands through violent physical abuse; threats of violence and serious harm; and repeated threats to report the victims to immigration authorities for deportation.
Stavros Papantoniadis, a/k/a “Steve Papantoniadis,” 49, of Westwood, Mass., was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 102 months in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay a $35,000 fine. At a jury trial in June 2024, Papantoniadis was convicted of three counts of forced labor and three counts of attempted forced labor. Papantoniadis has remained in custody since his arrest on March 16, 2023.
“Labor trafficking exploits the vulnerable through fear and intimidation, all in pursuit of the almighty buck. That is what Stavros Papantoniadis did when he violated the rights of the people working in his restaurants. He deliberately hired foreign nationals who lacked authorization to work in the United States and then turned their lack of immigration status against them, threatening them with deportation and violence to keep them under his control,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “I commend the bravery of the victims here for speaking out and taking a stand against their trafficker. I hope that their strength to speak out sends a message to others whose rights are being abused that the federal government will not tolerate labor trafficking. The stiff sentence imposed on Mr. Papantoniadis demonstrates that there are grave consequences for employers who engage in this type of conduct.”
“Stavros Papantoniadis exploited and abused his employees, denying them the basic dignity every person deserves. Today’s significant sentence sends a message to employers — employees deserve to work in safety, free from harassment and abuse and exploitative employers will be held to account,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations, New England. “Labor exploitation targets the disenfranchised in our society but we want employees to know that they have a voice and HSI is working with our partners to uphold and enforce labor laws.”
“Stavros Papantoniadis used threats of arrest, deportation, reprisals, and physical violence to ensure his employees worked for wages lower than required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Today’s sentencing affirms the Office of Inspector General’s commitment to work with our law enforcement and Wage and Hour Division partners to aggressively investigate labor trafficking by individuals who enrich themselves through coercion or force,” said Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Papantoniadis forced or attempted to force five men and one woman to work for him through violent physical abuse, threats of abuse, and repeated threats to report victims to immigration authorities to have them deported. Papantoniadis thinly staffed his pizza shops, and purposely employed workers without immigration status to work behind the scenes, for 14 or more hours per day and as many as seven days per week. To maintain control of those undocumented workers, he made them believe that he would physically harm them or have them deported. He monitored the workers with surveillance cameras, which he accessed from his cell phone, and constantly demeaned, insulted and harassed them. When Papantoniadis learned that one victim planned to quit, he violently choked him, causing that victim to flee the pizza shop and run to safety in the parking lot. When other victims separately expressed their intentions to quit, Papantoniadis told one victim that he would kill him and call immigration authorities; and he threatened another worker by telling him he knew where the victim lived. When another worker tried to leave and drive away from one of Papantoniadis’ pizza shops, Papantoniadis chased the victim down Route 1 in Norwood, Mass., and falsely reported the victim to the local police in an effort to pressure the victim to return to work at the pizza shop.
Papantoniadis is the owner and operator of Stash’s Pizza, a chain of pizzerias with locations in Dorchester and Roslindale, and previously had pizzerias in Norwood, Norwell, Randolph (d/b/a Boston Pizza Company), Weymouth (d/b/a Pacini’s Italian Eatery), and Wareham, Mass.
Members of the public who believe they are a victim of labor trafficking or have information about labor trafficking, please call 888-221-6023, Option 5 or send an email with contact information to [email protected].
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, HSI SAC Krol and DOL-OIG SAC Mellone made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, the Boston Police Department, and the Norwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy E. Moran, Chief of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit, and Brian A. Fogerty of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit prosecuted the case.
Own Every Dollar Gang Member Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for 2022 MurderRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MAYOVANEX RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Menorcito,” was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for his criminal activities as a member of the violent Own Every Dollar (“OED”) gang, including the 2022 murder of Anthony Savarese. RODRIGUEZ previously pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy, murder through use of a firearm, and narcotics conspiracy before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken, who imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Mayovanex Rodriguez murdered Anthony Savarese in cold blood. Our office will not rest in seeking justice for victims of violent crime, and today’s sentence sends a message to members of the Own Every Dollar gang and other violent gangs in the city that no one is above the law.”
As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:
RODRIGUEZ is a member of the violent OED gang, a subset of the Trinitarios gang based in and around the Washington Heights area of Manhattan. The indictments in this case charge 24 members and associates of OED with numerous violent crimes, including five murders and 15 attempted murders.
On February 7, 2022, shortly after midnight, RODRIGUEZ attempted to commit a gunpoint robbery of 41-year-old Anthony Savarese on Andrews Avenue between West 183rd Street and West Fordham Road in the Bronx. During the attempted robbery, RODRIGUEZ shot Savarese in the head from point-blank range, killing him.
10 other defendants have previously pled guilty in the case.
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In addition to the prison term, RODRIGUEZ, 30, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah L. Kushner, Kevin Mead, Ashley C. Nicolas, and Alexandra Messiter are in charge of the prosecution.
Orlando Felon Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Xavier Hernandez-Gerena (35, Orlando) to four years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Hernandez-Gerena entered a guilty plea on August 1, 2024.
According to court documents, on July 5, 2022, Hernandez-Gerena was pulled over for a traffic infraction. After smelling cannabis, law enforcement conducted a search of the vehicle and located a firearm in a small black bag, which was open and had been sitting near Hernandez-Gerena’s lap. At the time of the offense, Hernandez-Gerena was a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.
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.
Operator of Unlicensed Virtual Currency Exchange AurumXchange Charged with Federal Money Laundering and Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Maximiliano Pilipis, 53, previously of Noblesville, Indiana, with five counts of money laundering and two counts of willfully failing to file a tax return. The charges relate to his years-long operation of AurumXchange, an unlicensed virtual currency exchange.
Court documents allege that, from approximately 2009 through 2013, Pilipis created and operated AurumXchange to allow individuals to exchange Bitcoin and other virtual currencies for U.S. dollars, and other government-issued and virtual currencies. AurumXchange and Pilipis collected fees worth millions of dollars for facilitating these transactions, including amassing over 10,000 Bitcoin, worth approximately $1.2 million at the time.
Federal law requires that such money transmitting businesses to comply with requirements including verifying customer identities, registering with the U.S. Treasury Department, and filing reports with the federal government, to safeguard the financial system from illicit use, combat money laundering, and promote national security.
According to court documents, AurumXchange was used to conduct over 100,000 transactions, resulting in the transfer of over $30 million in funds. A portion of the funds flowing through AurumXchange allegedly came from accounts held on Silk Road, an anonymous darkweb marketplace that hosted illicit activities including the sale of illegal drugs. Silk Road was shut down by federal law enforcement in 2013 and Pilipis stopped operating AurumXchange the same year.
Over the next several years, Pilipis split up and transferred the Bitcoin and other assets derived from his operation of AurumXchange as an unlicensed money transmitting business to launder and conceal the proceeds of the offenses. In approximately 2018, he began converting the proceeds into U.S. dollars, which he invested and spent, including his purchases of real property in Arcadia and Noblesville, Indiana. He also allegedly realized hundreds of thousands of dollars in income in 2019 and 2020, without filing tax returns as required by law.
“Combatting the criminal misuse of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets is a critical priority for the Department of Justice,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Together with our partners in federal law enforcement, we will continue to work to investigate and prosecute offenders who exploit digital assets to fuel drug trafficking and other offenses, and those who unlawfully facilitate the transfer and laundering of the proceeds of crime.”
Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Indiana State Police investigated this case. If convicted, Pilipis faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine the actual sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys MaryAnn T. Mindrum and Meredith Wood, who are prosecuting this case.
An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Oklahoma City Woman Charged with Forging Signature of Federal Judge in order to Purchase a VehicleRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Indictment has been unsealed, charging AMANDA CHRISTINE DAILEY, 36, of Oklahoma City, with forging a signature of a federal judge and making a false statement to a credit union, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On October 1, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Dailey. According to the Indictment, in August 2022, Dailey filed a petition for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. A year later, in August 2023, Dailey purchased a vehicle from a car dealership, which she financed in part with a loan from a federal credit union. The Indictment alleges that, in order to be approved for financing, Dailey presented a false order which purported to show the discharge of her Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. In reality, Dailey had not been granted a discharge, and the false order she presented included the forged signature of Judge Sarah A. Hall, Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma.
Dailey was arraigned on October 22, 2024, and pleaded not guilty. She was released on bond with conditions.
If found guilty, Dailey faces up to 35 years in federal prison, and fines totaling up to $1,250,000.00.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry is prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
October Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the October Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Lawrence Francis Michael Bady. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Bady, 33, transient, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-340
Paul Jimenez Diaz; Saul Peña Becerra. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (superseding). Diaz, 37, and Becerra, 20, Mexican Nationals, are charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Diaz knowingly possessed more than 500 grams of fentanyl, 100 grams of heroin, and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. They also are charged with maintaining a residence for the distribution of drugs. Becerra is charged with knowingly possessing cocaine to distribute it and possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigation, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy M. Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-323
Kourtney Dawn Haley. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Haley, 44, of Tulsa and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and maintaining a residence to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-330
Joseph Matthew Hough. Domestic Assault in Indian Country by a Habitual Offender. Hough, 48, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with domestic assault after receiving felony convictions for domestic assault in Tulsa County District Court. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa Weems and Stacey P. Todd are prosecuting the case. 24-CR-331
Hilario Lucas Mendoza. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Mendoza, 42, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Dec. 2009. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-332
James Dernest Mims, Jr. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Mims, 26, of Virginia, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. Additionally, Mims possessed a stolen firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-334
Jesse Lane Mitchell; Jacklyn Paige Roberts. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Child Neglect in Indian Country. Mitchell, 35, and Roberts, 32, a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, both of Collinsville, are charged with knowingly engaging in a sexual act with a minor child under 12 years old between Jan. 2023 and Apr. 2024. Mitchell is further charged with coercing and enticing a minor child under 18 years old to engage in sexual activity. From Jan. 2023 through Aug. 2024, Roberts willfully failed to protect and adequately supervise a child. Homeland Security Investigations and the Collinsville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Stephen Scaife are prosecuting the case. 24-CR-342
Brian Scott Perry. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Perry, 46, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria Luster and Matthew Cyran are prosecuting the case. 24-CR-339
Arlando Maurice Williams. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Williams, 25, of Sapulpa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-333
Michael Brandon Williams. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; False Impersonation of an Officer or Employee of the United States. Williams, 43, of Bixby, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. Additionally, Williams was charged with pretending to be an FBI agent. The FBI and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-336
Nicholasville Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Nicholasville, Ky., man, Darren Michael Ruble, 30, was sentenced to 240 months of imprisonment on Monday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for receiving child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, law enforcement received information regarding an individual that was sending money via PayPal, to an account associated with selling and live streaming child pornography. Law enforcement discovered Ruble, a registered sex offender, was the owner of that account. On October 17, 2023, law enforcement interviewed Ruble and he admitted to purchasing, accessing, and receiving images of child pornography. Law enforcement then reviewed Ruble’s cell phones and located over 200 images and 250 videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Ruble further admitted that he was previously convicted of the following, in Indiana: sexual misconduct with a minor (attempt to commit), in December 2015; two counts of possession of child pornography, in July 2014; and sexual misconduct with a minor, in March 2014.
Under federal law, Ruble must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 25 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by HIS, KSP, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violating Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KENNETH TATE (“TATE”), age 43, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on October 24, 2024, by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe, for violating the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, law enforcement conducted surveillance near Tara Lane in New Orleans East and saw TATE, armed with a rifle, standing in the breezeway of an apartment building. The officers saw TATE conduct a hand-to-hand drug transaction, while armed with that rifle. When they tried to arrest TATE, he fled into a particular apartment before finally surrendering. During a subsequent search of the apartment, the police found an American Tactical, 5.56-millimeter semi-automatic rifle anda Ruger LCP, .380 caliber pistol. TATE had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
Judge Ashe sentenced TATE to 64 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Firearm OffensRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ERIC FALKINS (“FALKINS”), age 19, of New Orleans, was charged on October 24, 2024 in a three-count indictment, for violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts.
FALKINS is charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846. He is charged in Count 2 with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D). He is charged in Count 3 with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
As to each of Counts 1 and 2, FALKINS faces up to 5 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least two years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 3, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five years of supervised release. As to each of Counts 1,2, and 3, FALKINS also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, FALKINS was engaged in a drug trafficking conspiracy and, on or about January 24, 2024, possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute such. FALKINS also illegally possessed a Radical Firearms Model RF-15, multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol, in furtherance of his possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Haven Man Guilty of Possessing Loaded Gun While Released on Bond in another Federal CaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found ANTRUM COSTON, 42, of New Haven, guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and with committing the offense while released on bond in another case.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill began on October 24 and the jury returned the verdicts this afternoon.
On September 18, 2023, Judge Underhill sentenced Coston to 37 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for pandemic relief fraud, money laundering, and drug offenses. Judge Underhill ordered Coston, who was released on bond, to surrender for service of his sentence on November 29, 2023.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, on October 25, 2023, New Haven Police arrested Coston after they found him in possession of a loaded Taurus G3 9mm handgun with an extended magazine.
Coston’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including two federal convictions for firearm offenses.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Coston faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and a consecutive sentence of up to 10 years for possessing the firearm while on federal release.
Coston has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Sean P. Mahard.
This case is part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Navy Chief Petty Officer pleads guilty to stealing military equipmentRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy pled guilty today to theft of government property after stealing military equipment he later sold online.
According to court documents, Shawn Claude Crowell, 40, was assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic at Naval Station Norfolk from December 2022 to September 2024. Crowell had access to and was responsible for the inspection and inventorying of the military equipment belonging to the Command.
From at least January through June 2023, Crowell stole numerous government items, including seven sets of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs, or NODs), two Matbock Tarsier Eclipse lenses, and eight NVG battery packs. The value of the items stolen by Crowell was at least $164,646.
Between February and May 2023, Crowell used online advertisements to sell five sets of the stolen NVGs to third-party purchasers for $19,947. On March 8, 2023, Crowell listed for sale the two Matbock Tarsier Eclipse lenses, which are regulated by the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Crowell sold the stolen lenses for $300. On April 1, 2023, Crowell sold the eight NVG battery packs for $500.
On May 10, 2023, investigators with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) interviewed Crowell and searched his vehicle. NCIS recovered one of the stolen sets of NVGs from the vehicle.
Crowell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11, 2025, and faces up to 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Mack Hickman, Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. accepted the plea.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-113.
Monmouth County Doctor Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Harboring Undocumented Workers from IndiaRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, doctor was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for harboring two undocumented women from India and failing to pay taxes on their wages, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Harsha Sahni, 68, of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner to an information charging her with one count of conspiracy to conceal and harbor aliens and one count of filing a false tax return. Judge Castner imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2013 through August 2021, Sahni conspired with others to conceal and harbor two foreign nationals from India, who Sahni recruited to work for Sahni and her family in their homes in New Jersey. Sahni harbored the victims for her and her conspirators’ financial gain and paid the victims’ families in India in exchange for their labor.
Sahni caused the victims to believe that they would be arrested and deported if they interacted with law enforcement. Sahni instructed the victims to tell other people that they were related to Sahni, and Sahni used fake names and addresses in furtherance of the conspiracy. From 2013 to 2019, Sahni also failed to pay certain taxes notwithstanding that the victims were Sahni’s household employees.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Castner sentenced Sahni to two years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $728,327. The defendant must also pay up to $200,000 for specific medical bills.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas; special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso; and special agents of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, New York Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Keith J. Byrne, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Use of Social Security Number to Obtain Louisiana Driver’s LicenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSE GUADALUPE MUNOZ-PEREZ (“MUNOZ”), age 46, a native of Mexico, was indicted on October 24, 2024 for illegally using a social security number to obtain a Louisiana driver’s license, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
MUNOZ faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican National Guilty of Illegal Re-Entry by a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – MAURILIO JASTINTO-JUAREZ (“JASTINTO-JUAREZ”), age 50, a citizen and national of Mexico, pled guilty on October 24, 2024 to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announcedU.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. His sentencing is set for January 21, 2025.
According to court documents, JASTINO-JUAREZ, illegally reentered the United States after being previously removed on December 16, 2022. JASTINTO-JUAREZ was discovered in the United States when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) systems alerted to his fingerprints following his arrest by the Louisiana State Police for Driving While Intoxicated in Houma, La. on March 17, 2024.
JASTINTO-JUAREZ faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Louisiana State Police, and the Terrebonne Sherriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Meth trafficking in Helena sends two men to federal prisonRead the Press Release
HELENA — A federal judge recently sentenced two Montana men to prison for trafficking about a pound of methamphetamine in the community, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced defendant Jordan Jawan Gonzales, 33, of Helena, on Oct. 16 to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gonzales pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute meth.
The judge also sentenced defendant, Troy Duane Hemen, 36, of Butte and Bozeman, on Oct. 15 to four years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Hemen pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute meth.
In court documents, the government alleged that in January 2023, Gonzales and Hemen conspired to have approximately one pound of meth delivered to Gonzales in Helena. Both men were on state supervision for felony drug possession convictions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missouri River Drug Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Helena Police Department and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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Man who sold methamphetamine, firearms with conversion devices, sentenced to 12 years in prisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jamal Rashad Frazier, 32, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 144 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine and weapons with auto-conversion devices.
An auto-conversion device, or a Glock switch, turns a firearm into a fully automatic weapon, allowing the entire magazine of bullets to be released in seconds with one pull of the trigger.
According to court documents, in April and May 2023, Frazier sold methamphetamine and firearms with auto-conversion devices to undercover agents on multiple occasions. In total, Frazier possessed more than a kilogram of methamphetamine. He sold four firearms, two of which had conversion devices, and possessed three other firearms when he was arrested.
Frazier was charged federally and arrested in June 2023. He pleaded guilty in June 2024 to possessing a machinegun and distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced the sentence imposed on Oct. 23 by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer M. Rausch and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case.
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L.A.-Based Federal Prosecutors to Monitor Seven California Counties During November 5 General Election PeriodRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – United States Attorney Martin Estrada announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas F. Rybarczyk and Anna P. Boylan will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5 general election.
Rybarczyk has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Central District of California, which is comprised of the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. In that capacity, he is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “My office will be vigilant in upholding the ability of each citizen to vote freely and fairly – without interference or discrimination. Likewise, election officials and staff must be able to work in safety. We will continue our tireless efforts to safeguard our nation’s elections.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. In the months leading up to the election, the United States Attorney’s Office has been leading a working group that includes county voting officials and law enforcement leaders to coordinate our protective efforts and ensure a swift and effective response to any election-related security issues and threats. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
To respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, DEO Rybarczyk and AUSA Boylan will be on duty in this district while the polls are open.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (310) 477-6565.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov or by phone at (800) 253-3931.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Township of New Hartford to Ensure Polling Place Access to Voters with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – The United States has reached a settlement agreement with the Township of New Hartford to ensure that the Township provides accessible polling places to voters with disabilities. The agreement resolves the United States’ investigation into New Hartford Town Hall’s compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and requires state and local governments to ensure that people with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
Investigators from the Department of Justice surveyed the New Hartford Town Hall and observed physical barriers, including a steep ramp without handrails at the entrance, that make the Town Hall inaccessible to individuals with disabilities.
Under the settlement agreement, the Township is required to make necessary accessibility modifications, including certain modifications no later than October 31, 2024. These modifications include accessible parking areas and a ramp that provides an accessible route to the entrance of the building.
More information about voting and elections is available on the Department of Justice’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.
For more information about the ADA, please visit www.ada.gov, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at https://www.justice.gov/crt/how-file-complaint.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adine S. Momoh for the District of Minnesota handled the matter. The settlement agreement can be accessed at: New Hartford Township Settlement Agreement.