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25 October 2024
Previously convicted Norfolk counterfeiter returning to prisonRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced yesterday to three years and one month in prison for passing counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes.
According to court documents, on at least three occasions from August to December of 2023, Tyree Lamar Shoulders, 33, passed counterfeit U.S. currency. On Aug. 6, 2023, at a gas station in Suffolk, Tyree Lamar Shoulders, 33, used two counterfeit $20 bills to purchase gasoline. On Aug. 30, 2023, at a convenience store in Suffolk, Shoulders used nine counterfeit $50 bills to buy candy and load $450 onto a bank card. On Nov. 13, 2023, at a gas station in Virginia Beach, Shoulders attempted to use a counterfeit $50 bill and two counterfeit $10 bills to buy gas.
On Dec. 5, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shoulders’ residence in Norfolk and recovered counterfeit $10, $20, and $50 bills.
In 2014 Shoulders was convicted of counterfeiting and forging Federal Reserve Notes, and in 2015 was sentenced to two years in prison.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Kang Lee, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Norfolk Resident Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-41.
Preliminary Injunction Entered in Justice Department Suit to Stop Virginia’s Systematic Removal of Voters from Registration RollsRead the Press Release
A federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia has entered an order requiring the Commonwealth of Virginia to cease a program to remove voters from Virginia’s voting rolls between now and the Nov. 5 general election. The court further ordered the Commonwealth to issue guidance to all Virginia general registrars to immediately restore voters whose registrations were canceled because of the program unless those voters requested removal or are subject to removal for other reasons.
The department filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Virginia, its State Board of Elections and its Commissioner of Elections on Oct. 11 alleging that the Commonwealth’s voter list maintenance program, as announced by Virginia’s Governor on Aug. 7, violated Section 8(c)(2) of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) by conducting a program intending to systematically remove ineligible voters within 90 days of a federal election. The court’s order requires the Commonwealth of Virginia to send a remedial mailing to each registrant canceled as part of the voter removal process who has not submitted a request to be removed from the voter rolls and alert these voters that they have been returned to the voter rolls.
The injunction also requires the Commonwealth to ensure that affected voters are notified that their inclusion in the Commonwealth’s wayward removal program does not establish their ineligibility to vote or subject them to criminal prosecution for registering to vote or for voting. The remedial mailing ordered by the court must advise all registrants canceled as part of the voter removal process that if they are a U.S. citizen and otherwise meet voter qualifications, they have the right to vote.
Individuals who are eligible voters and believe that they may have been wrongly removed from the voter rolls as a result of Virginia’s — or any other state’s — systematic removal process should contact the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section through the internet reporting portal at www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents on the NVRA and other statutes, is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the NVRA and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted at www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.
Plant City Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Funds from A University and Charitable OrganizationRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Christina Lynn Morris (46, Plant City) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Morris has also agreed to forfeit $293,202, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense.
According to court documents, Morris worked as a Fiscal and Business Analyst for a public research university (University) with multiple campuses in the Middle District of Florida. She also served as President for a charitable organization (Association) based in the Middle District of Florida. From July 2021 through July 2023, Morris used her positions with the University and the Association to embezzle more than $290,000. Specifically, Morris used her University credit card as well as credit cards issued to other University employees, and the Association’s business bank accounts to conduct unapproved, non-business transactions at various companies, including for the repeated bulk purchase of gift cards.
Further, Morris used the Association’s tax-exempt status to avoid paying sales tax for items purchased with the gift cards and embezzled funds. To make the unapproved, non-business transactions appear legitimate and to prevent her fraud scheme from being discovered, Morris created and submitted falsified documents and made false attestations to the University, and withheld material information from the Association. During the scheme, Morris conducted hundreds of transactions in the manner described above, causing losses of $261,632.17 to the University and $31,569.87 to the Association.
This investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.
plea_agreement.pdf Download Plea AgreementPhysician Charged in Scheme to Illegally Sell Cancer DrugsRead the Press Release
Detroit – A Royal Oak physician was charged in an Indictment for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme to illegally sell and divert expensive prescription cancer drugs, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Joining Ison in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Charged in the Indictment is Dr. Naveed Aslam, age 51, of West Bloomfield, Michigan.
The charges against Dr. Aslam include one count of conspiracy to illegally sell or trade prescription drugs and 10 counts of illegally selling or trading prescription drugs.
According to the Indictment, by early 2019, and continuing through August 2023, Dr. Aslam, a licensed physician, worked with others to buy and sell expensive cancer drugs for profit and with the intent to defraud and mislead. The other individuals Dr. Aslam worked with identified customers interested in buying prescription cancer drugs, and they communicated with Dr. Aslam about what cancer drugs were requested. Dr. Aslam used his access to certain cancer drugs through his medical practice, Somerset Hematology and Oncology, P.C., to order and purchase the cancer drugs from his supplier. He then sold the cancer drugs to and through the other individuals’ company to the eventual customer. During this scheme, Dr. Aslam acquired and sold more than $17 million in prescription cancer drugs, and personally profited more than $2.5 million.
“The safety and integrity of our country’s prescription drug supply lines – particularly for cancer drugs – is an important part of our health care system,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “As alleged, Dr. Aslam used his role as a physician to violate that integrity and divert prescription cancer drugs away from treating patients. My office is committed to prosecuting medical professionals who seek to profit, rather than protect, our health care system.”
“Our agency is dedicated to ensuring that medical providers follow laws designed to protect both the integrity and solvency of Federal health care programs, as well as the beneficiaries they serve,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work closely with our Federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate allegations of fraud.”
"Having the authority to prescribe medication is a privilege that comes with a profound responsibility. Physicians must safeguard against drug diversion,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Dr. Aslam's alleged participation in this scheme not only allowed him to profit unlawfully from the sale of cancer drugs, but it also posed a serious threat by potentially placing these medications into the wrong hands. This breach of trust is inexcusable, especially considering the critical nature of the drugs involved. The FBI is unwavering in its commitment to hold medical professionals accountable for exploiting their positions for personal gain and endangering community safety."
“Introducing diverted prescription drugs into the supply chain and selling them to unsuspecting consumers undermines the FDA safeguards designed to protect the public,” said Ronne Malham, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office. “We remain committed to bringing to justice those who place their personal gain over the health of American consumers.”
“A physician’s ethical responsibility is to their patients, not to selling cancer drugs under the table for profit,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “We will protect patients against fraud, especially from those in positions of public trust who choose greed over public safety.”
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Lievense. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica A. Nathan of the Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Unit is handling related forfeiture matters. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the FBI, HHS-OIG, HSI, and the FDA.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Robert Carodine, 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 25, 2024 in federal court in Omaha for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Carodine to 300 months’ imprisonment on each count. The sentences are to run concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Carodine is released from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release. Carodine will also forfeit to the United States $25,299.00 in United States currency and jewelry and watches that were from drug proceeds.
In February 2022, law enforcement was tracking Carodine’s cell phone location data and observed that his phone traveled from Omaha, Nebraska, to Phoenix, Arizona. Based on an ongoing investigation, law enforcement believed Carodine traveled to Arizona for the purpose of trafficking controlled substances.
Carodine traveled to Arizona to purchase, package, and send narcotics to Nebraska. While in Arizona, Carodine mailed four boxes—two addressed to his residence in Omaha and two addressed to stash house in Omaha. The boxes weighed 39, 23, 37 and 37 pounds, respectively. When the boxes arrived in Omaha, agents obtained a search warrant to search the boxes. Inside the boxes agents recovered various quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The boxes contained approximately 2.28 kilograms of cocaine, 8.09 kilograms of fentanyl, and 47.87 kilograms of methamphetamine.
On February 25, 2022, agents searched Carodine’s residence and apartment. In the residence, agents found cash, a Rolex, cannabis, and two firearms: a Springfield XSD 45 caliber semi-auto handgun found in a kitchen drawer, and a Boomer 44 revolver found in the master bedroom. In the apartment, agents found .45 caliber ammunition in a kitchen cabinet, a drug ledger in the kitchen, $16,499 in cash, 359.6 grams of methamphetamine in kitchen cabinets, marijuana, and another 2,095 grams of suspected cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Ocala Man Arrested for Attempting to Transfer Obscene Material to A MinorRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Nicholas Robert Davis (30, Ocala) with attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. If convicted, Davis faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, during an undercover operation on July 24, 2024, a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent posed online as a 13-year-old girl (UC) and received a message on an online social media platform from Davis. After learning the UC’s age, Davis and an undercover detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, also posing as the minor, had a video call. Davis exposed his genitalia to the detective during the call and, afterward, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the UC. He also sent the UC a video of himself masturbating.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
November 2024 General ElectionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal, Southern District of Iowa, announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Amy Licht will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Licht has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Iowa, 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 Westphal 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 Westphal 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 Licht will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 515-473-9300.”
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 515-223-4278.
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 Richard D. Westphal 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.
North Little Rock Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Bryant Cordell Hart, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Thursday, October 24, 2024, by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
On August 8, 2022, Hart, 38, of North Little Rock, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Hart to four years supervised release. Hart was indicted on December 8, 2021, on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
An investigation revealed that on June 7, 2021, officers from the Little Rock Police Department conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, officers located a Glock, model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol wedged between the driver’s seat and the center console of the vehicle Hart was driving. Additionally, officers located marijuana, two digital scales, and a glass pipe in the center console. During a search of the vehicle’s trunk, officers recovered an extended Glock magazine loaded with ammunition that functioned with the firearm found in Hart’s possession.
Hart is classified as an armed career criminal offender due to his criminal history that includes multiple convictions for attempted delivery of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of cocaine. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Fields.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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@USAO_EDAR
New Orleans Man Guilty of Violating Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LYNDELL MIMS (“MIMS”), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on October 25, 2024, before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to violating the Federal Gun Control and the Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, New Orleans Police Department officers stopped MIMS while he was in a vehicle, detected a strong odor of marijuana and got a search warrant. During the search of the vehicle, the officers found a Diamondback Firearms Model DB15, 5.56-millimeter pistol, bearing serial number DB2907140, a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber pistol, bearing serial number CML528, as well as a third gun in his female passenger’s purse. MIMS was a convicted felon and was not allowed to possess firearms.
Officers also found several types of drugs and three digital scales. The drugs, included 21.08 grams of methamphetamine; 30 grams of a mixture of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl; 2.22 grams of methamphetamine; 4.46 grams of cocaine; 1.55 grams of cocaine; 10.66 grams of psilocyn; approximately 300 grams of marijuana in over 100 smaller bags; 31 Tramadol pills; 75 packets of Buprenorphine/suboxone; 175 Tapentadol pills; 1.52 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture; 2.21 grams of fentanyl; several oxycodone pills; several pills that tested positive for fentanyl; 50.64 grams of methamphetamine; and additional miscellaneous pills.
The federal indictment against MIMS states that he possessed the various drugs found during the search with the intent to distribute them, possessed the firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and was a felon in possession of firearms.
Judge Barbier set sentencing for January 30, 2025. On the drug count, MIMS faces a maximum term of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release. On the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking count, MIMS faces a mandatory minimum of five years up to life, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. On the felon in possession of a firearm count, MIMS faces a maximum term of fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. As to each count, MIMS also faces payment of 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, who is Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.
New Jersey Man Charged for Multi-Year, Multi-Million Dollar FraudRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); Thomas Fattorusso, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”); and Francis J. Russo, the Director of the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), announced today the arrest of ARSEN LUSHER, who orchestrated a scheme to defraud more than 20 investors of more than $5 million between 2017 and 2021. LUSHER was arrested earlier today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, the defendant allegedly solicited investors’ funds by representing that he had a hugely profitable trucking business. That wasn’t true, and the defendant instead allegedly used the funds to run a classic Ponzi scheme, enriching himself along the way. When luck ran out, the victims sustained millions of dollars in losses. Today’s arrest serves as a stark reminder that the illusion of success built on fraud and deceit will inevitably fail.”
FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy said: “For four years, Arsen Lusher allegedly defrauded numerous victims of more than $5 million by cycling their investments to conceal the business’s inability to produce its promised returns, and altered official tax documents to reflect inflated balances in furtherance of this ploy. The alleged empty assurances allowed the defendant to wrongfully haul in funding from investors and selfishly benefit from their losses. The FBI will continue to disrupt and hit the brakes on any investment scheme rooted in deceit.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso said: “It’s alleged Lusher acted with impunity for years, deceiving over 20 investors out of more than five million dollars. He created a ‘get-rich-quick’ scheme, then sold his victims a dream of high-returns on their investment. Instead of a profit, investors were left with a loss of money and of trust. Today’s arrest ensures that Lusher can now be held accountable for his alleged fraud.”
CBP Director Francis J. Russo said: “U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proud to have played an important role in this investigation that resulted in the takedown of an elaborate conspiracy to defraud the United States. This case serves as a great example of how collaborative law enforcement efforts can dismantle nefarious enterprises that cause economic harm to their competitors.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
Between 2017 and 2021, LUSHER engaged in a scheme to defraud more than 20 victims of more than $5 million. LUSHER and a small group of trusted lieutenants acting at LUSHER’s direction solicited investments from the victims, usually by representing that LUSHER had a profitable trucking business that enjoyed delivery and installation contracts with multiple large retailers. LUSHER and his lieutenants typically represented that the victims’ investments would fund the purchase of trucks, each truck costing around $45,000. Through written and signed investment agreements, LUSHER and his lieutenants normally guaranteed the victims that their investments would generate high rates of return over a fixed period—typically between 30 and 40 percent over one or two years. In that way, LUSHER succeeded in raising more than $40 million.
In fact, though, LUSHER did not have a large trucking business. Instead, LUSHER had a small trucking business that performed a small amount of work—less than $300,000—for just one large retailer. The amount that LUSHER earned from his legitimate trucking business could not have compensated the victims and produced the promised returns.
Indeed, LUSHER did not use the victims’ funds to purchase trucks or to grow his trucking business. Instead, for years, LUSHER engaged in a Ponzi scheme: LUSHER paid earlier victims with later victims’ funds. LUSHER also used the victims’ funds to enrich himself, such as by gambling or shopping for high-end goods. In that way, LUSHER was able to sustain his scheme for a number of years. But in early 2021, the scheme collapsed, leaving numerous victims with losses totaling more than $5 million.
LUSHER used fake documents to carry out his scheme. For example, in December 2020, LUSHER caused to be sent to a particular victim an apparent U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation for one of the companies that LUSHER controlled and used to perpetrate his scheme. That alleged tax return was falsified: the accountant listed as having prepared the return did not, in fact, prepare it. And in February 2021, LUSHER altered account balances on an email sent by a bank employee to make it appear that LUSHER’s companies had healthy account balances when, in fact, they did not. Specifically, while the bank employee wrote that LUSHER’s companies had account balances of $8,767.26 and $320.76, LUSHER altered the bank employee’s email before forwarding it to state that his companies had account balances of $1,228,767.26 and $987,320.76 (italics and bold added). In other words, LUSHER altered the bank employee’s email such that the account balances for his companies were approximately 140 times and 3,078 times greater than they actually were. LUSHER then caused that falsified email to be sent to a particular victim.
If you believe you or your family has been a victim of LUSHER’s fraud, please contact [email protected].
* * *
LUSHER, 49, of Millstone, New Jersey, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison.
The statutory maximum penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the IRS, the CBP, and the New York City Police Department.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Rosenberg is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth in this press release, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Naval Captain Sentenced to Prison for Cyberstalking and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – U.S. Navy Captain Theodore E. Essenfeld was sentenced in federal court today to 37 months in prison for cyberstalking and stealing the identity of his former girlfriend.
“Today’s sentencing marks the end of this perpetrator’s reign of cyber terror,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Cyberstalking is not just a nuisance or harmless prank; it’s a serious crime with devastating consequences. The torment this victim endured has profoundly impacted her life, and those who think they can hide behind a screen should know that justice will prevail.
During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Robert S. Huie acknowledged the ordeal of the victim, saying, “I commend her courage and strength for coming forward.”
Essenfeld was convicted by a federal jury in June. During the four-day trial, the United States presented evidence that Essenfeld created imposter Facebook, LinkedIn, email, and cellular phone accounts using the woman’s name, biographical information, and photographs without her knowledge or consent. Posing as the victim, Essenfeld posted erotic and sexually explicit content to the Facebook account, as well as graphic media files or “memes,” many of which were sexually demeaning to women.
In addition to the materials posted on the imposter Facebook account, the United States presented evidence that Essenfeld joined Facebook dating groups using the imposter account and interacted with numerous other Facebook users while impersonating the victim, including “liking” other users’ posts, sending messages with kissy-face emojis, and sending group messages. Essenfeld linked the imposter Facebook and LinkedIn accounts to the victim’s prospective employer by following and engaging with the prospective employer’s social media accounts. He also linked the fake accounts to other aspects of the victim’s life by “liking” posts by her former co-workers, her university, the U.S. Navy, and fitness studios she previously attended.
Over 1,200 Facebook users ultimately became “friends” with the imposter account, including the victims’ former colleagues. The evidence showed that the victim reported the imposter account to Facebook more than 400 times, but Facebook refused to take down the account because it appeared more authentic than the victim’s actual account due to the volume of images and level of Essenfeld’s engagement on the platform.
Even after Essenfeld became aware of the investigation, and he was arrested and released on bond, he continued his cybercrime spree by creating new “fan club” pages on Wikipedia and WikiAlpha, and “fan club” accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube that presented as if they were operated by a “fan” of the victim. Essenfeld used these fan club accounts to continue to post images and content about the victim. Prior to trial, U.S. District Judge Robert Huie ordered that bond be revoked and Essenfeld be taken into custody based on the fan club accounts. At sentencing, Judge Huie found that Essenfeld should be held accountable for the fan club accounts and considered them as relevant conduct for Essenfeld’s sentencing.
“Mr. Essenfeld betrayed his oath to the Navy and has been held to account for his calculated and cruel campaign to stalk, harass, and intimidate his victim,” said Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Carter of the NCIS Southwest Field Office. “Cyberstalking is a felony-level crime that has no place within the ranks and we remain committed to exposing those who torment their victims online.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sabrina Feve and Michael A. Deshong.
DEFENDANT Case Number 23cr0177-RSH
Theodore E. Essenfeld Age: 53 Chula Vista, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1: Cyberstalking – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2261A(2)(B)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
Count 2: Identity Theft – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1028(a)(7)
Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
National Guardsman Arrested and Charged for Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Master Sergeant of the 102 Security Forces of the Massachusetts National Guard stationed in Sandwich, Mass. has been arrested and charged for allegedly possessing and distributing child pornography.
Nicholas Wells, 43, was charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. Wells was arrested yesterday and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, agreed to voluntarily detention pending trial without prejudice.
According to the charging documents, Wells engaged in chats on a messaging application, in which he allegedly discussed his interest in minors and distributed videos depicting child pornography. It is alleged that, following search warrants for Wells’ messaging application account and home, over 300 images and 100 videos depicting child pornography were located on Wells’ phone, along with evidence that Wells allegedly distributed over 70 videos depicting child pornography.
The charge of possessing child pornography provides for a sentence up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. The charge of distributing child pornography provides for a sentence of at leave five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Barnstable and Sandwich Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Monroe, Washington, man sentenced to 10 years in prison for role as “right hand man” in deadly drug distribution ringRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 42-year-old Monroe, Washington resident was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to ten years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Humberto Garcia was convicted in April 2024 following a week-long trial. Garcia was arrested in December 2020 with seven other defendants tied to a drug trafficking ring distributing heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl throughout the Puget Sound region. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones said, “Despite the fact that you had addiction you were involved in distributing very dangerous drugs.” Judge Jones also noted that Garcia was willing to provide a gun to the drug ring boss who sought to use violence to settle scores. “You were a willing and capable participant with loyalty to the drug ring leader,” Judge Jones said.
“Mr. Garcia played an important role in the conspiracy, acting as a drug redistributor, local guide, interpreter, and link to other drug dealers,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “He continued to distribute fentanyl even after learning of a customer overdose death. His conduct contributed to the huge spike of fentanyl overdoses in our community.”
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, Garcia’s car was searched on October 3, 2020, after drug ringleader Jose Luis Ibarra-Valle, 40, asked Garcia to get him a firearm to kill another drug distributor who owed him money. A few weeks later, Ibarra-Valle was stopped returning from a drug run to California. In the car authorities found approximately 10,000 pills that contained fentanyl, more than eight kilograms of methamphetamine, and more than a kilogram of heroin. These drug amounts count towards Garcia’s conviction as part of the conspiracy.
When Garcia was arrested a few weeks later, he was found to have a firearm that matched the one he agreed to provide to Ibarra-Valle during the intercepted phone call mentioned above.
Ibarra-Valle and the other coconspirators entered guilty pleas. Last year, Ibarra-Valle was sentenced to nine years in prison. The remaining coconspirators have been sentenced, with a range of sentences from time served, to over six years in prison. Garcia is the final defendant in this case and the only one who went to trial.
Over the course of the investigation law enforcement seized 16,000 suspected fentanyl pills, 30 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, and six pounds of suspected heroin.
In asking for a lengthy prison sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court, “The wiretap revealed that Ibarra-Valle had excellent connections to sources of supply in California and/or Mexico for drugs, but little to no local knowledge of the drug market or customers here in Western Washington and no English skills. Garcia, by contrast, knew the area, knew the local drug market, and speaks both English and Spanish. As such, he was ideally placed to help Ibarra-Valle sell his product here in this District… Garcia’s possession of a firearm of course increased the danger he posed to the community.”
Following prison, Garcia will be on five years of supervised release.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, Washington State Patrol, Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, United States Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake Stevens Police Department and Tulalip Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi and Michael Harder.
Missoula man admits embezzling approximately $390,000 from credit union, swapping real money for fake currencyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A former Missoula credit union employee accused of embezzling approximately $390,000 from the vault and swapping the real money with fake funds admitted to a theft charge today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Edward Arthur Nurse, 35, of Missoula, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with theft from credit union. Nurse faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Feb. 25, 2025. Nurse was released pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that from about July 2023 to June 2024, Nurse embezzled from his employer, Park Side Credit Union in Missoula. In June 2024, an employee discovered $340,000 in cash in the credit union’s vault had been replaced with fake funds from a company that provides fake currency as props for movies and entertainment productions. Nurse was identified as a potential suspect because his primary role was managing and balancing money in the vault. In the previous seven months, financial records showed cash deposits totaling $117,751, with each deposit for more than $10,000, into Nurse’s bank account. In addition, financial information from a local casino reflected that from March 2024 to May 2024, Nurse put more than $56,000 in cash into the business and cashed out slightly more than $8,000.
After the credit union discovered the thefts, Nurse claimed to an FBI special agent that he did not usually carry much cash and, aside from a vacation to Las Vegas, Nevada, he had not made any recent large purchases or cash deposits. The investigation determined that during the first six months of 2024, Nurse had purchased $410,000 in fake currency from a prop money company and had the money delivered to a post office box in Nurse’s name. The credit union was later informed that approximately $50,000 in fake money had been received by the Federal Reserve in July 2024. Those funds were returned and determined to be fake bills from the prop money company.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI with assistance from the Missoula Police Department, conducted the investigation.
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Mexican Nationals – Brother and Sister – Found Guilty of Kidnapping Victim in Mexico Then Traveling to U.S. to Collect Ransom PaymentRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A brother and sister from Rosarito, Mexico, were found guilty by a jury today for their roles in a kidnapping and ransom scheme in which the brother pretended to act as an intermediary between the victim’s family and the kidnappers while his son and sister crossed the border into the United States to collect the ransom money.
Mario Alex Medina, 54, a.k.a. “Shyboy,” and María Alejandra Medina, 51, were found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking and one count of conspiracy to demand a ransom payment. Mario Medina also was found guilty of one count of making a foreign communication with intent to extort.
“These defendants subjected their victim and his family to a terrifying ordeal in order to illegally profit,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Such callous disregard for others and cavalier use of violence cannot and will not be tolerated. These defendants will now appropriately face justice for their crimes.”
José Salud Medina, 31, a.k.a. “Gordo,” who is Mario Medina’s son and María Medina’s nephew, is in Mexican custody on unrelated charges. He is expected to be tried separately in this case, in which he is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking, one count of conspiracy to demand a ransom payment, and one count of making a foreign communication with intent to extort.
According to evidence presented at a four-day trial, on November 5, 2022, Mario Medina directed and helped accomplices break into the house of a neighbor, identified in court documents as “R.V.,” kidnapping the victim at gunpoint, pistol whipping him and firing a gun near his head. The next day, one of the co-conspirators placed a ransom call to the victim’s family in Los Angeles County and demanded $70,000 for his release. The kidnappers, through WhatsApp, also sent a video of the victim being beaten.
On November 10, 2022, an accomplice called R.V.’s family and threatened to kill R.V. if his family did not pay $30,000. Later that day, Mario Medina – pretending to be an intermediary between R.V.’s family and the hostage takers – told the victim’s family to meet at a McDonald’s restaurant in San Ysidro, located north of the U.S.-Mexico border, to make the ransom payment.
José and María Medina met the victim’s family the next day at the McDonald’s restaurant, collected the $30,000 ransom payment from the victim’s family, and took the money back to Mexico.
The hostage takers on November 11, 2022, then left R.V. tied up and alone in a small, subterranean trench, where Mexican law enforcement rescued him later that day.
United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson scheduled a February 3, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which point Mario and María Medina will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments.
The FBI investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jena A. MacCabe and Derek R. Flores of the Violent and Organized Crime Section, and Michael J. Morse of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case.
McLaughlin Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on October 21, 2024.
Ronald Long Feather, 25, was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Long Feather was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2023. He pleaded guilty on July 23, 2024.
Shortly before 7:00 p.m. on March 9, 2023, in McLaughlin, which lies within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, a belligerent and intoxicated man hurled a plastic snow shovel at Long Feather’s front door, damaging the screen. Long Feather, heavily intoxicated himself, stepped outside and confronted him on the stoop. During the ensuing scuffle, Long Feather stabbed the man in the neck. The man fled on foot to his uncle’s home, who turned him away, opining the blood would scare the children. No one called 911. The man wandered the snow-covered streets of McLaughlin until Good Samaritans rendered aid and called for an ambulance. The man’s heart stopped twenty minutes before reaching the Mobridge Hospital. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Long Feather was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
McDowell County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Carl Thomas Mullins, also known as “TJ Mullins,” 24, of Isaban, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 10, 2021, Mullins broke into a Wyoming County business and stole a Colt model M4 carbine 5.56mm rifle, a Black Aces model Pro Series M 12-gauge shotgun and a Silver Eagle model RZ17TAC 12-gauge shotgun. Mullins later sought to sell the firearms or trade them for drugs. The rifle was later recovered, while the whereabouts of the two shotguns remain unknown.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon and Ryan Blackwell prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-179.
Lynn Man Charged with Multiple Drug Offenses After Selling Drugs to an Undercover OfficerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was arraigned Oct. 22, 2024 in connection to an ongoing investigation of fentanyl counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine.
Ricardo Bratini-Perez, a/k/a “Rico,” a/k/a “Ricofromthesin,” 29, was arraigned on four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analog, and methamphetamine, and one count possession with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Bratini-Perez on Oct. 3, 2024.
According to court records, Bratini-Perez was on probation following his release from state custody on armed robbery and firearm charges. While on probation, Bratini-Perez sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to an undercover officer on three occasions in March 2024 and April 2024. On April 8, 2024, Bratini-Perez was arrested following a fourth sale to the undercover officer. Following his arrest, investigators executed a search warrant at Bratini-Perez’s residence and recovered over 5,000 grams of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Essex County District Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Little Eagle Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating or Wounding. The sentencing took place on October 21, 2024.
Chate Moses Bobtail Bear, 46, was sentenced to one year in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Bobtail Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 29, 2024.
On January 25, 2024, Bobtail Bear quarreled with his brother-in-law at a home in Little Eagle, which lies within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. At police direction, Bobtail Bear decamped. Later that evening, Bobtail Bear returned, kicked open the door, entered the house, and swatted his brother-in-law across the face, who sustained a fractured sinus and a laceration to his knee in the affray.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain serious crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs- Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carl Thunem and Brian Murphy prosecuted the case.
Bobtail Bear was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Life in Federal Prison for New Mexico DTO Leader with Sinaloa TiesRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A New Mexico man was sentenced in federal court today to life in prison for four counts related to his role as the leader of a transnational criminal organization with ties to the Sinaloa Drug Cartel.
According to court documents, Alex Barraza aka Smiley, 36, of Albuquerque, was the leader of the Barraza Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), which was responsible for the importation of methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States for distribution in Albuquerque. Barraza’s DTO smuggled an estimated 720 kgs of narcotics into the U.S., and approximately $1.7 million USD into Mexico.
Barraza was arrested April 9, 2021. He pleaded guilty on April 14, 2022 to one count of conspiracy to import 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; one count of murder resulting from the use and carrying of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; one count of use and carrying of firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
“The life sentence for Alex Barraza is a significant victory in our ongoing battle against drug trafficking and its devastating effects on our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “We are committed to dismantling the networks that threaten our safety and livelihood, and I commend our law enforcement partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the New Mexico State Police, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, for their commitment and pursuit of justice.”
“This sentence proves how HSI can be the worst-case scenario for transnational criminal organizations that smuggle dangerous drugs into our country, and profit from poisoning our communities,” said Jason T. Stevens, acting special agent in charge of HSI El Paso. “By combining resources, authorities, and intelligence with our law enforcement partners, we’re seeking to identify and dismantle these vast criminal networks one by one, proving that every criminal is within arm’s reach of the law.”
HSI and the New Mexico State Police investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Johnston and Andres Ortega prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico assisted with the prosecution.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Involvement in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Alejandro Dominguez Delapena, 26, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced on October 25, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual, 500 grams or more of meth mixture and a mixture or substance containing marijuana. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Delapena to 102 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Delapena’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
Between about February of 2020 and May of 2022, information obtained by law enforcement indicated Delapena was having packages of meth delivered to several residences in Lincoln. It was believed that Delapena received multiple pounds of meth at a time in shipments from outside Nebraska. Delapena is estimated to have been responsible for the distribution of more than 165 pounds of meth mixture during that timeframe in the Lincoln area.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Prince George’s County, MarylandRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Prince George’s County, Maryland, during the early voting period and on Election Day.
The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the department also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Act and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Pursuant to the Voting Rights Act, Prince George’s County must provide voting materials and assistance in both English and Spanish.
Complaints about any possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s internet reporting portal at www.civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents for language minority voters and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Challenge to the Constitutionality of Solitary Confinement of Children in Juvenile Justice SettingsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department filed a statement of interest yesterday in a lawsuit brought in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois alleging that conditions in a juvenile detention facility violate the Constitution. The statement explains that the 14th Amendment protects children from illegitimate or excessive use of isolation in juvenile justice and adult correctional settings. It further explains how placing children in isolation seriously harms them, and how a lack of access to essential services while in isolation exacerbates that harm.
“The federal government recognizes that children are developmentally and constitutionally different than adults and that excessive isolation causes children unique and significant harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Harmful conditions of confinement, including isolation, undermine the very purpose of the juvenile justice system, which is to provide children with rehabilitative treatment so they may return to their communities as productive, law-abiding citizens. State and local institutions must ensure that children in institutions are safe from harmful conditions that violate their constitutional rights and undermine that purpose. We are committed to enforcing this obligation.”
Plaintiffs in J.B.H. v. Knox County allege that the Mary Davis Detention Home (MDH) in Knox County, Illinois, routinely subjects children, including children with mental health conditions and histories of trauma, to prolonged periods of harmful isolation in violation of the Constitution. While in isolation, MDH allegedly deprives children of basic needs, such as education, mental health services, sleep and human contact, exacerbating the harm that children suffer.
Over the past year, the Justice Department secured a settlement agreement with Connecticut to address unconstitutional conditions for children in the Manson Youth Institution, issued a findings report regarding conditions at five post-adjudication facilities for children in Texas and opened an investigation of conditions at nine juvenile justice facilities in Kentucky. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s work protecting children’s rights in the juvenile justice system is available at www.justice.gov/crt/rights-juveniles.
For more information on the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. Complaints about unlawful confinement practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division through its internet reporting portal at civilrights.justice.gov.
Jury Finds Man Guilty of Shooting a Man in Broad Daylight in Northwest DCRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Cornellius Ruffin, 41, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of assault with significant bodily injury while armed and other charges in a mid-day shooting that took place in Northwest in April of 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Ruffin also was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The verdict was returned on October 24, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Judith Pipe scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2025. Ruffin faces a five-year mandatory minimum prison sentence on the charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 12:30 p.m., on April 12, 2021, Ruffin was standing near the intersection of Q Street, NW, and Florida Avenue, NW, when he fired a handgun four times at the victim. One of the bullets fired by Ruffin struck the victim in the left leg. After the shooting, Ruffin handed the firearm to a nearby woman and then fled the area on a red Capital Bikeshare bicycle.
Eyewitnesses to the shooting provided police with descriptions and photographs of the shooter and the woman he handed the gun to after the shooting. Minutes after the shooting, police located and stopped the woman and recovered a firearm from one of her bags. Ruffin was located and arrested by police the following day, on April 13, 2021.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Helfand and Valerie Tsesarenko of the Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Jamestown man pleads guilty to meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Willie C. Graham, 43, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of imprisonment of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that on September 6, 2023, Jamestown Police officers initiated a traffic stop on a car that Graham was a passenger in. Officers located numerous items of drug paraphernalia in the car, as well as a quantity of fentanyl on Graham’s person.
On March 2, 2024, Graham was a passenger in a car that fled from law enforcement officers trying to conduct a traffic stop. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 11.6 grams of methamphetamine drug paraphernalia, and $1,134.00 cash.
On April 30, 2024, Jamestown Police officers located and arrested Graham. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of 10 assorted bank and benefit cards, some of which were issued to individuals other than Graham, a quantity of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and $185.
The plea is a result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleading not guilty on Oct. 25 was:
Matthew Ray Tack, 40, of Florence, on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tack faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Tack was released pending further proceedings. The U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Montana Sex and Violent Offender Registry conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-60.
Appearing on Oct. 24 was:
Francisco Javier Barrera Reyes, 32, of Bozeman and Mexico, on charges of illegal reentry. If convicted of the most serious crime, Reyes faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Reyes was detained pending further proceedings. Homeland Security Investigations and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-20.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Oct. 24 was:
Kaitlyn Marie Smotherman, 34, of Sand Springs, on charges of tampering with a consumer product and acquiring drug by fraud. If convicted of the most serious crime, Smotherman faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Smotherman was released pending further proceedings. The Food and Drug Administration, Drug Enforcement Administration and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-136.
Alyssa Kathleen Zitur, 18, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of stolen firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Zitur faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Zitur was detained pending further proceedings. The Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-151.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on Oct. 23 was:
Michael Shawn O’Neill, 59, of Great Falls, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, O’Neill faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. O’Neill was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Russell Country Drug Task Force and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-76.
Appearing on Oct. 22 was:
Robert Ray Harr-Juarez, 50, of Great Falls, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Harr-Juarez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Harr-Juarez was detained pending further proceedings. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. PACER case reference. 24-57.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Individual on Parole for Robbery in New Jersey Indicted for Two More Robberies in FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jose Rodriguez (65, New Jersey) with robbery, attempted robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
According to court documents, on August 4, 2024, Rodriguez entered a pizza restaurant located in a shopping plaza in Tampa and attempted to rob the restaurant at gunpoint. The clerks fled in fear, and Rodriguez ultimately left empty handed.
Approximately one month later, on September 11, 2024, Rodriguez returned to the same plaza. This time, he walked into a cellphone store and attempted to rob it at gunpoint. During the robbery, Rodriguez directed an employee to the business’s safe in a back room while stating, “Don’t move or I’ll shoot you.”
Two days later, ATF special agents and deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office found the vehicle used during the two incidents. Surveillance of that vehicle identified Rodriguez, and a subsequent search warrant of his residence revealed a pistol—which he is prohibited from possessing due to his status as a convicted felon. That pistol had been reported stolen by an elderly man in New Jersey whom Rodriguez had previously cared for. At the time of these incidents, Rodriguez was on parole in New Jersey for robbery.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
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.
Illinois Business Owner Indicted for Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Chicago returned an indictment yesterday charging an Illinois business owner for not paying employment taxes, not filing business tax returns, wire fraud and making false statements on a loan application.
According to the indictment, Steven Cordell, of Chicago, was the owner and operator of Starfish Transportation Inc., which provided transportation services to students in the Chicago area. He was allegedly responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from his employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the IRS each quarter. For certain quarters from 2018 through 2024, Cordell allegedly withheld taxes from employees’ wages, as required, but did not pay over the full amount withheld to the IRS.
The indictment further alleges that Cordell submitted on his business’s behalf false applications to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) program, two programs created to provide financial assistance to Americans suffering economic harm because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In both, he allegedly submitted unfiled tax returns and provided false financial data. In addition, Cordell allegedly did not disclose that Starfish Transportation had received a PPP loan on the CERTS grant application, as required. The indictment alleges that Cordell received $247,822.51 in fraudulent PPP loans and $598,574.21 in fraudulent CERTS grants.
Finally, the indictment alleges Cordell intentionally did not file corporate income tax returns for Starfish Transportation for 2019 through 2023.
In total, Cordell is alleged to have caused a tax loss to the IRS of over $600,000.
If convicted, Cordell faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for filing a false loan application, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for wire fraud, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for not paying employment taxes and a maximum penalty of one year in prison for each charge of failure to file returns. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Regina Jeon and Thomas Flynn of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Illegal Possession of Ammunition Leads to 15 Year Prison Sentence for Little Rock ManRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—James Kasmire, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
On January 4, 2023, Kasmire, 46, of Little Rock, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Kasmire to three years supervised release. Kasmire was indicted on October 4, 2022, in a superseding indicting on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
An investigation revealed that on October 20, 2020, officers from the Sherwood Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Jacksonville Cutoff Road. During the stop, officers detected the odor of marijuana and observed several open bottles of alcohol in the vehicle. Officers observed the passenger, Kasmire, who admitted there was marijuana in the vehicle, move his left hand near his seatbelt buckle. For the safety of the officers, he was then asked to step out of the vehicle. While conducting a search of Kasmire, officers located a 9mm Luger ammunition round in his pants pocket that he admitted belonged to him.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located in the front passenger seat a bag containing methamphetamine and over 13 grams of marijuana. In between the seatbelt buckle and center console, officers located a Star, Bonifacio Echevarria S.A. model 30M1, PPU 9mm Parabellum caliber firearm.
Kasmire is classified as an armed career criminal offender due to his criminal history that includes violent and drug-trafficking offenses, including multiple convictions for delivery of cocaine, delivery of marijuana, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, conspiracy to deliver cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, aggravated assault, domestic battery third degree, possession of Xanax, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Hydrocodone, and possession of firearms by certain persons. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Sherwood Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie Peters.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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@USAO_EDAR
Illegal Alien Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Armed Drug Trafficking and Unlawful Re-EntryRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Oct. 24, a federal judge sentenced a Mexican national to 120 months in prison for armed drug trafficking and illegal re-entry.
Mauricio Villalpando-Gaytan, 34, previously pled guilty to a five-count indictment, which charged him with possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien, and illegal re-entry after removal.
According to the court record, Villalpando-Gaytan sold and attempted to sell cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer on two separate occasions. Specifically, on Jan. 28, 2024, while attending a local rodeo in Okeechobee County, Fla., Villalpando-Gaytan sold $100 worth of cocaine to an undercover officer. On Jan. 29, 2024, Villalpando-Gaytan was armed with a pistol when he attempted to sell a kilogram of cocaine to the same undercover officer. At the time of his arrest, Villalpando-Gaytan, a Mexican national, had been previously removed from the United States and illegally re-entered the United States without consent.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, and Okeechobee County Sheriff, Noel E. Stephen announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore.
DEA Miami Field Division and Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Breezye Telfair prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabrielle Raemy Charest-Turken handled asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-14008.
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Houma Man Guilty of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TREVON HARVEY (“HARVEY”), age 19, a resident of Houma, Louisiana pled guilty on October 15, 2024, to federal drug trafficking and firearms violations.
HARVEY pled guilty to possession, with the intent to distribute, forty grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of heroin and cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(b)(1)(B), and (b)(1)(C) Count 1 and, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) Count 2.
As to Count 1, HARVEY faces not less than 5 years, and not more than 40 years in prison and, not more than a $5,000,000.00 fine. As to Count 2, he faces not more than 15 years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000.00. He will also be subject to a term of not less than four years of supervised release as to Count 1 and not more than 3 years as to Count 2. He also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.
According to court records, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the HARVEY’s residence and located multiple clear plastic bags with suspected Heroin/ Fentanyl, and Crack Cocaine; approximately $2,137.77 in cash; a stolen Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter pistol, with one (1) fifteen (15) round magazine and ammunition; a working digital scale; two working metal presses; a blender with white powder residue inside the kitchen; and four bottles of Equate fiber powder, used to cut the drugs.
His sentencing is set for January 21, 2025.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, the Houma Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit.
Georgia Woman Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for $30M COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud Scheme and Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
A Georgia woman was sentenced yesterday for her role in a scheme to defraud the Georgia Department of Labor (GaDOL) out of tens of millions of dollars in benefits meant to assist unemployed individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tyshion Nautese Hicks, 32, of Vienna, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date. Hicks’ total sentence includes a penalty of three consecutive years in prison, imposed yesterday in relation to a separate charge of illegal possession of a machine gun prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
According to court documents and evidence presented in court, from March 2020 through November 2022, Hicks and her co-conspirators caused more than 5,000 fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims to be filed with the GaDOL, resulting in at least $30 million in stolen benefits.
“In one of the largest COVID fraud schemes ever prosecuted, the defendant and her coconspirators filed more than 5,000 fraudulent COVID unemployment insurance claims using stolen identities and unlawfully obtained more than $30 million in benefits,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “In doing so, the defendant and her co-conspirators exploited a program designed to alleviate pandemic-related economic hardship to enrich themselves at the expense of federal taxpayers. Yesterday’s sentence underscores the department’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who steal from the public fisc.”
To execute the scheme, Hicks and others created fictitious employers and fabricated lists of purported employees using personally identifiable information (PII) from thousands of identity theft victims and filed fraudulent unemployment insurance claims on the GaDOL website. The co-conspirators obtained PII for use in the scheme from a variety of sources, including by paying an employee of an Atlanta-area health care and hospital network to unlawfully obtain patients’ PII from the hospital’s databases, and by purchasing PII from other sources over the internet. Using victims’ PII, Hicks and her co-conspirators caused the stolen UI funds to be disbursed via prepaid debit cards mailed to addresses of their choice, many of which were in and around Cordele and Vienna. Hicks additionally paid a local U.S. Postal Service (USPS) carrier to unlawfully divert mail containing debit cards loaded with over $512,000 in fraud proceeds to her and coached another co-conspirator on how to create her own fictitious employer account via Facebook Messenger.
In February, Hicks pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Seven of Hicks’ co-conspirators have previously pleaded guilty or been sentenced in the investigation.
“Tyshion Nautese Hicks and her co-conspirators used the stolen PII of unwitting victims to file numerous fraudulent claims for UI benefits with the Georgia Department of Labor,” said Special Agent in Charge Mathew Broadhurst of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG) Southeast Regional Office. “We will continue to work with our federal and state law enforcement partners to safeguard UI benefit programs for those who need them.”
“The sentence received by the defendant is the outcome of IRS Criminal Investigation’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who attempt to defraud various agencies by filing fraudulent claims using another person’s identifying information,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Atlanta Field Office.
“Postal Inspectors will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold individuals accountable for engaging in fraudulent schemes to manipulate the COVID-19 program for their own financial gain,” said Inspector in Charge Tommy D. Coke of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Atlanta Division. “The sentencing should serve as a deterrence and shows that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
“Yesterday’s sentencing underlines our commitment to holding those who exploit federal relief programs for personal gain accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the USPS Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG). “As proven in this case, our criminal investigators along with our law enforcement partners will work together and diligently pursue anyone who attempts to exploit programs created to help legitimate people and businesses affected by the global pandemic.”
“Hicks chose to commit fraud, further depleting limited funds designated to help individuals struggling to survive during the pandemic,” said Special Agent in Charge Frederick D. Houston of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Atlanta Field Office. “She and her co-conspirators also stole the personally identifiable information, caring only about self-enrichment, not the lives adversely affected. This case signifies our commitment to protect citizens and businesses from fraud and identity theft. We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to prosecute those who abuse these programs.”
“Homeland Security Investigations will aggressively pursue those who exploit unemployment benefits meant for those in need, ensuring that justice is served, and resources are preserved for legitimate claimants,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlanta Office.
“Yesterday’s sentencing sends a clear message that those committing fraud will be held accountable,” said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG). “DHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize protecting our country from these kinds of schemes.”
DOL-OIG, IRS-CI, USPS-OIG, USPIS, USSS, HSI, and DHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Lyndie Freeman, Siji Moore, Matthew Kahn, and Andrew Jaco of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the fraud case.
On May 17, 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Gallatin Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for December 2019 Violent Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE - Lazavion Kern, 23, of Gallatin, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison, following his conviction in December 2023, of multiple armed robbery and firearms offenses, announced Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee.
During a three-week span in December 2019, Kern robbed four convenience stores in Gallatin and Portland, Tennessee, taking thousands of dollars from the clerks. As part of the final robbery, Kern repeatedly pistol-whipped the clerk, seriously injuring him. Kern was charged by a federal grand jury in January of 2023 with one count of Hobbs Act robbery for each of the four robberies, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
“Our office is committed to prosecuting violent criminals and to protecting law abiding citizens,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “This sentence shows that if you commit a violent crime in our community, we will do whatever it takes to find you and hold you accountable for your actions. We stand with our law enforcement partners across Middle Tennessee to seek justice and keep our communities safe.”
“This sentence should send a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to keeping our communities safe,” said Joe Carrico, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “This case was another example of law enforcement agencies coming together to combat violent crime and ensure the streets are rid of such callous criminals.”
Kern was aided in each robbery by Antonio Jones and, in the third robbery, by Michael Sanchez Fitts. Jones and Fitts pleaded guilty to felonies. Fitts was sentenced on May 22, 2023, to serve 48 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Jones was sentenced on October 10, 2024, to serve 48 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gallatin Police Department, the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, and the Portland Police Department. Significant assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph P. Montminy and Taylor J. Phillips prosecuted the case.
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Four People from St. John the Baptist Parish, Jefferson Parish, and California Indicted on Federal Drug Charges Including Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JESSICA MARIE PORTWAY of St. John the Baptist Parish, RACHEL PORTWAY and TYLER SALADINO (“SALADINO”) of Jefferson Parish, and JAMES GOTTFRIED (“GOTTFRIED”) of California, were charged in a four-count superseding indictment on October 24, 2024 with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
JESSICA PORTWAY, RACHEL PORTWAY, SALADINO, and GOTTFRIED were indicted in Count 1 for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. If convicted of Count 1, they face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release following imprisonment.
JESSICA PORTWAY, RACHEL PORTWAY, SALADINO, and GOTTFRIED were indicted in Count 2 for Distribution of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and Title 18 United States Code Section 2. If convicted of Count 2, the defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release following imprisonment.
RACHEL PORTWAY and SALADINO were indicted in Count 3 for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). If convicted of Count 3, the defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release following imprisonment.
JESSICA PORTWAY was previously indicted in Count 4 of the indictment for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, fentanyl, and LSD, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C). If convicted of Count 4, JESSICA PORTWAY faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years and up to a maximum term of life imprisonment , a fine of up to $10,000,000, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
As to each count in which one of these individuals is charged, they also face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the superseding indictment, beginning on an unknown date, but at least by August 14, 2023 and continuing to on or about August 29, 2023, JESSICA PORTWAY, RACHEL PORTWAY, SALADINO, and GOTTFRIED conspired to distribute and, possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl, within the Eastern District of Louisiana.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration - Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT), the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.
Former postal manager who stole drugs from the mail sentenced on drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ralph Minni, 55, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge, who handled the case, stated that on multiple occasions between May 2018, and May 2, 2022, Minni used his position as the Greece Post Office station manager to take parcels containing controlled substances, such as marijuana, out of the mail stream and into his private office, remove the contents, and then return the empty packages back into the mail stream. Minni then transported the controlled substances to his residence, where he would store and redistribute the narcotics to other individuals. On three occasions in March and April of 2022, Minni distributed quantities of cocaine to a coworker, who then proceeded to snort the cocaine off Minni’s office desk in his presence. On May 2, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Minni’s residence during which investigators recovered quantities of marijuana, approximately 700 grams of cocaine, approximately 40 firearms, and over 19,000 rounds of ammunition. Minni was arrested that same day after leaving the Greece Post Office. Officers recovered a quantity of marijuana from inside his vehicle, which he had removed from a mailed package and planned to take back to his residence for subsequent sale and distribution.
The sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Modafferi; and the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward. Additional assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Acting Troop Commander Kevin Sucher.
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Former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mission Support Specialist Pleads Guilty to EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Scott P. Knox, 47, of Avondale, pleaded guilty last week to one count of Embezzlement by an Employee of the United States. Sentencing is scheduled for January 6, 2025, before United States District Judge Steven P. Logan.
In September 2023, after 16 years of employment with the DEA, Knox embezzled over $75,000 from a DEA vault to which he had access and control by virtue of his position as a Mission Support Specialist and Account Technician with the DEA in Phoenix. In this role, his responsibilities included safeguarding the DEA Imprest Fund, which is a designated cash reserve for managing recurring DEA expenses, including operational funds utilized by agents in the field. Knox admitted that he deliberately stole $75,546 in cash from the Imprest Fund secure room. Knox attempted to conceal his actions from the DEA, but his embezzlement was uncovered during an internal audit the DEA conducted in March 2024.
A conviction for Embezzlement by an Employee of the United States carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, and a term of three years of supervised release.
The United States Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Brook, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-24-01559-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-145_Knox# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Former Bainbridge Island, Washington, resident fails to appear for sentencing in $10.7 million fraud schemeRead the Press Release
Defendant was found deceased
Seattle – Stephen Baird, 69, the former CEO of S-Ray, Inc., is now a wanted man for failing to show up for sentencing in U.S. District Court in Seattle announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Baird formerly of Bainbridge Island, Washington, defrauded investors by making false statements about S-Ray’s product development and falsely claiming the company had obtained FDA authorization to market a dental device. Baird was indicted in February 2023 and pleaded guilty in May 2024. His failure to appear means he may face additional prison time for violating his appearance bond. Judge Richard A. Jones issued a warrant for his arrest.
If anyone is aware of his whereabouts, they are asked to contact the FBI at 206-622-0460 and ask for the duty agent.
Baird’s scheme began in 2012 and defrauded some 200 investors of $10.75 million. Baird told investors their funds would be used to bring a product to market, but Baird instead used more than half of investors’ money—at – some $5.7 million – for his and his family’s personal expenses, including to purchase a luxury car and a waterfront house on Bainbridge Island.
Many of the investors were in court today, ready to speak about the web of lies Baird told to take their money. Some investors lost their entire retirement savings, the college tuitions for their children and grandchildren, and for one 94-year-old investor the loss means choosing between medications and other daily needs.
The United States Attorney’s Office is seeking forfeiture of a ranch property in Terrebonne, Oregon that Baird purchased using proceeds of the fraud. The Court has entered a preliminary order of forfeiture with respect to this property.
The case is being investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson and Jehiel Baer, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M. Ly.
Foreign National Convicted of Conspiring to Export US-Made Drill Rigs to Iran in Violation of US Sanctions LawsRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, yesterday of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), attempted unlawful export of goods from the United States to Iran without a license, attempted smuggling goods from the United States, submitting false or misleading export information, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
“The defendant schemed to unlawfully export U.S.-origin mining drills to Iran, while deceiving his employer into believing that they were being sent to Iraq,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This conviction affirms the Justice Department’s resolve to disrupt and hold accountable those who evade our sanctions against Iran, wherever in the world they may be.”
“As this verdict makes clear, no matter how hard you try to obfuscate your scheme to send restricted U.S. items to Iran, we will work tirelessly to bring your conduct to light and ensure you face justice,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “We take action whenever we uncover attempts to evade our sanctions, especially when those efforts are designed to support adversaries like Iran.”
“Efforts to conceal impermissible transactions and circumvent imposed sanctions represent a threat to both the United States economic and national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida. “Today’s verdict demonstrates our collective resolve to hold those who violate regulatory restrictions accountable for their criminal conduct.”
According to evidence presented at trial, Assi was a Middle East-based salesman of a multinational heavy machinery manufacturer with a U.S.-based subsidiary and production plant located in northern Florida. Assi conspired with individuals affiliated with Sakht Abzar Pars Co. (SAP-Iran), based in Tehran, Iran, to export U.S.-made heavy machinery indirectly to Iran without first obtaining the required licenses from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Assi and his Iranian co-conspirators orchestrated the scheme by locating an Iraq-based distributor to serve as the forward-facing purchaser of two U.S.-origin blasthole drills from the U.S. subsidiary of Assi’s employer. The drills are a type of heavy machinery used to create holes in the ground that are then filled with controlled explosives for mining.
Assi facilitated the sale of the drills and attempted to export them to Iran and used freight forwarding companies to ship the heavy equipment from the U.S. to Turkey. In doing so, Assi concealed any Iranian involvement in the transaction from his employer, claiming the drills were ultimately destined for use in Iraq. But in truth, Assi intended for his Iranian co-conspirators to transship or reexport those items from Turkey to Iran, in circumvention of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.
In furtherance of the conspiracy, Assi concealed his activities with his Iranian co-conspirators by causing false information to be entered into the Automated Export System (AES), a U.S.-government database containing information about exports from the United States. The U.S.-based plant hired a U.S. freight forwarder to arrange the drill’s export from the United States to Iraq. As part of the shipping process, the freight forwarder submitted information to AES about the shipment, including the ultimate consignee’s name and the ultimate delivery destination. Assi misled his employer by claiming that the Iraqi distributor was the ultimate consignee, and that the ultimate delivery destination was Iraq. In fact, Assi knew that his coconspirators in Iran were the true intended recipients, and Iran was the ultimate intended delivery destination.
In furtherance of the illicit transaction, Assi and his coconspirators caused the transfer of approximately $2.7 million from Turkey to pass through the United States.
Sentencing for Brian Assi is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025.
The BIS is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Grogan and Harley W. Ferguson for the Northern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
Federal prosecutors stand ready to address voting rights concerns or election fraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Assistant U.S. Attorneys will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) in connection with early voting in Texas, which runs through Nov. 1, and the upcoming Nov. 5 general election, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Civil Chief Daniel Hu has been appointed to serve as the election officer for civil matters, while Deputy Criminal Chief Sharad Khandelwal is the criminal election officer. In their capacities, both are responsible for overseeing the SDTX’s handling of election related complaints related to voting rights, such as limiting access to the polls, threats of violence to election officials or staff and election fraud.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said Hamdani. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. My office 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).
“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy,” said Hamdani. “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, Khandelwal and Hu will be on duty in this district while the polls are open and can be reached at 713-567-9345 and 713-567-9518, respectively.
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 main number in Houston is 713-693-5000, while South Texas residents can contact the San Antonio office at 210-225-6741.
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.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” said Hamdani. “It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to DOJ.”
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.
Federal Government Employee Sentenced for Conspiring to Defraud Local Agencies to Benefit His Private CompanyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ifediora Oli, an employee of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for conspiring with two local government officials to defraud the District of Columbia and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) of money, property, and their employees’ honest services. As a result of the conspiracy, a private company owned and operated by Oli improperly received over $1 million.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, Inspector General Michelle A. Zamarin of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Office of Inspector General, and Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas of the D.C. Office of the Inspector General.
Oli, 41 of Silver Spring, Maryland, pleaded guilty on July 8, 2024, to a criminal information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit money, property, and honest services wire fraud, and one count of falsifying records. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan ordered Oli to serve three years of supervised release, to forfeit a Mercedes sedan he purchased with proceeds of the crime, and to pay restitution in the amount of $100,000 to the District of Columbia and $50,000 to WMATA.
In a related case, co-defendant Bridgette Crowell, who had pleaded guilty to conspiring with Oli to defraud the District and WMATA, was sentenced October 21, 2024, to seven months in prison and two years of supervised release. Crowell was also ordered to forfeit a car she obtained with proceeds of the conspiracy and to pay $100,000 in restitution. Another co-defendant, Obinna Ogbu, will be sentenced on October 28.
According to court documents, during the conspiracy—which was carried out between 2018 and 2023—Oli was employed at USDA while separately acting as the Principal of Highbury Global Group, Inc. (Highbury). Ogbu was employed at WMATA as an information technology (IT) customer support manager who sometimes also served as a WMATA contracting officer’s technical representative (COTR) on certain WMATA contracts. Crowell was a public employee who managed contracts at the District’s Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) and, before that, WMATA.
Beginning in 2018, Oli and Ogbu agreed to use Ogbu’s official position and connection to Crowell to steer funds from WMATA IT-related contracts to Highbury. As part of the conspiracy, Oli and Ogbu agreed to commit bribery. Specifically, Oli and Ogbu agreed that Oli would give Ogbu things of value in exchange for Ogbu misusing his position at WMATA to benefit Oli. By 2023, Oli and Highbury had received nearly $500,000 through this corrupt scheme.
Crowell also misused her official position at OCP and agreed with Oli to commit bribery as part of the conspiracy. In January 2021, OCP began the process of helping the District’s Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) hire a vendor to provide DFS with COVID-19 testing supplies. In her official capacity at OCP, Crowell managed the contract solicitation, offer, and award. Crowell alerted Oli and Ogbu to the contracting opportunity; provided them with non-public information about the solicitation, including information regarding contract pricing; and steered the contract to Highbury. The District ultimately paid Highbury over $630,000 under the contract. In return, Oli paid Ogbu over $100,000 and instructed Ogbu to give $15,000 of the money in cash to Crowell in exchange for her corrupt acts.
Crowell and Ogbu further abused Crowell’s position at OCP to benefit a private company, the Nupath Company, that Ogbu operated with Crowell’s support. Between 2021 and 2023, Crowell misused her position at OCP to identify lucrative government contracts for Nupath. She then shared nonpublic pricing information with Ogbu and the two worked to finalize Nupath bids on the contracts. Through this corrupt arrangement, Crowell helped Nupath obtain a nearly $850,000 contract to provide the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with assistance carrying out pre-employment suitability background investigations for officer candidates. Crowell also misused her position to get Nupath a $27,000 contract to provide MPD with certain equipment. In exchange, Ogbu shared the Nupath profits with Crowell and gave her things of value, such as $10,000 in cash per month, a new car, luxury vacations, and assistance with closing costs for a new home.
Oli also pleaded guilty to unlawfully falsifying an annual financial disclosure record related to his USDA employment. As a USDA employee, Oli was required to complete an annual “Confidential Financial Disclosure Report” on a U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) form referred to as the “OGE Form 450.” Oli admitted that he repeatedly falsified his annual OGE Form 450 filings to hinder the USDA’s ability to identify, investigate, and assess his activities with Highbury and any conflict of interests they may have caused.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office with the WMATA Office of the Inspector General, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Mid-Atlantic Region and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Visser of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
24cr0275
El Departamento de Justicia monitoreará el cumplimiento con las leyes federales de derechos electorales en Prince George’s County, MarylandRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que monitoreará el cumplimiento con las leyes federales electorales en Prince George’s County, Maryland, durante el período de votación temprana y en el día de las elecciones.
El Departamento de Justicia hace cumplir las leyes federales de derechos electorales que protegen el derecho de acceso a las urnas de todos los ciudadanos. La División envía personal del departamento periódicamente a monitorear elecciones en comunidades a través de todo el país. Además, la División envía observadores federales de la Oficina de Administración de Personal de EE. UU. según autorizado por una orden judicial federal.
La Sección de Votación de la División de Derechos Civiles, junto con las Oficinas de los Fiscales Federales, vela por el cumplimiento de las leyes federales civiles que protegen el derecho al voto, incluyendo la Ley del Derecho al Voto, la Ley Nacional de Inscripción de Votantes, la Ley Ayudemos a Estados Unidos a Votar, la Ley de Derechos Civiles y la Ley de Votación para los Uniformados y los Ciudadanos en el Extranjero. De acuerdo con la Ley del Derecho al Voto, Prince George’s County debe proporcionar materiales y asistencia electoral tanto en inglés como en español.
Denuncias sobre posibles vulneraciones a las leyes electorales federales pueden presentarse mediate el formulario en línea de la División de Derechos Civiles en https://civilrights.justice.gov/ o por teléfono al (800) 253-3931. Información adicional sobre la votación y las elecciones, incluyendo las Protecciones electorales para los ciudadanos con dominio limitado del inglés Sección 203 de la Ley de Derecho al Voto y otros recursos, está disponible en www.justice.gov/crt/voting/. Aprenda más sobre la Ley del Derecho al Voto y otras leyes federales electorales en www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
East Bay Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Freddie Lee Davis III, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, was sentenced to 24 months and a day in federal prison. The sentence was handed down on Oct. 24, 2024, by the Hon. Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, United States District Judge. Davis’ co-defendant, Sene Malepeai, also pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, and has yet to be sentenced.
Davis and Malepeai, both 27, were charged by criminal complaint on June 30, 2023. Davis was remanded to federal custody on Aug. 31, 2023, and has remained in custody since then. Both defendants were charged by superseding information on July 19, 2024, with one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
The criminal complaint describes that on June 17, 2021, officers responded to a report of a robbery in the parking lot of a Costco in San Leandro. The victim of the robbery was an Asian female (identified in the complaint as “Q.D.”). The robbery took place in the store’s parking lot after the victim exited Costco. As she was walking to her vehicle, a car drove alongside Q.D. and an individual reached out of a window and grabbed hold of her purse from the moving car. Q.D. held onto her purse and was dragged the width of several cars. The car then sped away and Q.D. let go of her purse and fell to the ground, resulting in bodily injuries, including abrasions to her leg and swelling on her hand. Several witnesses heard Q.D. scream, heard her body hit the asphalt, and saw a black Honda speed away from the incident. Surveillance cameras revealed that the car had a license plate number registered to Davis.
On Aug. 1, 2024, Davis pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. In Davis’ plea agreement, he acknowledged this robbery and admitted that he received some of the stolen items, including Q.D.’s MasterCard credit card. Davis further admitted that days after the robbery, he knowingly and unlawfully possessed the credit card knowing it belonged to Q.D., and possessed it in relation to a violation of wire fraud. In particular, he and co-defendant Malepeai used Q.D.’s credit card, while misrepresenting Malepeai as the lawful user of the credit card, to fraudulently purchase merchandise at a shoe store in San Leandro and make a number of other fraudulent purchases.
In addition to sentencing Davis to 24 months and a day in federal prison, Judge Gonzalez Rogers ordered him to pay restitution in an amount to be determined and to serve three years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed.
“Community members should be able to live their lives without fear of being robbed and having items stolen from them used fraudulently,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. “We will vigorously prosecute these crimes and make sure that defendants like Mr. Davis face serious consequences for their misconduct.”
On Sept. 17, 2024, Davis’ co-defendant Malepeai also pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Malepeai admitted that, on the day of the robbery, she was a passenger in a vehicle with three other individuals. As detailed in Malepeai’s plea agreement, earlier that day, the three other occupants of the vehicle had discussed “going to Chinatown to rob Asian women with purses or jewelry.” They first drove to Chinatown to look for Asians with purses, then went to the parking lot of a retail store, and eventually ended up at a Costco in San Leandro. Two of the occupants in the vehicle had previously stated that they “preferred robbing Asians because they thought they have more money, and because Asians are ‘easy targets’ who don’t fight back,” according to Malepeai’s plea agreement. After the robbery, the three other occupants of the vehicle divided up the stolen goods from Q.D.’s purse, including cash, credit cards, a checkbook, and two cell phones, as Malepeai admitted. Malepeai further admitted to using Q.D.’s credit card, while misrepresenting herself as the lawful user of the credit card, to fraudulently purchase merchandise at a shoe store in San Leandro and make a number of other fraudulent purchases.
Malepeai’s next hearing before Judge Gonzalez Rogers is set for Nov. 7, 2024.
The mandatory minimum penalty for aggravated identity theft is two years in prison, and the maximum statutory penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison. However, any sentence following a conviction is imposed by a court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp.
Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Cheng and Molly Priedeman are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Mimi Lam. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the San Leandro Police Department.
Davenport Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced yesterday to eight years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
According to public court documents, in November 2023, Marcell Alexander Kirk, 23, ran from police. During the foot chase, Kirk discarded a loaded handgun. When apprehended, Kirk was found in possession of approximately 140 grams of marijuana.
As a felon, Kirk is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. In 2020, Kirk was convicted of criminal gang participation, in the Iowa District Court for Scott County.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Kirk will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department.
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.
DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. On Saturday, October 26th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) will provide the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Location information is available from the DEA, along with items that cannot be accepted. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
This October’s event is DEA’s 27thnationwide event since its inception 14 years ago. Last spring, Americans turned in nearly 670,136 pounds of prescription drugs at nearly 4,869 sites operated by the DEA and 4,607 from its state and local law enforcement partners.
The DEA will now accept vaping devices and cartridges at any of its drop-off locations during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It is important to note that DEA cannot accept devices containing lithium-ion batteries. If batteries cannot be removed prior to drop-off, DEA encourages individuals to consult with stores that recycle lithium-ion batteries. Concerns have been raised across the United States over illnesses and deaths caused by vaping and the high youth vaping initiation rates. To support a healthy lifestyle and energetic population, especially among America’s youth, DEA is committed to doing all it can to help safely dispose of vaping devices and substances.
The DEA’s “Take Back” day and “Get Smart About Drugs” initiatives address the vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses because of these drugs. Synthetic opioids, such as illicit fentanyl, are the primary driver of the increase in overdose deaths. For information on DEA’s “Take Back” in Spanish, click here, or for more information on the “Get Smart About Drugs” publication, click for English or Spanish.
In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there are many other ways to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs every day, including the 11,000 authorized collectors that are available all year long. For more information, visit DEA’s year-round collection site locator. Participating in the next DEA Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26th, simply means cleaning out your medicine cabinet or anywhere you keep unused, unwanted, or expired medications and dropping them off at your nearest collection site. For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 26th Take Back day event, go to DEA Drug Take Back event or by calling 800-882-9539.
The FDA also provides information on how to properly dispose of prescription drugs. More information is available here: English or Spanish.
###Customs and Border Protection Officer Sentenced for Receiving Bribes to Allow Drug-Laden Vehicles and Unauthorized Immigrants to Enter the U.S.Read the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Leonard Darnell George was sentenced in federal court today to 23 years in prison for accepting bribes to allow unauthorized migrants and vehicles containing methamphetamine and other illicit drugs to pass through the border into the U.S.
“What’s important to remember about the story of Leonard George is that his corruption was discovered and defeated.” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Our commitment to the integrity of the badge brought justice to a corrupt officer in this case who will spend decades behind bars.”
“Public corruption as in this case is the betrayal of trust that erodes the foundation of the very principals of law enforcement and undermines the public’s perception of those held to a higher standard,” said Shawn Gibson, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “Today’s sentencing is a result of HSI’s commitment to investigating transnational criminal organizations and holding all individuals that aid these criminals accountable for their actions. The success of this multiagency investigation is due to everyone’s commitment of honor and integrity.”
“Mr. George should have used his position of authority and trust to protect the United States; however, he used it for his own financial gain,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “The entire law enforcement profession is tarnished when an officer betrays the oath to protect and serve. The FBI will always vigorously and relentlessly investigate anyone who violates that sacred oath.”
“CBP does not tolerate misconduct within its ranks,” said Special Agent in Charge Elizabeth Cervantes of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, San Diego Field Office. “OPR’s efforts in this case and this latest court decision are a testament to CBP’s commitment to preserving the honor of its overwhelmingly professional workforce, and to its core values of Vigilance, Integrity, and Service to country.”
Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., said, “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that federal employees who violate the law will be held accountable. DHS Office of Inspector General is grateful for our continued partnership with our law enforcement partners as we fight corruption along the Southern Border.”
During the trial, several witnesses testified that George agreed to allow drug-laden vehicles to enter the U.S. through his lane in late 2021. George would notify members of a drug trafficking organization when he was at work, what lane he was on, and that they had one hour to reach his lane. However, in February 2022, after an alert placed by law enforcement agents on a suspected drug smuggling vehicle was flagged entering George’s Lane, George was forced to send the vehicle to secondary inspection, later revealing approximately 222 pounds of methamphetamine.
Undeterred, George allowed a second drug-laden vehicle affiliated with the drug trafficking organization and traveling directly behind the flagged vehicle to enter the U.S. with over 200 pounds of drugs. Text messages sent by George the following day reveal he received approximately $13,000 for the vehicle he allowed to enter the U.S. On the same day he received his bribe payment, George purchased a 2020 Cadillac CT5 for an associate of the drug trafficking organization as a gift. George delivered the Cadillac CT5 to the associate in Ensenada on Valentine’s Day.
Over the course of six months, George continued to allow vehicles containing undocumented individuals to enter the U.S. through his lane. George repeatedly omitted passengers and the true names of drivers coming through his lane, instead entering the names of others to conceal his criminal activities. Law enforcement agents and prosecutors identified approximately 19 crossings associated with the criminal organizations during the six-month time period. Text messages confirmed George agreed to allow vehicles through his lane for $17,000 per vehicle, $34,000 for two vehicles, $51,000 for three vehicles, or $65,000 for four vehicles. One text message confirmed that George received $68,000 after he allowed four vehicles from one organization to enter his lane in June 2022.
Testimony from a witness confirmed that George purchased vehicles, motorcycles, and jewelry with the proceeds of his illicit activities. Additionally, on George’s days off, he travelled to Tijuana to visit Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club where he spent approximately $5,000 per trip. He would stand on the second level of the club and throw cash over the balcony to the dancers below, “showering” them with money. He would also buy bottles of alcohol, and occasionally gifts, for dancers.
The extent of George’s relationship with traffickers revealed itself when prosecutors admitted a photograph of one of George’s trafficking associates taking a selfie in George’s CBP uniform jacket.
The case was tried and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bianca Calderon-Peñaloza, Brandon J. Kimura and Michael G. Wheat.
DEFENDANT Case Number 23CR1291
Leonard Darnell George Age: 42 San Diego
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Receiving Bribe by Public Official – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 201
Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison
Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances – Title 21 U.S.C., Sections 952, 960, 963
Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum
Bringing in Certain Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 18 U.S.C., Section 371, Title 8 U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii)
Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison
Bringing in Certain Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 18 U.S.C., Section 371, Title 8 U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii)
Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG)
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Customs and Border Protection – Office of Professional Responsibility (CBP OPR)
Colorado man convicted of attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activityRead the Press Release
Gabriel Estrada, 30, of Denver, Colorado, was convicted by a federal jury for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. The four-day trial was held before U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson.
According to trial evidence, Estrada used a chat app to meet up with a 13-year-old persona for sexual intercourse. An undercover agent posed as a 13-year-old female, living in Laramie, Wyoming. Estrada messaged the 13-year-old persona asking if she would have sex with him. He went on to ask the 13-year-old persona if she had any friends that would like to join them in the sexual encounter and asked about her sexual experience. Estrada then drove the two hours from his home to Laramie after confirming the minor would engage in other sexual acts with him. Estrada arrived at the location, along with other physical evidence indicative of his intent to engage in sexual acts with the minor and an iPhone. The iPhone contained the text messages to the 13-year-old persona. Estrada testified that he made the decision to drive from his apartment in Denver to Laramie, even after the minor told him her age. Estrada said he did not believe she was actually 13.
Sentencing has been set for Jan. 13, 2025. Estrada faces 10 years to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, five years to life supervised release and a $100 special assessment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors in both cases.
This crime was investigated by the Laramie Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold.
Case No. CR-24-00033
Clarkston Woman Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Embezzling over Three Million Dollars from Former EmployerRead the Press Release
DETROIT- A Clarkston woman was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for wire fraud arising out of an embezzlement scheme targeting her former employer, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Joining Ison in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cheyvoryea Gibson.
Sally Lynn Elmore, 56, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to one count of wire fraud arising from a scheme to defraud her former employer that resulted in over $3 million in losses. In addition to the 3 years’ imprisonment, United States District Judge Brandy R. McMillion ordered Elmore to pay $2.2 million in restitution to her victims and to pay a $3.2 million forfeiture money judgment.
According to Court documents, from April 2019 to December 2022, Elmore abused her position of trust and used her access to the payroll and banking systems of her employer to execute a scheme to fraudulently direct electronic payments—in the form of salary, bonuses, and expense reimbursements that she knew she was not entitled to receive—from her employer’s bank account to her personal bank accounts. In order to conceal her fraud, Elmore prepared and presented falsified financial statements to her employer’s board, representing that the company was still in possession of funds that she had, in fact, fraudulently directed to herself. She also concealed the missing funds from the company’s insurer, causing the company to lose coverage for losses from theft. In total, Elmore stole over $3 million and gambled most of it away.
“Elmore violated the trust placed in her as the director of finance and human resources for her company, stealing over three million dollars, nearly driving the company to insolvency, and putting the livelihoods of her fellow employees in jeopardy, stated United States Attorney Ison. “Our office will aggressively prosecute those individuals who abuse their authority to line their own pockets at others’ expense.”
"Over the course of three years, Ms. Elmore betrayed her employer by exploiting her access to the company’s finances, stealing millions of dollars, and covering up her actions through deception,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI has zero tolerance for fraud against individuals or institutions and will continue to work with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute those involved in embezzlement schemes. We are committed to ensuring that anyone who abuses their position of trust faces justice."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alyse Wu. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Chicago Rapper Lil Durk Arrested on Complaint Alleging He Ordered Murder Attempt that Resulted in Fatal Shooting Near Beverly CenterRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Grammy Award-winning Chicago rapper has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint alleging he conspired with others to murder a rival rapper, resulting in a shooting and murder that took place at a gas station near the Beverly Center shopping mall in Los Angeles in August 2022 – an attack that resulted in a family member of the rival being shot and killed, the Justice Department announced today.
Durk Banks, 32, a.k.a. “Lil Durk,” was arrested near Miami International Airport late Thursday on a complaint charging him with conspiracy to use interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death.
He made his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and remains in federal custody. His arraignment is expected to occur in Los Angeles federal court in the coming weeks.
“Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that resulted in the death of a rival’s family member,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Not only that, the shooting occurred in the open, at a gas station at a busy intersection, endangering many others in the area. Violent gun crime of this sort is devastating to our community and we will have zero-tolerance for those who perpetrate such callous acts of violence.”
“The apprehension of Mr. Banks as he attempted to leave the United States is once again proof that the FBI and our extraordinary partners at the Los Angeles Police Department have a long reach” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “No excuse can justify this violent act and let me be clear: While you’re going about your life, thinking you ‘got away with it,’ the FBI is piecing together the facts that will serve as your undoing.”
“Cases like these that span multiple states and jurisdictions are complicated and can oftentimes only be resolved through the collaboration of multiple departments,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi. “This arrest is the culmination of the combined efforts of our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and LAPD’s Operation West Bureau Homicide detectives who discovered that Durk D a.k.a. Lil Durk was involved in this heinous murder. The hundreds of hours spent on the investigation included surveillance, authoring numerous search warrants, using forensic technology, and tireless investigative travel and collaboration alongside our federal partners led to this arrest. I am appreciative of the dedication of those involved.”
According to the complaint filed Thursday night, Banks is the leader of the Chicago-based rap collective known as “Only the Family” or “OTF.” Law enforcement believes OTF also acts as a group of individuals who engage in violence – including murder and assault – at Banks’ direction and to maintain their status in OTF.
Banks feuded with a victim, identified in court documents as “T.B.” The feud stemmed from a November 6, 2020, murder in which an associate of T.B. shot and killed an OTF rapper named Dayvon Bennett, a.k.a. “King Von.” Bennett and Banks were close friends.
In response to Bennett’s murder, Banks allegedly put a bounty on T.B.’s life.
On August 19, 2022, several OTF members and associates used two vehicles and worked in tandem to track, stalk, and attempt to murder T.B. for hours, culminating in a shooting at a gasoline station located near the Beverly Center mall. The co-conspirators fired at least 18 rounds at T.B.’s vehicle, striking and killing a victim identified in court documents as “S.R.,” who was T.B.’s family member who had been traveling with T.B.
Banks allegedly ordered T.B.’s murder and the hitmen used money from Banks and OTF-related finances to carry out the hit. Bank and flight records show that an OTF member and close associate of Banks coordinated and paid for five co-conspirators to travel from Chicago to California on the day before the murder. Around the time the one-way flights were purchased, Banks told the OTF associate booking the flights, “Don’t book no flights under no names involved wit [sic] me.”
The same day the hitmen traveled from Chicago to California, Banks also traveled to California in a private jet with another conspirator, Kavon London Grant, 28, a.k.a. “Cuz” and “Vonnie.” Later that day, Grant allegedly purchased ski masks for the shooters to use to commit the murder and paid – using a credit card in Banks’ name – for the other co-conspirators’ hotel room.
On Thursday morning, federal and local law enforcement in the Chicago area arrested Grant and four other defendants charged in a four-count federal grand jury indictment alleging their roles in the murder-for-hire plot. After law enforcement made the arrests and executed search warrants in Chicago, the FBI learned that Banks had been booked on three international flights scheduled to leave the United States on Thursday. When banks arrived near one of the departing airports – in Miami, specifically – law enforcement personnel arrested him.
In additional to Grant, the defendants charged in the separate indictment, which a grand jury returned on October 17, are:
- Deandre Dontrell Wilson, 33, a.k.a. “DeDe,” of Chicago;
- Keith Jones, 33, a.k.a. “Flacka,” of Gary, Indiana;
- David Brian Lindsey, 33, a.k.a. “Browneyez,” of Addison, Illinois; and
- Asa Houston, 36, a.k.a. “Boogie,” of Chicago.
These four defendants along with Grant are charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and one count of using, carrying and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. Jones faces an additional count of possession of a machine gun.
These defendants made their initial appearances on Thursday in the Northern District of Illinois and are expected to be arraigned in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks.
A complaint and indictment contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, Banks and the five defendants charged in the separate indictment each would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
The FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ian V. Yanniello of the General Crimes Section and Daniel H. Weiner of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case.
California Resident Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Sexual Abuse Photo of 3-Year-Old Child in FloridaRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Henry Obdulio Cordon (39, Antioch, California) to 30 years in federal prison for producing a photo of a 3-year-old child being sexually abused by Cordon. He was also ordered to serve a life term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Cordon was arrested at his residence on May 16, 2019, and has been in custody since that time. He pleaded guilty to the offense on June 14, 2024.
According to court documents, this investigation began in April 2019 when an internet service provider sent a series of CyberTipline reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). These reports related to the discovery of child sexual abuse photos detected within an email account that geolocated to Contra Costa County in California. Law enforcement officers obtained search warrants and discovered that this email account and telephone number were associated with Cordon. The email account contained several photos depicting children being sexually abused.
Further investigation reveal that another email account used by Cordon contained a photo that depicted a young child being sexually abused by an adult male. The metadata associated with this photo indicated that it had been produced on July 11, 2011, using a Blackberry device. Search warrants revealed that this email account was used during April and May 2019, at Cordon’s apartment in California.
On May 16, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cordon’s residence. During an interview, Cordon admitted that he had searched the internet for “nude teen pictures.” When asked if he ever had a Blackberry device, Cordon said he had one years before when he lived in Florida. He was asked about a particular photo depicting the sexual abuse of a child that was recovered from his email account. Cordon eventually admitted that he knew the child in the photo and that the child was “maybe” under four years of age. Cordon claimed that his sexual abuse of this child only happened one time, and that he remembered emailing this photo to himself to save it. Cordon admitted taking this photo with his Blackberry in the child’s residence in Florida.
Further investigation confirmed that Cordon took the photo depicting his sexual abuse of the child in Florida and later emailed the photo to his own email account. This same photo was also recovered from his iPhone device that he possessed in California on May 16, 2019. Law enforcement authorities in Florida were able to confirm the identity and age of this child, as well as the residence in Florida where Cordon had taken the photo depicting him sexually abusing this child.
This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force of Contra Costa County (California), the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Calera Resident Sentenced to 25 Years for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ryan John Capps, age 25, of Calera, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 300 months in prison for one count of Coercion and Enticement, and 300 months in prison for one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child/Use of a Child to Produce a Visual Depiction. Capps was also sentenced to 180 months in prison for one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Durant Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On May 1, 2024, Capps was found guilty of the charges by a federal jury. According to investigators, in the autumn of 2022, while employed as a teacher and coach at Durant Middle School, Capps enticed a minor student to produce child sexual abuse material and engage in sexual activity. The crimes occurred in Bryan County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation of Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
“This defendant abused his position of trust as a teacher and coach by sexually exploiting a student he was supposed to protect,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “I’m grateful for the dedicated efforts of the FBI, the Durant Police Department, and the US Attorney’s Office to remove this predator from the lives of innocent children through the justice system.”
“The defendant violated the trust placed in him as a teacher in order to exploit the victim for his own prurient interests,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “The jury’s verdict and the sentences imposed by the Court are a resounding message that those who commit these deplorable acts will be subjected to the justice system and severely punished.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding child sexual exploitation, trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography, or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement. You can file a report on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)'s website at www.cybertipline.com, call 1-800-843-5678, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or call 877-4-HSI TIP.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Capps will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jessie K. Pippin and Jessica Bove represented the United States.