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Wednesday 14 August 2024
Atlanta Woman Sentenced to Prison for Supplying Fentanyl and Meth to Armed Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The supplier to an armed methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking organization who was providing kilogram quantities of narcotics out of her high-rise Atlanta condominium was sentenced today to serve 20 years in prison.
Heather Marie Breland, 40, of Atlanta, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Aug. 14. Breland previously pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting others to possess with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine on Oct. 5, 2023. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Heather Breland enjoyed the trappings of luxury by trafficking in deadly drugs, to include the scourge of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Her 20-year federal prison sentence demonstrates the dedication of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to halting the supply of deadly drugs into our communities and saving lives."
“Violent and dangerous drug traffickers are enriching their lives by profiting off someone else’s pain and addiction,” stated Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Heather Breland will now face significant federal prison time for her crime.”
“Heather Breland and her co-defendants were involved in an organized network designed to peddle poison onto the streets of our community. Most law enforcement agencies don’t have the resources to handle investigations to combat organizations like this one. We are fortunate to have federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in Middle Georgia that recognize the benefit of working together in order to keep our communities safe,” said Peach County Sheriff Terry W. Deese.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between Oct. 2021 and June 2022, DEA agents and local law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by co-defendant Raiford Reeves aka “RH,” 44, of Warner Robins. Breland—the supplier to this DTO—was distributing kilogram quantities of narcotics, primarily methamphetamine and fentanyl, to Reeves out of her condominium located in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Law enforcement obtained court orders to intercept the phone calls and text messages from cell phones belonging to Breland and Reeves and conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Reeves. Reeves would supply other co-defendants with some of the narcotics to sell.
Agents observed Breland travel to Macon to provide narcotics to Reeves; she also had a self-storage unit in Macon on Riverside Drive to store drugs. On May 26, agents executed search warrants in Warner Robins, Macon, and at Breland’s Atlanta condominium. In her residence, agents seized 3.266 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, 14.72 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a .22 magnum caliber revolver, two cellphones and $78,353 cash. Agents seized eight pounds of marijuana in a Louis Vuitton duffle bag from her Macon storage unit.
Following the searches, Breland fled to North Carolina, created a fictitious license plate and changed her hair length and color. She was arrested by U.S. Marshals on Oct. 20, 2022, at a hotel and casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. When she was arrested, she had methamphetamine and ID cards with a similar appearance but false identifying information. Breland has seven prior felony convictions for forgery, possession of methamphetamine, burglary and identity fraud. Co-defendant Reeves was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison on May 15, 2024, after he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on March 29, 2023.
For more information about this case and additional codefendants, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/atlanta-resident-supplying-armed-meth-fentanyl-organization-pleads-guilty.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven and multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Warner Robins Police Department, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Assault on woman sends Crow Agency man to prison for more than five yearsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Crow Agency man who punched a woman in the face, causing her to lose vision in an eye, was sentenced today to five years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jessed Laslovich said.
The defendant, Darek Paul Birdinground, 34, pleaded guilty in April to assault resulting in serious bodily injury as charged in an indictment.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that while investigating a separate, unrelated assault, the FBI learned in June 2023 of an assault that occurred on Jan. 21, 2023 in Crow Agency, on the Crow Indian Reservation. Agents with the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs learned that the victim, identified as Jane Doe, was driving a truck in Crow Agency when she saw Birdinground coming up fast behind her in an SUV, so she pulled over. Birdinground got out of his vehicle carrying a baseball bat. After a few angry words, Birdinground punched Doe on the side of her left eye. Birdinground then used the bat to break the windows of the truck. Doe suffered loss of vision in her eye.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and BIA conducted the investigation.
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Armed Robbery of Marijuana Stash House in Oklahoma City Leads to Four Guilty PleasRead the Press Release
More Than 600 Pounds of Black-Market Marijuana and Over $40,000 in Cash Recovered
OKLAHOMA CITY – BRANDON MICHAEL NORMAN, 26, of West Melborne, Florida, has pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On August 5, 2024, Norman was charged by Superseding Information with interference with commerce by robbery and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. According to public record, on February 8, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to a reported armed robbery at a metro home. Victims in the home told authorities that three men, later identified as Norman’s co-defendants, William Lewis Daniels, 25, Jordon Isaih Watson, 25, and Keldon Sherrod Williams, 26, all of Texas, forced their way into the home and ordered the victims onto the floor where their hands were restrained with zip-ties. The victims told police that one of the defendants, later identified as Daniels, had a firearm. The defendants then ransacked the house and stole more than $36,000 in cash, more than 600 pounds of black-market marijuana stuffed into trash bags, and other items. OCPD officers determined the residence was a black-market marijuana stash house. Security footage from an adjacent property showed four vehicles leaving the stash house after the robbery, including a car stolen from the victims. The stolen car was later located by OCPD officers in a nearby business parking lot.
Authorities pulled over two of the suspect vehicles shortly thereafter without incident, and arrested Norman, Watson, and Williams. Daniels, however, led authorities on a high-speed chase down Interstate 235 during rush hour traffic, wrecked his vehicle, and fled briefly on foot before he was arrested. Between the three vehicles, OCPD recovered 690 pounds of marijuana, $40,710.00 in cash, and one firearm.
On August 12, 2024, Norman pleaded guilty to the Superseding Information, and admitted he took cash and marijuana from the victims, and that he possessed marijuana which he intended to distribute to others.
Daniels, Watson, and Williams have each pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Daniels has also pleaded guilty to being a drug user in possession of a firearm.
At sentencing, Norman, Watson, and Williams face up to 40 years in federal prison and fines totaling up to $1,250,000.00 each. Daniels faces up to 55 years in federal prison and fines totaling up to $1,500,000.00.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Armed Madison Drug Dealer Sentenced to 5 YearsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joseph P. Rehbein, 32, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in federal prison for possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. The prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Rehbein pleaded guilty to this charge on May 15, 2024.
On August 3, 2023, officers stopped a vehicle driven by Rehbein because it was reported stolen. After stopping, Rehbein got out of the car and ran, dropping a loaded 9mm handgun. During the short foot chase, Rehbein also tossed a bag containing methamphetamine before being arrested. Inside the car, officers found a large amount of methamphetamine inside a bag. In total, approximately 177 grams of methamphetamine was recovered. Rehbein is prohibited from legally possessing firearms or ammunition because he has multiple prior felony convictions. He was also on state probation at the time of this offense.
At the sentencing, Judge Peterson expressed concern that Rehbein engaged in drug trafficking while on state probation for similar conduct.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
The charge against Rehbein was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins prosecuted this case.
Armed Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man caught exchanging gun fire with another vehicle and in possession of fentanyl was sentenced July 31, 2024, to 10 years in federal prison.
Macarr Hill, age 28, from Minneapolis, received the prison term after a March 27, 2024, guilty plea to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Evidence in the case revealed on June 16, 2023, at approximately 11pm, while Sioux City Police Officers were on an unrelated call for service, they heard gunshots, then observed two vehicles chasing each other. Officers relayed information related to the vehicles but couldn’t immediately locate them. Just before 5:00 a.m. on June 17, officers observed a vehicle matching the description previously relayed, and were able to conduct a stop for traffic violations. Hill was the driver and owner of the vehicle and gave officers consent to a search of his vehicle. During the search, officers located 2 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, a baggie containing 3.5 grams of methamphetamine, 4 grams of cocaine, and a loaded magazine. A fuller search of the car occurred on June 19, 2023, and that search revealed an additional 801 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone and a firearm consistent with the magazine.
Hill was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Hill is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4057.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty for Making Online Threats Against Public Servants Including Federal OfficialsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. - Michael Lee Tomasi, 37, of Rio Verde, Arizona, pleaded guilty yesterday to making threats against federal officials.
From May 2021 through November 2023, while living in Colorado and Arizona, Tomasi used a social media platform to express a desire to incite violence and threaten a variety of individuals and groups, including a city district attorney, a state court judge, a member of Congress and other federal officials and law enforcement officers. Tomasi pleaded guilty to posting a threat on Aug. 26, 2023, to kill FBI agents in order to impede, intimidate, or interfere with FBI agents’ performance of their official duties. Specifically, Tomasi admitted that, on that day, he posted: “Shoot the FBI first and ask questions later. . . . Any FBI [] have a problem with that[,] come to my house and see what happens. Shoot before they even pull their guns out of their trunk and you shoot to kill.”
“Threats of violence against elected officials, judges, and FBI agents pose immense danger to the physical safety of individual victims and undermine our very system of government,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will hold to account anyone who targets public servants with illegal threats of violence.”
“Threatening law enforcement officers and elected officials strikes at the heart of our communities and our democracy,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The men and women of the FBI work tirelessly every day to defend our homeland and protect the American people. I am proud of their selfless spirit — putting themselves in harm’s way to keep others safe — and we will hold accountable anyone who threatens them.”
"This disgruntled defendant threatened officials from all three branches of government,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona. “Moreover, he was prepared to carry out his threats: when arrested he had a loaded handgun in his vehicle, as well as other firearms and body armor in his home. The prosecution of threats offenses makes Americans safer.”
Tomasi pleaded guilty to making threats against federal officials. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raymond K. Woo and Abbie Broughton Marsh for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-01751-PHX-DWL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-112_Tomasi# # #
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.Arizona Man Pleads Guilty for Making Online Threats Against Public Servants Including Federal OfficialsRead the Press Release
Michael Lee Tomasi, 37, of Rio Verde, Arizona, pleaded guilty yesterday to making threats against federal officials.
From May 2021 through November 2023, while living in Colorado and Arizona, Tomasi used a social media platform to express a desire to incite violence and threaten a variety of individuals and groups, including a city district attorney, a state court judge, a member of Congress and other federal officials and law enforcement officers. Tomasi pleaded guilty to posting a threat on Aug. 26, 2023, to kill FBI agents in order to impede, intimidate, or interfere with FBI agents’ performance of their official duties. Specifically, Tomasi admitted that, on that day, he posted: “Shoot the FBI first and ask questions later. . . . Any FBI [] have a problem with that[,] come to my house and see what happens. Shoot before they even pull their guns out of their trunk and you shoot to kill.”
“Threats of violence against elected officials, judges, and FBI agents pose immense danger to the physical safety of individual victims and undermine our very system of government,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will hold to account anyone who targets public servants with illegal threats of violence.”
“Threatening law enforcement officers and elected officials strikes at the heart of our communities and our democracy,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The men and women of the FBI work tirelessly every day to defend our homeland and protect the American people. I am proud of their selfless spirit — putting themselves in harm’s way to keep others safe — and we will hold accountable anyone who threatens them.”
"This disgruntled defendant threatened officials from all three branches of government,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona. “Moreover, he was prepared to carry out his threats: when arrested he had a loaded handgun in his vehicle, as well as other firearms and body armor in his home. The prosecution of threats offenses makes Americans safer.”
Tomasi pleaded guilty to making threats against federal officials. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raymond K. Woo and Abbie Broughton Marsh for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Tuesday 13 August 2024
Watauga Man Convicted by Federal Jury for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm and Simple Assault on a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Justin James Schneider, age 39, of Watauga, South Dakota, was found guilty on August 8, 2024, of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm and Simple Assault on a Federal Officer following a two-day federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The jury also found Schneider committed these offenses on pretrial release and that his revolver was subject to forfeiture.
The charge of Prohibited Person carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The charge of Simple Assault on a Federal Officer carries a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison and/or a $100,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. Because Schneider committed these offenses on pretrial release, the Court may impose up to an additional 10 years in federal prison.
Schneider was indicted by a federal grand jury in July of 2023.
On June 20, 2023, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office received credible information that Schneider had discharged a revolver earlier that day and was armed and dangerous. The Corson County Sheriff requested and received assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services to detain and arrest Schneider. A BIA officer found Schneider in Bullhead, South Dakota, which lies within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. When the officer attempted to arrest him, Schneider fled in his pickup to a nearby pasture and engaged in an armed stand-off with Corson County deputies and BIA police officers. Schneider eventually hopped back into his pickup and fled to the Bullhead Community Center, striking a squad car enroute. Schneider then dismounted from his pickup, brandishing a revolver, gesturing wildly towards nearby civilians and disregarding repeated police commands to drop his gun. As Schneider moved quickly towards unarmed children, a police officer shot him to protect the public. Schneider was taken into custody without further incident.
Schneider has nine prior felony convictions, including convictions for Aggravated Assault, Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer, Felony Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Ingestion of Methamphetamine.
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.
This case was prosecuted by the federal government because Schneider is a dangerous felon prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law, federal law enforcement involvement in his arrest, and because the offense occurred within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation report was ordered and a sentencing date of November 4, 2024, was set. Schneider remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Violent Career Criminal Sentenced to a Decade in Federal Prison for Possession of Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Glenn Taylor Tenbarge, 35, of Evansville, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on December 30, 2023, an Evansville Police Department officer stopped Tenbarge for committing traffic violations while driving a truck. When the officer approached the driver’s side, Tenbarge began acting nervously and leaning forward in his seat, attempting to block the officer’s view of the right side of his body. The officer asked Tenbarge if he had a weapon, to which Tenbarge responded, “it’s not mine but yes.”
When the officer asked Tenbarge to step out of the truck, a short barrel shotgun with a wooden grip could be seen in the seat of the vehicle. The barrel appeared to be modified and possibly cut.
Tenbarge has sustained multiple prior felony convictions in Vanderburgh County, including two counts of attempted robbery, dealing in methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. Under federal law, these felony convictions prohibit him from ever legally possessing a firearm. Under federal law, it is also unlawful to possess a short-barreled “sawed off” shotgun like the one possessed by Tenbarge.
“Illegally armed, repeat felons drive the gun violence plaguing our state,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the response by EPD and the work of ATF to protect the public from this dangerous criminal. The sentence imposed by the court demonstrates that those who illegally possess firearms risk serious federal time. Returning to prison isn’t worth it—put down the guns, or we will hold you accountable.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
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U.S. Trustee Program Obtains $105,000 Judgment and Permanent Injunction Against Bankruptcy Petition Preparers After Debtor Loses Home to ForeclosureRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) recently obtained a judgment of nearly $105,000 and a permanent injunction against bankruptcy petition preparers whose unfair and deceptive conduct caused a consumer to lose his home of over 20 years to foreclosure.
On July 2, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas entered a stipulated judgment against CA Enterprises, doing business as Premier Services and Premier Legal Services, and the company’s chief executive, Jescar Denno. Under the stipulated judgment, Premier and Denno paid the debtor almost $95,000 – including $84,032 in actual damages, $6,800 in statutory damages and $3,400 in returned fees – and paid the U.S. Trustee statutory fines of $10,500. Premier and Denno also consented to a permanent injunction in the district prohibiting them from, among other things, acting as bankruptcy petition preparers, soliciting and advertising bankruptcy assistance and providing legal advice.
The debtor paid $3,400 for assistance with a loan modification to save his home from foreclosure. After preparing a skeletal chapter 13 petition for the debtor to file, Premier and Denno provided no meaningful services to the debtor. The bankruptcy case was dismissed with a bar against refiling without court permission, and the debtor lost his home – along with substantial equity – in a foreclosure sale.
“This case is an example of the devastation that dishonest bankruptcy petition preparers can wreak on the lives of consumers afraid of losing their homes to foreclosure,” said Director Tara Twomey of the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees. “The debtor can’t get his home back, but the stipulated judgment is a significant step toward making him whole again.”
The USTP’s San Antonio office filed a complaint alleging multiple violations of the Bankruptcy Code. Premier and Denno initially denied liability, but after discovery conducted by the San Antonio office, they agreed to the entry of a stipulated judgment on all 11 counts alleged in the complaint. Premier has also been barred from providing bankruptcy petition preparer services in at least three other jurisdictions: the District of Kansas, Eastern District of Pennsylvania and District of Maryland. (The USTP issued a press release about the Maryland matter in April 2024.)
The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders – debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 89 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust.
U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI Announce Second-Degree Murder Charges in Taos County Stabbing CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Penasco man has been charged by federal prosecutors with second-degree murder in connection with a fatal stabbing in Taos County in 2022, with the case being prosecuted under a Department of Justice initiative focused on Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP).
Byron Sanchez, 47, an enrolled member of the Picuris Pueblo, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
The indictment alleges that on or about December 25, 2022, Sanchez killed John Doe with malice aforethought by stabbing Doe with a sharp object.
Sanchez will remain in custody pending a detention hearing and trial, which has not yet been scheduled.
If convicted, Sanchez faces any term of years up to life in prison for the murder charge.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney R. Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of Indigenous victims and their families.
View the IndictmentAn indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney's Office and ATF Charge Convicted Felon for Illegal Firearms and Explosives PossessionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Chaparral man was charged by criminal complaint for illegally stockpiling firearms and explosives in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Frederick Urban, 76, appeared before a federal judge on August 12, 2024, and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on August 8, 2024, the ATF received a tip from a concerned citizen who provided evidence indicating that Urban, a previously convicted felon, was in possession of firearms. Following an investigation, which included reviewing photographs and videos provided by the concerned citizen, ATF agents confirmed the presence of numerous firearms at Urban's residence.
On August 10, 2024, ATF agents, supported by the New Mexico State Police and El Paso Police Department, executed a federal search warrant at Urban's residence. The search resulted in the recovery of numerous firearms, approximately 100,000 rounds of ammunition, large capacity magazines, and gunpowder. Additionally, triacetone triperoxide, an extremely volatile explosive, homemade detonators, blasting caps and gun powder, and other components of homemade bombs were found.
If convicted of the current charges, Urban faces 15 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico State Police, El Paso Police Department and FBI’s El Paso Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Mark Saltman are prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information regarding illegal firearms or explosives can submit an anonymous tip to the ATF by texting the code ATFPHO to 63975 and then following the link to create a report or by calling (602) 776-5400.
View the Criminal ComplaintA criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney and FBI Charge Bloomfield Man with Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man was charged by indictment with multiple counts of alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor that occurred in the Navajo Nation.
Donovan Pete, 43, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the indictment, between February 26, 2016, and February 27, 2016, and again between April 7, 2012, and April 6, 2014, Pete engaged in unlawful sexual acts and contact with Jane Doe, a minor, minor who was unable to consent and causing inappropriate contact with intent to gratify sexual desire.
If convicted, Pete faces any term of years and up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.
View the IndictmentAn indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Sentencing of Man for Armed Robberies Targeting Local BusinessesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A French national was sentenced to 111 months in federal prison for a series of armed robberies in Albuquerque on Halloween 2019.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on the morning of October 31, 2019, Mathis Laau, 26, entered the lobby of Motel 6 located at 13141 Central Ave. NE in Albuquerque. He pointed a firearm at a clerk and demanded money. The clerk gave Laau $300, and he left.
Later that same day, Laau entered the Circle K store at 5301 Wyoming Boulevard NE in Albuquerque carrying a purple and silver pistol. He pointed the gun at an employee and demanded cash from the register. After taking approximately $175 and several packs of cigarettes, Laau fled the scene in a waiting vehicle driven by his girlfriend.
Albuquerque Police Department detectives who had been surveilling Laau as a suspect in multiple prior robberies observed the robbery at Circle K and followed the vehicle. Laau and his girlfriend were arrested shortly after at the intersection of Louisiana Boulevard and Constitution Avenue. The stolen cash, cigarettes, and pistol were recovered from the vehicle.
Upon his release from prison, Laau will be subject to three years of supervised release, which will convert to unsupervised release if he is deported to France.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Spindle prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Army Intelligence Analyst Pleads Guilty to Charges of Conspiracy to Obtain and Disclose National Defense Information, Export Control Violations and BriberyRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Korbein Schultz, a U.S. Army soldier and intelligence analyst, pleaded guilty today to all charges against him in the indictment returned by a federal grand jury in March 2024 charging him with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, exporting technical data related to defense articles without a license, conspiracy to export defense articles without a license, and bribery of a public official, announced Henry C. Leventis, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, and Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division.
“This defendant sold national defense information to a foreign actor and conspired to corrupt other members of our military,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. “In doing so, he violated his training and his oath as a member of the armed services and he compromised our national security. Today’s guilty plea to all of the charges in the indictment ensures that he will be held fully accountable for his crimes.”
“The defendant abused his access to restricted government systems to sell sensitive military information to a person he knew to be a foreign national,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “By conspiring to transmit national defense information to a person living outside the United States, this defendant callously put our national security at risk to cash in on the trust our military placed in him. Today’s guilty plea is a stark reminder that those who would betray their sworn oath for personal gain will be identified and brought to justice.”
“The defendant has admitted guilt in a case that should send a strong message to any U.S. service members thinking about betraying their country,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “The U.S. is governed by the rule of law and when persons, placed in a position of trust violate that trust, the FBI and our partners will hold them accountable. Governments like China are aggressively targeting our military personnel and national security information and we will do everything in our power to ensure that information is safeguarded from hostile foreign governments.”
“This Soldier swore an oath to faithfully discharge his duties, to include protecting national defense information. Not only did he fail in his sworn duty, but he placed personal gain above his duty to our country and disclosed information that could give advantage to a foreign nation, putting his fellow Soldiers in jeopardy,” said Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of the Army Counterintelligence Command. “Army Counterintelligence Command, with our partners at the FBI, Department of Justice, and the greater intelligence community, will ruthlessly pursue those who commit acts such as these. Let this case serve as a warning: if any member of the Army, past or present, is asked for classified or sensitive information, they should report it to the appropriate authorities within 24 hours or be held fully accountable for their inaction.”
According to charging and plea documents, Schultz – an enlisted intelligence analyst in the United States Army who held a Top Secret//Sensitive Compartmented Information (“TS//SCI”) security clearance – conspired with an individual who lived in Hong Kong and who Schultz suspected of being associated with the Chinese Government (“Conspirator A”) to collect national defense information, including classified information and export-controlled technical data related to U.S. military weapons systems, and to transmit that information to Conspirator A in exchange for money. Schultz entered into this conspiracy even though, as part of his official duties in the Army, he was required (1) to protect national defense information, classified information, and controlled unclassified information (“CUI”); (2) to train other members of his unit on the proper handling, storage, and dissemination of classified information and information marked CUI; and (3) to report suspicious incidents, including attempts by anyone without authorization to receive classified or sensitive information about U.S. military operations, organizations, equipment, or personnel.
During the conspiracy, Conspirator A told Schultz the specific information that Conspirator A wanted Schultz to gather and send to him, including sensitive information related to missile defense and mobile artillery systems. Before he was arrested, Schultz sent Conspirator A dozens of sensitive and restricted (but unclassified) U.S. military documents regarding a variety of U.S. military weapons systems and U.S. military tactics and strategy, including documents containing export-controlled technical data. Among the items that Schultz collected and transmitted to Conspirator A were: (1) a document discussing the lessons learned by the United States Army from the Ukraine/Russia war that it would apply in a defense of Taiwan; (2) an operations order outlining the deployment of the defendant’s unit to Eastern Europe in support of NATO operations; (3) an Air Force Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (“AFTTP”) document relating to the HH-60 helicopter, which included a banner warning that the document contained technical data subject to export controls; (4) an AFTTP manual relating to the F-22A fighter aircraft, which included a banner warning that the document contained technical data subject to export controls; (5) an AFTTP manual relating to the operation of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile systems, which included a banner warning that the document contained technical data subject to export controls; (6) a publication related to the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft; (7) a document describing modifications of the B-52 aircraft; (8) documents describing tactics to counter unmanned aircraft systems and the use of unmanned aircraft systems in large-scale combat operations; (9) documents relating to Chinese military tactics, the Chinese military’s preparedness, and the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force; (10) documents relating to rocket, missile, and artillery weapons systems, including the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (“HIMARS”) and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (“THAAD”) missile defense system; (11) documents relating to military exercises and U.S. military forces in the Republic of Korea and the Philippines; and (12) a document relating to U.S. military satellites. In exchange for all of this information, Schultz was paid approximately $42,000 by Conspirator A.
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2025. Schultz faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to obtain and transmit national defense information; 20 years in prison for exporting technical data related to defense articles to the People’s Republic of China without a license; 20 years in prison for conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"); and 15 years in prison for bribery of a public official. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Kurtzman for the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Adam Barry and Christopher Cook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Army Intelligence Analyst Pleads Guilty to Charges of Conspiracy to Obtain and Disclose National Defense Information, Export Control Violations and BriberyRead the Press Release
Korbein Schultz, a U.S. Army soldier and intelligence analyst, pleaded guilty today to all charges against him in the indictment returned by a federal grand jury in March 2024 charging him with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, exporting technical data related to defense articles without a license, conspiracy to export defense articles without a license, and bribery of a public official.
“The defendant abused his access to restricted government systems to sell sensitive military information to a person he knew to be a foreign national,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “By conspiring to transmit national defense information to a person living outside the United States, this defendant callously put our national security at risk to cash in on the trust our military placed in him. Today’s guilty plea is a stark reminder that those who would betray their sworn oath for personal gain will be identified and brought to justice.”
“This defendant sold national defense information to a foreign actor and conspired to corrupt other members of our military,” said U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. “In doing so, he violated his training and his oath as a member of the armed services and he compromised our national security. Today’s guilty plea to all of the charges in the indictment ensures that he will be held fully accountable for his crimes.”
“The defendant has admitted guilt in a case that should send a strong message to any U.S. service members thinking about betraying their country,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “The U.S. is governed by the rule of law and when persons placed in a position of trust violate that trust, the FBI and our partners will hold them accountable. Governments like China are aggressively targeting our military personnel and national security information and we will do everything in our power to ensure that information is safeguarded from hostile foreign governments.”
“This Soldier swore an oath to faithfully discharge his duties, to include protecting national defense information. Not only did he fail in his sworn duty, but he placed personal gain above his duty to our country and disclosed information that could give advantage to a foreign nation, putting his fellow Soldiers in jeopardy,” said Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of the Army Counterintelligence Command. “Army Counterintelligence Command, with our partners at the FBI, Department of Justice, and the greater intelligence community will ruthlessly pursue those who commit acts such as these. Let this case serve as a warning: if any member of the Army, past or present, is asked for classified or sensitive information, they should report it to the appropriate authorities within 24 hours or be held fully accountable for their inaction.”
According to charging and plea documents, Schultz – an enlisted intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army who held a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance – conspired with an individual who lived in Hong Kong and whom Schultz suspected of being associated with the Chinese Government (Conspirator A) to collect national defense information, including classified information and export-controlled technical data related to U.S. military weapons systems, and to transmit that information to Conspirator A in exchange for money. Schultz entered into this conspiracy even though, as part of his official duties in the Army, he was required (1) to protect national defense information, classified information, and controlled unclassified information (CUI); (2) to train other members of his unit on the proper handling, storage and dissemination of classified information and information marked CUI; and (3) to report suspicious incidents, including attempts by anyone without authorization to receive classified or sensitive information about U.S. military operations, organizations, equipment, or personnel.
During the conspiracy, Conspirator A told Schultz the specific information that Conspirator A wanted Schultz to gather and send to him, including sensitive information related to missile defense and mobile artillery systems. Before he was arrested, Schultz sent Conspirator A dozens of sensitive and restricted (but unclassified) U.S. military documents regarding a variety of U.S. military weapons systems and U.S. military tactics and strategy, including documents containing export-controlled technical data. Among the items that Schultz collected and transmitted to Conspirator A were: (1) a document discussing the lessons learned by the U.S. Army from the Ukraine/Russia war that it would apply in a defense of Taiwan; (2) an operations order outlining the deployment of the defendant’s unit to Eastern Europe in support of NATO operations; (3) an Air Force Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (AFTTP) document relating to the HH-60 helicopter, which included a banner warning that the document contained technical data subject to export controls; (4) an AFTTP manual relating to the F-22A fighter aircraft, which included a banner warning that the document contained technical data subject to export controls; (5) an AFTTP manual relating to the operation of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile systems, which included a banner warning that the document contained technical data subject to export controls; (6) a publication related to the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft; (7) a document describing modifications of the B-52 aircraft; (8) documents describing tactics to counter unmanned aircraft systems and the use of unmanned aircraft systems in large-scale combat operations; (9) documents relating to Chinese military tactics, the Chinese military’s preparedness, and the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force; (10) documents relating to rocket, missile, and artillery weapons systems, including the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile defense system; (11) documents relating to military exercises and U.S. military forces in the Republic of Korea and the Philippines; and (12) a document relating to U.S. military satellites. In exchange for all of this information, Schultz was paid approximately $42,000 by Conspirator A.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2025. Schultz faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to obtain and transmit national defense information; 20 years in prison for exporting technical data related to defense articles to the People’s Republic of China without a license; 20 years in prison for conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR); and 15 years in prison for bribery of a public official. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Kurtzman for the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Adam Barry and Christopher Cook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
Two Rapid City Women Sentenced to 20 Years Each in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced two Rapid City, South Dakota, women convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death.
Christina Sanchez, age 25, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Katey McGruder, age 35, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Christina Sanchez and Katey McGruder were indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. Sanchez pleaded guilty on May 13, 2024. McGruder pleaded guilty on May 3, 2024. Both women were sentenced on August 9, 2024.
These convictions arose from a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl operating in Rapid City. McGruder and her husband, Curtis Cummings, obtained large amounts of fentanyl from a source in Colorado. They would bring the fentanyl back to Rapid City, where it was further distributed by Sanchez and others. On April 26, 2022, McGruder and Cummings provided the fentanyl to Sanchez, who provided the fentanyl to Wyatt Nygaard. Nygaard then provided the fentanyl to the victim who overdosed and died in the parking lot of a convenience store within minutes of obtaining the fentanyl.
Nygaard was previously sentenced to 23 years and three months in federal prison. Cummings is set for trial on November 5, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET). UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan Dilges and Edward Tarbay prosecuted the case.
Sanchez and McGruder were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following their respective sentencing.
Two Mexican Nationals Each Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Scheming to Distribute More than 1 Million Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Two Mexican men arrested last year in El Monte with more than 1 million fentanyl pills were each sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison.
Florencio Camacho Allan, 29, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr. to 120 months in federal prison. Judge Blumenfeld also sentenced co-defendant Gerardo Gaxiola Patiño, 30, to 120 months in federal prison.
Allan and Patiño pleaded guilty on April 2 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Another co-defendant, Alex Valdez Oroz, 26, also pleaded guilty on April 2 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and is scheduled for sentencing on September 10.
From September 2022 to March 2023, the defendants conspired with each other and others to knowingly distribute fentanyl. Prior to March 7, 2023, a Mexico-based drug broker arranged a deal with a buyer to sell approximately 2 million fentanyl pills. The deal was to occur in the Los Angeles area and the buyer agreed to pay approximately 75 cents per pill. As part of the deal, the buyer also agreed to first purchase a sample “box” of approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills at the same price.
On March 7, 2023, the drug broker coordinated a meeting between Allan and the buyer to occur that day at a Denny’s restaurant in El Segundo to buy the sample fentanyl pills. Later that day, Allan, Patiño, and Oroz arrived in a white car at the Denny’s. While Oroz waited in the driver’s seat of the car, Allan and Patiño met the buyer and the buyer’s associate inside the restaurant, where they discussed the plan to sell approximately 1 million more fentanyl pills later that day, and the sale of another 1 million fentanyl pills the next day.
After the meeting, Allan, Patiño, the buyer and the associate went to the white car, where Patiño retrieved a black bag, containing approximately 10,082 fentanyl pills, weighing approximately 1.1 kilograms (2.5 pounds), out of the white car and handed it to the buyer in exchange for $7,500. The three defendants then drove away.
Later that day, Allan confirmed with one of the buyers that they had possession of the larger set of pills and – via a WhatsApp video call – showed one buyer the pills, which appeared to be in the car’s trunk. They agreed to do the 1-million fentanyl pill deal in a Holiday Inn parking lot.
At the Holiday Inn, law enforcement detained Allan and Oroz in the parking lot. Officers also found and detained Patiño, who was inside the Holiday Inn lobby bathroom.
Inside the white car, law enforcement found at least three duffle bags in the trunk and back seat, each containing bundles of fentanyl pills. In total, the defendants knowingly possessed with intent to distribute approximately 1,016,270 fentanyl pills, weighing approximately 109.3 kilograms (241 pounds).
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this matter as part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program with Homeland Security Investigations, the Hawthorne Police Department, the Fullerton Police Department, the El Monte Police Department, and the California National Guard providing assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney K. Afia Bondero of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.
Two Foreign Nationals Charged in Alleged Armed Robbery of $1 Million Watch on Beverly Hills’ Rodeo DriveRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Two South American nationals, allegedly part of a "crime tourism" group, were charged today in a federal complaint for the armed robbery of a $1 million watch. During a search of the crew's Airbnb, officers also discovered a handgun registered to notorious former Los Angeles Police Officer Christopher Dorner.
Jamer Mauricio Sepulveda Salazar, 21, of Colombia, is charged with one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Jesus Eduardo Padron Rojas, 19, of Venezuela, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.
Sepulveda and Padron are currently in custody and made their initial court appearances today. Sepulveda's arraignment is scheduled for September 3, and Padron's for September 19, both in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
According to the complaint affidavit, on August 7, the victim was sitting with his wife and two daughters on the patio of a restaurant at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, when Suspect 1 allegedly approached and pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at the victim. Suspect 1 reportedly pulled back the slide of the handgun, chambering a round. While Suspect 1 held the victim at gunpoint, Suspect 2 allegedly approached and removed a silver Patek Philippe watch, which is estimated to be worth $1 million, from the victim's wrist. Both suspects then fled the scene and eventually entered a blue Toyota Corolla, where Sepulveda allegedly served as the getaway driver.
On August 10, law enforcement executed a search warrant at an Airbnb where the South American theft group had allegedly been staying. Security camera footage showed the group leaving the night before. During the search, officers found a handgun in a bedroom, which was registered to former LAPD officer Christopher Dorner, known for committing a series of murders before dying in a standoff in 2013. Later that day, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Equinox and reportedly identified Sepulveda and Padron inside the vehicle. The Equinox was allegedly linked to another armed robbery in Beverly Hills on August 5, during which a $30,000 Rolex was stolen.
“We will not accept violent crime perpetrated by organized crime groups that exploit the freedoms of our country,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Our number one mission is to protect our community and those who undermine public safety will be held accountable. We should all be grateful for the swift actions of law enforcement in apprehending these suspects before they could cause more harm.”
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.
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted on all counts, Sepulveda faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison, while Padron faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Beverly Hills Police Department, and the Blythe (California) Police Department are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jena A. MacCabe and Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this matter.
Tulsa Man Convicted by Jury after Robbing Dominican Nationals at GunpointRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Yesterday afternoon, a federal jury returned a verdict convicting Bobbe Gene Taylor, 25, of Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery) and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
The jury found Taylor’s co-defendant, Walter Jay Johnson, 26, of Tulsa, not guilty. Three other co-defendants, Kemareay Ki’sean Green, 25, Lerontez Sherod Hill, 39, and Jeremiah Hamlin, 40, all from Tulsa, pled guilty to Conspiracy before the trial. One other co-defendant is still awaiting trial.
“During this trial, both victims, with the aid of a translator, courageously testified and described the horrible events that took place,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This verdict is a direct result of their cooperation and excellent police work.”
“The victims in this case were just trying to earn a living working for a contracted cleaning service when they were physically assaulted and robbed at gun point,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “Our community deserves to see that callous acts of violence will be met with serious consequences, and the verdict handed down today is the result of our commitment to that goal. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the FBI, the Jenks Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, these defendants will now face justice for their crimes.”
In August 2021, the FBI was investigating an unrelated case and executed a warrant on a home in Bixby. The renter returned home, believing she had been burglarized, and contacted the defendants. The renter contacted the landlord and discovered that the FBI had executed a search warrant at the home and that a third-party vendor had removed items from the home, believing it was abandoned. The victims worked for the third-party vendor and were asked to return to the home.
Both employees are Dominican Nationals and testified at trial with the aid of a translator. They described that after they arrived, they were greeted by a defendant and told to back their truck into the driveway. After they put the items back, they were confronted by the armed defendants. The first employee testified that he was struck in the face twice, which broke his nose and orbital socket. The second employee testified that he attempted to take the gun of one of the defendants, but the defendant was stronger than him. They testified about being held at gunpoint while their pockets and truck were searched. The defendants took a debit card, identifications, cellphones, an Apple Watch, a business-related iPad, and several other items from the victim's vehicle.
Both victims were released and immediately drove to a local store, where law enforcement and medical personnel were contacted. Further investigation revealed that Taylor was seen with Hill, who used the stolen credit card. Video surveillance from the store led law enforcement to Hill and Taylor’s home. After a search warrant was conducted on their home, items belonging to the victims and firearms were recovered in the home.
The recorded interview between Taylor and law enforcement was shown to the jury. Taylor contacted and requested to meet with law enforcement to discuss the search warrant on his home. During the interview, Taylor admitted that the individuals were robbed and that he should have done more to stop the entire incident.
Further investigation by law enforcement led to Green, Hamlin, and Johnson’s involvement. After Johnson was arrested, he met with law enforcement. The recorded interview was played for the jury. After being read mirandized, Johnson explained that the renter contacted him. He told law enforcement that the victims did not speak English and were trying to say that the house was vacant. He further admitted that he pushed one of the victims and witnessed the assault of the other victim.
Court documents show that Green admitted to conspiring with the defendants to confront the victims. He further admitted to carrying a firearm and witnessed the co-defendants carrying firearms. Additionally, Green knew that carrying a firearm was a substantial step and that it was foreseeable that someone would get hurt.
In Hill’s plea agreement, he admitted to conspiring with the defendants to confront the victims. Hill further admitted to striking the victim in the face and using the victim’s credit card without permission. Hill also agreed to forfeit three pistols, one rifle, several magazines, and more than 50 rounds of ammunition.
Additionally, Hamlin admitted to conspiring with the defendants to confront the victims. Before the victims arrived, Hamlin saw the defendants carry firearms into the house. When he met one of the victims in the driveway, Hamlin admittedly had his firearm on him. Inside the home, Hamlin held one of the victims against the wall while the other defendants searched the victims. By carrying a firearm, Hamlin also knew this was taking the confrontation to another level and that someone could get hurt.
Taylor, Green, Hill, and Hamlin will be sentenced separately at a later date.
The FBI and the Jenks Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elmore and John Brasher prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about PSN, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Three Cruise Line Employees Indicted for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on August 8, 2024, ABDHUL ROUVOOF SHAIK (“SHAIK”), age 29, and PANKAJ SINGH BOHRA (“BOHRA”), age 34, both foreign nationals of the Republic of India, and REZA HETA PRATAMA (“PRATAMA”), age 28, a foreign national of the Republic of Indonesia, were each charged in separate indictments with Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). If convicted, SHAIK, BOHRA, and PRATAMA each face a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to life, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
According to court documents, SHAIK, BOHRA, and PRATAMA were all previously employed by Carnival Cruise Lines and were arrested in July 2024 after special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, found all three in possession of child pornography at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases were 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The prosecution of these cases is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Reed of the Public Integrity Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Thackerville Pharmacy Agrees to Pay $115,000 to Resolve Allegations of Illegally Dispensing Controlled DrugsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Thackerville Pharmacy and its owner, Nurse Practitioner Dana Sprott, have agreed to pay $115,000.00 to settle allegations they violated the federal Controlled Substances Act.
The Complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma on August 29, 2022, alleged that Defendants Sprott and Thackerville Pharmacy used a rubber stamp of a doctor’s signature to prescribe drugs without that doctor’s knowledge or approval.
The Complaint was the result of a Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Unit investigation that determined at least 21 patients had prescriptions issued and filled without the knowledge of their doctor. The DEA also determined that some of the controlled substances were issued to Ms. Sprott’s family members, and controlled substances were impermissibly ordered for office inventory.
“I commend the DEA Diversion Unit for their investigative efforts to ensure that pharmacies and medical providers are legally and safely dispensing controlled drugs,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “This settlement illustrates the continued dedication of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat illegal drug distribution within the Eastern District. Thackerville Pharmacy allegedly breached its duties under the Controlled Substance Act and this monetary settlement is a mechanism to hold the pharmacy and its owner accountable.”
“The DEA will not tolerate the willful disregard of the Controlled Substances Act, especially by those who have been entrusted with a DEA registration,” said Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Dallas. “Thackerville Pharmacy’s use of a rubber stamp to forge a doctor’s signature on controlled substance prescriptions is not only a violation of the Controlled Substances Act, it places the public’s health in danger. The rise of opioid use disorders is a reminder that DEA will remain committed to tirelessly and effectively fight the diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances across the country.”
Tips and complaints concerning potential violations of the federal narcotics laws can be reported to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s website at dea.gov/submit-tip.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael O’Malley and Joshua M. Mitts represented the United States.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Texas Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Stalking, Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Tuesday sentenced a man who stalked his St. Louis-area ex-girlfriends and sent them child sexual abuse material to 12 years in prison.
Cody Dean Brownlow, 41, sent threatening text and voice messages that included rape threats and files containing child sexual abuse material to an ex-girlfriend and her adult daughter in 2022, his plea agreement says. The victims reported the threats to the FBI. In April of 2023, a court-approved search of Brownlow’s home in Austin, Texas, resulted in the seizure of cell phones and other electronic devices that contained 1,601 images and 19 videos containing child pornography.
Brownlow pleaded guilty in May in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of distribution of child pornography and two counts of stalking.
During the investigation, two more ex-girlfriends reported that Brownlow had harassed and threatened them and sent them child sexual abuse material, a sentencing memo filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Chapman says. A boyfriend of one of the victims was also sent child pornography.
The FBI and the St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Chapman prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Testing Laboratory Co-owner Sentenced for $3.8 Million in Fraudulent BillingRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Tuesday sentenced a former St. Louis County health care company owner to 20 months in prison and fined him $100,000 for submitting more than $3.8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid and private health care benefit programs.
Carlos Himpler, now 44, owned or operated a series of health care-related businesses. Himpler’s co-defendant, Dr. Franco Sicuro, owned Advanced Geriatric Management LLC (AGM) in Creve Coeur, Missouri. In the fall of 2014, Himpler and Dr. Sicuro decided to open an in-house testing lab at AGM. They also opened Genotec DX, which they held out as a clinical testing laboratory, and which was in the same building and used the same testing machine as AGM’s lab.
Himpler and Dr. Sicuro sought accreditation for both labs under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), which set forth quality standards for laboratories. They did not disclose that both labs would employ the same part-time employee who would perform tests using the same machine. To convince CLIA to grant Genotec a final certificate of compliance in November 2015, Himpler participated in causing Genotec to make misrepresentations to CLIA, including that Genotec’s testing hours “changed” so that they no longer overlapped with AGM. The misrepresentations also included claims that AGM stopped lab running samples and transferred its employees to Genotec in July of 2015, and that Genotec did not begin running samples until July of 2015. In reality, the AGM lab continued operating after July 2015 and Genotec started testing months before then.
The pair concealed Sicuro’s co-ownership of Genotec from Medicare, Medicaid and private health care insurers, while referring urine specimens from Sicuro’s own practice, AGM, to Genotec.Himpler and Sicuro and other health care providers at AGM ordered urine toxicology tests for patients and referred those tests to AGM’s lab and Genotec, which in turn sent the samples to outside “reference” laboratories. Both men knew AGM and Genotec did not have the necessary testing equipment to confirm the amount of given toxin in the urine testing to a high degree of certainty, Himpler’s plea says. They then billed health insurers for the testing, despite knowing that Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurers bar “pass-through billing,” or billing for tests performed by others.
When health insurers became resistant to paying Genotec claims, Himpler and Sicuro in March of 2015 created another laboratory company, Midwest Toxicology Group LLC, for the purpose of billing health insurers. Midwest was a lab in name only and was not authorized to perform tests on human specimens. Himpler and Sicuro never obtained a CLIA certification or any lab equipment for Midwest. In many instances, Himpler caused Genotec and Midwest to each submit claims for the testing of the same specimen obtained from the same person on the same day of service. The pair also falsely used Genotec’s CLIA number on claims submitted under Midwest’s name.
Himpler admitted in his plea agreement that Medicare, Medicaid and private health care insurers paid $1.4 million in pass-through billing and $2.4 million in split billing.
“Today’s sentencing of Dr. Carlos Himpler demonstrates that HHS-OIG will continue to hold individuals who exploit federal health care programs accountable,” said Linda T. Hanley, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "Health care providers have a responsibility to submit accurate and honest claims to federal health care programs, to ensure that these resources are available for eligible patients.”
Himpler, now of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty in February in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to a felony conspiracy charge.
Dr. Sicuro pleaded guilty in November 2022 and has satisfied the restitution owed. He also agreed to forfeit $3.1 million in assets.
The FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dorothy McMurtry, Amy Sestric and Kyle Bateman prosecuted the case.
Tennessee Man Sentenced for Passing Fake $100 Bills in St. Louis AreaRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel on Tuesday sentenced a man who passed $3,300 in counterfeit money in Missouri stores in 2023 to 20 months in prison.
Barry Young, 45, of Memphis, Tenn., traveled to the St. Louis area in February and March of 2023, using between one and four fake $100 bills at a time at various stores to purchase merchandise. Young targeted stores in Arnold, Fenton, Brentwood, St. Louis County and Crestwood. He also victimized a store in Perryville, in southeastern Missouri.Young pleaded guilty in April to one felony count of passing counterfeit obligations.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Arnold Police Department, the Fenton Police Department, the Brentwood Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Crestwood Police Department and the Perryville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Roy prosecuted the case.
Two Men Convicted of Federal KidnappingRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Cortez Blake, 23, and Nasir Lewis, 24, both from Detroit, were convicted of kidnapping by a federal jury yesterday, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced. Ison was joined in the announced by Special Agent in Charge James M. Deir of the ATF in Michigan. The convictions followed an eight-day jury trial before United States District Judge Laurie J. Michelson.
During the trial, the jury heard evidence that the defendants worked with others to kidnap and beat their victim. The kidnappers wrongly believed the victim took part in a carjacking and the kidnapping was to retaliate and extract information from the victim. According to the testimony, a group of armed men took the victim from Sinai-Grace Hospital. The kidnappers first drove the victim to an empty lot in Detroit where the victim was beaten. The kidnappers then took the victim to a residence controlled by Blake, where the victim was held at gunpoint and beaten intermittently for hours. Finally, the victim was abandoned miles away on the roadside.
Seven people were charged with conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping from this incident. With today’s verdicts, five people have been convicted. In addition to Blake and Lewis, Maijah Greene, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap; Shatonnia Kimbrough, 21, pleaded guilty to kidnapping; and Armond Williams, 22, pleaded guilty to kidnapping.
The trial of a sixth individual, Semaj Ayers, remains pending.
The final defendant, Karamoh Turner, was acquitted at trial. Turner still faces charges of aggravated identity theft and wire fraud in federal court.
Two additional people were convicted of the carjacking that precipitated the kidnapping. Jamar Lee-Stinson pleaded guilty to carjacking and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 141 months in prison in May 2024. Amiaya Bryant also pleaded guilty to carjacking and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 120 months in prison in June 2024
All of the defendants remain in custody. Each of the defendants convicted of kidnapping or conspiracy to kidnap face up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 5 years of supervised release.
“So often, one terrible crime spins into a cycle of violence and retribution. And too often, those cycles end tragically—with death, injury, and incarceration. We will continue to try to prevent violent crime in the first place, and my office is also committed to trying to interrupt cycles of violence before they spin out of control. So let me say clearly, if you are victimized, let us do our job and settle it in the courtroom. Because if you retaliate, these verdicts should make clear that we will use every tool we have to seek justice,” said U.S. Attorney Ison.
“Cortez Blake and Nasir Lewis represent the “worst of the worst” offenders calling Detroit home. There is no excuse for what they did. They kidnapped and beat a citizen of Detroit with an illegal firearm. They are common-day thugs who put their gang membership and loyalty above everything else, including their humanity. In my experience, these folks represent the most deserving candidates for federal prosecution. ATF and our law enforcement partners remain resolute in holding violent gang members who terrorize our community members accountable for gun violence,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir.
The United States Attorney’s Office and the ATF are focused on prosecuting those individuals who are using firearms to commit violent acts against people in the Eastern District of Michigan. The strategy is a part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN continues to be the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. PSN is an evidence-based program that focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to pursue lasting reductions in crime.
These charges are just some of the tangible results of this joint effort. The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to work together to reduce violence in our communities. Along with ATF, this case has been investigated with the assistance of the Office of Inspector General – U.S. Department of Labor, the United States Marshals Service, the Detroit Police Department’s Gang Intelligence Unit, and the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the InternetRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on August 12, 2024.
Southy Thepmontry, age 69, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Thepmontry also forfeited the cell phone used to commit the crime and must register as a sex offender once he is released from federal prison.
Thepmontry was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2024. He pleaded guilty on May 22, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 21, 2024, when Thepmontry used his cell phone to attempt to coerce an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old female to engage in sexual activity. His conversation occurred on Facebook over the course of ten days. Thepmontry offered to pay the 15-year-old girl money in exchange for sex and was arrested at the meeting location where he possessed his cell phone and cash he withdrew from an ATM on his way.
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.
This case was investigated by HSI and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Thepmontry was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Shreveport Woman Charged with Aiming Laser Pointer at Aircraft Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the entry of a guilty plea today by April Nicole Poitras, 45, of Shreveport, Louisiana. Poitras appeared before United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. and entered her guilty plea to two counts of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.
According to information presented in court, on August 15, 2023, a Cessna 172L flying at approximately 3,500 feet over Caddo Parish, Louisiana was illuminated by a green laser from the ground. Law enforcement officers responded to the area by vehicle and by helicopter. While responding to the scene, the police helicopter, an Airbus H125, was also illuminated by a green laser from the ground. With the assistance of the police helicopter, a deputy with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office went to the location where the laser originated and found Poitras standing in a yard, holding a laser pointer.
Poitras admitted to knowingly aiming the laser pointer at both aircraft and their flight paths. She purchased the laser pointer and admitted to aiming at several aircraft that night.
Poitras faces a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Blanchard Police Department and Baltimore Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth D. Reeg.
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Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Offense, Admits Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL SZWARC, 36, of Derby, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to a child exploitation offense, and admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Szwarc was convicted in 2013 in state court of possession of child pornography in the second degree, and in 2022 in federal court of receipt of child pornography.
In January 2024, while Szwarc was on federal supervised release, his federal probation officer conducted an unannounced visit to his home and discovered Szwarc in possession of an unauthorized laptop. The probation officer seized the laptop. A subsequent forensic examination of the device revealed multiple images of child pornography. The investigation revealed that Szwarc used the dark web to access websites used to traffic and distribute child pornography.
Szwarc pleaded guilty to and accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced because of Szwarc’s prior federal and state convictions for possessing child pornography.
Szwarc has been detained since his arrest on February 9, 2024. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
San Diego Man Indicted for Sending Threatening Communication to LGBTQ VictimRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 13, 2024
SAN DIEGO – George Joseph Wellinger II of San Diego made his first appearance in federal court today to face charges that he sent a threatening email to a member of the LGBTQ community.
The victim was targeted after being interviewed for a KTLA news report about a hate-inspired murder in Lake Arrowhead in 2023.
According to the indictment, the email called the victim “another alphabet clown that wants to take a dirt nap, too,” and included a link to the KTLA news report which featured the victim and others discussing the murder of a Lake Arrowhead business owner who had been gunned down for hanging a Pride flag in her business.
The email continued: “We know what you look like and know where are you are....only a matter of time....Love it....get ur ghey on sister....scissor it up....we coming for ur rainbow azz. Click Click!!!!;
Wellinger was arraigned on an indictment charging him with Transmitting a Threatening Communication. The indictment alleges Wellinger targeted his victim because of her sexual orientation.
“Hate crimes are designed to terrify both the victim and the community,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The U. S. Attorney’s Office works tirelessly on prosecuting these cases to send our own message: San Diego is no place for hate.”
“Today’s indictment serves as a reminder there is no room for hate in our community,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI San Diego Field Office. “Hate crimes remain one of the top FBI priorities and we will continue to protect and safeguard our communities.”
Wellinger was taken into custody early today and at today’s hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major set a $50,000 bond and ordered home detention and electronic monitoring.
If you or anyone you know believes you have been the victim of a hate crime, please contact the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov/home. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacqueline M. Jimenez and Alicia Williams are prosecuting this case.
DEFENDANT Case Number: 24-CR-1591
George Joseph Wellinger II Age: 48 San Diego, CA
CHARGE
Transmitting a Threatening Communication - Title 18 U.S.C., § 875(c)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
SCDC Inmate Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking 350 Kilograms of Meth with Contraband PhonesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Benjamin Johnathan Newman, 38, an inmate in the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), was sentenced to more than 26 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
Newman has been incarcerated in the state prison system since 2012, serving a 25-year sentence for drug trafficking. SCDC has seized 16 illegal contraband cellphones from Newman during his time in SCDC, according to evidence presented in court.
Newman used those contraband phones to lead a large-scale drug distribution operation since at least January 2018. Newman used the phones to order the importation of large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, including directly from sources in Mexico. Newman recruited drivers to pick up the drugs in Georgia, Texas, and Florida and to deliver the drugs to stash houses in the Lexington County area, where the conspiracy would then supply drug dealers in South Carolina. The conspiracy also used threats of violence to protect against cooperation with law enforcement and to protect its drug supply.
More than 350 kilograms of methamphetamine, four kilograms of heroin, nearly one kilogram of cocaine, 18 kilograms of marijuana, and 250 grams of crack cocaine were distributed in South Carolina by Newman and the conspiracy.
Newman and each of his seven co-defendants have been convicted in federal court. Four have been sentenced by United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon:
- Benjamin Johnathan Newman, 38, of Lexington, was sentenced to 320 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of court-ordered supervision.
- Chelsea Grace Wynn, 32, of Lexington, was sentenced to 220 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervision.
- Nehemiah Jimmy Mayes, III, 29, of Lexington, was sentenced to 170 months to be followed by five years of supervision.
- Josiah Daniel Dailey, 38, of Aynor, was sentenced to 63 months to be followed by five years of supervision.
“Some of our highest volume drug traffickers are working from a prison cell,” said Adair Ford Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “We thank Director Stirling and the investigators at the South Carolina Department of Corrections for their work to put an end to their continued criminal conduct.”
“This man is a very large-scale drug dealer in South Carolina, and he was able to continue his crimes from behind bars using illegal cellphones,” SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. “His conviction highlights the urgent need for state prisons to be able to jam illegal contraband cell phones. I am grateful to the U.S. Attorney and everyone involved for helping us bring this criminal to justice.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and E. Elizabeth Major are prosecuting the case.
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Rosebud Man Sentenced for Several Counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rosebud, South Dakota, man convicted of three counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on August 9, 2024.
Shane Mousseaux, age 37, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $500.
Mousseaux was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. Mousseaux was convicted at trial on April 18, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from incidents between August 6, 2020, and June 21, 2022, when Mousseaux, who lived on the Yankton Sioux Reservation with his then-girlfriend and her children, engaged in multiple sexual acts with one of his then-girlfriend’s daughters, who was 14-15 years old at the time. Between May 1, 2022, and June 21, 2022, Mousseaux engaged in sexual contact with another one of his then-girlfriend’s daughters, who was 14 years old at the time.
This matter is being 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 Yankton Sioux Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann M. Hoffman and Paige Petersen prosecuted the case.
Mousseaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on August 8, 2024.
Christian Lorenzo Witt, age 31, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Witt was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2023 for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. He pleaded guilty on May 8, 2024.
On March 18, 2023, Rapid City police officers were involved in a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Witt. Officers learned Witt had an active warrant and he was arrested. Officers recovered a loaded Glock pistol along with a 30-round magazine under the driver seat of the vehicle that belonged to Witt. Witt is prohibited from possession of a firearm as a result of several felony convictions. As part of his sentence, Witt forfeited the Glock firearm and ammunition.
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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson prosecuted the case.
Witt was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Probation Check Leads to Guilty Plea After Convicted Felon Found in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on March 15, 2024, law enforcement conducted a probation check and interview with Bret Binette, 19, at his Lewiston residence. When law enforcement arrived at the residence, they saw Binette operating a motor vehicle. A search of that vehicle revealed a 9mm pistol and subsequent investigation established that Binette knowingly possessed that firearm. Binette is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2023 conviction in Androscoggin County Superior Court for criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon.
Binette faces up to 15 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. Any sentence would be followed by up to three years of supervised release. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Lewiston Police Department investigated the case.
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Postville Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced August 13, 2024, to more than three months in federal prison.
Alvaro Gomez-Lopez, age 35, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 28, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Gomez-Lopez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Gomez-Lopez was previously deported in March 2006. On April 28, 2024, immigration officials learned Gomez-Lopez had illegally returned to the United States and found Gomez-Lopez at the Allamakee County Jail following his arrest on state charges. Immigration officials helped determine Gomez-Lopez’s identity through fingerprints after he provided an alias name and date of birth when he was booked into the jail. In 2022, Gomez-Lopez was convicted in Allamakee County under the same alias name for interference with official acts.
Gomez-Lopez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Gomez-Lopez was sentenced to 104 days imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Gomez-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-1014.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Postal Worker Sentenced for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
Former letter carrier stole rebate cards from her delivery route
KALAMAZOO – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Jacqueline M. Garrow, 50, of Lansing, was sentenced to two years of probation for theft of mail by a U.S. Postal Service employee. During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney said, “general deterrence is important because people have a right to expect their mail will get where they send it without any tampering.” In imposing a probationary sentence, he noted that “the loss of her job has already brought home to Ms. Garrow the seriousness of her offense.”
“Offenses like this undermine public confidence in the U.S. Postal System,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “The felony conviction in this case sends a strong deterrent message to anyone who may unlawfully interfere with the mail system.”
In 2022, Garrow was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, whose route included parts of the city of Lansing. Home goods retailer Menards contacted the Postal Service after receiving a complaint from a customer that he never received an expected rebate card. Agents determined that the card was redeemed for merchandise at Menards’ Lansing South store, and found the customer redeemed two other rebate cards at the same time. All three cards were addressed to recipients along Garrow’s assigned delivery route. Video footage from Menards showed she was the one who redeemed the rebates. Because Garrow immediately confessed when confronted, the government concurred in her request for a probationary sentence. Ms. Garrow will be required to pay back the customers whose cards were stolen.
“This sentencing represents the hard work and dedication by USPS-OIG Special Agents working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on this mail theft investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The majority of postal employees are hard-working public servants dedicated to moving mail to its proper destination. The USPS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”
The U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General investigated this case.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to more than 7 years in Prison for Possession and Intent to Distribute Meth and FentanylRead the Press Release
AKRON, Ohio - Dion Dejournett, 29, of Akron, was sentenced to 90 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Bridget Meehan Brennan, after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and one count of possession of firearms to further the crime of drug trafficking. Dejournett was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following release from prison and will also forfeit drug-related assets including four pistols, a semi-automatic rifle and more than $6,000.
According to court documents, in June 2023, the Akron Police Department (APD) executed a search warrant at Dejournett’s apartment. Methamphetamine and fentanyl were recovered throughout the master bedroom, hidden in a closet, drawers, and under the bed, including fentanyl in plain sight on top of a dresser. Packaging materials, cutting agents, and a digital scale were also recovered. Numerous firearms, including several pistols and a semi-automatic rifle, were found at his residence and confiscated. APD later found additional fentanyl on Dejournett following his arrest. Laboratory testing confirmed that police seized a total of 116.39 grams of mixtures and substances containing fentanyl and 1,460.51 of mixtures and substances containing methamphetamine.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Akron Police Department and the FBI.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio.
If you have information about the drug-related manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances, submit an anonymous tip at dea.gov/submit-tip.
Ohio Man Sentenced for Dumping 7,000 Gallons of Hazardous Substance into Scioto River that Killed Thousands of FishRead the Press Release
TOLEDO, Ohio - Mark Shepherd, age 72, of Kenton, Ohio, has been sentenced to 12 months of probation, a $5,000 fine, and 150 hours of community service by U.S. Magistrate Judge Darrell A. Clay, after pleading guilty to violating the Clean Water Act by dumping pollutants and hazardous substances into waterways that killed thousands of fish in the Scioto River. He was also ordered to pay $22,508.60 to the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
According to court documents, on April 17, 2021, Shepherd discharged approximately 7,000 gallons of a hazardous, ammonia-containing substance into the Scioto River near Kenton, Ohio. The substance originated from Shepherd’s business facilities—Cessna Transport Inc. and A.G. Bradley Inc.—which he owned and operated in the Northern District of Ohio.
Local fisherman in Hardin County originally reported the fish kill in the area which is routinely used for recreational fishing. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources determined that the discharge killed 43,094 fish, including black bass, flathead catfish, sunfish, and minnows, valued at more than $22,000. The contaminants flowed approximately 18 miles downstream from where Shepherd illegally dumped it.
The fish kill led to concerns from wildlife officials who noted that bald eagles use the river as a food source. Eagle breeding pairs are known to build nests near the river to feed on fish. The concern has roots in history which showed that fish from contaminated waterways can poison animals who consume it. In the 1940s, the DDT insecticide used to control mosquitos and other insects, washed into waterways and contaminated fish. Bald eagles who fed on the fish were poisoned. The resulting decline in their numbers threatened the species with extinction. Bald eagles are no longer listed as an endangered species but remain protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act which prohibits killing, selling, or otherwise harming eagles, their nests or eggs. Officials continue to monitor the affected river area for harm to wildlife.
The case was investigated by wildlife officers with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office-Environmental Enforcement Unit, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Simko for the Northern District of Ohio.
If you have information or see activity that you believe is a potential or immediate environmental problem, please call the Ohio EPA 24-hour Hotline at 800-282-9378 or the U.S. EPA Emergency Number at 800-424-8802.
Nebraska Man Sentenced for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Frantz Kolbjornsen, age 44, of Phillips, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 13, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Kolbjornsen to 72 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Kolbjornsen’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Kolbjornsen has also been ordered to pay $18,000.00 in restitution.
NSP Investigators were investigating the BitTorrent network, seeking offenders sharing child pornography, when they identified a device at an IP address that had downloaded a torrent. This torrent was of interest to law enforcement as at least one of the 5,971 files had been previously identified as child pornography. The Investigator was able to connect with the suspect device utilizing the identified IP address and successfully downloaded 29 of the 5,971 files. The suspect device was the sole source of download, and as such, each of the 29 files were directly downloaded from the suspect device.
An investigation into the IP address utilized by the suspect device revealed that the IP address in question had been leased to Kolbjornsen. The service address, phone number and email address tied to the account all belonged to Kolbjornsen.
On November 30, 2023, a search warrant was conducted at Kolbjornsen’s residence in Phillips, Nebraska. Law enforcement seized a Samsung cell phone from the Kolbjornsen’s pocket, a Verizon Orbit cell phone, RCA Tablet and an HP laptop computer from the shed where he was located.
A search was conducted of the four items seized. In total, 163 videos and 638 images of child pornography were located.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
N.C. Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Traveling to Virginia to Have Sex with MinorRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A North Carolina man, who lied about his age to a 14-year-old-girl he met on Instagram before traveling to Virginia to have sex with her, was sentenced yesterday to 150 months in federal prison.
Rayvon Birden, 29, of Raleigh, North Carolina, pled guilty in March to one count of traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in sexually illicit conduct.
According to court documents, Birden contacted the 14-year-old victim through Instagram direct messaging and represented himself as a 16-year-old named “Nolan.”
Birden and the victim exchanged phone numbers and began communicating via text messages and Facetime regularly. Over the course of their conversations, Birden received nude images of the minor and suggested they meet up and expressed a wish to have sexual intercourse with the minor.
Birden then drove from his home in North Carolina to meet the victim at a hotel near her Virginia home where they had sexual intercourse on multiple occasions, at least one of which Birden filmed.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations - Harrisonburg, Virginia, in conjunction with the Albemarle County Police Department and the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan E. McKay is prosecuting the case.
Milford Resident Pleads Guilty in “Fbi Arrest Warrant” ScamRead the Press Release
Co-Conspirator Unwittingly Set Up an Exchange of Fake Documents for $60,000 with an Undercover Federal Agent
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Kari Melissa Morales, 51, of Milford, Michigan, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Morales faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A sentencing date will be scheduled after Morales’s guilty plea is accepted by the District Court.
“Everyone with a cell phone must be vigilant to avoid schemes to defraud that target victims through text messages,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Make no mistake: The federal government does not send text messages asking for money, advising you to move money to another account, requesting that you convert cash to cryptocurrency, or proposing an exchange of money for a “get out of jail free” letter.”
According to court documents, Morales admitted agreeing with at least one other person to attempt to unlawfully obtain $60,000 from an individual located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Morales admitted that the conspiracy involved the use of fake documents—an “FBI WARRANT OF ARREST” and “IRS RECEIPT”—that she printed out to provide to the victim. Morales also admitted traveling to Grand Rapids, Michigan to exchange the fake documents for the victim’s money knowing that she was helping commit a fraud. For her part, Morales was told she could keep $2,500 of the victim’s money. Morales and her co-conspirator did not know that the person they were communicating with was a federal law enforcement agent because the intended victim’s phone number had been reassigned to a law enforcement cell phone. As a result, the intended victim lost no money in the scheme.
“Today's guilty plea underscores our commitment to investigating and holding accountable those involved in fraudulent activities, especially those who target vulnerable individuals,” stated Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia B. George of the Detroit Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “This investigation showcases the results that Postal Inspectors, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, strive to achieve. We remain dedicated to our mission of identifying and prosecuting those who exploit others through fraudulent schemes.”
The United States Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Michigan State Police, is investigating this case. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris O’Connor.
For more information on preventing elder fraud and help for victims, visit the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative website, which includes a list of Michigan-specific resources. The FBI Elder Fraud website also provides several resources and tips.
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Methamphetamine Found in Car Leads to Federal Conviction of Shreveport ManRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – James Edward Knighten, Jr., 35, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced today on drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Knighten to 96 months (8 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
On or about May 15, 2023, near Southern Avenue in Shreveport, a Louisiana State Police trooper conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle for having a switched license plate. Knighten was the driver and sole occupant of the car. The trooper determined that Knighten had an outstanding warrant, and he placed him under arrest.
A K-9 and his handler came on scene to conduct an open-air sniff around the vehicle. After the K-9 positively alerted to the presence of narcotics, troopers searched the car. Among the items recovered inside the vehicle were 100 orange tablets. The tablets were submitted to the crime lab for analysis, the results of which confirmed they contained methamphetamine. Knighten was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Louisiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy.
The investigation and conviction of Knighten is part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Maui Man Arrested in Connection with IEDRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Robert Francis Dumaran, age 47, of Kahului, Maui, made his initial appearance in United States District Court today before United States Magistrate Judge Kenneth J. Mansfield, following his arrest pursuant to a criminal complaint for possessing an unregistered destructive device and attempting to damage property by means of explosives. A preliminary hearing is set for August 27. He was ordered detained without bail.
The complaint and affidavit allege that on July 23, 2024, Maui Police Department (“MPD”) officers encountered an improvised explosive device (“IED”) near Lono Avenue in Kahului. The IED was in the roadway by Kahului Elementary School. The IED contained explosive powder, a battery, and shrapnel. Dumaran’s fingerprints were recovered from packing tape used to build the IED.
If indicted and convicted of the charged offenses, the defendant would face up to ten years in prison on the unregistered destructive device charge and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to 20 years on the explosives charge. The charges and information contained in the federal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until indicted and proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The affidavit also mentions the recovery of detonated IEDs near Kaamana Street in Kula on August 7, and the explosion of an IED and resulting damage to a car in Pukalani on August 8. The complaint does not charge Dumaran in connection with either of those events.
The FBI and Maui County Police Department conducted the investigation resulting in the complaint and arrest, and the investigation into these matters remains ongoing. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wayne Myers and Jonathan Slack.
Man Charged in Multimillion-Dollar Scheme to Defraud Insurance CompanyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Dwayne Davis has been indicted by a federal grand jury for wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme to defraud his business partner, Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO), of more than $5 million.
“Davis occupied a position of trust in his relationship with his business partner and allegedly abused that trust to facilitate and conceal his fraudulent conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “His alleged diversion of his business partner’s funds to pay personal expenses has resulted in Davis potentially facing decades in federal prison.”
“This defendant allegedly took advantage of his business partners, violating their trust and deceiving them for his own personal gain,” said FBI Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke. “Actions like these ultimately impact customers through higher insurance costs. The FBI will continue to partner with law enforcement partners to pursue those who commit financial crimes and steal from trusting individuals.
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the indictment, and other information presented in court: GEICO was the majority owner, and Davis was the minority owner, of a limited partnership called PIS QOZ Fund 2018-A, LP. In November 2018, GEICO contributed $26 million to the Partnership as an investment in Riverside Village, a commercial development in North Augusta, South Carolina.
In April 2021, GEICO agreed to contribute another $5.91 million to the Partnership to resolve a multiparty dispute involving unpaid taxes, a construction lawsuit, and foreclosure proceedings. GEICO wire transferred the $5.91 million to the Partnership’s account—an account that Davis controlled—with the understanding that Davis would use the money solely to pay the taxes, settle the lawsuit, and stop the foreclosure proceedings. GEICO did not authorize Davis to use the money for any other purpose.
But almost immediately after taking control of the $5.91 million, Davis allegedly began siphoning off money from the Partnership’s account and secretly transferring it to accounts that he controlled at other banks—accounts that were not related to the Partnership. In all, Davis surreptitiously transferred $5,898,000 out of the Partnership's account. Those transfers served no legitimate Partnership purpose and were allegedly made with the intent to defraud GEICO and the Partnership.
Davis eventually used some of the diverted money to pay taxes owed by the Partnership, but he never made the payments to settle the lawsuit or stop the foreclosure proceedings. Instead, Davis used the remaining money to pay his personal debts and expenses and to pay expenses related to business ventures that did not involve the Partnership or GEICO.
Dwayne Peterson Davis, 54, of Atlanta, Georgia, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2024. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Russell Phillips is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Madison Felon Sentenced for Possessing Five Firearms in AppletonRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 9, 2024, Edlando M. Watson (Age: 41) of Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 65 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of five firearms.
According to court records, Watson transported five firearms from his home in Madison to a storage facility in Appleton, Wisconsin. Watson is prohibited under state and federal law from ever possessing a firearm based on his 2012 federal conviction for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
At his sentencing hearing, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense, Watson’s poor prior record, and the need to protect the public. He further noted a strong need to deter Watson and other prohibited persons from possessing firearms. After serving his 65-month term of imprisonment, Watson will spend three years on supervised.
This case was investigated by the Madison Police Department with the assistance of the Appleton Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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Lincoln Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Andre N. Schwindt, age 43, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 13, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for receipt of child pornography. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Meyer to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Schwindt’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Schwindt was additionally ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution.
This case began on April 11, 2022, when a CyberTip to National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicated that a Dropbox user uploaded three files on April 10, 2022, which were considered child pornography. The IP addresses associated with the CyberTip came back to Schwindt at an address in Lincoln. On or about July 27, 2023, an investigator met with Schwindt in Lincoln. During the meeting, Schwindt admitted to owning the Dropbox account, viewing child pornography involving children under the age of 14, and actively searching for it. Schwindt also gave the investigator permission to preview his cell phone. Schwindt showed the investigator where the child pornography files would be found on his cell phone.
Schwindt’s cell phone was seized and on August 1, 2023, a search warrant was received to forensically review the contents of the cell phone. During the examination of the phone, the investigator found more than 534 images and 9 video files of child pornography. Most files depicted male children under the age of 12.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Lincoln Man Found Guilty of Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Robert Vincent Harris, age 57, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was found guilty on August 12, 2024, of distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced found Harris guilty of both counts after a non-jury trial held on July 18, 2024, in which the United States presented evidence in the form of investigative reports, medical and fire department records, store surveillance video and recorded interviews with Harris and the victim. The parties submitted written arguments and Judge Gerrard announced his verdict on August 12, 2024.
The United States presented evidence showing on February 14, 2024, Harris and the victim were at a social gathering and decided to walk to a nearby convenience store to purchase alcoholic beverages. The victim later stated that about a week before this incident, Harris had offered to sell her some heroin. On the way to the convenience store, the victim asked Harris if he still had heroin available. He told her he did, and they stopped at Harris’s Lincoln apartment, where he drew out a line of powder substance on a mirror and both he and the victim snorted some of the powder. Harris and the victim then walked to the convenience store where the victim purchased some alcohol while Harris waited outside. After purchasing the alcohol, the victim and Harris left the store to return to the social gathering, but the victim passed out. Lincoln Fire & Rescue was called by a clerk at the convenience store. LFR responded and administered Narcan to the victim. She woke up in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.
On February 15, 2024, investigators with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force interviewed the victim after her release from the hospital. A search warrant was then obtained for Harris’s apartment. During a search of his apartment, investigators found powder on a mirror and cut off straws matching the descriptions given by the victim. Harris ultimately admitted he provided the fentanyl powder to the victim which resulted in her overdose. Harris said after the victim’s overdose, he went home and used the rest of the fentanyl powder. On February 15, 2024, he bought an additional quantity of what he believed to be heroin from his source and told investigators the powder found during the search of his apartment was what remained from the drugs he obtained on February 15, 2024.
Testing at the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab later showed the presence of fentanyl in the victim’s urine sample. The powder seized from Harris’s apartment tested positive for fentanyl, meth, cocaine, and heroin. A medical expert reviewed the case, determined the victim suffered an overdose due to her use of fentanyl and found it was likely that she would have died or would have suffered serious debilitating injuries if she had not been promptly treated with Narcan.
Harris’s phone contained text conversations between Harris and another person which occurred on February 15, 2024. In those conversations, Harris talked about the victim’s overdose the night before and his involvement. Harris and the other person agreed that Harris would obtain drugs for the other person on that date. Additional text messages showed the customer sent funds to Harris to pay for the drugs using a money transfer app.
Sentencing in this case is scheduled for November 25, 2024. Harris faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force, the Nebraska State Patrol, and Lincoln Fire & Rescue.
Lewiston Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Saco Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to interference with commerce by robbery.
According to court records, in September 2021, Max Gbetibouo, 30, entered a Saco convenience store brandishing a weapon and demanded money from the register. The store clerk complied, and Gbetibouo fled the store on foot. The robbery was captured on surveillance video.
Gbetibouo faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. Any sentence would be followed by up to three years of supervised release. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The multicolored 1911 firearm Gbetibouo used to threaten the store’s employee during the commission of the robbery was recovered and will be forfeited.
The Saco Police Department investigated the case.
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Justice Department Secures Agreement with North Carolina Department of Adult Correction to Expand Religious Opportunities in State PrisonsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has secured an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) expanding opportunities for group religious practice throughout the state prison system and allowing access to kosher-for-Passover meals and Seders. The agreement resolves the Justice Department’s investigation of NCDAC pursuant to the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).
“The Constitution and federal law guarantee all Americans the freedom to practice their religion, including people who are incarcerated in jails and prisons,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This agreement will protect the religious practices of incarcerated people across North Carolina by allowing members of minority faiths to gather, worship and study. Whether at home with their families, in houses of worship, or behind bars, every person should be able to celebrate religious holidays and gather with their communities of faith.”
“Federal law guarantees all Americans the right to freely exercise their religion, and institutionalized persons have the right to practice their faith and worship together,” said U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina. “We are committed to protecting this fundamental right and are grateful to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for its willingness to work with us and revise its policies to protect the religious rights of individuals in its custody.”
“The settlement agreement reaffirms that all individuals in custody retain the right to practice their religion fully and openly during their incarceration,” said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina. “It is our duty to ensure that incarcerated persons are afforded the same religious rights, freedoms and protections as any other citizen. My office is committed to enforcing these rights and ensuring that they are upheld within all correctional facilities in North Carolina.”
“Our Constitution protects the religious liberty of all people to exercise their faith,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “In America, that means even those who are incarcerated can continue to worship and pray. NCDAC’s new policies ensure that believers can maintain their faith and religious practices, even after they enter the jailhouse door.”
Under the agreement, NCDAC has adopted a policy that reduces the minimum number of people for group worship to two and no longer requires the presence of a faith helper for religious gathering. Under the prior policy, NCDAC had minimum participant and faith helper requirements for congregate religious practices by “minority faith groups” that often prevented these groups from gathering for worship, celebration and study. Minority faith groups were defined as non-Christian faiths, including adherents of Islam or Judaism.
In addition, when the department began the investigation, NCDAC did not provide certified kosher-for-Passover food to incarcerated people who wished to observe the Passover holiday. The agreement requires that NCDAC provide certified kosher-for-Passover meals every year for the eight days of Passover. In addition, NCDAC will provide the opportunity for people who observe Passover to participate in two Seder ritual observances, which will include a Seder plate of ceremonial foods.
For additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. The Justice Department issued a report on the 20th Anniversary of RLUIPA in 2020 and a statement and on the Institutionalized Persons Provisions of RLUIPA in 2017. Those interested in finding out more about RLUIPA can visit www.justice.gov/crt/religious-land-use-and-institutionalized-persons-act-0.
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Jury Finds District Man Guilty of First-Degree Murder While Armed with a Firearm of 22-Year-Old in Southeast Washington D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Superior Court jury found Bernard Matthews, 45, of Washington, D.C., guilty of first-degree murder while armed, for shooting and killing Diamonte Green in February 2021 in Southeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Matthews was also found guilty of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license. The verdict was returned on August 12, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Sentencing is scheduled for November 8, 2024. Matthews faces a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison.
According to the government’s evidence, around mid-afternoon, on February 16, 2021, Matthews walked several blocks and sought out the victim, 22-year-old Diamonte Green, who was threatening the defendant’s son via Instagram. The defendant shot the unarmed victim eight times inside an apartment building entry way at 33rd and C Street SE, D.C., killing him.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
This case was prosecuted and tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Coronado and Kathleen Gibbons.