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Tuesday 13 August 2024
Inmate at FCI Berlin Sentenced to an Additional 9 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing a WeaponRead the Press Release
CONCORD – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Berlin was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a weapon in prison, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Kareem Davis, 23, was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty. Pursuant to federal law, the 9 month prison term must be served consecutive to the 108 month prison term Davis is presently serving for a kidnapping which occurred in the District of Columbia in 2020.
“The defendant is a criminal who was undeterred from committing crime by his original sentence. Instead, he possessed a weapon in federal custody not just once, or twice, but a total of three times,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Rather than focusing on rehabilitation during his time at FCI Berlin, the defendant continued to put others in danger. The sentence imposed by the Court should serve as a warning to other federal defendants that you cannot threaten the safety of other inmates or the prison staff without consequences.”
On May 3, 2023, Davis was searched for weapons while serving an ongoing sentence at FCI Berlin. Davis admitted to corrections officers that he possessed a “shank,” and correctional officers subsequently recovered a toothbrush sharpened to a point, with a handle fashioned out of latex gloves from Davis. This was the third incident where Davis was found to be in possession of a weapon while in federal custody.
FCI-Berlin’s Office of the Special Investigative Supervisor led the investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Scanlon prosecuted the case.
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Indianapolis Woman Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Illegally Purchasing Firearm Used to Shoot and Kill Champaign, Illinois, Police OfficerRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. –An Indianapolis woman, Ashantae Corruthers, 30, was sentenced on August 13, 2024, to four years of imprisonment for engaging in a conspiracy to illegally purchase and transfer a firearm and a conspiracy to engage in misleading conduct.
Corruthers had previously pleaded guilty and admitted that she conspired with co-defendant Regina Lewis and Darion M. Lafayette, now deceased, to purchase and transfer a firearm to Lafayette, who could not legally purchase a firearm himself because he was a convicted felon (commonly known as a “straw purchase”). On November 17, 2020, at the direction of Lafayette and Lewis, Corruthers purchased a Glock 48, nine-millimeter, semi-automatic pistol and Sellier & Bellot, nine-millimeter ammunition, from a federal firearms licensee (FFL) in Indianapolis. During the purchase, Corruthers falsely certified on an ATF form that she was the actual buyer of the firearm, when in fact, she purchased the firearm for Lafayette and transferred it to him.
Corruthers further admitted that she conspired with Lewis and Lafayette to cover up the discovery of their illegal purchase and transfer of the firearm by having Corruthers falsely report to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on April 26, 2021, that the Glock pistol was stolen from her around March of 2021. Approximately twenty-three days after Corruthers falsely reported the firearm stolen, Lafayette used the firearm to shoot Champaign Police Officers Christopher Oberheim and Jeffrey Creel in Champaign, Illinois, killing Oberheim. Corruthers admitted that she and Lewis continued the cover-up after Oberheim’s death by agreeing to have Corruthers falsely tell an ATF Special Agent investigating the officer-involved shooting that she purchased the gun for herself, that it was stolen from her in March of 2021, and that she did not know Lafayette.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce found that the United States Sentencing Guidelines recommended only 21 to 27 months of imprisonment, although the United States argued they recommended 97 to 121 months. Nonetheless, the United States requested an upward variance from the Court’s determined range to a sentence of nine years of imprisonment due to the nature and circumstances of the offense. Officer Oberheim’s widow and four daughters wrote letters in support of the requested upward variance, and retired Officer Creel personally addressed the Court.
Corruthers faced statutory penalties of up to five years in prison for conspiracy to illegally purchase and transfer a firearm and up to twenty years in prison for conspiracy to engage in misleading conduct. Each charge also carried a penalty of up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. Co-defendant Lewis is currently serving 8 ½ years in the Federal Bureau of Prisons following her December 22, 2023, sentencing.
The case investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller represented the government in the prosecution.
Hillsborough County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Receiving and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Darnell Credit (51, Tampa) to six years and six months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Credit to pay $21,000 in restitution and forfeit a computer, two thumb drives, and an external hard drive, which were used to commit the offenses. Credit entered a guilty plea on February 15, 2024.
According to court documents, in November 2021, the FBI executed a search warrant at Credit’s home and seized several of his electronic devices. A forensic search of those devices revealed more than 1,000 photos and over 100 videos of child sexual abuse material, including images depicting sadistic conduct, toddlers, and bestiality.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Tampa Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Ross Roberts.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Green Bay Man Sentenced to 60 Months’ Imprisonment for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 13, 2024, Bryan S. Peterson (Age: 46) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, a former high school football coach and Oneida Tribal Court Bailiff, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for distributing sexually explicit images of minors online.
According to court records, in early 2024, investigators identified an online account, later determined to be used by Peterson, which had received and distributed child pornography. On February 21, 2024, federal agents executed a search warrant at Peterson’s residence and recovered numerous electronic devices containing sexualized conversations concerning children and images depicting child pornography.
At the sentencing hearing, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense and a strong need to deter Peterson and others who might engage in similar crimes. After serving his five-year term of imprisonment, Peterson will spend seven years on supervised release and will be required to register as a sexual offender under state and federal law.
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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s investigatory offices in Monterey, California, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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Former General Motors Manager Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Receiving Bribe from Foreign Auto Parts Supplier Seeking ContractRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former manager at General Motors was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for conspiring to solicit and receive a $5 million bribe from a South Korean company in return for a promise to deliver a contract worth more than $100 million for various car parts.
Hyoung Nam So, 49, a.k.a. “Brian So,” of Irvine, was sentenced by United States District Judge André Birotte Jr., who also ordered him to pay a $250,000 fine.
At the conclusion of a one-week trial in November 2023, a jury found So guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
“Corporate executives must play by the same rules as the rest of us,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “By demanding millions of dollars in bribes to award contracts, this defendant corrupted the system and thumbed his nose at fair and honest business practices. Now, this defendant will do federal prison time and see firsthand that no person is above the law.”
In 2015, a foreign parts supplier paid So a total of $3.45 million in cash. As a manager and team leader at General Motors (GM), So oversaw the supply of parts used to build interiors for GM automobiles in North America. In October 2015, So promised the contract – which was to be awarded through a competitive bidding process – to the owner of the South Korean parts company – Wookyung MIT – in exchange for $5 million, which So demanded in cash.
The following month, the owner of Wookyung MIT arranged to have $1 million in cash transferred from South Korea to Los Angeles through money brokers, which an accomplice then drove to Troy, Michigan, where So was then living. The owner of Wookyung MIT flew to Detroit in late November 2015 and personally delivered the cash to So during a meeting at a hotel in Troy.
By the time So received the first $1 million installment of the bribe payment, he had already learned that Wookyung MIT was not the lowest bidder on the contract. So arranged for information to be provided to Wookyung MIT that would allow it to revise its bid. On December 8, 2015, So recommended to GM executives that the contract be awarded to Wookyung MIT, and the contract was awarded to Wookyung MIT on the same day.
So refrained from notifying Wookyung MIT that it had won the contract and continued to withhold that information until Wookyung MIT’s owner paid the remaining portion of the bribe. That occurred on December 20, 2015, when the owner of Wookyung MIT paid So $2.45 million in cash at a restaurant in Detroit – cash that also had been driven from Los Angeles to Michigan. The following day, So arranged for Wookyung MIT to be informed that it had won the contract.
Homeland Security Investigations seized $3.19 million believed to be proceeds from the bribery scheme from a private vault in Los Altos in 2017, and HSI subsequently returned the money to South Korean authorities.
The owner of Wookyung MIT was prosecuted in South Korea for offenses related to the bribery scheme.
The investigation into the bribery scheme was conducted by HSI’s Los Angeles El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency task force comprised of federal and state investigators who are focused on financial crimes in Southern California. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance during the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jeff Mitchell and David Y. Pi of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.
Former Biloxi City Councilman Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Drug Conspiracy Involving Vape ShopsRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi – A former Biloxi City Councilman was sentenced to 72 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, in 2019, Robert Leon Deming, III, 47, founded the Candy Shop, LLC to operate Candy Shop stores in Mississippi and North Carolina. The Candy Shop stores sold CBD and vape products.
In 2020, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating the Candy Shop. The investigation revealed that some of the vape products sold by the Candy Shops in Mississippi contained Schedule I controlled substances and controlled substance analogues. In 2022, the DEA also received complaints that some of the products at the Candy Shops were making customers ill.
During the investigation, law enforcement agents seized over $1.8 million in cash from Deming’s residence and additional cash and controlled substances from his stores. Agents learned that Deming was aware that his vape additives did not contain CBD; rather, they contained synthetic cannabinoids. This was evidenced by group chats in which Deming’s employees complained about how the additives were too strong and could hurt their customers. Despite this fact, Deming misbranded the additives as containing CBD.
In addition, through the course of the investigation, agents were able to determine that in May of 2022, Deming sent an uncharged coconspirator $2,200.00 to purchase 1 kilogram of 5F-AB-PINACA, a Schedule I controlled substance, for use in the Candy Shop’s vape additives and that, at the time Deming sent the money, he knew that 5F-AB-PINACA was a controlled substance. The investigation also revealed that Deming’s gross sales of vape additive products containing either Schedule I controlled substances or their analogues totaled over $2 million.
Deming was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 19, 2023, and he pled guilty on May 1, 2024. As part of the resolution in this case, Deming agreed to forfeit a yellow Monster Truck with oversized tires and a lift kit and over $1.9 million dollars.
“U.S. consumers are put at risk when labeling is false and misleading,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin Fielder, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office. “Labeling is designed to provide information that can help consumers make informed choices about what they purchase and consume. The FDA is committed to pursuing and bringing to justice those who unlawfully mask controlled substances as known consumer products to be sold to the American public.”
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels McCaw of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Agent in Charge Justin Fielder of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Buckner and Lee Smith.
Florida Medical Equipment Manufacturer Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Florida man pleaded guilty today to evading nearly $2.4 million in taxes on income he earned from his business.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Roger Whitman, 76, manufactured and sold medical equipment. Between 2002 and 2018, Whitman generated millions of dollars in gross receipts from the sale of such equipment.
Whitman has not filed an individual income tax return or made any tax payments since 2000. In 2012, the IRS assessed nearly $800,0000 in taxes against Whitman for tax years 2002 through 2009. In response, to conceal his income and assets, Whitman formed a trust with his girlfriend serving as the trustee. Whitman caused his girlfriend to open two bank accounts in the trust’s name, over which Whitman’s girlfriend had sole signatory authority. Thereafter, Whitman directed his income from the business into the trust’s bank accounts and used the funds from these accounts to pay personal expenses. In approximately July 2019, to further thwart IRS collection efforts, Whitman formed a new entity to operate his business.
Through his actions, Whitman caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $2.4 million.
Whitman is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 13. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, as well as supervised release and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Melissa Siskind and Andres Chinchilla of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case, with assistance and support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Final federal defendant from “Operation New Day” sentenced to five years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 56-year-old Seattle man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 5 years in prison for dealing drugs in downtown Seattle while armed with a handgun, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Cuong Quoc Cao, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Art the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart said, “At 56 you should know better… We have someone who has absolutely no respect for the law…. We are not effectively dealing with these open-air drug situations.”
According to records filed in the case, in late January and February 2022, the Seattle Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration targeted open air drug dealing at 12th and Jackson as part of “Operation New Day.” Cao was photographed and observed making hand-to-hand drug sales. Cao left the area when a woman nearby was being treated for an overdose. Police approached Cao and placed him under arrest. A 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a loaded magazine was found in his backpack. Cao also had crack cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl pills.
Cao was indicted in March 2022, and pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on the eve of trial in April 2024.
In asking for the five-year sentence with three years of supervised release, Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson wrote to the court, “While the amount of fentanyl the defendant possessed with the intent to distribute is not substantial, the fact that he brazenly sold drugs and illegally packed a firearm to protect himself, however, are cause for great concern. A sentence of sixty months imprisonment provides a reasonable punishment for the defendant’s decision to traffic fentanyl – a drug which is poisoning our community - and provides a modicum of safety to the community through incapacitation. Following release from custody, the defendant should avail himself to the services coordinated by United States Probation, most importantly substance abuse treatment.”
The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and DEA.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cecelia Gregson and Carolyn Forstein.
Fentanyl Distributor Pleads Guilty to Gun Offense in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte fentanyl distributor appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler today and pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Demetrius Lamar Mattox, 39, will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending his sentencing hearing, which has not been scheduled.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to plea documents and the plea hearing, over the course of an investigation into drug trafficking activities in Charlotte, law enforcement identified Mattox as a local fentanyl distributor. The investigation determined that Mattox sold fentanyl and firearms to a confidential source on multiple occasions between September and October 2023.
Mattox is currently in federal custody. The statutory maximum for the charged offense is a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison. A sentencing date has not been sent.
The ATF led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Federal Jury Convicts High-Level Operative in Craven County Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal jury convicted Lucio Camargo Garcia, an armed New Bern drug trafficker and leader in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for moving kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in and around the Craven County area. Garcia, age 45, was convicted on one count of conspiracy, six counts of drug distribution and possession with intent to distribute, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Garcia faces between 15 years and life imprisonment at sentencing, which is scheduled for later this year.
“We are partnering with local law enforcement across Eastern North Carolina to dismantle the drug trafficking networks fueling the fentanyl crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Our Task Force approach brings federal tools alongside local intelligence to prioritize kilogram-level traffickers like Lucio Camagro Garcia and other members of the Medina-Beltran Organization.”
“This investigation, and Garcia's conviction, along with the prosecutions of his co-conspirators has substantially disrupted the flow of methamphetamine and fentanyl coming into our area from the southwestern border. We appreciate the work of the U.S Attorney's Office, and the Craven County Sheriff's Office will continue to partner with Task Force members to identify, arrest, and prosecute major drug traffickers,” stated Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, the New Bern Police Department, the State Bureau of Investigation, and other state and local agencies launched an investigation into a large-scale DTO responsible for acquiring kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from the southwest border and distributing them in and around Craven County. Through the use of confidential sources, surveillance, and controlled purchases, Garcia was identified as a methamphetamine and fentanyl distributor responsible for distributing ounce-level quantities to other dealers, and smaller quantities to drug users.
From January to October 2022, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Garcia. On October 31, 2022, search warrants were executed at residences associated with the DTO, including Garcia’s residence. Law enforcement seized approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine, 900 grams of fentanyl (powder and pill form), and a loaded firearm from Garcia’s residence. Most of the drugs were found in a secret compartment in the ceiling of Garcia’s bedroom closet.
Multiple other individuals associated with the DTO, including its leader, Ivan Leonardo Medina-Beltran (4:22-cr-00075-D-1), and one other high-level operative have been indicted. Medina-Beltran pled guilty and was sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2023. Xavier Garza (4:22-cr-00075-D-3) pled guilty to drug trafficking and firearm charges on May 16, 2023. Sentencing is pending in his case.
This investigation was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, 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.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III accepted the verdict. The DEA, HSI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Bern Police Department, are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Englander and Caroline Webb are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:22-CR-00075-D-RJ-2.
Extradited Canadian Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Orchestrating Massive Telemarketing Scheme Targeting Senior Citizens in United StatesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Ari Tietolman, 50, of Montréal, Canada, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, $7,042.898.22 in restitution, and a $700 special assessment by United States District Judge Gerald A. McHugh, all arising from Tietolman’s operation of a massive scheme from Canada that targeted American senior citizens with deceptive telemarketing calls for nearly a decade.
Tietolman was charged in 2017 by superseding indictment with three counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering. He was extradited from Canada to the United States in 2023 and pleaded guilty to all seven counts against him in January of this year.
From 2005 to 2014, Tietolman directed his fraud scheme from Montréal, Canada. In this scheme, Tietolman’s network of telemarketers sold worthless or non-existent services and then debited the victims’ bank accounts without their informed consent. Through this scheme, Tietolman and his co-schemers, including codefendants Marc Roy Ferry and Adam Harper, took millions of dollars from tens of thousands of senior citizens in the United States.
Tietolman created a number of fraudulent companies that sold purported fraud protection services, a purported prescription drug discount card, and a purported discounted legal service. The products and services offered by the fraudulent companies were worthless or non-existent.
After Tietolman obtained names and telephone numbers of elderly Americans, he and Harper hired and instructed telemarketers to call these elderly Americans to sell the worthless or non-existent products and services offered by the fraud companies. Most of Tietolman’s telemarketers were based in “boiler rooms” in and around Montréal. In addition, there was at least one “boiler room” in India. Tietolman and Harper called these rooms “fulfillment rooms.”
During their calls, Tietolman’s telemarketers made various misrepresentations, such as stating that they were calling on behalf of, or were affiliated with, the victim’s bank, the victim’s insurance company, or the United States government. In addition, Tietolman’s telemarketers often misled the consumers about the need for these products and services.
In addition to misrepresenting the value of the products being marketed, Tietolman’s telemarketers also misrepresented the cost of these products, sometimes telling consumers the products were free, or less expensive than the amount that was ultimately debited from the consumers’ bank accounts. In other instances, the telemarketers assured consumers they would not debit the consumers’ bank accounts and then did just that after the consumer provided their bank account information.
As part of his fraud, Tietolman took extensive efforts to conceal his involvement, using front companies, nominees, remotely created checks (“RCCs”), and structured deposits. Furthermore, when the fraud was detected but before a bank account was closed, Tietolman would sometimes instruct his co-schemer Ferry to “hammer” the account, that is, deposit as many checks as possible before the account was closed. Finally, knowing that banks would close accounts used to facilitate fraud, Tietolman caused his co-schemers to open accounts at several banks in the United States simultaneously, to make sure that the scheme kept running even when one or more accounts were frozen or closed.
Codefendants Marc Roy Ferry and Adam Harper previously entered their guilty pleas in the case and are also awaiting sentencing. Both Ferry and Harper have been released on bail conditions.
“Ari Tietolman directed an almost decade-long scheme that scammed seniors out of millions of their hard-earned dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Specifically targeting the elderly because you consider them easy prey is deplorable. My office and our partners at the FBI and IRS-CI are determined to hold criminals like Tietolman accountable and protect older folks from these callous crooks seeking to take advantage of them.”
“For nearly a decade, Ari Tietolman scammed senior citizens across the country out of their life’s savings, even stooping so low as to sell his victims purported services that would protect them from fraud,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “As this sentencing shows, we at the FBI and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS – Criminal Investigation will pursue justice no matter where or when federal crimes occur.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vineet Gauri and Eric D. Gill. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Canada to secure the arrest and extradition of Tietolman to the United States.
Danville, Illinois, Man Convicted of Carjacking Resulting in Death and MurderRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A federal jury returned five guilty verdicts on August 7, 2024, against Kevin Marshall, 34, of Danville, Illinois, for carjacking and murdering Daniel Walter, a 28-year-old man from rural Indiana, for the possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and the possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Sentencing for Marshall has been scheduled on December 9, 2024, at the U.S. Courthouse in Urbana, Illinois.
Over seven days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that on April 25, 2020, Marshall was riding with Walter and Marshall’s girlfriend to an address in the 1600 block of Ray Street in Danville. Once there, Marshall told Walter to get out of the truck because he wanted to talk. Walter complied, and once outside, Marshall shot Walter four times and left him outside of a detached garage. Marshall and his girlfriend started to drive away in Walter’s Ford F-150 before Marshall ordered her to stop the truck. He then returned to Walter and shot him five more times, taking his phone and other identification. Walter was discovered several hours later but was not identified until the following day during the autopsy. Shell casings recovered at the scene were later matched to a Taurus 9mm handgun by Illinois State Police forensic specialists. The evidence showed that Marshall and his girlfriend took Walter’s truck to Belvidere, Illinois, the day after Walter’s murder. The truck broke down and Marshall abandoned it in Belvidere on April 29, 2020, where it was recovered by the Belvidere Police Department that day.
On August 18, 2020, Marshall and his girlfriend were arrested during a traffic stop at a Casey’s gas station in Danville. Marshall possessed the Taurus 9mm handgun used to murder Daniel Walter and a Colt .45 at the time of his arrest. Marshall also had several dozen methamphetamine pills in a black fanny pack with the Colt .45. The evidence at trial showed that the methamphetamine pills were all that remained after Marshall sold most of the 1000 that he had obtained earlier that summer. Marshall obtained the Colt .45 at the same time as the 1000 pills so he could distance himself from Walter’s murder weapon by having his girlfriend carry the gun for him. As Danville Police Department officers and members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force approached the car to arrest him, Marshall tried to put all the guns and drugs at the feet of his girlfriend, who was in the backseat at the time.
Additional evidence presented at trial showed that, while in pretrial custody, Marshall manipulated his girlfriend into writing three separate letters to law enforcement falsely claiming that the guns and drugs belonged to her, and that she knew nothing of Walter’s murder. Evidence of the attempted obstruction was presented to the jury during the trial, including through recorded calls where Marshall arranged to have the false letters sent to his attorneys.
Marshall remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, where he has been since his arrest in 2021. At sentencing, Marshall faces statutory penalties of up to life imprisonment for the carjacking resulting in death and murder convictions.
The case investigation was conducted by the Danville Police Department; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; the Illinois State Police; the Belvidere Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan D. Freres and Eugene L. Miller represented the government at trial in coordination and cooperation with Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy.
Crisp County Man Pleads Guilty after Stealing 62 Guns from Macon BusinessRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident with a criminal past who broke into a Macon pawn shop in 2023 and stole 62 firearms has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.
Rontavious Jamal Jackson, 33, of Cordele, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Aug. 13. Jackson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Stolen firearms fuel crime and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Working alongside our law enforcement partners, we are committed to doing everything we can to both prevent illegal firearms from getting into the hands of criminals and hold those responsible for gun trafficking accountable.”
“We take this crime very seriously," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “There were 62 firearms on the street, with the strong potential of being sold to or used by other criminals. Stealing firearms is a serious offense which results in significant federal prison time for all those responsible.”
“We can hope this case sends a clear message to convicted felons of the serious consequences of the possession of firearms. I am grateful for the relationship between the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office and our Federal partners to continue to remove these potentially dangerous individuals from our streets,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis.
"I am incredibly proud of our agency's efforts and the successful collaboration between our local and federal partners. These stolen weapons could have been used to take innocent lives. Our commitment to protecting our community remains unwavering, and this case is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together," said Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jackson and another individual were seen on surveillance footage entering the Howard’s Pawn & Jewelry—a federally licensed firearms dealer—at 3:00 a.m. on April 5, 2023, and collecting 62 firearms into garbage bags. There was a large hole smashed in from outside the store and pieces of concrete blocks on the floor inside. On April 12, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office investigators learned from three sources that Jackson had stolen weapons at his Cordele residence. A search warrant was executed that same day, and agents recovered 32 firearms. The firearms matched the serial numbers of the stolen guns. Nine gun price tags were found, along with assorted ammunition, firearm parts and accessories, including ten magazines. The remaining 30 firearms have not been recovered. Jackson has a prior felony conviction; it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
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 of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Department of Community Supervision (DCS).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuted the case for the Government.
Couple Sentenced to over 37 Years in Federal Prison for Murder, Failing to Report Murder, and Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Second-Degree Murder and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence. The sentencing took place on August 1, 2024.
Jerel Running Bear, age 34, was convicted of Second-Degree Murder, and was sentenced to 27 years and three months in federal prison consecutive to 10 years in federal prison for Discharging a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence. Running Bear was also ordered to complete five years of supervised release on each charge with the time to be run concurrently. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each charge.
On August 9, 2024, U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced an Oglala, South Dakota, woman for her role in failing to report the murder of the 21-year-old female victim to law enforcement. Serena Fast Horse, age 39, was convicted of Misprision of a Felony and was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by one-year supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Running Bear and Fast Horse were indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury in November of 2023. Running Bear pleaded guilty on April 5, 2024, and Fast Horse pleaded guilty on May 10, 2024.
On the evening of November 8, 2023, Running Bear and two other individuals, including the 21-year-old female victim, went to Wounded Knee to obtain fentanyl pills from a source. When the source did not show up, Running Bear, who was under the influence of controlled substances, grabbed a rifle from the trunk of the vehicle and shot the female who was seated in the backseat. The other female took off running and alerted law enforcement. Running Bear then picked up Fast Horse, his girlfriend at the time. Running Bear removed the victim from the vehicle and left her on the side of the road, while Fast Horse watched. The next day, the two fled to Nebraska after being spotted by law enforcement. Fast Horse threw out items from the vehicle, including controlled substances. The two were eventually apprehended. After Running Bear was placed into custody, Fast Horse did not tell law enforcement about watching Running Bear dispose of the victim’s body on the side of the road.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Running Bear was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and Fast Horse was ordered to self-surrender on August 30, 2024.
Convicted Felon Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BIRMIHGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon pleaded guilty today to illegally possessing firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
Ro’Daryus Donell Mitchell, 27, of Center Point, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Annemarie C. Axon to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, on May 31, 2023, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force (GCRFTF) was looking for Mitchell for multiple arrest warrants. Mitchell had arrest warrants for 22 counts of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle, four counts of Theft of Property, Second Degree, one count of Receiving Stolen Property, Second Degree, and a probation revocation warrant for Violation of the State Firearms Act. USMS GCRFTF deputies located Mitchell at a residence in Birmingham and arrested him on the outstanding warrants. A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a Glock 9mm pistol loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition, an American Tactical .300 pistol, and a Taurus .45 caliber pistol that was loaded with five rounds of ammunition. The American Tactical .300 pistol was reported stolen with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on May 12, 2023. The Taurus .45 caliber pistol was reported stolen with the Birmingham Police Department on May 25, 2023. At the time of this incident, Mitchell had been convicted of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County.
ATF investigated the case, along with the USMS GCRFTF. Assistant United States Attorney Kristy Peoples is prosecuting the case.
Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty to Nine Counts of Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Thomaston, Conn. man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield in connection with a scheme to obtain bank loans and money for projects in Saudi Arabia.
Hanibal Tayeh, 63, pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment with two counts of bank fraud, four counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering and one count of making a false bankruptcy declaration. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Dec. 19, 2024. Tayeh was originally charged and arrested in July 2018.
In 2013 and 2014, Tayeh used fake documents and misrepresentations to obtain a $9.1 million loan package and later a $400,000 extension of credit from a bank. A number of the fake documents and misrepresentations pertained to a business venture Tayeh claimed to be pursuing in Saudi Arabia. Further, he financially defrauded an individual by making misrepresentations related to construction projects he claimed to be pursuing in Saudi Arabia. Tayeh then laundered the proceeds of his fraud schemes through payments made to third parties for his personal obligations. Additionally, Tayeh made a false statement during a bankruptcy proceeding when he denied knowledge of a fake letter of credit that he created.The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of false bankruptcy declaration provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Morgan of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Commercial Trucker Who Transported Narcotics from Texas to Ohio Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Javier Eduardo Gutierrez-Quintana, 47, of El Paso, Texas, has pleaded guilty to possession of 20 kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute.
According to court documents, on May 31, 2024, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) officers encountered the defendant who was driving a commercial vehicle bearing a Texas license plate and registration. A second OSHP officer deployed a K-9 near the defendant’s vehicle, and it subsequently gave a positive signal for the odor of narcotics. The defendant consented to a search of the vehicle. Three black duffle bags containing 20 blue-taped packages were found during the search. Upon the discovery, Gutierrez-Quintana admitted to investigators that he knowingly transported 20 kilograms of narcotics from El Paso, Texas to the Youngstown, Ohio area, where he was scheduled to meet with an unknown person (or persons) and deliver the packages. Laboratory testing confirmed that the packages contained cocaine.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 22, 2024. Gutierrez-Quintana faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for possessing narcotics with intent to distribute. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case.
If you have information about the drug-related manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances, submit an anonymous tip at dea.gov/submit-tip.
Co-Owner of Westfield Transport Pleads Guilty to Charges Stemming from 2019 Crash That Killed Seven MotorcyclistsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former owner of the now-defunct Westfield Transport, Inc., pleaded guilty today to federal charges related to a June 2019 collision involving one of the company’s vehicles that caused the deaths of seven motorcyclists in New Hampshire.
Dunyadar Gasanov, a/k/a Damien Gasanov, 39, pleaded guilty to three counts of making false statements to federal investigators. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 21, 2024. Dunyadar Gasanov was indicted in February 2021 along with co-defendant Dartanayan Gasanov.
“Keeping communities safe takes all forms. In this case, it is about making sure that operators of commercial vehicles adhere to all required safety procedures and regulations. We will not forget the lives lost in June 2019 that relate to this conviction. This defendant flouted those laws that are critical to public safety, and he jeopardized everyone on the road, with tragic consequences here,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“Today’s guilty plea is a somber reminder of the lives lost on June 21, 2019, and the devastating impact this tragic accident had on loved ones and the community,” said Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeastern Region. “Together with our prosecutorial partners, we will engage the full force of our collective resources to pursue companies and individuals who intentionally ignore federal regulations and, in so do doing, compromise the safety of the traveling public on our Nation’s roadways.”
According to court filings, the defendant owned now-defunct Westfield Transport, Inc. – a for-hire interstate motor carrier that transported vehicles primarily in the northeastern United States. From May 3, 2019 to June 23, 2019, Dunyadar Gasanov and, allegedly, Dartanayan Gasanov falsified driving logs in order to evade federal regulations designed to ensure the safety of roadways and drivers. Dunyadar Gasanov instructed at least one Westfield Transport employee to falsify records, thereby exceeding the number of permissible driving hours, and then made false statements to federal inspectors regarding the manipulation of recording devices that track drivers’ on and off duty hours in order to evade regulations.
Dunyadar Gasanov also admitted that he falsely stated to inspectors that he met a driver for Westfield Transport, who was involved in a crash in New Hampshire that resulted in the death of seven motorcyclists, on the day he hired him. In fact, Dunyadar Gasanov had known the driver for years prior and knew that the driver had been charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol years before.
Dartanayan Gasanov has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
Each charge of making a false statement to a federal investigator provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and DOT OIG SAC Scharf made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Clearwater Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Coercing and Enticing A Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Caleb Belanger (25, Clearwater) to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and possession of child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Belanger to pay $3,000 in restitution and forfeit an iPhone and iPad, which were used to commit the offenses. Belanger entered a guilty plea on March 26, 2024.
According to court documents, Belanger enticed approximately 30 minor females, all between the ages of 13 and 17 years old, to take sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves and send the images to him via a mobile application, in exchange for money, vapes, and alcohol. He also offered money in exchange for sex and other sexual acts. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Belanger’s home and seized his iPhone and iPad. A search of those devices revealed that Belanger possessed 1,209 images and 111 videos of child sexual abuse material.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Tarpon Springs Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilyssa M. Spergel and Ross Roberts.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Chicago-Area Rap Artist Sentenced for Role in Nationwide Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chicago-area man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for his role in a nationwide wire fraud conspiracy that victimized businesses and individuals across the United States.
Joseph Williams, 32, of University Park, Ill., was sentenced by District Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to three years of probation. In March 2024, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2020 along with five co-defendants, including rap promoter Antonio Strong, rap artist Herbert Wright and Demario Sorrells.
Williams is a rap artist known as “Joe Rodeo,” “Rockstar Rodie,” or “Rodeo,” based in the Chicago area. Beginning in at least March 2017 through November 2018, Williams, Sorrells, Wright and Strong, and allegedly two other co-defendants, conspired to defraud numerous businesses and individuals throughout the United States by using unauthorized and stolen payment card account information of real individuals – including the actual cardholders’ names, addresses, security codes and account expiration dates. The defrauded businesses and individuals successfully processed the fraudulent transactions and provided the goods and services to Wright and his alleged co-conspirators. The actual cardholders discovered these transactions on their accounts and disputed the charges with their card companies who then charged back the transactions to the businesses and individuals, which consequently suffered losses in the amounts of the unauthorized transactions.
Williams received illicit account information allegedly from Strong on numerous occasions and used it to make purchases knowing the account information was stolen. He also took numerous private jets, commercial flights and stayed in hotels that were paid for with the illicit account information. Although Williams did not personally conduct all of the transactions that benefitted him, he knew (or reasonably should have known) that others were purchasing his flights and hotels in a fraudulent manner. In total, Williams was responsible for $102,000 in victim losses.
In May 2024, Strong pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 19, 2024; in July 2023, Wright pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a federal official. He was sentenced to three years’ probation and was ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $139,968 in Jan. 2024; and on Feb. 2, 2024, Sorrells pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 29, 2024.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorneys Andrew Tyler and Kyle Crawford of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Carjacking in Chicago Suburb Leads to 15-Year Federal Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man who carjacked a vehicle in a Chicago suburb and fired shots at a police officer who was pursuing him has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
DAVID JOHNSON carjacked a vehicle in Orland Park, Ill., on Feb. 12, 2021. The victim was sitting in his car on the street outside of his home when Johnson approached, pointed a gun at the victim’s head, and demanded the key. Johnson stole the vehicle and led police on a high-speed chase into Chicago, where he crashed into another car in the city’s Morgan Park neighborhood. Johnson then fled on foot and fired shots at an Oak Forest, Ill. Police officer who was pursuing him. Chicago Police officers arrested Johnson a short time later. At the time of the carjacking, Johnson was on court-supervised release following his imprisonment for a prior federal firearm conviction.
Johnson, 27, of Chicago, pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal carjacking and firearm charges. U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin imposed the sentence Thursday during a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Substantial assistance in the investigation was provided by the Oak Forest, Ill. Police Department, Orland Park, Ill. Police Department, and Chicago Police Department. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elie Zenner.
Monday 12 August 2024
법무부, 대통령 행정명령 제13166호 기념일 인지: 제한된 영어 능력을 가진 사람들을 위한 서비스 접근성 개선하기Read the Press Release
어제는 대통령 행정명령 제13166호의 “제한된 영어 능력을 가진 사람들을 위한 서비스 접근성 개선하기”의 24주년을 기념했습니다. 그 핵심은, 행정 명령은 연방 정부가 우리나라와 지역 사회를 안전하고 번영하게 하기 위해 제한된 영어 능력(LEP)을 가진 사람들을 포함해 미국에 있는 모든 사람들과 반드시 이해하고 소통할 수 있어야 한다는 기본 원칙을 인정합니다.
오늘, 법무부 민권국은 현재까지 검토한 내용을 요약한 연방 기관 언어 접근성 계획을 발표했습니다. 우리는 계속 연방 기관과 함께 일하면서 그들의 언어 사용 계획을 최신화하고 구현하며 향후 몇 달 간의 연방 정부 기관 진행 상황 및 동향에 대한 추가 정보를 제공할 것입니다.
소통은 우리 임무에 대단히 중요합니다. 20년이 넘는 기간 동안, 법무부는 연방 및 연방에서 자금을 지원한 프로그램 또는 서비스에 대한 언어 장벽을 제거하기 위해 연방 기관 및 이해관계자들과 협력하며 일해왔습니다. 오해는 긴급 상황, 의료 제도, 그리고 사법 제도에서 비극적인 결과로 이어질 수 있습니다. 사실, 제한된 영어 능력을 가진 사람들과 소통하고 그들을 이해하는 일은 법 집행, 환경 보호, 주거 또는 식료품 지원 제공, 학생 성취 도모, 공중보건 보장, 그리고 경제적 번영 및 사법을 유지하는 데 대단히 중요합니다. 정부 기관이, 예를 들어, 중요한 문서 번역을 제공하거나 중요한 대화 중 또는 공판에서 통역사를 제공할 때, 우리는 연방 및 연방에서 자금을 지원한 프로그램 및 서비스의 효율성을 높여 모든 대상 지역 사회에 도달하고 혜택을 보장합니다.
법무부는 개인의 영어 능력과 상관없이 우리 고유의 프로그램들 및 우리가 자금을 지원하는 프로그램들이 모든 이에게 열려 있도록 보장하기 위해 변함없이 헌신하고 있습니다. 기관들이 연방 정부 전반에 걸쳐 많은 진전을 이루었지만, 우리는 앞에 놓인 어려움을 이해합니다. 예를 들어, 우리의 조정 역할을 통해, 우리는 40개의 최신화된 연방 기관 언어 사용 계획들의 세부 검토를 진행했고, 이를 통해 우리는 많은 수의 연방 기관들이 다음에 전념한 것을 발견했습니다:
- 효과적인 시행을 보장하기 위해 특정 언어 접근직원 및 직원 교육 절차 확립하기;
- 정확하고 품질 평가된 언어 지원 서비스를 요구하기 위한 품질 관리 개선하기; 및
- 다국어 온라인 콘텐츠 및 디지털 소통을 통해 정보에 대한 접근을 확대하기입니다.
우리의 조정 역할과 더불어, 우리는 우리 프로그램 또는 우리가 자금을 지원하는 프로그램에 대한 언어 장벽을 제거하기 위해 효과적인 정책 및 절차에 대한 정보를 배우고 구현하며 전달하는 일을 우선시 하였습니다. 예를 들어:
- 법무부의 첫 언어 사용 조정관의 임기가 만료된 후, 사법제도 접근 관리국(ATJ)은 직급을 정규직으로 만들고, 이렇게 중대한 업무의 기한을 보장하기 위해 역할을 선임 민간 서비스 언어 접근 조정관으로 충원했습니다. 사법제도 접근 관리국은 또한 언어 접근 조정관의 업무를 지원하고 언어 접근 프로그램을 더욱 발전시키기 위해 추가 직원을 합류시킵니다.
- 법무부의 언어 접근 계획에 따라, 사법제도 접근 관리국의 법무부 전체의 언어 사용 조정관은 각 구성 요소의 특정 언어 사용 계획을 개발하기 위해 법무부 구성 요소들과 함께 일하고 있습니다. 이는 구성 요소들이 법무부의 언어 사용 계획 전반적인 정책과 비슷하게 각 구성 요소의 고유한 임무 및 의무에 특정되는 언어 접근 정책을 개발할 수 있도록 할 것입니다.
- 지난 2년 동안, 사법제도 접근 관리국 언어 접근 프로그램은 언어 접근을 법무부의 대민 콘텐츠 전체로 확대하기 위해 법무부 전반에 걸쳐 50개 이상의 지국에 기술적 지원을 제공하고 번역 서비스를 마련했습니다. 프로그램은 보도자료, 봉사활동 자료, 디지털 콘텐츠, 보고서 등과 관련된 75개 이상의 번역 프로젝트를 완료했습니다.
- 민권국의 법 집행 언어 접근 계획(LELAI)의 일환으로, 민권국의 크리스텐 클라크(Kristen Clarke) 법무차관은 제한된 영어 능력을 가진 사람들에게 언어 지원 서비스를 제공하고 청각 장애자 및 난청인들에게 효율적인 소통을 제공하기 위해 2023년 12월에 법 집행 동료들에게 그들의 연방 민권 보호 의무를 강조하는 서한을 발행했습니다.
- 법 집행 언어 접근 계획을 통해 민권국은 또한 1964년 민권법 제6편 및 1968년 각종 범죄 단속 및 길거리 치안법에 따라 법 집행 기관들이 언어 장벽을 극복하는 데 도움이 되도록 지역 사회 중심 치안 서비스국(COPS) 및 전국 치안 혁신 센터와 협업하여 지역 사회 중심 치안 서비스국 교육 포털에서 핵심 자료를 선보였습니다.
- 민권국은 법 집행 기관들이 지역 사회를 더 잘 섬기고 보호하도록 제한된 영어 능력을 가진 사람들에게 의미있는 언어 지원을 제공하는 그들의 의무를 충족하는 일을 돕기 위해 전국에 있는 미국 검찰청들과 지속적인 협업을 진행하고 있습니다. 특정 법 집행 기관들과 함께 일하는 사례들은 다음을 포함합니다
- 법무부, 워싱턴 주 보안관 사무실과 언어 접근성 협약 체결
- 민권국은 또한 대중을 위해 ‘귀하의 권리를 아십시오’ 책자와 1965년 투표권법 제203조의 언어 요건을 설명하는 문서를 포함한 투표권 자료를 12개 이상의 언어로 게시했습니다. 이러한 문서는 투표 | 투표권(justice.gov)에서 찾을 수 있습니다.
내년에 민권국은 연방 언어 접근 실무진 회의를 계속 이끌 것입니다. 이러한 기관 간 회의 중, 우리는 효과적인 언어 접근 직원 교육 진행; 다국어 직원을 모집, 평가, 채용 및 유지; 자격 있는 번역가 및 통역사와 계약; 그리고 정확하며 신뢰성 있는 언어 지원 서비스를 전달하기 위해 기술을 이용하는 것에 대한 정보를 배우고 공유합니다. 이 통합된 사용 방식을 통해, 우리는 법에 따라 차별을 방지하고 동등한 대우를 보장하는 1964년 민권법 제6편 및 대통령 행정명령 제13166호의 약속을 이행하려고 합니다.
司法部關於第 13166 號行政命令周年紀念日的聲明：改善英語水準有限人士的服務獲取途徑Read the Press Release
昨天是第 13166號行政命令“改善英語水準有限人士獲得服務的途徑”頒佈 24 周年紀念日。該命令的核心是承認下一基本原則：聯邦政府必須能夠理解美國所有人士，包括英語水準有限人士 ，（LEP）並與其溝通，以保持我們的國家和社區的安全和繁榮。
今天，司法部民權司發佈了迄今為止對聯邦機構語言訪問計畫的審查情況 [鏈結]。我們將在未來幾個月內，繼續與各聯邦機構合作，更新和實施其語言訪問計畫，提供有關聯邦機構進展和趨勢的更多資訊。
溝通對於我們的使命至關重要。二十多年來，該部一直與聯邦機構和利益相關者合作，致力於消除聯邦和聯邦資助專案或服務的語言障礙。誤解可能會導致緊急情況、醫療保健系統和司法系統中的悲劇性後果。事實上，與英語水準有限人士溝通和瞭解他們，對於執行法律、保護環境、提供住房或糧食援助、促進學生成就、確保公共健康以及維護經濟繁榮和正義至關重要。例如，當政府機構提供重要文件的翻譯或在重要對話或聽證會期間提供口譯員時，我們提高了聯邦和聯邦資助的專案和服務的有效性，確保它們惠及並造福所有目標社區。
該部始終堅定不移，致力於確保我們自己的項目和我們資助的項目對所有人開放，無論一個人的英語水準如何。雖然聯邦政府各機構已經取得了很大進展，但我們知道未來仍面臨挑戰。例如，通過我們的協調作用，我們對 40 份更新的聯邦機構語言訪問計畫進行了詳細審查，發現越來越多的聯邦機構承諾：
- 建立專門的語言訪問人員和員工培訓協議，以確保有效實施；
- 改進品質控制，要求提供準確且經過品質評估的語言協助服務；以及
- 通過多語言線上內容和數碼通信擴大資訊獲取管道。
除了發揮協調作用外，我們還優先學習、實施和傳播有關有效政策和程序的資訊，以消除我們專案或我們資助的專案面臨的語言障礙。例如：
- 在該部首任語言訪問協調人的任期屆滿後，司法訪問辦公室 (ATJ) 將該職位永久化，並指派一名高級公務員語言訪問協調人擔任該職位，以確保這項關鍵工作的長期性。ATJ 還在招募更多員工，支援語言訪問協調人的工作，並進一步編制語言訪問計畫。
- 根據該部的語言訪問計畫，ATJ 全部門語言訪問協調人正在與司法部各部門合作，制定具體部門的語言訪問計畫。這使得該部門能夠針對其獨特使命和任務制定語言訪問政策，並與部門語言訪問計畫的總體政策保持一致。
- 在過去兩年中，ATJ 語言訪問計畫為該部的 50 多個辦事處提供了技術援助並安排了翻譯服務，以擴大該部面向公眾的內容的語言訪問範圍。該計畫已完成 75 多個翻譯專案，涉及新聞稿、宣傳材料、數碼內容、報告等。
- 作為民權司執法語言訪問倡議的一部分，民權司助理檢察長克莉絲汀·克拉克 (Kristen Clarke) 於 2023 年 12 月，向執法同仁發 (LELAI)函，重申其有聯邦民事義務，為英語能力有限人士提供語言援助服務，並為聾人和聽障者提供有效的溝通手段。
- 通過 LELAI，民權司還與社區警務服務辦公室 (COPS) 和國家警務創新中心合作，在COPS 培訓門戶 上推出關鍵資源，幫助執法機構克服語言障礙，從而遵守《1964 年民權法案》第六章和《1968 年綜合犯罪控制和安全街道法案》。
- 該部繼續與全國各地的美國檢察官辦公室合作，幫助執法機構履行其義務，為 英語能力有限人士提供有意義的語言幫助，以更好地服務和保護社區。與特定執法機構合作的範例包括
- 司法部与华盛顿州警长办公室达成语言协助协议
- 司法部宣佈新的執法機構語言通達倡議
- 民權司還用十多種語言，向公眾發佈了投票權利材料，包括《瞭解你的權利》小冊子和一份解釋1965年《投票權利法》第203節的語言要求的文件。 這些文件刊載於投票 | 投票權利 (justice.gov) 。
在即將到來的一年，民權司將繼續主導聯邦語言訪問工作組的會議。在這些跨機構會議期間，我們學習並分享資訊，以瞭解如何開展有效的語言服務人員培訓；招募、評估、聘用和挽留多語言員工；簽約合格的口筆譯人員；及利用科技，提供準確可靠的語言協助服務。通過這種統一的方法，我們尋求履行 1964 年《民權法案》第六章和第 13166 號行政命令的承諾，防止歧視並確保法律面前一律平等。
司法部关于第 13166 号行政命令周年纪念日的声明：改善英语水平有限人士的服务获取途径Read the Press Release
昨天是第 13166号行政命令“改善英语水平有限人士获得服务的途径”颁布 24 周年纪念日。该命令的核心是承认下一基本原则：联邦政府必须能够理解美国所有人士，包括英语水平有限人士（LEP）并与其沟通，以保持我们的国家和社区的安全和繁荣。
今天，司法部民权司发布了迄今为止对联邦机构语言访问计划的审查情况 [链接]。我们将在未来几个月内，继续与各联邦机构合作，更新和实施其语言访问计划，提供有关联邦机构进展和趋势的更多信息。
沟通对于我们的使命至关重要。二十多年来，该部一直与联邦机构和利益相关者合作，致力于消除联邦和联邦资助项目或服务的语言障碍。误解可能会导致紧急情况、医疗保健系统和司法系统中的悲剧性后果。事实上，与英语水平有限人士沟通和了解他们，对于执行法律、保护环境、提供住房或粮食援助、促进学生成就、确保公共健康以及维护经济繁荣和正义至关重要。例如，当政府机构提供重要文件的翻译或在重要对话或听证会期间提供口译员时，我们提高了联邦和联邦资助的项目和服务的有效性，确保它们惠及并造福所有目标社区。
该部始终坚定不移，致力于确保我们自己的项目和我们资助的项目对所有人开放，无论一个人的英语水平如何。虽然联邦政府各机构已经取得了很大进展，但我们知道未来仍面临挑战。例如，通过我们的协调作用，我们对 40 份更新的联邦机构语言访问计划进行了详细审查，发现越来越多的联邦机构承诺：
- 建立专门的语言访问人员和员工培训协议，以确保有效实施；
- 改进质量控制，要求提供准确且经过质量评估的语言协助服务；以及
- 通过多语言在线内容和数字通信扩大信息获取渠道。
除了发挥协调作用外，我们还优先学习、实施和传播有关有效政策和程序的信息，以消除我们项目或我们资助的项目面临的语言障碍。例如：
- 在该部首任语言访问协调人的任期届满后，司法访问办公室 (ATJ) 将该职位永久化，并指派一名高级公务员语言访问协调人担任该职位，以确保这项关键工作的长期性。ATJ 还在招募更多员工，支持语言访问协调人的工作，并进一步编制语言访问计划。
- 根据该部的语言访问计划，ATJ 全部门语言访问协调人正在与司法部各部门合作，制定具体部门的语言访问计划。这使得该部门能够针对其独特使命和任务制定语言访问政策，并与部门语言访问计划的总体政策保持一致。
- 在过去两年中，ATJ 语言访问计划为该部的 50 多个办事处提供了技术援助并安排了翻译服务，以扩大该部面向公众的内容的语言访问范围。该计划已完成 75 多个翻译项目，涉及新闻稿、宣传材料、数字内容、报告等。
- 作为民权司执法语言访问倡议的一部分，民权司助理检察长克里斯汀·克拉克 (Kristen Clarke) 于 2023 年 12 月，向执法同仁发 (LELAI)函，重申其有联邦民事义务，为英语能力有限人士提供语言援助服务，并为聋人和听障者提供有效的沟通手段。
- 通过 LELAI，民权司还与社区警务服务办公室 (COPS) 和国家警务创新中心合作，在COPS 培训门户 上推出关键资源，帮助执法机构克服语言障碍，从而遵守《1964 年民权法案》第六章和《1968 年综合犯罪控制和安全街道法案》。
- 该部继续与全国各地的美国检察官办公室合作，帮助执法机构履行其义务，为 英语能力有限人士提供有意义的语言帮助，以更好地服务和保护社区。与特定执法机构合作的范例包括
- 司法部与华盛顿州警长办公室达成语言协助协议
- 司法部宣布新的执法机构语言通达倡议
- 民权司还用十多种语言，向公众发布了投票权利材料，包括《了解你的权利》小册子和一份解释1965年《投票权利法》第203节的语言要求的文件。 这些文件刊载于投票 | 投票权利 (justice.gov) 。
在即将到来的一年，民权司将继续主导联邦语言访问工作组的会议。在这些跨机构会议期间，我们学习并分享信息，以了解如何开展有效的语言服务人员培训；招募、评估、聘用和挽留多语言员工；签约合格的口笔译人员；及利用科技，提供准确可靠的语言协助服务。通过这种统一的方法，我们寻求履行 1964 年《民权法案》第六章和第 13166 号行政命令的承诺，防止歧视并确保法律面前一律平等。
Wetzel County Man Admits to Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael E. Stout, 63, of Smithfield, West Virginia, has admitted to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, during a traffic stop in Bridgeport, West Virginia, an officer observed a suspicious substance in Stout’s shirt pocket. A search of the vehicle yielded 578 grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl, a firearm, ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and $1,904.
Stout faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
West Seneca man arrested, charged with possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joseph A. Buelow, 29, of West Seneca, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 7, 2024, the West Seneca Police Department was advised by members of the Finger Lakes Pred Catchers that they had information regarding Buelow contacting underage minors. Pred Catchers is a group of volunteers who work to expose online child predators. The operator of Pred Catchers, Dakota Liddiard, stated that Buelow reached out to him on the dating application Meet24, believing that he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl named “Amanda.” Liddiard said that Buelow began communicating in sexual terms almost immediately and made plans to meet “Amanda.” However, Buelow never showed up at the meeting location. In addition to “Amanda,” Buelow also reached out to “Caitlyn” on Meet24, an alleged 14-year-old girl, who was actually another member of the Pred Catchers. These conversations were also sexual in nature and Buelow requested to meet with “Caitlyn” on two occasions but did not show up either time.
On April 18, 2024, West Seneca Police reached out to the FBI, providing the images of conversations between Fred Catchers and Buelow. During some of these conversations, Buelow sent nude pictures of himself and attempted to get the minors to send nude images of herself. During the execution of a search warrant on Buelow’s cell phone, investigators recovered multiple communications between Buelow and individuals he believed were minors. They also recovered sexually explicit images of child pornography. Investigators have identified at least one minor victim that Buelow allegedly sexually abused.
Buelow made an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Cosgrove and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Websites Seized in Multi-national, Ransomware TakedownRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio filed a complaint against a defendant known as “Brain,” believed to be based in Europe, and who is responsible for building a multi-national ransomware organization known as Radar. The complaint sought injunctive relief to prevent additional attacks on victims from occurring and authorized disruption of the ransomware by disabling domain names, servers and IP addresses associated with the criminal enterprise. Related ransomware domain names and servers in the United Kingdom and Germany were also disabled in a transnational coordinated effort.
Victims include businesses and organizations located in more than three dozen countries throughout the world. Among the victims in the northern district of Ohio were a trade union and a manufacturing company.
The complaint alleges that the defendant developed a highly sophisticated and destructive form of software, known as ransomware, and used it to engage in wire fraud and unlawful interception of electronic communications. This was accomplished by infecting victims’ computers which locked them out from accessing their own files. Ransomware administrators then demanded the victims to pay a ransom in order to unlock the files. Failure to pay the ransom could result in selling the victims’ data to nefarious third parties.
According to the FBI, monetary losses incurred by individuals and organizations are estimated to be in the millions. This is an ongoing investigation and the extent of the reach and damage inflicted is yet to be determined.
This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division; the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office in Germany; the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom; and the Prosecutor’s Office of Bamberg, Germany.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Barker for the Northern District of Ohio.
To report ransomware attacks, visit ic3.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-2255-324).
Violent Felon Armed with Switch Charged with Firearm CrimeRead the Press Release
A violent felon armed with a Glock switch has been charged with a firearm crime, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Jaterrian Damon Johnson, 28, was arrested last Wednesday and charged via criminal complaint with felon in possession of a firearm. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rebecca Rutherford Monday morning.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 7, plainclothes officers were conducting increased surveillance at an apartment complex near Walnut Hill Lane and Greenville Avenue when they witnessed a black Kia Sorrento commit traffic violations while exiting the parking lot. (The increased police surveillance was in response to an incident involving Dallas Police Department officers who engaged suspects who crashed a stolen pickup truck into a patrol vehicle.)
Patrol officers stopped the Kia. While walking back to their patrol vehicle with the driver’s license, the officers observed Mr. Johnson, who was seated in the passenger seat, making furtive movements and repeatedly turning to look back at the officer.
When they returned to the Kia, they observed a high-capacity Glock magazine resting on the passenger floorboard underneath Mr. Johnson’s seat. Inside the glove compartment, they found a .40 caliber Glock handgun with a live round inserted in the chamber and a Glock switch slotted into the backplate.
A criminal history query revealed that Mr. Johnson previously pleaded guilty to a state charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to three years in prison.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, Mr. Johnson faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
The Dallas Police Department’s Violent Crimes Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Withers is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
It is also a part of “Operation Texas Kill Switch,” a statewide initiative taking aim at machinegun conversion devices, also known as “switches,” which transform commercially available semi-automatic firearms into fully-automatic weapons capable of firing faster than military-grade machine guns. Spearheaded by U.S. Attorneys Leigha Simonton, Alamdar Hamdani, Damien Diggs and Jaime Esparza, Operation Texas Kill Switch relies on partnerships with state and local law enforcement as well as rewards offered by Crime Stoppers
U.S. Attorney's Office and Justice Department Secure Agreement with North Carolina Department of Adult Correction to Expand Religious Opportunities in State PrisonsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina has joined the Justice Department in announcing today 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.
Two New York City Police Department Detectives and Two Others Charged in Paycheck Protection Program Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging John Bolden and Anthony Carreira, who are detectives employed by the New York City Police Department (NYPD), Jacqueline Johnson and Christian McKenzie with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendants were charged with engaging in a scheme to submit fraudulent applications for loans under the United States Small Business Administration’s (the “SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which Congress created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Bolden, Johnson and McKenzie were arrested today, and their initial appearances are scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Judge Lois Bloom. Carreira has agreed to surrender at a later date.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrests and charge.
“As alleged, the defendants, including members of law enforcement responsible for upholding the law, defrauded the United States government out of relief funds meant for businesses struggling to survive the pandemic,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “These arrests are a powerful reminder of this Office’s resolve to prosecute anyone who violated the public trust and took advantage of the COVID crisis by stealing from relief programs.”
Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the Suffolk County Police Department; the SBA’s Office of the Inspector General; the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of the Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General; and the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau for their assistance on the case.
"John Bolden, an NYPD detective, and two other defendants allegedly crafted a scheme to submit fraudulent applications to receive PPP loans. For over two years, this conspiracy allowed more than 65 individuals to obtain unlawfully granted funds, exploiting a system designed to protect small businesses during a global pandemic. While the overwhelming majority of law enforcement serves with honor, it remains the FBI’s responsibility to apprehend all individuals who intend to manipulate government aid programs, even those entrusted with maintaining a higher standard of integrity," stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Curtis.
As set forth in court filings, NYPD Detectives Bolden and Carreira owned partnership interests in a franchise location for a tax preparation business. Between May 2020 and October 2022, Bolden engaged in a scheme to defraud the SBA by working with his clients and co-defendants, including Carreira, Johnson and McKenzie, to fraudulently obtain PPP funds. Bolden sought to obtain, and in many cases did obtain, PPP funds for himself, his co-defendants and more than 65 individuals by helping submit online loan applications that contained materially false and fraudulent information. As part of the scheme, Bolden prepared fictitious Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form Schedule C documentation, which accompanied the loan applications, containing false information about his, his co-defendants’ and his clients’ places of employment, gross income and net income.
The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 30 years.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Grubin and Eric Silverberg are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Rachel Friedman.
The Defendants:
JOHN BOLDEN
Age: 46
Valley Stream, NYANTHONY CARREIRA
Age: 42
Staten Island, NYJACQUELINE JOHNSON
Age: 78
Valley Stream, NYCHRISTIAN MCKENZIE
Age: 46
Wheatley Heights, NYE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-MJ-487
Tulare County Man Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Christopher Sean Lee, 29, of Porterville, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to a total of four years and one month in prison for illegal firearm possession, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Lee was sentenced to 46 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and also received an additional sentence for violating the terms of his supervised release in a prior federal case.
According to court documents, on Sept. 15, 2023, while on supervised release from a 2020 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, law enforcement officers encountered Lee during a vehicle stop and found him to be in possession of a loaded firearm. As the officer approached the vehicle where Lee was the front seat passenger, he saw Lee reaching behind the driver’s seat. Officers found a 9 mm Glock 17 semi-automatic firearm on the floorboard underneath and behind the driver’s seat in the area where Lee had been reaching. Officers also found a large capacity magazine containing 24 rounds of 9 mm ammunition.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Fairfield Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Three Men Indicted and Arrested on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Three individuals were arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on criminal charges related to child exploitation.
On Thursday, August 8, agents of the Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Taskforce arrested Eric Jonuel Collazo-Colón, 33 years old, from Orocovis, Puerto Rico.
A federal grand jury indicted Collazo-Colón on August 1, 2024, on four counts: (1) coercion and enticement of a minor, (2) sexual exploitation of children, (3) receipt of child exploitation material, and (4) transfer of obscene material.
According to court documents, from October 2023 through June 2024, the defendant used his computer, cellular phones, and internet social media applications to persuade and entice a female minor, between 14 and 15 years of age, to engage in sexual activity and sexually explicit conduct. During the same period, Collazo-Colón produced, received, and transmitted child exploitation material. He also transferred obscene material to the minor.
If convicted, the defendant faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant US Attorney (AUSA) Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega, Chief of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit, is prosecuting the case.
In a separate case, Jason Daniel Vargas, a 19-year-old man from Manatí was arrested on Thursday, August 8, 2024. A federal indictment was issued on August 7, 2024, against Vargas charging him with coercion and enticement of a minor and the transfer of obscene material to a minor.
According to the indictment, in March of 2023, the defendant knowingly used a cellular phone and iPad to induce an 11-year-old female minor to engage in sexual activity. Vargas also transferred obscene material to the minor.
If convicted, Vargas faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
AUSA Daynelle Álvarez Lora of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit is prosecuting the case.
In a third case, Roberto Rosa Martínez, 39, from Bayamón, PR, was arrested on Thursday, August 8, 2024, for production of child pornography. According to the indictment filed on August 1, 2024, Rosa Martínez persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a 13-year-old female minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.
If convicted, Rosa Martínez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
AUSA Daynelle Álvarez Lora of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit is prosecuting the case.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to continuing our joint efforts with our state, local and federal partners to locate these offenders and ensure that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
“It is important for our society to understand the importance of protecting our children from predators. As we have stressed before, predators come in all shapes, they place themselves in positions of public trust, they find the perfect moment to prey. It is our responsibility to protect our children, to be vigilant, to give them the right tools so they can protect themselves,” said Rebecca González Ramos, Special Agent in Charge of HSI. “HSI’s main objective is to protect our children from those who attempt to exploit their innocence or misuse their position of trust to harm them. HSI will continue to pursue perpetrators tirelessly and ensure they face justice so our children can feel secure at school, in their homes, or wherever they may be. We also urge the public to say something if you see something, your collaboration is key in the fight against child exploitation in our island.”
For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit iGuardians™: Combating Child Predators and to denounce suspicious activities call 787-729-6969.
For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from online sexual abuse, visit https://www.ice.gov/topics/iGuardians.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Terrebonne Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, Federal Gun Control Act, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JON VERDIN (“VERDIN”), age 28, of Terrebonne Parish, La., pled guilty on August 7, 2024, before United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance to possessing over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms, in addition to money laundering. Specifically, VERDIN pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and engaging in monetary transactions derived from a specified unlawful activity, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
On February 2, 2022, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at VERDIN’s home and recovered over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms. VERDIN admitted he possessed the fentanyl with intent to distribute same. He also admitted that he possessed the firearms knowing he had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned that on March 20, 2021, VERDIN used proceeds from a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to purchase a Lincoln MKZ for $28,000.
VERDIN is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2024. On the narcotics charge, VERDIN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the felon in possession of firearms charge, VERDIN faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. On the money laundering charge, VERDIN faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. As to each charge, VERDIN also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Department, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Gas Station RobberyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Brandale Swails (29, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm during the commission of a Hobbs Act Robbery. Swails faces a minimum mandatory sentence of seven years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 7, 2024.
According to court documents, Swails arrived at a gas station on a bicycle, entered the business, pointed a gun at a clerk, and demanded money. The employee immediately hid behind the counter. Swails jumped over the counter towards the clerk while continuing to point the firearm at him. Swails then stated he would shoot the clerk if he did not open the register. Swails continued to hold the victim at gunpoint while directing him into a bathroom. Swails then exited the business and fled on a bicycle. Swails was arrested two weeks later, hiding inside a bedroom closet.
This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is geing prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Tahlequah Resident Sentenced for Felony Assault ChargeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tristan Hunter Finch, age 27, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release for one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.
The charges arose from an investigation by the United States Marshals Service and the Muskogee Police Department.
On February 20, 2024, Finch pleaded guilty to the charge. As part of the plea, Finch admitted that on the morning of September 5, 2023, Finch threatened the victim while holding a knife. The crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing Muskogee.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.
Stilwell Resident Sentenced for Federal Firearm CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lewis Reynaldi Cypress, age 39, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Stilwell Police Department.
On August 6, 2024, Cypress pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on December 3, 2023, law enforcement seized two firearms and 24 rounds of ammunition from Cypress during a traffic stop. Cypress knowingly possessed the firearms and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Cypress will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.
St. Tammany Parish Man and Georgia Man Indicted for Scheme to Defraud Former Political Candidate and Four Other Louisiana ResidentsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, on August 9, 2024, JOSEPH HAROLD WEST, JR. (“WEST”), a resident of St. Tammany Parish, and CHASE DUNCAN CAMPBELL (“CAMPBELL”), a resident of Cobb County, Georgia, were indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1343. WEST was also charged with three counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.
According to the indictment, from as early as November 2020, and continuing through at least May 2024, WEST and CAMPBELL conspired to: defraud Candidate 1 with fake campaign services; defraud Victim 1 out of approximately $236,867 in fake real estate purchases and associated costs; defraud Victim 2 out of approximately $83,268.05 in fraudulent claims of real estate and title work; and defraud Victims 3 and 4 out of approximately $112,328.18 in connection with a fake legal defense scheme. Among other things, WEST and CAMPBELL utilized numerous fake aliases and occupations, “burner” numbers for text messages and calls, and fraudulent invoices to defraud their victims.
If convicted of conspiracy (Count 1), WEST and CAMPBELL each face a maximum sentence of five (5) years in prison, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
If convicted of wire fraud (Counts 2 through 4), for each count WEST faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years in prison, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
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.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney, Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.
St. Lucie County Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MIAMI- A St. Lucie County man was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison for production of visual depictions of sexual exploitation of a minor, after pleading guilty in May 2024.
Between November 2022 and January 2023, Luis Escoto, 28, of Port St. Lucie, engaged in sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old when he was about 26 or 27 years old in St. Lucie and Martin counties. Escoto recorded the sexual interactions with the minor victim using his cellphone and convinced the victim to send him sexually explicit pictures through text messages and communication platforms. In February 2023, Martin County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Escoto, when he showed up, thinking he was going to have sex, after texting with an undercover detective who had been posing as the minor.
U.S. District Judge David S. Liebowitz, sitting in Fort Pierce, sentenced Escoto to prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, and Sheriff William D. Snyder of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office announced the sentence.
HSI Fort Pierce and the Martin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Lineberger prosecuted it.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about the Project Safe Childhood initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-14024.
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Springfield Man Admits Travelling to Have Sex with MinorRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from Springfield, Missouri on Monday admitted being intercepted by police while trying to have sex with a teen from Lincoln County.
Jonathan Mauser-Campbell, 29, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to a felony charge of possession of child pornography. He admitted that on Dec. 2, 2022, he drove from Springfield to Lincoln County, Missouri, to pick up an underage girl from her home. Mauser-Campbell planned to take her to a campground to engage in sex acts with her.
During a traffic stop, however, officers with the Hawk Point Police Department rescued her after realizing the girl was underage and had run away from home to be with Mauser-Campbell. A later analysis of Mauser-Campbell’s cell phone uncovered over 300 images/videos containing child pornography.
The Hawk Point Police Department, the FBI and the St. Charles Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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.
South Carolina Woman Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering in Relation to COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Anna Marie Omar, 50, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today to money laundering by engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Omar admitted that she fraudulently obtained a $20,833 PPP loan guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 30, 2021, Omar applied for a PPP forgivable loan while living in Bluefield, West Virginia. PPP loans were available to qualifying independent contractors and self-employed individuals adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to replace their normal income and for certain other expenses. Omar admitted that she falsely represented that she was an independent contractor, that she had earned $152,000 in gross income in that capacity during tax year 2020, that she earned that income while working for a water processing business, and that she had been in business since 2010. Omar further admitted that she obtained the COVID-19 relief money for her own personal use.
A PPP lender approved Omar’s loan application and deposited $20,833 in loan proceeds into Omar’s personal checking account on May 17, 2021. Omar admitted that she transferred $12,216.70 of the loan proceeds from her personal checking account to her personal savings account the following day.
Omar is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Omar also owes $23,410.60 in restitution.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU), Homeland Security Investigations, the Horry County South Carolina Sheriff’s Office and the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-36.
Seven Men Arrested in Multi-Agency Sex Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Ellsworth AFB Office of Special Investigations, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department conducted a joint sex-trafficking operation during the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally designed to apprehend persons attempting to arrange sexual encounters with underage children. The operation began on August 2, 2024, and continued through August 8, 2024.
As a result, the following seven men were arrested and charged:
Brockton Dominquez, 26, Rapid City – Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Eli Poorman, 20, Rapid City – Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor
Dustin Day, 20, Piedmont – Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor
Vance Coats, 25, Box Elder – Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Brandon Bishop, 36, Rapid City – Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Corey Simon, 36, Rapid City – Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
Aaron Ray Williams, Jr., 23, Rapid City – Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet
“Once again, this operation demonstrates the sad reality that there are individuals in our communities who are using the Internet to target young girls for sex,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “We are grateful to our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, who regularly collaborate to safeguard children across South Dakota. Because of their work, the Rapid City community is a little safer this week.”
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor under the age of fourteen is 15 years up to 30 years in federal prison; and any term of years, not less than five, up to lifetime supervised release.
The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet is 10 years up to life in federal prison; and any term of years, not less than five, up to lifetime supervised release.
The charges are merely accusations, and all seven defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The cases are being federally prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox.
San Jose Man Sentenced to Nearly Three Years for Defrauding Investors of $4.7 MillionRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Joon Woo Kim was sentenced today to 33-months in prison for two fraud schemes – the first, a scheme to mislead investors to contribute millions to an electric vehicle investment fund he formed in San Francisco, and the second, a scheme to obtain multi-million dollar business loans by lying to a bank – announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge James Donato.
On March 4, 2024, Kim, 58, of San Jose, Calif., pleaded guilty to two fraud charges against him, one count of committing wire fraud and the other for making false statements to a bank to obtain a loan. The first fraud scheme occurred from June 2015 through March 2022 and involved creating and running an investment fund that Kim named the M5 Doctors Fund. Kim admitted in his plea agreement that he ran the M5 Doctors Fund, along with a separate management entity M5 Management, with the intent to deceive investors. Kim represented to investors that he would invest the funds of the M5 Doctors Fund in securities of electric vehicle companies, including Tesla, and would always invest only in publicly traded securities. Instead, Kim transferred nearly all the millions invested by investors in the M5 Doctors Fund into a failing private company called CKR Enterprise, Inc. (CKR). CKR was a wholesale food distribution company operated by Kim and his wife and owned by them, among others.
Kim defrauded investors out of $4,690,000 due to his transfer of the M5 Doctors Fund assets to CKR. While this was occurring, Kim continued to mislead investors by sending quarterly reports to them suggesting their money was invested in public securities such as Tesla.
Kim engaged in a second fraud scheme in which he defrauded Hanmi Bank by applying for two loans for CKR, a $1,300,000 line of credit and a $3,200,000 business loan. Kim admitted the bank loan application contained materially false and fraudulent representations. Based on those representations, Kim obtained the proceeds of these loans.
In a memorandum filed for the sentencing hearing, the government argued that Kim gained the trust of his investors due to his impressive profile, which included multiple Ivy League degrees and extensive investment experience. Many M5 Doctors Fund investors were non-profit institutions that could invest only in public securities and would not have invested with Kim if they knew the truth, that is, that Kim transferred their money to a private company owned by Kim and his wife. The government pointed out that while Kim drained this fund, he continued to deceive his investors into believing the fund still had money that it no longer had.
A federal grand jury charged Kim on June 27, 2023, with multiple counts of wire fraud, bank fraud, and making a false statement to a bank. In his plea agreement, Kim pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and one count of making a false statement to a bank, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1014.
In addition to the 33-month term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge James Donato sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervision following his release from prison and ordered Kim to pay more than $4.7 million in restitution to his victims. Kim was ordered as one condition of his supervised release to make at least three 30-minute presentations to university MBA classes to inform students about the consequences of engaging in fraudulent business practices and behaviors.
Kim was ordered to surrender into custody on September 3, 2024.
Chris Highsmith is the Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Tina Rosenbaum and Aarian Beti and Victim Specialist Alicia Guevara. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
San Diego Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of 14-Year-Old Girl on an AirplaneRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 12, 2024
SAN DIEGO – Ryan Coffey of San Diego pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he sexually abused the 14-year-old girl seated next to him on an American Airlines flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to San Diego, California.
Coffey was indicted on March 15, 2024, for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Abusive Sexual Contact stemming from his actions on an evening flight on January 7, 2023. Coffey, who was 31 years old at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty, admitting that he gave the girl rum and touched her inner thigh and breasts. The defendant did not know the victim.
“Thanks to the courage of a brave girl who reported what happened in the dark on a plane, and swift engagement from law enforcement, this defendant was brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the public in the air, on the ground, or at sea.”
“Ryan Coffey’s conduct was abhorrent,” said Acting FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge TJ Holland. “The FBI, along with our dedicated law enforcement partners remain committed to using all tools available to follow the evidence and bring those who commit crimes against children to justice.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Sherwood and Katie Grammenidis.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 24cr505-AJB
Ryan Coffey Age: 33 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Abusive Sexual Contact Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2244(a)(3)
Maximum penalty: Two years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
St. Thomas Man Indicted on Gun and Drug Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, VI - United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging N’Kel Morton, 30, of St. Thomas, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and illegal firearm possession.
According to court documents, on December 7, 2023, a Drug Enforcement Administration undercover agent purchased cocaine from Morton in the Red Hook area of St. Thomas. At the time of his arrest, Morton, who was on supervised release following his prior federal firearm conviction, was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly M. Riley.
United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Croix Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm in a School ZoneRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Jimmar A. Payne, 31, of St. Croix, pleaded guilty in District Court before Magistrate Judge Emile A. Henderson III, to Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone. The sentencing in this matter is scheduled for December 12, 2024, where Payne faces a maximum sentence of five years' incarceration. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, on January 29, 2023, Virgin Islands Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of Payne’s vehicle on the Melvin Evans Highway in the vicinity of the Ricardo Richards Elementary School for failure to display a visible rear license plate. Officers later observed a handgun protruding from under the driver’s seat of Payne’s vehicle. Payne did not have a license to possess the firearm.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston. This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, please see:
https://www.justice.gov/psn.Rochester woman arrested, charged with defrauding Social Security and identity theftRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Wendy Stone, 63, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with theft of government funds, aggravated identity theft, and making a false statement to obtain social security benefits. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Stone’s boyfriend, Kenneth Crisman, died on December 28, 2022. Stone lived with Crisman, who received Social Security benefits prior to his death. However, Stone failed to notify anyone of Crisman’s death, instead, moving his body to the basement of their residence and continuing to collect his benefits. Stone wrapped Crisman’s body, and placed it into a plastic recycling bin, periodically pouring bleach on his body to prevent foul odor.
Prior to his death, Crisman requested a replacement debit card for his benefits. On January 6, 2023, the card was successfully activated with a new PIN number. The next day, the first debits to Crisman’s new card began. The card was depleted by January 15, 2023, with charges at The Peppermill Restaurant, Walmart, BJs Wholesalers, The Home Depot, Staples, as well as ATM withdrawals. The card was also used to open a Rent-A-Center account on March 7, 2023, for a $1,815.05 purchase. Between January and September 2023, $7,902.00 of benefits intended for Crisman were deposited into his account and depleted by Stone. On January 3, 2024, the Social Security Administration conducted a redetermination for continuing eligibility for Stone’s benefits, who falsely reported that since December 2021, no one has moved into or out of her residence, to include births or deaths, and that nobody helped pay her bills or rent since December 2021. The use of Crisman’s benefits rendered Stone ineligible for her own benefits from December 28, 2022, through September 2023.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Bradley Parker and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Spend 15 Years in Federal Prison after Threatening Woman with Firearm and Possessing Fentanyl with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – REUBEN JULIUS INGRAM, III, 44, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 180 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On October 3, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a three-count Superseding Indictment, charging Ingram with being a felon in possession of firearms, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. According to public record, on August 22, 2023, the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) received a call from a woman who claimed Ingram had pointed a firearm at her multiple times, threatened to kill her, and hit her vehicle window with the firearm. OCPD officers later located Ingram’s car in a nearby motel parking lot, and arrested Ingram after a traffic stop. Officers then searched Ingram’s motel room pursuant to a search warrant, where they found three firearms, ammunition, and large quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine.
Public record further reflects that Ingram holds multiple prior felony convictions, all in Oklahoma County District Court, including trafficking in illegal drugs in case number CF-2012-1744, domestic assault and battery in case number CF-2007-6521, and driving while under the influence of alcohol and attempting to elude officers in case number CF-2000-4027.
On January 9, 2024, Ingram pleaded guilty to counts 1 & 2 of the Superseding Indictment, and admitted to possessing at least forty grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it, and to possessing a firearm despite his criminal history.
At the sentencing hearing on August 8, 2024, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Ingram to serve 180 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Palk noted the seriousness of Ingram’s crimes, as well as his history of violence, including domestic violence offenses.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. In October 2017, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop crime-reduction strategies that incorporate lessons federal law enforcement has learned since the program’s launch in 2001. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAMAUR JOHNSON a/k/a Jamal Johnson (“JOHNSON”), age 36, of New Orleans, pled guilty on August 7, 2024, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance to four counts of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
As part of “Operation Big Easy,” agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives identified individuals who were involved in trafficking firearms within the City of New Orleans. Agents conducted multiple undercover purchases of firearms from JOHNSON between August 30, 2023, and October 26, 2023.
JOHNSON is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2024. On each count, JOHNSON faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution is being handed by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Nashville Couple Pleads Guilty to COVID Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Joe Lewis Jefferson, 49, of Nashville, North Carolina, pled guilty for executing a scheme to defraud a program designed to help struggling North Carolinians stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. He faces up to 31 years in prison. On March 27, 2024, Jefferson’s wife, Danyael Davis Jefferson, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud for her role in the scheme.
According to information presented in court, Jefferson recruited others to falsely pose as landlords for properties located in Eastern North Carolina. In the names of these nominee landlords, Jefferson prepared and submitted fraudulent North Carolina Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (NC HOPE) loan applications for emergency rental assistance. When the applications were approved, NC HOPE mailed checks to addresses controlled by Jefferson. Jefferson traveled with the nominee landlords to area banks to negotiate the checks and split the proceeds. Jefferson and his co-conspirators were responsible for the submission of at least 44 fraudulent applications for rental assistance, resulting in the disbursement of approximately $279,000.
The NC HOPE Program administered federal COVID-19 relief funds and provided emergency rental assistance to North Carolina renters who faced eviction and homelessness during the pandemic. The Program allowed renters to submit an online application to apply for rental assistance. If approved, the Program paid the tenant’s rent, in checks sent directly to the landlord, for up to 15 months of overdue or future rent payments.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after United States Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II accepted the plea. Sentencing will occur before United States District Judge James C. Dever, II, later this year. The investigation is being conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Toby Lathan is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-00493.
Maryland felon pleads guilty to federal firearm crime in VirginiaRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland man pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on Feb. 27, officers with the Arlington County Police Department and a United States Marshals Service Task Force took Christian Lamont Thompson, 40, of Waldorf, into custody at a hotel in Arlington County on an outstanding warrant for a parole violation following a drug distribution conviction in the District of Columbia. As officers placed Thompson into custody, crack cocaine fell from his pants. During a search of Thompson’s room, investigators recovered a vial of PCP, plastic baggies, $680, suspected marijuana, and a loaded handgun with an affixed laser sight.
As a previously convicted felon, Thompson cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
Thompson is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 21. He faces a maximum punishment of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Charles “Andy” Penn, Arlington County Chief of Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles accepted the plea.
USMS provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc J. Birnbaum is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-113.