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25 September 2024
Former Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced to More than Six Years for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Role in Procurement Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Michael Kenneth Cox, age 49, was sentenced to 74 months followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy and a procurement mail and wire fraud conspiracy. On March 24, 2024, Cox, who was employed by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) from 1996 until he retired as the head of the drug unit in 2018, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and marijuana. Cox also pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud with his co-defendant Christopher Worth in connection with contracts his business received from WCSO. On July 24, 2024, Worth also pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. Worth is scheduled to be sentenced next month. Worth joined the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) in 1993 and most recently served as the Major of Enforcement where he was responsible for overseeing support services and the WCSO drug unit. Worth retired from this position in 2023.
The criminal activity of Cox and Worth were uncovered as part of a larger operation investigating the trafficking of methamphetamine and other drugs in Onslow, Craven and Wayne Counties that began in 2020. To date, 41 defendants, including Cox and Worth, have been convicted. Most recently, a federal jury convicted Tamarcus Ellis on three charges of trafficking methamphetamine. The operation has also netted the seizure of 36 firearms, 16 kilograms of methamphetamine, four kilograms of heroin, ¾ of a kilogram cocaine and 450 grams fentanyl – enough for more than 225,000 potentially lethal doses.
“What started as an investigation of drug trafficking in Eastern North Carolina, led us to public corruption in law enforcement. Michael Cox and his co-defendant both took the sacred oath to uphold the law and protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The majority of our law enforcement officers abide their promise, but these two chose a different path. Instead, they entered into a conspiracy to profit from upfitting law enforcement vehicles and Cox joined a drug trafficking conspiracy with the criminals he was supposed to investigate.”
According to court documents and other information presented in Court, while Cox was a sheriff’s deputy, he helped two drug traffickers operating in Wayne County evade charges. Cox accomplished this by, among other things, providing protection under the ruse that they were confidential informants. This allowed Cox to provide them with sensitive law enforcement information and shield them from investigations. As a result of these efforts, the Goldsboro Police Department began to view one of the drug traffickers as “untouchable” due to his relationship with Cox. In exchange, Cox used the drug traffickers to supply him with Percocet and Oxycodone that he provided to other people.
For example, in 2017, Cox observed one of his protected drug traffickers making a purchase from the target of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation. Rather than arrest the trafficker, he seized the drugs and reimbursed him $2,000 for the sale and gave him another $200 as a “Confidential Informant fee,” claiming it had been a planned, controlled purchase.
Cox’s support of the drug traffickers went beyond his purchase of Percocet and Oxycodone. He arranged a cocaine transaction between the two protected drug traffickers when one of them was low on supply. One trafficker indicated that Cox approached him about conducting a home invasion of a location that was thought to contain a large amount of drug proceeds. Just ten days later, a violent home invasion occurred there.
“Tonight, Michael Kenneth Cox will have a different view of prison bars. He will be looking out from the inside of a federal cell for the next six years. Law enforcement officers are entrusted with an incredible responsibility to serve our communities and ensure justice. Anyone who tarnishes their badge for their own profit will be held accountable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge, Robert M. DeWitt. “The FBI will root out public corruption and defend the vast majority of hard-working officers who carry out their duties honestly and honorably.”
Even after his retirement from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Cox continued his efforts to protect the drug traffickers. In 2019, a confidential informant working for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office was shot, called 911, and informed the 911 operator that he had been shot by one of Cox’s protected drug traffickers. Cox found out about the shooting and contacted investigators that same night to provide an alibi for his protected drug trafficker. Cox then assisted the drug trafficker with obtaining a defense attorney. During a subsequent federal investigation of the shooting, Cox lied about his contacts with the protected drug trafficker following the shooting. In 2021, one of the protected drug traffickers was the target of a federal wiretap investigation. After finding a GPS device on his car, he called Cox and referenced his recent trips to Cox’s home for Oxycodone deliveries. Cox immediately contacted former colleagues within the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office to ask about the tracking device and then informed the protected drug dealer that it belonged to the ATF. After learning about the federal investigation, the protected drug dealer and his conspirators took steps to thwart the investigation.
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 sentencing by Chief United States District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis Duffy and Nick Hartigan are 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-260.
Former SBA Employee Convicted of Conspiracy, Bribery, and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Angela Chew (60, Leesburg) guilty of conspiracy to bribe a public official and commit wire fraud, three counts of bribery of a public official, and six counts of wire fraud. Chew faces up to 5 years in federal prison on the conspiracy count, up to 15 years in federal prison on each of the bribery counts, and up to 20 years in federal prison on each of the wire fraud counts. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2024.
According to evidence presented at trial, Chew conspired with three others to submit applications for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) containing false and fraudulent information in exchange for bribe payments. The evidence showed that Chew used her position as a loan specialist for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to internally access those loan applications that she and a co-conspirator had submitted on behalf of others. Chew then took actions on the applications within the SBA’s internal processing system that moved the loans towards approval. For example, Chew submitted a loan on behalf of a co-conspirator’s business that she knew was not active or operating at the time she submitted the loan. The loan was flagged as a duplicate by the SBA’s internal system, which stopped the application from progressing toward approval and funding. Chew then entered the SBA’s loan processing system, accessed the loan application, reactivated it, and manipulated the loan’s status multiple times in order to progress the application toward approval and funding in the amount of $150,000. In exchange, Chew received thousands of dollars in bribe payments from two of her co-conspirators. The evidence showed that Chew caused the funding of at least six EIDL applications, for a total loss of over $800,000.
“This conviction underscores our commitment to holding all wrongdoers accountable, including those in positions of public trust like this former SBA employee,” said Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware. “These crimes are far from victimless, as they financially harm taxpayers and erode public trust in SBA programs. I want to extend my gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of federal relief programs and ensuring that the system works for those it was designed to help.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Daniels and Diane Hu.
Former Professional Basketball Player Admits Pandemic Loan FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A former professional basketball player on Wednesday admitted committing $272,774 worth of fraud involving pandemic aid programs.
Lorenzo Gordon, 41, of Chesterfield, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of theft of government money.
As part of his plea agreement, Gordon admitted fraudulently applying for two loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and three from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program. Both programs were intended to help businesses and their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gordon’s applications for the loan programs contained false information about three companies that applied for loans: Logo Fitness LLC, Elite 50 Basketball Training LLC and Elite Health and Fitness Company LLC. Gordon fraudulently received a total of $107,074 in PPP loans and $165,700 in EIDL loans and advances, his plea says.
Gordon is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 9, 2025. The theft charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and a fine.
The Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Klocke is prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information about pandemic fraud should call the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or report via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Former Pharmacy Chief Financial Officer and Former Pharmacy President Admit Roles in $33 Million Pharmacy Compounded Medication SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two individuals have admitted their respective roles in a multimillion dollar compounded medication kickback scheme that they and others ran out of a pharmacy in Clifton, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Jeffrey Andrews, 73, pleaded guilty on Sept. 24, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to one count of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute.
Adam Brosius, 59, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court on Sept. 23, 2024, to two counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2014 through 2016, Andrews, Brosius and others used Main Avenue Pharmacy, a mail-order pharmacy with a storefront in Clifton, New Jersey, to run an illegal kickback scheme involving compounded drugs including scar creams, pain creams, migraine mediation, and vitamins. Andrews worked as the Chief Financial Officer for Main Avenue. Brosius worked as Main Avenue’s director of business development, and later as its president.
The scheme identified compounded drugs that would yield exorbitant reimbursements from health insurers, including both federal and commercial payers. Once Main Avenue identified lucrative formulas for compounds, it would create large prescription pads with those formulas on it and distribute the pads to marketers across the country with whom it had contractual relationships. The marketing companies would in turn distribute the prescription pad to telemedicine companies and doctors with whom they had a financial arrangement.
After filling prescriptions, Main Avenue submitted claims to health care benefit programs for reimbursement, including Medicare, Tricare, and commercial payers in New Jersey and elsewhere. After Main Avenue obtained reimbursement, it paid kickbacks to marketers who had generated the prescriptions. Main Avenue signed contracts with many of the marketers, which detailed the illicit kickback arrangement, which called for Main Avenue to pay each marketer money based on the volume of referrals of compounded prescriptions and the reimbursement amount that Main Avenue received. Main Avenue received approximately $33 million in reimbursements for compounded medications alone from health care benefit programs. Over $5.8 million of that amount was paid by TRICARE, a federal payer.
The count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Both counts are also punishable by a fine of $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Brosius is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2025, and for Andrews, Feb. 18, 2025.
Charges remain pending against Chad Beene, 52, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The charges and allegations against Beene are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Robert Schneiderman, 81, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of the Indictment.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark; the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Matthew Specht of the Special Prosecutions Division.
andrews.indictment.pdfFentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 75 Months on Narcotics and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rashaad Malik McDowell, 26, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 75 months in prison for trafficking fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge James VanVliet of the Washington Field Division.
McDowell pleaded guilty on June 6, 2024, to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and unlawful possession with intent to distribute fentanyl before U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly. In addition to the prison term, Judge Kelly ordered McDowell to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on February 8, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at McDowell’s residence on Harvard Street NW. Agents recovered a loaded Glock firearm with 17 rounds in its extended magazine in McDowell’s bedroom. They also seized distribution quantities of marijuana and cocaine. McDowell admitted that he possessed the narcotics seized from his bedroom and had intended to distribute them. He also admitted that the seized firearm was used in furtherance of his drug distribution.
McDowell was not present during the time of the February 2023 search, and following the search, he actively evaded law enforcement. Before and after this search, McDowell used his Instagram account to advertise controlled substances and arrange drug sales. McDowell also continued to possess firearms and distribute a variety of narcotics, including fentanyl, in the months following the February 2023 search.
On July 12, 2023, agents executed another search warrant at McDowell’s residence and recovered a stolen loaded Glock handgun. Law enforcement also seized fentanyl, PCP, marijuana, and a digital scale from McDowell’s bedroom.
McDowell was indicted on federal firearms and narcotics charges on July 25, 2023, and charged with additional counts in a superseding indictment on September 7, 2023. McDowell ultimately pleaded guilty to trafficking fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ Washington Field Division with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department, United States Secret Service, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) Trial Attorney Ethan Cantor and the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was also provided by former Special Assistant United States Attorneys Gary Crosby, Javier Urbina, Christopher Marin, and Robert Sainvil.
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Former Inkster Mayor Pleads Guilty to Agreeing to Accept $100,000 in BribesRead the Press Release
DETROIT – The former Mayor of the City of Inkster pleaded guilty to bribery, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Patrick Wimberly, 50, of Inkster, served as the Mayor of the City of Inkster, Michigan, from 2019 through 2023. In the spring of 2022, Wimberly demanded $100,000 in cash payments to facilitate the sale of property owned by the City to an outside party (referred to as “Person A”). Over several months, Person A provided Wimberly with monthly cash bribes to secure the purchase of this property. The monthly payments started at $5,000 but the parties agreed to eventually increase that amount. After the initial bribes, Wimberly explained that he was ready to increase the payments. Person A agreed. But when Person A later did not provide the amount Wimberly expected, Wimberly complained that he was due “10$ a month.” Person A then increased the monthly payments to $10,000. In total, Person A provided $50,000 in cash to Wimberly for the purpose of winning the bid for subject property. The Federal Bureau of Investigation intervened before the property could be transferred to Person A.
The bribery charge, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
“Public officials who act in their own best interests, motivated by greed, betray the trust of their communities and the general public,” United States Attorney Ison said. “ We will continue to aggressively prosecute corrupt public officials for their illegal actions.”
“Investigating public corruption is a primary concern and priority of the FBI in Michigan,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. The former City of Inkster mayor, Patrick Wimberly’s guilty plea is a step forward in reminding public officials that they will be held accountable for their actions and should always operate with the highest level of integrity. Members of the FBI’s Detroit Area Corruption Task Force will continue to investigate any allegations of criminal misconduct from our public officials, in an effort to maintain the public’s trust.”
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown.
El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Alameda, en California, sobre el acceso lingüísticoRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo de resolución con la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Alameda (ACSO, por sus siglas en inglés) en California para resolver una investigación sobre si la ACSO está cumpliendo con sus obligaciones antidiscriminatorias en virtud del Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 (Título VI).
Según los términos del acuerdo, KCSO ha acordado tomar una serie de medidas para mejorar el acceso lingüístico para las personas con un dominio limitado del inglés (LEP) en su jurisdicción. El Título VI prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de raza, color de piel y origen nacional por parte de entidades que reciben apoyo financiero federal. El tratamiento diferencial basado en el idioma que uno habla, incluida la exclusión o denegación a personas LEP de los beneficios de programas y servicios, puede constituir discriminación por motivos de origen nacional, lo que contraviene el Título VI.
«La División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia se compromete a garantizar que las agencias de aplicación de la ley de nuestra nación puedan servir y proteger a todos en sus comunidades, independientemente de su dominio del inglés», afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «A través de este acuerdo, la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Alameda ha demostrado su compromiso con las comunidades a las que presta servicios y ha dado pasos importantes para mejorar dichos servicios».
La indagación del departamento en cuanto a la ACSO comenzó después de recibir información que planteaba inquietudes sobre la posibilidad de que las personas LEP no están recibiendo servicios lingüísticos adecuados durante encuentros con el personal de la ACSO.
A través de este acuerdo, la ACSO establecerá una directiva formal de acceso lingüístico en toda la oficina, designará a un miembro de su personal como coordinador LEP para la ACSO, proporcionará formación al personal sobre el apoyo lingüístico, mejorará los controles de calidad para requerir servicios de apoyo lingüístico precisos y evaluados por la calidad y someterse a un periodo de supervisión departamental.
Este acuerdo forma parte de la Iniciativa de Acceso Lingüístico en las Fuerzas del Orden Público (LELAI), un esfuerzo nacional para ayudar a las agencias de aplicación de la ley a superar las barreras lingüísticas para servir y proteger mejor a las comunidades y mantener a los oficiales seguros. Dirigida por la División de Derechos Civiles en asociación con las Fiscalías Federales, la iniciativa proporciona herramientas y recursos de asistencia técnica que pueden ayudar a las fuerzas del orden público estatales y locales a proporcionar un acceso lingüístico significativo a las personas LEP, trabaja afirmativamente con las agencias de aplicación de la ley que desean revisar, actualizar o fortalecer sus políticas, planes y capacitación de acceso lingüístico y fortalece la conexión entre las agencias de aplicación de la ley y las partes interesadas de la comunidad LEP y las poblaciones LEP.
Puede encontrar información adicional sobre la División de Derechos Civiles en www.justice.gov/crt e información sobre el dominio limitado del inglés y el Título VI está disponible en www.lep.gov. Encontrará más información sobre LELAI en www.lep.gov/law-enforcement. Los miembros del público pueden denunciar posibles infracciones de los derechos civiles en civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
Dracut Brothers Agree to Plead Guilty to Fraud Scheme Involving Online Sales of CosmeticsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two men have been charged with, and have agreed to plead guilty to, carrying out a scheme to obtain products of an online cosmetics company through fraud and to resell those products on Amazon and eBay for a profit.
Brothers Nick Ashtar-Zadeh, 22, and Nika Ashtar-Zadeh, 23, of Dracut, have agreed to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud each. Plea hearings have not yet been scheduled by the Court.
According to the charging documents, between 2020 and 2021, Nick Ashtar-Zadeh and Nika Ashtar-Zadeh operated Amazon and eBay “stores” that offered various products for sale, including the products of a cosmetics company in Texas. It is alleged that the Ashtar-Zadehs offered the company’s products on these platforms to buyers for one-time payments that were typically equal to or below the company’s list prices for the same products. The Ashtar-Zadehs then enrolled these Amazon and eBay buyers in the company’s 30-day trial program for the same products. The brothers allegedly entered the buyers’ information on the company’s website, without the customers’ knowledge or consent, and caused the company to ship its products to those buyers for a trial period. It is alleged that, for these orders, the Ashtar-Zadehs presented the company with forms of payment that fulfilled initial charges of $19.95 but were declined when the company attempted to charge later installments, after buyers had kept the products past 30 days. The brothers sold the company’s products in this manner to hundreds of buyers on Amazon and eBay, each time pocketing the difference between what the buyers paid them and the initial $19.95 upfront payment to the company. As a result of the alleged conduct, the Ashtar-Zadehs cost the company hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.
The charge of wire fraud provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Department of Justice and Mason County Jail reach settlement over ADA compliance in treatment of Opioid use DisorderRead the Press Release
Seattle – The U.S. Department of Justice and the Mason County Jail reached a settlement this month of allegations the jail violated the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) by refusing to provide inmates with medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Under the terms of the settlement, medical providers at the jail will prescribe and provide all three medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat OUD, including methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine.
“Substance use disorder is a disabling condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and public service providers such as jails and prisons must treat it as such – providing the medical care and prescriptions needed to treat the disorder,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “We hope this change in practice at the Mason County Jail means those serving time will emerge from incarceration in a better state to continue a path to recovery.”
According to the settlement agreement, the practices at the Mason County Jail first came to the attention of the Civil Rights Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office when an inmate complained that they were unable to continue the OUD medication that had been prescribed at a different correctional facility.
An investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed the jail violated the ADA by discontinuing the use of OUD medications for non-medical reasons. The jail also had no way to prescribe methadone to inmates who medically qualified for it. The jail required inmates currently receiving methadone treatment to go through withdrawal and transition to an alternative medication.
The Mason County Jail entered into this settlement, while not admitting it violated the ADA.
Under the terms of the settlement, the jail will provide a draft healthcare policy to the U.S. Attorney’s office that ensures all inmates are evaluated for OUD at intake. The jail agrees not to change or discontinue an inmate’s treatment without the determination by a qualified medical professional that the treatment is no longer medically appropriate. The jail agrees not to withhold health services or use rewards or punishments to encourage or discourage a particular treatment for OUD.
Additionally, the jail will train staff on the ADA and will keep a log of all medication discontinuations and denials. The jail will provide the U.S. Attorney’s Office with any complaints it receives regarding compliance with the ADA.
The jail will have 14 days to respond to any complaints or the U.S. Attorney’s Office can go to court to enforce the agreement.
The agreement and monitoring will last for one year.
The settlement was negotiated by Susan Kas, Civil Rights Coordinator in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Del Rio Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Coercing MinorRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Del Rio man was sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor.
According to court documents, Alejandro Zavala, 31, initiated contact with a 15-year-old on Snapchat. The two regularly communicated, holding conversations that were often sexual in nature. On two occasions, Zavala engaged in sexual acts with the child. The child was reported missing during one of the occasions, prompting investigators with the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office to locate and interview the child victim.
Zavala was arrested by federal authorities Oct. 29, 2021. He pleaded guilty Sept. 26, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rex Beasley prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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DC Accountant Charged with Mortgage Fraud and Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., returned an indictment yesterday, which was unsealed today, charging a CPA with not filing income tax returns, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, Timothy Trifilo, of Washington, D.C., was a partner or managing director at several large accounting and finance firms and worked in tax compliance. Nevertheless, Trifilo allegedly did not file federal income tax returns for himself for nearly a decade despite earning more than $7.7 million during that time.
In February 2023, Trifilo allegedly sought to obtain a $1.36 million bank-financed loan to purchase a home in D.C. and was working with a mortgage company to do so. After the mortgage company allegedly told Trifilo that the bank would not approve the loan without copies of Trifilo’s filed tax returns, Trifilo allegedly provided the mortgage company with fabricated documents to make it appear as if he had filed tax returns and provided copies of tax returns for 2020 and 2021 that Trifilo never filed with the IRS. On these returns and other documents that he submitted to the mortgage company, Trifilo allegedly listed a former colleague as the individual who prepared the returns and uploaded them for filing with the IRS. This individual allegedly did not prepare the returns, has never prepared tax returns for Trifilo and did not authorize Trifilo to use his name on the returns and other documents that Trifilo submitted to the mortgage company. Based on Trifilo’s false representation, the bank allegedly approved the loan and Trifilo purchased the home.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison on the identity theft charge, a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison on the bank fraud charge, and a maximum sentence of one year in prison on each count of failure to file tax returns. Trifilo also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties and restitution. 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 S. Siskind and Alexandra K. Fleszar of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Convicted Murderer Pleads Guilty in Crescent City Drug Distribution RingRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Francisco Javier Arroyo (31, Crescent City) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Arroyo faces a minimum mandatory of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, between February and July 2021, Arroyo worked to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine along with a number of conspirators – including Alejandro Alvarado (30, Crescent City), Miguel Angel Perez (29, Deland), and Jose Martinez (43, Crescent City), Jonathan Arroyo Ontiveros (25, Crescent City), Noel Bueno Jr. (27, Crescent City), and others – all of whom lived in close proximity to one another in Crescent City. Miguel Angel Ortiz (29, Crescent City) also served as a courier to deliver multi-kilogram shipments of methamphetamine from Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia to the Crescent City neighborhood in which Arroyo and others operated. Arroyo delivered ounces of methamphetamine and cocaine primarily to Robert Wayne Watson (59, Seville), who operated out of his home in Seville. Watson, in turn, redistributed ounces of methamphetamine to mid-level dealers located throughout central Florida, including George Edward Sykes (46, Bunnell), Danny Wayne Holmes (61, Kathleen), Dina Dynnette Kempher (38, Satsuma), and David John Doerr (56, Astor). During the course of the investigation, the FBI monitored these conspirators as they arranged to obtain and distribute kilograms, pounds, and ounces of cocaine and methamphetamine. To date, 12 individuals have pleaded guilty and were sentenced to federal prison terms in connection with this conspiracy.
On July 16, 2021, the FBI arrested multiple individuals in Crescent City and Seville. One day earlier, Arroyo was arrested in Missouri for a homicide that he had committed on July 13, 2021. Arroyo was later convicted of second-degree murder, along with two counts of attempted second degree murder, for the events occurring on July 13, 2021. After that conviction, Arroyo was transported to federal court to face charges for drug distribution occurring during that same time.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the DEA, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for the Second Time in One Year After Failing to Appear in Court While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – Thomas Fairbanks, 71, of Cache County, Utah, was sentenced today to an additional 30 days’ imprisonment for failure to appear in court for a sentencing hearing in a securities fraud case. The one month sentence will be served consecutively to his 27 months’ securities fraud sentence, which was imposed in April 2024.
According to court documents and statements made at the change of plea hearing, on May 24, 2023, Fairbanks failed to appear in front of U.S. District Court Judge Jill N. Parrish for his sentencing in a 2019 securities fraud case, after he was convicted by a jury on August 30, 2022. After his failure to appear, a warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was later arrested in February 2024. According to court documents in the 2019 case, the defendant was convicted of a securities fraud scheme in connection with his fraudulent company SupplyLine Partners. As part of the scheme, Fairbanks created a pitch deck to advertise the entity, ran seminars to find investors, and ultimately convinced at least two individuals to invest with him in his fake entity. SupplyLine was never a registered company nor was Fairbanks authorized to sell securities.
Fairbanks took victims’ money and did not invest as he said he would, never returned the money and did not pay out the promised 6% interest. In total, Fairbanks defrauded two victims out of $270,232.
The case was investigated jointly by the Utah Division of Securities and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth Hackford-Peer and Kevin Sundwall of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Brennen Holloman, 26, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to a federal firearms offense stemming from his possession of a loaded “ghost gun” in October 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge James VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Holloman pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. The Honorable Christopher R. Cooper scheduled a sentencing hearing for January 28, 2025.
According to court papers, on October 11, 2023, uniformed MPD officers patrolling the 1500 block of Maryland Ave., Northeast, encountered a group of men that included Holloman. In response to the officers’ presence, Holloman began jumping up and down and manipulating his pants. Because it appeared that Holloman was attempting to conceal a firearm, officers stopped him and conducted a limited pat down. A loaded 9mm black and grey Polymer80 privately made firearm (i.e., a “ghost gun”) was recovered from inside Holloman’s pants. The firearm was loaded with one round of 9mm ammunition in its chamber and 17 rounds in its extended magazine.
Federal law prohibits Holloman from possessing a firearm because he has previously been convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, including a 2019 conviction for grand larceny in the Fairfax, Virginia, Circuit Court; a 2018 conviction for attempted robbery in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; and a 2017 conviction for conspiracy to commit robbery in the Alexandria, Virginia, Circuit Court.
In November 2023, a federal grand jury empaneled by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia returned an indictment charging Holloman with the October offense. On December 15, 2023, MPD officers arrested Holloman on the federal charges and discovered that he was in possession of another loaded firearm.
Holloman has remained held without bond since his December 15, 2023, arrest.
Holloman faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence imposed in this case will be determined by the Court after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by ATF and MPD as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul V. Courtney.
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Combined Federal and State Investigation Leads to Arrests in Large-Scale Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOISE – A large-scale Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation has resulted in the federal indictments of ten Magic Valley defendants on drug trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. An additional ten defendants have been charged in Idaho state courts for their actions connected to the conspiracy.
“This investigation is the result of outstanding partnerships and teamwork between local law enforcement in the Magic Valley, the Idaho State Police, and the DEA,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I am grateful for the trust they have placed in my office to work hand-in-hand with them to keep their communities safe.”
According to the indictments, the defendants possessed and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine throughout the Magic Valley area. During these investigations and arrests, federal and state law enforcement officers seized over 30 pounds of methamphetamine. According to court records, it is alleged that several of these individuals traveled to Arizona and California to obtain methamphetamine that they brought back to Idaho for distribution.
As part of this OCDETF investigation, the following individuals have been charged with federal drug violations:
- Oscar Alejandro Perez-Gomez, 32, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, five counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- Patrick Delacruz, 40, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- Leonardo Espinoza-Romero, 31, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
- Daniel D. Thomas, 47, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine;
- Artemio Morgan Hurtado, Jr., 34, of Shoshone, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and the use of a communication facility to commit or facilitate a felony;
- Luis Enrique Gonzalez, 40, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- Jesus Arturo Torres-Herrera, 36, of Twin Falls, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- Raquel May, 28, of Twin Falls was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- Robert Troglia, 52, of Jerome, was indicted on one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
- Liliana Morales-Caliz, 34, of Jerome, was indicted for four counts of distribution of methamphetamine;
The investigation also included ten other defendants who were charged in state prosecutions for possession of controlled substances, trafficking in methamphetamine, and other crimes.
Federal drug distribution charges carry mandatory minimum prison sentences depending on the amount and type of drugs distributed. Maximum prison sentences range from up to 20 years to life in federal prison.
“DEA stands with our partners in the Idaho State Police and law enforcement around the state to stop criminals and hold them accountable,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The Magic Valley is safer today because of our cooperative efforts.”
“We are proud the State of Idaho works so well with our federal partners to protect the public,” said Governor Brad Little. “The goal of our Operation Esto Perpetua initiative is to equip law enforcement with the training and tools they need to keep Idaho safe. Today’s announcement about the federal indictment of drug traffickers demonstrates what Idaho is doing is working.”
“The successful investigation and prosecution of this case was the result of relentless dedication, collaboration, and teamwork,” said Colonel Bill Gardiner, Director of ISP. “By working with numerous local jurisdictions and federal agencies, resources were leveraged, intelligence was shared, and criminals were brought to justice. These unified efforts are crucial to ongoing efforts to keep communities safe from the devastating impacts of drug trafficking and should give residents a sense of security and protection.”
The cases were primarily investigated by the Idaho State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration. In addition to the work of these agencies, U.S. Attorney Hurwit thanked the following agencies for assisting in the investigations and arrests of the above-named individuals: Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Jerome County Sheriff’s Office, Jerome Police Department, Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Cassia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Booker and Francis Zebari are prosecuting these cases.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit expressed his gratitude to all the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors for their hard work and the strong teamwork that is achieving justice.
An indictment is merely an allegation or a set of allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These indictments are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Citizen of El Salvador Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, announced that FREDY ADALBERTO GUARDADO SALGADO, also known as “Fredy Guardado” and “Fredy Salgado,” 43, a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Guardado was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador following a felony conviction in December 2010 in Connecticut Superior Court for assault in the second degree involving a stabbing. He illegally reentered the U.S. and, on August 6, 2023, was arrested by Hamden Police on state assault and breach of peace charges for allegedly using a wooden bat to hit multiple victims in the head.
On June 28, 2024, Guardado pleaded guilty to illegal reentry. The state charges against him are pending in Meriden Superior Court. Guardado is detained in federal custody.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.
Champaign, Illinois, Woman Sentenced to 324 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Champaign, Illinois, woman, Malaia A. Turner, 36, was sentenced on September 23, 2024, to 324 months in prison, to be followed by eight years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Turner was a leader in a conspiracy responsible for obtaining large quantities of ice methamphetamine and other drugs from suppliers in California, Texas, and Illinois and transporting those drugs to the Central District of Illinois. After hearing that evidence, U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce concluded Turner was a leader of the conspiracy and faced heightened penalties due to her leadership role.
Turner was convicted following a four-day jury trial in May 2024. She has been in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since her arrest in August 2022.
At sentencing, Turner faced statutory penalties of ten years’ imprisonment up to life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $10 million, and not less than a five-year term of supervised release upon her release from custody.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; Illinois State Police East Central Illinois Task Force; and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel E. Ritzer and Timothy J. Sullivan represented the government in the prosecution.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor- led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
California Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Antioch, California, woman convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Jennifer Walsh, age 44, was sentenced on September 23, 2024, to eight years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Walsh was indicted by a federal grand jury in the March of 2023. She pleaded guilty on June 24, 2024.
On November 24, 2022, Walsh and her co-defendant Andrea Pitts were pulled over due to speeding on I-90 in Chamberlain, South Dakota. During the course of the traffic stop, a K-9 drug detection dog was called and alerted to the presence of drugs. A search of the vehicle revealed five pounds of methamphetamine in a hidden compartment. Walsh and Pitts were transporting the drugs from California to South Dakota where the methamphetamine would be distributed.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Walsh was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following her sentencing. Pitts is scheduled to be sentenced on October 8, 2024.
Bộ Tư Pháp Đạt Được Thỏa Thuận Tiếp Cận Ngôn Ngữ với Văn Phòng Cảnh Sát Trưởng Quận Alameda tại CaliforniaRead the Press Release
Bộ Tư Pháp hôm nay thông báo rằng Bộ đã đạt được thỏa thuận giải quyết với Văn Phòng Cảnh Sát Trưởng Quận Alameda (Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, hoặc ACSO) tại California để giải quyết cuộc điều tra về việc liệu ACSO có tuân thủ các nghĩa vụ không phân biệt đối xử theo Tiêu Đề VI của Đạo Luật Dân Quyền Năm 1964 (Tiêu Đề VI) hay không.
Theo các điều khoản của thỏa thuận, ACSO đã đồng ý thực hiện một số bước để cải thiện khả năng tiếp cận ngôn ngữ cho những Cá Nhân Có Trình Độ Tiếng Anh Hạn Chế (Limited English Proficiency, hoặc LEP) trong phạm vi quyền hạn của mình. Tiêu Đề VI cấm các tổ chức nhận hỗ trợ tài chính liên bang phân biệt đối xử dựa trên chủng tộc, màu da và quốc gia xuất thân. Sự đối xử khác biệt dựa trên ngôn ngữ nói, bao gồm việc loại trừ hoặc từ chối các quyền lợi của các chương trình và dịch vụ dành cho người LEP, có thể cấu thành hành vi phân biệt đối xử dựa trên quốc gia xuất thân vi phạm Tiêu Đề VI.
Trợ Lý Tổng Chưởng Lý Kristen Clarke thuộc Bộ Phận Dân Quyền của Bộ Tư Pháp cho biết: "Bộ Phận Dân Quyền của Bộ Tư Pháp cam kết đảm bảo rằng các cơ quan thực thi pháp luật của quốc gia chúng ta có thể phục vụ và bảo vệ mọi người trong cộng đồng của họ, bất kể trình độ Tiếng Anh của họ có hạn chế hay không". “Thông qua thỏa thuận này, Văn Phòng Cảnh Sát Trưởng Quận Alameda đã chứng minh cam kết của mình và đã thực hiện những bước tiến lớn hướng tới việc cải thiện các dịch vụ cho cộng đồng mà văn phòng này phục vụ.”
Cuộc điều tra của bộ phận này về ACSO bắt đầu sau khi nhận được thông tin nêu lên mối lo ngại rằng những cá nhân LEP có thể không nhận được các dịch vụ ngôn ngữ đầy đủ trong các cuộc gặp gỡ với nhân viên ACSO.
Thông qua thỏa thuận này, ACSO sẽ thiết lập chỉ thị tiếp cận ngôn ngữ chính thức trên toàn văn phòng, chỉ định một thành viên trong đội ngũ nhân viên làm Điều Phối Viên LEP cho ACSO, cung cấp đào tạo cho nhân viên về hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ, cải thiện kiểm soát chất lượng để yêu cầu các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ chính xác và được đánh giá chất lượng đồng thời trải qua giai đoạn giám sát của bộ.
Thỏa thuận này là một phần của Sáng Kiến tiếp Cận Ngôn Ngữ Cho Cơ Quan Thực Thi Pháp Luật (Law Enforcement Language Access Initiative, hoặc LELAI) của bộ, một nỗ lực trên toàn quốc nhằm hỗ trợ các cơ quan thực thi pháp luật vượt qua rào cản ngôn ngữ để phục vụ và bảo vệ cộng đồng tốt hơn cũng như đảm bảo an toàn cho các sĩ quan. Dưới sự chỉ đạo của Bộ Phận Dân Quyền, sáng kiến này cung cấp các nguồn lực hỗ trợ kỹ thuật và các công cụ có thể giúp cơ quan thực thi pháp luật của tiểu bang và địa phương cung cấp quyền tiếp cận ngôn ngữ có ý nghĩa cho những cá nhân LEP; tích cực thu hút các cơ quan thực thi pháp luật muốn xem xét, cập nhật và/hoặc củng cố các chính sách, kế hoạch và đào tạo về quyền tiếp cận ngôn ngữ của họ; và củng cố sự kết nối giữa các cơ quan thực thi pháp luật, các bên liên quan trong cộng đồng và những nhóm dân số LEP.
Thông tin bổ sung về Bộ Phận Dân Quyền có tại trang mạng www.justice.gov/crt và thông tin về trình độ Tiếng Anh hạn chế và Tiêu Đề VI có tại trang mạng www.lep.gov. Để biết thêm thông tin về LELAI, vui lòng truy cập trang mạng www.lep.gov/law-enforcement. Công chúng có thể báo cáo các trường hợp có khả năng vi phạm quyền công dân tại trang mạng civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
Bronx Man Sentenced to 151 Months’ Imprisonment for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Christian Brazoban, also known as “Bison,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack to 151 months in prison for distributing child pornography to three minor victims. Brazoban pleaded guilty to the charge in January 2024.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William S. Walker, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), announced the sentence.
“Today’s sentence brings justice to a minor victim whom the defendant terrorized with a barrage of sickening images of child pornography and death threats,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The defendant’s actions with respect to this victim, and others with whom he also communicated, illustrate the menace of sexual predators preying on children on the Internet. I urge parents and caregivers to talk to their children about the dangers of communicating online with strangers and anyone who may exploit them.”
“Christian Brazoban’s depraved crimes are among every parent’s worst nightmare. This case highlights HSI's commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, especially against a perpetrator like Brazoban who not only exploited young children, but threatened their lives through his sextortion scheme,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Walker. “HSI New York stands united with our law enforcement partners in our mission to protect the public wherever and whenever possible.”
“Thanks to the hard work of detectives from the NCPD Special Victim’s Unit, in cooperation with HSI and all our federal partners, a dangerous threat to the children of Nassau County has been caught and brought to justice,” stated NCPD Commissioner Ryder. “We are dedicated to keeping the internet safe from disturbed individuals like the defendant who prey on the vulnerable and we hope this case serves as a warning to those that target children that we will never lower our resolve. You will be found and punished.”
As set forth in court filings, between approximately March 2021 and March 2023, Minor Victim 1, a minor who resided in Nassau County, engaged in online communications, including video chats, with Brazoban. On March 3, 2023, after Minor Victim 1 rebuked Brazoban for expressing sexual interest in a friend of Minor Victim 1’s who was in the seventh grade, Brazoban sent online messages to Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victims 2 and 3 (a relative and a friend of Minor Victim 1), which contained numerous images of child pornography. When Minor Victim 1 told Brazoban to stop, he sent her additional online messages threatening to kill her and her family. For example, Brazoban wrote: “lil girl shot dead on Long Island”; “I’m thinkin I tie you and just beat you to death with a mallet.”
On March 15, 2023, HSI agents and NCPD officers executed a search warrant at Brazoban’s residence in the Bronx and recovered a cellphone containing images of child pornography and threats that he had sent to Minor Victim 1. The search also revealed that the defendant had distributed child pornography to two other minor victims.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Bradley T. King is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
CHRISTIAN BRAZOBAN (also known as “Bison”)
Age: 26
Bronx, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-138 (JMA)
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of MississippiRead the Press Release
Remarks as Delivered
Thanks, Todd, and thanks for the warm welcome.
I am very happy to be here in Mississippi.
In just a few moments, Todd and I will meet with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to talk about the work that everyone is doing to keep Mississippi safe.
I am grateful that I have the chance to meet with our law enforcement partners here today. You do the work, the most dangerous work, protecting people in Mississippi. You are indispensable partners for us.
I am very happy to hear that the sheriff’s investigator is okay, and that the perpetrators have been arrested. Just another piece of evidence about how dangerous the work that local law enforcement does, and we are grateful for everything that you do to protect the citizens of these communities and to work with our law enforcement and our U.S. Attorney’s Office on the same mission. Thank you.
I am also grateful to have the chance to recognize the extraordinary public servants of this office for their extraordinary work and their extraordinary hard work.
This U.S. Attorney’s Office is the face of the Justice Department here in the Southern District of Mississippi. When people in this District look to see what the Justice Department stands for, they look to this U.S. Attorney’s Office. I have been consistently impressed with the work that you guys do.
That work, and the work of our state and local law enforcement partners, is making a difference.
Three-and-a-half years ago, the Justice Department launched an ambitious strategy to combat violent crime. That strategy is rooted in exactly the kinds of partnerships we see around this table. Today, we are seeing results.
Just earlier this week, the FBI released a report noting an 11.6% drop in homicides last year and one of the lowest violent crime rates nationwide in 50 years.
And newly released data indicates that this trend is continuing. Earlier this month, the Justice Department’s Violent Crime Reduction Steering Committee announced data from across 88 cities that indicates that violent crime has continued to decline considerably in 2024. That included a further 16.9% drop in homicides.
But we know that progress in many communities is still uneven. And, of course, there is no acceptable level of violent crime.
That is why the Justice Department is continuing to work with our partners here in Mississippi and across the country to combat violent crime, and drug trafficking, and gun trafficking.
Last month, working with the DEA, this office secured a guilty plea from a member of a drug-trafficking organization in California that sent packages of narcotics to Mississippi. During the investigation, we seized more than 5,700 grams of methamphetamine, 236 grams of fentanyl, and 84 grams of cocaine.
In July – following a joint operation with ATF, DEA, and other federal agencies – this office secured guilty pleas from five men who participated in a scheme to purchase firearms, machinegun conversion devices, and explosives for delivery to Mexico. Three of the men sought to barter the weapons in exchange for cocaine.
In March – working with the ATF and the Clinton Police Department – this office secured a 10-year sentence for a man who illegally possessed a firearm and fired a weapon at a law enforcement officer during a high-speed chase in Jackson.
As we work together to reduce violent crime, we know that building and maintaining public trust is essential to public safety. That is why the Justice Department has taken action when that trust has been violated.
Earlier this year, the Department worked to secure [10 to 40-year] sentences against six law enforcement officers in Rankin County who violated the civil rights of Black men.
The officers kicked in the door of a home where the men were residing; handcuffed and arrested them without probable cause; called them racial slurs; and punched, kicked, tased, and assaulted them. After one of the officers fired his gun in the mouth of a victim, the group went outside to come up with a cover story.
Those actions were a betrayal of the community the officers were sworn to protect, a betrayal of their profession, and a betrayal of their fellow officers.
To help the community rebuild trust, the Justice Department launched a civil pattern or practice investigation to examine allegations that the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department systematically violates people’s constitutional rights. We are committed to working with local officials, deputies, and the community to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
The Justice Department is also committed to providing resources necessary to support public safety here in Mississippi.
Earlier this year, the Justice Department added Jackson to its Violent Crime Initiative. That initiative surges law enforcement tools and resources to target gangs and other violent groups that threaten our communities. In particular, it directs prosecutors from the Justice Department’s headquarters Criminal Division to partner with our prosecutors here on the ground in Jackson to target the individuals who are most responsible for the violence.
In addition to using our investigative and prosecutorial resources, we are also committed to using our grantmaking capabilities to invest in public safety.
For example, today, the Justice Department awarded nearly $300,000 to enhance the City of Jackson’s forensic science capabilities. We also awarded nearly $900,000 under our Coordinated Tribal Assistance Program, which funds Tribes’ efforts to develop comprehensive and coordinated approaches to public safety.
These grants are part of the more than $29 million that the Justice Department is awarding to organizations and government agencies in Mississippi this month to support law enforcement activities and community initiatives.
These funds will, among other things, help law enforcement agencies in Mississippi hire more officers, prevent and combat violent crime and drug trafficking, and improve services for survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other crimes.
We remain committed to providing our law enforcement and community partners with the resources they need to protect their communities.
The examples I have shared today are just a snapshot of the extraordinary work that this office is doing every day to protect people in the District, and to fulfill the Justice Department’s mission to ensure the rule of law, to keep our communities safe, and to protect civil rights.
I am very proud of the public servants who make up this office. And I am equally proud of the relationships that they have built with the law enforcement agencies around this table. Those partnerships are the essence of the way in which we combat violent crime and protect our communities.
I thank you. I am looking forward to our meeting now.
Ang Departamento ng Hustisya ay Nakakuha ng Kasunduan sa Pag-access sa Wika sa Opisina ng Alameda County Sheriff sa CaliforniaRead the Press Release
Inanunsyo ngayon ng Departamento ng Hustisya na naabot nito ang isang kasunduan sa pagresolba sa Opisina ng Alameda County Sheriff (ACSO) sa California na nagresolba sa pagtatanong kung ang ACSO ay sumusunod sa mga obligasyon nito na walang diskriminasyon sa ilalim ng Title VI ng Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI)
Sa ilalim ng mga tuntunin ng kasunduan, sumang-ayon ang ACSO na gumawa ng ilang hakbang upang mapabuti ang pag-access sa wika para sa mga indibidwal na may limitadong kasanayan sa Ingles (LEP) sa nasasakupan nito. Ipinagbabawal ng Title VI ang mga entity na tumatanggap ng pederal na tulong pinansyal mula sa diskriminasyon batay sa lahi, kulay at bansang pinagmulan. Ang pagkakaiba-iba ng pagtrato batay sa wikang sinasalita, kabilang ang pagbubukod o pagtanggi sa mga benepisyo ng mga programa at serbisyo sa mga taong may LEP, ay maaaring bumuo ng diskriminasyon sa pinagmulang bansa na lumalabag sa Title VI.
“Ang Dibisyon ng Mga Karapatang Sibil ng Departamento ng Hustisya ay nakatuon sa pagtiyak na ang mga ahensyang nagpapatupad ng batas ng ating bansa ay maaaring maglingkod at maprotektahan ang lahat sa kanilang mga komunidad, hindi alintana kung mayroon silang limitadong kasanayan sa Ingles,” sabi ni Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke ng Dibisyon ng Mga Karapatang Sibil ng Departamento ng Hustisya. “Sa pamamagitan ng kasunduang ito, ipinakita ng Opisina ng Alameda County Sheriff ang kanilang pangako at gumawa ng mga pangunahing hakbang patungo sa pagpapabuti ng mga serbisyo sa mga komunidad na pinaglilingkuran nito."
Ang pagtatanong ng departamento sa ACSO ay nagsimula pagkatapos makatanggap ng impormasyong naghahayag ng mga alalahanin na ang mga indibidwal na may LEP ay maaaring hindi makatanggap ng sapat na mga serbisyo sa wika sa panahon ng pakikipagtagpo sa mga tauhan ng ACSO.
Sa pamamagitan ng kasunduang ito, ang ACSO ay magtatatag ng isang pormal, pang-opisina na direktiba sa pag-access sa wika, magtatalaga ng miyembro ng mga tauhan nito bilang LEP Coordinator para sa ACSO, magbibigay ng mga pagsasanay sa kawani sa tulong sa wika, pagbutihin ang mga kontrol sa kalidad upang mangailangan ng tumpak at kalidad ng mga serbisyo ng tulong sa wika at sumailalim sa isang panahon ng pagsubaybay ng departamento.
Ang kasunduang ito ay bahagi ngLaw Enforcement Language Access Initiative(LELAI) ng departamento, isang pagsisikap sa buong bansa na tulungan ang mga ahensyang nagpapatupad ng batas sa pagharap sa mga hadlang sa wika upang mas mapagsilbihan at maprotektahan ang mga komunidad at panatilihing ligtas ang mga opisyal. Sa pangunguna ng Dibisyon ng Mga Karapatang Sibil, ang inisyatiba ay nagbibigay ng mga mapagkukunan ng teknikal na tulong at mga tool na makakatulong sa estado at lokal na pagpapatupad ng batas na magbigay ng makabuluhang access sa wika sa mga indibidwal na may LEP; apirmatibong nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga ahensyang nagpapatupad ng batas na gustong suriin, i-update at/o palakasin ang kanilang mga patakaran sa pag-access sa wika, mga plano at pagsasanay; at pinapalakas ang koneksyon sa pagitan ng mga ahensyang nagpapatupad ng batas, mga stakeholder ng komunidad at mga populasyon na may LEP.
Ang karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa Dibisyon ng Mga Karapatang Sibil ay makukuha sa www.justice.gov/crt at ang impormasyon tungkol sa limitadong kasanayan sa Ingles at Title VI ay available sa www.lep.gov. Higit pang impormasyon sa LELAI ay available sa www.lep.gov/law-enforcement. Maaaring mag-ulat ang mga miyembro ng publiko ng mga posibleng paglabag sa karapatang sibil sa civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
Alva Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Richardson Bien Aime (35, Alva) to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine and possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Bien Aime pleaded guilty on June 11, 2024. Earlier this year, his wife, Christi Bien Aime (31, Alva) was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison in a separate but related federal case involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating Richardson Bien Aime in August 2023 after learning from a source that he was obtaining large shipments of methamphetamine from California via the U.S. Mail. During the investigation, law enforcement purchased methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl from Bien Aime during multiple undercover transactions at his Alva residence. Investigators also seized a parcel from the mail stream containing more than two pounds of pure methamphetamine destined for Bien Aime.
In November 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Bien Aime’s residence and seized more than a half a pound of methamphetamine, $6,000 in cash, and two firearms. Bien Aime, who had a lengthy criminal history including convictions for manslaughter and 10 felony drug offenses, was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
Air National Guardsman Pleads Guilty in Murder-For-Hire SchemeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Josiah Ernesto Garcia, 23, of Toledo, Ohio, formerly of Hermitage, Tennessee, has pleaded guilty to federal charges after meeting with an undercover FBI agent to finalize a deal to murder an individual for payment, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Garcia pleaded guilty to using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire.
According to court records, Garcia needed money to support his family and in mid-February 2023 began searching online for contract mercenary jobs and found the website www.rentahitman.com. Originally created in 2005 to advertise a cyber security startup company, the company failed and over the next decade it received many inquiries about murder-for-hire services. The website’s administrator then converted the website to a parody site that contains false testimonials from those who have purported to use hit man services, and an intake form where people can request services. The website also has an option for someone to apply to work as a hired killer.
Garcia submitted an employment inquiry indicating that he was interested in obtaining employment as a hit man and that he had “military experience, and rifle expertise.” Garcia followed up on this initial request and submitted other identification documents and a resume indicating he was an expert marksman and had been employed in the Air National Guard since July 2021. The resume also provided that Garcia was nicknamed “Reaper” which was earned from military experience and marksmanship. Garcia continued to follow up with the website administrator indicating that he wanted to go to work as soon as possible.
An FBI undercover agent spoke with Garcia by phone then met him in person to discuss his application. Both conversations were recorded. The agent then met with Garcia at a park in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and provided him with a target packet of a fictional individual, which included photographs and other information about the individual to be killed, and a down payment of $2,500. After agreeing to the terms of the murder arrangement, Garcia asked the agent if he needed to provide a photograph of the dead body. Garcia was then arrested by FBI agents, who in a subsequent search of his home, recovered an AR style rifle.
Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced on February 7, 2025. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Resident Agency, Memphis Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke K. Schiferle prosecuted the case.
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Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office Recent SentencingsRead the Press Release
Crimes on Public Lands
Curtis Jeffery, age 27, from Socorro, New Mexico, was sentenced to 10 days incarceration with credit for 3 days served for assaulting a Xanterra co-worker by pushing her head into a wall. He was also convicted of a second count of assault on a second individual and being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that rendered him a danger to others. In addition to the term of incarceration he was sentenced to five years of unsupervised probation. His terms of probation include that he not be permitted to enter Yellowstone National Park during his term of probation. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on Sept. 11, in Mammoth. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel C. Calmes prosecuted the case.
Clarence Yoder, 40, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, pleaded guilty to three separate charges last week. The first offense was for intentionally disturbing bison for which he was sentenced to a ten-day term of incarceration with credit for two days served and was fined $3,000. He also pleaded guilty to being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that rendered him a danger to himself and others and was fined $200. Finally, he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was fined $250. Yoder was placed on two years of unsupervised probation. He is not permitted to enter Yellowstone National Park during his term of probation. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on Sept. 10, in Mammoth. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel C. Calmes prosecuted the case.
Drug Trafficking
Christopher Isgrigg, 38, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, on March 11, 2024, Cheyenne Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a Ford sedan belonging to the driver identified as Isgrigg. During the traffic stop, another officer arrived on scene with his narcotics certified canine which alerted to the presence of controlled substances inside the vehicle. Approximately 600 grams of methamphetamine and 34.2 grams of suspected fentanyl pills were located inside sedan. Isgrigg was indicted on May 16, pleaded guilty on July 2, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Sept. 19. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Cheyenne Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-0060
Bank Robbery
Roosevelt Rashaud Keys, 27, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 27 months for bank robbery and aiding and abetting, with three years of supervised release. According to court documents, on Oct. 14, 2023, an ATM robbery occurred at a financial institution in Jackson, Wyoming. Several male hooded and masked subjects stole ATM cash cassettes containing U.S. currency while a service repair technician was attempting to repair the ATM. Keys was later stopped for a traffic violation and the deputy was able to gain his personal information, travel plans, and rental car agreement. Further investigation determined that Keys and his vehicle matched the description of one of the bank robbers. Keys was ultimately arrested in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on unrelated charges. A search warrant was authorized for Keys’ cell phone and revealed photographs taken on Oct. 14, 2023 showing Keys with bundles of U.S. Currency. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Sept. 12, in Cheyenne. The FBI and Jackson Police department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00019
llegal Re-entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Isamar Tellez-Blancas, 24, of Tlaxacala, Mexico, was sentenced to time served plus 10 days to allow for deportation proceedings, for illegal entry into the United States. According to court documents, on Feb. 12, Tellez-Blancas was arrested by Teton County Sheriff’s Office for driving under the influence of alcohol, no driver’s license, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted. A Deportation Officer processed the defendant and obtained fingerprints matching pre-existing fingerprints in their database indicating Tellez-Blancas was in the U.S. illegally. ICE investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Sept. 4. Case No. 24-CR-00109Hilario Mendoza-Rodriguez, 39, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, was sentenced to time served for illegal entry into the United States. According to court documents, on July 13, 2023, Mendoza-Rodriguez was arrested by the Rock Springs Police Department for assault and battery causing injury. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted. A Deportation Officer processed the defendant and obtained fingerprints matching pre-existing fingerprints in their database indicating Mendoza-Rodriguez was in the U.S. illegally. ICE investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Sept. 19. Case No. 24-CR-00036
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking
27 Individuals Indicted for Buying and Selling Wholesale Quantities of Misbranded and Diverted Prescription Drugs Resold to the Public Through Retail Pharmacies in Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On September 19, 2024, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 25 individuals with conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs and to defraud the United States. In separate indictment, another individual was charged with unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drugs. In a separate charging instrument, another individual was charged with and pleaded guilty to unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drugs.
According to court documents, from 2018 to the present, the defendants engaged in the unlicensed wholesale distribution of misbranded and diverted prescription drugs for financial gain. This unlicensed wholesale distribution included the sale of misbranded and diverted prescription drugs to local pharmacy employees and owners for subsequent sale to pharmacy customers, without the customers’ knowledge that the products were misbranded and diverted.
Diversion refers to processes by which prescription drugs are removed from, and then reintroduced into, the legitimate chain of distribution. Once a prescription drug is diverted outside of the regulated distribution channels, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, for regulators such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), law enforcement, or end-users to know whether the prescription drug package actually contains the correct drug or the correct dose. A drug is misbranded under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) if its labeling: (1) lacked “adequate directions for use;” or (2) failed to bear “adequate warnings against use in those pathological conditions or by children where its use may be dangerous to health, or against unsafe dosage or methods or duration of administration or application, in such manner or form as are necessary for the protection of users.” 21 U.S.C. § 352(f). Additionally, a drug is misbranded if it was a prescription drug and was dispensed without a lawful written or oral order of a licensed practitioner. 21 U.S.C. § 353(b).
The defendants purchased and sold prescription drugs in resealable plastic bags without any labels, markings, lot numbers, expiration dates or adequate directions as required by law, creating a significant risk of harm. These prescription drugs were often stored in personal residences and/or transported via United States mail. The co-conspirators and others engaged in this scheme unlawfully generated revenue in an amount exceeding $13,000,000 by selling and distributing misbranded and diverted prescription drugs.
In addition to the unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drugs, eleven pharmacy owners and employees from five separate pharmacies were also charged with a health care fraud conspiracy. These defendants caused materially false and fraudulent claims to be submitted to healthcare benefit plans representing that the products sold to customers were authentic and obtained through licensed pharmaceutical distribution channels. By selling diverted prescription drugs and billing healthcare benefit plans for authentic drugs, these defendants financially enriched the pharmacy owners and defrauded both the healthcare benefit plans and the pharmacies’ unsuspecting retail customers.
The defendants and their roles in the conspiracy were:
A. Pharmacy Owners and Employees- Pharmacy owners or employees who purchased drugs from unlicensed wholesale distributors and were involved in the buying and selling of misbranded and diverted prescription drugs:
[1] Valerie M. Cintrón-Rivera: co-owner of Farmacia Monte Verde in Bayamón, PR
[2] María T. Rivera-Fuentes: co-owner of Farmacia Monte Verde in Bayamón, PR
[3] Jaime Figueroa-Ramos: owner of Farmacia Santa Olaya in Bayamón, PR
[4] Elisa Cruzado-Ramos: pharmacist of Farmacia Santa Olaya in Bayamón, PR
[5] Nivia Ríos-Matos: pharmacy technician of Farmacia Santa Olaya in Bayamón, PR
[6] Raul Morera-Llera: co-owner of Farmacia Unity in Aibonito, PR
[7] Enid M. Rivera-Rosario: co-owner of Farmacia Unity in Aibonito, PR
[8] Gerardo A. Romero-Marcano: co-owner of Farmacia San Antonio in Canóvanas, PR
[9] Sheila Rodríguez-Agosto: co-owner of Farmacia San Antonio in Canóvanas, PR
[10] Gabriel A. Rodríguez-Malavé: co-owner of Farmacia Brisas del Mar in Luquillo, PR
[11] Rosaida Torres: co-owner of Farmacia Brisas del Mar in Luquillo, PR
B. Unlicensed Wholesale Distributors- Individuals involved in the unlicensed wholesale distribution and selling of misbranded and diverted prescription drugs:
[12] Alberto Meléndez-Nieves, a.k.a. “Bertin”
[13] Ángel L. Santiago-Cruz, a.k.a. “Aguacate”
[14] Eddin Orlando Santiago-Cordero, a.k.a. “Guayacán”
[15] Eric J. Collazo-Rivera, a.k.a. “Eric Manía”
[16] Javier E. Ortiz-Rivera, a.k.a. “Tato”
[17] Holvin E. Avilés-Carmona, a.k.a. “Holvin”
[18] Marlon E. Marino-Leal, a.k.a. “Chamo”
[19] José M. Amalbert-Rohena, a.k.a. “Chema”
[20] Miguel A. Rojas-Reyes, a.k.a. “Dr. Hacienda”
[21] Rosa M. Méndez-González, a.k.a. “Puruca”
[22] Antonio F. Portilla-Arzola, a.k.a. “Portilla”
[23] Reynaldo Guzmán-Martínez, a.k.a. “Bebo Canales”
[24] Moisés O. Heredia-Tineo, a.k.a. “Billy”
[25] José A. González-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Potala”
According to the investigation, the FDA approved prescription drugs that the defendants illegally distributed were:
Advair, Albuterol, Alphagan, Anoro Ellipta, Arnuity Ellipta, Aspen Dexamfetamine, Atripla, Atrovent, Azopt, Bepreve, Biktarvy, Breo Ellipta, Brilinta, Budesonide, Bumetanide, Byrdureon Pen, Cialis, Chloramphenicol, Collagenase Santyl, Combigan, Combivent Respimat, Daliresp, Delstrigo, Descovy, Dovato, Edurant, Eliquis, Enbrel, Entresto, Famotidine, Farxiga, Flavfour HFA, Flovent, Fluticasone, Fluticatone, Genvoya, Glyxambi, Humalog, Humira, Humulin, Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride, Incruse Ellipta, Invokamet, Invokana, Isentress, Janumet, Januvia, Jardiance, Jentadueto, Juluca, Ketorolac, Kombliglyze, Lantus, Latuda, Levalbuterol, Linzess, Lumigan, Malarone, Methimazole, Modafinil, Mounjaro, Naltrexone, Nebivolol, Neurin, Novolog, Odefsey, Onglyza, Ozempic, Pifeltro, Premarin, Prezista, Pro Air, Qvar, Restasis, Rinvoq, Rocklatan, Rosuvastatine, Rukobia, Rybelsus, Segluromet, Selegline, Silver, Soliqua, Spiriva, Steglatro, Stiolto Respimat, Stribild, Symbicort, Symtuza, Synjardy, Synthroid, Tivicay, Toujeo Pen, Tradjenta, Trelegy Ellipta, Tresiba, Trijardy, Triumeq, Trulicity, Ventolin, Victoza, Wixela, Xarelto, Xigduo, Zeal, among others.
In a separate indictment, Jorge Rivera-Pérez, a.k.a. “Jorge Pastilla”, was charged in a six-count indictment with unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drugs, misbranding of prescription drugs with intent to mislead and defraud, and theft, trafficking, and sale of pre-retail medical products. Defendant Jorge Rivera-Pérez was a purchasing and procurement department employee for Company A, a medical facility located in Manatí, Puerto Rico, and an entity that purchased prescription drugs from legitimate licensed wholesale distributors of prescription drugs kept as a pre-retail medical product to be used in the operations of the medical facility. Rivera-Pérez was not a licensed wholesale distributor for prescription drugs. The defendant used his position to obtain pre-retail medical products unlawfully and intentionally, to wit, prescribed medications, from the Company A storage warehouse access-controlled area located at the basement of the building and to subsequently sell them to individual pharmacy owners at a steep price discount when compared to legitimate wholesalers.
On September 23, 2024, Eric Aquino-García was charged via information and pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Gina M. Méndez to misbranding prescription drugs and unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drug. Aquino-García admitted that from 2018 through 2024, he was a member of this network of individuals and pharmacy owners who knowingly conspired to buy and sell wholesale quantities of misbranded and diverted prescription drugs for financial gain.
On November 14, 2023, a federal search warrant was executed at Aquino-García’s residence where misbranded and diverted prescription drugs were seized having a value in excess of $3.4 million. These drugs were destined to be purchased and resold via retail pharmacies in Puerto Rico.
“The defendants enriched themselves through a fraudulent scheme that cost Medicare and Medicaid over $7.6 million,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Moreover, the defendants, in clear disregard of the patients’ needs and medical conditions, distributed medications without the proper procedure and instructions on how to administer such medications. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the community from people who abuse their positions to enrich themselves illegally through health care fraud.”
“Individuals who exploit federal health care programs to seek personal financial gain put the health and safety of communities at risk. Prescription drugs are intended to be distributed from the manufacturer to licensed wholesale distributors, to pharmacies, and then to patients,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Today’s indictment illustrates HHS-OIG’s staunch commitment to combating health care fraud with our law enforcement partners.”
“The FDA oversees the prescription drug supply chain so that patients and consumers can expect their prescribed medications to be safe and effective. The defendants in this case undermined the FDA safeguards designed to protect the public, introduced diverted prescription drugs into the supply chain, and compromised patient safety for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin Fielder of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office. “Thanks to the efforts of our FDA-OCI agents, and our HHS OIG and USAO partners, this scheme was identified, investigated and dismantled. These indictments are a clear demonstration that FDA will not stop pursuing and bringing to justice those who would put the public health at risk through their criminal actions.”
The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. If convicted, the defendants face the following sentences: up to five years in prison for the conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs and to defraud the United States; up to 10 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and unlicensed wholesale distribution of prescription drugs; up to three years in prison for unauthorized trading partner and misbranding of prescription drugs with intent to mislead and defraud; and up to 20 in prison for theft, trafficking, and sale of pre-retail medical products. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI) are investigating the case. The collaboration and assistance of the U.S. Marshal Service and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau in executing the corresponding arrests is appreciated.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Wallace A. Bustelo is prosecuting these cases.
Patients are encouraged to speak to their health care provider or report an adverse event to the FDA. Health care providers can report adverse events to the FDA through FDA’s online reporting portal on the FDA website. If someone is having a medical emergency, please call 911.
To report adverse events and quality control issues, please contact:
FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting Line:1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) and Press 2 to report to MedWatch or for instructions.
FDA MedWatch Online: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch
To report illegal conduct, please contact:
HHS-OIG Hotline: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) or https://tips.oig.hhs.gov
To file a voluntary self-disclosure, please access the link below:
https://oig.hhs.gov/compliance/self-disclosure-info/self-disclosure-protocol/
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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16 defendants guilty in narcotics, firearms conspiraciesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – The leader of a drug trafficking organization pleaded guilty in federal court. He was the final of 16 individuals who have agreed to plead guilty in a narcotics and firearms conspiracies case.
Ryan Haskamp, 36, of Cincinnati, pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before U.S. District Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins to conspiring to distribute controlled substances, conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
A federal grand jury indicted all 16 defendants in July 2021, charging the defendants in a firearms conspiracy and in a narcotics conspiracy involving 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine and 10 grams or more of LSD, as well as detectable amounts of MDMA, DMT, marijuana and ketamine.
In total, as part of this case, law enforcement seized 11 firearms and more than one kilogram of methamphetamine, more than 200 pounds of DMT, more than five kilograms of marijuana, more than 15 kilograms of hashish and hashish oil, more than one kilogram of MDMA, more than 19,000 dose units of LSD, fentanyl, cocaine, and other synthetic and counterfeit drugs.
The case originated with two individuals involved in an Aug. 7, 2020, police chase through Cincinnati that resulted in the deaths of two bystanders in Newport, Kentucky. Mason Meyer, 32, and Kirsten Johnson, 26, both of Cincinnati, were charged federally in August 2020. Ongoing investigation led to the additional 14 defendants and charges.
According to court documents, officials with the ATF, Cincinnati Police and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force were surveilling Meyer in Cincinnati on Aug. 7, 2020, when Meyer drove away. Cincinnati Police officers attempted to stop Meyer when he fled, causing a police chase through Cincinnati and into Covington and Newport, Kentucky.
Local court documents detail that Meyer’s vehicle struck and killed a couple dining on the patio of Press on Monmouth in Newport, Kentucky. Two other pedestrians were struck and suffered minor injuries.
At the time of the chase, Meyer and Johnson possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, two loaded handguns and a loaded rifle.
Additional investigation tied Meyer and Johnson to Haskamp’s drug trafficking organization. Haskamp was Meyer’s source of supply of methamphetamine. Haskamp used at least five Cincinnati residences as stash houses to store and sell drugs. He also had others rent Airbnb locations and hotel rooms to further his drug trafficking. Haskamp had packages of drugs delivered to the Airbnb rental properties. Haskamp supplied drugs for redistribution in Cincinnati and Dayton via numerous co-defendants.
Haskamp faces a potential sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison.
Others convicted in this case include:
NameAgeCity of ResidenceWilliam Keith Jenkins37CincinnatiMichael Alden Mobley42Ghent, Ky.Michael Tyler Boeh35CincinnatiVictoria Stauffer30CincinnatiQuincy Pemberton33CincinnatiDamon Gene Wade31California, Ky.Kelly Marie Smart35CincinnatiKevin Patrick Thiery44CincinnatiCrystal Randall37CincinnatiRory Hartmann30CincinnatiJulie Renae Wetzel34CincinnatiAshley Long30CincinnatiHaley Pennington26Moraine, OhioKenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge and agencies with the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force and Drug Abuse Reduction Task Force (DART) announced the convictions. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato is representing the United States in this case.
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10-Count Superseding Indictment Charges DuBois City Manager and Employee with Theft and Misappropriation of More Than $1.5 Million in City FundsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A federal grand jury in Johnstown has returned a Superseding Indictment that charges two residents of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, with conspiracy, federal program fraud, and money laundering, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The 10-count Superseding Indictment named John “Herm” Suplizio, 64, and Roberta Shaffer, 59, both of DuBois, as the defendants. The pair was initially indicted and arrested in November 2023 on conspiracy and federal program fraud charges (read the earlier news release here). The Superseding Indictment expands the time frame of the federal program theft conspiracy in the original indictment, with allegations of an additional approximately $700,000 in theft, and also adds money laundering charges.
According to the Superseding Indictment, from in and around May 2008 to in and around March 2022, Suplizio, the City Manager for DuBois, and Shaffer, the Secretary to the City of DuBois, knowingly conspired to embezzle, steal, convert, and misapply over $1.5 million owned by the city. To accomplish this theft, Suplizio and Shaffer opened bank accounts without the knowledge of the DuBois City Council or auditors, and then funneled fees intended for the city from a waste management company and two oil and gas companies into those secret accounts. Suplizio and Shaffer used the stolen money to, among other things, make large cash withdrawals, write checks to themselves and others, obtain cashier’s checks with themselves listed as payees, and make payments to Suplizio’s personal credit card. The purchases on Suplizio’s credit card included Suplizio’s vacation expenses, utility expenses for Suplizio’s residence, department store purchases, jewelry store purchases, political dinners, and other personal expenses. The Superseding Indictment alleges that many of the transactions in which Suplizio and Shaffer engaged with the proceeds of their theft were over $10,000, which constitutes money laundering under federal law.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to either five or 10 years in prison, a fine of up to either $250,000 or $500,000, or both, on each count. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Special Assistant United States Attorney Summer F. Carroll are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment.
A Superseding Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
$2,125,640 Recouped in Civil Settlements for Violations of the False Claims Act from Local Pharmacies in Cidra and Florida, Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Attorney’s Office reached two settlement agreements with local pharmacies and their respective owners to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting or causing to be submitted fraudulent claims for payment to the Medicare and Medicaid Programs from October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2023. Farmacia Beatriz, LLC, from Cidra, PR, and Edwin Valentin-Rosario paid $725,640 while CDT Policlínica Familiar Florida and Jesús Vázquez agreed to pay $1.4 million, of which $1.3 million has already been collected.
The allegations involve the pharmacies’ submission for payment of prescription drugs dispensed to patients, under their owner’s direction, in excess of the inventory of prescription drugs purchased by the pharmacies from legitimate wholesalers. As a result, a substantial number of unique claims were submitted for pharmacy services to the Medicare and Medicaid Programs as false representations in violation of the False Claims Act. These transactions could not be tracked to purchases of prescription medications from legitimate wholesalers.
This practice of diverting medications from legitimate channels affects the pedigree of the medications that are ultimately dispensed to patients. It creates uncertainty as to their proper handling, including storage in compliance with regulations and sanitary conditions, thereby potentially affecting the potency and efficacy of the medications. Additionally, federal health care programs were induced to pay for medications that may have been compromised and do not comply with Federal Drug Administration inventory and handling regulations.
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. Other federal and local agencies have also provided support to the investigation.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rafael López Rivera investigated and prosecuted the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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24 September 2024
“Operation Sonic Boom” Targeting Violent Crime in Oklahoma City Results in 50 Defendants Charged with Firearms and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Law Enforcement Seize 193 Firearms, including 83 Machinegun Conversion Devices, Two 3-D Printers, and More Than 63 Kilograms of Drugs
OKLAHOMA CITY – Following a two-month targeted initiative called “Operation Sonic Boom” to reduce violent crime in Oklahoma City, 50 individuals have been charged in federal and state court with various firearms and drug offenses.
Today’s announcement was made by Robert J. Troester, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Jeff Boshek, Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives (ATF), who led the investigation. Other critical partners in this operation include:
- Vicki Behenna, Oklahoma County District Attorney,
- Ron Bacy, Chief, Oklahoma City Police Department,
- Johnny Kuhlman, United States Marshal,
- Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration Dallas Field Division,
- Tim Tipton, Commissioner, Oklahoma Department of Public Safety,
- Donnie Anderson, Director, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs, and
- Keith Brown, Executive Director, Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
Federal Defendants: Forty-two defendants have been charged in federal court, some together, while others were charged individually. Offenses with which individuals have been charged include illegal firearms trafficking, unlawful possession and transfer of machineguns, unlawful possession of firearms, making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, using a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. The names, specific charges, and potential sentences of these federal defendants, if convicted, are in the attached chart. Reference is made to public records, including related, recently unsealed federal Indictments, for additional information.
State Defendants: Eight defendants have been charged in Oklahoma County District Court. Offenses with which they have been charged include aggravated trafficking of fentanyl, trafficking of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm after juvenile adjudication. The names, specific charges, and potential sentences of these state court defendants, if convicted, are in the attached chart. Reference is made to public records for additional information.
Seizures: In addition to charging 50 defendants, law enforcement recovered the following items:
- 193 firearms, including:
- 81 Pistols
- 4 Revolvers
- 10 Rifles
- 6 Shotguns
- 9 Machineguns, and
- 83 Machinegun conversion devices (MCDs), including 30 partially completed MCDs
- Two 3-D printers (used to print MCDs)
- More than 63 kilograms of drugs, with an approximate street value of nearly $750,000, including:
- 53 kilograms of methamphetamine
- 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl
- 5.2 kilograms of cocaine, and
- 3.8 kilograms of marijuana
Please note that these numbers are the collective recoveries over the course of Operation Sonic Boom and are not attributable to each individual defendant.
MCDs, commonly known as “switches” or “auto sears,” unlawfully convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons (i.e., machineguns). The possession, manufacturing, and sale of MCDs violates federal law as illegal possession of a machinegun. Those charged with MCD-related offenses face up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“There is no doubt that Operation Sonic Boom has had a resounding impact to make Oklahoma City safer,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “This Operation alone removes from our streets nearly 200 dangerous firearms and machineguns, and over 63 kilos of deadly drugs. I commend ATF’s leadership with this effort and our law enforcement partners who worked together to make Operation Sonic Boom successful.”
“Early mornings, late nights, time away from family, dangerous situations are all worth it for law enforcement officers when the outcome is life changing for the citizens and communities they protect. The streets of Oklahoma City are forever altered due to the excellent work by the United States Attorney’s Office, ATF, and our law enforcement partners during Operation Sonic Boom,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “Operations like this highlight the importance of authentic relationships between law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe. ATF will remain vigilant and steadfast in our fight against violent crime in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas and will continue to pursue the worst of the worst lawbreakers living amongst us.”
“We appreciate the efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement officials during this months-long operation,” said Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna. “The invaluable work they did to get these guns and drugs off the streets and out of hands of dangerous felons will ultimately keep our city and citizens safer.”
“This operation demonstrates the positive outcomes that can occur when law enforcement agencies work together to address a specific problem,” said Oklahoma City Police Chief Ron Bacy. “The partnership we have with these agencies help dismantle the networks that fuel violence by taking dangerous criminals, drugs, and firearms off the streets making our community a safer place.”
Operation Sonic Boom was funded by the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) which is made up of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in North Texas and Oklahoma. HIDTA fosters and supports intra-agency cooperation strategies to target the region's drug-related and violent crime threats to public safety by using funding provided by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, out of the Executive Office of the President of the United States.
This Operation is the result of collaboration and partnership among ATF, Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs, and the Texoma HIDTA.
The public is reminded these charges are merely allegations, and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defendant lists attached below:
Federal Defendants
State Defendants
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Richard T. Walker II, 31, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 24, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for failure to register as a sex offender. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Walker to 33 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Walker’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On December 11, 2020, Walker was convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska of abusive sexual contact with a child under 12. As a result of his 2020 federal conviction, Walker is required to register as a sex offender for life, to include in-person appearances every 3 months to update his registration information. After his release from prison for the 2020 conviction in May 2023, Walker registered a specific address as his residence with the Winnebago Police Department in Winnebago, Nebraska. Walker later appeared at the Winnebago Police Department in July 2023 and certified the same address was still valid, yet Walker had not lived at the registered address since the end of May 2023. Walker lived in a variety of locations during June and July of 2023 and failed to update his sex offender registration to reflect his change in address.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Whitehall man sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison for role in large meth, fentanyl trafficking ring that distributed drugs in Butte, Helena communitiesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Whitehall man convicted by a federal jury of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl as part of a large drug ring that distributed drugs in the Butte and Helena communities was sentenced today to 16 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, James Andrew Stringari, 52, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in a jury trial in April.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
“Stringari played a critical role as the point-person between the leaders and lower-level dealers in this large drug trafficking conspiracy that brought at least 13 pounds of methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills to the Butte and Helena areas. He was especially dangerous because he possessed a firearm and encouraged others to do the same. But his extensive federal prison sentence means he will no longer be a danger to our communities, for which I am grateful,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
In court documents, the government alleged that from June 2022 until about January 2023 in Butte and Helena, Stringari and seven other co-defendants conspired to traffic meth and fentanyl. In June 2022, the Utah Highway Patrol stopped an individual traveling in a vehicle carrying 3.5 pounds of meth and 6,000 pills containing fentanyl and learned that the individual was transporting the drugs to Butte for distribution by “Esco,” who was co-defendant Juan Felipe Vidrio Fuentes, of Anaheim, California. Law enforcement further learned that Fuentes was staying at Whitehall residence along with at least one co-defendant, Stringari, and that Fuentes was supplying both fentanyl and meth throughout the Butte area from the Whitehall residence. In addition, law enforcement corroborated information about meth and fentanyl trafficking that implicated Fuentes, Stringari, co-defendant Janet Dean White and another co-defendant.
Fuentes and White also were convicted in the April trial of conspiracy and possession charges. Fuentes was sentenced recently to 30 years in prison, while White was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The government alleged Stringari was long-term, high-level participant in the six-month conspiracy. Stringari procured drugs and guns, facilitated communication between the leaders of the conspiracy and the lower-level dealers and connected multiple parts of the conspiracy together. Without Stringari, the government continued, the conspiracy would not have been able to reach as far into the Butte and Helena communities as quickly as it did, as his local contacts were integral to the conspiracy’s success.
During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted packages containing thousands of pills that were mailed from California to the Whitehall address and to a Butte address. Law enforcement also learned that Fuentes had relocated to a house in Helena.
Law enforcement conducted coordinated raids of the Helena and Butte addresses. In the Butte residence, law enforcement located approximately six pounds of meth, 208 grams of fentanyl, $15,000 cash and seven firearms. In the Helena residence, law enforcement located approximately seven pounds of meth and 68 grams of fentanyl.
Co-defendants Martin Topete Garcia and his brother, Johnathan Topete, both of Mira Loma, California, pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing. Co-defendant Trevor Allen Handy, of Butte, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years and six months in prison. Co-defendant Anthony Wayne Johnson II, of Santa Ana, California, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and co-defendant Agatha Noriz Carranza, of Whitehall, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, Montana Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri River Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Utah Highway Patrol and Utah State Bureau of Investigations conducted the investigation.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Virginia-Based Defense Contractor to Pay $2.25 Million Fine for Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Cambridge International Systems, Inc., a defense contractor headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, was sentenced in federal court today to pay a criminal fine of $2,250,000 after admitting that it participated in a scheme to bribe a public official at Naval Information Warfare Center in exchange for winning and maintaining hundreds of millions of dollars in government contracts.
According to Cambridge’s April 2024 plea agreement, the company – acting through its former Executive Vice President Russell Thurston and an unnamed employee – gave various things of value to former Naval Information Warfare Center employee James Soriano, including jobs for Soriano’s family and friends, meals, and a ticket to the 2018 MLB All Star Game held at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
In return, Soriano, acting in his position as a contracting officer’s representative at the Naval Information Warfare Center, ensured that Cambridge was awarded two large task orders. Soriano further ensured Cambridge was able to capture a steady stream of government funds by approving various additional projects on the task orders, including more than 70 projects on one of the task orders.
As a result of the conspiracy, the government obligated more than $32 million on one of the task orders and more than $100 million on the other. Although $132 million was obligated, only $1,672,102.23 had been paid out by the government at the time the fraud was uncovered.
Since pleading guilty, Cambridge was ordered to forfeit $1,672,102.23. The fine imposed today further penalizes the company for its criminal scheme, while acknowledging its diminished financial condition as a result of its guilty plea. The company was also placed on a two-year period of probation, during which time it will be closely monitored. As a condition of probation, the company is also setting up a fund to benefit the family of a slain employee.
“With a fine of over $2 million, the court sent a message to government contractors,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Cheating the system doesn’t pay out in the end.”
“Cambridge International Systems’ sentencing brings closure to its part in an illicit scheme to enrich the company and others with the assistance of corrupt government officials,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Western Field Office. “This outcome, and others associated with this investigation and prosecution, should serve as a warning to those who would subvert the proper government acquisition process for their own personal gain at the expense of the American taxpayer and our nation’s warfighters.”
“The sentencing of Cambridge International Systems, Inc. should serve as an example and a warning to other companies seeking defense contracts that corrupting the acquisition process will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “The culture of complicity demonstrated by Cambridge International is just as detrimental to national security as actively handing over bribes, and IRS CI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect our warfighters from such corruption.”
“Cambridge deserves to be held accountable for perpetuating an illegal bribery scheme that undermined the fairness of the defense procurement process,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS appreciates our investigative partners for their continued efforts to protect our nation's warfighters from the threats posed by such corruption.”
Thurston is separately charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery in case number 24CR341-TWR; a motion hearing is scheduled for April 11, 2025. Soriano pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery in case numbers 23CR2282-TWR and 24CR341-TWR; his sentencing is scheduled for May 9, 2025.
DEFENDANT Case Number 24-cr-759-TWR
Cambridge International Systems, Inc. Arlington, VA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Commit Bribery - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum penalties: Five years corporate probation; a maximum $500,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greatest
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General
Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation
Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General
If you have information regarding fraud, waste, or abuse relating to Department of Defense personnel or operations, please contact the DoD Hotline at 800-424-9098.
U.S. Department of Justice and Hartland Consolidated School District Extend Agreement to Protect Students from Racial HarassmentRead the Press Release
U.S. Department of Justice and Hartland Consolidated School District Extend Agreement to Protect Students from Racial Harassment
Today, the United States Department of Justice entered into a two-year agreement with Hartland Consolidated School District to strengthen Hartland’s ongoing response to allegations of student-on-student racial harassment.
In July 2022, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan entered into a letter of resolution with Hartland to resolve an investigation into student-on-student harassment. The underlying complaint alleged that Hartland failed to address pervasive race-based harassment of black students in the district. Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 authorizes the Department of Justice to address complaints that a school is depriving students of equal protection based on race, color, and other protected characteristics. Hartland cooperated fully with the investigation.
Through the July 2022 letter of resolution, Hartland voluntarily agreed to take several steps to address concerns raised during the investigation. As described in that letter, the Department of Justice reviewed Hartland’s compliance at the end of the 2022-23 school year. The Department of Justice determined that the compliance period should be extended for an additional two years to continue Hartland’s efforts. Under the new agreement, Hartland will also take additional steps during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.
The extension agreement builds on Hartland’s previous efforts, adding more training for staff to identify and respond to racial harassment. Hartland also agreed to conduct age-appropriate, district-wide training programs for students, focused on preventing racial harassment and improving the school environment. Hartland further agreed to enhance its logging and response to allegations of racial harassment and to provide supportive measures to any affected students.
“I applaud the measures already taken by Hartland to address student-on-student racial harassment, but more needs to be done. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with Hartland to strengthen their response to racial harassment,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “We commend Hartland Consolidated School District for its willingness to improve the learning environment for all students.”
“Our public schools have a duty to foster a safe and welcoming learning environment for students,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “No student should have to endure racial slurs, derogatory treatment, or threats in a school. Racial harassment undermines a student’s chance to succeed and has no place in our Nation’s schools.”
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sunita Doddamani of the Civil Rights Unit of the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan was established in 2010 with the mission of prioritizing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s civil rights efforts, including a copy of the Extension Agreement with the Hartland Consolidated School District, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmi/programs/civil-rights. Civil rights complaints may be emailed to [email protected] or by contacting the U.S. Attorney's Office’s civil rights hotline at (313) 226-9151.
The Educational Opportunities Section of the Civil Rights Division leads enforcement of Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Additional information about the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt and additional information about the work of the Educational Opportunities Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations to the Civil Rights Division at www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
U.S. Attorney Thompson and Law Enforcement Partners to Announce Major Development in Operation Smoke & Mirrors CaseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will hold a press conference with law enforcement partners today, Tuesday September 24, at 3:30 p.m. to announce a major development in the Operation Smoke and Mirrors drug trafficking case.
Dubbed Operation Smoke and Mirrors, this major drug trafficking investigation resulted in the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history.
WHO: U.S. Attorney Will Thompson and law enforcement partners
WHEN: Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Fifth floor, Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse, Charleston
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.
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Two men sentenced to prison for armed robbery of a check-cashing businessRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two men have been sentenced to prison for the armed robbery of a check-cashing business in Chantilly.
According to court documents, on Nov. 18, 2023, Antonio Chester Lewis, 49, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, and Al Gibran Taylor, 42, of Reston, entered the store intending to rob it of its cash. Lewis had entered the store previously to survey it. Lewis was armed with a .223/5.56 mm caliber semi-automatic rifle, which he pointed at customers and ordered them to put their hands in the air. Taylor attempted to open a cashier booth, which contained the store’s register and safe. When Taylor found the booth locked, Lewis identified the store’s cashier, grabbed her by the neck, and brought her to the cashier booth. The cashier opened the booth, and Taylor removed a large amount of cash from the store’s safe.
Lewis was arrested on March 26. That day, law enforcement conducted a search of Lewis’ residence and recovered the rifle used during the robbery as well as a privately made firearm with no serial number, a shotgun, and ammunition. On April 4, law enforcement also searched Lewis’ vehicle and recovered a handgun and additional ammunition.
On June 13, Lewis pled guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. Lewis was sentenced on Sept. 3 to 15 years and eight months in prison.
On June 21, Taylor pled guilty to use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Taylor was sentenced today to 25 years in prison.
Both Lewis and Taylor have multiple prior convictions. On Aug. 9, 1994, Lewis was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On May 30, 1997, he was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine while armed. On Oct. 20, 2005, Lewis was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base. As a previously convicted felon, Lewis cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
Taylor previously was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia on Dec. 21, 2006, of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence during which the firearm was discharged. On June 30, 2006, Taylor was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia of possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; David E. Geist, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division; and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after Taylor was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel K. Amzallag prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Cases No. 1:24-cr-139 and 1:24-cr-130.
Sussex County Man Sentenced to 146 Months in Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Sussex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 146 months in prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking organization distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced today.
Steven R. Kristiansen, 54, of Byram Township, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas, to a five-count information charging him with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution and possession of methamphetamine, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Bibas imposed the sentence on Sept. 20, 2024, in Camden federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In January 2022, law enforcement determined that Kristiansen was a member of a drug trafficking organization and distributed methamphetamine. From Jan. 14, 2022, to Jan. 18, 2022, Kristiansen sold over 60 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover police office. On Jan. 25, 2022, law enforcement executed search warrants at Kristiansen’s residence and car and recovered over 50 grams of methamphetamine and ammunition.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Bibas sentenced Kristiansen to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the diection of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation leading to the sentence.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Linares of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
Summers County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Matthew Harris England, 38, of Meadow Bridge, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered short-barreled shotgun.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 3, 2023, law enforcement responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at England’s residence in Meadow Bridge. When law enforcement entered the residence, they found and seized a Savage model Stevens 94F 20-gauge shotgun with a modified and shortened barrel and a modified and shortened stock on a chair in the living room. England was arrested, and told officers he knew the firearm was in the residence and that the length of its barrel appeared to be illegal.
The short-barreled shotgun was not registered to England in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by federal law. Federal law also prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. England knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for aiding and abetting the possession of stolen firearms in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on May 9, 2014.
England is scheduled to be sentenced on January 24, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Summers County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-93.
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St. Louis Men Admit Involvement in Armed Robbery of StoreRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Two men from St. Louis have admitted participating in the armed robbery of a store in St. Louis last year.
Orlando Perez, 37, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Tuesday to accessory after the fact to a robbery. Jason Fox, 39, pleaded guilty on September 10 to one count of possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Both men admitted that Fox robbed the store in the 3700 block of South Kingshighway Boulevard on Jan. 20, 2023. Fox brought merchandise to the counter, then produced a handgun and demanded “all the money from the registers.” The robber also stole video games and two Xbox consoles. Police traced the robber to a nearby shopping center, where they caught Perez with the keys to the vehicle used for the robbery, as well as cash and ammunition. The stolen merchandise was in the backseat of the car, and Fox was arrested nearby. Perez had 3.54 grams of methamphetamine in his pocket and admitted owning the gun.
Fox is scheduled to be sentenced December 9 and Perez is scheduled to be sentenced January 6.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.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.
Seven People Charged with over $40 Million in Medicare and Medicaid FraudRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Ronald King, 51, formerly of Berlin, New Hampshire, and now residing in Bangor, Maine, Victor Roiter, 55, of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, Tina Wellman, 51, of Mayfield, New York, Adam Shorr, 55, of Dunedin, Florida, Robert O’Sullivan, 55, of Lake Sherwood, California, Bradley Edson, 66, of Mesa, Arizona, and John Gautereaux, 59, of Temecula, California were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to defrauding Medicare and Colorado Medicaid.
According to the indictment, the defendants were involved together through a variety of corporate entities including as owners of Tesis Labs, LLC, a parent company that owned and operated genetic testing labs, including Claro Scientific Laboratories, Inc., based in Lafayette, Colorado, and 303 Diagnostics LLC, based in Aurora, Colorado. The indictment alleges that defendants King, Roiter, Wellman, and Shorr conspired to defraud Medicare and Colorado Medicaid through several means, including by paying kickbacks and bribes to purported marketing companies for referrals for fraudulent and medically unnecessary genetic testing. These referrals in turn led to more than $40 million in false and fraudulent claims paid by Medicare and Colorado Medicaid to the laboratories for the genetic testing claims. The indictment alleges that all seven defendants participated in a conspiracy to offer and pay illegal bribes and kickbacks in connection with health care benefit programs, including Medicare, Colorado Medicaid, and private health insurance plans. The defendants agreed to pay kickbacks and bribes to individuals and entities they identified as “marketers” to solicit patients, including elderly Medicare beneficiaries, to participate in unnecessary genetic testing and to obtain doctors’ signatures on testing order forms for these patients. Many of these kickback recipients used call centers to target elderly Medicare beneficiaries. Finally, the indictment alleges that defendants King, Roiter, and Wellman conspired to launder the proceeds of the first two conspiracies described above.
Defendants King, Wellman, Shorr, O’Sullivan, Edson, and Gautereaux made initial appearances in Denver, Colorado, between August 26 and September 5, 2024, in front of Magistrate Judge Susan Prose.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent of the charges unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Denver Field Division, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Anna Edgar.
Saratoga County Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jacob Boldt, age 35, of Gansevoort, New York, was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for dealing in firearms without a license and possessing a firearm as a felon.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office; and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.
In pleading guilty, Boldt admitted he sold multiple firearms without a license, identified criminals as good customers for “ghost guns,” and possessed a firearm that he knew was stolen. At the time of the offenses, Boldt could not possess firearms because of a prior felony conviction.
In addition to the imprisonment, United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci fined Boldt $5,000, ordered him to serve 2 years of supervised release and forfeit a shotgun seized by law enforcement.
HSI and ATF investigated the case with assistance from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted the case.
San Diego Man Receives First Conviction in Nation for Illegally Importing Harmful Greenhouse Gases into the United StatesRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Michael Hart of San Diego pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting he conspired to illegally import potent greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) into the United States from Mexico and sell them for a profit in violation of regulations intended to slow climate change. In addition to greenhouse gases, Hart admitted to conspiring to illegally import hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), namely HCFC 22, an ozone-depleting substance banned under the Clean Air Act.
HFCs are used in applications such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, building insulation, fire extinguishing systems, and aerosols. The global warming impact of an HFC can be hundreds to thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide. Because of this, there has been an international phasedown of HFCs by 85 percent, resulting in an increase in the illegal smuggling and importation of HFCs.
This case is the first prosecution in the United States under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act). The AIM Act prohibits importing HFCs without allowances issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and also prohibits selling, distributing, or offering for sale or distribution HFCs imported without allowances issued by the EPA.
“Congress made it illegal to import certain refrigerants into the United States without allowances because of their documented and significantly greater contribution to climate change,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing the AIM Act and other laws that seek to prevent environmental harm.”
As set forth in court documents, from about June to December 2022, Hart offered HFCs and HCFCs for sale via OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace and other internet sites. He then communicated with conspirators in the United States, who placed purchase orders for the refrigerants with Hart. Once the orders were placed, Hart purchased the refrigerants in Mexico with the help of his conspirators and illegally imported them into the United States concealed in his vehicle. Thereafter, Hart illegally sold the refrigerants to others in the United States, profiting from the black market for such refrigerants in the United States.
“Clean air is not for sale to the highest bidder,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The Department of Justice will use every tool at our disposal to protect air quality and hold criminal polluters accountable.”
“During Climate Week, the United States recognizes the urgent need to limit climate super pollutants like HFCs to help address the existential threat of climate change," said David M. Uhlmann, EPA Assistant Administrator of the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Today's guilty plea for the first-ever HFC arrest demonstrates EPA's commitment to vigorously enforcing our laws at all U.S. borders and ports to prevent illegal HFC canisters from entering the U.S."
Hart is scheduled to be sentenced December 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Marilyn Huff.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark W. Pletcher and Department of Justice Environmental Crimes Section Senior Trial Attorney Stephen DaPonte.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 24-CR-0383-H
Michael Hart Age: 58 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Violate the Clean Air Act Regulations (Title 42, U.S.C., Secs. 7671, 7413) and the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act Regulations (Title 42, U.S.C., Secs. 7675, 7413) – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division
Homeland Security Investigations
St. Croix Man Indicted After Threatening to Murder Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI - United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jamoi Weekes, 30, of St. Croix, with making threats to assault and murder federal and local law enforcement officers.
“Heinous threats of violence that target our partners in law enforcement will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Smith. “Law enforcement officials must be free to perform their duties without fear or intimidation, and as evidenced in the case against Weekes, we will steadfastly prosecute threats against public servants and aggressively seek penalties against those who engage in such abhorrent crimes.”
According to court documents, on August 31, 2024, Weekes attempted to board a flight at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix. Weekes was referred to Customs and Border Protection for a secondary inspection before boarding his flight. Weekes then became extremely irate and combative and began threatening to murder and retaliate against the officers if he ever saw them again. Weekes was then determined to be unsuitable to board his flight and was ordered to leave the airport. While exiting the airport, Weekes encountered two Virgin Islands Port Authority officers who he also threatened to murder. Rather than leave the airport, Weekes then followed two Customs and Border Protection officers from the airport terminal to the parking lot and again threatened to murder the officers.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Evan Rikhye.
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.
Ryan Wesley Routh Indicted for Attempted Assassination of Former President TrumpRead the Press Release
Note: View the indictment here.
A federal grand jury in Miami late this afternoon returned an indictment charging Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii, with attempting to kill former President Donald J. Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15.
“Violence targeting public officials endangers everything our country stands for, and the Department of Justice will use every available tool to hold Ryan Routh accountable for the attempted assassination of former President Trump charged in the indictment,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will not tolerate violence that strikes at the heart of our democracy, and we will find and hold accountable those who perpetrate it. This must stop.”
“This alleged attempted assassination of the former President at his golf course was a direct attack on our democracy. Political violence has no place in this country — not then, not now, not ever,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “The charges today reflect the Department’s continued resolve to deploy every available resource to ensure public officials remain safe and to hold accountable those who target public officials to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Routh is charged with attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, which strikes at the very heart of our democratic system,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI is continuing our investigation into this alleged plot and will use the full weight and resources of the FBI to uncover and provide as much information as possible about what led to the events in West Palm Beach. In our country, we have to hold accountable people who resort to violence.”
According to allegations in a complaint affidavit and a factual proffer filed with the court, former President Trump was golfing at Trump International on Sept. 15, and a Secret Service agent conducting a perimeter security sweep saw the partially obscured face of a man — later identified as Routh — in the brush along the fence line near the sixth hole. The agent observed the barrel of a rifle aimed directly at him. As the agent began backing away, he saw the rifle barrel move, and the agent fired at Routh.
A witness saw Routh running across the road from the golf course and getting into a black Nissan Xterra. Based on information provided by the witness, Routh was later apprehended heading northbound on I-95 by officers from the Martin County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Court documents allege that in the area where Routh had been hiding in the tree line, FBI agents located an SKS semiautomatic rifle with a scope attached and an extended magazine. The serial number on the rifle was obliterated and unreadable. Hanging from the fence was a backpack and a reusable shopping bag that each contained a plate capable of stopping small arms fire.
According to the allegations filed with the court, FBI agents found documents that contained a handwritten list of dates in August, September, and October and venues where the former President had appeared or was expected to be present. Cell records for two of the cell phones found in the Nissan Xterra showed that on multiple days and times from Aug. 18 to Sept. 15, Routh’s cell phone accessed cell towers located near Trump International and the former President’s residence at Mar-a-Lago.
According to the factual proffer filed with the court, a civilian witness contacted law enforcement stating that Routh had dropped off a box at his residence several months ago. Included in the box was a handwritten letter from Routh addressed “Dear World,” which stated, among other things, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry I failed you.”
Routh was charged with attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer (a Secret Service Agent), felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. At a detention hearing on Sept. 23, Routh was ordered to remain in federal custody pending trial. If convicted, Routh faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
According to court records, Routh was convicted of felonies in North Carolina in December 2002 and March 2010.
The FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Secret Service.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-80116.
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Ryan Wesley Routh Indicted for Attempted Assassination of Former President TrumpRead the Press Release
Note: View the indictment here.
A federal grand jury in Miami late this afternoon returned an indictment charging Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii, with attempting to kill former President Donald J. Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15.
“Violence targeting public officials endangers everything our country stands for, and the Department of Justice will use every available tool to hold Ryan Routh accountable for the attempted assassination of former President Trump charged in the indictment,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will not tolerate violence that strikes at the heart of our democracy, and we will find and hold accountable those who perpetrate it. This must stop.”
“This alleged attempted assassination of the former President at his golf course was a direct attack on our democracy. Political violence has no place in this country — not then, not now, not ever,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “The charges today reflect the Department’s continued resolve to deploy every available resource to ensure public officials remain safe and to hold accountable those who target public officials to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Routh is charged with attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, which strikes at the very heart of our democratic system,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI is continuing our investigation into this alleged plot and will use the full weight and resources of the FBI to uncover and provide as much information as possible about what led to the events in West Palm Beach. In our country, we have to hold accountable people who resort to violence.”
According to allegations in a complaint affidavit and a factual proffer filed with the court, former President Trump was golfing at Trump International on Sept. 15, and a Secret Service agent conducting a perimeter security sweep saw the partially obscured face of a man — later identified as Routh — in the brush along the fence line near the sixth hole. The agent observed the barrel of a rifle aimed directly at him. As the agent began backing away, he saw the rifle barrel move, and the agent fired at Routh.
A witness saw Routh running across the road from the golf course and getting into a black Nissan Xterra. Based on information provided by the witness, Routh was later apprehended heading northbound on I-95 by officers from the Martin County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Court documents allege that in the area where Routh had been hiding in the tree line, FBI agents located an SKS semiautomatic rifle with a scope attached and an extended magazine. The serial number on the rifle was obliterated and unreadable. Hanging from the fence was a backpack and a reusable shopping bag that each contained a plate capable of stopping small arms fire.
According to the allegations filed with the court, FBI agents found documents that contained a handwritten list of dates in August, September, and October and venues where the former President had appeared or was expected to be present. Cell records for two of the cell phones found in the Nissan Xterra showed that on multiple days and times from Aug. 18 to Sept. 15, Routh’s cell phone accessed cell towers located near Trump International and the former President’s residence at Mar-a-Lago.
According to the factual proffer filed with the court, a civilian witness contacted law enforcement stating that Routh had dropped off a box at his residence several months ago. Included in the box was a handwritten letter from Routh addressed “Dear World,” which stated, among other things, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I am so sorry I failed you.”
Routh was charged with attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer (a Secret Service Agent), felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. At a detention hearing on Sept. 23, Routh was ordered to remain in federal custody pending trial. If convicted, Routh faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
According to court records, Routh was convicted of felonies in North Carolina in December 2002 and March 2010.
The FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Secret Service.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Repeat offender imprisoned for having over 6,000 child pornography imagesRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 43-year-old McAllen resident has been sent back to prison for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Rene Javier Sarmienta pleaded guilty March 20, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Sarmienta to serve 120 months in federal prison. In handing down the prison term, the court noted it was unfortunate Sarmienta relapsed and needs therapy. Sarmienta was further ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to each of 12 victims and will serve five years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. The court also noted his previous conviction of possessing child pornography in 2002 and that he would be spending another significant amount of his life in prison.
The investigation began when law enforcement discovered Sarmienta had been purchasing child pornography using a PayPal account. He also failed to report having several social media accounts to local authorities as required due to status as a sex offender.
A forensic examination of Sarmienta’s cell phone revealed 6,300 images of child pornography. Several of the images included prepubescent minors and sadomasochistic conduct.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the McAllen Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys M. Alexis Garcia and Tyler Foster prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.
Recidivist Pittsburgh Drug Trafficker Convicted at Trial on Cocaine and Fentanyl ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - On September 23, 2024, a federal jury found Leon C. Ford guilty on two counts of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Ford, 58, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was tried before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab in Pittsburgh.
According to evidence presented at trial, Ford, who has a prior federal conviction for drug trafficking, conspired to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl between March 2021 and September 2021. Ford also possessed with the intent to distribute a kilogram of fentanyl on September 16, 2021. Ford was the subject of a long-term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, which included, among other evidence, the seizure of a kilogram of fentanyl from a co-defendant’s residence that Ford was using as a stash house. The markings on the seized fentanyl were consistent with coded references Ford used in conversations intercepted pursuant to Title III wiretaps. Investigators also seized approximately $240,000 in drug proceeds from Ford’s own residence and vehicle.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for January 29, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded Ford to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Jonathan D. Lusty are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, McKeesport Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Fort Worth Police Department, and Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ford.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Owners of Florida Labor-Staffing Companies Make Initial Appearance on Tax and Immigration Fraud and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
Two Ukrainian nationals made their initial appearance yesterday on a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Miami charging them with crimes related to labor-staffing companies they operated in Florida. The two men were extradited from the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States last week.
According to the superseding indictment, between August 2007 and July 2021, Oleg Oliynyk, Oleksandr Yurchyk and others owned and operated a series of labor-staffing companies in South Florida, including Paradise Choice LLC, Paradise Choice Cleaning LLC, Tropical City Services LLC and Tropical City Group LLC. The indictment alleges that the defendants, through these staffing companies, facilitated the employment in the hospitality industry of non-resident aliens who were not authorized to work in the United States. In addition, Oliynyk and Yurchyk allegedly conspired to defraud the IRS by, among other things, not withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from these workers paychecks, and causing false corporate tax returns for the labor-staffing companies to be filed with the IRS.
Both defendants were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to harbor non-resident aliens and induce them to remain in the country and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy to defraud the United States charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the conspiracy to harbor aliens and induce them to remain in the United States charge and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy charge. Each count also carries the possibility of a fine and supervised release upon completion of any sentence of incarceration. 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 and U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.
The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Oliynyk and Yurchyk. The United States also thanks the Embassy of the United States in Thailand - Regional Security Office and Thai law enforcement partners including the Royal Thai Police and Office of the Attorney General for their valuable assistance.
Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty and Trial Attorneys Matthew C. Hicks and Wilson R. Stamm of the Tax Division and Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Owners of Florida Labor-Staffing Companies Make Initial Appearance on Tax and Immigration Fraud and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
Ukrainian Nationals Extradited from Thailand
MIAMI - Two Ukrainian nationals made their initial appearance yesterday on a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Miami charging them with crimes related to labor-staffing companies they operated in Florida. The two men were extradited from the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States last week.
According to the superseding indictment, between August 2007 and July 2021, Oleg Oliynyk, Oleksandr Yurchyk and others owned and operated a series of labor-staffing companies in South Florida, including Paradise Choice LLC, Paradise Choice Cleaning LLC, Tropical City Services LLC and Tropical City Group LLC. The indictment alleges that the defendants, through these staffing companies, facilitated the employment in the hospitality industry of non-resident aliens who were not authorized to work in the United States. In addition, Oliynyk and Yurchyk allegedly conspired to defraud the IRS by, among other things, not withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from these workers paychecks, and causing false corporate tax returns for the labor-staffing companies to be filed with the IRS.
Both defendants were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to harbor non-resident aliens and induce them to remain in the country and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy to defraud the United States charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the conspiracy to harbor aliens and induce them to remain in the United States charge and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy charge. Each count also carries the possibility of a fine and supervised release upon completion of any sentence of incarceration. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Oliynyk and Yurchyk. The United States also thanks the Embassy of the United States in Thailand - Regional Security Office and Thai law enforcement partners including the Royal Thai Police and Office of the Attorney General for their valuable assistance.
Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark for the Southern District of Florida and Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty and Trial Attorneys Matthew C. Hicks and Wilson R. Stamm of the Tax Division and are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
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 21-cr-10009.
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Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Final Major Defendant Pleads Guilty to Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Will Thompson joined with law enforcement partners today to announce the guilty plea by the final major defendant in a four-indictment drug trafficking organization (DTO) case that yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history.
Tres Avery Davis, 36, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Davis is among 31 defendants convicted in the case. Dubbed Operation Smoke and Mirrors, this major drug trafficking investigation resulted in law enforcement seizing well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine, 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash.
The DTO used tractor-trailers to transport the drugs, often several hundred pounds for each trip, from the West Coast to the Southern District of West Virginia. The drugs were usually exchanged for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, which was delivered back to California.
“Investigators followed the trail of methamphetamine being sold here in Charleston and traced it all the way back to Los Angeles, California, and our southern border,” Thompson said. “The investigation revealed this organization was bringing methamphetamine across our southern border on pallets containing hundreds of pounds at a time.”
The shipments trucked to West Virginia included approximately 196 pounds of methamphetamine and 4 kilograms of cocaine driven from California to Bluefield in March 2023 by Ildiberto Gonzalez Jr. In exchange for that shipment, Gonzalez received a box that he believed contained approximately $400,000 as payment. Gonzalez was driving away from the transaction when law enforcement pulled him over and seized his 2009 Freightliner semi-truck with attached trailer.
Gonzalez, 30, of San Bernadino, California, was sentenced on July 22, 2024, to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine. Gonzalez admitted that he made the March 2023 delivery at the direction of co-conspirator Alejandro Gallegos, and previously delivered boxes containing controlled substances for Gallegos in or about January 2023. Gallegos, also known as “Alex,” “Rooster,” “G” and “Primo,” 42, of Hacienda Heights, California, pleaded guilty on June 20, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. Gallegos awaits sentencing.
“For the purpose of sentencing, Mr. Gallegos is personally responsible for more damage done to our communities by methamphetamine than any other single defendant who has ever appeared in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia,” Thompson said.
Gallegos also sent large amounts of controlled substances to South Carolina, Georgia and other areas. The DTO was directly involved in price fixing in the methamphetamine trade by raising the price of methamphetamine coming into the United States from Mexico based on fluctuations in the currency conversion rate.
“Operation Smoke and Mirrors marked the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history, however the FBI’s work, and that of our local, state, and federal partners, is far from finished,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Today’s sentencing sends a message. To those who think southern West Virginia can be a place to traffic dangerous drugs, know that we are using every tool at our disposal to rid our communities of these substances. Our neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and streets deserve to be free of this poison, and the men and women of the FBI remain fiercely committed to that mission.”
With today’s guilty plea, Davis admitted that he delivered approximately 2,000 blue pills containing fentanyl to a Kemp Avenue residence in Charleston on March 7, 2023. Law enforcement seized the pills at the residence on March 9, 2023. Davis admitted that he intended to distribute at least some of these pills to other people. Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least eight years of supervised release, and an $8 million fine.
Among the other defendants sentenced to prison in the case:
- Jasper Wemh, 39, of Charleston, was sentenced to 16 years and eight months in prison on May 2, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Michael Allen Roberts Jr., 41, of St. Albans, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on March 6, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine.
- Justin Allen Bowen, 42, of Charleston, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison on August 31, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Perry Johnson Jr., 30, of Dunwoody, Georgia, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison on April 11, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Todd Tyler Snead, 58, of Waynesboro, Virginia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on September 6, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Ryan Keith Kincaid, 47, of South Charleston, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on December 8, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug Program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over today’s hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
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. 2:23-cr-4 (Wemh et al.), 2:23-cr-31 (Jeffries et al.), 2:23-cr-33 (Estep et al.) and 2:23-cr-32 (Gonzalez et al.).
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