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17 September 2024
North Platte Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Austin Priest, age 35, of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 17, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Priest to a total of 120 months’ imprisonment. Priest’s federal sentence will be served consecutive to a state prison sentence he is serving for state violations related to possession of meth. There is no parole in the federal system. After Priest’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On October 15, 2023, officers with the North Platte Police Department stopped a vehicle driven by Priest as it entered North Platte for at traffic violation. From prior intel, officers suspected the vehicle had been involved in the distribution of narcotics and suspected narcotics were currently in the vehicle at the time of the stop.
Both Priest and his passenger were asked to step back to patrol cars while officers checked their identification, and a drug dog was deployed while the traffic stop was in progress. The dog alerted to the presence of narcotics and officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. In a XL men’s sized jacket pocket, officers located a pound of meth. The jacket was located on the floor of the passenger’s side seat. A search warrant executed on the co-defendant’s phone located a selfie style photo taken of Priest and the co-defendant that same day of the two of them, with Priest wearing the jacket.
During interviews, Priest initially denied being outside of Nebraska, saying they had just been to Ogallala. A search incident to his arrest located receipts from Colorado in his pockets, at which point he admitted having been in Colorado but denied knowing anything about the meth in the car. At the time of the traffic stop, Priest was out on bond, having been released by a state court judge on three separate state cases relating to either the possession of or the distribution of meth.
The recovered meth was sent to the state crime lab where it was tested and confirmed meth, with a purity of 95.7% for a total of 400 grams of actual meth.
This case was investigated by the North Platte Police Department.
New Jersey man pleads guilty to his role in fraud schemeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jaspreet Singh, 29, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that in July 2023, Singh conspired with others to obtain money, or other items of value, by fraudulently convincing victims, some of them elderly, to provide money and property to members of the conspiracy. Members contacted victims by telephone and falsely impersonated government officials, such as the United States Marshals Service, the Federal Trade Commission, or other federal agencies. Victims were told that illicit activity was conducted using their personal information, and in order to “clear” their name, and prevent law enforcement from arresting or prosecuting them, they had to pay money via wire transactions, gift cards, gold, and/or cash to the government. In some instances, victims were instructed to wire money from their bank accounts to various other bank accounts located around the United States, while other victims were instructed to withdraw cash from their bank accounts and deliver the “payment” to a “government courier” who was in fact, an active member of the conspiracy. Singh a co-conspirator, who served as a courier.
On July 25, 2023, Singh traveled from New Jersey to Orchard Park, NY. Singh was instructed to drive to the residence of a 76-year-old victim identified as “W.D.,” and collect several U.S. Postal Service packages, which contained gold bars. Later that day, he was stopped by the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office for speeding. During his interaction with law enforcement, Singh provided law enforcement with conflicting stories why he was in the area, and why he was heading back to New Jersey. Singh granted the officer permission to search his vehicle, during which the officer found a USPS package containing a large quantity of American Reserve Bullion 1-Ounce Gold Bars and shipping boxes. Law enforcement interviewed W.D., who told officers that he and his wife were told their identities were used in a fraudulent scheme and they needed to “clear” their names by purchasing gold bullion bars. If they did not, the victim stated that they would be arrested and prosecuted. As a result, W.D. suffered a substantial loss to his retirement funds and savings accounts.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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New Britain Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearm Offense Stemming from Ghost Gun InvestigationRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN McMANUS, 55, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for a firearm offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, as part of an investigation into the proliferation of privately made firearms (“PMFs” or “ghost guns”) in Connecticut, ATF investigators determined that Andrew Francoeur, a resident of Manchester, was buying firearm parts from a Missouri company, having the parts shipped to him, and manufacturing guns inside a shipping container on a property in Suffield. Francoeur sold some of the firearms he manufactured.
While he was incarcerated in state custody for firearm and drug offenses, Francoeur arranged for McManus to take possession of his guns and ammunition. McManus sold some of the firearms, broke some into pieces when he learned of the ATF investigation, and ultimately stored Francoeur’s property in two storage bins. In November 2022, investigators retrieved the storage bins and found firearm parts, a .22 caliber rifle, more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition, 25 high-capacity magazines, M-80 explosives, firearm gear, and other items.
McManus’ criminal history includes felony convictions for drug, firearm, larceny, and failure to appear offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On April 11, 2024, McManus pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
McManus, who is released on a $25,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 17.On April 27, 2023, Francoeur pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license. On September 6, 2023, he was sentenced to 33 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.
This case was prosecuted through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Monroe County Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Anthony Boomer, age 60, of Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to a term of 41 months’ imprisonment for trafficking cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Boomer pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm on February 28, 2024. Boomer was the target of joint investigation conducted by the FBI and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department into drug trafficking occurring in the Monroe County, Pennsylvania area. Boomer sold cocaine to a confidential informant on multiple occasions, which lead investigators to seek a federal search warrant for his Blakeslee residence. Boomer and his codefendant/son Justin Lamont Hardy were found to be in possession of additional cocaine, drug paraphernalia, cash, and multiple firearms.
In addition to serving 41 months in federal prison, Boomer will pay a $200 special assessment and be placed on three years of supervised release upon release from custody. Judge Mariani sentenced Justin Lamont Hardy to 60 months’ incarceration for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking earlier this year.
This case was jointly investigated by the FBI and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Monongalia County Woman Admits to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephanie Ann Allen, 33, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, officers observed Allen engaged in suspicious activity while in a parking lot in Morgantown. During a search of her vehicle officers located 73 grams of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Allen faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Missouri Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on September 16, 2024, United States District Court Judge Karoline Mehalchick sentenced Brian Wilder, age 54, of Jefferson City, Missouri, to 240 months imprisonment followed by 10 years supervised release, on the charge of conspiracy to commit sexual abuse of children.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, between December 3, 2022, and December 7, 2022, Wilder participated in an online chat using the Kik application, with Mason Morey, age 27, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Wilder purported to be a young woman during these online conversations and directed Morey to sexually abuse two minor children, ages 3 and 5. At Wilder’s request and direction, Morey transmitted numerous videos and images of himself sexually abusing the children to Wilder.
On November 20, 2023, Morey was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for attempted online enticement and sexual exploitation of children.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
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Michigan Woman Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of a Minor in New OrleansRead the Press Release
A Michigan woman was sentenced today to five years in prison for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor.
According to court documents, from around December 2021 through around March 2022, Latesha Gardner, 30, of Flint, Michigan, and her boyfriend, Charles Cunigan, conspired to sex traffic a minor victim and used force, fraud, or coercion to carry out the conspiracy. Cunigan and Gardner transported the minor victim across state lines, from Tennessee to Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas, for the purpose of causing her to engage in commercial sex acts. Specifically, Gardner taught the minor victim how to “pose sexy” for photos and used those photos to advertise the minor victim online for commercial sex. Gardner also participated in commercial sex encounters with the minor victim and would instruct the minor victim what to do during the encounters. If the minor victim did not comply with Cunigan’s demands, he would beat the minor victim, and on occasion, he directed Gardner to use physical force against the minor victim as well. In an altercation in February 2022, Cunigan punched and kicked the minor victim, and Gardner hit the minor victim with a liquor bottle and a high-heeled shoe. Cunigan and Gardner knew the minor victim was a juvenile throughout the timeframe of the conspiracy.
In addition to the prison sentence, Gardner was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $9,750 in restitution to the victim. After her release from prison, Gardner will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
Gardner pleaded guilty on June 18 to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor. Cunigan pleaded guilty on June 25 to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24.
Principle Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Melissa E. Bücher of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni for the Eastern District of Louisiana’s Financial Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
Michigan Resident and Heavy-Duty Diesel Parts Supplier Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kyle Offringa, age 33, of Caledonia, Michigan, and Highway and Heavy Parts, LLC (“HHP”), a heavy-duty diesel parts supplier headquartered in Coleman, Michigan, recently pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act (“CAA”). United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”)’s Criminal Investigations Division (“CID”), Northeast Area Branch, made the announcement. Offringa pled guilty to the indictment today and HHP pled guilty to the indictment last month.
Offringa and HHP were indicted by a grand jury in the Northern District of New York earlier this year. As alleged in the indictment, the purpose of the CAA is, among other things, “to protect and enhance the quality of the Nation’s air resources so as to promote the public health and welfare and the productive capacity of its population.” Pursuant to the CAA, the EPA enacted regulations that required heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturers to limit emissions on those engines. To comply with these regulations, manufacturers install hardware components, including filters, exhaust recirculation systems, and exhaust aftertreatment systems. Heavy-duty diesel trucks are also required under the CAA to maintain an onboard-diagnostic system (“OBD”), which monitors the functionality of the hardware emissions control components. If the OBD detects that an emissions control component is not working, or has been removed, it will ultimately put the truck into what is known as “limp mode,” which limits the top speed to as low as 5 miles per hour. This is designed to incentivize truck operators to repair any faulty components.
As further alleged in the indictment, truck operators deleted the emissions control hardware on their heavy-duty diesel trucks, which significantly increased pollution emitted by those trucks but allowed them to run at higher horsepower, with greater fuel efficiency, and with reduced maintenance cost.
As part of their pleas, Offringa and HHP admitted that between at least June 2017 and March 2019, they conspired together and with HHP’s customers, including coconspirators DAIM Logistics, Inc. and Patrick Oare of Fultonville, New York, to tamper with (“tune”) the emission control monitoring devices and systems of numerous diesel vehicles. As part of the conspiracy, HHP referred its customers who had removed emissions hardware on their heavy-duty diesel trucks to Offringa, who then reprogrammed the OBDs to bypass the CAA monitoring functions so the trucks would remain operational in exchange for a fee of $1,000 to $1,500 per OBD. HHP charged its customers approximately $250 for each tune performed by Offringa on top of what Offringa charged.
HHP is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2024, and Offringa is scheduled to be sentenced on January 17, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino in Albany. If HHP’s plea agreement is accepted, it will be required to pay a fine of $25,000. Offringa has agreed to pay a fine of $100,000 and also faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a term of supervised release of up to three years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Coconspirators Patrick Oare and DAIM Logistics, Inc., of Fultonville, New York, previously pled guilty to violating the CAA and are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino in Albany on October 23, 2024.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigations Division (EPA CID) is investigating the case, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting the case.
McKees Rocks Felon Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking and Supervised Release ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on September 11, 2024, to 10 years in prison, to be followed by six years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Devon Lamont Johnson, 36, also sentencing Johnson on two separate violations of his supervised release. In both of those cases, Johnson was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, with the sentences to be served concurrently with one another but consecutively to the sentencing in the fentanyl case, for a total term of imprisonment of 11 years and one day.
According to the information presented to the Court, Allegheny County detectives were working on violent crime suppression detail in the Stowe/McKees Rocks area on April 5, 2021, when they responded to a shots fired call, possibly involving a dark SUV. Shortly after, officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop of a black Chevrolet Blazer, the driver of which managed to evade detectives. Detectives later found the vehicle unoccupied and obtained a search warrant for the SUV, from which they seized 12 bricks (approximately 600 doses) of suspected fentanyl with bags stamped “Monster High” and “Toad.”
On April 14, 2021, agents made a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Johnson. The purchased bags of fentanyl were stamped with a “Toad,” identical to the stamp bags previously found in the Chevy Blazer. Based on that information, the detectives obtained a search warrant for a Taggert Street residence, which they executed on April 21, 2021. As detectives were approaching the residence, Johnson was exiting the front door, but he closed the door and retreated inside upon observing the presence of police. Officers pursued the defendant and secured him prior to his destroying any evidence.
During the search of the residence, detectives located 12 bricks of suspected fentanyl and a drink container with a hidden compartment that contained a knotted baggie of approximately 50 tablets of fentanyl. The bricks, some of which were stamped with “Toad,” were packaged in a similar manner to the stamp bags found in the car, with the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office also finding the defendant’s fingerprints on a shopping bag that contained the bricks. Johnson’s conduct violated the conditions of his supervised release for two previous criminal convictions, for escape from custody and distribution of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Allegheny County Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Johnson.
Martinsville Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
DANVILLE, Va.– A Martinsville, Virginia man, who illegally possessed a firearm due to his prior felony conviction, was sentenced recently to 57 months in federal prison.
Demetrius Perkins, 30, previously pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on July 7, 2023, Martinsville Police attempted to stop a silver GMC Acadia that matched the description of a vehicle previously reported to be involved in a hit and run. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Perkins, failed to stop, and drove away at a high rate of speed. Perkins eventually lost control of his vehicle, which crossed a median into the opposite lane of travel before crashing into a ditch.
Following the crash, Perkins exited the vehicle and ran into some nearby tall grass. Officers ran after Perkins and saw him remove a firearm from his waistband and toss it into the grass. Perkins surrendered, saying, “You see, you see. You got me.”
After taking Perkins into custody, an officer returned to the spot in the grass where he had seen Perkins drop the gun. The officer recovered a loaded 9mm, semi-automatic pistol lying on the ground in a holster. At the time he possessed the firearm, Perkins was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanagh, and James VanVliet, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive and the Martinsville Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin B. Johnson prosecuted the case.
Managers of Suburban Chicago Youth Counseling Center Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Illinois Medicaid out of $2.5 MillionRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The owners of a suburban Chicago youth counseling center have been sentenced to federal prison terms for bilking Illinois Medicaid out of approximately $2.5 million through a fraudulent billing scheme.
From 2011 to 2018, SUMMER MATHESON and TERRENCE EWING, co-managers of Laynie Foundation Inc., along with foundation employee RICHARD GRUNDY, fraudulently billed Illinois Medicaid for more mental health counseling services than the foundation actually provided. Matheson, Ewing, and Grundy also used the Matteson, Ill.-based foundation to seek payment from Illinois Medicaid for non-reimbursable activities, such as internal case reviews, staff training, clinical supervision, and recordkeeping. Matheson attempted to cover up the fraud by directing foundation personnel to backdate and falsify patient records to make it appear that a licensed practitioner had reviewed and approved certain mental health services, when, in fact, Matheson knew that a practitioner had not reviewed and approved those services. As a result of the fraud, Matheson, Ewing, and Grundy fraudulently obtained approximately $2.5 million from Illinois Medicaid and managed-care organizations used by Illinois Medicaid.
Medicaid is a state-administered program, and each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services. For Illinois Medicaid recipients, funding is shared between the federal government and the State of Illinois.
Matheson, Ewing, and Grundy each pleaded guilty last year to a federal health care fraud charge. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey on Thursday sentenced Matheson, 46, of Chicago, to six years in federal prison, and Ewing, 62, of Chicago, to four and a half years. Judge Blakey previously sentenced Grundy, 39, of Chicago, to three years and a month.
The sentences were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Illinois State Police, and Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Prashant Kolluri and Charles W. Mulaney.
Man Charged with Trafficking a Woman for SexRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A man has been charged with allegedly trafficking a woman to engage in commercial sex acts, coercing her to travel across state lines to engage in commercial sex, forcing her to assist him in robbing multiple convenience stores in Massachusetts, and forced her to assist in procuring an illegal firearm for him to use in one of the robberies.
David Walker, 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; one count of coercing a person to travel for purposes of prostitution; five counts of robbery interfering with interstate commerce, commonly referred to as Hobbs Act robbery; and one count of possessing, using, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence . Walker is currently in state custody on related charges and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
“Mr. Walker’s alleged conduct is horrifying. He is alleged to have callously exploited this young woman– forcing her into a life of fear and violence for his own criminal gain. As alleged, this defendant used extreme violence and intimidation to control his victim, even forcing her to participate in multiple robberies,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This indictment is one of many we have brought against men who traffic women through force, fraud, or coercion. The penalties for such conduct are rightly severe and this office is steadfast in its commitment to protecting victims of trafficking and ensuring that those who engage in such reprehensible conduct are brought to justice.”
“The acts of extreme violence Walker is charged with paint a nightmarish picture. The account from this survivor is heartbreaking and unfortunately, one we see too often from those who are trafficked. Benign romantic relationships can quickly be upended and turned into a relationship of abuse, violence, and coercion,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “HSI special agents and victim assistance professionals work every day to seek justice for people who have been trafficked and provide access to resources to help regain their dignity and independence.”
According to the indictment, Walker met his victim on social media and initiated a romantic relationship. It is alleged that Walker then pressured her to engage in commercial sex and when she repeatedly refused, he became physically violent with her, including by grabbing her, putting his hands around her neck and slamming her into the floor. Walker allegedly required her to make $800 per day selling her body for sex, taking all of the money for himself, and would physically and sexually abuse the victim if she made less than that required amount. Walker’s abuse allegedly included choking the victim until she lost consciousness, kicking her in the stomach, holding knives to her throat and holding a loaded gun to her head. He also allegedly threatened to kill her and her family members if she disobeyed him.
It is further alleged that Walker coerced and forced the victim to travel from Massachusetts to Maine for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex. Walker also allegedly forced the victim to use drugs, including crack, cocaine, mushrooms and Percocet, to make her less able to refuse when he wanted her to engage in commercial sex.
Additionally, the indictment further alleges that, on different dates in October 2023, Walker robbed four separate 7-Eleven convenience stores in West Roxbury, Cambridge, Watertown and Pepperell and attempted to rob a fifth location in Everett. Walker allegedly forced and coerced the same victim to assist him in the robberies. Prior to the West Roxbury robbery, it is alleged that Walker forced the victim to drive him to Dorchester so that he could pick up a semi-automatic handgun to use in the robbery.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact [email protected].
The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of coercing a person to travel for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of Hobbs Act robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possessing, using, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and up to 25 years in prison, five 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 U.S. Attorney Levy and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, Everett and Pepperell Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lower Burrell Resident Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Use of Credit CardsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal fraud laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Jonathan Fry, 44, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone on September 9, 2024, to one count of fraudulently using credit cards that were issued to another person.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from November 2018 to November 2019, Fry fraudulently used unauthorized access devices—specifically, credit cards in the name of the victim and the victim’s personal identification information, including social security number and birthdate—to make purchases. After opening accounts and applying for credit cards in the victim’s name without her authorization, Fry used the credit cards to purchase multiple items, making minimum payments toward the credit card balances so that he could continue to use the cards. Throughout the period, he charged tens of thousands of dollars worth of purchases, including a firearm worth more than $1,000.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2024. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Fry.
Lowell Man Charged for Directing the Robbery of a Letter Carrier in Nashua on April 16, 2024Read the Press Release
CONCORD – A Lowell, Massachusetts man was charged by complaint and arrested this morning for his role in the April 16, 2024 robbery of a United States Postal Service letter carrier in Nashua, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Tyler Savinon, 18, was charged with aiding, abetting, counseling, commanding, inducing, and procuring the robbery of property of the United States. Savinon will appear in federal court in Concord today at 3:30pm.
According to the charging documents, Savinon directed two co-conspirators, including one juvenile, to rob the mail carrier in order to obtain a proprietary key that would unlock blue mail collection boxes in the Nashua area. Investigators obtained valuable information, pictures, and video from concerned residents, which helped to identify the robbers, and eventually led investigators to Savinon. Investigators determined that Savinon had used the stolen key to access at least two collection boxes in Nashua—one on Dunstable Road and one on Spring Street. Some of the stolen mail was used in financial crimes, such as “check washing.”
The charge provides for a sentence of up to ten years in prison, up to 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.
The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Nashua, New Hampshire Police Department and the Lowell, Massachusetts Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad E. Hodes is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Kyle Man Found Not Guilty of Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, on September 13, 2024.
Howard Rooks, age 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2024.
The charges relate to the alleged sexual abuse of a 13 year-old female child in August 2023, at Kyle.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.
Justice Department Withdraws from 1995 Bank Merger GuidelinesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today its withdrawal from the 1995 Bank Merger Guidelines and emphasized that the 2023 Merger Guidelines remain its sole and authoritative statement across all industries.
The department today also released commentary explaining the application of the 2023 Merger Guidelines in banking. This commentary identifies competition issues that may commonly occur in bank mergers and outlines which guidelines best inform analysis of those issues. As with the 2023 Merger Guidelines, this commentary offers transparency into the department’s merger review process but does not create rights or obligations of any party under the laws governing mergers of banks and bank holding companies.
The announcement today was the result of a collaborative consultative process with the department’s close partners at the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The announcement was also informed by robust public feedback, department experience and expertise, as well as developments in the market, law and economics.
Neither the 2024 Banking Addendum nor the 2023 Merger Guidelines predetermine enforcement action by the department. Although the 2023 Merger Guidelines identify the factors and frameworks the department considers when investigating mergers, the department’s enforcement decisions will necessarily depend on the facts in any case and will continue to require prosecutorial discretion and judgment.
Throughout any bank merger review, the Justice Department works closely with the relevant bank regulators to ensure the complementary and consistent application of the laws within each agency’s area of expertise. As is always the case, those agencies may at their discretion use their own methods for screening and evaluating bank mergers.
Justice Department Awards over $600M to Hire Law Enforcement Officers, Keep Schools Safe, and Improve Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness ServicesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced that it has awarded over $600 million in grant funding to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders across the country. This funding will go to support a wide range of efforts, from hiring new law enforcement officers and keeping our schools safe, to expanding programs that support law enforcement mental health and wellness services and combating the distribution and trafficking of illicit drugs.
The funding was announced as part of the Justice Department’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of the COPS Office, commemorating 30 years since the passage of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. Since that time, the COPS Office has advanced community policing across the country by providing a variety of resources, including grant funding, training, technical assistance, and a wide range of publications and other resources.
“Since its founding 30 years ago, the COPS Office has shown the country what it looks like to put the values of community-oriented policing into action,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This coming year, the Justice Department will provide funding for 235 police departments to hire nearly 1,200 additional officers. As we celebrate this milestone and announce this funding, we recommit ourselves to the COPS Office’s mission, and to the belief that everyone in this country deserves to feel safe, and to be safe, in their communities.”
“For 30 years, the COPS Office has been crucial to keeping our communities safe,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “From helping communities build public safety capacity by putting more cops on the beat to helping law enforcement professionals build resilience — the COPS office has been a game changer for public safety.”
“Over the past three decades, the COPS Office has provided vital resources, training, and support to law enforcement agencies across the country to help them implement community policing strategies,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “That support is based on the foundational tenet that communities are safer when law enforcement and community members work in true partnership.”
“As the COPS Office celebrates its 30th anniversary of working with local, state, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies, these grants are another example of the tremendous support we have been able to offer the law enforcement field over the years,” said Director Hugh T. Clements Jr. of the COPS Office. “These grants are one more way we work to ensure law enforcement and community members get the support they need as they continue to strive to keep their communities safe.”
The funding announced today includes:
- $157 million through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) for 235 law enforcement agencies to hire nearly 1,200 additional officers to enhance their community policing capacity;
- $73 million for the School Violence Prevention Program/Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, for school safety measures in and around K-12 schools;
- $46 million to combat the distribution and trafficking of opioids and methamphetamine through the COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) program and the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP);
- Over $31 million for the Tribal Resources Grant Program (TRGP), with an additional $500,000 in technical assistance;
- Over $9 million for the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) program to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement and support staff;$750,000 for the Implementation of the De-Escalation Training Act;
- $10.5 million for the Preparing for Active Shooter Situations (PASS) Program, which provides training for first responders through scenario-based, multidisciplinary training classes;
- Almost $14 million in Community Policing Development Microgrants and Law Enforcement Products and Resources;
- Over $4 million for Promoting Access to Crisis Teams, which supports the implementation of crisis intervention teams, including embedding behavioral or mental health professionals with law enforcement agencies; and
- $6.5 million for law enforcement agency accreditation, for programs that allow police departments and sheriff’s agencies to obtain accreditation by independent credentialing bodies.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Justice Department responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Justice Department agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. The COPS Office has been appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 138,000 officers.
Jefferson County man sentenced to federal prison for defrauding precious metals buyersRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Michael James White, 35, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on September 17, 2024. White was also ordered to pay $1,179,216.92 in restitution.
According to information presented in court, White was the owner and operator of Gold Pro, LLC, a business in Vidor, Texas that bought and sold precious metals like gold and silver. The company marketed their products as “financial security for future financial uncertainty.” Gold Pro operated by promising potential buyers from across the United States a certain number of precious metals, then obtaining payment from customers through the wire transfer of funds from the buyer’s bank account to Gold Pro’s bank account. White communicated by email, telephone, or computer chat with potential buyers about the amount of precious metals the buyer would buy and agreed on a price for the precious metals and their delivery. Beginning in 2021, in multiple instances after receiving payment, White did not deliver the precious metals to the buyer, delivered a product of lesser value, or delivered fake precious metals. For approximately three years, beginning in 2020, White defrauded numerous victims throughout the United States, resulting in a loss of more than $1 million.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.
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Indianapolis Woman Sentenced to Prison for Submitting Fraudulent COVID-19 Relief Loan ApplicationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced in federal court to 12 months and one day in prison on her conviction of wire fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. Antranette Echols, 57, was also ordered to pay restitution of $373,690 to several financial institutions and the Small Business Administration, who were the victims in the fraud.
Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Echols.
According to information presented to the Court, Echols prepared and submitted falsified COVID-19 pandemic relief loan applications on behalf of business borrowers, for which she took a fee. Some of the borrowers were located in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Echols.
Harrison County Man Admits to Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Randy Joe Jones, 41, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Jones was working with others to sell methamphetamine in Harrison County.
Jones faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Gunpoint extortion of migrants leads to 38-year prison sentenceRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 26-year-old McAllen man has been sentenced on multiple counts of hostage taking, smuggling and weapons charges, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
A federal jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning the guilty verdict Nov. 8, 2023, on all counts against Heriberto Mendez-Lozano following a three-day trial.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Mendez-Lozano to serve 360 months in federal prison for committing hostage taking and human smuggling. He also received 160 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm which must be served in part consecutively to the other sentence imposed. The total 460-month prison term will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that detailed how the violent threats and coercion of the vulnerable migrant victims has had a lasting impact on their lives. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Mendez-Lozano’s violent criminal history, coupled with his violent threats and actions in this case, warranted a significant sentence.
“After illegally navigating vulnerable migrants across the Southern border, human smugglers, like Mendez-Lozano, tend to graduate to hostage-taking,” said Hamdani. “He and others asserted control over the migrants and held them at gunpoint, subjecting them to trauma and terror over the course of several days. They used fear to force the migrants’ families to pay money for their release. Today, some small measure of justice has been secured for these heinous acts as Mendez-Lozano goes from former hostage-taker to current federal prisoner.”
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) vehemently condemns human smugglers who exploit the vulnerabilities of migrants with threats and acts of violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee, HSI San Antonio. “HSI is at the forefront of investigating these human smugglers who attempt to plague the southwest border. We remain committed to bringing to justice the criminal organizations who prey on the vulnerable with no regard for the well-being of the people they smuggle.”
During the trial, the jury heard evidence that on Sept. 29, 2022, Mendez-Lozano and others to include Lorenzo Campbell and Heriberto Aguirre were engaged in smuggling migrants from near the Rio Grande River further into the United States.
On that date, the group was harboring five undocumented aliens. Instead of transporting the aliens further into the United States, Mendez-Lozano and his co-conspirators held the aliens against their will at a location in Donna.
There, Mendez-Lozano and Aguirre brandished firearms, held guns to the heads and ribs of hostages, threatened the hostages and forced them to call family members to demand money for their release.
The investigation led law enforcement to the location in Donna where they arrested Mendez-Lozano, who had a pending warrant for aggravated robbery, along with Campbell. Authorities also rescued the hostages from the scene. Aguirre was arrested at a nearby motel.
Judge Alvarez previously sentenced Campbell, 23, Pharr, to 18 months in federal prison, while Aguirre, 25, Mission, received a 240-month-term of imprisonment. Both will be required to serve two years of supervised release following their respective prison terms.
Mendez-Lozano will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol (BP), U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hidalgo County Sherriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colton Turner and Theodore Parran prosecuted the case as part of the Human Smuggling Prevention Program (HSPP). The primary goal of HSPP is to disrupt and dismantle human smuggling organizations on our Southwest Border through close cooperation with HSI, BP, Customs and Border Protection – Office of Field Operations and local law enforcement partners.
Greenville man sentenced to prison for illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
Aberdeen, Mississippi – A Greenville man was sentenced today to over three years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Curtis Demond Austin, 42, previously pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock to serve 37 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Austin is scheduled to report to prison on November 12, 2024.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting convicted felons who illegally possess firearms,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Those individuals who have been convicted of felony offenses are prohibited by law from possessing a gun and we will continue to work alongside our local, state and federal partners to see that they are held accountable if they violate the law.”
“First, we would like to thank each agency involved in the success of this conviction,” said Greenville Chief of Police Marcus Turner. “Making sure that those who break the law are apprehended and convicted is our priority. The Greenville Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of the community and strives daily to reduce gun violence and gang activity.”
This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Robert Mims.
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.
Grant County Woman Admits to Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – June Catherine Blanchek, 44, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Blanchek was on supervised release for a methamphetamine conviction in the Northern District of West Virginia, a charge that prohibits her from having firearms. United States Probation Officers were on a routine visit at Blanchek’s home and found a pistol in her bedroom.
Blanchek faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Grand Rapids Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing GunRead the Press Release
Case Illustrates Federal Focus on the Few Individuals Driving Violence
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Rundy Lamar Williams, 35, of Grand Rapids, was sentenced to 90 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“My team and I are laser focused on the few people in our communities who drive violence,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Mr. Williams is one of those individuals and today’s sentence takes us one step closer to the freedom from gun violence that everyone deserves, no matter their zip code or the size of their bank account. Safety is a civil right.”
On July 15, 2023, Williams was a passenger in a car stopped by Grand Rapids Police Department officers. With active warrants for his arrest and prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing firearms, Williams concealed his identity by providing false identification to officers and hid a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the leg of his pants.
Prior to this encounter with law enforcement, on May 5, 2022, according to video surveillance and eyewitness accounts, Williams and another individual fired multiple rounds into an occupied restaurant in Grand Rapids. Williams has been charged by the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office for his role in this shooting and is presumed innocent of these charges until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
After Williams’ arrest on these state charges, he was released on bond and subsequently failed to appear in court as required. On February 8, 2024, officers attempted to arrest Mr. Williams at a residence in Grand Rapids but he refused to exit the residence, causing an hours-long standoff with police. Ultimately, officers had to deploy chemical agents into the residence to get Williams to exit.
“Rundy Williams is a career criminal who cannot lawfully possess firearms. Mr. Williams is believed to have been involved in an incident that could have resulted in mass casualties,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Simply put, firing rounds into an occupied restaurant is a really bad choice and reprehensible. Our communities deserve better from its members and will be a safer place with Mr. Williams behind bars.”
“We appreciate U.S. Attorney Mark Totten’s focus on seeking federal gun charges where appropriate,” said GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom. “This partnership with local law enforcement leads to safer communities for all.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Grand Rapids Police Department investigated this case, and Assistant United States Attorneys Alexia Jansen and Dan McGraw prosecuted it.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
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Four Boston-Area Men Arrested for Trafficking Tens of Thousands of Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Four Boston-area men have been arrested and charged in federal court in connection with a large-scale fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
Anderson Ernesto Andujar Echavarria, 31, of Dorchester; Waner Bernabel Presinal, 37, of Dorchester; Carlos Fabal, 52, of Roxbury; and Freddy Artemio Guerrero Soto, 29, of Boston, were charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine. The defendants were arrested on Sept. 13, 2024 and, following initial appearances in federal court in Boston, were detained pending a hearing scheduled for Sept. 24, 2024.
According to court documents, in November 2023, law enforcement identified Andujar as a large-scale drug trafficker distributing various narcotics. Over the course of the investigation, Andujar allegedly distributed tens of thousands of press fentanyl tablets as well as powdered fentanyl, cocaine and crystal methamphetamine to undercover law enforcement.
“These arrests underscore our unwavering dedication to combating the fentanyl crisis that continues to devastate our communities. The sheer quantity of fentanyl these defendants allegedly distributed was enough to take tens of thousands of innocent lives,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to disrupt the flow of these lethal drugs. We will not hesitate to use every resource at our disposal to hold them accountable and protect the public from this growing epidemic.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling large-scale poly drug trafficking organizations like this one operating in the Boston area,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “This organization is responsible for distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine. Fentanyl alone is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts in Massachusetts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek and bring to justice anyone who engages in these crimes.”
According to court documents, Bernabel was identified as a co-conspirator who allegedly worked with Andujar to distribute fentanyl pills and Fabal was identified as an alleged fentanyl pill supplier to Andujar. Fabal was previously convicted in 2007 in federal court in Boston of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, for which he was sentenced to 67 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
During last week’s arrests, 30,000 blue pressed fentanyl pills were seized along with and 500 grams of powder fentanyl from Andujar and Guerrero Soto. Additional suspected controlled substances, packaging materials and a money counter were also seized from the residences of Andujar, Bernabel and Fabal:
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances including fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and DEA Acting SAC Belleau made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Tennessee State Public Official and a Corporate Executive Charged with Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice and Commit Perjury in Connection with a $123 Million State ContractRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Wesley Olan Landers, 55, of Cumming, Georgia, and Jeffrey Scott Wells, 54, of Canton, Georgia, have been charged by felony information with conspiracy to obstruct justice and to commit perjury in connection with a $123 million contract to provide behavioral health services to Tennessee Department of Corrections (“TDOC”) inmates, announced Thomas J. Jaworski, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to the information, Landers was the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Financial Officer for TDOC from 2012 until March 2020. From at least 2018 until February 2021, Wells was a Vice President of Company B.
In 2019, Company A provided behavioral health services to TDOC inmates. In anticipation of the contract’s expiration, the State of Tennessee issued Requests for Proposals (“RFP”) for a new TDOC behavioral health services contract. Pursuant to the RFPs, prospective vendors could bid for the new contract. The State received bids from several prospective vendors and, in July 2020, issued a notice of its intent to award the new contract to Company B in Tennessee. The total amount for the new contract was $123,513,819.
Before the new contract was awarded, from September 2018 until February 2020, Landers (while serving as a Tennessee State official) used his personal email account to provide confidential TDOC information related to the bidding process to Wells. On March 1, 2020, Company B hired Landers as its Vice President of Operations, reporting to Wells. This position was created specifically for Landers; it was not advertised to other candidates and neither Landers nor any other candidates were interviewed before he was hired. By February 2021, senior leadership of Company B learned that Landers had given confidential TDOC information to Wells in connection with the RFPs, and the CEO of Company B fired them both.
A few months earlier, in October 2020, Company A filed a civil lawsuit relating to the RFPs in federal court in Nashville, naming among others, Company B and the State of Tennessee as defendants. In that lawsuit, Company A served subpoenas for documents and testimony on Landers and Wells for all their communications with TDOC employees related to the RFPs.
To impede an investigation into a matter within the FBI’s jurisdiction – namely, bribery – and to conceal that Landers gave confidential TDOC information to Wells about the RFPs, Landers and Wells agreed to engage in a cover up and to commit perjury in the federal civil lawsuit. Landers began using a specialized program to delete his personal email account’s communications with Wells that were sought in the subpoena. Landers and Wells both got new cell phones which they used to discuss the need to hide information in response to Company A’s subpoenas and deposition notices. They also both testified falsely under oath in their depositions, including about whether they shared documents related to the RFPs, when they last spoke, and if they communicated on WhatsApp.
If convicted, both defendants face up to five years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Field Office, Nashville Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Taylor J. Phillips and M. Scott Cole are prosecuting the case.
An information is merely an accusation. All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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Former D.C. Special Police Officer Charged with Federal Civil Rights and Obstruction Offenses for Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment today charging former D.C. Special Police Officer Curtis Holloway with depriving an arrestee of her civil rights under color of law.
The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office.
The indictment charges Holloway, 65, with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law for willfully using unreasonable force against an arrestee, who is identified in the indictment as A.J., a 33-year-old woman. Specifically, the indictment alleges that, without legal justification, Holloway struck A.J. on the head with a firearm from behind on October 13, 2023, as she tried to run away from him, resulting in bodily injury to A.J.
The indictment also charges Holloway with obstruction of justice for false statements he made to responding Metropolitan Police Department officers. Finally, the indictment charges Holloway with assault with a deadly weapon under the D.C. code.
The civil rights charge and assault charge each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The obstruction offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. If convicted, a federal judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated this case.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former D.C. Special Police Officer Charged with Federal Civil Rights Offense for Using Excessive Force and with Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment today charging a former D.C. Special Police Officer with depriving an arrestee of her civil rights under color of law.
The indictment charges former D.C. Special Police Officer Curtis Holloway, 65, with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law for willfully using unreasonable force against an arrestee, who is identified in the indictment as A.J. Specifically, the indictment alleges that, without legal justification, Holloway struck A.J. on the head with a firearm, resulting in bodily injury to A.J.
The indictment also charges Holloway with obstruction of justice for false statements he made to responding Metropolitan Police Department officers. Finally, the indictment charges Holloway with assault with a deadly weapon.
The civil rights charge and assault charge each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The obstruction charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. If convicted, a federal judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia and Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal 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.
Felon Caught with 215 Guns Sentenced to 72 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Tuesday sentenced a convicted felon caught buying and selling guns to 72 months in prison.
Shawn Dennis Stockard’s sentence consists of 54 months on one count of unlawful interstate transportation of firearms and a consecutive 18 months on a charge of possession with intent to sell controlled substances. Judge Fleissig also fined Stockard $85,000.
Stockard, 53, pleaded guilty to both charges, in separate cases, in June. As part of his plea, he agreed to forfeit 215 firearms, firearms accessories and a large amount of ammunition worth at least $230,000 that was seized during the investigation.
Stockard used the Federal Firearms License (FFL) belonging to William Henry Otto, owner of Bull Run Weaponry in Marble Hill, Missouri, to buy firearms at an auction house in Illinois. Stockard brought the guns to Missouri and transferred them to his wife via Otto.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents learned of gun sales by Stockard and of his connection to Otto in early 2022. During a court-approved search of Stockard’s home in Cape Girardeau County, they found the firearms and accessories and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
“This sentence acknowledges the defendant’s continued criminal conduct and sends a straightforward message that there are real and severe consequences for federal firearm and drug offenses,” said Bernard G. Hansen, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Kansas City Field Division.
Otto, 46, and Stockard’s wife have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. A fourth person, Terry Lee Allen, also awaits sentencing. Allen, 38, repeatedly bought multiple firearms from licensed dealers. He was the last known purchaser of seven guns linked to crime scenes in several states, six of which originally came from Bull Run. Otto’s records show that he sold at least 199 guns to Allen, the vast majority of which Allen illegally sold to others. Allen pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one count of unlicensed firearms dealing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis is prosecuting the case.
Federal Inmate Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – A federal grand jury in Coeur d’Alene returned an indictment today charging Hamza Luay Nijmeh, 39, a federal inmate housed in Forrest City, Arkansas, with Sexual Exploitation of a Child, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, Nijmeh was convicted of Distribution of Child Pornography and Receipt of Child Pornography in May 2017. It is alleged in the indictment that between August 2023 and October 2023, while in federal prison in Arkansas, Nijmeh used multiple cellular phones to sexually exploit a child in the District of Idaho.
If convicted, Nijmeh faces a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 50 years in federal prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child. He faces an additional 10 years of consecutive imprisonment for commission of a felony offense involving a minor when required to register as a sex offender. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit made the announcement and commended the work of the Moscow Police Department, the Lewiston Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to the charges. The public is encouraged to contact the FBI at 208-746-3440 with any information about this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) of the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Drug Traffickers Arrested in Joint InvestigationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia recently returned a one-count indictment against Deangelo Montrel Lamont Simmons, 31, of Moncks Corner and Raynard Dewayne Williams, 36, of North Charleston for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Both face a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $20,000,000. Both are currently detained pending trial.
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the North Charleston Police Department, the City of Charleston Police Department, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Goose Creek Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Summerville Police Department, and the Mount Pleasant Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Doctor Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Illegally Using a Drug Enforcement Administration Registration Number Issued to AnotherRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY– Yesterday, a Louisville Anesthesiologist pled guilty to conspiring with others in his medical practice to issue pre-signed and unsigned prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek Davodwich of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Tamala Miles of the United States Department for Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Atlanta Regional Office, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, Regional Director L. Joe Rivers, Cincinnati Regional Office, United States Department of Labor EBSA, Special Agent in Charge Darrin K. Jones of the Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Southeast Field Office, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, Acting Inspecting General Tricia Steward of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General, Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department and Director Juan Garrett of the Kentucky Department of Insurance made the announcement.
According to court documents, Dr. Lawrence Peters, 62, pled guilty to an Information charging conspiracy to illegally use a Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) registration number issued to another. According to the plea agreement, Dr. Lawrence Peters knowingly and intentionally conspired with others in his medical practice to issue pre-signed and unsigned prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances and further directed his staff to fill the prescriptions at his physician’s owned pharmacy.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2014. The maximum penalty is four years in prison. The United States is recommending probation. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the FBI, the HHS, the IRS-CI, the DOL, the DCIS, the KSP, the Kentucky CHFS OIG, the LMPD and the Kentucky DOI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Ansari and Chris Tieke prosecuted the case.
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Detroit Man Convicted of Distributing Fentanyl Causing Multiple Overdoses; Faces 20 years to LifeRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A federal jury convicted a Detroit man of distributing fentanyl that caused the deaths of two individuals and seriously injured another, and other drug-related crimes yesterday, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division.
Following a two-week trial before U.S. District Court Judge Laurie J. Michelson, Melvin Lamar Triplett, 42, was convicted of distributing crack cocaine and fentanyl, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and causing serious bodily injury to another. He was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl. Evidence at trial showed that in November 2022, Triplett distributed fentanyl-laced crack cocaine that caused the overdoses. DEA investigators traced the lethal drugs back to Triplett, a previously convicted drug dealer.
“Our office will vigorously pursue drug traffickers who push dangerous drugs like fentanyl into our communities with indifference to the deadly harm it inflicts,” stated United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “This verdict is a result of outstanding teamwork between the Drug Enforcement Administration and multiple local police agencies from the start of their investigation through its finish.”
“The sentencing of Melvin Triplett, whose criminal activities led to the deaths of two individuals, is a clear example that this behavior will never be tolerated,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Greene. “Two people lost their lives and their families are suffering due to this poison being accessible. We will continue to investigate and hold these offenders accountable to keep our communities and residents safe.”
Triplett is facing a mandatory 20-year prison sentence, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Casey and Eaton Brown.
Denver Man Found Guilty of Operating Illegal Gambling ParlorRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Jonathan Arvay, 38, of Denver, was found guilty by a federal jury on one count of conducting an illegal gambling business, and one count of conspiracy to conduct an illegal gambling business.
According to the facts established at trial, Arvay operated Player One Arcade in Denver, part of a network of gambling parlors extending from Greeley to Pueblo. These parlors offered several electronic forms of gambling through games made to resemble arcade games, as well as virtual slot machines in which customers attempted to earn credits. Upon completing their game of choice, customers would exchange any credits won for a purported cryptocurrency, Obsidian Digital Asset Coin (ODAC), whose only function was to be exchanged for cash at an ATM-like “cryptocurrency teller machine” next door to or within the gambling parlor. Customers were required to pay a transaction fee to exchange the ODAC for U.S. currency.
“These gambling dens masqueraded as arcades with a veneer of legitimacy,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “I am grateful to law enforcement for digging beneath the veneer and finding that these establishments were causing real harm in our communities.”
“These defendants created a large, complex illegal gambling operation, both online and in person in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Lakewood, Denver, Aurora, and Greeley. Their illicit proceeds led to crimes involving money laundering and fraud against the U.S. government, among other violations,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “Our strong partnerships with Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, as well as numerous state and local agencies, allowed us to successfully dismantle the gambling dens that were negatively impacting surrounding communities.”
“I applaud the efforts of our special agents and law enforcement partners for their diligent work in unraveling this complex financial scheme,” said Tom Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “As fraudsters devise new ways to evade their tax liability and defraud the government, our special agents continue to develop new investigative methods to track the illicit funds and hold these criminals accountable.”
United States District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the trial. The FBI Denver Field Division, the IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office, and the Pueblo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Cyrus Y. Chung, Alison Connaughty, and Jena Neuscheler handled the prosecution.
Sentencing will be held on December 12, 2024.
Case Number: 23-cr-00222-GPG
Delaware Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Middletown, Delaware, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Paul Smith, 46, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2019 to in and around July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Smith conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin. Smith was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for January 21, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.
This prosecution is 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.
Davenport Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced yesterday to 25 years (300 months) in federal prison for possessing a distribution quantity of methamphetamine and a possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
According to public court documents, law enforcement witnessed Roy Albert Phillips, 35, recklessly driving and attempted a traffic stop. Phillips did not stop, ran multiple stop signs, and drove more than 50 miles per hour in a 25 mile-per-hour-zone. Phillips eventually struck a pole and fled on foot. Officers observed Phillips drop a backpack while fleeing, which was later found to contain a loaded handgun and approximately one pound of methamphetamine. Officers searched Phillips’ phone and located messages indicative of Phillips trafficking pound quantities of methamphetamine and carrying the gun related to his drug trafficking activities.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Phillips will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Bettendorf Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Davenport Police Department, and Scott County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Danville Men Sentenced for Convenience Store RobberyRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A pair of Danville, Virginia men who robbed the Sunrise convenience store in Danville in February 2023 were sentenced yesterday in federal court.
Calvin Franklin Hughes Jr., 38, and Arshay Treyvant Haley, 19, both previously pled guilty for their roles in the robbery.
Yesterday in U.S. District Court, Hughes was sentenced to 156 months in prison and Haley was sentenced to 92 months.
According to court records and evidence presented to the court, around 8:30 p.m. on February 15, 2023, Hughes and Haley entered the Danville Sunrise convenience store wearing masks. Hughes held the store clerk at gunpoint for close to a minute, while Haley walked behind the counter and brandished a large machete at the clerk. Hughes took approximately $750 from the cash register and Haley grabbed several cigarette cartons from the shelf. Before fleeing the store with Haley, Hughes fired his pistol into the ceiling above the clerk, causing the clerk to duck in fright.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and James VanVliet, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The Danville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew O. Inman prosecuted the case for the United States.
Crack distributor heads to prisonRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – A 44-year-old La Marque resident has been sentenced for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Smith Henry Jones pleaded guilty Feb. 17, 2022.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown has now ordered Jones to serve 144 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. The court also issued a final order of forfeiture for $60,000 in cash and a residential house with lot valued at approximately $250,000.
Between February 2017 and February 2019, Jones managed a group of persons who distributed cocaine base or “crack” in the La Marque and Texas City areas.
Jones will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Force and the La Marque Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth A. Cusick and Mary Ellen Smyth prosecuted the case.
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to 220 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing a Distribution Quantity of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced today to 220 months in federal prison for possessing a distribution quantity of methamphetamine.
According to public court documents, law enforcement used a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Philip Duane Sales, 54, in fall 2023. On December 20, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Sales’ residence and seized approximately 70 grams of methamphetamine and currency, some of which was utilized during a controlled buy in October 2023.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Sales will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement (SWINE) Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, and Iowa State Patrol.
Connecticut Investment Advisor Imprisoned for Defrauding Clients of $2.7 Million Through Cherry-Picking SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN VINCENT GLENN, 55, of Greenwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding investment clients through a “cherry-picking” securities scheme. Glenn also must serve the first six months of his supervised release in home confinement.
“Cherry-picking” is a fraudulent securities trading practice in which the responsible individual executes trades without assigning those trades to a particular trading account until the individual determines whether or not the trade has become profitable or suffered losses. The responsible individual then allocates the profitable trades to favored accounts – often the individual’s own accounts – and assigns unprofitable trades to disfavored client accounts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Glenn owned Glenn Capital LLC, also known as GlennCap LLC, an investment advisory firm headquartered in Greenwich. Through Glenn Capital, Glenn provided clients with portfolio management services including asset selection and asset allocation. Glenn managed all of Glenn Capital’s advisory clients’ accounts and was authorized to make trading decisions on each client’s behalf without seeking approval for each trade. Glenn placed trades on behalf of advisory clients, himself, or family members by trading directly in the relevant individual account, or by placing block trades in Glenn Capital’s omnibus account and allocating the block trades among the relevant individual accounts. Glenn Capital’s Code of Ethics required Glenn to determine and document the specific allocation of each block trade prior to the execution, and to allocate block trades to individual accounts at an average price.
Glenn defrauded clients by retroactively allocating profitable omnibus-account trades to favored clients, family, and personal accounts, and unprofitable omnibus-account trades to non-favored-client accounts. Notwithstanding the requirements set forth in the Code of Ethics, Glenn did not determine the allocation of block trades until after they were executed, when he knew if the trades were profitable in the hours following the execution. When a block purchase of an equity security increased in value in the hours after the purchase, Glenn generally realized the profits by selling the security. He then allocated those profits to favored-client, family, firm, and personal accounts. When a block purchase of an equity security decreased in value, Glenn generally allocated those block purchases to the non-favored-client accounts. Glenn did not inform his clients that he was “cherry picking.” Instead, he gave the false impression that he allocated trades fairly and according to a pre-determined allocation methodology.
Through this scheme, Glenn defrauded more than 45 clients of a total of more than $2.7 million. He is required to make full restitution.
On October 5, 2023, Glenn pleaded guilty to securities fraud.
Glenn, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on December 2.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which has settled fraud charges with Glenn and GlennCap LLC.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.
Clairton Resident Indicted on 19 Counts of Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The 19-count Indictment named Joseph Primiero, 26, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on January 22, 2022, and between June 13, 2022, and June 28, 2022, Primiero produced material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. During that same time frame, Primiero allegedly coerced and enticed a minor to engage in sexual activity, received and distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, and transferred obscene images and videos of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct to a minor. Additionally, Primiero is charged with possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of prepubescent minors and minors under 12 years of age on May 22, 2024.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $4.75 million, or both. 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 defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Charter School Founder Pleads Guilty to Embezzling over $73,000 from Former School in ConcordRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Boscawen woman pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing over $73,000 in U.S. Department of Education funds from the former Capital City Public Charter School in Concord, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.
Stephanie Alicea, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a program receiving federal funds. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2025.
Alicea was the founder of the Capital City Public Charter School (“Capital City”) in Concord, New Hampshire. Capital City offered classes to several dozen students during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years. Alicea oversaw the school’s finances and day-to-day operations. Capital City received federal charter school grant funds, which were to be used solely for education-related expenses.
In spring 2020, an external auditor detected irregularities with Capital City’s finances. Specifically, the auditor found that Alicea had spent some of the grant funds on expenses that were personal in nature, including gambling, dining, and travel. In total, Alicea stole $73,253.36 in federal grant funds from Capital City.
Capital City closed after the 2019-20 school year, surrendered its charter in February 2021, and declared bankruptcy in March 2021.
The charge of Theft from a Program Receiving Federal Funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 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.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General and Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
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Businessman Sentenced in Tax Scheme, Ordered to Pay $38.9 Million in RestitutionRead the Press Release
A former Frisco man was sentenced yesterday to 52 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $38.9 million in restitution to the IRS, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Ronald James Paolucci, the 55-year-old co-founder and employee of American Management Staffing (AMS), was charged by felony information in January 2023 and pleaded guilty in February 2023 to conspiracy to defraud the United States and making and subscribing a false tax return. He was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Sam A, Lindsay.
“We were proud to partner with IRS-CI on this important case,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “We stand ready to prosecute any employer who pockets employees’ payroll taxes and those who otherwise refuse to meet their tax obligations.”
“Nearly 70% of total U.S. revenues collected by the IRS are collected through employment taxes. When the employer withholds the payroll taxes but fails to pay the taxes over to the IRS, they may be criminally investigated and prosecuted for failing to withhold, collect, and pay over the tax. This was the case with Mr. Paolucci, his failure to remit withheld taxes is not only a breach of trust but a serious crime with severe consequences,” said Christopher J. Altemus Jr., Special Agent in Charge IRS Criminal Investigation, Dallas Field Office. “In addition to failing to meet payroll tax obligations, Mr. Paolucci failed to report his personal compensation and was ordered to pay approximately $10 million in restitution for his personal tax obligations. Let this sentence serve as a stark reminder: tax compliance is not optional; it is the law.”
According to court documents, AMS provided temporary staffing services to business clients. Mr. Paolucci was employed by AMS from approximately 2011 through 2020 and had control over AMS’ business affairs, including, approving payments and controlling AMS’s bank accounts.
AMS was obligated to pay the temporary employees and withhold and pay all applicable taxes for the employees. Mr. Paolucci withheld payroll taxes from the employees’ paychecks, including federal income taxes, Medicare and social security taxes. AMS was required to make deposits of the payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on a periodic basis and to file Employer’s Quarterly Federal Income Tax Return forms setting forth the total amount of wages, total amount of income tax withheld, total amount of social security and Medicare taxes due and the total tax deposits.
Mr. Paolucci agreed to continue to withhold payroll taxes from the temporary employees but understood that taxes would not be paid over to the IRS. Mr. Paolucci continued to issue IRS Forms W-2 to the temporary employees representing to the employees and the IRS that AMS was withholding and paying to the IRS payroll taxes.
From 2014 through 2020, AMS paid temporary employees and withheld approximately $13 million in payroll taxes from its employees. During the same time, AMS issued IRS W-2 forms to the employees showing that AMS withheld approximately $13 million in payroll taxes from those employees, however, AMS did not make any payments to the IRS.
IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marty Basu prosecuted the case.
Bronx Former Attorney Pleads Guilty to Large-Scale Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that KOFI AMANKWAA, a Bronx-based former immigration attorney, pled guilty to immigration fraud in connection with his supervision of a multi-year scheme to file fraudulent immigration documents under the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”). AMANKWAA pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, Kofi Amankwaa oversaw a massive immigration fraud scheme, filing thousands of immigration documents falsely alleging that his clients were victims of abuse by their children or other family members. Amankwaa’s actions undermined our U.S. immigration system, exploited VAWA — a law that allows noncitizen victims of domestic abuse a path to lawful permanent residence status — and victimized vulnerable clients in the process. Today’s guilty plea highlights this Office’s dedication to holding accountable those who abuse the trust placed in them as attorneys and fraudulently use our immigration system as a tool for their own financial gain.”
According to the allegations in the Information, public filings, and statements made in public court proceedings:
From September 2016 through November 2023, AMANKWAA and others at his direction met with clients and instructed them to sign fraudulent Form I-360 VAWA Petitions falsely stating that the clients were abused by their U.S. citizen children. AMANKWAA also signed the petitions, under penalty of perjury, as the attorney preparer.
AMANKWAA used the filing of the fraudulent Form I-360 VAWA Petitions, among other filings, as a basis to request for his clients’ advance parole travel documents — documents that enable individuals without legal status in the U.S. to travel abroad temporarily and return. AMANKWAA then directed his clients, upon obtaining the advance parole travel documents, to travel abroad and return to the U.S. Last, AMANKWAA used the fraudulently procured advance parole as a basis for his clients to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
AMANKWAA carried out this illegal scheme knowing that his clients had not, in fact, been abused by their children or without ever asking whether any such abuse occurred. Moreover, AMANKWAA was often unsuccessful in obtaining lawful permanent resident status for his clients because the clients’ immigration applications were denied on the basis of fraud, among other reasons. AMANKWAA typically charged his clients between $3,000 and $6,000 for his services, plus administrative fees.
In November 2023, following numerous complaints by clients regarding the fraudulent abuse allegations, AMANKWAA’s license to practice law in the State of New York was suspended, and in August 2024, AMANKWAA was disbarred.
As part of today’s plea, AMANKWAA has agreed to forfeit $13,389,000 and pay $16,503,425 in restitution to his victims.
If you believe you or your family member is a victim of VAWA fraud perpetrated by AMANKWAA, please contact [email protected].
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AMANKWAA, 70, of South River, New Jersey, pled guilty to one count of immigration fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Newark Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security for their support in this investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Z. Margulies is in charge of the prosecution.
Bradenton Man Charged with Possession of Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Christopher David Clark (52, Bradenton) with possession of child sex abuse material. Clark was arrested on September 12, 2024. If convicted, Clark faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the criminal complaint, on September 12, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at Clark’s home. During the search, agents located more than 40 electronic devices, to include computers, cellphones, and external drives. A preview of an external hard drive revealed multiple images of child sexual abuse material.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Bradenton Police Department, and the Sarasota Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Baltimore woman pleads guilty to COVID fraudRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nina M. Williams, 56, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William, M. Skretny to wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to court documents, Williams transmitted two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on behalf of Nimiche Inc. and Nimiche Interiors Inc., a Maryland-based business, along with fraudulent supporting documentation, to a federally insured bank in Buffalo, NY, and a mortgage lending business, which participated as lenders in the PPP loan program. In May 2020, Williams electronically submitted a PPP loan application to the bank for $97,500, and in April 2021, she electronically submitted a PPP loan application to the mortgage lending business for $432,960.
Williams falsely claimed that Nimiche Inc. and Nimiche Interiors Inc. had between four and 25 employees and average monthly payrolls of, respectively, $39,000 to $173,185. Williams falsely stated that the loan funds would be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or other proscribed uses under the PPP loan rules. This resulted in the bank issuing $97,500 into Nimiche Inc.’s business account controlled by Williams. However, the funds were not used for business-related expenses. Instead, Williams used some of the funds towards the purchase of real property in Maryland. In addition, the mortgage lending business issued loan proceeds totaling $432,960, into Nimiche Inc.’s business account controlled Williams. Once again, the funds were not used for business-related expenses.
During the May 2020, through May 2021 time period, Williams worked with others to submit at least five additional fraudulent PPP and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) loan applications to the mortgage lending business and another bank. In total, based on the materially false and fraudulent representations contained in the application materials, Williams intended to fraudulently obtain a total of approximately $2.6 million in PPP and EIDL funds, and in fact fraudulently obtained approximately $1.5 million in PPP and EIDL funds.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Corwin Rattler. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly and Trial Attorney Jennifer Bilinkas of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2024, before Judge Skretny.
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Ballard County Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Ballard County man was sentenced last week to 5 years in federal prison for child pornography charges.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Kyle J. Ratta, 34, was sentenced to 5 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for one count of attempted receipt of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Ratta communicated online with an undercover law enforcement agent he believed to be 14 years old, and during those communications, he attempted to receive a sexually explicit image. Law enforcement subsequently recovered over 200 images of child pornography that were saved in file folders on a computer Ratta used.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Hopkinsville Satellite Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Office, prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Attorney Pleads Guilty to Obtaining Fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Sanjay Patel, an attorney who formerly operated a Georgia-based real estate law firm, has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining nearly $300,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to using his attorney escrow account to launder more than $250,000 from unrelated investor fraud schemes.
“This office will remain steadfast in coordinating with our federal law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those who defrauded the government’s COVID relief programs,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “It is especially aggravating that Patel, an attorney, not only used his professional standing to commit money laundering, but he also defrauded the American taxpayer out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to ensure fraudsters who sought to enrich themselves with funds from pandemic-assistance programs are held accountable,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “This case serves as a reminder to individuals that engage in unlawful activity that law enforcement will spare no resource to bring you to justice for your criminal activity.”
“This guilty plea is a testament to our commitment to holding accountable those who engage in financial fraud,” said Edwin S. Bonano, Special Agent in Charge of FHFA-OIG’s Southeast Region.
“Even after four years, the FBI and our partners will continue to seek out anyone who abused their positions to defraud the government during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This plea proves that no matter how much time has passed, if you commit financial crimes and steal from American taxpayers, you will be held accountable.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Between August 2020 and March 2021, Patel submitted four fraudulent EIDL loan applications to the Small Business Administration (SBA) seeking at least $421,000 to purportedly operate his business, including his law practice, Worden & Associates.
In the fraudulent applications, Patel repeatedly misrepresented the number of employees his law firm employed, its gross revenues, and in at least one application, the existence of his business. In reliance on Patel’s fraudulent misrepresentations, the SBA funded two of his loans totaling approximately $300,000.
After receiving the loan proceeds, Patel misused the funds for unauthorized purposes. EIDL loans are intended to be used for a business’s working capital to make regular payments for operating expenses, including payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities, and other ordinary business expenses, as well as to pay business debt incurred at any time. But Patel spent the fraudulent EIDL loan proceeds he received on various things, including spending the funds at casinos, personal expenses, and to make payments toward non-business loans.
Separately, Patel used his Interest on Lawyer Trust Account (IOLTA) to launder the proceeds from various investment frauds. For example, on May 14, 2020, Patel received $350,000 from an investor who believed the funds were going to be used for an energy project. But after receiving those funds, Patel immediately wired $250,000 to another entity, unrelated to the investment. Similarly, in June 2020, Patel received another $350,000 as part of a different energy investment. After receiving this investor money, Patel laundered over $132,000 by conducting a series of wire transfers to other accounts unrelated to the investment. Although Patel was not involved in the underlying fraudulent activity, he knew that these funds were derived from various investor fraud schemes.
Sanjay Patel, 45, of Mobile, Alabama, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones.
This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Housing Finance Agency - Office of Inspector General, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla is prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
16 September 2024
Winooski, Vermont Man Sentenced to Time Served in Drug Trafficking and Firearm Possession CaseRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on September 16, 2024, Justin Bolio, 38, of Winooski, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to time served to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Justin Bolio previously pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on October 25, 2023 in Colchester, Vermont, Bolio sold cocaine base to a confidential informant who was acting at the direction of law enforcement. Several days later, on October 31, 2023, investigators executed a federal search warrant at Bolio’s residence in Winooski. At the time of the search warrant execution, law enforcement found Bolio at the residence, searched him, and found cocaine base and more than $500 in U.S. currency on his person. Investigators also located a High Standard 12-gauge shotgun in Bolio’s bedroom inside of the residence. In that same room, law enforcement found a piece of paper entitled “Justin Bolio serial numbers for my weapons” with a description and serial number for the High Standard shotgun written on the document. Bolio was prohibited from possession of a firearm because in October 2023, he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Winooski Police Department, the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig. Bolio was represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Windsor Man Indicted for Extortion and ThreatsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Windsor, Mass. man was arrested today and charged in federal court in Springfield for making online threats and extortionate demands.
Michael Andrew Rodgers, 31, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of threatening interstate communications and one count of extortionate interstate communications. Rodgers was released on conditions following an initial appearance today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson.
According to the indictment, on April 5, 2023, Rodgers posted a threat on the Google review page of a Springfield medical practice that stated: “They gonna get what’s coming soon. […] Will be there in the morning to get them myself one way or another. Locked and loaded.” Beneath this text, Rodgers allegedly included an image of a hand holding a gun.
It is further alleged that on April 6, 2024, Rodgers submitted a threat through a fraud reporting website for the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General with the intent to extort Social Security disability benefits. Specifically, Rodgers allegedly stated: “I m gonna start taking what I need. By any means nessacary. […] GIVE ME MY MONEY OR IM GONNA START DROPPING PEOPLE. YOULL NEVER FIND MY WEAPONS SO STOP LOOKING AND GIVE ME MY CHECK. […] NEXT TIME I SLICE SOMETHING OPEN. IT WONT BE ME. ITLL BE ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN ILL MERC A WHOLE SCHOOL AND NOT GIVE A F***. […] SO YOULL BE MY FIRST TARGET IF YOU KEEP REFUSING TO HELP ME.”
“The charges against Mr. Rodgers involve very serious and terrifying threats designed to instill fear and extort his victims. His alleged extortion demands to unlawfully obtain money from the federal government clearly crossed the line into criminal conduct. In these virulent times, no one should ever have to endure the fear and distress caused by this type of alleged conduct.,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our office remains steadfast in pursuing justice and ensuring that those who resort to violent threats and intimidation are held fully accountable for their actions.”
“While the First Amendment gives us the right to express our own opinions, violent physical threats are certainly not protected speech,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “When someone repeatedly threatens the lives of others, it’s a clear red flag, and we have to take their despicable words at face value. Today’s arrest of Michael Rodgers demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to investigate and bring to justice anyone who crosses this line.”
“The safety and security of the Social Security Administration is of utmost priority and our agency is committed to protecting employees from threats and acts of violence. We thank our law enforcement partners, the Massachusetts State Police and the FBI assisting in this investigation and working to apprehend this subject.” said Corwin Rattler, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Boston-New York Field Division.
The charge of threatening interstate communications provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of extortionate interstate communications provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and SSA-OIG Acting SAC Rattler made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, Springfield Police Department, Windsor Police Department and Federal Protective Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.