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Wednesday 31 July 2024
Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children over the Internet, Traveling to Florida to Have Sex with A Child, and Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Matthew Gabriel Bergida, 34, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of children, enticement of a minor, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, transportation of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“There is no greater charge than the protection of our children,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence is yet another example of the unwavering commitment to the protection of our most vulnerable and should serve as a significant deterrent to those who would attempt to harm them. I commend our local and state law enforcement partners, who amid a devastating hurricane, identified and rescued a child who was being sexually abused. Their keen observations not only saved this child, but countless others from the heinous conduct of this pedophile predator.”
Court documents reflect that when Category 4 Hurricane Idalia made landfall near Perry, Florida, Bergida travelled to the area to meet with a minor female to have sexual relations. While enforcing the storm-related curfew, local law enforcement encountered the minor female and learned of Bergida’s sexual exploitation of the child. Law enforcement quickly located and arrested Bergida at a local motel. A search of Bergida’s iPhone revealed child pornography depicting the minor female and over 20 other children, whom he had been sexually exploiting since 2019.
“No law enforcement agency or community is immune regardless of size or location from the evil exploits of those who endeavor to harm and purse children for exploitation,” said Perry Police Chief Jamie Cruse. “I also commend everyone involved for their meritorious actions in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting Bergida for his choice to victimize others. The awareness, determination and expertise of all assisting agencies and law enforcement partners in this investigation was necessary to bring this predator to justice while protecting others from future victimization. When full cooperation and communication is paramount in protecting our youngest and most vulnerable citizens, law enforcement can and does make a difference by fulfilling the mission of protecting the life and rights of everyone in society.”
“This predator used manipulation and control to sexually exploit children for his own perverse carnal gratification,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “The sexual exploitation of children is an especially heinous crime that robs victims of their childhood. HSI, alongside our partners with Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Perry Police Department, will continue to exhaust every resource at our disposal to identify and support victims, as well as locate and apprehend the monstruous predators who seek to do them harm.”
While incarcerated in the Taylor County Jail, Bergida made phone calls to family in which he directed a friend to dispose of hard drives and other storage devices in his Brooklyn apartment. Based on these phone calls, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the apartment and found electronic storage devices containing additional child pornography, some which depicted infants and toddlers.
Bergida’s prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. He will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions. The Court also ordered forfeiture of various electronic devices that he used to commit the offenses.
This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Perry Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Bridgeport Drug Trafficker SentencedRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANK JAMONT BEST, also known as “JB,” and “Cash,” 50, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to approximately 37 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and heroin. The government sought a sentence within the advisory guidelines range of 168 to 210 months of imprisonment.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force began investigating an organization that was distributing heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine in and around Bridgeport. During the investigation, Task Force members made four controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Best. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and hundreds of consensual recordings, revealed that Frank Best’s uncles, Wallace Best and Jeffrey Thomas, were supplying Frank Best and others with narcotics.
The investigation further revealed that Jeffrey Thomas worked with Jason Cox to establish a connection to Mexican-sourced drug suppliers in California who could provide kilogram quantities of narcotics for distribution on the East Coast. In December 2019, a cooperating source working in conjunction with Wallace Best, Thomas, and Cox, traveled to a Home Depot parking lot in San Diego and purchased from their suppliers 1.1 kilograms of fentanyl, cut with Xylazine, which is a veterinary sedative, and Tramadol, in exchange for $27,000. After this successful transaction, the conspirators arranged to purchase five kilograms of heroin from their Mexican suppliers. On February 10, 2020, four individuals were arrested after they arrived at the same parking lot to conduct the transaction and investigators seized a box containing approximately 4.9 kilograms of heroin. A related search of a storage locker in San Diego revealed an additional five kilograms of heroin.
Frank Best was arrested on September 30, 2020. He has been detained since August 27, 2021, after he violated conditions of his pretrial release and his bond was revoked.
On October 14, 2022, a jury found Frank Best, Wallace Best, Thomas and Cox guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and Wallace Best, Thomas, and Frank Best guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”). In addition, Frank Best was found guilty of five counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base.
Frank Best’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a federal conviction in 1999 for trafficking narcotics, for which he was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment, and a federal conviction in 2006 for possession of a firearm by a felon, for which he was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment, and an additional 10 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
On April 24, 2024, Cox was sentenced to 125 months of imprisonment; on May 14, 2024, Wallace Best was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment; and on May 17, 2024, Thomas was sentenced to 125 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the DEA San Diego Field Division. The DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Lauren C. Clark, and Katherine E. Boyles through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Bradenton Man Charged with Extorting and Threatening Former EmployerRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Jeffrey John Borho (38, Bradenton) with extortion by interstate communication and interstate communication of a threat to injure. Borho was arrested on July 19, 2024, and has been ordered detained pending trial.
According to court documents, Borho was fired from his employer on July 1, 2024. Over the next several days, he sent threatening phone calls and messages to his former employer in which he threatened to kill his former employer and former employer’s wife if he did not give Borho $10,000; $20,000; and then $100,000. Borho also sent videos of himself threatening to harm his former employer, stating things like, “I’ll kill you easily” and “I don’t sue people, I kill people. And I get away with it every f***ing time. Praise God, you’re on my time now.”
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. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.
Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Possession of Four FirearmsRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Obuatawan Leon Holt, aka “Bone,” was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possessing firearms as a felon, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on November 16, 2021, approximately three months after Holt’s prior term of federal supervised release expired, officers with the Minneapolis Police Department searched the Holt’s residence in connection with a firearms investigation. Holt, 48, who is a known member and associate of the Minneapolis Bloods street gang, was found in possession of four firearms: two Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistols, one CZ Arms semi-automatic pistol, and one Rock Armory semi-automatic pistol. Because Holt has multiple prior felony convictions, including a federal drug trafficking conviction, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
On February 29, 2024, Holt pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon. He was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Susan Richard Nelson.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Minnesota Department of Corrections, and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Esther Soria Mignanelli and Kristian C. Weir prosecuted the case.
Billings felon sentenced to more than six years in prison for illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Billings man who admitted to illegally possessing a gun was sentenced today to six and one-half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Steven Edward Schlosser, 54, pleaded guilty in January to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
In court documents, the government alleged that in February 2023, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Billings Clinic for a report of an assault between Schlosser and his girlfriend. Schlosser’s girlfriend reported that during a physical altercation with Schlosser, Schlosser pulled a firearm from his waistband and threatened to kill himself with it. Schlosser had the firearm in his waistband as he drove his girlfriend to the hospital. Law enforcement ultimately recovered a .40-caliber pistol from Schlosser’s vehicle in the hospital parking lot. The pistol had been stolen. In August 2023, law enforcement received information that Schlosser was in possession of another firearm. Schlosser was located in a Billings motel along with a loaded .45-caliber firearm. Schlosser claimed the firearm belonged to someone else but admitted to handling it. The firearm also had been reported stolen. Schlosser had previous felony drug convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
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.
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Avantor, Inc. Agrees to Pay $5.325 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Claims for Overcharging Federal Agencies and Allegations of DEA Violations and Lack of Compliance as to Listed ChemicalsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced today that Avantor, Inc., based in Radnor, PA, has agreed to pay a total of $5.325 million to resolve multiple alleged violations of federal law.
False Claims Act Resolution
First, Avantor has agreed to pay $5 million to resolve allegations that one of its subsidiaries, VWR International, LLC (VWR), violated the False Claims Act by fraudulently overcharging federal agencies for goods purchased between 2008 and 2017 (the “False Claims Act Settlement”). Avantor acquired VWR in 2017.
VWR is a global distributor of scientific and technical laboratory supplies, including chemicals, glassware, instruments, protective clothing, and production supplies. VWR has entered into procurement contracts with agencies of the United States to sell their products under agreed terms, including provisions under which VWR agrees to offer or provide federal government purchasers buying goods from VWR with the same or better prices that VWR offered or provided to an agreed-upon, private-sector basis of award customer (“Most Favored Customer Pricing”).
The United States’ allegations under the False Claims Act arise from four government contracts VWR entered into with government agencies. These contracts include two Multiple Award Schedule Contracts (“GSA MAS Contracts”) VWR entered into with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) in 1995 and in 2015, which provided a streamlined process for federal government buyers to purchase goods from VWR at discounted prices and required VWR to meet specified conditions. Several different United States agencies, including the Department of Defense, purchased VWR products under the GSA MAS Contracts, which provided for Most Favored Customer Pricing. The contracts at issue also include a 2001 Blanket Purchase Agreement that VWR entered into with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and a 2005 contract VWR entered into with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under Federal Supply Schedule 65 VI. Both the NIH and VA made purchases from VWR under their respective contracts, which both contained best price provisions.
The United States alleged that VWR violated the False Claims Act when performing its obligations under these government contracts (the “Schedule Contracts”) by:
- Failing to offer or provide federal government purchasers buying goods from VWR under the Schedule Contracts with Most Favored Customer Pricing;
- Increasing pricing for federal government purchasers, while not increasing prices for the Most Favored Customer;
- Failing to provide federal government purchasers with the same rebates, discounts, incentives, and other favorable terms offered to the Most Favored Customer;
- Failing to report and adjust the prices that VWR offered to federal government purchasers to be consistent with those offered to the Most Favored Customer;
- Failing to report and reduce prices or make refunds to federal government purchasers, as required by the Price Reductions Clauses in the Schedule Contracts; and
- Failing to report changes in VWR’s commercial pricing practices or policies from those disclosed to the federal government during the parties’ pricing negotiations, and to reduce federal government pricing accordingly.
The United States alleged that, as a result of this conduct, VWR knowingly submitted false or fraudulent claims for payment to the United States in violation of the False Claims Act.
“Contractors are expected to understand and carefully comply with the requirements of federal contracts,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “This settlement under the False Claims Act demonstrates that the federal government will hold accountable contractors that overcharge agencies by failing to follow the pricing terms of federal contracts, and should be seen as a warning to contractors that false claims have no place in government purchasing.”
“GSA’s Office of the Inspector General will continue to investigate any allegations of GSA contractors overcharging federal agencies at the expense of American taxpayers,” said GSA Acting Inspector General Robert Erickson. “I appreciate the hard work of those who worked on this case.”
“Companies that contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are required to abide by the set agreements including charging the same or better prices as other customers,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG takes allegations of false claims in contracts seriously and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of the federal contracting process.”
“The integrity of the DoD procurement process is of vital importance to the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” stated Brian J. Solecki, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. “The DoD expects its contractors to adhere to contract requirements and the DCIS will continue to work with its law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to ensure DoD contractors who engage in fraudulent activity at the expense of the U.S. Military are held accountable for their actions.”
The False Claims Act Settlement also resolves a lawsuit originally brought by Adrian G. Scioli, a former VWR employee, under the whistleblower, or qui tam, provisions of the False Claims Act. The Act permits private citizens with knowledge of fraud against the government to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the United States and to share in any recovery. Scioli will receive approximately $1,100,000 of the settlement. The lawsuit is captioned United States et al., ex rel. Scioli v. VWR International, LLC, et al., No. 17-cv-2574 (E.D. Pa.).
The False Claims Act Settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the GSA Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
The False Claims Act matter is being handled in the U.S. Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren DeBruicker and Mark J. Sherer, and Auditor Dawn Wiggins.
DEA Resolution
In addition, Avantor has agreed to pay $325,000 to resolve allegations that it and its subsidiaries, including VWR, failed to comply with a number of compliance obligations between 2013 and 2023 pertaining to its dealings in listed chemicals, which are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The company also entered into an administrative agreement with the DEA that imposed a variety of heightened accountability obligations.
Certain chemicals are categorized as listed precursor chemicals, i.e., chemicals, which in addition to their legitimate uses, can be used in manufacturing a controlled substance in violation of federal law and are important to the manufacture of the controlled substances. Those listed chemicals are divided into two groups: List I chemicals and List II chemicals. Avantor is a chemical importer, manufacturer, distributor, and exporter registered with the DEA at various locations across the United States.
Companies that conduct international imports and exports of List I chemicals are generally required to submit at least two separate reports to the DEA for each transaction: (1) a notification of the transaction to the DEA prior to any import or export; and (2) a return declaration to the DEA containing particulars of the transaction that was completed, including the date, quantity, chemical, container, and name of transferees.
In addition, when a regulated person engages in a regulated transaction involving a listed chemical, the company is required to maintain records of that transaction. The records must include the name, address, contact information, and, if required, DEA registration number of each party to the regulated transaction; the date of the regulated transaction; the quantity, chemical name, and the form of packaging; the method of transfer; and the type of identification used by the purchaser and any unique number on that identification.
The DEA conducted a number of inspections of Avantor’s facilities over the past several years, during which it alleges it identified violations of its listed chemical obligations by Avantor, including inspections at its Paris, Kentucky, facility; its Manati, Puerto Rico, facility; and its Bridgeport, New Jersey, facility.
The United States alleged that Avantor failed to comply with its listed chemical compliance obligations in a number of ways at these facilities, between 2013 and 2023. For example, the settlement agreement alleges that Avantor committed the following violations, at certain periods of time and at certain of its facilities:
- received and distributed listed chemicals while failing to properly document the correct registration number or the customer’s registration number;
- repackaged chemicals under an improper registration number;
- exported listed chemicals under the wrong registration number;
- failed to properly annotate information on DEA import/export forms;
- shipped chemicals that met or exceeded its threshold without making the required submission to DEA.
Avantor self-disclosed some of the alleged violations with respect to its exporter registration in Paris, Kentucky.
The United States alleged that, as a result of this conduct, it had certain civil claims against Avantor under the Controlled Substances Act. There are no allegations that the listed chemicals at issue here were used to manufacture illicit controlled substances.
In addition to the monetary component, the company also entered into an administrative agreement with the DEA. The agreement imposes a number of reporting and compliance obligations on the company for a period of time.
“Companies that deal in listed chemicals are held to high standards since the chemicals can be used to manufacture illicit controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “It is critical that companies live up to the compliance obligations imposed by federal law and regulation to ensure accountability and proper monitoring.”
“Listed chemicals can be used as precursors to illicitly manufacture dangerous synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl and methamphetamine,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “It is essential to public safety and the lives of Americans that all companies handling listed chemicals—including large-scale chemical enterprises operating domestically and abroad—adhere closely to DEA regulations.”
The DEA Settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the DEA Philadelphia Field Division, and DEA Headquarters, including the DEA Office of Chief Counsel and the DEA Diversion Control Division Chemical Investigations Section. Additional assistance was provided by the DEA Caribbean Field Division, DEA Louisville Field Division, DEA Atlanta Field Division, DEA Chicago Field Division, and DEA New Jersey Field Division.
The DEA matter is being handled in the U.S. Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony D. Scicchitano, with assistance from Frank O’Connor, Jeffrey Braun, and Andrew Schobert.
The claims resolved by these settlements are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Armed Robbery Spree Leads to Decade in Federal Prison for Oklahoma City ManRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JOHN CORBIN BROWN, 41, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for six separate armed robberies in the Oklahoma City metro, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 5, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 12-count Indictment against Brown, charging him with six counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and six counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to the Indictment, beginning in May 2023, Brown robbed six different businesses in the span of less than a month in Oklahoma City. The targeted businesses included a liquor store and a food market, each of which was targeted once, and a convenience store and a medical marijuana dispensary, each of which was targeted twice, with two of those robberies taking place on the same day, July 6, 2023.
On February 14, 2024, Brown pleaded guilty to the six counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. As part of his plea, Brown admitted to robbing the businesses by force, and that he brandished a firearm during at least one of the robberies.
At the sentencing hearing on July 30, 2024, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Brown to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the very serious nature of the offenses, including that Brown repeatedly pointed a gun at victims, and that the conduct involved a spree of robbery offenses.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan J. West prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Arlington man convicted for illegally obtaining healthcare records and trying to cover up his crimesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury in Alexandria convicted an Arlington man today on charges of obtaining another person’s healthcare information and destroying evidence in a federal investigation.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from 2017 to 2019, Trent James Russell, 34, was employed by an organ donation coordination entity, which allowed him access to certain electronic medical records. In Jan. 2019, Russell remotely accessed the medical records of a federal official and took a screenshot of the official’s protected health information.
After Russell learned his access was disabled on Feb. 10, 2019, he reformatted his computer two days later in an attempt to destroy evidence and obstruct the investigation. When FBI agents interviewed Russell on Feb. 21, 2019, Russell falsely stated that his cellphone had been stolen.
Russell faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on Nov. 7. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division; and Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zoe Bedell and Laura D. Withers are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-195.
Arkansas Man Indicted on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Daniel Kelly, 32, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, has been indicted on federal child exploitation charges, announced Henry C. Leventis, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Kelly was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Tennessee on July 17, 2024, and arrested in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on July 23, 2024. According to publicly available information, in the spring of 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began investigating an adult male who was exchanging messages with a minor girl on the social media application, Snapchat. Through its investigation, the FBI identified the Snapchat handle being used by the adult was owned and operated by Kelly. In addition to chatting over Snapchat, Kelly and the minor child exchanged images, including a copy of the minor child’s middle school calendar. As alleged in the indictment, Kelly traveled from Jonesboro, Arkansas to the Middle District of Tennessee twice in October 2023, on dates coinciding with the minor child’s Fall Break. During these trips Kelly had sexual intercourse with the minor child, recorded at least one encounter on his phone, and later sent a copy of this sexually explicit video to the minor child via the internet.
If convicted, Kelly faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, Memphis Field Office, Nashville Resident Agency, with valuable assistance from the FBI Little Rock Field Office, Jonesboro Resident Agency.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert E. McGuire and Monica R. Morrison.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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American Airlines Passenger Charged After Allegedly Attempting to Open Aircraft Exterior Doors Mid-FlightRead the Press Release
UPDATE
Upon motion of the United States, the indictment described in the press release against Eric Nicholas Gapco in this case was dismissed on May 5, 2026.
Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging an alleged unruly passenger onboard an American Airlines flight after engaging in disruptive and life-threatening behavior, including attempting to open the aircraft exterior doors mid-flight.
According to court documents, Eric Nicholas Gapco, 26, of Delanco, New Jersey, a passenger onboard American Airlines flight #2101, assaulted and intimidated a flight attendant and aircraft crew members on July 18, 2024. As a result of Gapco’s alleged unruly behavior, the flight, which originated from Seattle, Washington, and was en route to Dallas, Texas, was diverted to Salt Lake City International Airport. As alleged in the complaint and detention memo, Gapco failed to follow instructions to remain in his seat, propositioned a flight attendant for sex, was repeatedly loud, vaped, bothered other passengers, locked himself in the lavatory, and attempted to open the aircraft exterior doors multiple times while the aircraft was in flight. As a result, Gapco was restrained by flight crew members and other passengers with flexible restraints to his feet and hands during the flight. Upon landing he was arrested by law enforcement at Salt Lake City International Airport.
Gapco is charged with interference with a flight crew, and attempted damage to an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. His initial appearance on the indictment is August 1, 2024, at 1:15 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and Salt Lake City Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Attachments:
gapco.order_granting_leave_to_dismiss_the_indictment.pdf gapco.motion_for_leave_to_dismiss_indictment.pdf gapco.dismissal_of_the_indictment.pdfAlleged Drug Dealer Accused of Selling Fentanyl to an Undercover Agent Faces Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
UPDATE
Upon motion of the United States, the indictment described in the press release below against Bryan Guadalupe Diaz-Lopez, in this case was dismissed on December 18, 2024.
Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a foreign national living in Utah with drug crimes after law enforcement seized 20,000 fentanyl pills during an undercover operation, which also led to the seizure of methamphetamine, heroin and additional fentanyl pills.
According to court documents, Bryan Guadalupe Diaz-Lopez, 21, of West Valley City, Utah, was arrested on July 19, 2024, after he attempted to sell 20,000 fentanyl pills to a confidential informant during a controlled purchase in the parking lot of a Taylorsville liquor store. During the investigation, agents from Homeland Security Investigations and task force officers from the Utah State Bureau of Investigations conducted surveillance at the liquor store when a silver KIA Optima drove through the parking lot and parked near an undercover vehicle. The driver of the KIA Optima was later identified as Diaz-Lopez. Law enforcement seized a black duffle bag with four-gallon plastic baggies that contained approximately 3.83 kilograms of suspected fentanyl pills from Diaz-Lopez’s vehicle. As alleged, agents also seized several thousand additional suspected fentanyl pills from a hotel room associated with Diaz-Lopez. In total, between the KIA Optima and the hotel room, law enforcement seized 23 kilograms of field tested and confirmed fentanyl pills. Agents also seized over 500 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 34 grams of suspected heroin, and 76 grams of suspected cocaine.
Diaz-Lopez is charged possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment is August 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Utah State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
Assistant United States Attorney Cameron P. Warner of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
motion_for_leave_to_dismiss_indictment_with_prejudice.pdf order_granting_leave_to_dismiss_the_indictment.pdf
Alabama Chiropractor Indicted for Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Birmingham, Alabama, returned an indictment today charging a Shelby County chiropractor with tax evasion, filing false tax returns and obstructing the IRS.
According to the indictment, Gary Forrest Edwards, of Shelby County, was a chiropractor and owned Hoover Health & Wellness Center. In 2015, Edwards allegedly agreed to file missing income tax returns for 2009 through 2013 with the IRS. The indictment further alleges that Edwards — despite filing the returns as agreed and accurately reporting millions of dollars in income — did not pay any of the $2.4 million in taxes he reported he owed.
When the IRS began trying to collect the unpaid taxes in 2015, and continuing until 2023, Edwards allegedly tried to impede the IRS’ collection efforts by transferring assets to his wife, submitting false information to the IRS about his assets, filing false tax returns and making false statements to IRS investigators. He also allegedly filed documents with a local court falsely claiming that Notices of Federal Tax Lien filed against him by the IRS him had been terminated.
If convicted, Edwards faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the tax evasion charge and three years in prison for the obstruction charge and each charge of filing a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Isaiah Boyd of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted Canter for the Northern District of Alabama 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.
Aberdeen Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to Forty Years in Federal Prison for Multiple Counts of Sexual Exploitation of A MinorRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Nicholas Paul Bryson, age 41, of Aberdeen, Maryland, to forty years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release for two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Bryson was also ordered to pay $16,000 in restitution to his victims. After his release from prison, Bryson will be required register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of Maryland State Police (MSP); Jeffrey R. Gahler, Harford County Sheriff; and Henry Trabert, Chief of Aberdeen Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, beginning in 2011 to 2013, Bryson and his wife and codefendant, Heather Clark, repeatedly sexually abused a prepubescent minor in their care and produced numerous sexually explicit videos and images of the abuse. In addition, a federal search warrant identified approximately 1,000 depictions of child pornography from various seized devices.
Codefendant Clark, age 37, previously pled guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and is currently awaiting sentencing on September 4, 2024. She faces 60 years in federal prison.
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 Attorney’s 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. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended HSI Baltimore, MSP, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Aberdeen Police Department for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Aubin and Paul A. Riley, who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
Tuesday 30 July 2024
Woonsocket Man Convicted Three Times for Drug Trafficking is Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Woonsocket man convicted and sentenced twice previously in Rhode Island state court for trafficking narcotics was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison for trafficking significant quantities of fentanyl and for being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Gregory Ortega, 34, of Woonsocket, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 96 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervised release. Ortega pleaded guilty on May 1, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition.
As reflected in court documents, shortly after completing a term of incarceration at the Adult Correctional Institution in 2019, Ortega continued to operate a well-orchestrated narcotics business in the Woonsocket area. He stored drugs in various family members’ residences and used runners to deliver drugs he sold to his customers. Ortega’s trafficking activities included several thousand dollars’ worth of fentanyl to a person assisting the FBI Safe Streets Task Force in the investigation.
According to information presented to the court, on March 16, 2022, members of the Safe Streets Task Force executed court-authorized searches and seized approximately 575 grams of fentanyl from Ortega’s vehicle and 745 grams of fentanyl from his grandmother’s house, which he used as a “stash house.” Additionally, law enforcement seized a privately made firearm and 14 rounds of ammunition from Ortega’s residence.
This Project Safe Neighborhoods case was investigated by the Rhode Island FBI Safe Street Task Force, which consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Stacey A. Erickson.
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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USDA loan specialist and contractors sent to prison for roles in loan bribery schemeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Three Starr County residents have been sentenced for their roles in a bribery scheme involving the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Rio Grande City residents Roberto Rodriguez, 52, Daniel Diaz, 68, and Jose Sandoval, 71, each pleaded guilty May 17.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now imposed a 16-month term of imprisonment for Rodriguez, while Diaz and Sandoval received 8 and 6 months in federal prison, respectively. Each must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence of the dollar amount of the contracts awarded to each contractor including $1,107,228 to Diaz and $709,854 to Sandoval. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Crane noted that he hoped it served as an example to the community not to get involved in corrupt practices.
“The people of the United States have the right to expect the utmost integrity from those electing to do business with the United States,” said Hamdani. “Diaz and Sandoval failed in that duty when they chose to bribe a federal official in order to obtain federal contracts. Rodriguez betrayed his oath of office when he chose to accept payments from those contractors in order to influence who would be awarded these contracts.”
At the time of his plea, Rodriguez admitted to accepting U.S. currency for referring applicants for the USDA Rural Development 504 Single Family Housing Repair Grant and Loan program to contractors Diaz and Sandoval in order for each of them to receive money under the program.
Rodriguez also admitted he was a loan specialist responsible for approving the loans. Diaz and Sandoval both admitted they gave money to Rodriguez to receive work under the program.
Each were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, USDA, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations with the assistance of local task force officers. 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Cook Profit and Alexa Parcell prosecuted the cases.
U.S. Attorney: Convicted Felon Gets 15 Years for Shooting Woman at Grocery StoreRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A convicted felon who violated a domestic violence restraining order by possessing a firearm and shooting a woman at an Albuquerque Walmart was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on October 21, 2022, Maurice Lacey, 66, was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction and an active domestic violence restraining order when he entered a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Albuquerque. He followed the victim, Jane Doe, to the employee breakroom and shot her in the back of the head.
The victim suffered severe injuries, including a compressed skull fracture requiring emergency surgery and extensive rehabilitation. She continues to experience physical impairments and trauma from the shooting.
Upon his release from prison, Lacey will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Trembley and Patrick E. Cordova are prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney and FBI Charge Suspect in Deadly Shiprock StabbingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo Nation man was charged by criminal complaint with second-degree murder following a fatal stabbing that occurred on July 25, 2024, in Shiprock, New Mexico.
Edison Brady, 55, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which is set for Wednesday.
According to the criminal complaint, on July 25, 2024, Navajo Nation Police Department officers responded to reports of a fight in progress near a business in Shiprock, New Mexico. Upon arrival, officers found John Doe unresponsive on the ground with apparent wounds to his face and chest. Despite life-saving measures, John Doe was later pronounced dead at Northern Navajo Medical Center.
The complaint alleges Brady punched and kicked Doe before retrieving a knife from his backpack and stabbing him. Witnesses reported observing Brady assault Doe, who did not defend himself. A knife with apparent blood stains was recovered from Brady’s possession.
If convicted of the current charge, Brady faces up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
View the Criminal ComplaintA criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney and FBI Charge Rio Rancho Woman with Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Rio Rancho woman was charged by criminal complaint for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition while using controlled substances.
Courtney Leigh Sparks, 39, appeared before a federal judge on July 23, 2024, and will be placed on conditions of release in the third-party custody of a halfway house pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to court documents, on March 15, 2024, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) arrested Sparks after she collided into an Albuquerque Fire and Rescue fire truck. Sparks appeared intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. APD searched her vehicle and located the following:
- A loaded Colt .38 caliber special revolver in the cup holder of the center console
- Three open bottles of alcohol
- A narcotics pipe on Sparks’ person
Then, on May 22, 2024, the Rio Rancho Police Department’s (RRPD) Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) informed the FBI about recent interactions with Sparks. These interactions concerned Sparks’ desire to create a “Molotov cocktail,” her possession of weapons, ongoing drug use, and intent to harm others with explosives.
On May 14, 2024, the RRPD CIT received information that Sparks was attempting to collect gunpower from fireworks to build a bomb. RRPD and the Federal Bureau of Investigation developed information that Sparks was a long-time user of controlled substances to include methamphetamine and fentanyl, including ongoing use at the time of her March arrest.
On May 27, 2024, Sparks was arrested in Rio Arriba County for driving while intoxicated. New Mexico State Police (NMSP) were on patrol when they were flagged down by a citizen who reported a possible intoxicated driver. NMSP observed the vehicle driving below the speed limit and crossed marked road lines. NMSP arrested Sparks for driving while intoxicated. During a subsequent search of her vehicle, officers located:
- One box of .38 special ammunition
- One box of 12-gauge shotgun shells
- Two hatchets
- One throwing knife
- One machete
- Three pocketknives
- Two glass pipes
- Various items related to marijuana use
If convicted of the current charges, Sparks faces up to 15 years in prison for each offense.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque, Police Department, Rio Rancho Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Gardner is prosecuting this case as part of an agreement with the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Through the agreement, Assistant District Attorneys are designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. The SAUSA from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office screens felony criminal complaints filed in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos Counties for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Santa Fe area.
The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Department of Justice and the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office and plans to expand the program throughout the state.
View the Criminal ComplaintA criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney Files Lawsuit Against Liberty Central School District for Violating the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights ActRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that the United States has filed a lawsuit on behalf of teacher and U.S. Army National Guard member John Chewens against LIBERTY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (“LIBERTY”) under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (“USERRA”). The Complaint alleges that LIBERTY, which is in Sullivan County, New York, willfully violated USERRA by refusing to compensate Chewens at the proper rate because of his absence from the school during a military deployment.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Federal law ensures that our brave soldiers, who sacrifice so much to keep us safe, are not punished by employers when they return to the workforce after completing their military service. This Office is dedicated to giving full force to USERRA’s protections to ensure that service members like Captain John Chewens receive all the benefits to which they are legally entitled.”
According to the pleadings filed in Manhattan federal court:
LIBERTY pays teachers according to a salary schedule by which a teacher’s base annual salary is determined by the teacher’s step. Teachers typically progress one step per school year, which results in an increase in the teacher’s compensation.
Chewens began teaching at LIBERTY in the 2016–17 school year, and he was paid at step 1. At the start of the 2017–18 year, he progressed to step 2. Subsequently, he was ordered to report for active duty starting in March 2018, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a result of his deployment, he did not return to teaching until April 2019.
Because of his absence during his deployment, when Chewens returned to teaching, LIBERTY denied him the step increase that he would have otherwise received. As a result, his annual base salary was repeatedly less than it would have been but for his military service.
USERRA guarantees that service members whose employment is interrupted by more than 90 days of military service are, upon their return to the employer, paid at the same rate that they would have earned absent their military service.
The Complaint seeks, among other things, compensation for Chewens’s lost wages and liquidated damages.
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This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Osmond is in charge of the case.
U.S. Attorney Announces Sentencing for Man Convicted of Illegal Weapons Possession in Domestic Violence CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to six years in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms and destructive devices while under a court order of protection following a harrowing domestic violence incident.
According to court documents, on September 14, 2022, Edward Walters, 55, knowingly possessed a firearm, ammunition, and destructive devices while under a court order of protection. The protection order, issued on July 21, 2022, found that Walters represented a credible threat and prohibited him from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner. Despite this, Walters returned to his family’s residence, where he began accumulating an arsenal of weapons, including firearms, silencers, and pipe bombs.
Walters held his wife against her will in their garage, but their son overheard the situation and called 911. The incident escalated as Walters barricaded himself inside the home, causing significant disruption to a nearby elementary school and surrounding neighborhoods. After hours of negotiations, law enforcement took Walters into custody.
Upon his release from prison, Walters will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison prosecuted the case.
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Twenty-Five Charged with Drug Trafficking in Eastern PanhandleRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two drug trafficking organizations, including one with ties to the Sinaloa Drug Cartel, have been dismantled after a federal grand jury indicted twenty-five people.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced charges against individuals who were operating a large-scale fentanyl and cocaine trafficking operation out of an autobody shop in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The group is alleged to have imported significant amounts of drugs from Puerto Rico through the U.S. Postal Service as well as from a source connected to the Sinaloa Cartel. Saul Alexi Padilla-Garcia, age 34, of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and seventeen others have been charged after an investigation that included close coordination with federal law enforcement agents in Chicago and Northern California.
“This case underscores the scope of the threat posed by Mexican drug cartels to the people of West Virginia,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “These transnational organizations will operate anywhere that there is profit to be made, including here in our region. Fortunately, we have one of the best drug task forces in the country to push back against dangerous groups like this one.”
In addition to Padilla-Garcia, those charged include:
- Juan Carlos Suarez-Lugo, age 55, from Martinsburg, West Virginia;
- Victor Jose Canales, 45, hometown unknown;
- Alexis Alvarado, 37, Ranson, West Virginia;
- Mauricio Antonio Alvarado-Flores, age 37, hometown unknown;
- Olvin Luis-Melendez Robles, age unknown, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania;
- Mario Pellot-Acevedo, 58, Martinsburg, West Virginia;
- Eddi Heredia Cruz, 27, Shepherdstown, West Virginia;
- Jose Alberto Camarena Rocha, 30, California;
- Manuel Sanchez Gomez, 37, California;
- Angel Lopez, 43, of Fresno, California;
- Sergio Rubio Pacheco, 33, Fresno, California;
- Moises Marrero, 39, of Ranson, West Virginia;
- James Reyes, 54, of Martinsburg, West Virginia;
- David Reyes, 60, Hagerstown, Maryland;
- Charles Edward Branson, 53, Martinsburg, West Virginia;
- Danny William Mendez Delacruz, 41, Martinsburg, West Virginia; and
- Yan Lionel Diaz-Cruz, 27, Ranson, West Virginia.
The arrests are the culmination of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation that began in 2023. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
Law enforcement arrested 16 today and are still searching for Gomez and Melendez-Robles.
In a separate case, seven people are facing charges after investigators seized nearly 40,000 fentanyl pills and 12 firearms earlier this year in Berkeley County. According to the indictment, the individuals involved had a stash house on Shepherdstown Road in Martinsburg where they stored their drugs and guns. Those indicted include:
- Delano Alan Butler, 43, of Martinsburg, West Virginia;
- Faith Elizabeth Small, 22, Hagerstown, Maryland;
- Jwan Martine Smith, 38, Martinsburg, West Virginia;
- Geraldine Lagata Hill, 43, Stephens, Virginia;
- Cody Aaron Ashby, 32, Martinsburg, West Virginia;
- Crystal Lyn Lewis, 34, Martinsburg, West Virginia; and
- Matthew James Elsea, 42, Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Six of the defendants were taken into custody. Officers are still searching for Smith.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force was the lead investigative unit in each of these cases.
Other investigative agencies that assisted include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including the Pittsburgh, San Francisco, San Juan, and Philadelphia Field Offices; United States Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Service; Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisville and Chicago Divisions; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Martinsburg Police Department; Ranson Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; Berkeley County Sheriff's Office; Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; West Virginia Air National Guard; Mineral County Sheriff's Office; Grant County Sheriff's Office; Hampshire County Sheriff's Department; Keyser Police Department; Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, Virginia; Pennsylvania State Police; Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Pennsylvania; Winchester Police Department, Virginia; Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Virginia; Virginia State Police; Sunnyvale Police Department, California.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Men Indicted for Involvement in $3.5 Million Dollar Elder Fraud Scheme Impacting More Than 1,000 Alleged VictimsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Amit Ahuja, age 40, of Westminster, Maryland, Kapil Gulati, age 50, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and Priyanshu Walia, age 39, of Cleveland, Ohio, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in connection with a technical support scheme where victims were made to believe that their computers had been compromised by a virus, or were susceptible to hacking, and payments were needed for computer repair services or software.
The indictment was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. for the District of Maryland; Postal Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Criminal Investigations Group; and Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore.
As detailed in the indictment, victims received a pop-up window urging them to call a phone number, or an unsolicited phone call, or victims contacted what they believed was a legitimate technical support company found through an online search. As further alleged, the victims were made to believe that their computers had major issues that they needed to pay money immediately to fix, and that they were working with legitimate computer companies or computer security companies.
According to the indictment, as a result of the scheme, more than 1,000 victims, many of whom were older adults, sent at least $3.5 million to the defendants and other conspirators based on false pretenses, representations, and promises involving the condition of the victims’ computers and the services and software allegedly required to fix the issues.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud conspiracy and each count of wire fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps, including identifying appropriate reporting agencies, providing information to callers to assist them in reporting or connecting them with agencies, and providing resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov. Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and HSI-Baltimore, for their work in the investigation. And also thanked HSI-Cleveland for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evelyn Lombardo Cusson and Matthew Phelps, who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — William Lesley, 34, of Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers conducted a parole search in Galt, at the residence of Lesley’s co-defendant, Dexter Weeks, a known felon on parole. While clearing the residence, officers encountered Lesley as he was coming out of a bedroom. In the bedroom where Lesley had exited, officers found a loaded Ruger pistol located in a backpack on the floor near the bed. Weeks and Lesley are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because they each have multiple state felony convictions.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid is prosecuting the case.
Lesley is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 5, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. Weeks pleaded guilty on Jan. 30, 2024, and is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 6, 2024. Both defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Teacher arrested, charged with distribution and possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI - A 44-year-old Cincinnati man, Mark A. Altherr, was arrested by FBI agents on Friday, July 26, and charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.
The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint and arrest warrant alleges that investigators found more than 262 posts Altherr made on a child pornography website over the past three years. Some of the posts included images that appeared to be minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The victims were alleged to be between the ages of five and 12. Altherr is a fitness education teacher in the Oak Hills Local School District.
“Investigators are now working to identify all of the victims in this case,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “Our office and the FBI encourage anyone who might have information about victims to report it to the FBI’s victim resource page listed below.”
“The FBI is always working to protect children in our community,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “As we continue to investigate this matter, we appreciate the support of the public in coming forward with any information they may have about potentially inappropriate actions of Mr. Altherr.”
Anyone who may have information about this case or who believes they may be a victim is encouraged to visit www.fbi.gov/MarkAltherrVictims and complete the short online form.
Altherr appeared in federal court in Cincinnati on July 29, 2024. He was temporarily detained. A detention hearing is set for August 1, 2024.
Distribution of child pornography is punishable by at least five years and up to 20 years in prison. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Assistant United States Attorneys Danielle Margeaux and Kyle Healey are representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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South Texas smugglers: ring leaders sentenced for transporting nearly 2,500 people in $2.9M conspiracyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two non-U.S. citizens have been ordered to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and a related scheme to transport aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani along with Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office.
Luis Enrique Moctezuma-Acosta, 37, and Scarlett Fuentes-Gavarrette, 34, pleaded guilty in March to laundering over $2 million in monetary instruments and conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Both are Mexican nationals who illegally resided in Mission.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered the couple to serve 240 months in federal prison. Not U.S. citizens, they are expected to face removal proceedings following their sentences.
At the hearing, the court heard recordings of undocumented aliens held against their will and begging their families to pay smugglers for their release. Evidence further revealed the organization proudly boasted about using their trucking business as a front, which not only facilitated the alien smuggling but also enabled the laundering of $2.9 million.
The court also considered the lavish lifestyle the co-conspirators led, all while exploiting individuals who were seeking a better life. The organization had referred to them as “products” and abandoned some in the harsh conditions of the brush without food or water, resulting in the death of one.
In handing down the sentence, the court noted his concurrence that this is one of the largest alien smuggling take downs this district has seen in recent history.
“With today's sentencing, we send a clear and powerful message to all criminal organizations involved in human smuggling and money laundering,” said Hamdani. “From the rural areas of Central America to the bustling streets of Boston, Massachusetts, no criminal organization is beyond the relentless reach of the Department of Justice. The lengthy sentences handed down today are a testament to our unwavering determination to dismantle these ruthless networks and bring their leaders to justice. Let this serve as a stark warning: those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit will face the full force of the law. We will not rest until every corner of these criminal enterprises is exposed and dismantled, ensuring the safety and dignity of our communities.”
“This case started as a money laundering investigation at a business. FBI agents did a phenomenal job following the evidence to uncover a much larger conspiracy involving human smuggling,” said Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. "I want to thank our partners at the Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the Texas Department of Insurance and the McAllen Police Department for their assistance with this case and their continued partnership in keeping our south Texas communities safe.”
The conspiracy involved a sophisticated network of alien smugglers across the United States utilizing commercial airplanes, tractor-trailers and various other smuggling methods.
An investigation began in November 2019 and revealed the LEMA smuggling organization brought 2,459 undocumented migrants from the Southwest border regions further into the northern parts of the United States. The network spanned from Honduras to as far north as Boston, Massachusetts, with a heavy emphasis on smuggling Brazilian nationals.
On March 9, 2023, authorities executed multiple search warrants at Fuentes-Gavarrette and Moctezuma-Acosta’s properties, at which time they seized over $1.5 million in cash. The locations included their residence and a purported car dealership they operated as a front business. Throughout the investigation, law enforcement also seized approximately $2.69 million in assets and several luxury vehicles, such as a 2023 Escalade, 2021 Ford Shelby Truck, jewelry and several pieces of real property.
Both will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of task force officers from Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Insurance and McAllen Police Department. The Texas Attorney General's Office also provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric D. Flores prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Foster assisted with forfeiture proceedings.
Slidell Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing and Dealing in Explosive Materials Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on July 23, 2024, DEVIN JUNEAU, age 38, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty to manufacturing and dealing in explosive materials without a license, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 842(a)(1) and 844(a)(1).
According to court documents, on or about February 6, 2024, JUNEAU manufactured, and sold to undercover agents, M-Type explosive devices containing explosive materials, without possessing a license to engage in the business of manufacturing and dealing in explosive materials.
At sentencing, JUNEAU, faces up to 10 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. JUNEAU also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit.
Six Plead Guilty to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance FraudRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Six people have pleaded guilty in a 33-count indictment with illegally obtaining nearly $3,000,000 in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits using other people’s personal identifying information. The PUA program is overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor and was created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 to provide temporary benefits to workers who lost work for COVID-19-related reasons.
According to court documents, from March 2020 to August 2021, the defendants, Clarissa Cheney, 30, of Cleveland Heights; Kevin Gilmore, 38, of Beachwood; Tiara Henderson, 37, of Lakewood; Ladessa Battle, 29, of South Euclid; Lynard Mitchell, 39, of South Euclid; and Marcelys Jones, 29, of Cleveland Heights, submitted fraudulent applications for PUA benefits to the California Employment Development Department (EDD) and other state workforce agencies around the country.
“The pandemic created unprecedented financial challenges for millions of Americans who were unable to work because their employers were forced to cut back business operations or close entirely. PUA was intended to assist those individuals—workers in dire need of financial support while unemployed—yet these defendants stole millions of dollars from that program,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “These guilty pleas demonstrate our office’s commitment to prosecute and hold criminally responsible those who try to scam federal relief programs, waste our tax dollars, and steal the identities of others. We thank our law enforcement partners for helping us hold these defendants responsible for their crimes.”
The defendants falsified application details, such as employment history and residency, to appear eligible for PUA benefits. As a result, California EDD and other agencies approved nearly $3,000,000 in unemployment insurance benefits in the defendants’ names, and those of other individuals. The benefits were pre-loaded onto bank-issued debit cards and sent through the U.S. mail. After receiving the debit cards, some of the defendants used the cards to make cash withdrawals at various ATMs in the Northern District of Ohio.
“The deliberate and conniving actions to cheat a program designed to assist people who were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic is inexcusable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge, Greg Nelsen. “Their actions, including exploiting the identities of a multitude of individuals, will have a profound and long-lasting impact. The FBI and our partners will continue to identify and investigate those who commit pandemic-related fraud and seek justice for the victims."
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced in September and October 2024 and face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.“The defendants engaged in an unemployment insurance (UI) fraud scheme that targeted multiple state workforce agencies. These individuals conspired to file fraudulent UI claims in the names of other individuals, diverting vital taxpayer resources away from unemployed American workers in dire need of UI benefits. These guilty pleas affirm the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the UI program. We are grateful for our many law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Dana Johnson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
The Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and the FBI investigated this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandro Abreu and Scott Zarzycki.
Sharon Resident Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Cocaine, Fentanyl, and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Sharon, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 108 months in federal prison on his conviction of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin trafficking crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Nicholas Ostheimer, 26. Judge Bissoon also ordered Ostheimer to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Ostheimer previously pleaded guilty in this case to (1) conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and 100 grams or more of heroin between June 2020 and June 2021; (2) distributing cocaine on November 18, 2020; and (3) possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of cocaine base on June 17, 2021. According to information presented to the Court, Ostheimer conspired to and did distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin throughout much of 2020 and 2021, with $58,375 in drug trafficking proceeds, 859 grams of cocaine, and wrappers for kilograms of cocaine among the items found in his residence on June 17, 2021.
Assistant United States Attorneys Craig W. Haller and Benjamin C. Dobkin prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Pennsylvania State Police; Lawrence County Drug Task Force; Mercer County Drug Task Force; New Castle Police Department; Sharon Police Department; Hermitage Police Department, and Farrell Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ostheimer.
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.
Richmond man caught with machinegun sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to a year and nine months in prison for illegally possessing a machine gun.
According to court documents, on March 25, 2023, Sterling Alexander Davis, 21, failed to stop at the intersection of Orcutt Lane and Kimrod Road and Richmond police performed a traffic stop. Davis told officers there were no firearms in the vehicle, but officers recognized the two passengers in the back seat and knew that they had possessed firearms in previous encounters. The officers checked both backseat passengers and found firearms in their pants.
The officers then performed a protective sweep of the vehicle for additional weapons and located a 9mm handgun under the driver seat. The handgun was equipped with a laser guide and an extended magazine. The firearm also included a machinegun conversion device (MCD) that rendered it capable of fully automatic fire, meeting the legal definition of a machinegun.
After Davis was arrested, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his cellphone. The search revealed text messages dating back two years in which Davis discussed buying and selling MCDs, claiming he had both the “built-in” and the “regular” type that replace the backplate of the firearm.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police; and Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Groover, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-32.
Representative John Rogers Sentenced in Fraud Case Involving the Jefferson County Community Service FundRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama State Representative John Rogers was sentenced today to 13 months in prison for his role in the scheme to defraud the Jefferson County Community Service Fund, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman.
U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced John Westley Rogers, Jr., 83, of Birmingham, to the custodial term. In March, Rogers pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. These charges arise from an investigation of wrongdoing in connection with the Jefferson County Community Service Fund.
On Friday, U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Varrie Johnson Kindall, Rogers’s former assistant and companion, 59, of Chelsea, Alabama, and former Representative Fred L. Plump, Jr., 77, of Birmingham, Alabama Kindall was sentenced to 36 months in prison and Plump was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison. In February 2024, Kindall pleaded guilty to conspiring with Rogers and to defraud the Fund. Plump also pleaded guilty to conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges in June 2023 and resigned from the Alabama House of Representatives.
According to the plea agreement, in 2015 the Alabama Legislature passed Alabama Act No. 2015-226 (the “Act”) and authorized the Jefferson County Commission to levy and distribute a one percent sales tax and a one percent use tax to benefit the public welfare and enhance the education of the children of Jefferson County. Jefferson County began levying the new taxes in or about August 2017. The Act required the County to distribute the tax revenue according to certain specified priorities, including paying debt incurred during school construction, increasing the County’s general fund, giving funds to each board of education serving students in the County, and for certain other purposes set forth in the Act.
The Act created the Jefferson County Community Service Fund (the “Fund”), which was subsidized by approximately $3.6 million annually from the new taxes. The Act also created the Jefferson County Community Service Committee (the “Committee”), the four members of which were elected by members of the Jefferson County House and Senate delegations. The Committee was responsible for ensuring that the Fund was used only for the purposes set forth in the Act, which included to support public entities and projects such as schools, libraries, museums, parks, zoos, neighborhood associations, athletic facilities, youth sports associations, road construction, the performing arts, police departments, the sheriff’s office, fire departments, and certain nonprofit entities. Each Representative and Senator representing Jefferson County could make recommendations to the Committee of expenditures from their allotted amount of the Fund. These recommendations were made on a form created by the Committee that required certain certifications by the legislator. The organization receiving the funds was required to submit information about the organization and confirm that it intended to use the money for a public purpose. During each fiscal year from 2018 to 2022, each Representative was allocated approximately $100,000 and each Senator was allocated approximately $240,000 from the Fund.
The plea agreement identifies certain relevant parties. Defendant John Rogers was a long-serving member of the Alabama House of Representatives. Fred L. Plump, Jr. served as the Executive Director of the Piper Davis Youth Baseball League (“Piper Davis”), a nonprofit organization that claimed to provide a positive sporting experience for inner city youth in Jefferson County. Varrie Johnson Kindall was Rogers’ personal and professional assistant. Individual #1 was the Founder of Organization #1.
Between fiscal year 2018 and fiscal year 2022, Defendant Rogers was allocated approximately $500,000 by the Fund. Rogers directed approximately $400,000 of those discretionary funds to Piper Davis. In turn, Plump gave approximately $200,000 to Rogers and Kindall as a kickback.
From March 2019, and continuing through April 2023, Rogers and Kindall conspired with Plump to defraud and obtain money from the Fund. It was part of the conspiracy that Rogers, with Kindall’s assistance, recommended during each fiscal year that most of his allotment of Fund money be paid to Piper Davis. In turn, Plump agreed to pay kickbacks to Rogers and Kindall. Rogers, Kindall, and Plump submitted false and fraudulent information to the Committee about Piper Davis’s intended use of Fund money, and Rogers’s certifications on the request forms were false. Upon receipt and deposit of Fund checks, Plump gave checks to Rogers and Kindall for approximately one-half of the amount of Fund money received by Piper Davis. The second superseding indictment also alleges that, in 2019, Rogers directed Fund money to Organization #1 and Kindall then required Individual #1 to pay kickbacks.
Additionally, after learning about the federal investigation into the fraud scheme, Rogers and Kindall attempted to obstruct justice by offering a witness grant money as a bribe and otherwise trying to corruptly persuade the witness to give false information to federal agents. Rogers also persuaded Kindall to agree that she would accept full responsibility for the crimes and falsely tell federal investigators that Rogers did not participate in the scheme in exchange for Rogers’s promise to take care of personal issues for Kindall if she went to prison. As part of that agreement, Rogers had Kindall give false statements to investigators and prosecutors during a meeting at the United States Attorney’s Office on May 25, 2023.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated the case, with assistance from the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys George Martin, Catherine Crosby, and Ryan Rummage prosecuted the case.
Recorded Sale of Fentanyl Leads to 7-Year Sentence for Portland Drug DealerRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Tyler Campbell, 39, to 84 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. He was also ordered to forfeit $2,189 in drug proceeds found in his possession at the time of his arrest. Campbell pleaded guilty on February 15, 2024.
According to court records, in February 2023, a cooperating source made arrangements with Campbell to purchase methamphetamine. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) testing later revealed that the 84 grams of methamphetamine purchased was 100% pure. DEA investigators directed the source to arrange another buy. During this second transaction, Campbell sold the source 99.2 grams of fentanyl. Both transactions were recorded and filmed. Campbell was carrying additional drugs at the time of his arrest, including 142.6 grams of pure methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia and a large amount of cash.
The DEA investigated the case.
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President of North Carolina-Based Entertainment Company Agrees to Plead Guilty to Embezzling from Television ProductionRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A New York man who is the president of an entertainment production company based in North Carolina has agreed to plead guilty to a federal criminal charge for embezzling more than $200,000 from a television production.
David Ozer, 58, of Roslyn Heights, New York, was charged via information with one count of wire fraud. In a plea agreement also filed today, Ozer agreed to plead guilty to the felony offense, which carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
Ozer is expected to make his initial appearance in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks.
As alleged in the information, Ozer is a producer and the president of Strong Studios Inc., a production company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also is the producer of “Safehaven,” a supernatural thriller television series. According to his plea agreement, Ozer defrauded Ravenwood-Productions LLC, the principal financial backer of “Safehaven” by misappropriating approximately $214,486 in production funds from bank accounts for the production.
To create the false appearance that the funds he embezzled were spent on legitimate production costs, Ozer created fraudulent accounting records, including falsified invoices, and forged a letter purportedly from his accountant. In reality, Ozer’s accountant did not write the letter, the contents of the letter were false, and Ozer used his accountant’s name without his accountant’s authorization.
Ozer provided these falsified documents to a lawyer for Strong Studios and caused him to transmit them in an email on January 3, 2024, to an attorney for Ravenwood-Productions.
The FBI is investigating this case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander B. Schwab of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force and Matt Coe-Odess of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.
Ponte Vedra Man Posing as Tutor Charged with Attempting to Entice A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kevin Patrick Wilson (39, Ponte Vedra) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempted enticement and coercion of a minor. If convicted, Wilson faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Wilson was arrested on July 24, 2025, and ordered detained pending trial.
According to court documents, on July 20, 2024, a social media user posted a public message in a Facebook group seeking a tutor for a child. On the day of the post, an individual, posing as a woman, but later identified as Wilson, reached out and directed the poster to contact her “husband,” Wilson, by text message. The poster contacted Wilson and had a short text conversation. The poster said she was seeking tutoring assistance for an 11-year-old child. Wilson sent a photo of himself and asked for a photo of the child. The text conversation ended shortly thereafter. The poster later contacted the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office about the interaction.
On July 24, 2024, an undercover detective posing as the guardian of a 12-year-old female “child” reached out to Wilson about tutoring services for the “child.” After the undercover detective initiated the conversation, Wilson began discussing sexual topics involving the “child” and meeting the “child” to perform sexual acts with the “child.” Wilson also spoke to undercover detectives portraying the 12-year-old female child via phone and text message. Wilson and the undercover detective portraying the guardian of the “child” ultimately agreed to meet at a predetermined location during the evening of July 24, 2024, for Wilson to engage in sexual acts with the “child.” Wilson traveled to the predetermined meeting location that evening and was arrested.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has violated federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Pineville Woman Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping, Murder of Pregnant Arkansas Woman and Unborn ChildRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Pineville, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to the kidnapping and murder of a pregnant Arkansas woman and her victim’s unborn child.
“This horrific crime resulted in the tragic deaths of two innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “Today’s guilty plea holds this defendant accountable for her actions and ensures that justice will be served. She is now subject to a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison without parole.”
Amber Waterman, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to one count of kidnapping resulting in death and one count of thereby causing the death of a child in utero.
By pleading guilty, Waterman admitted that she kidnapped Ashley Bush in order to claim her unborn child, Valkyrie Willis, as her own. Waterman transported Ashley Bush from Maysville, Ark., to Pineville. The kidnapping resulted in the deaths of both Ashley Bush and Valkyrie Willis.
Waterman admitted that, using a false name, she began having contact via Facebook with Bush, who was approximately 31 weeks pregnant. Waterman pretended to help Bush obtain employment, suggesting she had a job opportunity for her. That prompted an in-person meeting between the two women on Oct. 28, 2022, at the Gravette, Ark., public library. They agreed to meet again on Oct. 31, 2022.
On Oct. 31, 2022, at roughly 11:45 a.m., Bush met Waterman at the Handi-Stop convenience store in Maysville, Ark. Under the pretext that Waterman was taking her to meet a supervisor to further discuss employment, Bush got into a truck driven by Waterman. Waterman then kidnapped and abducted Bush, driving her from Maysville to the Waterman residence in Pineville.
At about 5 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2022, first responders reported to the Longview store in Pineville for an emergency call of a baby who was not breathing. Waterman admitted that she claimed to first responders that she had given birth to the child in the truck while on the way to the hospital. But in reality, she admitted, the child was Bush’s child, who died in utero, as a result of Waterman’s kidnapping that resulted in the death of Bush.
An autopsy indicated that Bush died as a result of penetrating trauma of the torso and her death was classified as a homicide.
Under federal statutes, Waterman is subject to a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison without parole on each count. The sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on Oct 15, 2024.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie L. Wan and James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, the Benton County, Ark., Sheriff’s Department, and the McDonald County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Arkansas and the Benton County, Ark., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Pennsylvania Resident Admits Defrauding Allied World Insurance CompanyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES KEATING, 52, of Paoli, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to an offense stemming from a fraud scheme against his former employer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Keating was an Assistant Vice President and surety bond claims handler at Allied World Insurance Company (“Allied World”). He later served in the same capacity at Crum and Forster subsidiary U.S. Fire Insurance Company, where he also handled claims on Allied World surety bonds. All surety bond claims were handled through Allied World’s offices in Farmington, Connecticut.
Between 2017 and 2021, Keating defrauded Allied World in two ways. First, he used a shell company, American Construction & Industrial LLC, to bill Allied World for unnecessary claims work that was not performed and took the proceeds for himself. Second, he solicited and received kickbacks from Allied World vendors through another Keating-owned company, Surety Risk Solutions (also known as “SRS” or “SR5”), without the knowledge of his employer. Keating also caused these vendors to use another company in which he had an undisclosed ownership interest, Kodiak Asset Recovery, for asset searches at vastly inflated prices. Keating profited nearly $1 million through American Construction & Industrial LLC, more than $350,000 in kickbacks through Surety Risk Solutions, and nearly $125,000 through Kodiak Asset Recovery.
Keating pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Keating has agreed to pay restitution of $1,226,603.97, which represents the loss to Allied World of $1,446,491.95, less $219,887.98 that he previously repaid as part of a civil judgment.
Keating is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.
Passaic County Man Admits Illegally Possessing CocaineRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man today admitted illegally possessing cocaine for distribution, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Luis Cepeda-Capellan, 27, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to an information charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Feb. 26, 2021, law enforcement officers recovered a total of over five kilograms of cocaine from a vehicle he was driving. Cepeda-Capellan admitted possessing the controlled substances with the intent to distribute.
The narcotics offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 10, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, which comprises special agents and task force officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York City Police Department, and New York State Police, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea D. Coleman of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.
cepedacapellan.information.pdfOrlando Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Luis Miguel Plaza (33, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Plaza faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration used an undercover agent and confidential informants to conduct multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Plaza. During two controlled purchases in August 2023 and January 2024, Plaza sold the undercover agent and a confidential informant a total of over 1,100 pills weighing approximately 115 grams and containing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl. In February 2024, a confidential informant arranged for another fentanyl transaction with Plaza. At the time of his arrest, Plaza was in possession of over 7,000 pills weighing approximately 750 grams and containing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, which he intended to sell to the confidential informant.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.
Orlando Man Charged with Disposing and Transferring Several Real Properties and A Vehicle to Prevent Government SeizureRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Christopher Switlyk (45, Orlando) on an indictment charging him with four counts of removal of property to prevent government seizure. If convicted, Switlyk faces up to five years in federal prison on each count.
According to the indictment, Switlyk, before, during, or after the seizure of property by investigators of the United States Marshals Service, persons authorized to make such seizure, knowingly disposed of and transferred three real properties and a vehicle, for the purpose of preventing and impairing the government’s lawful authority to take said property into its custody and control.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.
Download IndictmentOklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 15 Years in Federal Prison after Illegally Possessing Firearm & Shooting at Police OfficerRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, MICHAEL ANTHONY WILSON, II, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 180 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm following a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On November 20, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Wilson with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to public record, in October 2023, as an Oklahoma City police officer completed an unrelated report, his patrol unit was struck by gunfire. The officer was inside the car at the time of the shooting and suffered minor injuries. Public record further reflects that Wilson fired a total of six shots. After speaking with witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage, officers located and arrested Wilson.
Public record further reflects that Wilson has previous felony convictions for kidnapping and domestic assault and battery in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2018-21, and second-degree burglary and unauthorized use of a vehicle in Canadian County District Court case number CF-2015-153.
On February 7, 2024, Wilson pleaded guilty, and admitted he possessed the firearm despite his prior criminal record.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacquelyn M. Hutzell and Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
North Fort Myers Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Child Sexual Abuse Images OffensesRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Caleb Robert Wien (22, North Fort Myers) to six years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. He was also sentenced to a 20-year term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Wien pleaded guilty on January 24, 2024.
According to court documents, from May 16, 2023, through September 7, 2023, Wien possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that he sought out and collected through the use of social media apps.
Beginning in May 2023, the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received three cybertips from an electronic service provider reporting that Wien was involved in the possession of child sexual abuse material.
On September 7, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Wien’s residence and seized Wien’s cellphone. During an interview with agents, Wien stated that he had been viewing CSAM for two years and admitted to using two social media apps to view and save CSAM. Wien admitted to saving CSAM to a secured folder on his cell phone and provided the passcode for the secured folder. Wien further admitted to using three email addresses to log into the different platforms to search for CSAM. A subsequent forensic examination of Wien’s cell phone revealed images and videos of CSAM.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Nigerian National Pleads Guilty to Romance and Pandemic Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Nigerian national pleaded guilty on July 26, 2024 in federal court in Boston to his role in an expansive online fraud scheme targeting individuals in the United States, including pandemic relief fraud, romance scams and other online scams.
Amowie Kelvin Imatitikua, 37, who previously lived in the Boston area, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of bank fraud conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Nov. 6, 2024. Imatitikua was indicted on Dec. 12, 2023.
Imatitikua opened multiple bank accounts in the names of fake people using fraudulent foreign passports and used those accounts to receive the proceeds from various frauds perpetrated by his alleged co-conspirators, including pandemic relief fraud, romance scams and other online scams. In total, between approximately 2019 and 2021, Imatitikua received more than $400,000 in fraud proceeds.The charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Supervisory Special Agent Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Markham and Benjamin A. Saltzman of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are 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.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New London Man Admits Distributing Heroin While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRUZ J. BONILLA, 40, of New London, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a narcotics trafficking offense, and admitted that he violated the conditions of supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2014, Bonilla was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 68 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing heroin. He was released from federal prison in October 2019.
On four occasions between March and May 2020, while he was on federal supervised release, Bonilla sold heroin to an undercover law enforcement officer. He was arrested on related state charges on June 25, 2020.
Bonilla pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on October 31, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years for the offense, and additional penalties for the violating the conditions of his supervised release.
Bonilla has been detained since his federal arrest on August 26, 2020.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Natasha M. Freismuth.
Naugatuck Resident Admits Operating Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL MUZZI, 27, a citizen of Brazil residing in Naugatuck, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to an offense stemming from an investment fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2017 and 2018, Muzzi, at times using two entities he formed, Solace Investments LLC and Asseno LLC, induced victim-investors to provide him funds based on the representation he would use the funds for trading currencies in foreign exchange markets using a trading software program that he told his victims he had developed. Muzzi represented to victims that his software program had a feature that would cause trading to cease in the event of a certain loss in value, thus minimizing downside risk. Muzzi failed to invest a substantial portion of invested funds as he represented, and instead diverted those funds for his own personal use, and to pay other individuals who had invested with him. Through this scheme, Muzzi defrauded at least 10 victim-investors out of what the government alleges totaled more than $550,000.
Muzzi sent victims fabricated monthly account statements that falsely overstated their return on investment and their account balances. These misrepresentations induced some victim-investors to provide him with additional investment funds. Muzzi also provided victims with purported tax documents reflecting fictitious investment profits, causing victims to report and pay taxes on profits that they had not realized.
In response to victim complaints, the State of Connecticut’s Department of Banking investigated Muzzi’s conduct, issued orders finding that Muzzi and Solace Investments had violated state securities laws, ordered them to make restitution to victims, and fined Muzzi $300,000. On September 6, 2020, Muzzi traveled to Brazil and did not return.
On August 23, 2022, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Muzzi with fraud and money laundering offenses. Muzzi was arrested on April 1, 2023, in Panama, and subsequently waived his right to contest his extradition to the U.S.
Muzzi pleaded guilty to wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for October 22. Muzzi is released on a $150,000 pending sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Banking, Securities Division.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked Interpol and Panamanian authorities for their assistance in apprehending this defendant, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for coordinating the extradition proceedings in this matter.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Michael S. McGarry.
Murfreesboro Restaurant Agrees to Pay $352,000 to Settle Allegations it Violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by Discriminating Against Children with Disabilities Just After the Anniversary of the ADARead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee announced today that the United States has reached an agreement with Good Times Restaurants, Inc. to resolve allegations that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). Good Times is alleged to have denied service to a group of children who use wheelchairs and their parents who were in Murfreesboro, Tennessee to attend a youth wheelchair basketball tournament. As part of the settlement, Good Times has agreed to pay eight families a sum of $34,000 each, and a civil penalty of $80,000, for a total settlement payment of $352,000.
In addition to monetary relief under the settlement, the agreement also requires Good Times to adopt new ADA compliance measures, including new policies at its restaurants and ADA compliance training for its employees.
The United States alleged that restaurant staff at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar in Murfreesboro, which is owned by Good Times, refused to seat and serve a group of parents and their minor children who use wheelchairs, claiming that the group was a fire hazard. The families were visiting Murfreesboro to attend a youth wheelchair basketball tournament. The parents offered to sit in separate groups even though the restaurant was less than half full at the time. Multiple other patrons walked out of the restaurant after observing the conduct of the restaurant employees toward the parents and children. After the restaurant refused to seat them, the group ate at another restaurant in Murfreesboro without issue.
“Children using wheelchairs should be able to eat at restaurants just like anybody else,” said United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis. “We are committed to protecting the civil rights of children with disabilities, including the right to be free from discrimination by restaurants and other public accommodations. The settlement announced today does just that for the children denied service by Bad Daddy’s.”
Title III of the ADA prohibits public accommodations, such as restaurants, from discriminating against people on the basis of disability, or their association with an individual with a disability, in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods or services offered.
Assistant United States Attorneys Michael C. Tackeff and Emily Harake in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee investigated the complaint and negotiated the Settlement Agreement in collaboration with the Disability Rights Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
The civil claims settled by this Settlement Agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
The ADA was passed on July 26, 1990, 34 years ago last week. The Act reaffirmed our nation’s commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities have the right to live, work, and full participate in the community alongside their fellow citizens.
More information about the ADA is available at the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and via the ADA website at http://www.ada.gov or through contacting the U.S. Attorney’s civil rights hotline at 313-226-9151. ADA complaints may be filed by email to [email protected].
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Missouri Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child While in Vernon County JailRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Missouri man, who was an inmate at the Vernon County, Mo., jail at the time of his offense, was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a child.
Houston Wade Young, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to life in federal prison without parole.
On Jan. 30, 2024, Houston Young pleaded guilty to one count of the sexual exploitation of a minor. His wife, co-defendant Jessica Ann Young, 33, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty on March 11, 2024, to two counts of the sexual exploitation of a minor and awaits sentencing.
On March 5, 2020, Houston Young, while an inmate at the Vernon County jail, was found to be in possession of a cell phone that contained images of child pornography. Young was being detained pending a civil proceeding to determine whether he should be civilly committed as a sexually violent predator for his prior sex offense convictions.
On March 7, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Jessica Young had sent pornographic images of a 7-year-old child (identified in court documents as “John Doe 1”) to Houston Young’s cell phone. Investigators found text messages on the cell phone between Jessica and Houston Young that discussed sexually abusing John Doe 1. During the text messages, Jessica Young sent Houston Young two pornographic images of John Doe 1. Multiple other images of child pornography sent by Jessica Young also were found on Houston Young’s cell phone.
Jessica Young admitted she had sexually abused two child victims, John Doe 1 and 13-year-old John Doe 2, on multiple occasions. Jessica Young also admitted that she had recorded video of herself sexually abusing John Doe 2.
A forensic analysis of Houston Young’s cell phone also determined that he sent images of child pornography to Jessica Young and a 16-year-old child victim (identified in court documents as “Jane Doe”). Houston Young sent pornographic images of himself to Jane Doe, solicited child pornographic images of her that she sent to him, and engaged in sexual conversations. Jane Doe told investigators she met Houston Young on a game room chat, League of Legends, and started talking via that forum. They communicated via text, the Kik and Whatsapp applications, and video chat.
Houston Young was involuntarily committed to the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Sex Offender Rehabilitation and Treatment Services program in February 2021. He has two prior felony convictions related to the sexual exploitation of children. He was convicted of child molestation in Wright County, Mo., in 2005 and of possessing child pornography in Jackson County, Mo., in 2016.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Vernon County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Investigations.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Middlesex County Man Found Guilty of Fentanyl and Heroin Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey man was convicted for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Kenneth Strickland, 57, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was convicted on July 29, 2024, of all six counts of a superseding indictment: one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin, and five counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning the guilty verdict following an eight-day trial before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
From Nov. 12, 2019, through June 30, 2020, Strickland was a member of a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing bulk quantities of fentanyl in Paterson, New Brunswick, and other areas of New Jersey. Strickland engaged in 16 drug sales to an undercover police officer, during which he sold brick quantities of fentanyl containing hundreds of doses of the deadly drug stamped with labels such as “MY SHADOW,” “DEATH ROW,” and “VENOM.” Law enforcement learned that Strickland was sourcing his drug supply from the drug trafficking organization and selling to multiple other customers in New Jersey as part of his membership in the organization. On June 30, 2020, law enforcement lawfully searched locations in Paterson and Passaic associated with the drug trafficking organization, where they recovered more than 350 additional grams of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia, such as stamping tools that corresponded to those found on fentanyl that Strickland sold to the undercover detective.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum potential sentence of life in prison, as well as a $10 million fine. The charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 12, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz in Newark; special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolando Ciccone, with the investigation leading to the guilty verdict.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Graham and Garrett Schuman of the Criminal Division in Newark.
Middle District of Florida Prosecutors Indict 61 Firearms and Violent Crime Defendants During Third Quarter of 2024 as Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the results of the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, ending on June 30, 2024, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida indicted 61 defendants. These individuals face federal firearms, narcotics, and violent crime charges. Law enforcement seized approximately 79 firearms associated with these defendants. (See chart for case details)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Members of the Office spoke with hundreds of middle and high school students during the third quarter of 2024 during different presentations and programs. Prosecutors spoke to more than 100 inmates at re-entry events at Lawtey Correctional Institute and Baker Re-Entry Center, two state prison facilities in the Middle District. Prosecutors also spoke to recently released inmates at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office DISMAS program at the Jacksonville Bridge Community Release Center.
“Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders as part of our joint effort to make our communities safer.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based re-entry programs to reduce recidivism.
Q3 PSN case highlights:
United States v. Grant Elmore Davis, Jr. (Ft. Myers)
In April 2024, Grant Elmore Davis, Jr. was sentenced to life plus 25 years in federal prison for armed bank robbery, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Davis, Jr. entered a bank in Fort Myers on October 31, 2023, and discharged a firearm while making verbal demands for money from a teller. After obtaining money from the teller, Davis, Jr. fled the bank but was subsequently apprehended by law enforcement. Davis, Jr. had a prior federal bank robbery conviction in November 2001. This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
United States v. Jose Dominguez (Jacksonville)
In June 2024, Jose Dominguez was charged with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. According to the indictment, Dominguez completed the required ATF Form 4473 during the attempted purchase of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Dominguez indicated on the paperwork that he had not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and that he had not been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. According to court records, Dominguez was previously convicted of misdemeanor domestic battery and three crimes punishable by more than one year of imprisonment, including grand theft and two drug offenses. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
United States v. William Scott Fogg (Ocala)
In May 2024, William Scott Fogg pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Fogg, a four-time convicted felon in the state system, faces up to 15 years in federal prison when he is sentenced in August 2024. According to court documents, on August 28, 2023, Fogg entered a vehicle driven by a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship. Fogg reached into the vehicle’s center console, removed a pistol, and loaded a round of ammunition. He placed the pistol to his temple, telling the woman that he was “pushed to the edge.” Fogg then threatened to shoot himself, the woman, and her two children, both of whom were in the vehicle. Responding Lake County deputies arrested Fogg and recovered the loaded firearm. This case was investigated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
United States v. Jordanish Torres Garcia, Kevin Ocasio Justiniano, Giovany Crespo Hernandez and Dereck Rodriguez Bonilla (Orlando)
In June 2024, Jordanish Torres Garcia, Kevin Ocasio Justiniano, Giovany Crespo Hernandez, and Dereck Alexis Rodriguez Bonilla were each charged with carjacking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing the death of K.A. According to the indictment, the charged individuals aided and abetted each other and others to carjack and kidnap K.A, resulting in the death of K.A. If convicted, each faces a minimum mandatory of life imprisonment or the death penalty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the St. Cloud Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Marshal Service.
United States v. Antonio McCray (Tampa)
On June 20, 2024, Antonio McCray was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison—the maximum sentence allowed by law—for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense. According to court records, McCray was a member of the “2x” gang in Hernando County. In September and October 2022, McCray planned to carry out a murder against a rival gang member. On at least two occasions, McCray and his fellow gang members went to a residence in Hernando County, ultimately surrounding the house and shooting the windows, front door, and back sliding door. Two minor children were present at the time of the shooting, and bullets came through the window of a 9-year-old girl’s room. In October 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. McCray was seated in the backseat of the car, and in possession of a Hellcat Pistol. McCray’s DNA was found on the firearm, and FDLE revealed a correlation between the firearm and shell casings recovered from one of the shootings. At the time, McCray had multiple prior felony convictions and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This was investigated by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
3rd Quarter
Marquis Kitchen
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Andrew Hines
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Timothy Barrett, Jr.
Possession with intent to distribute marijuana
Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Sammie Ray Sewell, Jr.
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Vincent Wardlow
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Pat Darcey, Simon Eth, and Mark Morgan.
Jacksonville Division
3rd Quarter
Jose Dominguez
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm
Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.
(0)
D’Eante Corker
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Desmend Williams Cunningham
Selling a firearm to a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm
Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.
(0)
Jackson Richard Perint
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Jonathan Scott Thompson
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Juan Pablo Trejo-Gonzalez
Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
(1)
Anthony Rodiguez, Jr.
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Brian O’Neil Ford
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Christopher John Murchinson
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm
Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.
(0)
Christopher O’Neal Houser
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Dedric Dwayne Rivers
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: up to 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Earl Clarence Grant, Jr.
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Loranzia Outin III
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(2)
Mack Daniel Mims, III
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison
(4)
Matthew Reid Davisson
Unlawful possession of a machine gun
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
Possession of an unregistered silencer and unregistered destructive devices
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison
(8)
Patrick Wayne McGregor
Possession of unregistered firearms
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
(1)
Terrich Sentell Buckholtz
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Todd Wade Powers
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.
(2)
Trevor Brian Perry
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm
Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.
(0)
Vance Perry
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm
Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.
(0)
Derrick Tisdale
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Elisibeth Adams, John Cannizzaro, Brenna Falzetta, Kevin Frein, Rachel Lasry, Chip Corsmeier, Kirwinn Mike, Laura Taylor, Kelly Milliron, David Mesrobian, and Frank Talbot.
Ocala Division
3rd Quarter
James J. Vega, Jr.
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Timothy Lee King
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Juan Dionicio Romero-Mendez
Possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the United States
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Lewis Tinson, Jr.
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(3)
Anthony Donnell Pew
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(2)
Andre Jones
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Joshua Walter Fries
Possession of an unregistered silencer
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
Possession of a machine gun
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
(3)
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Hannah Nowalk, Sarah Swartzberg, and Belkis Crockett.
Tampa Division
3rd Quarter
Alfredo Davila, Jr.
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(0)
Robert Pugh
Leon Williams
Possession of firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: life in federal prison and minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
(2)
Alex Jones
Jhakheem Smith
Hobbs Act robbery
Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.
Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence during the commission of the robbery
Maximum penalty: life in federal prison.
(0)
Phillip Michael Valeriani
Smuggling machinegun conversion devices into the United States
Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.
Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
Possession of unregistered machineguns and a silencer
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
(0)
Jermonte Jerome Thornton
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: life in federal prison and a minimum mandatory of 15 years under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
(1)
Terry McDonald, Jr.
Possession of firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Maximum penalty: life in federal prison. Mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.
(1)
Elijah Kevon Gay
Possession of firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(2)
Cornelius Mack
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl
Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.
Possession of a machine gun
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Maximum penalty: life in federal prison. Mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.
(3)
Shmar Armeze Gentle
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
(1)
Wayne Lamar Davis
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: life in federal prison and a mandatory minimum of 15 years under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
(1)
Darrel V. Edwards
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: life in federal prison and a mandatory minimum of 15 years under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
(1)
Calvin Maurice Richardson
Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine
Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to life in federal prison.
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Maximum penalty:15 years in federal prison.
(2)
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Jeff Chang, Samantha Newman, David Sullivan, Michael Kenneth, and SAUSA Ashley Haynes.
Orlando Division
3rd Quarter
Marlon Leodre Lockhart
Hobbs Act robbery, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum mandatory penalty of 28 years, up to life in federal prison.
(1)
George Andrew Pherai-Bogeajis
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and the seizure of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine, pressed pills, firearms, and drug proceeds
Maximum penalty: life in federal prison.
(4)
Jordonish Garcia Torres
Carjacking resulting in death
Maximum penalty: death penalty or life in federal prison.
(0)
Tyrone Jose Beltran Lugo
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
Maximum penalty: life in federal prison.
(0)
Rovonte Lamar Daniels
Frederick Lee Brown
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon,
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(2)
Lee Ann Roberts
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of unregistered machineguns and silencers
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison for possession of firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and up to 10 years in federal prison for procession of unregistered machineguns and silencers.
(3)
Joshua Grant Cobb
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum mandatory penalty: 15 years, up to life in federal prison.
(7)
Giovany Joel Crespo Hernandez
Monicasabel Romero Soto
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.
Use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Minimum mandatory penalty: 5 years, up to 40 years in federal prison.
(2)
Jordanish Torres Garcia
Kevin Ocasio Justiniano
Giovany Crespo Hernandez
Dereck Alexis Rodriguez Bonilla
Carjacking resulting in death
Minimum mandatory penalty of life in federal prison or the death penalty.
Kidnapping resulting in death
Minimum mandatory penalty of life in federal prison or the death penalty.
Use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death
Minimum mandatory penalty of life in federal prison or the death penalty.
Use of firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death
Minimum mandatory penalty of life in federal prison or the death penalty.
(0)
Nijah Mitchell
Dany Telfort
Hobbs Act robberies (4 counts)
Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison per count.
Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence during the commission of the robbery (Mitchell 4 counts, Telfort 2 counts)
Maximum penalty: life in federal prison per count.
(2)
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Lyons, Dana E. Hill, Stephanie McNeff, Michael P. Felicetta, Noah P. Dorman, Richard Varadan, and Megan Testerman.
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
3rd Quarter
James Michael O’Brien
Theft of a firearm from a firearms dealer
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
(1)
Javier Velasquez, Jr.
Distribution of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a machine gun, carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime
Minimum mandatory penalty: 5 years up to life in federal prison.
(5)
Angel Gabriel Hernandez
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Stephon Jamal Dale
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison
(1)
Roberney Julien
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
Maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense
Minimum mandatory penalty: 5 years, up to life in prison.
(1)
Richardson Bien Aime
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Maximum penalty: 40 years in federal prison.
Possession of firearms by a convicted felon
Mandatory minimum: 15 years up to life in federal prison.
(2)
Mark Anthony Taylor, Jr.
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(0)
Caleb Frank Hamm
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(0)
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan, Michael Leeman, and Simon Eth.
Jacksonville Division
3rd Quarter
Jason Harris
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer
Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.
(0)
Allen Tereal Grimes
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(0)
Scott Randall Chance, Jr.
Dealing firearms without a license and knowingly possessing a machine gun
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(8)
Peter Alexander Lawrence
Making false statements and representation to a federally licensed firearms dealer
Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.
(0)
Donald Plemmons
Making a false statement and representation to a federally licensed firearms dealer
Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.
(0)
Jamie Thompson
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer
Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.
(0)
Trillian Mitchell
Unlawful possession of a machine gun
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
(1)
Sedrick Williams, Jr.
Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine
Minimum mandatory penalty: 5 years, up to 40 years in federal prison.
(1)
David Wayne Riddle, Jr.
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Delonte Antonio Martin
Hobbs Act robbery
Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum mandatory penalty: 7 years up to life in federal prison.
(1)
Mar’Kesie Williams
Possession of a machine gun
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
(1)
James Clinton Gilmore, Jr.
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine
Mandatory minimum penalty: 5 years up to 40 years in federal prison.
(5)
Kameron Lee Ingram
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Matthew Junior Rice
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: up to 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Ralph Eric Lanham
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
William Earl Union, Jr.
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(2)
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Frank Talbot, Kevin C. Frein, Aakash Singh, Brenna Falzetta, Kirwinn Mike, John Cannizzaro, Michael Coolican, and Elisibeth Adams.
Ocala Division
3rd Quarter
Frank Thomas Diviak
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Jerome Junior Swopshire
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Michael Andrew Zallen
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon.
Maximum penalty: up to 15 years in federal prison.
(2)
William Scott Fogg
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Jordan Karod Goodman
Possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Robert Edward Smith
Possession of an unregistered NFA weapon
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
(3)
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Hannah Nowalk, Sarah Swartzberg, William S. Hamilton, and Belkis Crockett.
Tampa Division
3rd Quarter
Gabriel Gladman
Making false statement to a federally licensed dealer to acquire a firearm
Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.
Unlawfully transferring a handgun to a juvenile
Maximum penalty: 1 year in federal prison.
(0)
Cleveland Sanders
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(0)
Johnny Flores
Hobbs Act robbery (3 counts)
Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison per count.
(0)
Richard Allen Randolph
Hobbs Act robberies (3 counts) Attempted robbery
Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison per count.
Brandishing a firearm (3 counts)
Discharging a firearm during the commission of the robberies
Maximum penalty: 25 years in federal prison per count.
(0)
Xavier Camacho
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Enock Edouard
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Leoon Ricky Davis
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Lennard Rashard Monroe
Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine
Mandatory minimum: 5 years up to 40 years in federal prison.
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine
Mandatory minimum: 5 years up to 40 years in federal prison.
(4)
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Maria Guzman, Brooke Padgett, David W.A. Chee, Michael Kenneth, and David P. Sullivan.
Orlando Division
3rd Quarter
Jamal Joseph Mala Leonardo
Possession or transfer of a machinegun and dealing in firearms without of license
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(2)
Reginald Dugger, Jr.
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(2)
Brandon Eugene Brooke
Dealing in firearms without a license
Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.
(1)
Shawndell Johnson
Distribution of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Mandatory minimum penalty: 15 years, up to life in federal prison.
(2)
Dana Hunter Calley
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of unregistered silencers.
Maximum penalty: 35 years in federal prison.
(1)
Chad Earl Cotsamire
Conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce
Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.
(0)
Edward Charlesalton Chappell
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Minimum mandatory penalty: 15 years, up to life in federal prison under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
(2)
George Andrew Pherai-Bogeajis
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of that conduct
Minimum mandatory penalty: 15 years, up to life in federal prison.
(4)
Luis Rosado
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(3)
Benjamin Garmon, Jr.
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Dominick Yvon Louissaint
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael Felicetta, Noah P. Dorman, Megan Testerman, Diana Hu, Dana E. Hill, Michael Sartoian, Kara Wick, Richard Varadan, and SAUSA Matthew Del Mastro.
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
3rd Quarter
Grant Elmore Davis, Jr.
Armed bank robbery, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: Life plus 25 years in federal prison.
(1)
Marvin Harris, Jr. a/k/a “Mesh”
Conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and murder for hire
Sentence imposed: 45 years in federal prison.
(2)
Jonnetric Devontae Ivey
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 1 year, 9 months in federal prison.
(1)
Ernest Jeshad Foster
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 10 months in federal prison.
(1)
Jddarrian Christopher Irons
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 10 months in federal prison.
(1)
Willie Hunter, Jr.
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 3 years in federal prison.
(1)
Coroy Dontavia Flournoy
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 5 months in federal prison.
(1)
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan, Michael Leeman, and Simon Eth.
Jacksonville Division
3rd Quarter
Paul Steven Hulbert
Unlawful possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act firearm (sawed-off shotgun).
Sentence imposed: 3 years in federal prison.
(1)
Antonio Jose Melean Reyes
Gabriel Daniel Pinnace
Smuggling firearms outside of the United States
Sentence imposed: 6 years in federal prison.
Smuggling firearms outside of the United States
Sentence imposed: 6 years in federal prison.
(3)
Leonel Bautista Solis
Distribution of fentanyl
Sentence imposed: 7 years, 8 months in federal prison.
(0)
Tomas Oliver Morrison
Making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm
Sentence imposed: 1 year, 9 months in federal prison.
(0)
Sule Pedro
Distribution of methamphetamine
Sentence imposed: 8 years, 3 months in federal prison.
(2)
Andre Lee Long
Distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.
(1)
Diandre Murel
Conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Sentence imposed: 5 years in federal prison.
(3)
Annette Elaine Jones
Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine
Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.
(2)
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Kevin C. Frein, Aakash Singh, John Cannizzaro, David Mesrobian, Kirwinn Mike, and Frank Talbot.
Ocala Division
3rd Quarter
Tyran Terrell Harris
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 2 years in federal prison.
(1)
Michael Latrelle Simpson
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison.
(1)
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Hannah Nowalk and Sarah Swartzberg.
Orlando Division
3rd Quarter
Robert Lee Pringle
Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.
(2)
Angel Ruben Hernandez, Jr.
Failing to record required information about firearms purchases
Sentence imposed: 3 years in federal prison.
(0)
Christie Fier Williams
Smuggling firearms internationally
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison.
(18)
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs Megan Testerman, Dana E. Hill, and Noah P. Dorman.
Tampa Division
3rd Quarter
Donald Robert Smith
Hobbs Act robberies, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to one of the robberies, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to another of the robberies
Sentence imposed: 24 years in federal prison.
(1)
Aaron Diggs
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 2 years, 6 months in federal prison.
(1)
Rodney Jones
Carjacking and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Sentence imposed: 21 years,10 months in federal prison.
(0)
Oscar Freemond Fowler, III
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 12 years, 6 months in federal prison.
(0)
James Battle, Jr.
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the robbery
Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.
(0)
Darius Hudson
Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three Hobbs Act robberies, and brandishing and discharging a firearm during the commission of those robberies
Sentence imposed: 39 years, 2 months in federal prison.
(0)
Christian Perez-Seda
Distribution and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine
Sentence imposed: 24 years, 4 months in federal prison.
(0)
Avery Jones-Neal
Distribution of cocaine
Sentence imposed: 12 years, 7 months in federal prison.
(0)
Gerard Eric Beasley
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 4 years, 9 months in federal prison.
(0)
Elias Xavier Rosario Torres
Veronica Estefania Rodriguez Pinuela
Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 38 years in federal prison.
Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Sentence imposed: 35 years in federal prison.
(1)
Antonio McCray
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 15 years in federal prison.
(1)
Aaron Diggs (25)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 2 years, 6 months in federal prison.
(0)
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Maria Guzman, Christopher Murray, David P. Sullivan, Michael R. Kenneth, Diego F. Novaes, Charlie Connally, David W.A. Chee, Shauna Hale, Maria Guzman, Jeff Chang, James C. Preston, Jr., and Samantha E. Beckman.
Methamphetamine Trafficker from Sabine Parish Sentenced to 12+ Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Rodney Waller, 45, of Many, Louisiana, was sentenced today for distribution of methamphetamine. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Waller to 151 months (12 years, 7 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to information presented in court, law enforcement agents with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Tactical Narcotics Team began an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking activities in the Sabine Parish area. During their investigation on September 1, 2021, Waller met with a confidential informant in the Sabine Parish area and sold methamphetamine to them which was in his possession before selling it. The amount of methamphetamine sold by Waller was found to be 77.2% pure, with a pure substance weight of 4.6 grams. Throughout the course of the investigation, law enforcement agents found Waller to have sold or possessed with intent to sell 55.7 grams of methamphetamine.
Waller was charged in an indictment with distribution of methamphetamine and pleaded guilty to one count on December 13, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William C. Gaskins.
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Mendenhall Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Mendenhall man pled guilty today to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Koda Tye Williamson, 39, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a firearm by the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department during the execution of a search warrant on his home for narcotics distribution and illegal firearms possession. It is a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm. Williamson has previous felony convictions for manslaughter and methamphetamine possession.
Williamson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 29, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Simpson County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted as 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.
Massachusetts Attorney, Three Others Charged in Scheme to Smuggle Contraband into the Wyatt Detention CenterRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – As reflected in court documents unsealed in federal court in Providence today, a Massachusetts attorney, two individuals detained in the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility, and a Connecticut woman have been charged by way of federal criminal complaints for their alleged participation in a scheme to smuggle contraband into the Wyatt Detention Facility, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Attorney Theresa M. DiJoseph, 50, of Woburn, MA, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, providing a prohibited object to an inmate, and making a false statement; Hanasa Stedford, 21, of Hamden, CT, and Wyatt Center detainees Shawn D. Hart, 46, and Samuel Douglas, 26, are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and providing a prohibited object to an inmate.
DiJoseph and Stedford were arrested earlier today and are expected to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence today. Hart, detained at the Wyatt Detention Facility while awaiting trial on drug and firearm offenses charged in the District of Massachusetts, and Douglas, who is awaiting sentencing in U.S. District Court in New Haven, CT, having pleaded guilty in April 2024 to a charge of racketeering conspiracy, will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Providence at a later date.
According to charging documents, during a visit to Wyatt on July 9, 2023, DiJoseph used her credentials as an attorney to meet with Hart in a contact visiting room (a visiting room that does not include a plexiglass screen sometimes used for attorney visits to conduct legal work). Correctional officers later filed an incident report when DiJoseph was found to be acting suspicious and monitoring the correctional officer’s movements.
A review by Wyatt of text messages sent between DiJoseph and Hart on a Wyatt-issued tablet allegedly revealed that DiJoseph had sent Hart personal photos of herself and screenshots showing Cash App or sports-betting transactions that she appeared to have engaged in on Hart’s behalf. She was temporarily prohibited from contact visits with Hart, but later allowed to resume visits.
On December 1, 2023, during an attempted visit with Hart, Wyatt correctional officers seized from DiJoseph 10 sheets of paper that appeared discolored, thicker than normal, and to have been wet and dried, consistent with papers soaked in synthetic marijuana. The papers were later sent to an FBI testing lab that confirmed the presence of Schedule 1 controlled substances.
It is alleged in charging documents that Wyatt detainee Samuel Douglas arranged for his girlfriend, Hanasa Stedford, to meet with DiJoseph outside of the Wyatt Detention Center on December 1, 2023, and to provide DiJoseph with the contaminated papers that were seized from DiJoseph.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by FBI and members of the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center Professional Standards Unit.
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criminal_complaint_and_affidavit_.pdf