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Monday 29 July 2024
Armed Robberies of a Convenience Store and a Fast-Food Restaurant Earn District Man a 90-Month Federal Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Damion Byrd, 21, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 90 months in prison for the armed robberies of two commercial businesses – a convenience store and a fast-food restaurant – in December 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Byrd pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with interstate commerce by robbery (also known as a Hobbs Act robbery) on December 20, 2023, in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia. In addition to the prison term, District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan ordered Byrd to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on December 13, 2022, at 11:41 p.m. Byrd entered a convenience store on the 2300 block of Rhode Island Ave., NE, and asked an employee for juice. The employee told Byrd that the juice was in the refrigerator. Byrd retrieved a bottle of water and walked towards the counter where he tossed a $1 bill. Byrd then pointed a firearm at the employee and stated, “I need the money all the money you have.” The employee emptied the register and handed over the cash.
An hour later, on December 14, 2022, at 12:43 a.m., Byrd drove a silver-colored sedan to the drive-thru window of a fast-food restaurant on the 3900 block of Minnesota Ave., NE. Byrd exited the vehicle, pointed a firearm at a cashier, and said, “Open the register and I won’t shoot.” The cashier ran away. Byrd reached in the window, grabbed the cash register, and fled in the vehicle.
Byrd was arrested in the District on January 11, 2023, and has been detained since.
This case was investigated by MPD officers and FBI agents who collaborated as members of MPD's Violent Crime Suppression Unit and FBI's Washington Field Office's Violent Crimes Task Force.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Paralegal Karla Nunez provided valuable assistance.
23cr0054
Saturday 27 July 2024
Montenegrin Citizen Extradited from Italy to Face Maritime Narcotrafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Milos Radonjic, a citizen of Montenegro, also known as “Pirate of the Unknown,” was extradited yesterday to the Eastern District of New York from Italy. Radonjic, who is charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy and attempt to violate the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, had previously been arrested in Italy on October 6, 2023 pursuant to a provisional arrest warrant, after entering the country to compete in an international yacht race in which he was to captain a racing yacht. Radonjic will be arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn on Monday, July 29, 2024, before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl L. Pollak.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York, and David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, announced the extradition.
“This arrest and successful extradition is a lesson that the high seas are not a no-man’s land for the rule of law, and that we are committed to bringing those who violate it to justice,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Working together with our law enforcement partners and allies around the world, this Office will continue to pursue narcotraffickers who seek to corrupt the critical infrastructure of global shipping to transport their poisonous cargo to our communities.”
Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the United States Marshals Service, the United States Department of State, and Italian law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities, including the Ministry of Justice. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the arrest and extradition of Radonjic.
HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “The defendant’s alleged efforts to utilize the open ocean to transport tons of cocaine were no match for the versatile investigative capabilities of HSI and our law enforcement partners. HSI New York’s El Dorado Task Force is committed to leveraging our international footprint to protect the innocent public – at home, abroad, and in whatever capacity possible. We will relentlessly pursue transnational criminal organizations and their efforts to flout the laws vital to ensuring our communities’ safety and wellbeing.”
“Radonjic and his co-conspirators allegedly transported tons of cocaine across the world using commercial cargo vessels," stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott. “His extradition is a testament to global multiagency efforts to disrupt transnational criminal organizations who traffic drugs by air, land, or sea.”
According to the indictment and court filings, in 2020, Radonjic was a high-ranking member of a large-scale transnational criminal organization that trafficked tons of cocaine across the world using commercial cargo vessels traversing the high seas. Radonjic communicated and coordinated with multiple co-conspirators to arrange multi-ton shipments of cocaine from South America to the Balkans and elsewhere. Radonjic allegedly organized three separate attempts, with the assistance of a corrupt crew member on a commercial cargo vessel, to load a container ship with more than 2,500 kilograms of cocaine in Ecuador and off the coast of Colombia.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment and up to life in prison.
The extradition of Radonjic is the result 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.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Nomi D. Berenson and Robert M. Pollack are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Samuel Ronchetti.
The Defendant:
MILOS RADONJIC (also known as “Pirate of the Unknown”)
Age: 34
MontenegroE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-257 (S-1) (ARR)
Friday 26 July 2024
“Ghostface Gangster” Sentenced to 30 Years for Supplying Meth to a Raleigh-based DTO Run by a Leader of the Pagan Motorcycle GangRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Georgia Ghostface Gangster member was sentenced today to 360 months in prison for supplying a Raleigh-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by a national leader of the Pagan Motorcycle Club with methamphetamine. On November 29, 2023, Ted Cannon, aka “Bam,” pled guilty to one charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Cannon is one of 20 defendants convicted in this operation, which also led to a 75-year sentence for the DTO’s leader.
“This case highlights our comprehensive approach to dismantle the entire drug trafficking networks pumping dangerous narcotics into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This operation put 20 criminals behind bars for their role supplying drugs across Raleigh and the East Coast.”
“ATF has a long history of confronting violent criminal groups and working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt their illegal activities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “We are proud to be part of a collaborative effort to identify, arrest, and prosecute the most dangerous drug and firearm traffickers and stop their threats to our communities.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Cannon, age 49, was identified as a source of supply for methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, other drugs and firearms for Christopher Baker. Baker was convicted by a federal jury in 2022 for drug trafficking, firearm and money laundering charges for his role in leading a DTO supplying methamphetamine in Raleigh and along the East Coast. In July of 2021, after a federal wire uncovered plans by Cannon to sell firearms to Baker, a search of Cannon’s residence led to the seizure of 13 firearms, including several high-caliber rifles, various ammunition, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. On November 3, 2021, Cannon was arrested on a state probation violation in Georgia. During his arrest, he was found in possession of about 800 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
The prosecution of Cannon was a part of Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Raleigh Police Department led the investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Raleigh/Wake City-County Bureau of Identification and United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Sandling prosecuted the case.
Other agencies involved in the investigation include the N.C. Highway Patrol, the Virginia State Police (VSP), the Dekalb County Police Department (GA), the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office (GA), the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), the Gwinnett County Police Department (GA), the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department (NC), the S.C. Highway Patrol, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office (NC), the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (SC) and the Reidsville Police Department (NC).
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-CR-00434-M.
Virginia Beach man exploited children through social media and sold child sex abuse materialRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man pled guilty today to coercion and enticement of minors.
According to court documents, in September 2022, law enforcement interviewed Witness 1 (W-1), who admitted that he used Telegram to purchase child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from a Telegram user later identified as Shannon Ashley Robbins, 50. W-1 and Robbins negotiated the price of multiple sales of CSAM and used Cash App for W-1 to pay Robbins.
Robbins asked W-1 questions to assess the age range of victims W-1 preferred. After W-1 sent $100 to Robbins using Cash App, Robbins sent several images and videos of CSAM via Telegram. The approximate age range of the depicted victims is 12 to 14 years of age. W-1 identified one boy of whom he requested more CSAM. Robbins told W-1 that his collection of this boy was “290 pieces” and told W-1 to make Robbins an offer. Robbins sold the lot for $100 and sent to W-1 14 images and six videos depicting a victim of 12 to 13 years of age. Robbins and W-1 conducted at least two other transactions for CSAM.
On Sept. 8, 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTipline report indicating a user had saved, shared, or uploaded four files of suspected CSAM, which was confirmed by NCMEC. On Sept. 19, 2022, NCMEC received another CyberTipline report relating to the same IP address of the Sept. 8, 2022, report. In this second report, 17 files of suspected CSAM were identified. The IP address was assigned with Robbins’ residence in Virginia Beach.
Robbins created multiple accounts on social media both to evade detection and to deceive multiple child victims by assuming false identities. Beginning at least as early as 2021 and continuing until the date of his arrest on Oct. 25, 2023, Robbins engaged with numerous juvenile victims to entice or coerce them into producing CSAM. As Robbins approached minor victims on social media, he presented himself as a minor, sometimes female, other times male. At times Robbins sent CSAM to the minor victims, either to create the impression that Robbins and the victims were mutual participants or to demonstrate the poses Robbins preferred. Robbins used Cash App to pay a 12-year-old victim to produce and send CSAM to Robbins.
The material Robbins sold to W-1 included 135 sexually explicit images and 153 sexually explicit videos depicting one of the victims Robbins engaged through social media and enticed or coerced to produce CSAM.
Robbins was acquainted with two of his victims, each of whom lived near him. Between July 11 and Oct. 24, 2023, Robbins exchanged approximately 1,775 text messages with one of these victims. Between May 21 and Oct. 24, 2023, Robbins exchanged approximately 3,958 text messages with the other victim. He spent time with them when no other adult was present and frequently allowed them to spend time in his garage, where the victims played darts and socialized. Robbins took the victims on outings to Bass Pro Shops and to Busch Gardens with no other adult present. Robbins previously coached a local travel baseball team.
Law enforcement seized Robbins’ cellphone on Oct. 25, 2023. On the phone, Robbins possessed a large volume of CSAM image and video files.
Robbins is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 28, 2025. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and up to life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony C. Marek is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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. 2:24-cr-20.
Vancleave Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Possession of over 83,000 Depictions of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. -- A Vancleave man was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison, followed by ten years of supervised release, for possession of over 83,000 depictions of child pornography.
According to court documents, Cameron Willis Cotrill, 68, was identified in an online child exploitation investigation as being a user on the BitTorrent network for offenders possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material. Further investigation revealed that Cotrill possessed 2,308 image files and 1,082 video files, which constituted 83,458 known visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Cotrill was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 21, 2023, and pled guilty on December 19, 2023, to possession of child pornography.
At today’s sentencing hearing, the Court also ordered restitution for the victims in the amount of $237,194.12. Cotrill must also pay a $5,000 assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018, and $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Cyber Crime Division at the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones prosecuted the case.
Utica Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Carlos Pena Uceta, age 34, of Utica, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 130 months in federal prison for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his plea on February 27, 2024, Pena Uceta admitted that, on June 4, 2023, he possessed a duffel bag in his vehicle containing five kilograms of cocaine, which he had just purchased in New York City and was transporting back to the Northern District of New York. Pena Uceta further admitted that, on the same date, he also possessed two kilograms of cocaine and a Polymer 80 9mm “ghost gun” in a suitcase at his apartment.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda Sannes also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release, which will start when Pena Uceta is released from prison.
The DEA investigated the case with assistance from New York State Police, Utica Police Department, and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case.
United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Erlanger Health SystemRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced that the United States has filed a complaint against Murphy Medical Center, Inc. doing business as Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority doing business as Erlanger Health System and Erlanger Medical Center (collectively, Erlanger) in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The government alleges that Erlanger, a health care system located in Tennessee and North Carolina, violated the Stark Law and thereby submitted false claims to the Medicare program.
The Stark Law prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for services referred by a physician with whom the hospital has an improper financial relationship that does not meet any statutory or regulatory exception. The government’s complaint alleges that Erlanger had employment relationships with a number of physicians that did not meet any Stark Law exception because the compensation Erlanger paid to the physicians was well above fair market value. The complaint alleges that Erlanger received referrals from these physicians in violation of the Stark Law and submitted claims to Medicare knowing that the claims for those referred services were not eligible for payment.
“Improper financial relationships between hospitals and physicians threaten the integrity of clinical decision-making and can influence the type and amount of health care that is provided to patients,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to ensuring that physicians’ treatment decisions are based on the needs of their patients and not their own financial interests.”
“The government’s complaint alleges that Erlanger compromised Stark Law compliance to boost its financial standing, knowingly overpaying physicians whose practices generated profits for the hospital,” said U.S. Attorney King. “We are dedicated to enforcing the Stark Law and protecting patients and the Medicare program from financial relationships that undermine public trust and incentivize overbilling and waste of taxpayer dollars.”
“This complaint serves as a warning to health care entities that attempt to increase profits through improper financial arrangements with referring physicians,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to investigate such deals to prevent financial arrangements that could compromise impartial medical judgment, increase health care costs, and erode public trust in the health care system.”
The United States filed its complaint in a lawsuit originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and to receive a share of any recovery. The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it has done here in part. Those who violate the Act are subject to treble damages and applicable penalties.
The government’s intervention in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The Justice Department’s Civil Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina handled the case, with assistance from HHS-OIG.
The case is captioned United States of America, the State of North Carolina, and the State of Tennessee ex rel. Alana Sullivan and J. Britton Tabor v. Murphy Medical Center, Inc., et al. No. 1:21-CV-219-MR-WCM (W.D.N.C.).
The claims asserted in the United States’ complaint are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
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United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Erlanger Health SystemRead the Press Release
The United States has filed a complaint against Murphy Medical Center, Inc. doing business as Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority doing business as Erlanger Health System and Erlanger Medical Center (collectively, Erlanger) in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The government alleges that Erlanger, a health care system located in Tennessee and North Carolina, violated the Stark Law and thereby submitted false claims to the Medicare program.
The Stark Law prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for services referred by a physician with whom the hospital has an improper financial relationship that does not meet any statutory or regulatory exception. The government’s complaint alleges that Erlanger had employment relationships with a number of physicians that did not meet any Stark Law exception because the compensation Erlanger paid to the physicians was well above fair market value. The complaint alleges that Erlanger received referrals from these physicians in violation of the Stark Law and submitted claims to Medicare knowing that the claims for those referred services were not eligible for payment.
“Improper financial relationships between hospitals and physicians threaten the integrity of clinical decision-making and can influence the type and amount of health care that is provided to patients,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to ensuring that physicians’ treatment decisions are based on the needs of their patients and not their own financial interests.”
“The government’s complaint alleges that Erlanger compromised Stark Law compliance to boost its financial standing, knowingly overpaying physicians whose practices generated profits for the hospital,” said U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina. “We are dedicated to enforcing the Stark Law and protecting patients and the Medicare program from financial relationships that undermine public trust and incentivize overbilling and waste of taxpayer dollars.”
“This complaint serves as a warning to health care entities that attempt to increase profits through improper financial arrangements with referring physicians,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to investigate such deals to prevent financial arrangements that could compromise impartial medical judgment, increase health care costs, and erode public trust in the health care system.”
The United States filed its complaint in a lawsuit originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and to receive a share of any recovery. The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it has done here in part. Those who violate the Act are subject to treble damages and applicable penalties.
The government’s intervention in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The Justice Department’s Civil Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina handled the case, with assistance from HHS-OIG. The case is captioned United States of America, the State of North Carolina, and the State of Tennessee ex rel. Alana Sullivan and J. Britton Tabor v. Murphy Medical Center, Inc., et al. No. 1:21-CV-219-MR-WCM (W.D.N.C.).
The claims asserted in the United States’ complaint are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
ComplaintU.S. Attorney Secures 10 Year Prison Sentence for Violent OffenderRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 10 years and one day in federal prison for a violent crime spree that included shooting a stranger during a dispute over face masks and brutally assaulting his own cousin in separate incidents in early 2021.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on February 18, 2021, Michael Shebala, 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, shot a man in the chest at the Route 66 Travel Center on Laguna Pueblo after an argument over face mask requirements. The victim, who was traveling from Arizona to Arkansas, was hospitalized for a week with serious injuries.
Approximately two weeks later, on March 5, 2021, Shebala shot his cousin in the leg during an argument. He then kicked the victim in the face and beat him with a baseball bat, causing multiple fractures.
Upon his release from prison, Shebala will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The FBI Albuquerque Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Laguna Police Department, Navajo Police Department, Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.
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Two Members of the Darrin Southall Continuing Criminal Enterprise Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Two Mobile men, Adrian McGhee, 61, and Jadarrin Barnes, 23, were sentenced today in federal court on their convictions for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine as members of the Darrin Southall drug trafficking organization.
According to court documents, Barnes was a distributor in the organization who sold cocaine to a confidential informant. The informant was equipped with electronic equipment that recorded the image of Barnes during the sale. McGhee was a courier for the organization who traveled to California and to Texas to pick up drug shipments and return them to Mobile. Southall bought a vehicle which was equipped with a concealed compartment for McGhee’s use to transport drug money to Houston, Texas, and to return with multi-kilogram shipments of cocaine. Barnes and McGhee were intercepted during a court-authorized wiretap of Southall’s phones. The calls implicated them as members of Southall’s extensive organization and also constituted evidence of their participation in the drug distribution conspiracy. Barnes and McGhee each pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine during 2021.
United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose sentenced McGhee to 60 months in custody, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Judge Dubose sentenced Barnes to time served and ordered that he begin a five-year term of supervised release immediately upon his release. Both men will be subject to search upon reasonable suspicion that they have violated the conditions of supervision, and both are subject to drug testing and treatment. No fine was imposed but the judge ordered that each defendant pay $100 in special assessments.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.The Mobile Police Department, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Saraland Police Department, the St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Two Long Beach Men Arrested on Indictment Alleging They Sold Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Out of Car Upholstery ShopRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Two Long Beach men were arrested today on an 11-count federal grand jury indictment charging them with selling fentanyl and methamphetamine out of a purported auto upholstery shop in Gardena.
Hector Valle, 48, and Efren Sanchez, 52, were arrested this morning and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
Valle and Sanchez are both charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and with being felons in possession of firearms. Valle is also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“Those who traffic in fentanyl are well aware that they are profiting by putting others’ lives at risk,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “It is important that those bad actors be held accountable. I commend our law enforcement partners with the FBI and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office for their diligence in taking these dangerous drugs and firearms off our streets.”
According to the indictment that a grand jury returned on July 17, Valle and Sanchez on June 9, 2023, sold approximately 433 grams of methamphetamine and 49.95 grams of fentanyl.
During search warrants executed at three locations, law enforcement seized more than 14.3 kilograms (31 pounds) of fentanyl, approximately 424 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 675 grams of cocaine, six firearms, 117 rounds of ammunition, and approximately $21,700 cash. Law enforcement also seized several packages of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine stowed away in a vending machine at a purported auto upholstery shop called “Stitchn’ Time,” Valle’s purported place of business.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted of all charges, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 10 years in federal prison.
Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments.
The FBI is investigating this matter. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Matt Coe-Odess of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
Tuscaloosa Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Pandemic FraudRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Tuscaloosa County woman pleaded guilty this week to defrauding the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.
Erica Lasha Prewitt, 42, of Tuscaloosa, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler to theft of government funds.
According to the plea agreement, in August 2020, Prewitt received a fraudulent PPP loan totaling $96,875. Prewitt made material misrepresentations on the loan application that was supported by fraudulent documentation. In September 2021, Prewitt submitted a PPP Loan Forgiveness Application in which she claimed her business employed 30 people and the full amount of the loan was spent on payroll costs. Prewitt never owned or operated a business and did not use the PPP loan funds to retain workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prewitt is scheduled to be sentenced on November 26, 2024. The maximum penalty for theft of government funds is 10 years in prison.
FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan “Jack” Harrington is prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds 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.
Three Montgomery Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing MachinegunsRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal judge sentenced three individuals from Montgomery, Alabama in cases involving possession of a machinegun. Each of the machineguns at issue was a semiautomatic firearm that had been converted to fully automatic through the installation of a machinegun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch” or “auto sear.”
Earlier this week, 20-year-old Deandre Nyquan Lucas received a 120-month prison sentence. In another unrelated case, a judge imposed a 27-month sentence for 23-year-old Cammeron Leroy Youngblood. Third, a judge sentenced 27-year-old Derrick Dontrell Taylor 21 months in federal prison. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.
When installed on a firearm, a machinegun conversion device allows a gun to function as a fully automatic weapon capable of firing up to 20 rounds per second with a single pull of the trigger. The possession of a machinegun, which, under the relevant federal statute, includes the possession of a conversion device alone, carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“Due to their rapid rate of fire, these conversion devices pose a significant threat to communities and law enforcement,” stated United States Attorney Ross. “Not too long ago, these devices were rare. Unfortunately, in a very short period of time, they have become common in communities across the district. The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners place a high priority on investigating and prosecuting cases involving the possession of one of these devices.”
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Montgomery Police Department investigated these cases, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates, John J. Geer, III, Justin L. Jones, and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted the cases.
Three Individuals Sentenced for Massive $88M Business Telephone System Software License Piracy SchemeRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Three individuals have been sentenced for participating in an international scheme involving the sale of tens of thousands of pirated business telephone system software licenses with a retail value of over $88 million.
Raymond Bradley “Brad” Pearce, 48, of Tuttle, Oklahoma, a computer system administrator, was sentenced yesterday to four years in prison and ordered to forfeit $4 million. In June, Dusti O. Pearce, 46, also of Tuttle, was sentenced to one year and a day in prison and ordered to forfeit $4 million. In July, Jason M. Hines, 44, of Caldwell, New Jersey, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison and an additional 18 months of home confinement, and ordered to forfeit $2 million. In addition, the three defendants have agreed to pay restitution—specifically, $17 million for Brad Pearce, $10 million for Dusti Pearce, and more than $5 million for Hines. The court will hold a separate restitution hearing in a few weeks to determine the details of the restitution order.
According to court documents, Brad and Dusti Pearce conspired with Hines to commit wire fraud in a scheme that involved generating and then selling unauthorized Avaya Direct International (ADI) software licenses. The ADI software licenses were used to unlock features and functionalities of a popular telephone system product called “IP Office” used by thousands of companies around the world. The ADI software licensing system has since been decommissioned.
Avaya Holdings Corporation, a multinational business communications company headquartered in California, sold IP Office to many midsize and small businesses in the United States and abroad. To unlock features and functionalities of IP Office, such as voicemail or telephones, customers had to purchase software licenses generated by Avaya from an authorized Avaya distributor or reseller. Avaya used software license keys to control access to Avaya’s copyright-protected software and to ensure that only customers who paid for the software could use it. Moreover, Avaya required that each software license on an IP Office system be associated with a proprietary memory card with a unique serial number that the end user had to keep in its possession to use the licenses.
Brad Pearce, a long-time customer service employee at Avaya, used his system administrator privileges to generate tens of thousands of ADI software license keys that he sold to Hines and other customers, who in turn sold them to resellers and end users around the world. The retail value of each Avaya software license ranged from under $100 to thousands of dollars. Brad Pearce also employed his system administrator privileges to hijack the accounts of former Avaya employees to generate additional ADI software license keys. Pearce concealed the fraud scheme for many years by using these privileges to alter information about the accounts, which helped hide his creation of unauthorized license keys. Dusti Pearce handled accounting for the illegal business.
Hines operated Direct Business Services International (DBSI), formerly known as Dedicated Business Systems International, a New Jersey-based business communications systems provider and a de-authorized Avaya reseller. He bought ADI software license keys from Brad and Dusti Pearce and then sold them to resellers and end users around the world for significantly below the wholesale price. Hines was by far the Pearces’ largest customer and significantly influenced how the scheme operated. Hines was one of the biggest users of the ADI license system in the world.
Altogether, the Pearces and Hines reaped millions of dollars from the scheme. To hide the nature and source of the money, the Pearces funneled their illegal gains through a PayPal account created under a false name to multiple bank accounts, and then transferred the money to investment and bank accounts. They also purchased large quantities of gold bullion and other valuable items.
In July 2023, Hines pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In September 2023, the Pearces also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Kaplan of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case.
Senior Litigation Counsel Julia E. Barry for the Western District of Oklahoma and Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section prosecuted the case.
Three Individuals Sentenced for Massive $88M Business Telephone System Software License Piracy SchemeRead the Press Release
Three individuals have been sentenced for participating in an international scheme involving the sale of tens of thousands of pirated business telephone system software licenses with a retail value of over $88 million.
Raymond Bradley “Brad” Pearce, 48, of Tuttle, Oklahoma, a computer system administrator, was sentenced yesterday to four years in prison and ordered to forfeit $4 million. In June, Dusti O. Pearce, 46, also of Tuttle, was sentenced to one year and a day in prison and ordered to forfeit $4 million. In July, Jason M. Hines, 44, of Caldwell, New Jersey, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison and an additional 18 months of home confinement, and ordered to forfeit $2 million. In addition, the three defendants have agreed to pay restitution—specifically, $17 million for Brad Pearce, $10 million for Dusti Pearce, and more than $5 million for Hines. The court will hold a separate restitution hearing in a few weeks to determine the details of the restitution order.
According to court documents, Brad and Dusti Pearce conspired with Hines to commit wire fraud in a scheme that involved generating and then selling unauthorized Avaya Direct International (ADI) software licenses. The ADI software licenses were used to unlock features and functionalities of a popular telephone system product called “IP Office” used by thousands of companies around the world. The ADI software licensing system has since been decommissioned.
Avaya Holdings Corporation, a multinational business communications company headquartered in California, sold IP Office to many midsize and small businesses in the United States and abroad. To unlock features and functionalities of IP Office, such as voicemail or telephones, customers had to purchase software licenses generated by Avaya from an authorized Avaya distributor or reseller. Avaya used software license keys to control access to Avaya’s copyright-protected software and to ensure that only customers who paid for the software could use it. Moreover, Avaya required that each software license on an IP Office system be associated with a proprietary memory card with a unique serial number that the end user had to keep in its possession to use the licenses.
Brad Pearce, a long-time customer service employee at Avaya, used his system administrator privileges to generate tens of thousands of ADI software license keys that he sold to Hines and other customers, who in turn sold them to resellers and end users around the world. The retail value of each Avaya software license ranged from under $100 to thousands of dollars. Brad Pearce also employed his system administrator privileges to hijack the accounts of former Avaya employees to generate additional ADI software license keys. Pearce concealed the fraud scheme for many years by using these privileges to alter information about the accounts, which helped hide his creation of unauthorized license keys. Dusti Pearce handled accounting for the illegal business.
Hines operated Direct Business Services International (DBSI), formerly known as Dedicated Business Systems International, a New Jersey-based business communications systems provider and a de-authorized Avaya reseller. He bought ADI software license keys from Brad and Dusti Pearce and then sold them to resellers and end users around the world for significantly below the wholesale price. Hines was by far the Pearces’ largest customer and significantly influenced how the scheme operated. Hines was one of the biggest users of the ADI license system in the world.
Altogether, the Pearces and Hines reaped millions of dollars from the scheme. To hide the nature and source of the money, the Pearces funneled their illegal gains through a PayPal account created under a false name to multiple bank accounts, and then transferred the money to investment and bank accounts. They also purchased large quantities of gold bullion and other valuable items.
In July 2023, Hines pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In September 2023, the Pearces also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Kaplan of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case.
Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Senior Litigation Counsel Julia E. Barry for the Western District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case.
Tennessee man indicted in $1 million investment schemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Tennessee man with defrauding investors out of more than $1 million.
Alcides Roman, 65, of Lebanon, Tennessee, is charged with eight counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering.
According to court documents, Roman did business through Remain In Control, a Tennessee company. Roman is accused of soliciting individuals to invest in high-yield investment programs offered through his company. He allegedly obtained victims’ funds under false pretenses, failed to invest their money as promised, and misappropriated investment funds for his own and others’ benefit without the victims’ knowledge or consent.
The defendant made his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. He is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Teresa J. James of the District of Kansas at 1:30 p.m. on August 9, 2024.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Huschka 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.
###String of Robberies Lands District Man in Prison for 10 YearsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Stephon Lee, 22, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to just over 10 years in prison for committing a string of six robberies that targeted local businesses, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Lee pleaded guilty on April 19, 2024, to two counts of armed robbery, two counts of robbery, one count of attempted armed robbery, and one count of second-degree theft. Today, the Honorable Judge Robert Salerno sentenced the defendant to 129 months of incarceration, to be followed by five years’ of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, beginning in April 2023 and ending with his arrest in July 2023, Lee robbed a dry cleaner, fast-food restaurants, a pharmacy, and two local convenience stores. Lee targeted stores throughout the city, striking when there were few or no customers. In each instance, Lee attempted to steal money from the cash register. But when he could not easily take the money, Lee fought his victims. On two occasions, Lee was armed with a knife, and one occasion he grabbed a nearby pair of scissors.
On April 5, 2023, Lee went to a dry cleaner on Alabama Avenue SE under the auspices of dry cleaning his jacket. As Lee asked the victim how much the dry cleaning would cost, he suddenly walked behind the counter, grabbed the victim by the back of the neck, and demanded that she open the register. When the victim did not comply quickly enough, the two struggled. Lee grabbed a pair of scissors from under the counter, put them to the victim’s neck, and threatened to stab her if she refused to open the register. She opened the register and Lee took cash before fleeing.
On June 18, 2023, Lee ordered a sandwich at a fast-food franchise on Riggs Road NE, and then left abruptly, saying that he would come back to pay. About 30 minutes later, Lee returned and stood behind a customer who was checking out. Once the employee opened the register to give the customer change, Lee lunged across the counter, grabbed the money tray, and fled the store.
On June 23, 2023, Lee was armed with a knife when he entered a pharmacy on Ingraham Street NE. When the victim, a store employee, was alone, Lee went behind the counter, pulled out a knife, and demanded money from the register. When the victim could not open the register quickly enough, Lee pressed his knife against the victim’s side. The victim opened the register, and Lee took the cash and ran out of the store.
On June 26, 2023, Lee went to a convenience store on First Street NW. As the cashier stood at the register, Lee walked behind the counter, opened the register, took the cash, and fled.
On July 10, 2023, Lee entered a food market on Fourth Street NW. He took an item and attempted to leave the store when a store employee pepper sprayed him. Lee threw the item at the victim, pulled out a knife, and waived it at her. He then grabbed the cash register from the counter and, while still holding the knife, repeatedly slammed the register on the ground until it opened. He took cash from the register and fled.
On July 10, 2023, Lee went to a fast-food restaurant on Marion Barry Avenue SE and milled around as other customers ordered. One customer, with her infant in a stroller next to her, ordered a meal and started to pay with cash. When the restaurant cashier opened the register to give the customer change, Lee lunged across the counter and grabbed cash from the register before fleeing.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Miller and Will Lawrence.
Steele County Man Pleads Guilty for International Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Blooming Prairie man has pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting children outside the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, between April 2022 and September 2022, Steven John Sokel, 61, was engaged in the production of child pornography. He was also found to be in possession of sexually explicit images and videos of minors.
Sokel pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Eric T. Tostrud to one count of sexual exploitation of children. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner is prosecuting the case.
- Spencer Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
Slingerlands Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Daniel Fuino, age 75, of Slingerlands, New York, pled guilty today to sexual exploitation of a child. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Fuino admitted that between the summer of 2022 and April 2023, he babysat a young female child at his residence. During this period, Fuino used the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. The victim was 6 years old when the conduct began.
If United States District Judge Mae D’Agostino accepts the parties’ agreed-upon disposition at sentencing on November 26, 2024, Fuino will receive a prison term of 180 months, at least 15 years of supervised release to follow that term of imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000. He will also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim, forfeit the device used in the offense, and will be required to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force – comprised of FBI Special Agents, and state and local police investigators, including from the New York State Police and Colonie Police Department – investigated this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who attempted to flee police twice while illegally possessing firearms and drugs, was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison.
Raymon Olague, age 31, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a February 12, 2024, guilty plea to illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence in the case revealed on May 1, 2023, Olague was involved in a car chase that reached speeds in excess of 100 mph. Stop sticks were deployed, which struck a front tire, but Olague continued to flee law enforcement at a high rate of speed for several blocks. Olague pulled into an alley and threw a loaded handgun, with an obliterated serial number, out of the driver’s side door, before fleeing on foot into a nearby residence. Olague failed to comply with officers’ verbal commands but was found hiding under a child’s bed in the residence, and was apprehended. Olague posted a cash bond for the eluding charges.
On September 21, 2023, while officers were conducting surveillance on another incident, Olague was observed entering the residence without any bags or backpacks, and two minutes later, exited carrying a backpack. When a uniformed officer approached Olague, he refused commands and fled on foot, dropping the backpack and multiple items from his waistband. Olague was apprehended and taken into custody on a warrant for failing to appear at a hearing related to the May 1 incident. Officers located the items Olague dropped, and inside the backpack was a second loaded pistol that had been reported stolen, along with drug paraphernalia.
Olague was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Leonard T. Strand to 90 months’ imprisonment adjusted for time served on a related state offense. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Olague is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4064.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who previously served time for distribution of cocaine was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.
Jerry Wilson, age 62, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a February 23, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user.
Evidence in the case revealed that on September 20, 2023, Wilson was stopped for traffic violations, and was also found to have a suspended license. As the officer approached, Wilson immediately became apprehensive and argumentative. The officer noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked the occupants to step out. Upon search of the vehicle, officers located the keys in the ignition had a container attached which contained approximately 2 grams of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine. Officers also located a box in the center console, containing a THC vape pen and a contained with approximately 1 gram of a white crystal substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine. In the glove box was another THC vape pen. Under the driver’s seat, officers located a revolver. Prior to transporting Wilson to the jail, officers searched Wilsons’ person and also located a pill bottle in Wilson’s jacket that contained 21 fentanyl pills, disguised as oxycodone, 18 individual baggies containing methamphetamine, and 2 baggies containing cocaine.
Wilson has an extensive criminal history including delivery of controlled substance, pimping and pandering, possession of cocaine and carrying weapons, possession of a weapon by a felon, as well as a previous federal conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Wilson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 51 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Wilson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4075.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Romanian National Sentenced for Using Debit Card Skimming Devices on ATMs to Steal Nearly $150,000 from Victims Throughout CaliforniaRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Christos Mavrokelos, 37, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution for illegally using counterfeit debit cards and skimming devices, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court records, from July 2021 through November 2023, in Fresno and Madera Counties and elsewhere, Mavrokelos knowingly and with intent to defraud, used counterfeit debit cards that contained victims’ stolen account information to make unauthorized cash withdrawals from the victims’ accounts. The victims’ account information was stolen through the use of skimming devices, which are devices that can be surreptitiously installed on bank ATMs and card readers that are used to record victims’ information.
In total, Mavrokelos made unauthorized cash withdrawals on at least 40 victims’ accounts. The withdrawals were made from banks whose deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Mavrokelos’s misconduct resulted in a total loss of approximately $149,000.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI and the Clovis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph D. Barton and Cody C. Chapple prosecuted the case.
Riverside County Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Sexually Explicit Images of Children, One of Whom He Met on Online Gaming PlatformRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A Riverside County man pleaded guilty today to a federal criminal charge for catfishing a preteen girl he met on an online gaming platform and persuading her to send him sexually explicit photos of herself and, later, of her 5-year-old relative.
John Mathew Piecuch, 64, of Hemet, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. He has been in federal custody since August 2021.
“This defendant has admitted his despicable acts and now will face a significant prison sentence,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “I urge parents everywhere to be vigilant when it comes to their children’s online usage. Predators lurk in the shadows and use the internet’s cloak of anonymity to inflict life-long trauma.”
According to his plea agreement, Piecuch met on Roblox, an online gaming platform, an individual identified in court documents as “Minor Victim 1,” a 12-year-old girl. Piecuch told the victim he was a 13-year-old boy.
In January 2021, Piecuch and Minor Victim 1 texted each other, during which time he persuaded her to send him sexually explicit images of herself. Piecuch also persuaded Minor Victim 1 to take and send him sexually explicit photographs of Minor Victim 2, a 5-year-old girl.
Minor Victim 1’s mother saw some of the text messages between her daughter and Piecuch on one of the girl’s mobile devices, which prompted her to contact law enforcement, according to court documents.
United States District Judge John W. Holcomb scheduled an October 25 sentencing hearing, at which time Piecuch will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.
The FBI investigated this matter in conjunction with the Carroll County (Maryland) Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Sonah Lee of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case.
Orlando Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of MachinegunsRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Marcelo Manuel Maysonet (24, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons, more specifically, a machinegun and 15 machinegun conversion devices. Maysonet faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at Maysonet’s residence, where they discovered 15 machinegun conversion devices and a 5.56 caliber AR-style pistol with a machinegun conversion device installed. A machinegun conversion device is an illegal conversion device that converts a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon. Under the National Firearms Act, a machinegun conversion device is classified as a machinegun. None of these items were registered to Maysonet in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required under federal law.
As part of the plea agreement, the defendant agreed to forfeit the firearm containing the machinegun conversion device and the 15 additional machine gun conversion devices.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.
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.
North Dakota Man Sentenced to 80 months in Prison for Firearms’ Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A North Dakota man was sentenced Tuesday for a firearms’ trafficking scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Juan Antonio Duran, 29, of Watford City, North Dakota, to 80 months in prison. In January, Duran pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide a false statement to a federal firearm licensee (FFL), false statement during the purchase of a firearm, straw purchasing a firearm, and firearms’ trafficking.
In January, Jose Nicolas Flores, 31, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide a false statement to an FFL, false statement during the purchase of a firearm, straw purchasing a firearm, and firearms’ trafficking. The sentencing hearing for Flores is scheduled for August 29, 2024.
According to related court documents, between May 9, 2023, and May 11, 2023, Duran conspired with Flores to purchase at least three firearms from an FFL in the Northern District of Alabama. Flores, the straw purchaser, falsified documents by specifically stating that he was the actual buyer when in fact he was buying the firearms for Duran. On May 9, 2011, after Duran and Flores traveled into Alabama, Flores attempted to purchase three Barrett .50 caliber rifles from the FFL but was told the transaction was delayed pending completion of a background check. Instead, Flores purchased the FFL’s entire stock of Barrett .50 caliber rifle magazines for $2,769 cash. The next day, the FFL called Duran and Flores and informed them that the background was complete, and the transfer could proceed. On May 11, 2023, Duran and Flores returned to the FFL from out of state. Flores recertified the document stating that he was the actual buyer and provided approximately $31,000 in cash before being detained by ATF agents. Flores told the ATF agents that he received the bulk cash from Duran for the purpose of buying firearms for Duran. Meanwhile, Duran was detained while moving their vehicle in anticipation of receiving the rifles. During a search of Duran’s property, agents found a receipt for three Barrett .50 caliber rifles purchased by another person from an FFL in Grimes, Iowa, on April 28, 2023. The purchase was made in cash for $35,843.91.
The ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. Homeland Security Investigations provided translation and technical support. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel S. McBrayer and Brittney L. Plyler prosecuted the case.
Niagara Falls man pleads guilty meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jevon Flynn, 30, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who handled the case, stated that on March 26, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Niagara Falls, during which they located Flynn in a bedroom, with his hands near a clothing hamper. A backpack and a pair of pants were found in the clothing hamper. A plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine was found in the backpack, while two plastic baggies were found in the pants, one contained suspected fentanyl, the other contained blue-colored pressed pills. Investigators also seized another quantity of suspected methamphetamine and eight grams of suspected crack cocaine.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 3, 2024, before Judge Vilardo.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Drug and Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – HAROLD DECLOUET, age 22, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 24, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jane T. Milazzo to 70 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, along with a $400 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to two counts of distributing cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, marijuana, and tramadol, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D), and 841(b)(2); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
According to court documents, DECLOUET made two sales of cocaine base to a confidential informant for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, in February of 2022. A few months later, in May of 2022, DECLOUET was arrested with cocaine base, marijuana, tramadol pills, over $1,000 in cash, and a Glock Model 19 handgun, loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Carjacking and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEVON FRITH (“FRITH”), age 25, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk after previously pleading guilty to carjacking and gun offenses. Specifically, Judge Africk sentenced FRITH to 41 months imprisonment for Carjacking, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119, as well as a consecutive term of 60 months imprisonment for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), for a total sentence of 101 months. Judge Africk ordered that FRITH be placed on supervised release for five (5) years following his release from imprisonment and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for each count of conviction.
Court documents reveal that on April 10, 2023, FRITH carjacked a vehicle in the Central City area of New Orleans. He was wearing a ski mask and gloves and pointed a loaded Glock Model 26 handgun at the victim while demanding the keys to her car. The handgun had an extended magazine with 17 live rounds. FRITH drove the car to the Westbank where he crashed it into a fence and another parked vehicle. He was arrested within minutes. Law enforcement successfully recovered the weapon, wrapped in the same sweatshirt he wore during the carjacking.
United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the New Orleans Police Department for its quick apprehension of FRITH and the recovery of the weapon.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation- Violent Crimes Task Force, and New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit handled the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Re-Sentenced on Federal Firearm and Drug Trafficking Charges Stemming from New Orleans Hotel ShootoutRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CLARENCE SANTIAGO (“SANTIAGO”), of New Orleans, was re-sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry to 280 months imprisonment for his participation in a December 28, 2020, shootout at the Jung Hotel on Canal Street.
On April 5, 2022, SANTIAGO pled guilty to Counts 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the indictment, charging him with conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (Count 1); using, carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (Count 2); conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana (Count 3); and, illegally maintaining a drug involved premises (Count 4).
On March 7, 2023, Judge Guidry sentenced SANTIAGO to serve 360 months of imprisonment. SANTIAGO appealed that sentence to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction but remanded the case to the District Court for re-sentencing. At the sentencing hearing held on July 23rd, the Government played three video tapes of the shooting that took place on the 15th floor of the Jung Hotel.
After hearing the evidence presented the hearing, Judge Guidry imposed a total sentence of 280 months imprisonment. This consisted of 160 months as to Counts 1 and 4; 60 months as to Count 3; and 120 consecutive months as to Count 2. He was also placed on supervised release for a term of 5 years, after his release from prison. The Court also imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 per count.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime and Gang Unit.
Montgomery Man Sentenced to 90 Months in Federal Prison Following Federal Gun and Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that Franklin Douglas Hambrick, 35, from Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentence of 90 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal gun and drug charges.
According to the federal indictment and other court records, on January 6, 2022, law enforcement in Montgomery initiated a stop on a vehicle after observing a traffic violation. The driver, later identified as Hambrick, fled the vehicle on foot but was apprehended after a short chase. Investigators searched a backpack Hambrick had with him. Inside the backpack, they found, a handgun, fentanyl, and marijuana. Hambrick has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
On April 2, 2024, Hambrick pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hambrick’s sentencing hearing occurred on July 22, 2024.
The Montgomery Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Justin L. Jones prosecuted.
Money Launderers Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Two Mobile women, Jamaka King, 29, and Danielle Dailey, 39, were sentenced today in federal court on their convictions for conspiracy to launder drug proceeds.
According to court documents, King and Dailey both became involved in the Darrin Southall criminal organization by handling his illegal drug proceeds in ways that concealed his illegal activities that generated the cash and that promoted the crimes. King was intercepted in numerous phone calls with Southall during a court-authorized wiretap of Southall’s phones. The calls implicated her one of Southall’s money launderers. Dailey was identified during the initial investigation. Southall’s organization generated millions of dollars in drug proceeds and when the arrests were made, federal authorities seized more than $2 million in cash, 18 vehicles and approximately $160,000 worth of jewelry. King and Dailey each pled guilty to conspiracy to launder drug money during 2021.
United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose sentenced King to 3 months in custody, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Judge Dubose sentenced Dailey to three years of probation. Both women will be subject to search upon reasonable suspicion that they have violated the conditions of supervision, and both are subject to drug testing and treatment and mental health evaluations. No fine was imposed but the judge ordered that each defendant pay $100 in special assessments.
U. S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Mobile Police Department, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Saraland Police Department, the St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organization 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.
Missouri Church Officials, Others Accused of $1.2 Million Pandemic Loan FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A Monroe County, Missouri church official was arrested Friday after having been indicted and accused of participating in a more than $1.2 million pandemic loan fraud scheme.
Kenneth C. Sparks III, 54, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Florida. A grand jury indicted Sparks on July 17 with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, eight counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
The indictment says at the time of the allegations, Sparks worked as a visiting minister at Faith Walk Ministry, a church in Paris, Missouri. Harold G. Long was the lead minister and chief executive officer of the church, Mya M. McClain was administrative assistant and Javonte D. Long was a member. Jeffrey C. Oboite lived in Maryland, and operated businesses called Angel's Management Group LLC, Emerald Score LLC and O&S Construction LLC.
Oboite and McClain were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and seven counts of wire fraud. Harold Long faces one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud. Javonte Long faces one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.
The indictment says Oboite taught Sparks and McClain how to submit fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Oboite and Sparks both submitted or caused to be submitted fraudulent loan applications in their own names, and received at least $200,000, the indictment says. Included among those fraudulently-obtained loans was $147,900 from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, the indictment says. The EIDL program was another Small Business Administration program intended to help struggling business owners during the pandemic.
The conspirators also obtained more than $1 million in PPP loans in the names of others, the indictment says. Sparks abused his position of authority as a minister by obtaining the trust of church members, and then obtained their personal and financial information so he could seek loans in their name, the indictment says. Harold Long assured church members that Sparks could be trusted with that information, the indictment says. Sparks also claimed that he was an "Apostle" of God, whose decisions and decrees could not be questioned, it says. Sparks sometimes told church members that they needed to provide their personal and financial information so he and others could fix their credit scores, the indictment says, or that their information would be used to secure funding for the church. Sparks told McClain to create email addresses in the name of church members and told parishioners to open new accounts at a credit union, it says. Sparks also commissioned the creation of false and fraudulent tax documents, the indictment says.
Sparks and Oboite also told McClain and Harold Long to submit fraudulent PPP loan applications for businesses purportedly owned by Long, the indictment says.
When suspicious credit union officials froze some of the parishioners’ accounts, Sparks and Oboite coached church members on the lies they should tell bank officials to free the funds, the indictment says.
Sparks reaped hundreds of thousands of dollars from the scheme, the indictment says, and used the money for luxury vehicles, clothing and merchandise.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Each aggravated identity theft count carries a mandatory, consecutive two-year prison sentence.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting the case.
“This arrest proves the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s commitment to stopping those who perpetrate mail fraud schemes,” said Acting Inspector in Charge, John Jackman, who leads the United States Postal Inspection Service, St. Louis Field Office. “The Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue fraudsters who are driven by greed.”
“We all know the pandemic relief loan programs were created for those whose businesses were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The American public is tired of hearing about fraudsters using the programs to enrich themselves and they want to know that those responsible are being investigated and held accountable,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, St. Louis Field Office. “IRS CI is committed to investigating these crimes and doing our part to achieve justice for all victims and taxpayers.”
Anyone with information about pandemic fraud should call the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or report via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Minnesota Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Yoshi R. Walker, 26, New Brighton, Minnesota, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 6 years in federal prison for attempting to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Walker pleaded guilty to this charge on April 12, 2024.
The government’s investigation revealed a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for bringing over 4 kilograms of fentanyl pills into Madison from Arizona. Law enforcement began investigating the organization in January 2022, following the seizure of two mail packages that each contained one kilogram of fentanyl pills (almost 20,000 pills in total). The packages had been mailed by the same individual in Arizona to addresses in Madison. Between March and October 2022, undercover officers purchased fentanyl pills from members of the organization on twenty-three occasions in the Madison area.
In early October, Walker was identified as an out of state source of fentanyl pills for the Madison-based organization. On October 18, 2022, as part of the larger investigation, law enforcement agents intercepted a package mailed from Arizona to an address in Madison and obtained a search warrant to open the package. U.S. Postal inspectors found 1.75 kilograms of fentanyl pills (almost 16,000 pills) inside. Investigators identified Walker as the individual who had mailed the package from Arizona the day before. After the package was intercepted, Walker spoke with Lloyd McKire-Bennett, the leader of the Madison organization, about the lost drug shipment.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson highlighted that the crime was very serious as it involved a large quantity of a very dangerous drug, fentanyl. He said that Walker was a supplier to the drug organization, making fentanyl available for them to distribute.
Three co-defendants were previously sentenced by Judge Peterson for their roles in the fentanyl pill trafficking organization. Dejon C. Glover was sentenced on May 16, 2024, to 4 ½ years in federal prison for attempting to possess fentanyl intended for distribution. Lloyd M. McKire-Bennett was sentenced on May 17, 2024, to more than 13 ½ years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon. Deshawn P. Davis was sentenced on May 22, 2024, to 5 ½ years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl.
Three others were charged in connection with this trafficking organization: Jessica E. Leyvas, Dantrell T. Stevenson, and Christopher S. Wilson. Leyvas and Wilson have both pleaded guilty. Wilson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2024, and Leyvas’ sentencing hearing is yet to be scheduled. Stevenson’s case is scheduled for trial, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge against Walker is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Dane County Narcotics Task Force. The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Maryland Man Found Guilty of Killing a Mother and Daughter Inside Southeast D.C. ApartmentRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, a D.C. Superior Court jury returned a guilty verdict against Keanan Turner, 34, of Clinton, Maryland, for the murders of Wanda Wright and Ebony Wright on April 12, 2021, in the 2300 block of Good Hope Court SE, Washington D.C. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Turner was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravated circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, attempted first degree murder of a minor, second degree cruelty to children, arson, destruction of property. In addition to these charges, Turner was found guilty of four counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 14, 2024, in front of Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. Because of the aggravated circumstances, Turner faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Ebony Wright had been in a prior relationship with the defendant when she became pregnant. The defendant asked her to terminate the pregnancy and when she declined, he stopped speaking to her. After giving birth, Ebony Wright filed a custody and child support lawsuit against the defendant in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia.
After the lawsuit was served against the defendant, he reached out to Ebony Wright to meet his child for the first time. On April 12, 2021, the defendant went over to Ebony Wright’s apartment. Present at the meeting were Ebony Wright, her mother Wanda Wright, her sister, the child, and the defendant.
After meeting with the family for nearly an hour, the defendant took out a gun and shot Ebony Wright in the head. He then shot Wanda Wright in the back of the head. He then went into the back bedroom, where the sister was located, and shot her once in the face. Prior to leaving the apartment, the defendant lit the custody paperwork on fire in an attempt to kill the child. As he was running out of the apartment, the defendant attempted to remove a Ring camera on the front door and, in doing so, exposed a unique tattoo on his arm.
As the sister lay wounded in the back bedroom, she heard the child crying in the living room. Despite suffering a gunshot wound to the face, she rescued the child and carried him out of the apartment and called 911.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Korba who investigated and indicted the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Miles Janssen and Emma McArthur who prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Transporting a Woman for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Maco Jacome-Jacome, 30 of Guatemala, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the transportation of another for prostitution and one count of illegal reentry of an alien after removal.
Evidence presented to the Court showed that Jacome-Jacome was previously deported on two prior occasions before returning illegally. Upon his return, he recruited another individual, a citizen of Mexico also illegally present in the United States, to travel from Atlanta, Georgia, to North Charleston to engage in prostitution. Evidence established that Jacome-Jacome exploited the individual by controlling her appointments, advertising her to customers and other pimps as “carne,” and transporting her to numerous hotels, motels, and trailer parks for purposes of engaging in commercial sex activity. Jacome-Jacome further exploited the individual by providing her with only 25% of the proceeds.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Jacome-Jacome to a total sentence of 3o months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Originally, Jacome-Jacome’s advisory Sentencing Guidelines called for a term of imprisonment ranging from 8 to 14 months. However, the Court agreed with the Government’s request that it vary above this range and impose a greater sentence to account for the seriousness of Jacome-Jacome’s offense, adequately deter him from further criminal activity, and ensure the public’s protection.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy F. Bower and W. Cole Shannon prosecuted the case.
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Lockport man sentenced for his role in drug conspiracy that led to overdose deathRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that James White, 32, of Lockport, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and butyryl fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who handled the case, stated that between March 2017, and March 2019, White conspired with Bruno Haney, II, and others, to sell heroin and butyryl fentanyl. On March 24, 2017, White sold heroin that he received from Bruno to an individual identified as W.S. Later that same day, W.S. was found dead after ingesting the heroin purchased from White. Text messages between White and W.S. on the evening of March 24, 2017, were recovered from W.S.’s cell phone. In the text messages, W.S. requested a “half bun” (5 doses) of heroin from White.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Christopher Bourke, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, and the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Steven Abbott. Additional assistance was provided by the Niagara County and Orleans County District Attorneys’ Offices.
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Lewis County Man Admits to Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – James Matthew Miller, 49, of Camden, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Miller was on federal supervised release for a wire fraud conviction in the Northern District of West Virginia. United States Probation Officers visited Miller and found a .22 caliber pistol and a rifle. Miller is prohibited from having firearms because of his prior conviction.
Miller faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Lancaster Man Sentenced to 30 Months’ Imprisonment for Passport Forgery and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that David Romero, 68, of Lancaster, PA, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr. to a term of 30 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his convictions on four counts each of passport forgery and possession of counterfeit passports, as well as one count of possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices.
Romero was indicted on those charges in July 2023 and pleaded guilty to all counts in February of this year.
According to information presented to the court, special agents of the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, executed a search warrant at Romero’s home and recovered fraudulent U.S. passport cards, fraudulent driver’s licenses and identification cards, and counterfeit bank, debit, and credit cards. While the fraudulent passport cards and identification cards utilized the personal identifiers of other people, these items all contained a photograph of Romero. In addition, agents recovered a notebook which Romero had used to practice forging the signatures of other individuals.
The case was investigated by the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Boscia and Timothy Lanni.
Kern County Man Sentenced for Distributing ExplosivesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Joseph Roy Vigneault, 21, of Lake Isabella, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for distributing explosives to a non‑licensed person, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, in May 2023, Vigneault and his co-defendant, Michael Roy Anglin, 22, of Wofford Heights, sold and delivered six full boxes and one partial box of Hydromite 880 weighing approximately 350 pounds to a non-licensed person. Vigneault knew or had reason to believe that the Hydromite 880 had been stolen. The boxes containing the explosives were labeled “Explosive, Blasting, Type E” and “Blasting Agent.” The sticks of Hydromite 880 were also individually labeled “Danger” and “Explosive.” Hydromite 880 is one and a half times more powerful than dynamite. Austin Powder West LLC, a licensed explosive distributor, confirmed that 295 sticks of Hydromite 880 went missing from its Lake Isabella storage facility sometime between May 6 and May 11, 2023. The missing explosives included the boxes that Vigneault sold. The value of the unrecovered explosives is $7,603. Vigneault agreed to make restitution to Austin Powder in that amount.
Anglin has pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 21, 2024. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, 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 the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Kansas Man Sentenced to 235 Months in Federal Prison for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – A Kansas man was sentenced yesterday to 235 months in federal prison for transportation of child pornography.
According to public documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Derek Levi Hendrickson, 33, transported three internet capable computer devices across state lines in September 2022 when he moved to Waukee, Iowa. Those devices – two cell phones and a laptop computer – contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography. At the time of his offense, Hendrickson was a registered sex offender due to a 2015 Kansas state conviction for possession of child pornography.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Hendrickson will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Hendrickson was also ordered to pay $38,000 in restitution.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission to Host First Public Strike Force on Unfair and Illegal Pricing MeetingRead the Press Release
The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will virtually cohost the first public meeting of the Strike Force on Unfair and Illegal Pricing (Strike Force) on Thursday, Aug. 1, to discuss Strike Force enforcement actions taken to lower prices for Americans.
The meeting will convene with an open-press session with remarks by Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Antitrust Division, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Civil Division and FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. Senior officials from other agencies will then offer remarks as well. The remainder of the meeting will move to a closed-door, private discussion of enforcement-related matters.
The Strike Force meeting’s open session will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET. The agenda for the public portion of the event will be posted on the FTC’s website prior to the event. A link to view the open virtual meeting will be posted on the FTC’s website the day of the event.
In March, at the sixth meeting of the White House Competition Council, President Biden announced the launch of the Strike Force to strengthen interagency efforts to root out and stop illegal corporate behavior that hikes prices on American families through anti-competitive, unfair, deceptive or fraudulent business practices.
The Strike Force’s membership also includes the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Transportation, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Communications Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Justice Department Publishes Final Rule to Improve Access to Medical Care for People with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
On the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Attorney General Merrick B. Garland signed a final rule under Title II of the ADA to improve access to medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) for people with disabilities. MDE includes equipment like medical examination tables, weight scales, dental chairs, x-ray machines and mammography machines. Accessible MDE is essential for people with disabilities to have equal access to medical care.
The final rule is available for review on the Federal Register’s website at www.federalregister.gov. A fact sheet that provides information about the final rule is available on ada.gov.
“Thirty-four years after passage of the ADA, people with disabilities should not have to forgo needed medical care due to inaccessible medical diagnostic equipment,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. “This rule marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure that people with disabilities can get the medical treatment they need. Whether you are talking about access to mammograms or access to general OB/GYN services, it is critical that hospitals and doctors’ offices provide equipment that is accessible to patients with disabilities.”
The rule clarifies how public entities that use MDE, such as hospitals and health care clinics operated by state or local governments, can meet their obligations to ensure accessibility under the ADA. The department has heard from many individuals with disabilities who have been denied basic, critically important health care services because medical providers lacked accessible MDE. For example, patients with disabilities reported receiving only a cursory physical examination in their wheelchair because they could not be transferred to the examination table for a full examination. Other patients reported forgoing basic preventative health care, such as dental examinations and mammograms, because providers did not have accessible MDE.
The rule adopts a technical standard for accessible MDE. The rule also establishes requirements that will help make accessible examination tables and weight scales more available. This will make it easier for people with disabilities — especially people who use wheelchairs — to receive medical care.
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the department’s website at www.justice.gov/crt. For inquiries regarding the ADA, please contact the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or visit the ADA website at www.ada.gov.
Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Carjacking, Robbery, Burglary and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kenneth Phillips, 24, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today by a jury of carjacking and other charges in an evening attack on a district driver that took place in Northeast Washington in November of 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Phillips also was found guilty of robbery, assault, burglary, first degree theft, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and driving without a permit. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Robert Salerno scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2024. Phillips faces a mandatory minimum of seven years’ incarceration on the charge of carjacking.
According to the government’s evidence, on November 15, 2021, at approximately 9:00 PM, Phillips was in the 2000 block of fourth street Northeast when he approached the victim from behind, striking him in the back of the head and taking his car and house keys. Phillips crossed the street with the victim’s keys before returning to the victim, striking the victim in the face and fish-hooking him in the mouth. Phillips then fled the area in the victim’s Toyota Sienna van.
On November 16, 2021, at approximately 4:00 AM, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department located the Defendant in the 700 block of K Street NE. The Defendant was sitting in the driver’s seat of the victim’s Toyota Van wearing a jacket that belonged to one of the victim’s family members. Police also recovered a key fob and a college graduation ring from the Defendant’s pockets. The key fob belonged to the victim of the carjacking and the college graduation ring was later determined to have been stolen from the victim’s house. In the trunk of the victim’s Toyota van, police recovered a television in an unopened box that had been taken from the victim’s home.
At 7:00 AM on November 16, 2021, the victim’s family reported to police that their home had been burglarized. Specifically, the front and rear doors had been left open and unlocked, interior lights and doors were on, and bedrooms had been ransacked. Several of the belongings reported missing by the victim’s family were found by police on Phillips’s person and in the car he was driving at the time of his arrest.
Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department recovered surveillance video from the area around the carjacking that captured the suspect before and during the carjacking. At the time of Phillips’s arrest, he was wearing clothing that matched that worn by the carjacking suspect in the surveillance video.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney’s Benjamin Helfand and Sara Matar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Judge Gives 18 Year Sentence to Carjacker Who Shot DriverRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Tayvon Owens, 31, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 216 months of incarceration after a jury convicted him in March 2024 of armed carjacking, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and associated firearms crimes for shooting and carjacking a woman on Newton Street NW, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
According to the evidence presented at trial, in the middle of the afternoon of December 12, 2022, Owens approached the victim, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of her parked car on Newton St NW. Owens flung the car door open, pointed his firearm at the victim, and ordered her out of the car. The victim started to comply, but then tried to use the car door to shield herself from Owens and the firearm. Owens pivoted around the car door, shot the victim in the knee, and then pulled her out of the car onto the sidewalk before jumping into her car and driving off.
MPD officers arrived almost immediately, and with the assistance of patrol officers on the ground and MPD’s Falcon helicopter in the sky, MPD tracked Owens through the city to the 1400 block of Bangor St SE. There, Owens jumped out of the victim’s car while it was still moving, causing it to crash into a tree, and stashed his firearm behind a home before being apprehended by MPD officers.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Bromwich and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Forgie, who prosecuted the case.
Jonesboro Man Who Instructed Young Girls to Self-Harm, Drink Toilet Water, and Film Child Pornography Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Justin Lee Palmer, who “coached” young girls who were anorexic and encouraged them to self-harm and film child pornography, will spend 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Thursday by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker0.
“A vile, disgusting, reprobate has finally received his due, the maximum sentence under the law,” said Ross. “We are thankful for the tireless work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the bravery of the victims and their families to bring a stop to his crimes. Parents everywhere should heed this case as reason to monitor and engage with your children’s use of social media.”
An investigation revealed that in March 2020, FBI agents in New Jersey identified a user on KIK messenger who had sexually abused a 9-year-old girl and distributed videos of the abuse to other KIK users. One of the users who received the child pornography was identified by the username “skipdinnergetmethin.” Agents were able to connect the IP addresses associated with that username to Palmer, of Jonesboro, Arkansas. A search of one of Palmer’s cell phones revealed numerous images and videos that contained child pornography.
The investigation further revealed that Palmer, 44, would pose as a 15-year-old girl, befriend teen and preteen girls, and “coach” them on how to be anorexic. He would instruct the victims to film themselves pulling on their fat areas while nude to make them feel disgusted and motivated to lose weight. Agents discovered that Palmer also directed victims to film themselves performing other humiliating and harmful acts, such as cutting demeaning words into their skin, drinking toilet water and their own urine, and engaging in sexually explicit activities.
In April 2020, Palmer asked a young female on KIK messenger, “what are your stats?” to which the female responded, “cw [current weight] 93 pounds. Five feet one inch. Female. 13 years old. Goal weight 75.” Palmer instructed the minor female to “suck in your belly so I can see your ribs.” This minor victim appears in 89 photographs and videos sent to Palmer, 71 of which depict her engaging in sexual, humiliating, or self-harming acts.
“Mr. Palmer's actions were revolting and deplorable,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. “Today’s sentence showcases FBI Little Rock’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to protect innocent children from predators who seem to harm them.”
On October 8, 2020, Palmer was indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography. He pleaded guilty to production of child pornography on August 4, 2023. Chief Judge Baker also sentenced Palmer to a lifetime of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Eldridge prosecuted the case.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced for Possessing Unregistered SilencerRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – JOSEPH METZLER, III (“METZLER”), age 44, of Gretna, Louisiana, was sentenced on July 23, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long for violating the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, federal agents received information that METZLER was the recipient of unlawfully imported firearm parts from China. Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and officers from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at METZLER’s residence. As a result, they discovered that he possessed a silencer that was not registered to him, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861(d).
Judge Long sentenced METZLER to 27 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release after imprisonment, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Inmate at the Federal Schuylkill Correctional Institution Sentenced to an Additional 30 Months in Prison for Assault on A Corrections OfficerRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carlos Rodriguez-Cruz, age 33, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 25, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, to serve an additional 30 months in prison for assaulting a federal corrections officer.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Rodriguez-Cruz, formerly of Puerto Rico, previously pleaded guilty and admitted to assaulting a corrections officer. The charge stems from an incident on October 6, 2023, in which Rodriguez-Cruz engaged in a physical confrontation with a corrections officer and punched the officer.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
At the time of the incident at FCI Schuylkill, Rodriguez-Cruz was serving a sentence from Puerto Rico for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. That sentence does not expire until March 2027. The sentence imposed by Judge Munley for the charge of assault on a corrections officer will run consecutively to the sentence from Puerto Rico.
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Houston tax preparer pleads guilty to filing false tax returns resulting in over $100,000 in lossesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A tax preparer has admitted to aiding or assisting in the preparation of a false 2017 income tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
As part of his plea, Christopher J. Guevara admitted that from at least 2018 to 2020, he owned and operated Chris Tax Service in Houston. He admitted to often placing false Schedule A deductions, residential energy credits, and Schedule C businesses on the returns he prepared, generating larger refunds to which his clients were not entitled. He also admitted to making money through preparation fees he would make money by charging preparation fees.
Guevara admitted to placing $26,857 in false business losses that were listed on the 2017 Schedule C. As a result, the tax loss to the United States on that return was approximately $13,390.
Guevara took responsibility for $123,458 in losses to the IRS and has agreed to pay that amount in restitution.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett will impose sentencing Oct. 31. At that time, Guevara faces up to three years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.
Fugitive "Queen of the South" Returned to United States to Face Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Amanda Rachelle Miller, 33, of Tucson, was apprehended in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico and deported to the United States on May 30, 2024, to face three felony indictments in the District of Arizona. Miller is a U.S. citizen and had been a fugitive for approximately three-and-a-half years at the time of her arrest in Mexico. Miller made her initial court appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Rateau on July 3, 2024, and was ordered detained in custody.
Federal agents first encountered Miller in late 2020, at the culmination of an investigation into narcotics distribution occurring out of various Tucson-area motels. As alleged in court filings, on November 12, 2020, agents conducted a final enforcement operation at a downtown Tucson motel and apprehended Miller as she ran from the scene. In one of the rooms, agents discovered evidence of Miller’s involvement in drug trafficking, including quantities of suspected methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl; a vacuum-sealing device; a digital scale; over $25,000 in cash; and two suspected drug distribution ledgers, one of which had Miller’s first name written on the back cover. Miller was charged in federal court by complaint on November 13, 2020, and later indicted on December 1, 2021. She absconded after being placed on pre-trial release and fled to Mexico.
In late September 2021, an undercover officer, posing as a bulk purchaser of narcotics, established contact with Miller over social media. Miller was using the alias, “Reina Sur,” or “Queen of the South.” As alleged in court documents, Miller represented to the undercover officer that she was “direct from [the] [S]inaloa [C]artel.” Over the ensuing months, while in communication with the undercover officer, she is alleged to have orchestrated multiple narcotics sales, which revealed the network of criminal associates conducting business on her behalf in southern Arizona. During their investigation, agents also were able to link Miller, through recorded communications, to two historical drug seizures, in April and August 2021.
Miller has been indicted in three federal criminal cases in the District of Arizona on the following charges:
In case number 21-CR-03072-TUC-SHR, Miller was charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Methamphetamine, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Methamphetamine. This indictment relates to the incident that allegedly occurred on November 12, 2020.
In case number 21-CR-02360-TUC-JGZ, Miller was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. This indictment relates to drug transactions that allegedly occurred in April and August 2021, while Miller was a fugitive.
In case number 22-CR-02454-TUC-RCC, Miller was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, and Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, and Money Laundering. This indictment relates to drug transactions and money laundering activity that allegedly occurred from September 2021 through the end of 2022, again while Miller was a fugitive from justice.
The maximum penalties for the numerous charges range from 20 years in prison to life in prison and fines ranging from $500,000 to $10,000,000.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are conducting the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael R. Lizano, Ashley Culver, and David Petermann, District of Arizona, Tucson, are handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBERS: CR-21-03072-TUC-SHR
CR-21-02360-TUC-JGZ
CR-22-02454-TUC-RCCRELEASE NUMBER: 2024-103_Miller