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9 September 2024
Federal Jury Finds Miami Man Guilty of Producing and Attempting to Produce Child Sexual Abuse Material Using Hidden CamerasRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Gray Edward Rivera (46, Miami) guilty of two counts of production and attempted production of child sexual abuse material and one count of attempted production of child sexual abuse material. For each count, Rivera faces a minimum mandatory term of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison. Rivera has been detained since his arrest on February 8, 2024. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 6, 2024.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Rivera gifted three items containing hidden cameras to a child—a Bluetooth speaker, calendar/clock, and a USB charging tower—and set them up in the child’s bedroom. In addition, a hidden camera smoke detector was discovered in the living room area. The hidden cameras were later discovered by the child’s mother, and she contacted the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Rivera was out of country at the time.
The CCSO partnered with Homeland Security Investigations and obtained Rivera’s cellphones when he re-entered the United States. A review of Rivera’s cellphones resulted in the discovery of 14 files containing child sexual abuse material of the child, as well as phone activity related to the use of the app for controlling the hidden cameras.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Jury Convicts Wayne County Methamphetamine TraffickerRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a Goldsboro man on three charges of trafficking methamphetamine. Tamarcus Shaquan Ellis, age 34, faces up to life in prison when sentenced in December.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were investigating Ellis as part of an operation targeting crystal methamphetamine dealers operating in Goldsboro and Jacksonville in early 2021. By late March 2021, the ATF had arrested a number of high-level methamphetamine traffickers and began targeting Ellis’ drug trafficking organization.
Over the course of multiple months in the Spring of 2021, investigators used a confidential source to make controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Ellis’ organization. Due to the number of takedowns of other methamphetamine traffickers in February and March of 2021, Ellis went to great lengths to avoid direct involvement in the drug transactions. In addition to counter-surveilling buy locations for law enforcement presence, Ellis also made last minute changes to the buy location in order to limit the risk of detection. Ellis also used low-level underlings in his organization to deliver the drugs while he monitored the drug deal from nearby. The underlings testified at trial that Ellis supplied them with drugs for the delivery to the confidential source.
Ellis was convicted of a conspiracy to distribute and posses with the intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine and two counts of distributing five (5) grams of or more of methamphetamine.
This investigation was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan accepted the verdict. The ATF and ATF Task Force Officers from the Goldsboro Police Department and the Jacksonville Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Hartigan and Dennis Duffy prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:21-CR-273-FL.
Federal Judge Sentences Cross Country Sex-Traffickers to 14 and 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A U.S. District Judge sentenced Xavier Latrell Smith, 34, to 360 months’ imprisonment and his co-defendant Jayla Denice Welch, 22, to 170 months’ imprisonment, for sex trafficking a minor from Texas to Louisiana to Florida.
In March, Smith and Welch, who are both from Texas, were convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking of a minor, transporting a minor to engage in sexual activity, and coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. In addition, Smith was convicted of two counts of commission of a sex offense by a registered sex offender.
Smith, a registered sex offender, and Welch lured the minor victim to engage in sexual acts with false promises of a better life. Smith and Welch then posted commercial sex ads of the minor victim online as they travelled with the victim from Texas to Louisiana to Florida, where she was trafficked and engaged in prostitution. Smith and Welch collected the money the victim received from the unlawful sexual acts.
The minor victim was rescued from a hotel room reserved and paid for by Smith and occupied by Welch and the minor victim. Smith’s cellular device rang when agents called the TextNow number associated with the minor victim’s commercial sex ads. After the minor victim was rescued, law enforcement reviewed Smith and Welch’s phones and recovered records of them photographing, posting and maintaining the commercial sex ads of the minor victim in six different cities. Welch and Smith both paid for and reserved hotel rooms that the minor victim used for the illegal sexual activity with the commercial sex customers.
Smith was sentenced on Aug. 23. Welch was sentenced on June 21. A restitution hearing is scheduled for Smith on Sept. 27.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, and Director Stephanie V. Daniels of the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, in partnership with MDPD’s Human Trafficking Squad, and the South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abbie D. Waxman, Bertila Lilia Fernandez, and Arielle Klepach prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eloisa Fernandez is handling asset forfeiture.
To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, please call 1-888-373-7888; text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org. The toll-free phone, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish, Creole, or in more than 200 additional languages. The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration or an investigative agency. Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously. To learn more about the hotline, visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org.
To learn more about the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking visit www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-20122.
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Federal Drug Conspirators SentencedRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Five members of a federal drug conspiracy were sentenced on September 6 in federal court. Eric Maurice Moseley, 37, of Grand Bay, Alabama; Hardy Devan Forrest, 35, also of Grand Bay; Markell Durrell Moore, 36, of Mobile; Zyshonne Osilk Smith, 25, of Grand Bay; and Bryan Dion Campbell, 30, of Mobile, each appeared before United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose in separate sentencing hearings. Moseley pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in November of 2023. In October of 2023, Forrest pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking felony, and felon in possession of a firearm. Moore pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in December of 2023. Smith pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking felony in August of 2023.
Otis Sanders, Jr., was alleged to be the organizer and manager of the drug distribution conspiracy. Sanders and two other members of the conspiracy were convicted in April of 2024 by a jury of multiple counts involving conspiracy and drug trafficking, including specific instances of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Evidence from that trial established that Sanders operated a large, interstate distribution organization in which he obtained methamphetamine from suppliers in Texas for distribution in Mobile County. Sanders hired couriers to get money to Texas and return to Mobile with the drugs. The evidence showed that some of the couriers rode commercial buses for that round trip, and others used private vehicles for their transportation. Drugs were stored residences in Moss Point, Mississippi, and in south Mobile County until they were packaged into smaller amounts for distribution to local dealers.
Investigators made controlled buys of methamphetamine from Sanders and other members of the organization, including Smith, Campbell and Forrest. Search warrants were executed at their residences where additional amounts of drugs were seized. Investigators also found and seized guns at Smith’s residence and Forrest’s residence. Court documents show that in August of 2022, Moseley was arrested with another conspirator in a vehicle by St. Tammany Parish sheriff’s deputies traveling from New Orleans to Mobile with 4 kilograms of methamphetamine ice and a pistol in their vehicle. Additional amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine were seized at Moseley’s residence in Mobile shortly after his arrest. Moore was arrested on June of 2023 at his residence where investigators seized two firearms. Other members of the conspiracy, including Sanders, were arrested that date. Numerous firearms and additional quantities of methamphetamine were seized during the arrests. One firearm seized was a Glock handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device, which illegally converts a semi-automatic handgun into a machine gun. Sanders was also identified as the instigator in a drive-by shooting on Ramsay Road in south Mobile County.
Evidence from Sanders’ trial established that the shooting resulted after Sanders did not pay one of his couriers for the delivery a shipment of 10 or 20 kilograms of methamphetamine to Mobile. Sanders drove by a residence associated with the courier and Zyshonne Osilk Smith, who was one of his distributors, on Ramsay Road, and fired shots at them in the yard. A gun battle ensued. Mobile County sheriff’s deputies responded when a complainant notified them that one of the bullets had penetrated her trailer and lodged in the wall above her bed, where she was lying when she heard the shots. Sanders abandoned his silver Suburban in the road near the intersection with Highway 188. The deputies impounded the vehicle and seized shell casings inside the vehicle, establishing that Sanders had fired shots from the interior of the vehicle. Sanders attempted to have Bryan Dion Campbell tow the vehicle before law enforcement arrived, but they were already present and investigating at that location when the wrecker driver arrived. Photographs of the Suburban were introduced into evidence at Sanders’ trial, showing the vehicle had been struck by numerous bullets and the tires on the driver’s side were shredded by gunshots. Sanders was convicted by a jury on 12 counts and sentenced to 20 years in federal prison in July of 2024. Court documents established that Forrest, Campbell, Moore, Moseley and Smith were distributors for Sanders, and Forrest and Moseley stored larger quantities of methamphetamine for Sanders at their residences at his instruction. Moseley also acted as one of Sanders’ couriers to bring shipments of methamphetamine from Houston, Texas, to Mobile for further distribution here.
Judge Dubose sentenced Moseley to 75 months in prison on both counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. Moseley will also serve 5 years of supervised release following his imprisonment. The judge ordered that Moseley would be subjects to standard conditions of supervised release, as well as certain special conditions, including drug and alcohol testing and treatment and the model search provision, which permits a search of his person and premises upon reasonable suspicion that he has violated his supervision. He was also ordered to pay $200 in special mandatory assessments. No fine was imposed.
The judge sentenced Forrest to 150 months imprisonment on the drug counts and the felon in possession count with those sentences to run concurrently. Forrest was sentenced an additional 5 years on the gun charge, which was ordered to run consecutively. The judge ordered Forrest to serve 5 years of supervised release following his release from imprisonment. The same conditions as those imposed for Moseley’s supervision were likewise imposed for Forrest. Forrest was ordered to pay $400 in special mandatory assessments. No fine was imposed.
Moore was sentenced to 120 months in prison on the drug count and 90 months imprisonment on the felon in possession charge, with the sentences to run concurrently. Moore will also serve 5 years of supervised release following his imprisonment. Moseley will also be subject to the same conditions as those imposed for his codefendants. He was ordered to pay $200 in special mandatory assessments. No fine was imposed.
Campbell was sentenced to 105 months in prison on both counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. Campbell will also serve 5 years of supervised release following his imprisonment. Campbell will also be subject to the same conditions as those imposed for his codefendants. He was ordered to pay $200 in special mandatory assessments. No fine was imposed.
Smith was sentenced to 90 months in prison, consisting of 30 months on the drug count and 60 onths on the gun count, which will run consecutively. The judge ordered that Smith will serve a 5 year term of supervised release to follow his imprisonment. Smith will be subject to the same conditions of supervised release as the other defendants. He was ordered to pay $200 in special mandatory assessments. No fine was imposed.
The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security, the Beaumont Police (Texas) Department, the St. Tammany Parish (Louisiana) Sheriff’s Office, and the Mobile Police Department.
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.
El Departamento de Justicia emite un nuevo documento de orientación sobre las leyes federales de inscripción electoralRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció ayer que ha emitido un documento de orientación sobre los límites en cuanto a cuándo y cómo las jurisdicciones pueden remover a votantes de sus listas de votantes. El documento de orientación es reflejo del compromiso del departamento a asegurar que cada votante elegible pueda ejercer su derecho al voto libre de discriminación o intimidación.
“Un aspecto fundamental del mantenimiento de una democracia robusta, y una prioridad de primer orden del Departamento de Justicia, es asegurar que cada votante elegible pueda votar y que su voto sea contado,” afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “Según se acerca el Día de las Elecciones, es importante que los estados cumplan con todos los aspectos de las leyes federales que salvaguardan el derecho de los votantes elegibles a permanecer en las listas de votantes activos y que voten libres de discriminación o intimidación.”
En el documento de orientación, el departamento les recuerda a los estados que los esfuerzos para mantener las listas de votantes precisas y actualizadas deben realizarse en cumplimiento con las leyes federales y no de manera discriminatoria. En concreto, el departamento explica los importantes límites impuestos por ley federal a los procedimientos y reglas que los estados puedan adoptar en cuanto a sus listas de votantes inscritos. Por ejemplo, los esfuerzos de mantenimiento de listas deben ser uniformes y no discriminatorios, y un programa que sistemáticamente remueve a los votantes inelegibles no debe llevarse a cabo durante los 90 días antes de unas elecciones federales. También hay reglas específicas sobre cómo remover a votantes inscritos que se han mudado. Es importante señalar que estas protecciones federales se aplican tanto si el proceso es iniciado por el estado como en respuesta a solicitudes de terceras partes.
El departamento también ha emitido una hoja informativa para las jurisdicciones que proporcione información sobre ciertas leyes federales civiles que protegen el derecho al voto.
- Sección 11(b) de la Ley de Derechos Electorales: La ley federal ampliamente prohíbe la intimidación, amenazas y la coerción – o los intentos de lo mismo – a través de cada etapa del proceso electoral, incluyendo la inscripción para votar, la emisión del voto y la tabulación de los votos.
- Sección 2 de la Ley de Derechos Electorales: La ley federal también prohíbe la discriminación en la votación por motivos de raza, color o pertenencia a un grupo de minoría lingüística, lo cual, según la definición en la ley, se extiende a ciudadanos amerindios, de ascendencia asiática, nativos de Alaska o de herencia hispana.
- Sección 208 de la Ley de Derechos Electorales: Para votantes con discapacidades y aquellos que tienen dificultades para leer o escribir, la ley federal les garantiza asistencia en todos los aspectos del proceso electoral por parte de una persona que ellos mismos elijan, sujeto a solamente a dos excepciones que prohíben que el empleador del votante o un representante de su sindicato laboral le ayuden. Y, en virtud de la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades, los gobiernos estatales y locales deben asegurar que las personas con discapacidades tengan una oportunidad plena e igualitaria de votar.
- Sección 203 de la Ley de Derechos Electorales: La hoja informativa explica que algunas jurisdicciones, según identificadas por la Oficina del Censo, tienen la obligación de proporcionar toda la información electoral disponible en inglés en el idioma minoritario lingüístico cubierto.
En abril el departamento anunció un sitio web actualizado, www.justice.gov/voting, un punto único de recursos con información sobre la votación y las elecciones. Este sitio web incluye guías sobre una variedad de temas para informar a los votantes y a los funcionarios electorales estatales y locales. Incluye, entre otros temas, información sobre las protecciones electorales para los ciudadanos de grupos lingüísticos minoritarios en virtud de la sección 203 de la ley de Derechos Electorales, reglas (por estado) sobre el derecho al voto tras una condena penal, el derecho al voto de los miembros de las Fuerzas Armadas y de ciudadanos de los EE. UU. que residen en el extranjero e información sobre las auditorías después de las elecciones, incluyendo los requisitos en virtud de la ley federal de que los funcionarios electorales estatales y locales «mantengan y conserven» registros relacionados con las elecciones.
Información adicional sobre la votación y las elecciones está disponible en el sitio web del Departamento de Justicia en www.justice.gov/crt/voting/. Aprenda más sobre la ley de Derechos Electorales y otras leyes federales electorales en www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Querellas relacionadas con posibles vulneraciones de las leyes federales de derechos electorales pueden presentarse mediate el formulario en línea de la División de Derechos Civiles en https://civilrights.justice.gov/ (disponible en español) o por teléfono al 1-800-253-3931.
El sitio web www.justice.gov/crt/voting/ también brinda información sobre el grupo de trabajo conjunto para combatir a las amenazas en las elecciones, el cual encabeza los esfuerzos del departamento para enfrentar a la violencia contra funcionarios electorales y asegurar que todos los trabajadores electorales – ya sean electos, nombrados o voluntarios – puedan hacer su trabajo libres de amenazas e intimidación
Usted puede denunciar sospechas de actividad delictiva relacionada con las elecciones al FBI al 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) o presentar una querella en línea en tips.fbi.gov (solo en inglés) o Contactar – FBI. Puede también ponerse en contacto con las agencias del orden público locales. Si usted está en peligro inminente, llame al 911.
Eighteen Individuals Indicted on Federal Bank Fraud and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal grand jury in Des Moines returned an indictment charging 18 individuals with offenses related to bank fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.
As alleged in the Indictment, Defendants orchestrated a nationwide scheme to defraud financial institutions and draw funds from stolen business checks. Defendants, located across the country, first obtained the stolen checks from uncharged co-conspirators. They then registered sham entities with the IRS and state government agencies—including the Iowa Secretary of State—with names which were identical or similar to the legitimate recipients of the checks. After obtaining registration documents and IRS employer identification numbers, Defendants opened or attempted to open accounts at banks and credit unions in the names of the sham entities, intending to deposit the stolen checks. While attempting to open the accounts, Defendants made material misrepresentations to or concealed material facts from the banks and credit unions.
The Indictment alleges that once Defendants were able to open the accounts for the sham entities, they deposited or attempted to deposit the stolen checks in the accounts. If the deposit was successful, Defendants withdrew large amounts of cash from the accounts and/or obtained cashier’s or official checks from the accounts. Defendants distributed the proceeds among their co-conspirators. Oftentimes, Defendants obtained cashier’s or official checks written to sham entities that were created for the purpose of laundering stolen check proceeds. Defendants used the money obtained from the stolen business checks for their personal benefit and purposes.
The Indictment alleges the Defendants’ conduct affected at least twelve business victims and at least fourteen financial institution victims. Defendants and their co-conspirators attempted to deposit at least $10 million worth of stolen checks into fraudulent accounts and were able to obtain at least $2.1 million in proceeds from their criminal conduct.
If convicted, Defendants face a maximum penalty of thirty years in prison on counts alleging bank fraud or bank fraud conspiracy and ten years in prison on counts alleging money laundering or money laundering conspiracy. The Indictment may be viewed at the link below.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case with assistance from the Postal Inspection Service, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and Secret Service, as well as with assistance from numerous state and local agencies. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle Essley, Kristin Herrera, and Joseph Lubben are 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.
Here is the link for the Grand Jury Indictment
Eight Drug Dealers Sentenced to 32 Total Years as Part of Large-Scale OperationRead the Press Release
DURANGO – The United States Attorney for the District of Colorado announces that a large-scale operation to shut down a drug trafficking operation in southwest Colorado has resulted in the conviction and sentencing of eight individuals.
In July of 2022, the Montezuma/Cortez Narcotics Investigation Team, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Indian Affairs received information that a drug trafficking organization was bringing significant amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl into Montezuma County, Colorado. More than a kilogram of methamphetamine, 1,000 fentanyl pills, and multiple firearms were recovered and resulted in the following:
Crystal Bass, 43, of Cortez, Colorado, plead guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Mixture and Substance Containing Methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 15 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Douglas Brummett, 34, of Cortez, Colorado, plead guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Mixture and Substance Containing Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. He was sentenced to 34 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Mary Lobato, 41, of Cortez, Colorado, plead guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams and More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 28 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Infant Maciel, 29, of Cortez, Colorado, plead guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Mixture and Substance Containing Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 42 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Luis Martinez, 44, of Cortez, Colorado, plead guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams and More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 80 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release.
William Millard, 36, of Dolores, Colorado, plead guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Mixture and Substance Containing Fentanyl and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. He was sentenced to 78 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Cesar Ortiz-Castillo, 33, a citizen of Mexico, plead guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute at Least 40 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl. He was sentenced to 72 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Russell Wall, 36, of Cortez, Colorado, plead guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams and More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 36 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release.
“Keeping illicit drugs out of the Four Corners region is a critical part of our public safety efforts there,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “We thank our local, tribal, and federal partners for helping make this complex operation possible and keeping the citizens of Montezuma County safer.”
“This investigation represents the Drug Enforcement Administration’s steadfast commitment to the rural communities of Colorado. There is no safe space for drug trafficking organizations to operate, and as demonstrated by a multi-agency effort, the DEA and its partners will identify, investigate, and prosecute those persons who seek to destroy our communities only to enrich themselves,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen.
“The Montezuma/Cortez Narcotics Investigation Team is committed to fighting the war on dangerous drugs and stopping the flow of illicit narcotics coming into our communities,” said Cortez Police Detective Tom Quinnett. “Our primary goal is to dismantle and destroy drug trafficking organizations within our reach.”
“The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Division of Drug Enforcement is committed to combating illegal drug usage, possession, and distribution throughout Indian Country. This long-term investigation displays the results achieved through cooperation with the other Tribal, Local, and Federal agencies,” said Acting/Deputy Associate Director Tom Atkinson. “BIA is devoted to continuing to protect our native communities and is thankful for the partnerships with the DEA, Montezuma Cortez Narcotics Investigation Team, BIA-Ute Mountain Ute Agency, and Ute Mountain Casino Security.”
Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the proceedings. The case was investigated in a collaborative effort of the Montezuma/Cortez Narcotics Investigation Team, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorneys R. Josh Player and Jeffrey K. Graves handled the prosecutions.
Case Numbers: 22-cr-00358-GPG-JMC, 23-cr-00007-GPG-JMC, 23-cr-00245-GPG-JMC
Eight Defendants Plead Guilty in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Benefit SchemeRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – Eight defendants indicted in May 2024 for conspiring to defraud the United States, commit program fraud, and commit mail fraud in connection to a scheme involving the filing of fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits entered guilty pleas recently.
Brian Edward Addair, Clinton Michael Altizer, Cara Camille Bailey, Jeramy Blake Farmer, Joseph Frederick Hass, Daniel Wayne Horton, Jessica Dawn Lester, and Terrance Brooks Vilacha entered guilty pleas to one count of conspiring to defraud the United States in connection with emergency benefits.
According to court documents, between March 2020 and September 2021, these defendants conspired to file fraudulent claims and recertifications for pandemic unemployment benefits via the Virginia Employment Commission website while they were incarcerated in jails throughout the Western District of Virginia and, due to their incarceration status, were ineligible for pandemic unemployment benefits. In total, among the 17 defendants charged in this conspiracy, the Virginia Employment Commission paid out $341,205 in pandemic relief benefits to ineligible persons.
Addair, Altizer, Bailey, Farmer, Hass, Horton, Lester, and Vilacha are scheduled for sentencing on January 9, 2025, and face up to five years in federal prison. The remaining defendants are scheduled for guilty plea hearings or trial in fall 2024.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Brian D. Miller, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares made the announcement.
As part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Task Force, this investigation was conducted by the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending.
Agencies that assisted with this investigation included the Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office, the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and the Virginia Employment Commission.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Danielle Stone are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Convicted Jacksonville Sex Offender Indicted for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced that Alexander James Koby (39, Jacksonville) has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Jacksonville for knowingly receiving child sexual abuse material over the internet. If convicted, Koby faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison, and a potential lifetime term of supervised release.
Koby is a convicted child sex offender, having been convicted of a federal charge of knowingly possessing child sexual abuse material in 2014. Koby will make his initial appearance court in this case on September 10, 2024, before United States Magistrate Judge Samuel J. Horovitz at the United States Courthouse in Jacksonville.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Divisio’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Convicted Felon Who Shot at a Cartersville Police Officer Returned to PrisonRead the Press Release
ROME, Ga. - Jose Rivera has been sentenced to federal prison for the possession of a stolen firearm, which he discharged at a Cartersville police officer, and for the possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
“Rivera’s reckless criminal behavior placed the citizens of Cartersville at serious risk,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “The sentencing of this dangerous felon is an example of our office’s commitment to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.”
“The complete disregard shown by Rivera for the safety of civilians, and the law enforcement officer who was shot at, is inexcusable,” said Mitchell Jackson, Senior Supervisory Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Cartersville Office. “This disturbing trend of attacking law enforcement officers will not be tolerated by the FBI and we will continue to work with our partners in these cases to successfully prosecute dangerous repeat offenders.”
“Those that break the law and disregard the safety of our communities in Georgia will be held accountable,” said Chris Hosey, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “The GBI and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate these reckless criminal acts that place Georgia communities in danger. This case represents our commitment to upholding the safety of citizens across the state.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: On November 17, 2022, Rivera threw a cinderblock through the front door of a local store in Cartersville, Georgia, after which he entered the store and stole a 9mm pistol. He then went to a Circle K in Cartersville, where he pointed the gun at customers and fired the weapon.
An officer with the Cartersville Police Department arrived at the scene and Rivera fled behind the Circle K. As the officer pursued the suspect, Rivera turned and fired at the officer. The officer returned fire, striking Rivera in the leg and foot. Rivera was arrested and provided with medical treatment. A subsequent investigation revealed that Rivera was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Jose Rivera, 46, of Cartersville, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II to 18 years, four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $300. Rivera was convicted on these charges on April 26, 2024, after he pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin A. Leipold, III prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office Releases Internet Safety PSARead the Press Release
New Haven – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut has released a public service announcement alerting parents and caregivers about “sextortion,” a type of blackmail used by offenders to acquire sexual content online, and providing guidance to help protect children from being victimized by this crime.
The public service announcement is available at these links:
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z75fNrjibo
- X: https://x.com/USAO_CT/status/1833179358477127968
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/sTNAqFn5uZ73aqad/
To report cases of child exploitation, contact local police, the FBI, or Homeland Security Investigations, or submit a CyberTip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) at www.cybertipline.com.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford.
Colorado Man is Sentenced to 97 Months for Cyberstalking Three Individuals in Hawaii and Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – A Colorado man was sentenced today to 97 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for cyberstalking and obstruction of justice offenses committed in Hawaii.
United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced that John B. Hart, 54, of Louisville, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Susan Oki Mollway of the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Hart pleaded guilty on April 12. According to court documents, from May 2022 to August 2022, Hart, while living in Hawaii, engaged in a cyberstalking campaign to harass and intimidate his former girlfriend, Jane Doe 1; her former partner, John Doe 1; and her then-partner, John Doe 2. Hart frequently posed as John Doe 1 while targeting his other two victims, and also pretended to target himself in an attempt to deflect attention and falsely implicate John Doe 1. Hart hid his true identity by using multiple “burner apps” to generate dozens of fake phone numbers he used to message his victims, and falsely reported the conduct to local and federal law enforcement authorities and others, claiming that John Doe 1 was responsible and posed a genuine and serious threat to Hart and others. Two days after being questioned by federal agents, Hart deleted one of his personal e-mail accounts in an attempt to obstruct the ongoing investigation.
Hart pleaded guilty in April to three counts of cyberstalking and one count of obstruction of justice. In his plea agreement, Hart admitted to posing as John Doe 1 and committing acts directed at each of his three victims, including the following:
(1) sending communications to Jane Doe 1 criticizing her and encouraging her to kill herself, and advising her that he had posed as Jane Doe 1 online and solicited strange men to engage in “gang bang” and other sexual activities with her;
(2) sending communications to Jane Doe 1, her family members, and her associates claiming that he had followed Jane Doe 1 and John Doe 2 when they traveled to Washington state, and falsely asserting that John Doe 2 was a human trafficker who may have kidnapped Jane Doe 1 while she was in Washington;
(3) sending communications to Jane Doe 1’s family members, John Doe 2, and their associates that contained express or implied threats to kill, kidnap, rape, and otherwise injure Jane Doe 1;
(4) creating online dating profiles in Jane Doe 1’s name, and soliciting men to date and/or engage in casual sexual encounters with her, and sending messages causing multiple men to appear at Jane Doe 1’s workplace for dates and/or sex;
(5) sending communications to John Doe 2 criticizing Jane Doe 1 and encouraging, directing, and threatening John Doe 2 to terminate his relationship with her;
(6) sending communications to John Doe 2 claiming to have sexual photos and videos of Jane Doe 1 and threatening to post them online and distribute them to her friends and family;
(7) purchasing and shipping sex toys to one or more residences of John Doe 2’s family members, using Jane Doe 1’s name and credit card without authorization in the purchase order, and sending taunting communications to John Doe 2 about the purchases; and
(8) spray-painting Jane Doe 1’s vehicle and placing metal spikes on the ground near her tires, while her vehicle was parked outside of her place of employment/training.
During today’s sentencing, Judge Mollway stated that Hart had done “incalculable harm” to his victims and that the impact of Hart’s crimes had been “tremendous.” She further noted that Hart’s crimes involved a “huge amount of deception,” Hart had “gravely incriminated” an innocent person while portraying himself as a victim, and it could not “be overemphasized how harmful and serious his conduct was.” Hart has been detained since his April 2023 arrest in Colorado.
“John Hart engaged in a relentless cybercampaign to harass and terrorize his ex-girlfriend and others in her life, masking his own identity and attempting to frame an innocent man in the process,” said United States Attorney Clare E. Connors. “Today’s sentence represents justice for Hart’s victims and will help deter others who might seek to hide behind the perceived anonymity of the internet to target their victims.”
“While no sentence can ever make up for the devastating impact John Hart’s actions had on the victims in this case, we hope that this provides a sense of relief to those he affected,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “Cyberstalking is one of the fastest growing crimes, and the FBI and our partners are committed to holding accountable anyone who uses the internet to terrorize their victims.”
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara D. Ayabe and Aislinn Affinito for the District of Hawaii and Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section prosecuted the case.
Cincinnati men sentenced to decades in prison for murder of convenience store owner, armed robberiesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Two Cincinnati men were sentenced in federal court here today to decades in prison for crimes involving the murder of the owner of Madeira Beverage in February 2021 and multiple armed robberies.
Willie James Attaway, 33, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for murdering Roop C. Gupta and committing or attempting four other armed robberies on Feb. 8 and Feb. 9, 2021.
During the two-day crime spree, Attaway brandished a firearm to rob or attempt to rob:
- Feb. 8 – Shell on S. Mason Montgomery Road in Deerfield Township,
- Feb. 8 – Shell on Dixie Highway in Hamilton, Ohio,
- Feb. 9 – Madeira Beverage on Kenwood Road in Madeira, Ohio,
- Feb. 9 – Sunoco on Kenwood Road in Blue Ash, Ohio, and
- Feb. 9 – Marathon on North Broadway in Lebanon, Ohio.
At the first robbery, Attaway brandished a firearm at the two clerks and demanded that they empty the cash registers, which they did.
Later that night, at a second Shell gas station, Attaway brandished a firearm and said he was not afraid to shoot the clerk. The clerk gave Attaway money from the cash register.
The next day, Feb. 9, 2021, Attaway entered Madeira Beverage and confronted the store’s owner, Roop Gupta, who was working behind the counter. Attaway pointed a firearm at Gupta, and during the ensuing struggle he shot Gupta one time in the left abdomen. Gupta was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Later that evening, Attaway entered the Sonoco in Blue Ash, brandished a firearm, and demanded that the clerk give up the money in the cash register, which the clerk did.
During the final robbery on Feb. 9, Attaway pointed a firearm at the Marathon clerk and said, “Give me what you got.” The clerk reached under the counter, pretending he had a firearm, causing Attaway to flee.
The second defendant, Lamond Johnson, 38, who served as Attaway’s driver during the robberies, was sentenced today to 23 years in prison. Johnson previously pleaded guilty to three counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of attempted robbery.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); announced the sentences imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie D. Garcia and Kyle J. Healey are representing the United States in this case.
The investigation was jointly conducted by ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Madeira Police Department, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the Cincinnati, Lebanon, Blue Ash and Hamilton police departments, and the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office.
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Charleston Woman Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Alexis Nicole Davis, 26, of Charleston, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 21, 2023, Davis possessed 10 grams of fentanyl that was arranged to be sold at a Charleston gas station. When Davis arrived at the gas station, she recognized the would-be buyer was a confidential informant and the sale was not conducted. After Davis left the gas station, law enforcement officers stopped her and found the fentanyl in her purse. Davis admitted that she possessed the fentanyl and intended to distribute it to others.
Travell Lamar Johnson, 45, of Big Chimney, participated in the halted transaction and also sold quantities of fentanyl to the confidential informant on three other occasions in June 2023. Johnson was sentenced to four years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on August 7, 2024, after pleading guilty to distribution of fentanyl.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department-Special Enforcement Unit.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-72.
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Charleston Woman Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Alexis Nicole Davis, 26, of Charleston, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 21, 2023, Davis possessed 10 grams of fentanyl that was arranged to be sold at a Charleston gas station. When Davis arrived at the gas station, she recognized the would-be buyer was a confidential informant and the sale was not conducted. After Davis left the gas station, law enforcement officers stopped her and found the fentanyl in her purse. Davis admitted that she possessed the fentanyl and intended to distribute it to others.
Travell Lamar Johnson, 45, of Big Chimney, participated in the halted transaction and also sold quantities of fentanyl to the confidential informant on three other occasions in June 2023. Johnson was sentenced to four years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on August 7, 2024, after pleading guilty to distribution of fentanyl.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department-Special Enforcement Unit.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-72.
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Central Coast Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child Pornography Weeks After Release from State PrisonRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Santa Barbara County man was sentenced today to 135 months in federal prison for receiving thousands of videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) within one month of his parole from California state prison following his conviction for internet-related child sexual exploitation crimes.
Giovanni Gonzalez, 34, of Carpinteria, was sentenced by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner, who also ordered him to pay $24,000 in restitution.
Gonzalez pleaded guilty on February 5 to one count of receipt of child pornography.
“Within days of his release from state prison for despicable acts he committed against children, this defendant returned to his deplorable ways, obtaining thousands of videos showcasing the sexual exploitation of kids,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Protecting our children is central to my office’s mission and we will continue to use all available tools to prosecute those who participate in this wicked marketplace that traffics in child abuse.”
“Sexual exploitation of children is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our society,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “This case underscores the FBI's commitment to investigate all offenders who cause harm to our children, and we will ensure these individuals no longer pose a threat to our communities.”
According to his plea agreement, on December 1, 2022, Gonzalez was paroled from California state prison following a sentence of more than 17 years for posing as a teenage girl online and coercing at least eight minor female victims into engaging in sex acts and sending him the images, as well as for possessing and sharing CSAM on the internet.
Later that month, Gonzalez sought out and began receiving CSAM from sources, including one on WhatsApp, a computer software application on his mobile phone.
On December 28, 2022, Gonzalez knowingly received from one source numerous files of CSAM. Upon receiving this material on WhatsApp, Gonzalez saved them to the memory card of his mobile phone.
On January 7, 2023, Gonzalez turned over his mobile phone to his parole officer pursuant to his search conditions. Upon inspection, law enforcement found in Gonzalez’s telephone approximately 2,684 videos containing CSAM, of which several depicted prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct or sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler.
The FBI and the Santa Maria Police Department investigated this matter. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy K. Beecher of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section prosecuted this case.
Cape Coral Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for COVID Relief FraudRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Diop McKenzie (30, Cape Coral) to 45 months in federal prison for bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the court ordered McKenzie to pay restitution to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $117,832, the proceeds of the bank and wire fraud. McKenzie pled guilty on June 11, 2024.
According to court documents, in May 2020, McKenzie submitted a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application to a financial institution that is federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). McKenzie fraudulently applied for the PPP loan through the SBA in the amount of $20,832 using the name of another individual, and McKenzie falsely represented that he had a business located in Cape Coral, Florida. McKenzie fraudulently represented in his application that the proceeds of the PPP loan would be used for payroll costs and for rent for the business. McKenzie’s false and fraudulent representations caused the financial institution to approve and fund the PPP loan for his business, but the investigation revealed that the loan proceeds were not used for business related purposes. Instead, McKenzie used the PPP funds for unauthorized purposes and for his own personal benefit.
In July 2020, McKenzie submitted a fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application to the SBA for a $97,000 loan using the name of another individual and using the other person’s social security number. Further, McKenzie falsely represented the revenue for his purported business and falsely represented the cost of goods sold for the twelve months prior to the date of the disaster.
McKenzie used, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person. He used another individual’s name, social security number, and date of birth in a fraudulent loan application that was submitted to the SBA. The investigation revealed that the individual had not applied for the EIDL loan fraudulently obtained in his name, nor had the individual received any funds from the loan.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted March 2020. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP.
The EIDL program was designed to provide economic relied to small businesses that were experiencing substantial financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. EIDL proceeds could be used for payroll expenses, sick leave, production costs, and business obligations, such as debts, rents, and mortgage payments. If an applicant also obtained a loan under the PPP, the EIDL funds could not be used for the same purpose as the PPP funds.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, with assistance from the Cape Coral Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
Armed Jacksonville Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison After 15 Citizen Complaints Lead to InvestigationRead the Press Release
NEW BERN, N.C. – A Jacksonville man was sentenced to 180 months in prison for trafficking fentanyl while armed with firearms. On May 6, 2024, Daquan Wainwright, age 26, pled guilty to the charges.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating Wainwright for drug trafficking after receiving approximately 15 community complaints regarding his sale of drugs in Onslow County.
On March 1, 2022, Wainwright led law enforcement on a high-speed car chase traveling at speeds of more than 120 miles per hour before eventually getting stuck in a ditch. Wainwright was driving the car and two of the passengers were minor children. All occupants were able to exit the car safely before it was engulfed in flames. Law enforcement was also able to recover 681 grams of marijuana from the car before the fire took over.
During the investigation, law enforcement developed confidential informants who provided information related to Wainwright’s drug trafficking and eventually conducted a controlled purchase of two ounces of fentanyl from Wainwright.
On September 29, 2022, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a domestic dispute call on Eider Loop Road in Jacksonville. Wainwright and his co-defendant, London Kebe, lived at the house. Kebe opened the door, and deputies immediately noticed the odor of marijuana. Deputies also discovered Kebe had an active arrest warrant and attempted to take her into custody. At this point, Wainwright had driven by the house several times. As Kebe was taken into custody, she claimed that there were children in the house. As a safety precaution, law enforcement cleared the house. There were no children present, but there were a variety of illegal items ultimately seized, including a pitcher of over two kilograms of fentanyl, 40 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a loaded Highpoint handgun, a loaded AR-15 rifle, a stolen 9mm handgun, a rifle with an obliterated serial number, another 9mm loaded handgun, and several rounds of ammunition. They also seized nearly $15,000 in cash.
Wainwright was eventually taken into custody on scene. He attempted to destroy his phone as he was being handcuffed. The phone was forensically analyzed and contained pictures and other evidence of drug trafficking and firearm possession. After he was in custody, Wainwright continued to direct others to collect debts owed to him for drugs and provide the payment to his mother.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Police Department, and the DEA investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:22-CR-00135-D-001.
$5.2 Million in Department of Justice Funding Awarded in West VirginiaRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Department of Justice grants totaling more than $5.2 million have been awarded to law enforcement, higher education, and service agencies in West Virginia, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants Program (Byrne JAG) grants were announced, supporting various programs and initiatives in the Mountain State.
Those receiving awards are:
- Hancock County Sheriff’s Office - for equipment upgrades to ensure community safety;
- Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office - for the purchase of new police cruisers;
- Marion County Sheriff’s Office - for its Smart Community Project, integrating many types of technology to upgrade cruisers, equipment, and investigative tools;
- West Virginia Wesleyan College - for the establishment of a Center for Ethical Professional Development in Criminal Justice;
- Fairmont State University - for increased and upgraded security on campus;
- West Virginia Potomac State College - for enhanced and updated security on campus;
- Justice and Community Services in Charleston - for rape crisis centers and nonprofit organizations statewide that address sexual assault and domestic violence.
Byrne JAG is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. Funding allows criminal justice professionals and their allies to build the capacity to take on their most pressing challenges, keep their communities safe, and deliver equal justice to all Americans.
Byrne JAG funds support a range of program areas, from crime prevention activities and law enforcement technologies to drug treatment, and crisis intervention. Funds can also be used to help communities combat hate crimes and counter threats to election workers.
7 September 2024
Men at Center of Kidnapping and Smuggling Conspiracy ArrestedRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE – A federal grand jury returned an indictment last week charging a pair of men with federal conspiracy and kidnapping charges stemming from a fatal shooting in Charlottesville’s Belmont neighborhood in January of 2023.
Ricardo Franco-Ordaz, 26, of Cedar Creek, Texas, and Jordan Joseph Perez, 20, of Lockhart, Texas, were arrested this week in Texas. Each are charged with one count of conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, conspiracy to transport an alien resulting in death, transporting an alien resulting in death, and conspiracy to receive money in connection with a kidnapping.
According to court documents, in early January of 2023, Franco-Ordaz, Perez, and other co-conspirators planned the kidnapping of multiple victims for ransom. In furtherance of their kidnapping and extortion scheme, they transported victims from Texas to Virginia, where subsequently, an argument and shootout arose that resulted in the death of a member of the criminal organization.
As part of the scheme, Franco-Ordaz arranged to pick up two victims from an area near the United States-Mexico border and bring them to a house near Austin, Texas. Once there, Ordaz, and others, held both victims against their will and under armed guard, then called and messaged the victims’ family and friends demanding cash in exchange for their release.
Franco-Ordaz exchanged one of the victims in Texas for $5,000 cash, and on January 8, 2023, Perez and another co-conspirator transported another victim to Charlottesville, Virginia where they arranged to exchange that victim for $10,000 in cash. However, when the exchange was set to occur, it was revealed that the full $10,000 was not available. Subsequently, an argument and shootout arose that resulted in the death of one of the kidnappers.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations in Harrisonburg, Virginia is investigating the case with assistance from the Charlottesville Police Department, Albemarle County Police Department and HSI Austin, Texas.
The investigation, extradition, and conviction of these defendants is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melanie Smith and Sally J. Sullivan are 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.
6 September 2024
Wynn Las Vegas Forfeits $130 Million for Illegally Conspiring with Unlicensed Money Transmitting BusinessesRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 6, 2024
SAN DIEGO – Wynn Las Vegas, the Las Vegas casino and subsidiary of Wynn Resorts, Limited, agreed today to forfeit $130,131,645 to settle criminal allegations that it conspired with unlicensed money transmitting businesses worldwide to transfer funds for the financial benefit of the casino.
Today’s settlement is believed to be the largest forfeiture by a casino based on admissions of criminal wrongdoing.
“Casinos, like all businesses, will be held to account when they allow customers to evade U.S. laws for the sake of profit,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Federal oversight seeks to prevent illegal funds from tainting legitimate businesses, ensuring that casinos offer a clean, thriving, and safe entertainment option.”
As part of a Non-Prosecution Agreement, which allows a company or individual to avoid criminal prosecution in exchange for meeting certain criteria, Wynn Las Vegas (WLV) admitted that it illegally used unregistered money transmitting businesses to circumvent the conventional financial system.
For example, WLV regularly contracted with third-party independent agents acting as unlicensed money transmitting businesses to recruit foreign gamblers to WLV. For the gamblers to repay debts to WLV or have funds available to gamble at WLV, the independent agents transferred the gamblers’ funds through companies, bank accounts, and other third-party nominees in Latin America and elsewhere, and ultimately into a WLV-controlled bank account in the Southern District of California.
Funds deposited into the WLV-controlled account were transferred into the WLV cage account. WLV employees, with the knowledge of their supervisors, and working with the independent agents, eventually credited the WLV account of each individual patron. The convoluted transactions enabled foreign gamblers at WLV to evade foreign and U.S. laws governing monetary transfer and reporting.
In one example, Juan Carlos Palermo, while acting as an independent agent for WLV, operated and controlled multiple unlicensed money transmitting businesses in the United States and abroad that conducted more than 200 transfers with bank accounts controlled by WLV or associated entities. These transactions, on behalf of more than 50 foreign casino patrons, exceeded $17.7 million.
WLV also facilitated the unlicensed transfer of money through “Human Head” or “Human Hat” gambling, known in Mandarin as “人头” or “ren tou.” In this scheme, a person known as a “Human Head” purchased chips at WLV and gambled at WLV as a proxy for another nearby person who, in some instances, because of federal Bank Secrecy Act or Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) laws, was unable or unwilling to conduct financial transactions or gamble under their own identity. The true patron, however, would direct the Human Head’s gaming. WLV knowingly allowed this form of gambling without scrutinizing the true patron’s funds and without reporting the suspicious activity.
In another example, WLV facilitated the unlicensed transfer of money to and from China through a method known as “qian chen” or “Flying Money.” A money processor, acting as an unlicensed money transmitting business, collected U.S. dollars in cash from third parties in the United States and delivered that cash to a WLV patron who could not otherwise access cash in the U.S. The patron then electronically transferred the equivalent value of foreign currency from the patron’s foreign bank account to a foreign bank account designated by the money processor. The WLV patron paid the money processor a percentage of the value transferred. Like Human Head gambling, WLV knowingly allowed this form of gambling without scrutinizing the source of funds and without reporting the suspicious activity.
WLV also facilitated the international transfer of money and conducted other financial transactions for WLV patrons whose activity should have triggered the filing of Suspicious Activity Reports. For example, in 2018, WLV facilitated financial transactions worth approximately $1.4 million for an individual who two years earlier had been publicly linked to proxy gambling and a year earlier, while in the company of the President of Marketing of a WLV international affiliate, was denied entry to the United States because of suspected associations with a criminal organization.
In another instance, WLV allowed and did not report transactions involving millions of dollars by an individual who, according to publicly available information, had spent six years in prison in China for conducting unauthorized international monetary transactions and violations of other financial laws.
“Of the many unique authorities HSI is able to enforce, understanding and investigating complex financial crimes that lead to holding criminals accountable for their actions, is one that HSI does best,” said Christopher Davis, acting special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “The success of this investigation is in part due to our partner agencies’ cooperation and dedication to seeing these long-term investigations through to bring justice to these companies and protect American financial institutions.”
“Federal laws that regulate the reporting of financial transactions are in place to detect and stop illegal activities. Deliberately avoiding Bank Secrecy Act requirements is a form of money laundering. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to following the money and enforcing these laws, wherever it leads” said Carissa Messick, Special Agent in Charge for IRS-CI in Las Vegas.
“Law enforcement put their collective authorities together to ensure the integrity of our financial systems and that they are not circumvented,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark.
As part of this investigation, 15 other defendants previously have admitted money laundering, unlicensed money transmitting, or other crimes, with associated criminal penalties of over $7.5 million.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark W. Pletcher and Carl F. Brooker IV.
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
IRS-Criminal Investigations, Las Vegas Financial Crimes Task Force
Drug Enforcement Administration
Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Falsely Using a Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Sommers N. Robertson, 45, of Lafayette, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to 21 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for False Representation of a Social Security Number.
According to information presented in court, on October 12, 2022, law enforcement officers encountered Robertson after receiving a complaint that she had leased an apartment under fraudulent pretenses. During a subsequent records check, the officers discovered the existence of active warrants for Robertson’s arrest, and she was arrested. During her arrest, officers observed and seized identity documents from the apartment which included driver’s licenses, state identification cards, Social Security Number cards, along with other documents displaying personally identifiable information belonging to other people. One of the Social Security Number cards showed the name of an individual with the initials M.F.M. which had been issued on September 8, 2022.
Further investigation by law enforcement agents and those with the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General revealed that Robertson went to the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) Field Office in Opelousas, Louisiana, on September 8, 2022. At that time, she met with an SSA service representative and claimed that she was the individual with the initials of M.F.M., and she requested that a new Social Security Number card be issued to her. Robertson represented to the SSA representative that she was in fact the individual with the initials M.F.M. and provided the representative with false documentation, including a driver’s license in the name of M.F.M. which had been issued by another state, along with their place of birth, parents’ names, and Social Security Number. Because of these false representations, the SSA issued a Social Security Number card to an address provided by Robertson.
Robertson pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024, and admitted that she knowingly provided the Social Security Administration with false documents and purported to be an individual she was not in order to obtain a Social Security Number card with the intent to deceive.
The case was investigated by Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Danny Siefker.
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West Wareham Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A West Wareham man was charged by complaint today in federal court on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography.
Joshua Roe, age 37, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Roe will appear in federal court later today.
According to the criminal complaint, on Sept. 6, 2024, during a search of Roe’s home, approximately 11 electronic devices belonging to Roe were recovered. While on site, law enforcement conducted a forensic examination of at least one device, which revealed images and videos depicting child pornography.
The receipt charge provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence, a $250,000 fine, and a maximum of life with a mandatory minimum of five years of supervised release. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations; and Walter Correia Wareham Chief of Police made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
West Virginia Residents Admit to Roles in Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three West Virginia residents have admitted to their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in the Northern District of West Virginia.
Joshua Noel, 42, of Elkins, West Virginia; Jennifer Clapper, 37, of Morgantown, West Virginia; and Jamie Purtee, 33, of Morgantown, West Virginia, each pled guilty to methamphetamine charges. According to court documents, they were part of a drug trafficking operation working in Monongalia County.
Noel, Clapper, and Purtee each face up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
The Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
West Virginia Man Admits to Fentanyl ChargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – David Laquan McGowan, 41, of Huntington, West Virginia, has admitted to possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
According to court documents, McGowan was selling fentanyl in Randolph County. During a traffic stop, a search of the vehicle revealed narcotics hidden in the ceiling of McGowan’s car.
McGowan is facing at least five and up to 40 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 prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Wapato Man Indicted for Second-Degree MurderRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - A Federal Grand Jury has returned an indictment charging Jason Alexander Logie, age 35, of Wapato, Washington, with Second Degree Murder. Logie made his first appearance in Federal Court on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. A detention hearing in this case is set for September 6, 2024.
The indictment alleges that on September 9, 2023, Logie killed his victim on the Yakama Nation. The allegations stem from a car crash that occurred on that afternoon. One individual was killed and another was injured after Logie, who allegedly was drinking, drove his vehicle across the center line and struck the victims’ oncoming vehicle. If convicted, Logie, faces a sentence of up to life in prison and up to 5 years of supervised release.
“Vehicular homicides on Tribal land have a devastating impact, which extends far beyond the immediate victims. Tribal communities deserve safety, and they deserve justice. My office is committed to partnering with Tribal leaders and Tribal law enforcement to hold those accountable that commit acts of violence or drive while under the influence on Native American Reservations,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref.
The Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy 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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Spreads Word About Elder Financial AbuseRead the Press Release
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office kicked off outreach efforts this week to educate older West Virginians about the dangers of financial fraud.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld led the first in a series of planned outreach events on Wednesday at The Villages at Heritage Point in Morgantown. Ihlenfeld spoke to residents about the different ways they could become targets of fraudsters and gave tips on how to best protect against the dangers. Residents were also treated to an educational bingo game about the topic.
“Unfortunately, cases of seniors being victimized by loved ones or caretakers are common in West Virginia, as are scams committed by strangers,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Our seniors are trusting, they’re good listeners, they answer the phone when it rings, and many have accumulated savings. The attributes that make older West Virginians so wonderful also make them the targets of criminals.”
More events are planned across the Northern District of West Virginia and will be held at assisted living facilities and senior independent living communities.
The outreach is a part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative combatting elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target our nation’s older adults.
For more information about the Northern District of West Virginia’s elder justice work, go to www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/programs/elder-justice.
To report elder financial fraud, call the U.S. Attorney’s office at 304-234-0100.
U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Sentencing for Murder-for-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 10 years in federal prison for trying to hire an undercover ATF agent to murder his girlfriend's mother for $200.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, between April 10, 2022, and continuing through May 11, 2022, Leif Hayman repeatedly solicited a hitman to murder his girlfriend's mother through the website "rentahitman.com".
Hayman submitted three service requests on the website, providing his own identifying information as well as details about the intended victim, including her physical address and photographs. In his first request on April 10, Hayman stated he wanted to "hurt" the victim, writing "I want her gone now, too much that I don't like about her she's controlling my wife." He submitted additional requests on April 17 and April 20 under different aliases, expressing his desire to have the victim killed. As part of those requests, Hayman wrote “Kill that bitch” and “I fucking hate her so much I want her gone now.”
Between April 20 and May 2, Hayman sent numerous follow-up emails to the website expressing impatience with the process. On April 28, he wrote: "You people are fake if u were real someone who have contact me already I can't wait anymore I'm doing it my fucking self thank you for nothing fake people."
The website's owner initially forwarded Hayman's solicitations to local police but did not receive a timely response, resulting in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ involvement. On May 5, an undercover ATF agent contacted Hayman. During a 16-minute recorded conversation, Hayman stated he wanted the victim "gone off the Earth" and “that fucking bitch deserves to die.” When Hayman was informed that the fastest and cleanest way to carry out the murder would be with a gun, Hayman stated “yes, let’s go for it!” However, after learning that he would have to pay for the gun, Hayman explored other options stating “I have knives . . . I have a rock you can smash her head with multiple times.”
On May 9, Hayman had another call with the agent, indicating his caretaker would also need to be harmed for him to leave home. Hayman agreed to pay approximately $200 for the murder.
On May 11, the undercover agent went to Hayman's residence, ostensibly to carry out the plan. Hayman emerged with his caretaker, stating "this is part of the deal” in reference to having his caretaker killed. A scuffle ensued between Hayman and the caretaker, causing the agent to abort the operation.
Upon his release from prison, Hayman will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and Ry Ellison are prosecuting the case.
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Two MS-13 Gang Associates Plead Guilty in Connection with Murder of 17-Year-OldRead the Press Release
Juan Amaya-Ramirez and Oscar Flores-Mejia pleaded guilty today in connection with the April 23, 2018 murder of 17-year-old Andy Peralta in Kissena Park in Flushing, Queens. As part of their guilty pleas, the defendants admitted to murdering Peralta to gain entrance into MS-13 and also admitted to crimes including cyberstalking resulting in death, murder conspiracy in-aid-of racketeering, assault conspiracy in-aid-of racketeering, and assault in-aid-of racketeering. Under the terms of their plea agreements, the defendants will be sentenced to at least 30 years’ imprisonment and could be sentenced up to life imprisonment. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Darren B. McCormack, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty pleas.
“The senseless murder of Andy Peralta exemplifies the casual cruelty of MS-13’s violence, and with their pleas today the defendants acknowledge their role in this brutal event,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to bring justice and safety to affected victims and communities by holding MS-13 members and associates accountable for their terrible crimes.”
“MS-13’s ruthless violence is boundless. The defendants’ admissions to murder serve as a reminder of how the violent nature of street gangs results in countless, senseless deaths,” said HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge McCormack. “HSI New York and the entire law enforcement community remain committed to disrupting and dismantling MS-13 and other violent gangs in furtherance of public safety in our communities.”
“NYPD investigators, in close collaboration with our law enforcement colleagues, pledge to remain tireless in pursuing justice against gang members, wherever and whenever their barbaric acts are committed,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “I applaud and commend our various federal partners for their vital efforts, which ultimately delivered today’s successful outcome.”
As detailed in court documents, Amaya-Ramirez, Flores-Mejia and a third MS-13 associate plotted to kill Peralta because they wanted to join MS-13 and mistakenly believed that Peralta was a member of a rival gang. The defendants recruited Amaya-Ramirez’s then-girlfriend, Leyla Carranza, to lure Peralta to Kissena Park in Flushing, Queens, so he could be murdered. Carranza communicated with Peralta on social media and eventually convinced him to meet her in Kissena Park on April 23, 2018. Once inside the park, Peralta was confronted by Amaya-Ramirez, Flores-Mejia, and the third MS-13 associate. The three men beat, stabbed, and strangled Peralta to death. After the murder, Amaya-Ramirez took a photograph of himself and his coconspirators flashing MS-13 hand signs over Peralta’s body.
Carranza previously pleaded guilty to cyberstalking resulting in the death of Peralta and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment at sentencing.
This case was investigated as part of the ongoing efforts of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, gangs and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Today’s guilty pleas are the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of the MS-13. Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members, including dozens of clique leaders, have been convicted on federal felony charges in the Eastern District of New York. A majority of those MS-13 members have been convicted on federal racketeering charges for participating in murders, attempted murders and assaults. Since 2009, this Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 65 murders in the district and has convicted dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders. These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by our law enforcement partners.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Siegel, Michael W. Gibaldi, Anna Karamigios and Sophia Suarez are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Eleanor Jaffe-Pachuilo.
Defendants:
JUAN AMAYA-RAMIREZ (also known as “Cadaver”)
Age: 26
Fresh Meadows, QueensOSCAR FLORES-MEJIA (also known as “Chamuco”)
Age: 24
Elmhurst, QueensDefendant who previously pleaded guilty:
LEYLA CARRANZA
Age: 23
Richmond, VirginiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-228 (S-2) (LDH)
Three-Time Felon Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Distribution of Ice Methamphetamine and Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Melvin D. Turner, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid on September 5, 2024, to an aggregate 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, following his convictions for distribution of ice methamphetamine (two counts) and possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to court documents, Turner was responsible for distributing 136.82 grams of ice methamphetamine.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Turner in February 2024, and a federal arrest warrant was issued. During the subsequent arrest, officers located a Glock model 26, 9mm handgun and a 30-round magazine for the handgun in Turner’s possession. The grand jury returned a superseding indictment in March 2024 adding the firearm count. At the time of his arrest, Turner had three prior felony convictions. Turner pleaded guilty to all three counts of the superseding indictment in May 2024.
The statutory penalties for the two counts of distribution of 50 grams (actual) of ice methamphetamine are ten years to life imprisonment, to be followed by at least five years of supervised release. The penalties for possessing a firearm as a felon are not more than 15 years imprisonment and not more than three years of supervised release.
The United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pekin and Peoria Police Departments investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Turner 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.
Tenacious task force investigation results in 17 convictions in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Seventeen members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) have pled guilty to their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs.
According to court documents, from at least February 2021 through October 2023, the conspirators, led by Corey Wright, 47, of Chesapeake, and Malik Dillard, aka “Mayo,” 48, of Virginia Beach, procured methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl from out-of-state sources and had it shipped in wholesale quantities to Virginia for further distribution. They supplied a number of mid-level distributors including: Akime Russell Porter, 41, of Norfolk; Darryl Deangelo Bond, 40, of Chesapeake; Clyde Byrd Jr., 31, of Norfolk; Jared Wayne Haddock, 46, of Virginia Beach; Holly Elizabeth Triplett, 37, of Portsmouth; Christopher Eanes, 38, of Chesapeake; Leo Charles Frueh, 43, of Virginia Beach; Bryan Austin Ruscoe, 27, of South Mills, North Carolina; Julius Justin Freeze, 34, of Virginia Beach; Jesse Ryan Martin, 34, of Norfolk; Richard Olsak-Finn, 44, of Chesapeake; Sebastien Balthazar, 25, of Port-au-Prince, Haiti; and Jessica Brunelle, 40, of Norfolk. Aimee Brooke Yanez, 45, of Suffolk, and Lisa Michelle Clark, 46, of Norfolk, were also involved in the DTO and agreed to use their residences to receive, store, and process the drugs.
This investigation spanned over two years, and involved Special Agents, Task Force Officers, detectives, investigators, officers and other personnel, who reviewed thousands of phone calls and text communications and worked with confidential informants to identify and dismantle this large network of narcotics distributors.
Wright pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. As part of the conspiracy Wright distributed fentanyl in the form of pressed imitation prescription pills purporting to be Roxicodone. California suppliers shipped packages of narcotics hidden in stuffed animals to Wright, who was previously convicted in U.S. District Court in Alexandria for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine (Case No. 1:05-cr-183). Wright is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 1 and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
Porter pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison. Porter is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 17, 2025.
Eanes and Haddock pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. On May 17, U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr. sentenced Haddock to 15 years and six months in prison. Eanes, who faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 18.
Byrd and Frueh pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. They face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison. Byrd is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 3, 2025; Frueh is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 10, 2025.
Bond pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute cocaine and faces up to 20 years in prison. Bond is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 6.
Triplett pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. She faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison. Triplett is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 28, 2025.
Brunelle pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute cocaine and fentanyl. She faces up to 20 years in prison. Brunelle is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 10, 2025.
Clark and Yanez pled guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premises. They face up to 20 years in prison. Clark is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 1; Yanez is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 6.
Dillard pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. On Feb. 2, Dillard was sentenced to 30 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr. Dillard, working with Wright, supplied Martin, Olsak-Finn, and Balthazar. Martin was sentenced to 12 years in prison; Balthazar was sentenced to three years in prison; and Olsak-Finn is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 4.
Ruscoe pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Ruscoe faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct 3.
Freeze pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Freeze faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12.
A federal district court judge will determine any remaining sentences 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.; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent; and Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John F. Butler, Anthony C. Mozzi, Darryl J. Mitchell, and Luke J. Bresnahan are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the 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 Nos.: 2:23-cr-127; 2:23-cr-65; 2:24-cr-37; 2:24-cr-39; and 2:22-cr-102.
Tahlequah Resident Sentenced for Federal Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Ricky Dale Degase, age 30, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and 120 months imprisonment for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. The sentences will run concurrently.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
On February 7, 2024, Degase pleaded guilty to the federal drug and firearm charges. According to investigators, on March 7, 2023, an OHP trooper conducting a traffic stop arrested Degase on an outstanding warrant. During the arrest, Degase was discovered in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol, found under Degase’s seat, along with 22.36 grams of methamphetamine, which Degase intended for distribution. Degase knowingly possessed the firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the sentencing hearing. Degase will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
Stoughton Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Prison for Mailing Fentanyl and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Stoughton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a wide-ranging fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. The defendant was on federal supervised release at the time that he committed the offenses, after being granted compassionate release in 2020.
Angel Morales, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 151 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. In April 2024, Morales pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. In December 2022, Morales was indicted along with co-conspirators Quenty Ogando, Erika Prado and Rahelin Reynoso.
Between September 2022 and November 2022, Morales was involved in a scheme involving a large-scale pill press operation that manufactured, sold and mailed counterfeit pills, including pills containing fentanyl, among other drugs. Morales’ role in the operation was to ship packages from post offices across Massachusetts. On multiple occasions, Morales used various post offices and FedEx facilities in Boston, Randolph, Holbrook, Quincy, Mattapan, Braintree, Milton and elsewhere to mail over 150 packages knowing that some of the packages contained controlled substances. On at least two occasions, FedEx employees opened packages pursuant to their internal procedures, and observed clear plastic sandwich bags filled with pills with markings consistent with prescription-only medication that later tested positive for fentanyl.
On multiple occasions in October and November 2022 Morales was observed leaving an apartment in Mattapan before travelling to multiple post offices and FedEx facilities. During a subsequent search of that apartment, over 20 kilograms of pills in various colors, a sample of which tested positive for fentanyl, over 20 kilograms of loose powder, a sample of which tested positive for fentanyl, numerous packages and mailing labels, electronic devices, cash and three industrial grade pill presses were recovered. In addition, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine were also found at the apartment.
Morales is the fourth and final defendant to be sentenced in the case. On Jan. 31, 2024, Ogando was sentenced to 144 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In June 2024, Reynoso was sentenced to six years in prison and two years of supervised release. In April 2024, Prado was sentenced to time served with one year of supervised release.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; United States Customs and Border Protection; Drug Enforcement Administration; and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Mackenzie Duane and Jennifer Zacks of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Richard W. Mills (50, Brevard County) to 10 years in federal prison and a lifetime of supervision for possession of images depicting the sexual abuse of children. The court also ordered Mills to forfeit a computer and hard drive which were used in furtherance of the commission of the offense. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Mills to pay restitution in the amount of $12,000. Mills entered a guilty plea on April 16, 2024.
According to court documents, Mills was convicted in U.S. District Court (Orlando) on November 20, 2014, for possession of child pornography and sentenced to 6 years and 6 months in federal prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. Mills completed his term of incarceration on November 13, 2019, and his federal supervised release began the same date.
As a result of a citizen complaint, on November 2, 2023, officers from U.S. Probation made an unannounced visit to Mills’ place of employment for inspection of his mobile device to ensure compliance with the special condition of his supervised release, specifically, that he shall not possess or use a computer with access to online service at any location without approval from the probation officer. The investigation led the probation officers to perform a home inspection, where they discovered that Mills had a smart phone and computer. Upon executing a federal search warrant, the laptop’s hard drive was found to contain approximately 330 tagged thumbnail images and one video that clearly depicted the sexual abuse of infants and young children.
Additionally, Mills was sentenced to six months in federal prison for violating the terms of his supervised release. This sentence is to be served consecutive to the 10 years imposed in this criminal case.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera Miranda.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Seward man arrested, charged with stealing an identity to threaten Alaska’s governorRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Seward man was arrested in Seward Wednesday after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging him with stealing someone’s identity to issue a threat to “bomb and shoot” Alaska’s governor.
According to court documents, on April 12, 2024, Matthew Edward Stanley, 22, used an account with a virtual private network (VPN) service to access the State of Alaska website and send a message to the governor. Stanley allegedly used a different individual’s personal information when addressing the letter, falsely representing that that individual was the one who had sent the threats.
The indictment states the message requested pay rates be raised for “me and my son. Or else everyone at [Victim Labor Union] and my son will take a stand here at seward.” The message goes on to threaten to “bomb and shoot you with my son.”
Stanley is charged with one count of issuing a threat involving explosives, one count of false information and hoaxes and one count of aggravated identity theft. The defendant is scheduled for his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a mandatory sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, in addition to up to 10 years in prison for his other alleged crimes. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Pacific Northwest operations and Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes made the announcement.
HSI and the Alaska State Troopers are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Klugman 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.
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Seagrove Resident Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO –A Randolph County man pleaded guilty today to unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon, announced Sandra J. Hairston, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
WESLEY MARK HUSSEY, age 45, of Seagrove, North Carolina, pleaded guilty today before Chief United States District Court Judge Catherine C. Eagles. Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2024, in Greensboro. HUSSEY faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release of not more than three years, and monetary penalties.
According to court documents, on March 13, 2024, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an address in Seagrove after a 911 caller said that WESLEY MARK HUSSEY was sitting on the front porch of the residence wearing an orange ski mask and holding a long gun. The caller stated that HUSSEY had an active protective order prohibiting him from being at the residence. At the scene, deputies observed HUSSEY walk towards the woods with a long gun on his shoulder. They searched the property and conducted a cursory search of the woods but were unable to locate HUSSEY. Eventually, deputies used a drone with thermal imaging and located him under a creek bank sitting in the water. Deputies ordered HUSSEY to surrender for twenty-five minutes. They then told HUSSEY they would be using chemical munitions. HUSSEY said he would come out unarmed. After HUSSEY surrendered, deputies found five 12-gauge shotgun shells and a .32 caliber round of ammunition on his person. Deputies were unable to locate the rifle despite an extensive search.
On November 18, 2016, HUSSEY was convicted in the Superior Court of Randolph County of felony voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to an active term of imprisonment exceeding one year. At the time of the instant offense, his prior convictions had not been expunged or set aside and he had not been pardoned or had his civil rights restored.
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 is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Courtney.
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Russian and Kazakhstani Men Indicted for Running Dark Web Criminal Marketplaces, Forums, and TrainingsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Alex Khodyrev (35, Kazakhstan) and Pavel Kublitskii (37, Russia) with conspiracy to commit access device fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. If convicted on all counts, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Khodyrev and Kublitskii that the United States intends to forfeit Khodyrev’s 2023 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG sport utility vehicle and Kublitskii’s 2020 Cadillac CT5 Sport sedan, both of which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offenses.
According to the indictment, between 2014 and 2024, Khodyrev and Kublitskii served as two of the main administrators of wwh-club.ws (WWH Club) and several sister websites, all of which were dark web marketplaces, forums, and training centers that existed solely to facilitate crime. WWH Club and sister site members used the marketplaces to buy and sell stolen personal identifying information (PII), credit card and bank account information, and computer passwords, among other sensitive information. On the forums of WWH Club and its sister sites, users discussed best practices for committing frauds, launching cyberattacks, and evading law enforcement, among other topics. WWH Club also offered online courses that taught aspiring and active cyber criminals how to commit frauds. As of 2023, WWH Club had approximately 353,000 users worldwide. Khodyrev, Kublitskii, and other co-conspirator site administrators profited through membership fees, tuition fees, and advertising revenue.
Prior to being arrested and indicted, Khodyrev, a Russian citizen, and Kublitskii, a citizen of Kazakhstan, had been living in Miami for the past two years, while secretly continuing to administer WWH Club and its sister dark web marketplaces, forums, and schools.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael M. Gordon.
Richmond Heights Hotel Manager Admits Two Frauds Seeking $324,000Read the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A manager of a Richmond Heights, Missouri hotel on Friday admitted fraudulently obtaining $153,518 by manipulating the hotel’s computer system, attempting to steal another $61,998 that way and attempting to steal $109,000 from hotel customers via credit card fraud.
Angelique Patterson, 39, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Wednesday to five counts of wire fraud. She admitted that while the hotel’s assistant general manager, she manipulated the hotel’s reservation system and altered the records of customers who had paid using cash or credit cards. Patterson retroactively changed those reservations to falsely show that the customers had used the hotel’s loyalty rewards system “points” for their stay. She then added her own credit or debit card information into the system and had the customers’ payments “refunded” to her.
Patterson admitted fraudulently refunding a total of $153,518 to herself from March through October of 2023. On Oct. 4, 2023, although not on duty, Patterson tried to use the hotel's desk computer and a coworker's credentials to fraudulently refund herself an additional $61,998.
Patterson also admitted using hotel customers’ credit card information from August through September of 2021 to make fake charges via the entertainment company she owned, Angel Entertains LLC. She obtained or tried to obtain $109,000 that way.
Patterson is scheduled to be sentenced December 5. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. She will also be ordered to repay the money.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cort VanOstran is prosecuting the case.
Pharmacists Convicted of $13M Medicare, Medicaid, and Private Insurer Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted four pharmacy owners yesterday for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Raef Hamaed, of Maricopa County, Arizona; Kindy Ghussin, of Greene County, Ohio; Ali Abdelrazzaq, of Macomb County, Michigan; and Tarek Fakhuri, of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, all licensed pharmacists, billed Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for prescription medications that they did not dispense at pharmacies they owned in Michigan and Ohio. The defendants collectively caused over $13 million of loss to Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Hamaed, Ghussin, Abdelrazzaq, and Fakhuri were convicted of conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud. Abdelrazzaq was also convicted of two counts of health care fraud and Fakhuri was convicted of one count of health care fraud. Sentencing hearings will be set at a later date.
Hamaed, Ghussin, Abdelrazzaq, and Fakhuri face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy count, and Abdelrazzaq and Fakhuri face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each health care fraud count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Claire Sobczak, Kelly M. Warner, and S. Babu Kaza of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Peoria Felon Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A 25-year-old Peoria, Illinois man, Avione Quzea Maurice Parks, was sentenced on September 4, 2024, to ten years in federal prison for three separate counts of distributing methamphetamine. Upon his release from confinement, Parks will serve five years of supervised release.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. Senior District Judge Joe B. McDade, the government presented evidence that Parks sold a collective 6 ounces of methamphetamine over three transactions in January and February 2024. Parks’s conviction in the instant case was his fifth felony conviction as an adult; he previously had been convicted of three firearms offenses and one controlled substance felony. Parks had served two prior sentences in the Illinois Department of Corrections and had been discharged from state parole only eighteen days prior to his first sale of methamphetamine in this case.
Parks previously pleaded guilty to all three counts in May 2024. He was arrested on a criminal complaint in late February 2024 and indicted in early March 2024. Parks has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest.
The statutory penalties for Counts 1 and 3, distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), are five to 40 years’ imprisonment, followed by at least four years of supervised release, for each count. The penalties for Count 2, distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), are 10 years to life imprisonment, followed by at least five years of supervised release.
The Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force, comprised of agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Peoria Police Department; the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department; Illinois Department of Corrections; and the Illinois State Police, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Parks 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.
Pakistani National Charged for Plotting Terrorist Attack in New York City in Support of ISISRead the Press Release
Note: View the complaint here.
A Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested on Sept. 4 in Canada in connection with a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York. Khan was charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
“The defendant is alleged to have planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7th of this year with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Thanks to the investigative work of the FBI, and the quick action of our Canadian law enforcement partners, the defendant was taken into custody. As I said to Canada’s Minister of Public Safety yesterday, we are deeply grateful to our Canadian partners for their critical law enforcement actions in this matter. Jewish communities — like all communities in this country — should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack. The Justice Department will continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to aggressively counter the threat posed by ISIS and other terrorist organizations and their supporters.”
“The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI, and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khan's plan.” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations. Fighting terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority.”
As alleged in the complaint, Khan, who resided in Canada, attempted to travel from Canada to New York City, where he intended to use automatic and semi-automatic weapons to carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for ISIS in or about November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Subsequently, Khan began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers (collectively, the UCs).
During those conversations, Khan confirmed that he and a U.S.-based ISIS supporter (Associate-1) had been planning to carry out an attack in a particular U.S. city (City-1). Among other things, Khan said that he had been actively attempting to create “a real offline cell” of ISIS supporters to carry out a “coordinated assault” in City-1 using AR-style rifles to “target[] Israeli Jewish chabads . . . scattered all around [City-1].” During subsequent conversations, Khan repeatedly instructed the UCs to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified the specific locations in City-1 where the attacks would take place. Khan also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the United States to conduct the attacks. During these conversations with the UCs, Khan emphasized that “Oct 7th and oct 11th are the best days for targeting the jews” because “oct 7 they will surely have some protests and oct 11 is yom.kippur.”
On or about Aug. 20, Khan changed his target location from City-1 to New York City. After initially suggesting certain neighborhoods in New York City to the UCs, Khan decided to target Location-1, a Jewish center located in Brooklyn, New York. Khan told the UCs that he planned to carry out this attack on or around Oct. 7, 2024 — which Khan recognized as the one-year anniversary of the brutal terrorist attacks in Israel by Hamas, a designated FTO, which, on Oct. 7, 2023, launched a wave of violent, large-scale terrorist attacks in Israel. In support of his choice of New York City as his target location, Khan boasted that “New york is perfect to target jews” because it has the “largest Jewish population In america” and therefore, “even if we dont attack a[n] Event[,] we could rack up easily a lot of jews.” Khan proclaimed that “we are going to nyc to slaughter them,” and sent a photograph of the specific area inside of Location-1 where he planned to carry out the attack.
Thereafter, Khan continued to urge the UCs to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and other equipment for his attack, including “some good hunting [knives] so we can slit their throats.” Khan repeatedly reiterated his desire to carry out the attack in support of ISIS, and discussed planning for the attack, including by identifying rental properties close to Location-1 and paying for a human smuggler to help him reach and cross the border from Canada into the United States. During one communication, Khan noted that “if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11.”
On or about Sept. 4, as Khan said he planned to do in connection with his attack, Khan attempted to reach the U.S-Canada border. To do so, Khan used three separate cars to travel across Canada towards the United States, before he was stopped in or around Ormstown, Canada, approximately 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border.
Khan is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles Field Offices are investigating the case. The Justice Department is grateful to Canadian law enforcement for their actions in this matter. The Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division is seeking the extradition of Khan from Canada.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaylan E. Lasky and David J. Robles for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Kevin C. Nunnally of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pakistani National Charged for Plotting Terrorist Attack in New York City in Support of ISISRead the Press Release
Note: View the complaint here.
A Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested on Sept. 4 in Canada in connection with a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York. Khan was charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
“The defendant is alleged to have planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7th of this year with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Thanks to the investigative work of the FBI, and the quick action of our Canadian law enforcement partners, the defendant was taken into custody. As I said to Canada’s Minister of Public Safety yesterday, we are deeply grateful to our Canadian partners for their critical law enforcement actions in this matter. Jewish communities — like all communities in this country — should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack. The Justice Department will continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to aggressively counter the threat posed by ISIS and other terrorist organizations and their supporters.”
“The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI, and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khan's plan.” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations. Fighting terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority.”
As alleged in the complaint, Khan, who resided in Canada, attempted to travel from Canada to New York City, where he intended to use automatic and semi-automatic weapons to carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for ISIS in or about November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Subsequently, Khan began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers (collectively, the UCs).
During those conversations, Khan confirmed that he and a U.S.-based ISIS supporter (Associate-1) had been planning to carry out an attack in a particular U.S. city (City-1). Among other things, Khan said that he had been actively attempting to create “a real offline cell” of ISIS supporters to carry out a “coordinated assault” in City-1 using AR-style rifles to “target[] Israeli Jewish chabads . . . scattered all around [City-1].” During subsequent conversations, Khan repeatedly instructed the UCs to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified the specific locations in City-1 where the attacks would take place. Khan also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the United States to conduct the attacks. During these conversations with the UCs, Khan emphasized that “Oct 7th and oct 11th are the best days for targeting the jews” because “oct 7 they will surely have some protests and oct 11 is yom.kippur.”
On or about Aug. 20, Khan changed his target location from City-1 to New York City. After initially suggesting certain neighborhoods in New York City to the UCs, Khan decided to target Location-1, a Jewish center located in Brooklyn, New York. Khan told the UCs that he planned to carry out this attack on or around Oct. 7, 2024 — which Khan recognized as the one-year anniversary of the brutal terrorist attacks in Israel by Hamas, a designated FTO, which, on Oct. 7, 2023, launched a wave of violent, large-scale terrorist attacks in Israel. In support of his choice of New York City as his target location, Khan boasted that “New york is perfect to target jews” because it has the “largest Jewish population In america” and therefore, “even if we dont attack a[n] Event[,] we could rack up easily a lot of jews.” Khan proclaimed that “we are going to nyc to slaughter them,” and sent a photograph of the specific area inside of Location-1 where he planned to carry out the attack.
Thereafter, Khan continued to urge the UCs to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and other equipment for his attack, including “some good hunting [knives] so we can slit their throats.” Khan repeatedly reiterated his desire to carry out the attack in support of ISIS, and discussed planning for the attack, including by identifying rental properties close to Location-1 and paying for a human smuggler to help him reach and cross the border from Canada into the United States. During one communication, Khan noted that “if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11.”
On or about Sept. 4, as Khan said he planned to do in connection with his attack, Khan attempted to reach the U.S-Canada border. To do so, Khan used three separate cars to travel across Canada towards the United States, before he was stopped in or around Ormstown, Canada, approximately 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border.
Khan is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles Field Offices are investigating the case. The Justice Department is grateful to Canadian law enforcement for their actions in this matter. The Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division is seeking the extradition of Khan from Canada.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaylan E. Lasky and David J. Robles for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Kevin C. Nunnally of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pakistani National Charged for Plotting Terrorist Attack in New York City in Support of ISISRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Merrick B. Garland, the Attorney General of the United States; Christopher Wray, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and Christie M. Curtis, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, announced today that Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a/k/a “Shahzeb Jadoon,” was arrested on September 4, 2024 in Canada in connection with a Complaint filed in the Southern District of New York charging KHAN with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (“ISIS”). As alleged in the Complaint, KHAN, who resided in Canada, attempted to travel from Canada to New York City, where he intended to use automatic and semi-automatic weapons to carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York plans to seek the extradition of KHAN from Canada.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Khan attempted to travel to the United States to carry out a terrorist attack and murder as many Jewish people as possible, all in support of ISIS. Khan’s alleged crimes are a vivid reminder that we must remain vigilant in the fight against antisemitism and terror. Thanks to our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors of this Office, Khan’s alleged plan was disrupted before he reached the United States. Let this be a reminder to anyone who seeks to harm our community: This Office will stop at nothing to root you out and bring you to justice.”
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said: “The defendant is alleged to have planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7th of this year with the stated goal of slaughtering, in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible. Thanks to the investigative work of the FBI, and the quick action of our Canadian law enforcement partners, the defendant was taken into custody. As I said to Canada’s Minister of Public Safety yesterday, we are deeply grateful to our Canadian partners for their critical law enforcement actions in this matter. Jewish communities – like all communities in this country – should not have to fear that they will be targeted by a hate-fueled terrorist attack. The Justice Department will continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to aggressively counter the threat posed by ISIS and other terrorist organizations and their supporters.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray said: “The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas’s horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khan's plan. The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to commit violence in the name of ISIS or other terrorist organizations. Fighting terrorism remains the FBI’s top priority.”
Acting FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christie M. Curtis said: “Terrorism has no place in our society, and today’s arrest sends a powerful message: if you attempt to provide support to ISIS or any terrorist group, the FBI will bring you to justice. This case underscores the commitment of our Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York City, whose extraordinary and often unnoticed efforts continue to prevent deadly plots before they can be carried out. Our partners are on the front lines every day, united to protect our nation from those who threaten our safety and way of life.”
As alleged in the Complaint unsealed today:[1]
KHAN, a Pakistani national residing in Canada, began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for ISIS in or about November 2023, when, among other things, KHAN distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Subsequently, KHAN began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers (collectively, the “UCs”). During those conversations, KHAN confirmed that he and a U.S.-based associate (“Associate-1”) had been planning to carry out an attack in a particular U.S. city (“City-1”). Among other things, KHAN said that he had been actively attempting to create “a real offline cell” of ISIS supporters to carry out a “coordinated assault” in City-1 using AR-style assault rifles to “target[] Israeli Jewish chabads . . . scattered all around [City-1].” During subsequent conversations, KHAN repeatedly instructed the UCs to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified the specific locations in City-1 where the attacks would take place. KHAN also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the U.S. to conduct the attacks. During these conversations with the UCs, KHAN emphasized that “Oct 7th and oct 11th are the best days for targeting the jews” because “oct 7 they will surely have some protests and oct 11 is yom.kippur.”
On or about August 20, 2024, KHAN changed his target location from City-1 to New York City. After initially suggesting certain neighborhoods in New York City to the UCs, KHAN decided to target Location-1, a Jewish center located in Brooklyn, New York. KHAN told the UCs that he planned to carry out this attack on or around October 7, 2024—which KHAN recognized as the one-year anniversary of the brutal terrorist attacks in Israel by Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, which, on October 7, 2023, launched a wave of violent, large-scale terrorist attacks in Israel. In support of his choice of New York City as his target location, KHAN boasted that “New york is perfect to target jews” because it has the “largest Jewish population In america” and therefore, “even if we dont attack a[n] Event[,] we could rack up easily a lot of jews.” KHAN proclaimed that “we are going to nyc to slaughter them,” and sent a photograph of the specific area inside of Location-1 where he planned to carry out the attack.
Thereafter, KHAN continued to urge the UCs to acquire AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other equipment for his attack, including “some good hunting [knives] so we can slit their throats.” KHAN repeatedly reiterated his desire to carry out the attack in support of ISIS, and continued planning for the attack, including by identifying rental properties close to Location-1 and paying for a human smuggler to help him reach and cross the border from Canada into the U.S. During one communication, KHAN noted that “if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11.”
On or about September 4, 2024, as KHAN said he planned to do in connection with his attack, KHAN attempted to reach the U.S-Canada border. To do so, KHAN traveled from the vicinity of Toronto, Canada towards the United States, before he was stopped in or around Ormstown, Canada, approximately 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border.
* * *
KHAN, 20, a Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The potential maximum sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force of the FBI, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the FBI Field Offices in Chicago and Los Angeles, the New York City Police Department, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, and thanked the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, the Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, and our law enforcement partners in Canada, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Department of Justice Canada, for their assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaylan E. Lasky and David J. Robles are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Kevin Nunnally of the Counterterrorism Section.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
Pair of Irish nationals plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraudRead the Press Release
Seattle – Two individuals from Ireland pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court in Seattle to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their theft of more than $400,000 from a Shoreline, Washington, homeowner, and other victims across the country. Patrick McDonagh and Matthew McDonagh were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in mid-June and were charged federally in mid-July. They are scheduled for sentencing in front of U.S. District Judge John H. Chun on November 25, 2024.
According to records filed in the case, the brothers were part of a group that traveled the country scamming homeowners – especially the elderly – by falsely representing a home needed urgent repairs. One older homeowner in the Shoreline neighborhood north of Seattle, lost about $435,000 to the scheme.
The men first approached the victim in January 2024, claimed they were working in the neighborhood and had noticed that the victim had a hole in his roof. The men offered to fix the hole and remove the moss from the roof. Over the course of a few days, they pressured the victim to write them checks for their “services” of $15,000, $20,000, and $26,000. They also claimed that the victim’s foundation was cracked, and they said they would repair that with a “titanium tie rod system.”
The roof had no hole, and the foundation was not failing. However, the men dug trenches and poured some concrete to make it appear work was done, and each day they pressured the victim to write more checks. They even demanded an extra $20,000 for “taxes.” Ultimately, they demanded the victim wire $200,000 to a third party for building supplies – again far in excess of any work they claimed to have done. In all the brothers stole $435,000 from the victim. Quick work by a Shoreline Detective and the King County Prosecutor’s Office resulted in the recovery of some of the wired funds.
The FBI investigation connected the brothers to contractor fraud complaints in Oregon and Illinois. In Oregon, Patrick McDonagh represented to three different victims that he was affiliated with a local legitimate construction firm, when in fact he was not. Those homeowners paid as much as $29,000 for foundation work that was never completed as promised. In Illinois, Matthew McDonagh claimed he would repave a victim’s driveway and rebuild a retaining wall for $99,000. After the victim paid $75,000, the work was poorly done and damaged the victim’s house. The value of any work done was significantly less than what was paid.
The defendants have agreed to make restitution to the victims in the case. This includes $235,000 to the Shoreline victim, nearly $50,000 to the three victims in Oregon, $75,000 to a victim in Illinois, and more than $673,000 to a victim in Bellevue, Washington.
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend 26 months in prison for each defendant. Judge Chun is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law.
The FBI is investigating this case and was assisted by the Shoreline Police Department, and the U.S. Border Patrol’s Blaine and Spokane Sector’s Anti-Smuggling Units (ASU).
The FBI reminds the public of red flags for contractor fraud:
- The contractor knocks on your door looking for business because they are “in the area” and uses aggressive sales tactics.
- The contractor pressures you for an immediate hiring decision.
- The contractor accepts only cash as payment and demands full payment before starting any work.
- In the sales pitch, the contractor claims to have materials left over from a previous job.
Tips to avoid contractor fraud:
- Always get multiple estimates for any work you want done.
- Ensure contractors are licensed and insured. Look them up at Washington State’s Department of Labor & Industries website at https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/
- Check with consumer protection agencies such as the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission to search for complaints against a contractor.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Watts Staniar. Ms. Staniar serves as the Criminal Elder Fraud Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.
To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page.
North Carolina Man Who Posed as Investment Adviser Indicted for Stealing over $600,000 in Investor FundsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned a sealed indictment on August 21, 2024, charging Hunter Haithcock, a/k/a Hunter Elliott, age 23, of Matthews, North Carolina with three counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of investment adviser fraud relating to his theft of at least $600,000 in funds from at least 50 investors. The indictment was unsealed upon the arrest of the defendant. The defendant had an initial appearance yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.
The indictment was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to documents filed in this case, from September 2019 to October 2022, Haithcock posed as an investment advisor employed by a large brokerage firm and misappropriated at least $600,000 from at least 50 investors. Haithcock, who had been entrusted to invest those funds through the creation of investment accounts for the investors, instead perpetrated a scheme to defraud the investors by causing them to distribute monies intended to fund their investments to accounts he controlled. Instead of investing the investors’ funds for their benefit as he had promised, Haithcock spent the money for his own personal use, including paying expenses such as car payments, airplane tickets, restaurant purchases and entertainment. He also invested some of the monies in funds for his own benefit. Further, Haithcock falsely represented to investors that he worked with, and for, an alleged identity theft victim at a large brokerage firm and used the victim’s name and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Central Registration Depository (“CRD”) number in connection with the scheme.
If convicted, Haithcock faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count; a minimum mandatory sentence of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft count, which will run consecutive to any other sentence; and a maximum of 5 years in federal prison for investment adviser fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and also thanked the Cecil County Sherriff’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Maryland for their assistance. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Riley and LaShanta Harris, who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
Norfolk man sentenced for latest drug trafficking crimesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man with multiple previous convictions for drug trafficking crimes was sentenced yesterday to 14 years in prison for distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, between May 2022 and October 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Norfolk Police Department (NPD) conducted six controlled purchases of methamphetamine and cocaine from Lashawn D. Pullie, aka Bam, 50, and a co-conspirator utilizing a confidential informant (CI).
On Sept. 20, 2022, the CI contacted Pullie to purchase cocaine and methamphetamine. Pullie met the CI in Norfolk to exchange the narcotics, but Pullie had only the cocaine with him. Pullie exchanged the cocaine with the CI, and the CI paid Pullie. They arranged to meet at a second location in Norfolk to exchange the methamphetamine. Pullie returned to his residence, switched vehicles, and proceeded to the second location. Pullie handed the methamphetamine to the CI. During the transaction, Pullie sold 107 grams of methamphetamine and 87 grams of cocaine to the CI. During the investigation Pullie sold the CI over 300 grams of methamphetamine and over 400 grams of cocaine.
On Oct. 13, 2022, investigators executed search warrants on Pullie's residence, storage unit, and vehicle. Investigators recovered approximately 300 grams of marijuana, 1,446 grams of cocaine, 393 grams of methamphetamine, 184 pills of oxycodone, $7,674, and two loaded firearms.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Mark Talbot, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham M. Stolle, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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. 2:23-cr-41.
New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking JournalistsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a conspiracy to harass and intimidate two journalists employed by New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). The harassment and intimidation of the victims included the vandalism – on five separate occasions – of the victims’ homes and the home of one of the victims’ parents with bricks, large rocks and red spray paint.
Keenan Saniatan, 36, of Nashua, N.H., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit stalking using a facility of interstate commerce and one count of stalking using a facility of interstate commerce. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Dec. 6, 2024. Saniatan was initially charged in June 2023 along with co-conspirators Tucker Cockerline and Michael Waselchuck. In September 2024, Saniatan, Cockerline and Waselchick along with Eric Labarge were indicted by a federal grand jury.
In March 2022, an NHPR journalist (Victim 1) published an article detailing allegations of sexual and other misconduct by a former New Hampshire businessperson, identified in the charging document as Subject 1. Another NHPR journalist (Victim 2) also contributed to the article, which appeared on NHPR’s website during and after March 2022. In response to this reporting, Labarge – who is a close personal associate of Subject 1 – Saniatan, Cockerline and Waselchuck agreed to harass and intimidate Victims 1 and 2 and their immediate family members.
According to the indictment, on or about April 22, 2022, at Labarge’s request, Saniatan agreed to vandalize Victim 2’s home in Concord, N.H. and Victim 1’s parents’ home in Hampstead, N.H., using large rocks and red spray paint. On the evening of April 24, 2022, Saniatan spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on the front door and threw a large rock at the exterior of Victim 2’s home. He also threw a softball-sized rock through an exterior window and spraypainted the word “C*NT” in large red letters on the front of Victim 1’s parents’ home. Separately, and at Labarge’s request, Cockerline and Waselchuck vandalized Victim 1’s home, a home where Victim 1 used to reside, and Victim 1’s parents’ home using bricks and red spray paint during three separate incidents in April and May 2022.
Labarge and Waselchuck have both pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Cockerline also pleaded guilty and, in August 2024, was sentenced to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Each charge in the indictment carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Concord, Hampstead and Hanover, New Hampshire Police Departments, the Melrose, Massachusetts Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Torey B. Cummings of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Nevada Man Convicted of $11.2M COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Nevada man today for defrauding three banks of more than $11.2 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds intended to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Meelad Dezfooli, 30, of Henderson, engaged in a scheme to submit fraudulent loan applications under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a program that provided loans to help small businesses continue paying employee salaries and certain other basic business expenses during the pandemic. Dezfooli submitted three fraudulent PPP loan applications to federally insured banks, purportedly for the benefit of companies that the defendant controlled, and obtained more than $11.2 million in proceeds from those loans.
The evidence at trial showed that Dezfooli falsely represented certain material information in his loan applications, including information about payroll, employees, and use of the loan proceeds. After fraudulently obtaining more than $11.2 million in PPP funds, Dezfooli laundered and/or spent the proceeds by, among other things: buying approximately 25 residences and two luxury cars, funding a personal investment account, and gambling extensively. After he was originally charged, Dezfooli continued laundering criminal proceeds by selling five of the residences that he acquired with the fraudulently obtained PPP funds.
The jury convicted Dezfooli of three counts of bank fraud, three counts of money laundering, and four counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 5 and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each of the bank fraud counts, 20 years in prison on each of the money laundering counts, and 10 years in prison on each of the counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Phoenix Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Jon Ellwanger of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General (FRB-CFPB OIG), Western Region; Special Agent in Charge Weston King of the Small Business Association Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Western Region; and Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), San Francisco Region made the announcement.
The IRS-CI, FRB-OIG, FDIC-OIG, and SBA-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Taylor G. Stout of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel R. Schiess for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case. Legal Assistant Alexa Stiles and Paralegal Holly Butler of MLARS provided substantial assistance throughout the investigation and trial.
MLARS’ Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Nevada Man Convicted of $11.2 Million COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A federal jury convicted a Nevada man Wednesday for defrauding three banks of more than $11.2 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds intended to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Meelad Dezfooli, 30, of Henderson, engaged in a scheme to submit fraudulent loan applications under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a program that provided loans to help small businesses continue paying employee salaries and certain other basic business expenses during the pandemic. Dezfooli submitted three fraudulent PPP loan applications to federally insured banks, purportedly for the benefit of companies that the defendant controlled, and obtained more than $11.2 million in proceeds from those loans.
The evidence at trial showed that Dezfooli falsely represented certain material information in his loan applications, including information about payroll, employees, and use of the loan proceeds. After fraudulently obtaining more than $11.2 million in PPP funds, Dezfooli laundered and/or spent the proceeds by, among other things: buying approximately 25 residences and two luxury cars, funding a personal investment account, and gambling extensively. After he was originally charged, Dezfooli continued laundering criminal proceeds by selling five of the residences that he acquired with the fraudulently obtained PPP funds.
The jury convicted Dezfooli of three counts of bank fraud, three counts of money laundering, and four counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 5 and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each of the bank fraud counts, 20 years in prison on each of the money laundering counts, and 10 years in prison on each of the counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Phoenix Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Jon Ellwanger of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Inspector General (FRB-CFPB OIG), Western Region; Special Agent in Charge Weston King of the Small Business Association Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Western Region; and Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), San Francisco Region made the announcement.
The IRS-CI, FRB-OIG, FDIC-OIG, and SBA-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys D. Zachary Adams and Taylor G. Stout of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel R. Schiess for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case. Legal Assistant Alexa Stiles and Paralegal Holly Butler of MLARS provided substantial assistance throughout the investigation and trial.
MLARS’ Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Transporting 20 Kilograms of Cocaine into Massachusetts for Drug CartelRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Mexican man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy. In March 2023, 20 kilograms of cocaine was seized during a traffic stop, along with a tracking device that had been installed in the vehicle by a Mexican drug cartel.
Erasmo Lira-Mendez, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 11 years in prison, followed by five years supervised release. In May 2024, Lira-Mendez was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (both offenses involving five kilograms or more). Lira-Mendez was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2023 along with his co-defendant, Cornelio Hernandez.
On March 29, 2023, in Littleton, Mass. Lira-Mendez was observed driving a car with a temporary Texas license plate that was drifting across a double yellow line. During an ensuing traffic stop, 20 kilograms of cocaine was found inside a duffle bag on the back seat of the vehicle. A subsequent investigation revealed that a private tracking device had been installed in the vehicle by the Mexican drug cartel, Cártel del Noreste. GPS data obtained from the device revealed that the two men had traveled at least 32 hours from Texas to Massachusetts – with the cocaine concealed inside the vehicle’s doors – to distribute the narcotics in Lawrence, Mass.
Hernandez pleaded guilty on April 18, 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24, 2024.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Stephen P. Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Littleton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel R. Feldman and K. Nathaniel Yeager of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.