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26 August 2024
Bank Employee Is Charged for Alleged Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned a criminal indictment last week against Jaminata Starks, 29, of Charlotte, for her role in a scheme involving fraudulent bank accounts, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Starks had her initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler.
Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to allegations in the indictment, Starks was employed by a financial institution (Victim Bank) and worked for a branch in Charlotte. As part of her duties, Starks was authorized to, among other things, open new bank accounts for existing customers and transfer funds between customers’ accounts. The indictment alleges that, between April 13, 2022, and May 23, 2022, Starks conspired with others to misuse the Victim Bank’s customers’ personal identifying information (PII) to fraudulently open new bank accounts in the victims’ names and transfer funds out of the victims’ existing accounts into the fraudulent accounts, without the customers’ knowledge or consent. Starks and her co-conspirators then allegedly used various methods to withdraw the stolen funds.
According to the charges, during the scheme, Starks allegedly transferred at least $120,000 from the custody of the Victim Bank and made false entries in the Victim Bank’s books and records. It is further alleged that Starks was offered $1,000 for each fraudulent new account she created. In addition to the charges, the indictment contains a notice for a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of at least $30,000, that the government contends constitutes the proceeds of Starks’s alleged criminal conduct referenced in the indictment.
Starks is charged with conspiring to defraud the United States and to violate the laws of the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; four counts of making false entries in a bank record, which carries a maximum of up to 30 years in prison per count; and four counts of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year prison term, consecutive to any other prison term imposed, per count. Starks was released on bond following her initial appearance.
The charges against Starks are allegations and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Savage of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
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Bakersfield Resident Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Jose Luis Zambrano, 40, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today to 12 years and seven months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Today’s sentence will run consecutive to his state sentence.
According to court documents, from October 2016 to January 2017, Zambrano sold 1 pound of methamphetamine and nearly 12 ounces of heroin in four separate transactions involving a confidential source. A federal wiretap investigation also revealed that Zambrano was the source of drug supply for Manuel Teodoro Aros, 49, of Santa Maria, from whom law enforcement seized another 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine in March 2017, and, in June 2017, was the intended recipient of 5 ounces of heroin from Jesus Burgos-Luna, 43, a fugitive believed to be running the operation from Mexico. The wiretap investigation ended prematurely when Zambrano and another drug co-conspirator were arrested for murder-related charges.
Zambrano was brought to federal court following his conviction in May 2022 in Kern County Superior Court for solicitation to commit murder. Teodoro Aros previously entered a guilty plea for his involvement in the drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 13 years and eight months in prison.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Karen A. Escobar prosecuted the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Army Soldier Arrested for Using AI to Generate Child PornographyRead the Press Release
An Army soldier stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, was arrested last week on criminal charges related to his alleged transportation, receipt and possession of files depicting child sexual abuse, and use of AI to generate sexually explicit images of children.
“The misuse of cutting-edge generative AI is accelerating the proliferation of dangerous content, including child sexual abuse material — so the Department of Justice is accelerating its enforcement efforts,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “As alleged, the defendant used AI tools to morph images of real kids into horrific child sexual abuse material. Criminals considering the use of AI to perpetuate their crimes should stop and think twice — because the Department of Justice is prosecuting AI-enabled criminal conduct to the fullest extent of the law and will seek increased sentences wherever warranted.”
“As alleged, Seth Herrera possessed thousands of images depicting the violent sexual abuse of children, including infants. He also allegedly used AI to create images depicting the sexual exploitation of children he knew,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s announcement should serve as yet another warning that the Criminal Division will aggressively pursue those who possess or produce child sexual abuse material, including where the images were generated through AI.”
According to court documents, Seth Herrera, 34, allegedly transported, received and possessed files depicting child sexual abuse. Herrera also allegedly used online AI chatbots to generate realistic child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) depicting minors known to him.
“Technology may change, but our commitment to protecting children will not,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “We will aggressively pursue those who produce and traffic in child sexual abuse material (CSAM), no matter how that material was created. Put simply, CSAM generated by AI is still CSAM, and those who sexually exploit children, through whatever technological means, will be held accountable by our office in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, for justice and the safety of our children.”
“This investigation and indictment are a testament to the dedication of the men and women of Homeland Security Investigations to find and bring to justice those who exploit our nation’s children,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “Absolutely no child should suffer these travesties, and no person should feel immune from detection and prosecution for these crimes by HSI and its partners in law enforcement.”
“The charges against Herrera, a U.S. military soldier, for trafficking and generating child sexual abuse materials using artificial intelligence represent a profound violation of trust as well as preview of the challenges law enforcement continues to face in this evolving threat to our children” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer of HSI Pacific Northwest Division. “This appalling misconduct undermines Herrera’s commitment to defending both our nation and its most vulnerable members.”
Herrera is charged with one count of transportation of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. He will make his initial court appearance on Aug. 27 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
HSI and Army Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson for the District of Alaska are prosecuting the case.
If anyone has information concerning Herrera’s alleged actions or may have encountered someone in person or online using the name Seth Herrera, please contact the HSI tip line at 1-877-447-4847.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
32 Individuals Indicted for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On August 22, 2024, a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned 32 separate indictments charging 32 individuals with engaging in fraud to obtain Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits totaling $981,071, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG) are in charge of the investigations with the assistance of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources.
According to the indictments, the defendants engaged in schemes to defraud the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources (Departamento del Trabajo y Recursos Humanos, “DTRH”) by submitting fraudulent applications to obtain unemployment insurance benefits which contained PUA funds.
Under the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, persons who were business owners, self-employed workers, independent contractors, or gig workers qualified for federal benefits (PUA) administered by the DTRH if they previously performed such work in Puerto Rico and were unemployed, partially unemployed, unable to work, or unavailable to work due to a COVID-19 related reason. To obtain these federal benefits, individuals could apply online through the DTRH’s web site—www.trabajo.pr.gov. Claimants answered various questions to establish their eligibility and were required to provide personal identifying information, which included their name, mailing address, gender, email, phone number, social security number, and date of birth. Moreover, claimants had to identify a qualifying occupational status and COVID-19 related reason for being out of work. In their application, claimants could also submit several documents as evidence of their income.
If the DTRH approved a claimant’s application, the DTRH would send a check to the claimant via the United States Postal Service for qualified benefits which could contain regular unemployment insurance benefits and federal funds in the form of PUA, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC); and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits.
The indictments charge the 32 individuals with theft of United States’ property—PUA benefits— mail fraud and misuse of Social Security numbers because the defendants engaged in deceptive conduct designed to fraudulently obtain multiple-unemployment checks from the DTRH by using false social security numbers. The defendants received PUA benefits from the DTRH via mail in the form of checks that they were not qualified or authorized to receive.
The defendants charged and the amount of money fraudulently obtained are:
- Alexander Hernández-Casanova ($21,576)
- Héctor Javier Fernández-Porrata ($40,488)
- José Emanuel Serrano ($30,564)
- José Manuel Salinas-Bermúdez ($18,180)
- Kenny A. Cruz-Chévere ($49,476)
- Luis Felipe Cesani-Cintrón ($66,390)
- Michael Martínez-Torres ($21,444)
- Juan José Reyes-Hernaiz ($35,022)
- Neyscha Lee Font-Fontanez ($22,908)
- Christopher J. Mercedes-Sánchez ($30,168)
- Taylor Bryan Rentas-Día ($22,374)
- Danny Olmo-Quiñones ($22,440)
- Francisco J. Carrillo-Hernaiz ($43,152)
- Julio Omar Rodríguez-Algarín ($31,632)
- Alexander Barbosa-Concepción ($23,304)
- Bryan Omar De Jesús-Pizarro ($53,636)
- Bryan De Jesús-Acevedo ($17,580)
- Carlos Alberto Batista-Serrano ($53,070)
- Fabián Abdiel García-Concepción ($22,440)
- Dianelys Ailysh Torres-Pizarro ($34,692)
- Jamisael Jiménez-Pérez ($30,366)
- Jerry Isaías Medina-Hernández ($20,112)
- Jesús Manuel Crespo-Rivera ($31,830)
- Glendaly Rivera-Torres ($21,708)
- Joumar Vale-Sauri ($33,069)
- Kelvin A. Fermaint-Hernández ($22,374)
- Kenneth Javier Escalera-Paris ($17,910)
- Manuel Salinas-Bermudez ($40,086)
- Rodney Eiram Rodríguez-Rivera ($20,112)
- Yoanelys Vázquez-González ($32,430)
- Eluzay De Jesús-Acevedo ($17,376)
- Luis Angel Crespo-Rivera ($33,162)
“The Justice Department remains committed to using every available federal tool to combat and prevent COVID-19 related fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “We will continue to hold accountable those who seek to exploit the pandemic for personal gain, to protect vulnerable populations, and to safeguard the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs.”
“This repeat violation is deeply concerning. It is clear that some individuals continue to exploit a worldwide crisis for personal gain by disregarding the law. We want to make it abundantly clear that this behavior will not be tolerated, now or ever,” stated Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office, Joseph González. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue all leads to ensure that these criminals face justice. If you or anyone you know has information about these crimes, I urge you to come forward by calling (787) 987-6500 or submitting a tip online at tips.FBI.gov. To those who have engaged in these fraudulent acts, I strongly advise you to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement before we take action against you.”
“An important part of the mission of the U.S Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud involving pandemic-related unemployment insurance programs. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations,” stated Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
“The 32 defendants charged are alleged to have collectively stolen close to a million dollars from the federal government by committing fraud in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance under the CARES Act. These charges are a reminder that fraud is not a victimless crime and individuals who attempt to commit fraud face significant penalties,” said Juan A. Vargas, Inspector in Charge, Miami Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure the U.S. Mail is not utilized as a tool to defraud the government and taxpayers.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Anderson is in charge of the prosecution of these cases. If convicted, the defendants are facing the following sentences: up to 20 years of imprisonment for mail fraud; up to10 years of imprisonment for theft of government money; up to 5 years of imprisonment for misuse of a social security number; a fine of up to $250,000; and three years of supervised release.
To report a COVID-19-related fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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24 August 2024
Utah Resident Accused of Making Death Threats to Salt Lake County Sheriff and Other Government OfficesRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned a superseding indictment August 21, 2024, charging a Salt Lake County man with stalking. The man was arrested on April 4, 2024, via a federal complaint after he was accused of making repeated threatening phone calls to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and other Salt Lake County government offices.
According to court documents, Ryan Gregory Bracken, 44, of West Valley City, Utah, called the Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office on April 1, 2024. In a voicemail, he accused the Salt Lake County Recorder and an employee of being guilty of treason. As alleged, Bracken made a point of stating that the penalty for treason is death. Prior to the voicemail, Bracken had also made repeated phone calls to the Salt Lake County Recorder’s Office, which allegedly became increasingly verbally abusive and threatening.
On April 2, 2024, Bracken called the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office to speak with the elected Sheriff regarding a “fraudulent Sheriff’s sale on his property and called it a criminal act. Bracken threatened to “open fire” on the first person who shows up to his property to evict him. Bracken made specific reference to having a 7.62 millimeter firearm. In a separate call on the same day, Bracken made multiple threats that if the Sheriff’s sale of his property occurred, he would hold the Sheriff responsible for treasonous acts and she would swing from a rope.
Information obtained from Information Technology specialists with Salt Lake County government revealed that Bracken called various Salt Lake County government offices, to include the Sheriff’s Office and the Assessor’s Office, 32 times in April 2024 alone.
Bracken is charged with five counts of stalking, and one count of interstate communication of threats. His initial court appearance on the superseding indictment is scheduled for August 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
23 August 2024
York Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for His Role in Smuggling Kilos of Cocaine from Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Marrero-Morales, from York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 20, 2024, to 10 years in prison by United States District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner for trafficking cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, a grand jury indicted Marrero-Morales and others for their role in conspiracy to smuggle kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico into York. Marrero-Morales pled guilty and admitted to his participation in the conspiracy, which included smuggling 30 kilograms of cocaine in one shipment. Marrero-Morales was sentenced to the mandatory minimum sentence of 10-years in prison.
Also charged in the case are Juan Escalera-Carrasquillo, age 25, Daniel Velez-Olivero, age 37, Gerald J. Calcano, age 31, Takquasha C. Beatty, age 29, Reynaldo Vargas Seda, age 23, Kevin Marrero-Morales, age 29, and Jorge Angel Rivera-Ortiz, age 24. The indictment alleged as part of the conspiracy, drugs and weapons were stored at various locations in York. It was also alleged that Escalera-Carrasquillo, Beatty, and Seda possessed a Glock 9mm pistol, a Smith and Wesson 380 pistol, and Del-Ton AR15 rifle during and in relation to their drug trafficking activities.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the York County Drug Task Force, and the York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Winnebago Man Sentenced for Domestic Assault by an Habitual OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kelton Chilson, age 29, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 23, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for domestic assault by a habitual offender in Indian Country. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Chilson to 24 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Chilson’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
In September 2023, Chilson physically assaulted a female victim known to him by punching the victim in the face. A witness to the assault notified local law enforcement, who arrived on scene to find the victim lying in a roadway with much of her clothing torn off and obvious injuries to her head and face. The victim was transported by ambulance for emergency medical care and found to have suffered a broken nose. Prior to his assault on the victim in September 2023, Chilson had already been convicted on multiple occasions of domestic violence offenses in state and tribal courts.
This case was prosecuted in federal court because the offense was a felony and occurred on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in Nebraska.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Vice Chairman of Smyth County School Board ArrestedRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – Todd Stewart Williams, the Vice Chairman of the Smyth County School Board, was arrested at his home today on federal criminal charges related to child exploitation.
According to court documents, Williams spent more than $10,000 between May 2022 and January 2024 to entice at least six juvenile victims into sending him nude images and sexually explicit videos of themselves and others.
“Sexual exploitation and abuse have grown exponentially through the use of the internet, especially its online gaming platforms,” said Christopher R. Kavanaugh, United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. “The safety and well-being of children in our communities are top priorities of my Office, and we are committed to the joint efforts with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue these perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.”
“This case is a reminder of the constant threat of child exploitation minors face online,” said Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Field Office. “Whether an offender sexually abuses a child in person or online, the FBI and our partners will continue to seek justice for innocent victims by holding offenders accountable.”
Williams’s alleged criminal activity came to the attention of law enforcement in September 2022 when a 15-year-old teenager living in Oklahoma reported to the FBI that Williams, using the Snapchat username “todd_w3411” requested nude images and videos of him.
During an interview with law enforcement, the teen told investigators he met Williams in a Snapchat group intended for gay teenage males. Soon after they began chatting, Williams reached out to the teen and offered to make in-app purchases in an online video game in exchange for nude pictures of the teen.
From May 1, 2022 through October 1, 2022, Williams sent the teen over $2,000 in exchange for nude images and videos.
Based on the information obtained from the FBI investigation in Oklahoma, the FBI in Richmond began an investigation into the Snapchat activities of Williams’ username, “todd_w3411.”
The FBI’s investigation uncovered multiple instances of Williams’s alleged exploitation of minors. In one instance, Williams used Snapchat to communicate with a then 12-year-old minor and offered to purchase items for an online game before eventually offering to buy nude pictures and videos from the boy.
Between August 2022 and January 2024, Williams sent the young victim nearly $1,000 in exchange for nude images and videos.
In January 2023, Williams met another teen on Snapchat and paid the teen to take pictures and videos of him sexually abusing his younger stepbrother, who was 10 years old at the time. As directed by Williams, the teen would approach his stepbrother in their bedroom at night and force his stepbrother to watch pornography. The teen would masturbate and take pictures.
Because the teen reached the $600 monthly limit on Cash App transactions, Williams mailed him a debit card hidden inside a pair of shoes to ensure he was able to purchase his videos.
In a six-month period, Williams paid over $3,500 for nude images and videos of the teen and his stepbrother.
In yet another interaction with a young teenage boy on Snapchat, Williams paid over $3,000 in exchange for nude images and videos of him and his teenage boyfriend.
If you or someone you know have information about this matter or feel you may have been a victim, please contact the FBI Richmond Division.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada Announces Implementation of New Whistleblower Pilot Program to Facilitate Increased Prosecutions of High-Level WrongdoersRead the Press Release
POLICYLOS ANGELES – United States Attorney Martin Estrada today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California (USAO-CDCA) has implemented a new Voluntary Self-Disclosure, Whistleblower Pilot Program encouraging individuals to disclose criminal conduct undertaken by or through companies, exchanges, and other institutions.
The program, which is effective immediately, is designed to prompt individuals to come forward about previously unknown fraud, bribery, and other misconduct. It does so by setting forth conditions under which the voluntary self-disclosure (VSD) of misconduct to the USAO-CDCA, coupled with the agreement to fully cooperate in the investigation of others involved, may make the disclosing individual eligible to avoid prosecution.
The program applies to circumstances where an individual voluntarily discloses to the USAO-CDCA information regarding criminal conduct undertaken by or through public or private companies, exchanges, financial institutions, investment advisers, or investment funds involving fraud or corporate control failures or affecting market integrity, or criminal conduct involving state or local bribery or fraud relating to federal, state, or local funds. It is designed to facilitate the investigation of misconduct that is not already known to the USAO-CDCA and target those equally or more culpable in the misconduct, and only offers benefits to those who did not play a leading role in the misconduct, and who are not corporate CEOs or those in similar positions of control or federal, state, or local officials.
This Pilot Program provides transparency regarding the circumstances in which USAO-CDCA prosecutors will offer deferred or non-prosecution agreements (DPAs or NPAs) to incentivize individuals (and their counsel) to provide original and actionable information. Receiving such information will help us investigate and prosecute criminal conduct that might otherwise go undetected or be impossible to prove, and will, in turn, further encourage companies to create compliance programs that help prevent, detect, and remediate misconduct and to report misconduct when it occurs.
Under the VSD pilot program, the USAO-CDCA will enter into a DPA or NPA in exchange for the individual’s cooperation where the following conditions are met:
- The misconduct has not previously been made public and is not already known to our Office or to any component of the Department of Justice;
- The individual voluntarily discloses the criminal conduct to our Office and not in response to a government inquiry, and prior to imminent threat of disclosure or government investigation;
- The individual is able to provide substantial assistance in the investigation and prosecution of at least one equally or more culpable persons, did not play a leading role in the disclosed conduct, and is prepared to cooperate fully with this Office in its investigation and prosecution of the disclosed conduct, including by providing testimony if requested;
- The individual truthfully and completely discloses all criminal conduct in which the individual has participated and of which the individual is aware;
- The individual is not a federal, state, or local elected or appointed and confirmed official; not an official or agent of a federal investigative or federal law enforcement agency; or is not the CEO or equivalent, or a person who otherwise exercises primary control – regardless of title – over the operations of a public or private company; and
- The individual has not engaged in any criminal conduct that involves: the use of force or violence, any sex offense involving fraud, force, or coercion, or a minor, any offense involving terrorism or implicating national security or foreign affairs and does not have a previous felony conviction or a conviction of any kind for conduct involving fraud or dishonesty.
In instances in which an individual discloses such information, but does not meet the above requirements, prosecutors may consider exercising – with supervisory approval – discretion to extend a DPA or NPA.
To self-disclose pursuant to this policy, please email: [email protected].
Umatilla Man Faces Federal Charges for Making Threats of Sexual Violence Against Children and Possessing Dozens of Photos and Videos Depicting Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Umatilla, Oregon man who is alleged to have made several hoax phone calls threatening sexual violence against children and possessed dozens of photos and videos depicting child sexual abuse has been indicted in federal court.
Thomas Loren Goatley, 20, has been charged with receiving and possessing child pornography and making interstate threats.
According to court documents, between approximately January 5 and April 30, 2024, Goatley is alleged to have made more than 60 phone calls to various schools, police departments, emergency lines, and animal shelters in at least 12 states. During many of these calls, Goatley claimed that he was sexually assaulting a child, or that he was about to do so. While investigating these threats, special agents from the FBI discovered Goatley was also the subject of numerous CyberTipline Reports submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicating that he was active in receiving and distributing child sexual abuse material.
On July 22, 2024, investigators executed a federal search warrant on Goatley’s person and residence in Umatilla, and he was placed under arrest. A later search of Goatley’s cell phone revealed dozens of illicit images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.
On July 23, 2024, Goatley made his initial appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was detained pending further court proceedings. He was arraigned Thursday and pleaded not guilty. A four-day jury trial is scheduled to begin on October 22, 2024.
Receiving and possessing child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence. Transmitting interstate threats is punishable by up to five years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Umatilla Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Plea in Shiprock Assault CaseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has pleaded guilty in federal court to a single assault charge related to a brutal attack that left his victim with life-threatening injuries.
According to court documents, on January 1, 2024, Tyrell Jordan Benally, 25, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe at a residence in Shiprock, New Mexico, by repeatedly striking her with a closed fist and strangling her until she lost consciousness. The assault caused Jane Doe to suffer serious bodily injury, including life-threatening injuries from the strangulation.
At sentencing, Benally faces up to 10 years in prison followed by up to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Secures 52-Month Sentence for Las Cruces Man Following 2023 Pipe Bomb IncidentRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to 52 months in prison following his conviction for possessing a pipe bomb and ammunition near a church playground.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on May 31, 2023, Nathan Wallace, 41, was observed in the children’s playground of East Mesa Baptist Church. Wallace was arrested by the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department after being found in possession of a destructive device and ammunition. Upon questioning, he admitted to possessing a metal pipe containing gunpowder, which was later confirmed to be an operational pipe bomb.
The device was seized by law enforcement and analyzed by a bomb technician, who discovered a fuse inside. Additionally, a search of Wallace's belongings revealed a 20-gauge Winchester AA High Strength shotgun shell, a motion sensor, two cell phones, and various modified batteries and wires, indicating potential explosive device components.
Wallace is prohibited by federal law from handling or possessing firearms or ammunition due to his previous felony convictions, which include multiple counts of forgery and possession of explosive devices.
In his plea agreement, Wallace admitted to knowingly possessing ammunition after being convicted of multiple felonies punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.
Upon his release from prison, Wallace will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Ry Ellison and Christopher McNair prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Consent Decree with Legacy Builders for Violating Lead Paint Safety RegulationsRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Lisa F. Garcia, the Regional Administrator for Region 2 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), announced today that the United States filed a civil lawsuit against LEGACY BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS CORP. (“LEGACY”) alleging violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (“TSCA”) and EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (“RRP Rule”). The U.S. simultaneously entered into a Consent Decree resolving that lawsuit. The Consent Decree includes a $168,000 civil penalty and requires LEGACY to take steps to mitigate potential harms caused by its conduct.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Legacy Builders failed to follow lead-safe work regulations designed to protect building occupants—including children—and workers from toxic lead paint dust generated during apartment renovations. This lawsuit is another example of our commitment to ensure that renovation firms are held responsible for violating these important safety rules.”
EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia said: “Legacy Builders/Developers Corp. is being held accountable for not complying with rules that are designed to protect residents as well as workers and are a key part of protecting public health. The company’s activities put tenants, the public, and its employees at risk of exposure to lead dust hazards. Exposure to lead-based paint can have serious health impacts and remains a common source of lead poisoning in children. EPA will continue to be vigilant and ensure we reduce all risk of lead exposure.”
TSCA and the RRP Rule impose safety requirements to minimize the risk that young children, tenants, and renovation workers are exposed to toxic lead paint dust during renovations of residential buildings. Exposure to lead dust is the most common cause of lead poisoning, which can lead to severe, irreversible health problems, particularly in children. Lead poisoning can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.
As alleged in the U.S. Complaint filed in the district court:
LEGACY performed renovation work at hundreds of residential apartments across five building sites in Manhattan between 2016 and 2020. In September 2017, EPA inspected a LEGACY worksite and found that LEGACY had failed to contain lead dust. This was consistent with inspections in April and August 2017 of the same LEGACY worksite by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, where inspectors observed dust and debris in hallways, common areas, and the vacant apartments being renovated, and collected dust wipe samples containing lead in excess of federal standards. Following further investigation, EPA determined that LEGACY lacked required RRP Rule certifications and, at multiple worksites, failed to train its workers on lead-safe work practices, failed to follow lead-safe work practices, failed to inform building owners and occupants of the risks of lead poisoning during that renovation, and failed to maintain records necessary to demonstrate compliance with lead-safe work practice rules. When LEGACY was informed of these issues, it provided the EPA with inaccurate information about its RRP Rule compliance.
In the Consent Decree, LEGACY admits, acknowledges, and accepts responsibility for the following conduct:
- Between 2016 and 2020, LEGACY performed renovation work at more than one hundred residential apartments at five different building sites in Manhattan. LEGACY failed to comply with requirements of the RRP Rule on numerous occasions at these renovation projects. Among other things:
- LEGACY failed to provide on-the-job lead safety training to workers, in violation of the RRP rule.
- LEGACY failed to adequately contain construction dust, including dust containing lead in excess of levels permitted under the RRP Rule, and failed to conduct the required post-renovation cleaning verification, in violation of the RRP rule.
- LEGACY failed to post signs clearly defining its work area and warning occupants and other persons not involved in renovation activities to remain outside of the work area, in violation of the RRP Rule.
- LEGACY failed to provide a lead-hazard information pamphlet to the owner or occupants of the building before commencing work, in violation of the RRP Rule.
- LEGACY failed to maintain documentation showing that it complied with lead-safe work practices, in violation of the RRP Rule.
- Additionally, between June 2016 and August 2017, LEGACY performed renovation work covered by the RRP Rule at two of these worksites without possessing the firm certification required by the RRP Rule for renovation firms performing such work and without assigning a certified renovator to oversee those projects.
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Pursuant to the Consent Decree, LEGACY will pay a penalty of $168,000, an amount based on the company’s documented inability to pay the full civil penalty for which it otherwise would be liable. The Consent Decree requires LEGACY to comply with safe work practices and other RRP Rule requirements in the future. Additionally, to mitigate the effects of the violations, among other things, LEGACY will conduct education sessions for residents of the five buildings on the hazards of lead-based paint and methods of minimizing potential exposures, and LEGACY will offer to conduct training for maintenance staff at these buildings on lead-hazard reduction and common issues pertaining to the use of lead-safe work practices in day-to-day operations. Failure to comply with the Consent Decree will give rise to significant additional penalties.
To provide public notice and afford members of the public the opportunity to comment on the Consent Decree, the Consent Decree will be lodged with the District Court for a period of at least 30 days before it is submitted for the Court’s approval.
Mr. Williams thanked the attorneys and enforcement staff at EPA Region 2 for their critical work on this matter.
This case is being handled by the Environmental Protection Unit of the Office’s Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ilan Stein and Samuel Dolinger are in charge of the case.
- Between 2016 and 2020, LEGACY performed renovation work at more than one hundred residential apartments at five different building sites in Manhattan. LEGACY failed to comply with requirements of the RRP Rule on numerous occasions at these renovation projects. Among other things:
Two Men Indicted for Damaging Rock Formations at National Recreation Area in NevadaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A federal grand jury indicted two Henderson men for allegedly damaging ancient rock formations at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, on April 7, 2024, Wyatt Clifford Fain (37) and Payden David Guy Cosper (31) pushed large chunks of ancient rock formations over the edge of a cliff onto the ground below while on or near the Redstone Dunes Trail at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, resulting in damages in excess of $1,000.
Fain and Cosper were each charged with one count of injury and depredation of government property and one count of aiding and abetting. They were arrested by the United States Marshals Service, and they made their initial court appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy Koppe. A jury trial has been scheduled for October 8, 2024, before United States District Judge Jennifer Dorsey.
If convicted, the defendants each face up to ten years imprisonment.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and United States Marshal Gary Schofield for the United States Marshals Service made the announcement.
The National Park Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Skyler Pearson is prosecuting the case.
If you see something suspicious in any National Park location, or if you have information that could aid an investigation, call the NPS-wide Tip Line at 1-888-653-0009 or submit a tip online at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1563/submit-a-tip.htm.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Twelve Individuals in Central Florida, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina Charged with Murder, Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering, Firearms Offenses, and FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of four indictments charging a total of 12 individuals with murder in furtherance of drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, illegal possession of firearms, and bank fraud. The indictments also seek the forfeiture of more than $6.5 million identified as the amount involved in the offenses and proceeds of the offenses, two properties, and firearms.
INDICTMENT ONE
Carlos Limery Dones Drug Trafficking Organization Indictment
Name
(Age, Residence)
Charges
Max Penalty
Carlos Limery Dones, a/k/a “Siervo,” “Chino”
(46, Puerto Rico)
Drug trafficking conspiracy, money laundering, and bank fraud
Life in federal prison.
Santos Cruz Rivera
(44, Kissimmee)
Drug trafficking conspiracy, distribution of controlled substances, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, maintaining a drug premises, possessing a firearm while a convicted felon, and money laundering conspiracy
Life in federal prison.
Nelson Franco, a/k/a “Voltio”
(48, South Carolina)
Drug trafficking conspiracy, distribution of controlled substances, and money laundering conspiracy
Life in federal prison.
Rebel Rivera Carbonell
(46, Dundee)
Drug trafficking conspiracy, maintaining a drug premises, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
Life in federal prison.
Madelyn Sanchez, a/k/a “La Negra”
(50, Kissimmee)
Drug trafficking conspiracy and maintaining a drug premises
Life in federal prison.
Roberto Rodriguez Almodovar
(59, Kissimmee)
Drug trafficking conspiracy and committing murder in furtherance of drug trafficking
Faces a maximum sentence of death.
Luis Torres Sanchez, a/k/a “Gordo”
(39, Puerto Rico)
Drug trafficking conspiracy, distribution of controlled substances, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Life in federal prison.
Johnson Rivera Martinez
(40, Orlando)
Drug trafficking conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances
Life in federal prison.
Yesenia Laracuente
(35, Kissimmee)
Money laundering conspiracy
20 years in federal prison.
Nancy Contreras, a/k/a “La Doña”
(46, Dundee)
Money laundering conspiracy
20 years in federal prison.
Carol Flores Morales
(48, South Carolina)
Money laundering conspiracy and money laundering
20 years in federal prison.
INDICTMENT TWO
Wire Fraud Conspiracy in Purchase of a Home
Yesenia Laracuente
(35, Kissimmee)
Wire fraud conspiracy
20 years in federal prison.
Wilmary Sepulveda
(36, Kissimmee)
Wire fraud conspiracy
20 years in federal prison.
INDICTMENT THREE
COVID-Related Fraud
Carlos Limery Dones
46, Puerto Rico
Wire fraud
20 years in federal prison.
INDICTMENT FOUR
COVID-Related Fraud
Santos Cruz Rivera
(44, Kissimmee)
Wire fraud
20 years in federal prison.
According to the indictments, there was a multi-year conspiracy to traffic cocaine and fentanyl within the Middle District of Florida, resulting in several seizures of both substances. Eight of the charged individuals are alleged to be involved in the trafficking of controlled substances. On August 3, 2021, in retaliation for the killing of a lookout at a stash house the organization used, Almodovar murdered one of the individuals present at the homicide with a single gunshot to the back of the head.
The individuals charged across the four indictments also engaged in schemes to acquire various homes and other properties by various means. As charged in one indictment, Limery Dones defrauded a bank by transmitting $110,000 to buy a house in the name of a third-party when, in reality, he was the actual purchaser of the home. Franco, Flores Morales, and Contreras allegedly conspired to put a home in Flores Morales’s name when the money came from Franco’s sale of controlled substances. In another scheme charged across two of the indictments, Laracuente and Sepulveda conspired to falsely report Laracuente’s employment and income to secure a mortgage that Cruz Rivera then made payments on in Laracuente’s name with drug proceeds. The third and fourth indictments charge Limery Dones and Cruz Rivera with fraud in obtaining Paycheck Protection Program loans by filing claims for companies that did not exist.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration; Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Osceola County Sheriff’s Office; and Kissimmee Police Department, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Central Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Baeza and Michael Buchanan.
Straw purchasing rifles sends McAllen man to prisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 22-year-old man has been sentenced for illegally purchasing firearms on behalf of a Mexican national, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Juan Hector Resendez-Meza III pleaded guilty May 31.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Resendez-Meza to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
At the time of his plea, Resendez-Meza admitted a man residing in Reynosa, Mexico, approached and asked him to purchase firearms on his behalf.
Resendez-Meza received $16,000 in cash to do so between May and August 2023. At the time of each purchase, Resendez-Meza lied on federal forms, claiming he was the true buyer.
He also admitted to illegally procuring three rifles on behalf of the Mexican citizen including a .50 caliber rifle. In addition, Resendez-Meza had previously bought and sold two pistols to the man.
Previously released on bond, Resendez was taken into custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
St. Louis County Woman Admits Prostituting MinorRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A woman from St. Louis County, Missouri on Friday admitted promoting the prostitution of a minor online.
Carrie Little, 44, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of coercion or enticement of a minor. Little’s trial was scheduled to begin Tuesday.
As part of her plea, Little admitted that beginning at least as early as 2018, she recruited women and had others recruit women to engage in prostitution. Among those recruited was a minor female. Little provided the victim with a place to live and placed sexually suggestive and/or explicit photos of the minor that were taken with Little’s phone in online advertisements for commercial sex. Little took calls to arrange sexual encounters and to arrange the price. After the encounters, men paid Little or the victim, who was required to give the majority of the money to Little.
Little is scheduled to be sentenced November 26. The charge carries a penalty of at least 10 years in prison, with a maximum of life.
The St. Louis County Police Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case as part of the FBI St. Louis Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Crisis Aid International and the International Institute of Saint Louis assisted victims associated with the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dianna Edwards and Nathan Chapman are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Southbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Sawed-Off Shotguns and SilencersRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY ENGLEHARDT, 44, of Southbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing sawed-off shotguns and silencers. Judge Williams ordered that Englehardt must serve his first six months of supervised release in home confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, shortly before midnight on March 13, 2023, Torrington Police received a report that Englehardt used a rifle and shot a hole in the ceiling of a Torrington residence, and then left the residence. At the time, Englehardt was subject to a protective order issued by the Waterbury Superior Court that required him to surrender all of his firearms and ammunition. At approximately 12:30 a.m. on March 14, 2023, Connecticut State Police stopped Englehardt’s vehicle, took him into custody, and charged him with multiple offenses. Later that day, a search of Englehardt’s Southbury residence revealed 10 firearms, six silencers, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and various firearms parts and accessories. Three of the firearms were sawed-off shotguns and were not registered pursuant to the National Firearms Act. The six silencers also were not registered.
Englehardt has been detained since his federal arrest on May 25, 2023. On April 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered National Firearms Act firearms and silencers.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, Torrington Police Department, and Southbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles.
Sixth Tri-Cities cocaine trafficker sentenced to 16 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Hopewell man was sentenced today to 16 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine throughout the Tri-Cities region of Central Virginia.
According to court documents, from at least May 2021 through October 2023, Cleveland Lamont Parson, 51, conspired with Aaron Larde Heath, 39, of Chester, and others to broker the purchase of kilogram quantities of cocaine from various sources in Virginia, North Carolina, Mexico, and elsewhere and to coordinate cocaine shipments. Parson used his residence in Hopewell as a stash house to distribute, store, and transfer the cocaine. Parson and Heath were held responsible for distributing between 50-150 kilograms of cocaine during the course of the conspiracy.
On May 18, 2023, Jerrell Stanley Bugg, 46, of Chester, purchased three kilograms of cocaine from Parson. After Bugg left Parson’s residence with the cocaine, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop, during which Bugg recovered a 9mm semi-automatic handgun to law enforcement. When a K-9 unit alerted to narcotics in the vehicle, Bugg attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended at the scene. Law enforcement then recovered the cocaine from the vehicle. On Dec. 8, 2023, Bugg pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and, on May 7, was sentenced to seven years in prison.
In August 2023, Parson and Heath received 18 kilograms of cocaine, but upon inspection, determined a portion of the cocaine was of poor quality and decided to return that portion. On Aug. 6, 2023, couriers Jose Misael Reyes, 33, of El Salvador, and Corina Chavez, 31, of Bailey, North Carolina, transported the low-quality cocaine to their residence in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. On Aug. 7, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered the cocaine. On Jan. 12, Reyes pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and, on June 13, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison. On Jan. 19, Chavez pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and, on June 13, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison.
On Aug. 20, 2023, Heath traveled from Virginia to Charlotte, North Carolina, and acquired 20 kilograms of cocaine. Heath recruited Antonio Shaw, 61, of Hopewell, to serve as a courier for Heath and agreed to pay Shaw to transport the cocaine to Virginia. At a hotel in Charlotte, Heath provided the 20 kilograms of cocaine to Shaw. As Shaw traveled to Virginia, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop in Randolph County, North Carolina, and recovered the cocaine from the trunk of Shaw’s vehicle. On Jan. 16, Shaw pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and, on July 12, was sentenced to five years and six months in prison.
On Oct. 25, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Parson’s residence. During the search, law enforcement recovered a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, a .38 caliber revolver, a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun with an extended 30 round magazine, a .762 caliber AK-47 semiautomatic rifle, two shotgun magazines, a money counter, $37,261, and multiple cellphones.
On Dec. 5, 2023, Heath pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and, on May 3, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; and Jason Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erik S. Siebert, Shea M. Gibbons, Jessica Wright, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Hubbard, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation Deep Dope Well. 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-133.
Second Former Memphis Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights and Conspiracy Charges Tied to Death of Tyre NicholsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A former Memphis, Tennessee, Police Department (MPD) officer facing federal civil rights charges for the tragic killing of Tyre Nichols pleaded guilty in federal court today.
Emmitt Martin III, pleaded guilty to civil rights and conspiracy charges arising out of the Jan. 7, 2023, incident. Martin is the second MPD officer to plead guilty in this case.
On Sept. 12, 2023, a federal jury returned a four-count indictment against Martin and four co-defendants. The charges included using excessive force resulting in the death of Nichols; aiding and abetting each other in using that excessive force; failing to intervene to stop the excessive force; failing to render medical aid; and conspiring or taking action to cover up their misconduct. On Nov. 2, 2023, co-defendant Desmond Mills entered a guilty plea to civil rights and conspiracy charges.
The remaining three defendants will face a federal trial scheduled for Sept. 9.
In today’s court appearance, Martin pleaded guilty to counts one and three of the indictment. Count one charged Martin with using excessive force and failing to intervene in the unlawful assault. Count three charged Martin with conspiring to cover up his use of unlawful force by omitting material information and by providing false and misleading information to his supervisor and to others. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 5. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Memphis Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Pritchard and Elizabeth Rogers for the Western District of Tennessee and Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert, Trial Attorney Andrew Manns and Deputy Chief Forrest Christian of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
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Topic
CIVIL RIGHTS
Components
Civil Rights Division
Civil Rights - Criminal Section
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
USAO - Tennessee, Western
Press Release Number: 24-1049
Second Former Memphis Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights and Conspiracy Charges Tied to Death of Tyre NicholsRead the Press Release
A former Memphis, Tennessee, Police Department (MPD) officer facing federal civil rights charges for the tragic killing of Tyre Nichols pleaded guilty in federal court today.
Emmitt Martin III, pleaded guilty to civil rights and conspiracy charges arising out of the Jan. 7, 2023, incident. Martin is the second MPD officer to plead guilty in this case.
On Sept. 12, 2023, a federal jury returned a four-count indictment against Martin and four co-defendants. The charges included using excessive force resulting in the death of Nichols; aiding and abetting each other in using that excessive force; failing to intervene to stop the excessive force; failing to render medical aid; and conspiring or taking action to cover up their misconduct. On Nov. 2, 2023, co-defendant Desmond Mills entered a guilty plea to civil rights and conspiracy charges.
The remaining three defendants will face a federal trial scheduled for Sept. 9.
In today’s court appearance, Martin pleaded guilty to counts one and three of the indictment. Count one charged Martin with using excessive force and failing to intervene in the unlawful assault. Count three charged Martin with conspiring to cover up his use of unlawful force by omitting material information and by providing false and misleading information to his supervisor and to others. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 5. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Memphis Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Pritchard and Elizabeth Rogers for the Western District of Tennessee and Special Litigation Counsel Kathryn E. Gilbert, Trial Attorney Andrew Manns and Deputy Chief Forrest Christian of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Scottsville Woman Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay $873,107 in Restitution for Defrauding Former EmployerRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY –A Scottsville, Kentucky, woman was sentenced yesterday to two years in federal prison for engaging in a scheme to defraud her former employer.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court records, Reda W. Tabor, 67, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for one count of wire fraud. The charges in this case stemmed from Tabor’s scheme in which, from 2014 to 2020, while employed as Vice President in Charge of Finance/Accounting and Human Resources at Beneke Wire Company in Louisville, Kentucky, Tabor used her position to access the company’s bank accounts and make unauthorized transfers of company funds to her personal bank account.
Tabor was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $873,107 and a fine in the amount of $10,000.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gregory prosecuted the case.
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San Diego Man Charged with Using Explosives to Burglarize ATMsRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 23, 2024
SAN DIEGO – Son Nguyen of San Diego was arrested early today and charged in federal court with two counts of damaging property in connection with using explosives on two ATMs.
Nguyen, who unsuccessfully attempted to steal money from the machines, was tracked through surveillance video, vehicle registration and facial features, the complaint said. He was taken into custody by the FBI at his Mira Mesa residence and is scheduled to make his first appearance in federal court Monday.
According to the complaint, at approximately 3:24 a.m. on June 8, 2024, Nguyen drove up to an ATM outside of California Coast Credit Union on Governor Drive in San Diego. Nguyen got out of his car and brought a five-gallon blue plastic container with a white spout to the area in front of the ATM. He then appeared to insert a black polyvinyl chloride plastic (“PVC”) hose into the ATM. A short time later, a small explosion occurred inside the ATM. Despite efforts to pull money out of the machine, Nguyen left empty handed.
San Diego Police officers responded to an alarm at the credit union and observed a white PVC pipe connected to a black PVC pipe with two batteries taped to it. They also observed pieces of what looked like a blue balloon around the ATM. Approximately 20 feet from the ATM was another plastic pipe.
According to the complaint, a few weeks later, at approximately 2:10 a.m. on June 28, 2024, Nguyen drove up to another ATM in Rancho Bernardo outside of a First Citizen’s Bank branch in San Diego. He then repeated the same steps. After electrical components caught fire and smoke started coming out of the ATM, Nguyen returned and attempted to extract cash from the machine but was unsuccessful.
Investigators used surveillance camera video to track the defendant and his vehicle. While serving a court-authorized search warrant at Nguyen’s home, investigators found gas, black powder, potassium nitrate sulfur, explosive pre-cursor chemicals, a paper that explains how to make black powder and a firearm in Nguyen’s residence, among other equipment and clothing items consistent with those used during the attempts.
“Fortunately, neither of these incidents resulted in injury or successful theft of cash,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “With the discovery of chemicals and equipment in the search today, future attempts were also thwarted.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Sherwood and Shital Thakkar.
DEFENDANT Case Number 24-mj-03215
Son Thanh Nguyen Age: 44 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Use of an Explosive to Damage Property – 18 U.S.C., Section 844(i)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
San Diego Police Department
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad
City of San Diego’s Hazmat Team
A complaint itself is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the Government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- St. Thomas Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 25 Years in $2.1 Million Dollar Cocaine Seizure Case
Rutland Man Sentenced to 27 Months for Distribution of Cocaine BaseRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 20, 2024, Bradley Saldi, 44, of Rutland, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 27 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Saldi previously pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine base.
According to court records, between May 15, 2023, and June 14, 2023, Saldi made four sales of controlled substances, cocaine base or fentanyl, to a confidential informant at the Highlander Motel in Rutland, Vermont, where Saldi was employed as a handyman. Prior to these controlled purchases from Saldi, court records indicate that Saldi was involved in the drug trafficking activities of Jose Maldonado and Edgar Correa, who were previously convicted and sentenced in the District of Vermont for their illegal activities. Saldi also participated with Maldonado and Correa in the assault of an individual related to a presumed drug debt.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and Rutland City Police Department.The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Ophardt and Jason Turner. Saldi was represented by Mark Oettinger, Esq.
Rosebud Man Convicted for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Eugene Hollow Horn Bear, age 64, of Rosebud, South Dakota, of two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on August 21, 2024.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of three years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hollow Horn Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2024.
According to the evidence presented at trial, the victim awoke to Hollow Horn Bear touching her vagina and breasts after she had gone to sleep in an abandoned carwash in Mission, South Dakota, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. The victim called out for help and another individual pulled Hollow Horn Bear off the victim and forced him to leave the carwash.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A sentencing date has not been set.
Romanian Man Sentenced for Possession of Device Making Equipment and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Ciprian Amariutei, 37, a Romanian citizen whose address is unknown, was sentenced on August 23, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession of device making equipment with intent to defraud and aggravated identity theft. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Amariutei to 16 months in prison for possession of device making equipment with intent to defraud and a consecutive 24 months in prison for aggravated identity theft. There is no parole in the federal system. After Amariutei’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.
On March 8, 2024, Amariutei’s co-defendant, Mona Maria Tataru, 32, also a Romanian citizen, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for possession of device making equipment with intent to defraud and a consecutive 24 months in prison for aggravated identity theft, to be followed by two years of supervised release.
In April 2023, surveillance video showed Amariutei, accompanied by Tataru, placing a skimming device and pinhole camera on an ATM in Omaha. Omaha police officers found the vehicle shown in the video and contacted Amariutei and Tataru at a local motel. Officers located in Amariutei’s and Tataru’s possession more skimming devices and cameras, equipment to generate phony debit and ATM cards, and several cards that had been encoded with stolen bank account information that enabled them to be used as ATM cards. In total, officers located approximately 220 sets of bank account information corresponding to accounts at more than a dozen different banks.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Omaha Police Department.
Rashad Trice Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Kidnapping Resulting in Death of Wynter Cole-SmithRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Rashad Maleek Trice was sentenced to life imprisonment for kidnapping resulting in the death of 2-year-old Wynter Cole-Smith.
“Today we have achieved a measure of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “We can’t bring back the precious life of Wynter Cole-Smith, but we can do our best to ensure her killer is found guilty and spends the rest of his life in prison, which is what we’ve done today.” Totten continued: “I am so grateful to the hundreds of officers from over two dozen law enforcement agencies who came running to join the statewide search for Wynter Cole-Smith. Their commitment to protect and serve was overwhelming.”
According to the initial complaint, on July 2, 2023, a woman reported to the Lansing Police Department that she had been attacked by Trice and ultimately fled her apartment to escape him. When police responded to her apartment, Trice and the woman’s daughter, Cole-Smith, were no longer present. A white Chevrolet Impala had also allegedly been stolen. On July 3, police attempted to stop the white Chevrolet Impala in St. Clair Shores and the driver attempted to flee. Police apprehended the driver, Trice, but Cole-Smith was not in the car. Cell site information showed the approximate path Trice’s phone had recently taken, which prompted law enforcement to start conducting searches for Cole-Smith in specific areas. On July 5, 2023, law enforcement found Cole-Smith’s body in Detroit. On March 22, 2023, U.S. Attorney Totten announced that Trice pled guilty to the charge of kidnapping resulting in death.
“Our hearts still break for little Wynter. She should still be here,” stated U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Dawn N. Ison. “The tireless search and coordination by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across the state, over several days, to bring her home safely, truly demonstrated the committed, collaborative effort with which we work every day to protect and serve our citizens. Although nothing will bring little Wynter back, I hope her family takes some solace in that effort and today’s sentence.”
“This was a senseless tragedy that shook our community to its core,” said Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus. “While nothing can replace the loss of Wynter Cole-Smith, I hope today’s sentencing offers some solace to Wynter’s family who have endured unimaginable pain. I’m grateful for the hard work and dedication of U.S. Attorney Mark Totten and his team.”
“The sentencing of Rashad Trice is the direct result of an exhaustive investigation conducted by members of the FBI in Michigan, our law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western Michigan,” stated Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners underscores the power of teamwork. While this may not provide immediate closure to the family of Wynter Cole-Smith, we are hopeful it will begin the healing process. Rashad Trice will spend the remainder of his life in prison, and we are optimistic this sentencing will serve as a deterrent, preventing another family from enduring the pain experienced by Wynter Cole-Smith's family.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Doaa Al-Howaishy and investigated by the FBI and Lansing Police Department, along with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Air Marshal Service, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Michigan State Police, Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety, Michigan Department of Corrections, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office, Eaton County Sheriff's Office, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Macomb County Sheriff's Office, Detroit Police Department, Detroit Public Schools Community District Department of Public Safety, Eastpointe Police Department, St. Clair Shores Police Department, Bloomfield Hills Police Department, Dearborn Police Department, Sterling Heights Police Department, West Bloomfield Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, Southfield Police Department, Northville Township Police Department, and Clinton Township Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan issued the previous press releases in this case:
- July 7, 2023 – U.S. Attorney Totten Announces Federal Charges in the Kidnapping of 2-Year-Old Wynter Cole Smith.
- July 26, 2023 – Trice Indicted for Kidnapping Resulting in Death and Kidnapping a Minor in Wynter Cole-Smith Case.
- August 7, 2023 – Trice Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment in Wynter Cole-Smith Case.
- November 3, 2023 – Rashad Trice Trial Date Set for April 16 in Wynter Cole-Smith Case.
- March 22, 2024 – Rashad Trice, Who Killed Two-Year-Old Wynter Cole-Smith, Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping Resulting in Death.
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- July 7, 2023 – U.S. Attorney Totten Announces Federal Charges in the Kidnapping of 2-Year-Old Wynter Cole Smith.
Previously Convicted Felon from Pittsburgh Indicted for Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Keith Harris, 25, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on June 11, 2024, Harris possessed a firearm and ammunition. Harris has a number of prior felony convictions, including a 2022 conviction as a felon in possession of firearm and/or ammunition. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Port Richey Brothers Plead Guilty to Trafficking 100 Kilograms of FentanylRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Marcus Fowler (33) and Pierre Fowler (35), both of Port Richey, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, over 500 grams of methamphetamine, and cocaine. Marcus Fowler also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, beginning in 2006, Marcus and Pierre Fowler conspired with others to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in the Middle District of Florida. Co-conspirators reported receiving over 100 kilograms of fentanyl and 500 pounds of methamphetamine from the brothers between 2020 and 2022. In January 2023, agents seized more than 13 pounds of methamphetamine and 3 kilograms of fentanyl through postal intercepts that were bound for members of the conspiracy. On February 8, 2023, agents recovered more than a kilogram of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in addition to numerous firearms—including a machinegun—from the brothers’ stash house in Tarpon Springs.
Marcus and Pierre Fowler used drug proceeds to purchase several properties in Pasco and Pinellas Counties. As part of their plea agreement, they have agreed to forfeit the following properties which are traceable to the offenses:
1. 7715 Topay Lane, Port Richey, Florida 34668
2. 4152 Memphis Avenue, New Port Richey, Florida 34652
3. 5606 Sunshine Park Drive, New Port Richey, Florida 34652
4. 4330 Kibler Lane, Holiday, Florida 34691
5. 2141 Speck Drive, Holiday, Florida 34691
6. 4240 Oakfield Avenue, Holiday, Florida 34691
7. 710 North Avenue, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689
8. 122 East Lime Street, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689
9. 1522 Elite Court, Holiday, Florida 34691,
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Tarpon Springs Police Department, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha E. Beckman, and the asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James Muench.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Pittsburgh Felon Serving Life Sentence Found Guilty at Trial of Contempt of Court and Assault of Court-Appointed AttorneyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After the conclusion of a non-jury trial, a federal judge on August 22, 2024, found James Taric Byrd guilty of one count of contempt of court by misbehavior that obstructs the administration of justice and one count of assault for striking his court-appointed attorney in a courtroom at the Joseph F. Weis Jr. U.S. Courthouse, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Byrd, 47, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was tried before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville in Pittsburgh. Byrd is currently serving a life sentence plus 20 years of incarceration on a 2022 conviction for violating federal narcotics and firearm laws.
The evidence presented at trial established that, on July 18, 2022, while Byrd was in trial before another federal judge on unrelated charges, Byrd struck his attorney in the head. The defendant’s assaultive conduct disrupted and delayed the trial proceedings and obstructed the orderly administration of justice. The Court also heard evidence suggesting that the defendant’s motive in striking his attorney was to prompt a mistrial and delay the 2022 jury trial proceedings.
Four months after his January 2023 sentencing of life imprisonment, Byrd was tried and found guilty by a federal jury of one count of possession of contraband in prison. He subsequently was sentenced to an additional eight months of incarceration on that May 2023 conviction.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for Byrd’s contempt of court and assault conviction for December 18, 2024. Byrd will remain in custody pending sentencing. The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to life in prison, a fine, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys DeMarr W. Moulton and Soo C. Song prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Byrd.
Pennsylvania man going to prison for gun trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Christian Arroyo Collazo, 28, of New Castle, PA, who was convicted of conspiracy to traffic in firearms, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who handled the case, stated that between July 2022, and March 2023, Collazo transported, or attempted to transport, firearms to the Jamestown, NY, area. These firearms included pistols, AR-style rifles, handguns, revolvers, and high-capacity magazines. Collazo trafficked a total of approximately 40 firearms. Collazo utilized social media to conduct firearm related conversations and effectuate his firearms trafficking activities. During these conversations, Collazo would send photos of firearms to potential buyers.
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.
This case is being prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Bryan Miller, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Erie, PA, Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel Spizarny Sr.
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Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling Across State Lines for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
AKRON, Ohio – Soumya Rudra, 41, of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and to possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), also referred to as child pornography.
According to court documents, Rudra met the 14-year victim on a dating game app called “Kiss Kiss.” He then messaged her via Snapchat text and video calls throughout several months. Rudra drove more than 400 miles from Pennsylvania to Ohio in November 2023 to meet the victim. He transported her to a hotel where he proceeded to engage in criminal sexual activities. Investigators also discovered CSAM involving other minors on his electronic devices which were recovered at the hotel room.
Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 11, 2024. Rudra faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Canton Field Office and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case.
To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Pass Christian Woman Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss.- A Pass Christian, Mississippi woman pled guilty to production of child pornography.
According to court documents, Sarah Jane Bennett, 43, was identified by law enforcement as an individual in lawful custody of a minor child who was using the child to produce visual depictions of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further investigation revealed that Bennett’s cell phone contained multiple videos and images of child sexual abuse material involving the minor child.
Bennett is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2024, in Gulfport, and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case, with assistance from the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crimes Division, the Gulfport Police Department, and the Biloxi Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.
Oviedo Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Carl Vecchione, (62, Oviedo) has pleaded guilty to receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material. Vecchione faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2024.
According to the plea agreement, on June 9, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at Vecchione’s residence after identifying the home’s Internet Protocol (IP) address as sharing child sexual abuse material online. HSI located more than 900 images and videos of child sexual abuse material on Vecchione’s laptop.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 210 Months for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Neon Chang, age 41, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on August 23, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for production of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Chang to 210 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Chang will be required to complete a 10-year term of supervised release. Chang was also ordered to pay a special assessment in the amount of $5,000 pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Victim Assistance Act of 2018.
An investigation into the online sharing of child pornography led law enforcement officers to obtain a warrant for the search of Chang’s residence in November 2023. Chang was not present but was later interviewed at his place of employment. Chang told investigators that he used a specific software program to receive and download child pornography. Among the child pornography files made available for sharing by Chang through the peer-to-peer program included prepubescent minors, minors under the age of twelve, and files showing sexual abuse or exploitation of toddlers. Chang also admitted that in 2019, he recorded sexual encounters involving himself, his spouse, and a minor victim.
Investigators were able to locate 28 video files on a computer seized from the basement of the residence. The investigator viewed the video files and found they were created in January and February of 2019, when the minor victim was approximately thirteen years old. The videos corroborated Chang’s statements regarding the sexual encounters involving him, his spouse, and the minor victim. One of the videos recorded from a stationary camera depicts the minor victim having sexual intercourse with Chang’s spouse at Chang’s direction, while Chang was also using a cell phone camera to record the sexual encounter. During the sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Rossiter characterized Chang’s conduct as “beyond horrible.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Omaha Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Anthony Stephens, age 38, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced August 23, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Stephens to 188 months’ imprisonment. Stephens also agreed to the forfeiture of $10,500. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.
On September 9, 2022, law enforcement was called to the Microtel Inn and Suites in Bellevue, Nebraska to remove a party from one of the rooms. The hotel manager informed the officers that a male occupant in the room had rented the room for one night and was supposed to check out by noon but had not. The manager and officers went to the room. After gaining access, they found Stephens unresponsive with no pulse. Defendant was ultimately shaken awake.
In the hotel room, officers located $10,500 in United States currency, drug paraphernalia, a black baton, brass knuckles, baggies, two vehicle fobs, digital scales, two cell phones, approximately 465.5 grams of marijuana, 851 grams of pure meth, and a smattering of pills. Stephens was arrested and told officers that he had been dealing pound quantities of meth since April 2022.
This case was investigated by the Bellevue Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that John C. Shores, Jr., age 55, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 23, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for attempted sexual exploitation of a child. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Shores to 240 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Shores’ release from prison, he will begin a 20-year term of supervised release. Shores was also ordered to pay $7,600 in special assessments as part of his sentence.
In pronouncing his sentence, Chief Judge Rossiter told Shores “I don’t discount what you’ve done with the community in the light, but what you’ve done here was in the dark.”
From August 4, 2023, through August 10, 2023, Shores used his cell phone to engage in an online conversation via the chat application Whisper and text messages with an undercover officer who was purporting to be a 13-year-old girl. During the conversations, Shores asked who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl to exchange naked and sexually explicit pictures for the purpose of masturbation. Shores also sent sexually explicit images to the other user.
On August 10, 2023, Shores made arrangements to meet with who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl and arrived at the meeting location in Omaha as arranged. Law enforcement contacted Shores and seized four cell phones from Shore’s vehicle. Forensic examinations of Shore’s cell phones revealed numerous sexually explicit online conversations to include conversations with individuals claiming to be as young as 11 years old. In one conversation, occurring primarily between July 7, 2020, and July 27, 2020, Shores contacted and conversed with 13-year-old female who resided in southeastern Nebraska.
This case was investigated by law enforcement agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office as part of the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –HORACE WASHINGTON (“WASHINGTON”), age 55, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on August 21, 2024 by United States District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) received information from a confidential source that WASHINGTON, who had previously been convicted of a federal drug trafficking offense, was again dealing drugs. Through investigation, DEA agents learned that WASHINGTON was getting the drugs from sources near the Texas/Mexico border. These sources would fly to New Orleans, while another co-conspirator drove a car with the drugs to New Orleans. The agents eventually seized ten kilograms of cocaine that WASHINGTON’s coconspirator left in a car in a Westbank parking lot.
Judge Lemelle sentenced WASHINGTON to 121 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –KENTRELL HUBBARD (“HUBBARD”), age 25, of New Orleans, was sentenced on August 22, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to 70 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and, to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, on June 9, 2023, a confidential informant for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, purchased fentanyl from HUBBARD after meeting him near a supermarket that was a known hotspot for drug trafficking in the Iberville housing project. The next week, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation saw HUBBARD with a handgun as they were executing an unrelated search warrant.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Franklin Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A New Franklin, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to rob a local bank but being foiled when the front door was locked.
Jacob Lowell Hessing, 26, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr. on Thursday, Aug. 22, to one count of attempted bank robbery. Hessing has been detained in federal custody since his arrest.
By pleading guilty, Hessing admitted that he attempted to rob Exchange Bank of Missouri in New Franklin on Sept. 9, 2023.
According to today’s plea agreement, the Howard County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department received calls from concerned citizens about a masked man dressed in black walking in downtown New Franklin, which has a population of about 1,000 residents. The man, later identified as Hessing, was reportedly carrying an AR-style rifle and attempted to enter Exchange Bank of Missouri. On Saturdays, however, the bank’s lobby is open by appointment only, and the outer door is locked.
Surveillance video showed Hessing walk to the bank and attempt to open the lobby door. He then got back into a red Chevy Equinox, which drove off at a high rate of speed. Investigators traced the vehicle to Hessing and executed a search warrant at his residence (about a block and a half from the bank) on Oct. 30, 2023. Federal agents found a Diamondback rifle, hidden in the basement, with a loaded magazine capable of holding more than 40 5.56mm cartridges, which was consistent with the weapon Hessing carried when he attempted to rob the bank. Ammunition also was found in the kitchen utensil drawer and several cartridges for the Diamondback rifle were found in the Equinox. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Hessing must forfeit the Diamondback rifle to the government.
Under federal statutes, Hessing is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa A. Pierce. It was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Howard County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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.
Nevada, Mo., Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Leading Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Nevada, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Trenton D. Wallace, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 20 years in federal prison without parole.
On Dec. 14, 2023, Wallace pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
An Oklahoma State Highway Patrol trooper stopped Wallace, who was driving a Chevrolet Impala, on Interstate 44 on Feb. 16, 2022. Wallace denied being in possession of any firearms, but the trooper seized a Freedom Arms .22-caliber pistol (disguised to look like a belt buckle) when Wallace reached for it as a drug-sniffing dog was being deployed. Wallace also was in possession of $4,206 in cash.
When a police dog alerted to the presence of drugs, troopers searched the vehicle and found a duffel bag that contained approximately 25 pounds (9.9 kilograms) of methamphetamine, packaged in 10 large plastic bags. Troopers also found a loaded H&K 9mm semi-automatic pistol under the driver’s seat and a loaded Sig Sauer .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol under the passenger’s seat.
According to court documents, Wallace is an admittedly active and high-ranking member of the Southwest Honkey’s prison gang. The methamphetamine seized from Wallace would be enough to supply two doses (.25 grams) of methamphetamine to every man, woman, and child in Vernon County, Mo.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team.
Nashua Felon Sentenced to 68 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Nashua man was sentenced today in federal court in connection with a firearm-related charge, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Joshua Smith, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante to 68 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. On February 6, 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In March 2022, Nashua Police detectives were executing a warrant for the defendant’s arrest. Detectives apprehended and arrested the defendant as he was leaving a building to get into a taxi. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was carrying a duffle bag that contained a 40 mm caliber riot gun. The defendant had previously been convicted of several felonies, including a robbery in 2013, and was therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping guns out of the hands of felons,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “This office will continue to hold felons possessing firearms accountable for their continued disregard of the law and will ensure that they pay the penalty for their recidivism.”
“Getting firearms away from convicted felons not allowed to have them is vital as we work to combat violent crime in New Hampshire,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Joshua Smith has a lengthy criminal record and wasn’t permitted to have a gun. The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to imprison criminals who refuse to respect the law in an effort to make our communities safer.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Nashua Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Gingrande and Charles Rombeau are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Daniel Hernandez-Casiano (44, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a deported alien. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2024.
According to court records, Hernandez-Casiano was found in the United States on January 9, 2024, after being arrested and convicted on state charges for possession of fentanyl and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license. Hernandez-Casiano was previously removed from the United States to Mexico on three separate occasions.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie McNeff.
Mesa Business Owner Who Exploited the American Indian Health Plan Sentenced to over 5 Years for AHCCCS FraudRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. –Diana Marie Moore, 44, of Mesa, was sentenced this week by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 66 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Moore was also ordered to pay restitution to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (“AHCCCS”) in the amount of $21,730,674.04. In addition, the Court ordered the forfeiture of four single-family homes owned by Moore as well as 117 other items, including seven luxury vehicles, designer apparel, luxury jewelry, and artwork. All the items were purchased by Moore using the proceeds of her fraud scheme. Moore pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud and Money Laundering on July 10, 2023.
Moore admitted that she owned two behavioral health counseling services, Harmony Family Services (HFS) and Harmony Family Services II (HFS II) and that she had also submitted the application for a third behavioral health counseling service, Logan Family Health, LLC (“LFH”). All three then applied to be medical providers for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid agency- HFS applied in 2019, HFS II applied in 2020, and LFH applied in 2022. AHCCCS approved all three applications. At the time HFS and HFS II applied to AHCCCS, Moore failed to disclose her ownership interest in the other entity. Moore also failed to disclose her prior felony conviction, which was required to be disclosed on the AHCCCS application form.
Moore further admitted that she engaged in a fraudulent billing practice targeting AHCCCS and exploiting a program that enables Native Americans to seek behavioral health treatment without first obtaining a pre-payment review. Specifically, starting in January 2020, Moore began obtaining AHCCCS identification numbers for AHCCCS enrollees by paying other providers to transport AHCCCS enrollees to the HFS or HFS II facility for a single day, and then obtaining enrollees’ identification numbers once they arrived. Nearly all of the AHCCCS enrollees billed for by Moore were members of the American Indian Health Plan. After these AHCCCS enrollees left the HFS or HFS II facility, Moore would submit bills to AHCCCS, which falsely claimed that HFS and HFS II continued providing services to those same enrollees for up to 90 days. Moore regularly claimed that HFS or HFS II provided counseling services to a given AHCCCS enrollee for eight or more hours each day, five days a week, for months in a row, even though Moore knew such services were not provided. In addition, Moore submitted claims to AHCCCS, which falsely claimed that HFS or HFS II provided services to certain AHCCCS Enrollees who were, in fact, deceased or imprisoned at the time Moore claimed to have provided services.
At the sentencing hearing, the Court noted the particular harm done to the Native American populations in Arizona as a result of this type of fraud.
“The American Indian Health Plan exists to help an underserved community surmount barriers to treatment,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “Defendant misused this program, and the unique identification numbers generated by it, to benefit herself -- in some cases by billing for patients she never treated, and in other cases by falsely inflating the duration of treatment. Thanks to the Internal Revenue Service for its financial acumen in bringing defendant to justice, and to the AHCCCS Inspector General’s Office for its valuable assistance.”
“The sentencing of Diana Moore should be a reminder there are serious consequences to this type of criminal behavior,” said Carissa Messick, IRS CI Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix Field Office. “IRS CI methodically works to bring fraudsters to justice and restore confidence in our public programs.”
Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aron Ketchel, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-0040-SMB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-116_Moore# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Member of "Black Rain" Drug Crew Pleads Guilty, Admits to his Involvement in Three Queens Cold Case MurdersRead the Press Release
Earlier today, Jerome Jones, also known as “Sha,” pleaded guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, to murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking for his participation in the 1991 murder of Oscar Flow. As part of his plea, Jones, 60, also admitted to his role in the 1992 murders of Robert Arroyo and Dorothy Taylor. Today’s proceedings took place before United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis. When sentenced, Jones faces 20 years to life in prison. He was indicted in February 2019.
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), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty plea.
“After over 30 years, Jones has finally admitted his role in the calculated murders of three individuals,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Despite the passage of time, my Office persisted in pursuing all leads to seek justice for the victims and their families. This case should stand as a reminder that even when the trail appears to have gone cold, we will never waver from our mission of holding wrongdoers, especially violent actors, accountable.”
“Today’s admission of guilt reflects the tireless dedication of NYPD detectives to hold criminals accountable, no matter how much time passes, because a cold case is never a forgotten case,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “The NYPD will continue to work with the FBI, the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and our other law enforcement partners to ensure that no investigative stone goes unturned as we work to establish justice for all crime victims and their families.”
Jones was a high-ranking member of a Queens-based crew, known as “Black Rain,” that sold narcotics at several locations on Rockaway Boulevard in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The crew spread its poison in the community by trafficking in massive quantities of drugs, selling heroin under the brand name “Black Rain,” cocaine under the brand name “White Lightning” and crack cocaine under the brand name “Thunder.” In the early 1990s, a single Black Rain drug spot brought in approximately $15,000 per day in narcotics sales. To protect its profitable operation, the gang committed serious acts of violence, including murder.
The murder of Oscar Flow took place in Springfield Gardens, Queens, in December 1991, after Jones learned that Flow had stolen from Black Rain. Jones and a co-conspirator shot Flow multiple times in the head and body.
The murder of Robert Arroyo took place in the vicinity of 128th Street and Rockaway Boulevard in South Ozone Park, where Jones managed a drug spot. In August 1992, Jones recruited and paid two co-conspirators to murder Robert Arroyo, whom Jones believed was a drug-trafficking competitor and a police informant. In their first attempt, the recruits mistakenly shot and seriously injured another man they incorrectly believed to be Arroyo. The victim survived his wounds. On September 8, 1992, at Jones’s direction, the recruits located Arroyo on a crowded street and shot him multiple times, killing him.
In November of 1992, Jones ordered the killing of Dorothy Taylor, who he blamed for having a Black Rain drug spot shut down by law enforcement when she failed to pay the rent. Jones again paid a co-conspirator to commit murder. On November 2, 1992, Jones’s recruit hid in Taylor’s driveway and shot her to death when she arrived home.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Tanya Hajjar, Emily J. Dean, Lindsey R. Oken and Raffaela S. Belizaire are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Theodore Rader.
The Defendant:
JEROME JONES (also known as “Sha”)
Age: 60
West VirginiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-54 (NGG)
Maryland Man Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison for Stealing More Than $32,000 in High-End GoodsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Maryland man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for stealing thousands of items from a high-end outlet store in Wrentham, Mass.
Nathaniel Owens, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Owens also was ordered to pay $32,000 in restitution to the Gucci store in Wrentham, Mass. In April 2024, Owens pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce and one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods.
On the evening of Sept. 16, 2021, Owens, along with his co-defendant Linworth Hayes Crawford III and allegedly others, traveled from the Washington D.C. area to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets in Massachusetts. In the early morning hours of Sept. 17, 2021, Owens, Crawford and allegedly others entered the Gucci store by smashing the store’s glass front door and stole $32,000 in high-end merchandise including handbags, duffle bags, backpacks and sunglasses.
Owens was captured on mall security videos inside the mall visiting the Nike Store. After the robbery, the car used by the defendants crossed the George Washington Bridge going south. During a stop on their way to Washington, D.C., a store video surveillance camera filmed one of the men allegedly taking a Gucci bag out of the car to examine it.
The day after the theft, another codefendant allegedly posted on his Instagram account that he had Gucci bags available for sale. Images of the bags appeared to be identical to the Gucci bags stolen during the burglary earlier that day.
At his sentencing, the government alleged and Owens did not contest that he had participated in approximately 10 other similar burglaries throughout the East Coast of the United States and that the total value of merchandise stolen was in hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Crawford pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy in February 2024 and was sentenced on Aug. 20, 2024 to eight months in prison. The government alleged at sentencing that Crawford had participated in one other similar burglary.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Wrentham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Man Charged with Threats Against the President, the Vice President, and a Former PresidentRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN - United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz today announced that a Memphis-area man has been charged with making threats against President Joseph R. Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Barack Obama.
On July 27, 2024, Kyl Alton Hall, 37, made numerous posts on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). Specifically, in the posts, he threatened to kill, assassinate, shoot, and crash the plane of President Biden; assassinate Vice President Harris; and assassinate former President Obama.
A federal indictment returned on August 20, 2024, charged Hall with two counts of threats to a sitting President and Vice President in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 871(a), and one count of a threat to a former President under Section 879(a)(1). Each charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.
The United States Secret Service investigated this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Will Crow of the National Security and Civil Rights Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Lodge Grass man admits sexually abusing child on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Lodge Grass man accused of sexually abusing a child on the Crow Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Marty Edward Plenty Hawk, 29, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact of a child as charged in an indictment. Plenty Hawk faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release on each crime.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Plenty Hawk was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that between 2021 and May 2023 near Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation, Plenty Hawk forced the victim, identified as Jane Doe 1, who was under the age of 12, to engage in a sexual act and caused the victim to engage in sexual conduct. On May 2, 2023, law enforcement arrested Plenty Hawk after a domestic disturbance at his residence. While in custody, Plenty Hawk notified jail staff that he wanted to write a confession and wrote that he had been carrying on a sexual relationship with Jane Doe 1. A sexual assault examination of Jane Doe 1 noted injuries consistent with child sexual abuse. In an interview with the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs, Plenty Hawk again admitted to having a sexual relationship with Jane Doe 1 and having sexual intercourse with the victim multiple times.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and BIA conducted the investigation.
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Lehigh Acres Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Roberney Julien (26, Lehigh Acres) to six years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The court also ordered Julien to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed during the offense. Julien entered a guilty plea on May 14, 2024.
According to court documents, on the morning of January 30, 2024, an officer from the Fort Myers Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Julien along Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. Before approaching the vehicle, the officer observed something being thrown out of the vehicle’s window by one its occupants. The officer later identified the item tossed from the vehicle as a plastic baggie containing cocaine. The officer also found a loaded GSG handgun adjacent to the vehicle which had been discarded during the traffic stop as well. A subsequent investigation identified Julien as a local cocaine distributor who had unlawfully possessed the loaded firearm recovered from the scene.
This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.
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.