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Tuesday 9 July 2024
U.S. Attorney, Albuquerque FBI Charge Third Individual Connected to Violent Day-Long Crime Spree in GallupRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Little Water man was charged by criminal complaint following a violent crime spree on the Navajo Nation, which involved a series of shootings and murder.
Dewayne George, 22, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to the criminal complaint, on April 24, 2024, a family traveling south on U.S. Highway 491 reported to law enforcement that they had been followed, rear-ended, and shot at by someone sitting in the front passenger seat of a white SUV.
Navajo Nation Police Department officers in the area were on the lookout for an SUV matching the description when they observed the vehicle driving southbound on U.S. Highway 491. Officers pursued the vehicle, which attempted to evade them before crashing. The officers took all three individuals in the vehicle into custody, later determined to be George, Rydell Happy, 30, and Brittania Navaho, 28.
Further investigation revealed that earlier that day, George, Happy, and Navaho had been involved in a separate shooting incident in Gallup, New Mexico. Additionally, they were implicated in the murder of an individual identified as John Doe.
Navaho was charged by indictment with straw purchase of the firearm used to murder John Doe and will remain in custody pending trial. If convicted, Navaho faces 25 years in prison.
Happy was charged by criminal complaint with second degree murder and will remain in custody pending trial. If convicted of the current charges, Happy faces life years in prison.
If convicted of the current charges, George faces up to 15 years in prison.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Navajo Nation Police Department, the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney R. Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of Indigenous victims and their families.
View the Criminal ComplaintA criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Army Reserve Officer Admits to Military Pay Fraud While Another Is ChargedRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A second U.S. Army Reservist from Utah’s 76th Operational Response Command was indicted July 3, 2024, by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City for military pay fraud that occurred at Fort Douglas, Utah, during the coronavirus pandemic.
According to court documents, Captain Jean Philippe Martial, 48, of Midvale, Utah, defrauded the United States out of more than $140,000 in unearned military pay entitlements from June 2019 to September 2021. Last month, Colonel Reece Roberts, formerly of Utah’s 76th Operational Response Command, pled guilty to filing a fraudulent claim against the United States, conspiring to defraud the United States, and other federal crimes. See former press release.
These announcements come as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s ongoing efforts with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service to resolve cases of military pay fraud and corruption that occurred at Fort Douglas during the coronavirus pandemic.
According to court documents, both defendants misrepresented their residences to qualify for additional pay entitlements, fabricated lease agreements, falsified rent payments, and submitted over a dozen false vouchers to military officials. Charging documents further allege these misrepresentations allowed the defendants to receive family separation allowances, reimbursement for lodging expenses, and other entitlements that were not available to local servicemembers.
Roberts is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.1 at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. Martial’s initial court appearance on the indictment is scheduled on July 31, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division are investigating these cases.
Assistant United States Attorney Tanner Zumwalt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting these cases.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Former Missouri Police Officers Indicted for Federal Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
Two former Northwoods, Missouri, police officers were indicted last week for violating a man’s civil rights in 2023. One officer turned himself in yesterday, and the other turned himself in today.
Samuel Davis and Michael Hill were each indicted in relation to a July 4, 2023, encounter with a man, identified in the indictment as “C.G.,” after they were called to a Walgreens in Northwoods. Each were indicted on one count of conspiracy to intimidate C.G. in the free exercise and enjoyment of his right to be free from unreasonable seizure and deprivation of rights under color of law. Davis was also indicted on one count of engaging in misleading conduct with the intent to hinder, delay and prevent the communication of information relating to the possible commission of a federal offense and one count of altering records in a federal investigation. Hill was also indicted on one count of lying to the FBI.
According to the indictment, Hill, who was Davis’ supervisor, told Davis to take C.G. to Kinloch, Missouri. Davis then took C.G. to a field in Kinloch, where he struck the handcuffed man with his police baton. To cover up the incident, Davis told a dispatcher that C.G. was gone before Davis arrived at the Walgreens. Davis also allegedly turned off his body camera. The indictment also alleges Hill lied to FBI agents investigating the incident when he falsely stated that C.G. asked to go to Kinloch because he “had people” there.
If convicted, Davis and Hill each face a maximum penalty of life in prison for the charges of conspiracy to violate civil rights and deprivation of rights under color of law. Davis also faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for witness tampering and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for destruction of records. Hill faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for lying to the FBI. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Saylor A. Fleming for the Eastern District of Missouri and Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI St. Louis Field Office and St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug for the Eastern District of Missouri and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Possession of Glocks, ‘Molly,’ and Fake Pills Laced with FentanylRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Christopher Norece Mitchell, 26, a three-time convicted felon from Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 84 months in prison in connection with illegally possessing three loaded Glock firearms and distribution quantities of cocaine base, fentanyl, N,N-Dimethylpentylone (also known as “molly”), marijuana, promethazine, and synthetic cannabinoids. At the time of the offense on April 20, 2023, Mitchell was on probation in three Superior Court cases, having been released from a 30-month prison term only three months earlier. Two of his probation cases were for felon-in-possession convictions.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Mitchell, 26, pleaded guilty March 6, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a criminal information charging him with a count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and a count of possession with intent to distribute N,N-Dimethylpentylone. In addition to the prison term, the Honorable Jia M. Cobb ordered Mitchell to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on April 20, 2023, MPD officers approached a group of men who were loitering on private property in the 800 block of 6th Street, NW, in Chinatown. One of the men grabbed a black plastic bag off a fence post and threw it into trash can in front of the officers. Officers recovered the bag, which contained 118 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, empty plastic baggies, and a key fob for an Acura SUV parked on the block. Minutes later, Mitchell approached the officers and requested the fob, which he said was for his mother’s car.
Given Mitchell’s association with a vehicle whose key was recovered alongside evidence of drug distribution, the officers stopped Mitchell. Mitchell voluntarily consented to a search of his person, which—in addition to a small bag of marijuana he had previously showed the officers—yielded $3,818 in cash, a bag of 24 blue pills marked “M/20,” and a baggie containing about 22 grams of a white crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for amphetamine.
Officers also saw a loose crystal substance in plain view on the SUV’s driver’s floorboard—which they identified as a controlled substance known as “molly”—and proceeded to search the vehicle. The substance appeared identical to the powder recovered from Mitchell’s person and field-tested positive for amphetamine. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered additional controlled substances. From the center console, they recovered 145 grams of a white rock-like substance packaged into five baggies. From the rear driver’s side floorboard, they recovered a plastic bag containing 342 grams of suspected synthetic cannabinoids. From the driver’s side door panel, they recovered three digital scales with white residue. From the front passenger’s seat, officers recovered a jacket containing a bottle of suspected promethazine that was approximately 25% full. Some of the drugs recovered on April 20, 2023, were subsequently lab tested by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The substance that field-tested as amphetamine was determined to predominantly be N,N-Dimethylpentylone and cocaine base. The pills were determined to contain fentanyl and acetaminophen.
The officers also recovered three loaded firearms and ammunition from the vehicle. Mitchell directed the officers to the locations of these firearms. From the glove box, officers recovered a Glock 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic firearm with a 15-round magazine, with one round loaded in the firearm’s chamber and 13 rounds in its magazine. There was also a 31-round magazine loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. From a backpack in the backseat, the officers recovered two additional firearms: a Glock 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic firearm with 15 rounds loaded into its 22-round magazine; and a Glock 19, 9mm semi-automatic firearm with a 17-round magazine, with one round loaded in the firearm’s chamber and 15 rounds in its magazine. Swabs from the firearms and magazines were submitted to the FBI for DNA testing and analysis. The results tied Mitchell to one of the firearms and two of the magazines.
Federal law prohibits Mitchell from possessing a firearm because he has three prior convictions in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
At the time of the offense, Mitchell was on probation in three Superior Court cases—two involving felon-in-possession convictions and one involving a misdemeanor assault conviction—having been released from a 30-month prison term only three months earlier. The Honorable Robert A. Salerno has scheduled a probation revocation hearing for July 17, 2024. Upon revocation of probation, Mitchell faces up to 13 additional months in prison.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Valuable assistance was provided by the DEA’s Mid-Atlantic Laboratory and the FBI’s laboratory in Quantico, Virginia.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul V. Courtney and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Kelley.
23cr0176
Terre Haute Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Images of the Sexual Abuse of Babies and ToddlersRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE- Joshua Lee Schatz, 33, of Terre Haute, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, on February 3, 2023, Indiana State Police Troopers received a tip that Joshua Lee Schatz had sent anime and computer-generated images of child sexual abuse material to another individual through text messages. The obscene images were extremely graphic, and some depicted toddlers being raped and sexually abused by adult men.
On March 10, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant and seized Schatz’ phone and electronic devices from his home in Terre Haute. Investigators discovered hundreds of child sexual abuse images and videos on his devices, including images and videos depicting the rape and sexual abuse of babies, toddlers, and other prepubescent children—some of the victims appearing to be babies under 6-months-old.
Investigators also located text messages sent by Schatz in which he described sexual activity he wanted to perform on children known to him.
At the time of his 2023 arrest, Joshua Schatz was a registered sex offender as a result of his 2016 conviction for sexually abusing a child under 14-years-old in Vigo County.
“There is no greater responsibility for a society than to protect our children from harm—especially the youngest and most vulnerable, unable to speak for themselves,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Repeat offenders like this defendant demonstrate their unwillingness or inability to stop committing these crimes, and a serious term of imprisonment is needed to protect the public and hold the offender accountable. Together with our partners at the FBI, IMPD, and Indiana’s exemplary ICAC Task Force, we will continue to make our children safer by ensuring that these dangerous predators are in prison where they belong.”
The FBI, Indiana State Police, and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha Spiro, who prosecuted this case.
This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. Visit https://www.in.gov/isp/icactf/ to learn more about their efforts.
This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
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St. Cloud Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Funds from the Department of DefenseRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Elizabeth Carpenter (44, St. Cloud) has pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Carpenter faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Carpenter has agreed to forfeit $183,079.60, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 12, 2024.
According to the plea agreement, Carpenter was employed as an accounting technician by Shades of Green, an Armed Forces Recreation Center resort owned by the Department of Defense (“DOD”) located on Walt Disney World Resort property in Lake Buena Vista. Between July 13, 2022, and March 19, 2024, Carpenter used her position as a DOD employee with computer credentials to access guest accounts to refund a portion of guests’ room payments to Carpenter’s personal credit card accounts. Carpenter engaged in at least 652 unauthorized transactions totaling approximately $183,079.
This case was investigated by the Department of the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Risha Asokan.
Six Tampa Gang Members Indicted for Racketeering and Other FeloniesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Christian Andujar Rivera (26, Tampa), Irving Diego Bruzon (28, Tampa), Xavier Chase Gardner (31, Tampa), Mohamed Nidal Jaber (32, Tampa), Julissa Collazo (27, Port Ritchey), and Kyle Miller (33, Orlando) with racketeering conspiracy and various related charges including conspiracy to commit robbery, bank fraud, murder in aid of racketeering, arson, and possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana. If convicted on all counts, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies each defendant that the United States intends to forfeit any assets, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment, these individuals were members and associates of a criminal organization or enterprise operating in Hillsborough County and elsewhere, known as “AP,” short for Alexander Park. AP engaged in narcotics distribution, bank fraud, obstruction of justice, and acts of violence to include murder, aggravated assault, robbery, and arson. In furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy, AP members also committed acts outside of Florida including Oregon, California, and Michigan. Those acts include aggravated assault, home invasion robbery, and burglary.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the State Attorney’s Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale
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.
Download IndictmentSettlement agreement reached with hotel chain involving alleged violation of the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, NY – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement with the DelMonte Hotel Group to resolve allegations that a hotel in the group discriminated against an individual with a disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
The complainant, an individual with Parkinson’s disease who uses a wheelchair, stayed for two nights at a DelMonte Hilton on Celebration Drive, in Rochester, NY. She alleges that while an accessible room was reserved, no clean, accessible rooms were available when she arrived. The complainant further alleges that the room she was provided had no fixed seat in the bathtub, forcing her to shower sitting on the floor of the bathtub. When she asked for a chair or bench, the complainant alleges that hotel staff provided a plastic chair, which she sat on to take showers, at great risk.
Under the settlement reached, the DelMonte Hotel Group will provide a report and photos every six months until the issue with respect to accessible bathrooms has been corrected; provide copies of any complaint received during the reporting period alleging that it did not comply with the ADA or otherwise discriminated against any person on the basis of disability; and cooperate with all requests by the United States to access DelMonte hotels in Western New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and for information and documents concerning DelMonte’s compliance with the agreement and the ADA. DelMonte will complete all necessary changes within 18 months, pay $7,500 to the complainant, and pay a civil penalty to the United States.
The agreement also calls for DelMonte to train staff who work at its hotels in Western New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio on the ADA. DelMonte must also implement and enforce a written policy regarding ADA compliance at these hotels.
The Department of Justice’s enforcement efforts under the ADA seek equal opportunity and dignity in all aspects of life, including access to public accommodations such as hotel rooms.
Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (716) 843-5700 or file a complaint with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division at: https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TDD).
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. B. Bobseine, Civil Rights Coordinator in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Buffalo, New York.
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Schenectady Man Sentenced to over 15 Years on Methamphetamine ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ocyris Morgan, age 36, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to sell it.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
Morgan admitted that he intended to sell the 21.4 grams of methamphetamine law enforcement seized from his house on June 1, 2023, and when he overheard agents saying they found between one-half and one ounce of methamphetamine, Morgan corrected them, “21.7, to be exact.” Morgan also admitted to receiving $10,130 over the course of 12 instances in which he sold a total of 93 grams of methamphetamine and 50 grams of cocaine base to several customers. He further admitted to possessing a firearm and bullet-proof vest.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release and ordered Morgan to forfeit the $10,130 he made from the drug sales.
The FBI’s Capital District Safe Streets Task Force—made up of FBI Special Agents as well as members of other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Schenectady Police Department—investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted.
Rochester man pleads guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunitionRead the Press Release
Rochester, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Raymond G. Girard, 36, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to being a felon in possession of ammunition, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that on January 14, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Girard’s Rochester residence and seized over 400 rounds of various caliber ammunition. In June 2016, Girard was convicted in Monroe County Court of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd and is legally prohibited from possessing ammunition.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
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Rhode Island Man Admits to Straw Purchase of Three FirearmsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island man today admitted to a federal judge that he made false statements while purchasing three firearms that he purchased from federally licensed firearms dealers, asserting on forms that he was the actual buyer and that he was not purchasing the guns with the intent of transferring them to another person when, in fact, he transferred the firearms to his employer who is prohibited from possessing a firearm, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Appearing in U.S. District Court in Providence, Keith Greene, 27, of Warwick, pleaded guilty to three counts of false statement during purchase of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 8, 2024. The defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to information presented to the court, Greene purchased three firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in Rhode Island between January 30, 2023, and February 21, 2023. During each purchase, Greene represented on ATF forms that he was the actual transferee/purchaser of the firearms, and then signed the form directly beneath a warning that it is a felony to falsely claim to be the actual buyer . When taking possession of the firearms, Greene again asserted on the same federal forms that the information he previously entered was accurate and that he was, in fact, the transferee/buyer of the firearms.
In December 2023, members of the East Providence Police Department discovered all three firearms in the possession of his former employer. They were seized during an unrelated investigation. Also seized at the time was a document signed by both Greene and his employer acknowledging the transfer of one of the firearms.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Micheal Seaman.
The matter was investigated by ATF, with the assistance of the East Providence Department.
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Repeat Raleigh Drug Trafficker Sentenced to over 17 YearsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Jeremiah Williams, a 40-year-old resident of Raleigh, has been sentenced to 174 months in federal prison for trafficking cocaine in the Raleigh area. Williams also received a consecutive sentence of 36 months for a supervised release violation for a total sentence of 210 months in federal prison.
“The distribution of cocaine and other dangerous drugs has no place in our community. The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) is committed to ensuring that the flow of these dangerous substances is stopped through intentionality and a deliberate focus on prolific drug dealers. In this case, a habitual offender was taken off the streets and can no longer harm our neighborhoods. Once again, we are grateful for the strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of NC and U.S. Attorney Easley’s commitment to public safety,” said Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson.
According to court documents and information presented in court, in March 2021, RPD received a tip from a confidential informant (CI) that “Dirty,” later identified as Jeremiah Williams, was selling crack cocaine. On March 31, 2021, the CI contacted Williams by phone to purchase crack cocaine and met him at a fast-food restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the sale was captured on audio and video. On April 6, 2021, the CI contacted Williams again, and they agreed to meet at an apartment complex in Raleigh for another drug deal, which was also recorded.
After selling crack cocaine to the CI, law enforcement attempted to arrest Williams. He tried to flee but was apprehended. While running, he threw a bag of crack cocaine to the ground. A search incident to the arrest of Williams led to the seizure of 26.8 grams of cocaine, 4.78 grams of crack cocaine, 17.7 grams of marijuana, cash, and a digital scale. Following his arrest, Williams admitted to officers that he was at the apartment complex to sell drugs and confessed to selling drugs for the past few weeks. He also admitted to possessing the drugs recovered during his arrest.
Further investigation revealed that Williams was previously convicted in federal court for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Cocaine Base (“crack”) and a Quantity of Marijuana, as well as Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. Williams had been released from federal prison for approximately six months when he sold crack cocaine to the CI mentioned above. Moreover, the investigation uncovered Williams’s criminal history dating back to 2001, which includes several prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, multiple convictions for drug trafficking, and at least two prior convictions for assaulting a female. Williams was found to be responsible for the possession and distribution of 5.67 grams of crack cocaine, 26.8 grams of powder cocaine, and 22.4 grams of marijuana.
While Williams was detained pending the resolution of his case, when one of his family members passed away. The court granted Williams a furlough to attend the funeral. Upon Williams’ return to the Albemarle District Jail, it was discovered that Williams had swallowed a bag of marijuana, which had to be surgically removed from his throat.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Raleigh Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:21-CR-00336-FL.
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Repeat Fraudster Sentenced for Leading Pandemic Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton woman was sentenced today to five years in prison for identity theft and leading a conspiracy to defraud the government and financial institutions for pandemic-related loans and other benefits.
According to court documents, Lapondia Wallace, 53, was responsible for at least 22 fraudulent pandemic loan applications and five additional fraudulent applications for pandemic unemployment insurance benefits. This fraud resulted in more than $250,000 in loss to the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Wallace withdrew substantial amounts of the fraud proceeds as U.S. currency before they could be seized and spent the money on gambling, travel, and luxury retail items like clothing and shoes.
Wallace has at least fifteen prior convictions for fraud, forgery, and related offenses, including a 2021 federal conviction for mail fraud. She committed the pandemic fraud at issue while under court supervision for her prior federal conviction for mail fraud. In her prior federal case, Wallace and her co-conspirators repeatedly filed fraudulent insurance claims.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Washington Division; and Troy W. Springer, Special Agent in Charge, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson.
Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Mack Coleman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Levey-Weinstein prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-66.
Priest Pleads Guilty to Sending His Sister $100,000 in Stolen Church FundsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A retired priest in Jefferson City, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to sending his sister a $100,000 check stolen from a Wardsville, Mo., church and admitted to writing himself a $200,000 check from the church account.
The Rev. Ignazio C. Medina, 72, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to a federal information that charges him with transporting stolen property across state lines.
Medina, a Catholic priest, was pastor at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville, Mo., from 2013 to 2021. Some financial irregularities arose at St. Stanislaus in 2018, and the diocese determined that the parish had a bank account that was not previously reported on the budget or annual report. Medina was asked to include this bank account in the parish’s annual report, and in 2020 he reported an account balance of about $358,000.
After Medina was transferred to a different parish in 2021, it was discovered that he had emptied that bank account. On June 10, 2021, Medina had written a $100,000 check to his sister in Tucson, Arizona. The next day, he had also written a $200,000 check payable to himself. Some expenditures from the account appeared to be church-related.
Medina, when confronted, claimed the bank account was funded by donations that were not intended for the parish itself, but rather were intended for his own discretionary use. Donors who had contributed checks deposited into the bank account contradicted Medina’s statement. Several individuals told investigators the checks they wrote to St. Stanislaus were intended for parish purposes, not for Medina’s own discretionary use, and that they never had any conversations with Medina authorizing a different use of the funds. One donor told investigators he intended his donation to be used in the school in memory of a deceased friend.
Medina also claimed he was refunding donations and that his sister in Tucson was one of the donors. In fact, his sister was not a source of donations to the account, and told investigators that Medina told her the money he sent was to care for their ailing mother.
Under federal statutes, Medina is subject to a sentence of up to 10 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 Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the FBI.
Poughkeepsie Gang Member Pleads Guilty to June 2020 Murder of 16-Year-OldRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the guilty plea of ELIJAH BERMUDEZ, a/k/a “Quiet,” in connection with his criminal activities as a member of the violent gang Bully Hard Hunna Blood (“Bully Hard”), including his role as the shooter in the June 20, 2020, murder of 16-year-old bystander Frederick Wells, known to his friends and family as “Khabir.” The murder arose out of a dispute between Bully Hard gang members and members of a rival set of Bloods called the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation (“Gorilla Stone”), which led to, three months later, a retaliatory September 21, 2020, broad daylight murder of a second minor victim, 15-year-old Jalani Jones, in Poughkeepsie. BERMUDEZ pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “In a tragic three-month stretch in 2020, brutal gang violence between the Bully Hard and Gorilla Stone sets of the Bloods caused two senseless murders of minor victims in Poughkeepsie. Previously, Gorilla Stone leader Brandon Soto was convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role in planning out and ordering the retaliatory September 21, 2020, murder of a 15-year-old. Today, thanks to our law enforcement partners and the dedicated prosecutors of this Office, Elijah Bermudez has now admitted to an earlier, June 20, 2020, murder that prompted the retaliatory September 2020 murder. Today’s plea is a reminder that this Office will relentlessly pursue any gangs who threaten the safety of New Yorkers.”
According to allegations in the Indictment and Information and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:
From early 2020 to April 2022, BERMUDEZ was a member or associate of a racketeering enterprise known as Bully Hard, a criminal organization whose members and associates engaged in, among other things, murder, robberies, narcotics trafficking, and fraud. Bully Hard operated in New York City and Upstate New York, including in Poughkeepsie. Members and associates of Bully Hard engaged in a series of violent disputes with rivals of Bully Hard, as well as those within Bully Hard who they deemed disloyal. During these disputes, members and associates of Bully Hard committed murder, shootings, and assaults against their rivals and against fellow members of Bully Hard. They also distributed heroin and marijuana.
On June 20, 2020, BERMUDEZ shot and killed 16-year-old bystander Frederick Wells in the vicinity of Charles Street in Poughkeepsie in furtherance of his membership in the Bully Hard racketeering enterprise. Specifically, on the night of June 20, 2020, BERMUDEZ and another member of Bully Hard (“Bully Hard Member-1”) got into a physical fight with members of Gorilla Stone, a rival set of Bloods. During the fight, Bully Hard Member-1 confronted a 17-year-old Gorilla Stone member (“Gorilla Stone Member-1”). At the time, Gorilla Stone Member-1 was standing with Wells, who was Gorilla Stone Member-1’s friend from school, was not in a gang, and was a bystander to the altercation. BERMUDEZ then stabbed Gorilla Stone Member-1, picked up Bully Hard Member-1’s gun, which had dropped to the ground, and shot Wells as Wells tried to run away. Wells was found dead with a gunshot wound to his head.
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BERMUDEZ, 31, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to possess ammunition after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. BERMUDEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Román on October 17, 2024.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force. Mr. Williams also thanked the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department and Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the case.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David R. Felton, Courtney L. Heavey, Shiva H. Logarajah, and Kevin T. Sullivan are in charge of the prosecution.
Phoenix Woman Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Alien Smuggling and Assault of a Federal AgentRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Shatasia Emoney Sanders Taylor, 25, of Phoenix, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 27 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release. Taylor pleaded guilty to Alien Smuggling and Assault of a Federal Officer on September 6, 2023.
On February 7, 2023, U.S. Border Patrol agents observed Taylor picking up suspected undocumented noncitizens in a desert area near Bisbee. An agent approached the vehicle while it was stationary. As he reached his arm through the passenger door window, Taylor hit the gas pedal. Taylor dragged the agent alongside the vehicle, finally coming to a stop after traveling several hundred feet. In the backseat of the vehicle, agents discovered three undocumented noncitizens whom Taylor was illegally transporting further into the United States.
Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-1295-TUC-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-090_Taylor# # #
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.Pain Clinic Owners Sentenced for Role in Operating Pill Mills in Tennessee and FloridaRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On July 8, 2024, Clyde Christopher Tipton, 63, of Tazewell, Tennessee, was sentenced to 50 months in prison by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, United States District Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Tipton was the final defendant to be sentenced in a sprawling pill mill case that resulted in the federal criminal convictions of approximately 140 defendants. Following his incarceration, Tipton will be on supervised release for 3 years.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Tipton pleaded guilty to three counts in the superseding indictment: one count of conspiracy to launder money in violation of 18 § U.S.C. 1956(h), and two counts of conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay healthcare kickbacks in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. In February 2020, four co-defendants were found guilty at trial for their roles in operating or using pill mills to distribute opioids: Sylvia Hofstetter, 60, of Miami, Florida, Cynthia Clemons, 52, Courtney Newman, 48, and Holli Womack, 51, all of Knoxville. Three other co-defendants, Luigi “Jimmy” Palma, 61, of Miami, Florida, Luca Sartini, 64, also of Miami, Florida, and Benjamin Rodriguez, 49, of Delray, Florida, have previously pleaded guilty to various counts of the superseding indictment and been sentenced for their roles in operating pill mills in Tennessee and Florida.
Tipton’s filed plea agreement, as well as the evidence presented at trial against Hofstetter, Clemons, Newman, and Womack, established that the pill mills owned and operated by Tipton and various co-defendants distributed over 11 million tablets of oxycodone, oxymorphone, and morphine that generated over $21 million in revenue, with a corresponding street value of $360 million. The conspiracy involved four separate clinics in or near Knoxville, Tennessee, each of which was a pill mill. A pill mill owned by Sartini, Palma, and Rodriguez, operating in Hollywood, Florida, gave rise to the Tennessee pill mills. The stipulations and evidence demonstrated that, as law enforcement shut down hundreds of pill mills in South Florida, the Florida co-codefendants planned the move to East Tennessee where a large percentage of these clinics’ opioid-addicted customers lived. The three tabbed Hofstetter to run the Tennessee pill mills. She and Tipton later opened competing pill mills in Knoxville.
Palma and Sartini were sentenced on December 14, 2023, to 120 and 130 months in prison, respectively. Rodriguez was sentenced on January 22, 2024, to 65 months in prison.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.
This sweeping prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee, the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, U.S. Department of Justice, and the FBI High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), comprised of investigators assigned to the task force by the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Police Department, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Roane County Sheriff’s Office, Harriman Police Department, and Clinton Police Department. Other agencies provided invaluable assistance, including the Rome Attaché of the Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI’s liaison in Rome, the FBI’s Miami Field Office, the Hollywood, Florida, Police Department, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Tennessee Department of Health, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Knoxville Diversion Group.
Deputy Criminal Chief Tracy L. Stone, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and Deputy Chief Kelly Pearson, Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, U.S. Department of Justice, represent the United States in the prosecution of this case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Owner and Operator of Colorado Natural Gas Processing Plant Agree to Pay $1M Fine and Improve Leak Detection and Repair Equipment and PracticesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State of Colorado today announced a settlement with Enterprise Gas Processing LLC and Enterprise Products Operating LLC (jointly, “Enterprise”). The agreement, which includes a $1 million civil penalty, will protect community health and the environment by strengthening leak detection and repair practices at the Meeker Gas Plant in Rio Blanco County, Colorado.
A complaint filed concurrently with the settlement alleges that Enterprise violated leak detection and repair requirements in accordance with the Clean Air Act and state clean air laws. The violations resulted in excess emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants to the atmosphere.
“All gas refining and processing facilities must comply with the Clean Air Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This settlement includes important provisions to improve leak detection, repair practices and staff training, which applied here will help protect public health in western Colorado.”
“Together, EPA and CDPHE are committed to delivering enforcement, inspections and compliance assistance that provide tangible benefits for Colorado’s communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This action will secure facility compliance and reduce emissions of air pollutants in Meeker and the surrounding area.”
“The protection of Colorado’s air quality made possible through this settlement with Enterprise is a testament to the power of collaboration between dedicated state and federal public officials,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. “We are proud to support the state’s Air Pollution Control Division as it continues to lead the way to reduce air pollution from oil and gas operations and pursue better air for all Coloradans.”
As part of the settlement, Enterprise will take corrective actions and pay a $1 million civil penalty. Half of the penalty will go to the federal government and half will go to the State of Colorado, where a portion will fund projects to benefit disproportionately impacted communities through the state's environmental justice grant program.
Under the settlement, Enterprise will strengthen its leak detection and repair practices at the Meeker Gas Plant. These commitments include:
- Installing equipment that leaks less pollution to the atmosphere;
- Reviewing compliance with leak detection and repair requirements; and
- Repairing leaking equipment faster.
Enterprise will also improve staff training and use optical gas imaging technology to improve the visual detection of leaks to address them more quickly.
Equipment leaks at the Meeker Gas Plant emit VOCs, which lead to the formation of ground-level ozone. Ozone contributes to serious public health concerns, including respiratory illness, aggravation of existing heart disease and temporary breathing difficulty for people with asthma. Young children and older people are especially sensitive to these impacts. Leaks from equipment at the Meeker Gas Plant also emit methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
The EPA investigated the case.
Attorneys of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case.
The Justice Department filed the consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period. It is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
Okanagan Woman Indicted in Connection with Theft of Colville Tribe Funds from Family MemberRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted Nina Rae Tatshama-Marchand, of Okanagan County, Washington, for bank fraud in connection with the unauthorized withdrawal and transfer of funds belong to a developmentally-disabled member of the Colville Tribe.
The Indictment announced today charges Nina Rae Tatshama-Marchand, of Okanagan County, Washington, with five counts of bank fraud. The Indictment alleges that Tatshama-Marchand opened a checking account with a developmentally-disabled minor and that after the victim, an enrolled member of the Colville Tribe, turned 18, he received tribal funds due to his tribal membership. The indictment alleges that Tatshama-Marchand diverted the vast majority of the funds intended for the victim into her own accounts and converted it for her own personal use. According to the indictment, Tatshama-Marchand fraudulently obtained at least $34,900.00 in this manner.
“Protecting vulnerable members of the community and safeguarding precious and limited tribal funds are top priorities of our office,” said United States Attorney Waldref. “My office will work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold fraudsters accountable when they prey on innocent members of the community in order to line their own pockets.”
The fraud charges carry sentences of up to 30 years in federal prison as well as restitution for fraudulently-obtained funds. This case was investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frieda K. Zimmerman.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Case No: 2:24-CR-81-TOR
Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison After Pleading Guilty to Filing False Tax Returns and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
TOLEDO – Jacques J. Eid, 56, of Perrysburg, Ohio, was sentenced to 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge James G. Carr, after pleading guilty to filing false tax returns and wire fraud that defrauded educational and government entities. He was also fined $797,151.38 and ordered to pay restitution to the following: U.S. Department of Education, $14,760; Notre Dame Academy, $13,450; St. John’s Jesuit High School, $30,000; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, $223,575.69.
Eid pleaded guilty to the offenses in court on March 1, 2024, where he admitted to filing false tax returns with the IRS by underreporting taxable income of nearly $880,000 earned as owner of a convenience store, Madison Market, and a restaurant, Le Pam Pam, in Toledo from 2012-2018. Before the district court-imposed sentence, Eid repaid all taxes and penalties owed to the IRS resulting from his tax offenses.
Eid also admitted falsifying his income on the U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA, for one of his children which was then used to determine aid packages at The University of Toledo and the University of Dayton. This resulted in fraudulently obtaining more than $11,000 in Pell Grants and $3,000 in Federal Supplemental Opportunity grants for college. Eid also falsified his income when seeking financial assistance for his children at two Toledo-area private schools, St. John’s Jesuit High School and Notre Dame Academy, ultimately receiving more than $40,000 collectively. His children would not have been entitled to receive financial aid if accurate income, assets, and net worth had been reported on applications.
“Eid lied on his tax returns to avoid paying the taxes he owed and to further another lie about his children needing financial aid,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Falsifying financial need takes away from students who genuinely need the assistance for their education, and the defendant shamelessly scammed the system so that his own family could benefit at the expense of others. Federal law enforcement agencies pay attention when persons lie about their finances, and we are pleased that the district court has held Eid accountable for his disgraceful conduct.”
Additionally, Eid admitted submitting a false application for his convenience store to become an authorized retailer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SNAP Food Stamp Program. The application falsely stated that his spouse was the sole owner of the convenience store and that there were no other owners, even though Eid was the true owner of the business. He attempted to hide his ownership of the store so that it could accept food stamps. Eid was disqualified as a program retailer due to his prior conviction for seven counts of illegal use of food stamps or WIC program benefits in 2004. From 2008 to 2021 he operated Madison Market under the false pretense that he was not the owner. As a result of that misrepresentation, the store received more than $1 million in SNAP benefits which resulted in at least $220,000 in unlawful profits to the store.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gene Crawford for the Northern District of Ohio. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigations, Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Education Office of Inspector General.
Norwell Man Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison for Possessing Counterfeit Fentanyl-Laced PillsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Norwell man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for narcotics charges.
Frederick Dechristoforo, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In February 2024, Dechristoforo pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
In December 2021, a search was conducted at Dechristoforo’s residence in Norwell. During the search, approximately 785 pills that were laced with fentanyl were seized.Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Tolkoff and John Reynolds of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
New York Man and Canadian National Plead Guilty to Multimillion-Dollar Export Control SchemeRead the Press Release
Nikolay Goltsev, 38, of Montreal, and Salimdzhon Nasriddinov, 53, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit export control violations for their roles in a global procurement scheme on behalf of sanctioned Russian companies, including Russian military companies. Some of the electronic components shipped by the defendants were later found in seized Russian weapons platforms and signals intelligence equipment in Ukraine.
“The defendants shipped millions of dollars of U.S. electronics critical to the missiles and drones Russia uses to attack Ukraine, and they now face U.S. prison time for their scheme,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “As Russia continues to wage its unjust war of aggression against Ukraine, the Department remains committed to holding accountable those who fuel Putin’s war machine.”
“The defendants shipped millions of dollars’ worth of electronic components to Russia, including the exact type of parts found in Russian weapons and drones used to attack Ukraine,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “We know the devastation and destruction that these weapons cause and the Justice Department is committed to holding accountable those who violate U.S. laws to supply the Russian war machine.”
“Eliminating illegal global procurement networks that prop up the Russian war machine requires a full-court press,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce Matthew S. Axelrod for Export Enforcement. “That’s why we and our law enforcement partners are working nonstop to ensure that those operating such networks like Nasriddinov and Goltsev face American justice.”
“The defendants flouted U.S. law to help Russia in its war against Ukraine, but they were stopped in their tracks and swiftly brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “Today’s guilty pleas reflect that that this Office will take on and successfully neutralize the complicated procurement networks that are making it possible for Russia to continue its unprovoked war against Ukraine.”
“The defendants in this case engaged in an illegal scheme to funnel electronic components to Russia to use in its unjust invasion of Ukraine,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “They tried to disguise their activities using front companies but were ultimately discovered and brought to justice. The FBI will continue working with our partners to investigate and hold accountable those who violate sanctions in support of adversarial nations.”
“With today’s guilty pleas, all three defendants have acknowledged their involvement in their scheme to provide more than $7 million worth of material support to the Kremlin in its inhumane attacks on Ukraine,” said Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York. “Nikolay Goltsev, Salimdzhon Nasriddinov, and their co-conspirator coordinated the deployment of over 300 shipments of restricted electronics that were ultimately used on the Russian battlefield. HSI New York remains committed to utilizing its unique authorities to relentlessly pursue individuals who seek to exploit U.S. export control laws for financial gain. I am proud to stand alongside the Justice Department, FBI, and Department of Commerce in confronting these issues directly.”
According to court documents, Goltsev and Nasriddinov used two Brooklyn companies, SH Brothers Inc. and SN Electronics Inc., to unlawfully source, purchase, and ship millions of dollars in dual-use electronics from U.S. manufacturers to sanctioned end users in Russia. Some of the electronic components and integrated circuits shipped by the defendants through SH Brothers have been found in seized Russian weapons platforms and signals intelligence equipment in Ukraine, including the Torn-MDM radio reconnaissance complex, the RB-301B “Borisoglebsk-2” electronic warfare complex, the Izdeliye 305E light multi-purpose guided missile, the Vitebsk L370 airborne counter missile system, Ka-52 helicopters, Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and T-72B3 battle tanks. Some of these components were critical to Russia’s precision-guided weapons systems being used against Ukraine. During the period charged in the indictment, SH Brothers made hundreds of shipments valued at over $7 million to Russia.
To carry out their criminal scheme, Nasriddinov and Goltsev purchased the electronic components from U.S. manufacturers and distributors under the auspices of SH Brothers and SN Electronics and arranged for the items to be shipped from those manufacturers and distributors to various locations in Brooklyn. Nasriddinov and Goltsev then unlawfully shipped the items to a variety of intermediary front companies located in other countries, including Turkey, Hong Kong, India, China, and the United Arab Emirates, where they were rerouted to Russia.
The defendants were aware of the potential military applications of the electronics that they exported to Russia. For example, in a message exchange on or about and between Nov. 8, 2022, and Nov. 15, 2022, Goltsev commented how shipping to Russia had become “dangerous” and discussed a shipment of electronic components that had been detained by U.S. officials at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York. Nasriddinov responded that “Ukrainians alleged that they’re being bombed from parts from there [the U.S. manufacturer], maybe that’s why they started investigating everything?” Goltsev responded that “we need to figure out why they keep holding the package . . . I don’t really understand how they figured [it] out.” In a subsequent message, Goltsev commented that, “in the future we will need to load from several companies, not to attract attention . . . for now large packages will be dangerous until we understand what they figured out . . . we will need to think of diversifying the load . . . so that not everything is not moving from the same deck.”
In a Feb. 23, 2023, message, Nasriddinov wrote to Goltsev, “Happy Defender of the Fatherland,” referring the holiday in Russia and parts of the former Soviet Union celebrating those who served in the armed forces. Goltsev responded, “happy holiday to you too my friend, we are defending it in the way that we can [smile emoji].”
The scheme involved millions of dollars and proved to be lucrative for the defendants. For example, in a Sept. 15, 2022, text message from Nasriddinov to Goltsev, Nasriddinov boasted, “SH [Brothers] is one of the best companies in the world, it’s time to move forward onto the stock exchange and stock market, capital should be in the billions, we are working.” Goltsev responded, “pushing components to those who need it I can do, everything else you will have to teach me [three smile emojis].”
The government seized $20,000 in cash from the New York hotel room in which Goltsev was arrested. In total, the government has seized approximately $1.68 million dollars in connection with this export scheme.
Goltsev and Nasriddinov are scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11, respectively. They each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Co-defendant Kristina Puzyreva pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to launder the proceeds of the export scheme. She is awaiting sentencing.
The FBI, HSI and Department of Commerce, Export Enforcement are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
Trial Attorney Christopher M. Cook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Artie McConnell, Ellen H. Sise, and Laura Mantell for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case.
Today’s actions were coordinated through the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force and the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states. Task Force KleptoCapture is an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export restrictions and economic countermeasures that the United States has imposed, along with its allies and partners, in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Investigation into Workplace DeathRead the Press Release
Richard Zagger, of Blue Point, New York, pleaded guilty today to a charge of conspiracy and three charges of obstruction. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 16.
The four-count indictment alleges that Zagger was a supervisor for Northridge Construction Corporation, located in East Patchogue, Long Island, New York. On Dec. 8, 2018, Zagger was overseeing employees of Northridge Construction Corporation who were constructing a metal shed on the Northridge property. During the construction, one of the employees fell from the improperly secured shed roof and died.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated the employee’s death and violations of worker safety standards. Among other worker safety standards, OSHA regulations require maintaining the stability of a metal structure at all times during construction. The indictment charges that during the investigation, Zagger made false statements and conspired with others to make false statements to obstruct the federal agency’s inquiry.
The maximum penalty for the conspiracy count and each obstruction count is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the economic gain to the defendant or loss suffered by the victim because of the crime.
Also, in regards to the same fatal incident, Northridge previously pleaded guilty to violating a worker safety standard causing the death of one of its employees and to making two false statements that obstructed OSHA’s investigation. The corporation is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 6.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division made the announcement.
The Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorneys Daniel Dooher and Richard J. Powers and Trial Attorney Rachel Roberts of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.
New Mexico man admits stealing letters by wife of Western artist Charlie “C.M.” Russell and other items from Montana Historical SocietyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS — A New Mexico man accused of stealing 100-year-old items, including letters by the wife of Western artist Charlie “C.M.” Russell, from the Montana Historical Society and selling them for a profit on eBay admitted today to a theft crime, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Brian Anthony D’Ambrosio, 49, of Sante Fe, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to theft of major artwork. D’Ambrosio faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Nov. 13. D’Ambrosio’s release was continued pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that D’Ambrosio, while claiming to conduct research at the Montana Historical Society, a museum located in Helena, stole items from the archives from about April 2022 to September 2023. The stolen items included letters written by Nancy Russell, the wife of renowned Western artist Charlie “C.M.” Russell. The stolen items were more than 100 years old, were of cultural heritage and exceeded $5,000 in value. D’Ambrosio then sold and attempted to sell the stolen items for profit on eBay. An undercover FBI agent posed as a would-be purchaser to confirm D’Ambrosio was the individual stealing the items from the Montana Historical Society and selling or attempting to sell the items on eBay for a profit, none of which was authorized.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation.
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New Jersey Man Sentenced to 105 Months in Prison for 2023 Armed Carjacking in South PhiladelphiaRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Ronald Brown, 21, of Blackwood, New Jersey, was sentenced today to was sentenced today to 105 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge John R. Padova, for one count of carjacking and one count of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the commission of a crime of violence.
In October of 2023, a grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging the defendant with carjacking and carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, charges arising from the defendant’s involvement in a carjacking in the early morning hours of July 16, 2023.
The defendant pleaded guilty to both counts in February, admitting to carjacking at gunpoint two people sitting in a Chevrolet Camaro parked outside a South Philadelphia Dunkin Donuts. The day after the carjacking, two Philadelphia police officers had observed the stolen vehicle and attempted to follow it, but the defendant escaped. A short time later, officers again observed the vehicle and Brown fled at a high rate of speed. Brown then crashed the carjacked vehicle into a building and fled on foot. The officers arrested Brown after a brief foot chase and later recovered the firearm used to commit the carjacking from the stolen vehicle.
“Carjackings terrorize their victims and can upend the entire community’s sense of security,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “That’s exactly why we stood up the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force, pooling resources to identify, investigate, and prosecute violent offenders like Ronald Brown. As his sentence shows, if you commit a carjacking in our city, best be prepared for an extended stay in one of our federal facilities.”
“Carjacking is a dangerous crime and as this case shows, federal carjacking penalties are severe, putting offenders in federal prison for years,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Office. “Brown was one of multiple culprits in this series of violent crimes. ATF continues to work with local, state and federal partners in the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force to seek justice in all cases, and to prevent and deter further carjackings.”
“Today's sentencing is a clear message to those who seek to terrorize our communities through violent acts like carjacking,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. “The Philadelphia Police Department, in collaboration with our federal partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our neighborhoods. The swift apprehension and prosecution of Ronald Brown underscores our dedication to bringing justice to victims and restoring peace to the community. We will continue to work tirelessly to deter such crimes and uphold the rule of law in Philadelphia.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kwambina I. Coker and Robert E. Eckert.
Mexican citizen sentenced to 15 years in prison for producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Mexican citizen who lived part-time in Stevensville, Montana, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for taking videos of himself having sex with a minor girl in Mexico and viewing the material while in Montana, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Efren Zanabriga Zuniga, 36, of Oaxaca, Mexico, pleaded guilty in February to production of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court also ordered $3,000 restitution.
In court documents, the government alleged that in September 2023, Homeland Security Investigations received several CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding files depicting a minor female and adult male engaged in sexually explicit conduct that were uploaded to a Google Drive account. An investigation determined the Google Drive account belonged to Zuniga and that he was the adult male depicted in the videos and images while the victim was a minor girl. Zuniga, who worked part of the year in the United States on a work visa, would return to Mexico where he would create the images and videos using a cell phone. When he returned to Montana, he viewed the material on his Google Drive account, where he had placed the files.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. HSI and Missoula Police Department conducted the investigation.
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 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
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Merrillville Man Sentenced to 390 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Tyrone Johnson, 36 years old, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after a jury found him guilty of crimes against children offenses, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Johnson was sentenced to 390 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, following a two-day trial in August 2023, a jury found Johnson guilty of two counts charged in the Second Superseding Indictment. Specifically, Johnson was convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor for the purpose of producing a visual depiction. He was also convicted of committing a felony offense involving a minor while being required by law to register as a sex offender.
United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “Outcomes such as today’s sentencing are only possible when we have an alert and engaged public that willingly joins with law enforcement to prosecute those who would harm the most vulnerable members of our community. I want to thank our partners both within law enforcement and in the general public who helped bring this Defendant to justice and I encourage and implore anyone who suspects a child is being harmed to take action and report it to law enforcement.”
“Today, justice was served as the court handed down a fittingly significant sentence to Johnson for his involvement in the egregious crime of producing child pornography,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “This decision underscores the profound gravity of such abhorrent acts and reaffirms HSI’s unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.”
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police (ICAC and Digital Forensics Lab), the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Special Victims Unit (Indiana), the Peru Police Department (Illinois), the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office (Illinois), the City of LaSalle (Illinois) Police Department and the Illinois State Police Offender Registration Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Morgan and Philip Benson, as well as former Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi, Molly Kelley and Jill Koster.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Man Who Attempted to Shoot and Kill A Spokane Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Ray Anthony Wynecoop pleaded guilty on June 26, 2024, to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl, one count of Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime, and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke accepted Wynecoop’s guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 25, 2024, in Spokane, Washington.
In the plea agreement accepted by the court, and in information disclosed during court proceedings, Wynecoop was involved in two separate incidents. First, on December 11, 2021, an officer with the Spokane Police Department (SPD) observed Wynecoop, who was driving a white Dodge Charger with no license plates, fail to use a turn signal. SPD attempted to conduct a traffic stop using the patrol car’s lights and siren. Instead of stopping, Wynecoop began driving erratically in attempt to elude SPD, including driving at excessive speeds on residential streets. SPD stopped following the vehicle when it became too dangerous.
A short time later SPD located the Dodge Charger and observed that it had been involved in a crash. Wynecoop attempted to run from the scene but was arrested.
During a search of the Charger, law enforcement located a loaded 9mm pistol with a black laser mounted on the end of the barrel, a backpack with Wynecoop’s ID and two more lasers for the pistol. Officers also located a .380 semi-automatic pistol inside the vehicle, as well as a fanny pack that contained once ounce of heroin and fentanyl laced pills.
The second incident occurred on June 26, 2022, when Wynecoop was armed with a .22 caliber pistol that had a loaded drum-style high-capacity magazine seated in the firearm. Wynecoop, along with another man, were involved in multiple drive-by shootings. Based upon video evidence, they intentionally set out to locate a police officer and kill them. Wynecoop and his passenger began to follow a SPD officer and when a second officer came to their aid, Wynecoop opened fire, shooting the officer in the leg and the head. The other man with Wynecoop, videotaped it. The officer thankfully recovered from his injuries.
During a search of the vehicle used by Wynecoop in the shooting, detectives located thousands of fentanyl pills, a small quantity of heroin, and other drug related items.
On April 5, 2024, Wynecoop was sentenced in Washington State Court to more than 65 years in prison on multiple charges in connection to the shooting. The federal case was brought during the pendency of those state charges.
“The violence in this case is shocking. Mr Wynecoop, a felon who was not allowed to possess firearms, went on a violent criminal spree that included a premeditated attempt to kill a police officer. His blatant disregard for the law and the safety of our community put all of us at incredible risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for the brave men and women of law enforcement who place themselves in harm’s way every day to keep us safe from individuals taking dangerous actions like Mr. Wynecoop.”
“This case highlights the importance of our collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, the Spokane Police Department, and the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, to find innovative solutions to take violent offenders off the street,” said Ron Deist, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Spokane District Office.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office and the Spokane Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
Man Sentenced for Sending Death Threat to Michigan Election WorkerRead the Press Release
An Indiana man was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for sending a communication that included death threats to an election worker in Michigan shortly after the November 2020 election.
“The Justice Department has no tolerance for violent threats against election workers, officials, and volunteers, and as this case demonstrates, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute such threats to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to defend the right to vote and to defend the safety of the public servants who make voting possible.”
“The defendant repeatedly threatened the life of a Michigan election worker because she publicly defended the integrity of the 2020 election that she helped administer,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Our democracy depends on the willingness of election workers to do their jobs without having to live in fear. Today’s sentence should serve as yet another reminder that the Justice Department will not hesitate to prosecute those who threaten violence to influence how our public servants administer elections.”
According to court documents, on or about Nov. 10, 2020, Andrew Nickels, 38, of Carmel, called the clerk of a local municipality and left a voicemail threatening to kill the local official. As part of the message, Nickels said, in part, “We’re watching your…mouth talk about how you think that there’s no irregularities … [Y]ou frauded out America of a real election.” Nickels then told the clerk that “you’re gonna pay for it,” and described how “ten million plus patriots will surround you when you least expect it.” He continued, in relevant part: “[W]e’ll [expletive] kill you…[Y]ou will [expletive] pay for your [expletive] lying ass remarks … We will [expletive] take you out. [Expletive] your family, [expletive] your life, and you deserve a [expletive] throat to the knife … Watch your [expletive] back … watch your [expletive] back.”
“Threats such as the ones that Nickels made undermine our democracy by making elections workers fearful for their lives and for the safety of their families—just for doing their jobs,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “This sentence should send a clear message that those who seeks to jeopardize the fair and free administration of our elections with threats of violence will be vigorously prosecuted and held accountable.”
“The FBI and its partners will not tolerate threats against our election workers,” said Executive Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. “Today’s sentencing shows our commitment to ensuring that public servants can do their jobs without fear of retribution.”
Nickels pleaded guilty on Feb. 27 to one count of making a threatening interstate communication.
The FBI Detroit Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Lee Carlson for the Eastern District of Michigan prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers—whether elected, appointed, or volunteer—are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. The task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.
The task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.
To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
Man Sentenced for Sending Death Threat to Michigan Election WorkerRead the Press Release
DETROIT – An Indiana man was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for sending a communication that included death threats to an election worker in Michigan shortly after the November 2020 election.
“The Justice Department has no tolerance for violent threats against election workers, officials, and volunteers, and as this case demonstrates, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute such threats to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to defend the right to vote and to defend the safety of the public servants who make voting possible.”
“The defendant repeatedly threatened the life of a Michigan election worker because she publicly defended the integrity of the 2020 election that she helped administer,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Our democracy depends on the willingness of election workers to do their jobs without having to live in fear. Today’s sentence should serve as yet another reminder that the Justice Department will not hesitate to prosecute those who threaten violence to influence how our public servants administer elections.”
According to court documents, on or about Nov. 10, 2020, Andrew Nickels, 38, of Carmel, called the clerk of a local municipality and left a voicemail threatening to kill the local official. As part of the message, Nickels said, in part, “We’re watching your…mouth talk about how you think that there’s no irregularities … [Y]ou frauded out America of a real election.” Nickels then told the clerk that “you’re gonna pay for it,” and described how “ten million plus patriots will surround you when you least expect it.” He continued, in relevant part: “[W]e’ll [expletive] kill you…[Y]ou will [expletive] pay for your [expletive] lying ass remarks … We will [expletive] take you out. [Expletive] your family, [expletive] your life, and you deserve a [expletive] throat to the knife … Watch your [expletive] back … watch your [expletive] back.”
“Threats such as the ones that Nickels made undermine our democracy by making elections workers fearful for their lives and for the safety of their families—just for doing their jobs,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “This sentence should send a clear message that those who seek to jeopardize the fair and free administration of our elections with threats of violence will be vigorously prosecuted and held accountable.”
“The FBI and its partners will not tolerate threats against our election workers,” said Executive Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. “Today’s sentencing shows our commitment to ensuring that public servants can do their jobs without fear of retribution.”
Nickels pleaded guilty on Feb. 27 to one count of making a threatening interstate communication.
The FBI Detroit Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Lee Carlson for the Eastern District of Michigan prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers—whether elected, appointed, or volunteer—are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. The task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.
The task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.
To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
Man Sentenced Following Multiple Arrests for Machinegun PossessionRead the Press Release
NEWNAN, Ga. – Drevion Evans has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing semiautomatic Glock pistols that were illegally converted to function as fully automatic machineguns, and for attempting to deliver one of those machineguns to his home, along with a pound of marijuana.
“Machinegun conversion devices, commonly known as ‘switches,’ are classified as illegal machineguns under federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “This investigation and subsequent prosecution demonstrate the high priority given by our office, and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, to removing these dangerous devices from criminals.”
“One of ATF’s top priorities is to deny criminals access to firearms and protect the rights of law-abiding citizens,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “The offender illegally possessed firearms that subsequently could have been used against our citizens and our communities; ATF takes this very seriously.”
“I am glad the Chamblee Police Department was a major partner in assisting the U.S. Attorney’s Office with removing another armed and dangerous individual from the streets of our community,” said Chamblee Police Chief Michael Dieppa. “Our primary goal is to uphold justice and maintain the safety and trust of our community.”
“This arrest is only one example of the many benefits of having a valued partnership with our local, state, and federal partners,” stated Chief Mirtha V. Ramos, DeKalb County Police Department. “By working collaboratively, we will continue to reduce crime and violence in our community.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: On August 15, 2022, a police officer on patrol in Chamblee, Georgia attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Drevion Evans. In response, Evans put his vehicle in reverse and attempted to flee. Evans was ultimately arrested, after which a search of his car revealed a .40 caliber pistol on the driver’s side floorboard. The pistol was loaded with an extended magazine and had been converted to fire automatically. Evans had no prior arrest history and was released from custody on a bond.
On October 20, 2023, Evans attempted to arrange the delivery of a second fully automatic pistol with an extended magazine to his home by hiring an Uber driver to collect a package from a Carroll County, Georgia store. The driver picked up the package but delivered it to the Carrollton Police Department after noticing an odor of marijuana emanating from the package. Police officers searched the package and discovered 16 one-ounce bags of marijuana and the loaded, illegally modified pistol (which had been reported stolen).
Ten days later, police officers in DeKalb County, Georgia saw Evans’s vehicle and stopped him for outstanding warrants issued by a judge in Carroll County. While detaining Evans, one of the officers observed a 9mm pistol with an extended magazine on the floorboard in front of the driver’s seat. This third firearm was also equipped with a machinegun conversion device.
Drevion Micah Evans, 24, of Lithonia, Georgia, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. to six years, six months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Evans pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of a machinegun and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on January 10, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Carrollton Police Department, Chamblee Police Department, and DeKalb County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Man Involved in St. Louis Gas Station Shooting Sentenced to 11 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Monday sentenced a man involved in a shooting at a St. Louis gas station to 11 years in prison.
On August 8, 2022, Santino Taylor, 20, of University City, Missouri, was stopped by St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers who were investigating a shooting at the Shell Gas Station at 2800 North Florissant Avenue two days earlier. In the car, they found a black 9mm pistol that was used in the shooting. They found a magazine that fit the gun and 70 capsules containing fentanyl on Taylor.
The police investigation revealed the victim of the shooting had exchanged words with a man and was advised by the man to leave the gas station parking lot. The victim did but returned a short time later. At that point, two men began shooting at the victim's vehicle. Police identified one of those shooters as Taylor. Taylor returned to the Shell two days later with a pistol tucked into his waistband.
Taylor pleaded guilty in March to three felonies: possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Man Charged with Gunpoint Robbery of Queens Jewelry StoreRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Ildemar Chirinos-Torres was arraigned before Magistrate Judge Lara K. Eshkenazi on an indictment charging him with robbery of a jewelry store, discharging a firearm during the robbery and interstate transportation of stolen property. Chirinos-Torres is detained pending trial.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF), announced the charges.
“As alleged, Chirinos-Torres and his co-conspirators stole from, threatened and viciously shot a hardworking merchant during a violent gunpoint robbery of a neighborhood jewelry store,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “We will continue to vigorously prosecute in federal court armed robbers like the defendant who jeopardize the safety and security of members of our community.”
“This brazen act of armed robbery in which the defendant is alleged to have shot an innocent business owner is reprehensible. ATF NY’s Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery and Technical Apprehension (SPARTA) Group and our NYPD partners are committed to investigating and apprehending those who use violence to steal from New York’s hardworking business owners. We are grateful for the diligent efforts of the NYPD's Queens 115th Squad and the U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District in the pursuit of justice for our community,” stated ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Miller.
As set forth in the indictment and public filings in support of the charges, on December 12, 2023, Chirinos-Torres and others robbed a jewelry store at gunpoint in Jackson Heights, Queens. During a struggle with the owner of the store, one of the defendant’s co-conspirators fired a gun multiple times, striking the owner in the leg with one bullet and grazing his face with another. After stealing approximately $120,000 in jewelry, Chirinos-Torres and his co-conspirators fled on two mopeds. The stolen jewelry was then transported from New York to Florida.
Evidence obtained pursuant to search warrants for the defendant’s phones corroborated his involvement in the armed robbery. For example, a selfie taken approximately two hours before the robbery showed Chirinos-Torres wearing clothing and a messenger bag consistent with the clothing and messenger bag worn by one of the perpetrators during the robbery. The phones also contained images of jewelry taken mere days after the robbery that the store owners confirmed was consistent with jewelry stolen from the store.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Chirinos-Torres faces up to life imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Sherman is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
ILDEMAR CHIRINOS-TORRES
Age: 29
Freeport, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-215 (WFK)
Major Raleigh Heroin Trafficker Who Intimidated Witnesses Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Raleigh, N.C. – Ahmad Rashad McClain, a/k/a “Wop,” a longtime resident of Raleigh, was sentenced to 480 months in prison for trafficking heroin after attempting to intimidate witnesses. On June 8, 2022, Ahmad Rashad McClain pled guilty to two counts of drug trafficking.
“Tampering with witnesses and attempted intimidation is a sure-fire way to extend your stay in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Heroin traffickers like McClain drive addiction in our city and will do anything to dodge accountability. We are turbocharging our partnership with the Raleigh Police Department to get these dangerous narcotics – and those who supply them – off the streets.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, McClain, age 47, was determined by Raleigh Police Department (RPD) in late 2021 to be a major distributor of heroin in the Raleigh area. This was determined by physical and electronic surveillance, the use of confidential informants, and statements from witnesses.
On June 8, 2022, a traffic stop was made on a vehicle driven by McClain, who was later transported to his residence where a search warrant was executed. McClain was found to be in possession of heroin mixed with protonitazene and marijuana, various drug paraphernalia, and over $15,000 in cash.
As part of the investigation, witnesses provided RPD with information demonstrating that McClain was accountable for distributing over 24,000 grams of heroin over a two-year period.
The Government argued for and received an enhanced sentence because McClain was found to be intimidating witnesses before sentencing.
In five calls recorded between March 1 and March 29, McClain directed an associate to contact two confidential informants expected to provide evidence at his sentencing hearing.
Although McClain and the associate used code, it was clear from the calls that McClain was directing him to approach, or have someone else approach, the witnesses to ensure they did not testify, discussing during the calls that the Government could not tie drug weight to him without their testimony. In one call, McClain directed the associate to “…shut them arcade games off.” In another, McClain said, “Yeah, without they testimony, they… can’t do s#!@…” The associate confirmed, “You ain’t got to worry about seeing them anyway…” In many of the calls, the associate confirmed that he or one of his “boys” had made contact with the witnesses.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Judge James C. Dever III. The Raleigh Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case.
This investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-00042-BO-RJ.
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Justice Department Leads Efforts Among Federal, International, and Private Sector Partners to Disrupt Covert Russian Government-Operated Social Media Bot FarmRead the Press Release
Note: View the affidavit for search of 968 X accounts here and affidavit for domains seizure here.
The Justice Department today announced the seizure of two domain names and the search of 968 social media accounts used by Russian actors to create an AI-enhanced social media bot farm that spread disinformation in the United States and abroad. The social media bot farm used elements of AI to create fictitious social media profiles — often purporting to belong to individuals in the United States — which the operators then used to promote messages in support of Russian government objectives, according to affidavits unsealed today.
In conjunction with the domain seizures and search warrant announced today, the FBI and the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), in partnership with Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), the Netherlands General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD), Netherlands Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), and Netherlands Police released a joint cybersecurity advisory detailing the technology behind the social media bot farm, including details regarding how the bot farm’s creators leveraged their bespoke AI system in furtherance of the scheme. The advisory will allow social media platforms and researchers to identify and prevent the Russian government’s further use of the technology. In addition, X Corp. (formerly, Twitter) voluntarily suspended the remaining bot accounts identified in the court documents for terms of service violations.
“With these actions, the Justice Department has disrupted a Russian-government backed, AI-enabled propaganda campaign to use a bot farm to spread disinformation in the United States and abroad,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As the Russian government continues to wage its brutal war in Ukraine and threatens democracies around the world, the Justice Department will continue to deploy all of our legal authorities to counter Russian aggression and protect the American people.”
“Today’s action demonstrates that the Justice Department and our partners will not tolerate Russian government actors and their agents deploying AI to sow disinformation and fuel division among Americans,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “As malign actors accelerate their criminal misuse of AI, the Justice Department will respond and we will prioritize disruptive actions with our international partners and the private sector. We will not hesitate to shut down bot farms, seize illegally obtained internet domains, and take the fight to our adversaries.”
“Today’s actions represent a first in disrupting a Russian-sponsored Generative AI-enhanced social media bot farm,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Russia intended to use this bot farm to disseminate AI-generated foreign disinformation, scaling their work with the assistance of AI to undermine our partners in Ukraine and influence geopolitical narratives favorable to the Russian government. The FBI is committed to working with our partners and deploying joint, sequenced operations to strategically disrupt our most dangerous adversaries and their use of cutting-edge technology for nefarious purposes.”
“We support all civic engagement, civil dialogue, and a robust exchange of ideas,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona. “But those ideas should be generated by Americans, for Americans. The disruption announced today protects us from those who use unlawful means to seek to mislead our citizens and our communities.”
“The disruption announced today is the result of a combined response with our international partners to a serious and unique threat,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “Multiple U.S. and foreign governmental components worked closely and efficiently to address the threat and develop and execute a mitigation strategy. Through vigorous enforcement efforts and collaborative international partnerships, the Justice Department works tirelessly to disrupt criminal cyber activity.”
Overview
According to court documents, a bot farm is an enhanced software package which allows for the creation of false personas on social media platforms. Bot farms are enhanced by integrating components which contain artificial intelligence, such as image production or text generation.
As described in the affidavits filed in support of the warrants, development of the social media bot farm was organized by an individual identified in Russia (Individual A). In early 2022, Individual A worked as the deputy editor-in-chief at RT, a state-run Russian news organization based in Moscow. Since at least 2022, RT leadership sought the development of alternative means for distributing information beyond RT’s standard television news broadcasts. In response, Individual A led the development of software that was able to create and to operate a social media bot farm. As planned, the social media bot farm would create fictitious online personas for social media accounts, through which RT, or any operator of the bot farm, could distribute information on a wide-scale basis. The development was executed by Individual B and others, who hid their identities and location (Russia) while beginning to purchase infrastructure for the social media bot farm in April 2022.
In early 2023, with the approval and financial support of the Presidential Administration of Russia (aka the Kremlin), a Russian FSB officer (FSB Officer 1) created and led a private intelligence organization (P.I.O.), as explained in the affidavits. The P.I.O.’s membership was comprised of, among others, employees at RT, including Individual A. The true purpose of the P.I.O. was to advance the mission of the FSB and the Russian government, including by spreading disinformation through the social media accounts created by the bot farm.
According to the affidavits, FSB Officer 1, Individual A, and other members of the PIO had access to the social media bot farm. The following are examples of Russian-government narratives that the bot farm posted on X in October and November 2023:
- A purported U.S. constituent replied to a candidate for federal office’s social media posts regarding the conflict in Ukraine with a video of President Putin justifying Russia’s actions in Ukraine;
- A purported resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, posted a video of President Putin discussing his belief that certain geographic areas of Poland, Ukraine, and Lithuania were “gifts” to those countries from the Russian forces that liberated them from Nazi control during World War II;
- A purported U.S. resident of a city identified only as “Gresham,” posted a video claiming that the number of foreign fighters embedded with Ukrainian forces was significantly lower than public estimates;
- The same purported individual posted a video of President Putin claiming that the war in Ukraine is not a territorial conflict or a matter of geopolitical balance, but rather the “principles on which the New World Order will be based.”
To register the fictitious social media accounts, the social media bot farm relied on private email servers, which in turn relied on the two domain names seized by the FBI. An individual who controls an internet domain can create email accounts using the domain. For example, an individual controlling the domain name www.example.com can create email accounts using @example.com (e.g., [email protected]). Here, the actors obtained and controlled the domain names “mlrtr.com” and “otanmail.com” from a U.S.-based provider. They then used those domains to create the email servers that ultimately allowed them to create fictitious social media accounts using the bot farm software.
The FSB’s use of U.S.-based domain names, which the software used to register the bots, violates the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In addition, the accompanying payments for that infrastructure violate federal money laundering laws.
The Justice Department commends members of the private sector who coordinated with law enforcement efforts on this disruption, including X for its voluntary efforts to suspend the identified bot accounts from its platform. Prior to the government’s action, X identified and suspended a significant number of the bot accounts.
The Justice Department’s investigation is ongoing.
The National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Justice Department Leads Efforts Among Federal, International, and Private Sector Partners to Disrupt Covert Russian Government-Operated Social Media Bot FarmRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today announced the seizure of two domain names and the search of 968 social media accounts used by Russian actors to create an artificial intelligence-enhanced social media bot farm that spread disinformation in the United States and abroad. They used elements of artificial intelligence (AI) to create fictitious social media profiles – often purporting to belong to individuals in the United States – which the operators then used to promote messages in support of Russian government objectives, according to affidavits unsealed today.
In conjunction with the domain seizures and search warrant announced today, the FBI and the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), the Netherlands General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD), Netherlands Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), and the Netherlands Police released a joint cybersecurity advisory detailing the technology behind the social media bot farm, including details regarding how the bot farm’s creators leveraged their bespoke AI system in furtherance of the scheme. The advisory will allow social media platforms and researchers to identify and prevent the Russian government’s further use of the technology. In addition, X Corp. (formerly, Twitter) voluntarily suspended the remaining bot accounts identified in the court documents for terms of service violations.
“With these actions, the Justice Department has disrupted a Russian-government backed, AI-enabled propaganda campaign to use a bot farm to spread disinformation in the United States and abroad,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As the Russian government continues to wage its brutal war in Ukraine and threatens democracies around the world, the Justice Department will continue to deploy all of our legal authorities to counter Russian aggression and protect the American people.”
“Today’s action demonstrates that the Justice Department and our partners will not tolerate Russian government actors and their agents deploying AI to sow disinformation and fuel division among Americans,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “As malign actors accelerate their criminal misuse of AI, the Justice Department will respond and we will prioritize disruptive actions with our international partners and the private sector. We will not hesitate to shut down bot farms, seize illegally obtained internet domains, and take the fight to our adversaries.”
“Today’s actions represent a first in disrupting a Russian-sponsored Generative AI-enhanced social media bot farm,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Russia intended to use this bot farm to disseminate AI-generated foreign disinformation, scaling their work with the assistance of AI to undermine our partners in Ukraine and influence geopolitical narratives favorable to the Russian government. The FBI is committed to working with our partners and deploying joint, sequenced operations to strategically disrupt our most dangerous adversaries and their use of cutting-edge technology for nefarious purposes.”
“We support all civic engagement, civil dialogue, and a robust exchange of ideas,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona. “But those ideas should be generated by Americans, for Americans. The disruption announced today protects us from those who use unlawful means to seek to mislead our citizens and our communities.”
“The disruption announced today is the result of a combined response with our international partners to a serious and unique threat,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “Multiple U.S. and foreign governmental components worked closely and efficiently to address the threat and develop and execute a mitigation strategy. Through vigorous enforcement efforts and collaborative international partnerships, the Justice Department works tirelessly to disrupt criminal cyber activity.”
Overview
According to court documents, a bot farm is an enhanced software package which allows for the creation of false personas on social media platforms. Bot farms are enhanced by integrating components which contain artificial intelligence, such as image production or text generation.
As described in the affidavits filed in support of the warrants, development of the social media bot farm was organized by an individual identified in Russia (Individual A). In early 2022, Individual A worked as the deputy editor-in-chief at RT, a state-run Russian news organization based in Moscow. Since at least 2022, RT leadership sought the development of alternative means for distributing information beyond RT’s standard television news broadcasts. In response, Individual A led the development of software that was able to create and to operate a social media bot farm. As planned, the social media bot farm would create fictitious online personas for social media accounts, through which RT, or any operator of the bot farm, could distribute information on a wide-scale basis. The development was executed by Individual B and others, who hid their identities and location (Russia) while beginning to purchase infrastructure for the social media bot farm in April 2022.
In early 2023, with the approval and financial support of the Presidential Administration of Russia (aka “the Kremlin”), a Russian FSB officer (FSB Officer 1) created and led a private intelligence organization (P.I.O.), as explained in the affidavits. The P.I.O.’s membership was comprised of, among others, employees at RT, including Individual A. The true purpose of the P.I.O. was to advance the mission of the FSB and the Russian government, including by spreading disinformation through the social media accounts created by the bot farm.
According to the affidavits, FSB Officer 1, Individual A, and other members of the PIO had access to the social media bot farm. The following are examples of Russian-government narratives that the bot farm posted on X in October and November 2023:
- A purported U.S. constituent replied to a candidate for federal office’s social media posts regarding the conflict in Ukraine with a video of President Putin justifying Russia’s actions in Ukraine;
- A purported resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, posted a video of President Putin discussing his belief that certain geographic areas of Poland, Ukraine, and Lithuania were “gifts” to those countries from the Russian forces that liberated them from Nazi control during World War II;
- A purported U.S. resident of a city identified only as “Gresham,” posted a video claiming that the number of foreign fighters embedded with Ukrainian forces was significantly lower than public estimates.
- The same purported individual posted a video of President Putin claiming that the war in Ukraine is not a territorial conflict or a matter of geopolitical balance, but rather the “principles on which the New World Order will be based.”
To register the fictitious social media accounts, the social media bot farm relied on private email servers, which in turn relied on the two domain names seized by the FBI. An individual who controls an internet domain can create email accounts using the domain. For example, an individual controlling the domain name www.example.com can create email accounts using @example.com (e.g., [email protected]). Here, the actors obtained and controlled the domain names “mlrtr.com” and “otanmail.com” from a U.S.-based provider. They then used those domains to create the email servers that ultimately allowed them to create fictitious social media accounts using the bot farm software.
The FSB’s use of U.S.-based domain names, which the software used to register the bots, violates the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In addition, the accompanying payments for that infrastructure violate federal money laundering laws.
The Justice Department commends members of the private sector who coordinated with law enforcement efforts on this disruption, including X for its voluntary efforts to suspend the identified bot accounts from its platform. Prior to the government’s action, X identified and suspended a significant number of the bot accounts.
The Justice Department’s investigation is ongoing.
The National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Headstone Salesman Charged with Defrauding Hundreds of Customers in Pennsylvania and New JerseyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Gregory J. Stefan, Jr., 54, of Upper Merion, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by indictment with seven counts of wire fraud, arising from fraudulent business practices he employed in the operation and management of headstone sales companies.
The indictment alleges that between January 2018 and September 2023, Stefan—through his businesses 1843 LLC and Colonial Memorials—defrauded hundreds of grieving customers by entering into contracts to provide custom headstone and engraving services for their deceased loved ones that he knew he would not deliver on the promised timeline, if at all. Stefan demanded large up-front payments from his customers (often 100% of the purchase price) but routinely failed to fulfill their orders by the projected delivery date. When customers reached out to request updates on the status of their overdue orders, Stefan either ignored them or employed lulling tactics and assured them that their orders would be delivered shortly without taking any steps to follow through on those assurances. According to the indictment, Stefan failed to deliver, or provide refunds for, orders placed by almost 500 customers who had paid Stefan in excess of $1.5 million.
The defendant made an initial appearance in federal court on these charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jose R. Arteaga this afternoon.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 140 years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Rice.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Grandparents Scam Participant Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWARD ROSARIO-CANELA, 48, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a “grandparents scam” that defrauded elderly victims of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rosario participated in a “grandparents scam,” a scheme in which fraudsters, who often live outside of the U.S., contact elderly victims in the U.S. by phone impersonating the victim’s grandchild in distress, and induce the victim to send money purportedly help the grandchild. Rosario served as a “money-mule” in a grandparents scam that victimized several individuals who lived outside of Connecticut. For a fee, Rosario picked up packages of money that victims had mailed to addresses in Connecticut and elsewhere, and helped send the money to coconspirators in the Dominican Republic.
Judge Nagala ordered Rosario to pay restitution of $655,683.
On November 17, 2022, Rosario pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud.
Rosario, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on September 16.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hartford Police Department, and the Monroe Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather M. Cherry and Michael S. McGarry.
More information about grandparents scams and how to avoid being victimized is available here and here.
Georgia Precious Metals Dealer Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Saleem Hakim was sentenced today to four years in prison following his conviction in January on charges of tax evasion and failing to file tax returns.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, during at least the years 2009 through 2013, Hakim was in the business of brokering the sale of precious metals to clients. Hakim earned more than $2.8 million in commissions for converting cash to precious metals for his clients during those years which enabled him to fund a lavish lifestyle that included purchases of high-end watches, jewelry, designer accessories and furs. Despite earning substantial income during 2009 through 2013, he did not file income tax returns for those years. Hakim last filed an income tax return for tax year 1999.
The evidence introduced at trial additionally showed that, from 2020 through 2022, Hakim and his wife worked for businesses in Atlanta that were engaged in the purchase and sale of jewelry and luxury handbags. The Hakims earned a combined income of more than $260,000 for those years but did not file returns. The evidence also established that Hakim attempted to conceal his and his wife’s income from the IRS by diverting their income into a trust that he established after being initially charged with tax crimes for the years 2011 through 2013.
Hakim attempted to obstruct the investigation into his tax misconduct for 2020 through 2022. After a witness received a grand jury subpoena for records relating to income that the witness paid to Hakim and his wife, Hakim drafted a letter for the witness falsely stating that the witness did not have any business records in his possession relating to the Hakims and asked the witness to send the letter. The witness sent the letter to federal prosecutors and IRS agents.
In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown for the Northern District of Georgia ordered Hakim to serve three years of supervised release and pay $1,219,225.73 in restitution to the IRS, and $4,490.52 in prosecution costs.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Melissa S. Siskind and Colleen McCarthy of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia for the substantial assistance they provided in the investigation and prosecution of this matter. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg also thanked Trial Attorney Christina Grimes and former Trial Attorneys Jeffrey Bender and Kathryn Carpenter of the Tax Division who previously worked on this matter.
Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Interstate Extortion ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Ellenwood, Georgia, has been sentenced in federal court to two years of imprisonment on his conviction of conspiring and traveling interstate to commit extortion, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Richard W. Long, 50.
According to information presented to the Court, in July of 2022, Long participated in a conspiracy to extort money from victims in Western Pennsylvania. Conspirators who had access to cell phones while incarcerated in a Georgia prison called victims and falsely represented themselves as sheriff’s deputies who had arrest warrants for the victims. Victims were told that these warrants were the result of their purported failure to appear for a court hearing pursuant to a subpoena that had supposedly been served on them. The callers convinced victims that, to avoid arrest, they needed to appear at bail bond agencies in Pittsburgh, where victims then paid cash “bonds” or “fines” to Long when he met them in the parking lot. Three victims paid a total of approximately $39,750 to Long and his co-conspirators.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman spoke to the “reprehensible” conduct of the conspirators, noting that they specifically targeted good, hard-working citizens to get their money.
Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Sheriff's Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Long.
Four of Six Foreign Nationals Charged in Multi-State ATM and Retail Skimming Conspiracy Scheduled to Appear Before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Rhode IslandRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – Four of six foreign nationals, all of whom are illegally present in the United States, charged in federal court for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to install “skimming” devices on bank Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and at retail store checkout point-of-sale units in at least six states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and using credit, debit, and benefit card information gleaned from the skimming devices to create new cards that were then used to fraudulently withdraw cash from victims’ bank accounts and/or to make retail purchases, are scheduled to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Rhode Island on Tuesday, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Charging documents allege that members of the conspiracy placed skimming devices locally on ATMs at banks in Bristol and Westerly, RI, and at retail store checkout terminals in Johnston, Warwick, and Coventry, RI, as well as in Avon, Raynham, Seekonk, and Walpole, MA. Skimming devices allow fraudsters to read and capture account information and PIN numbers when customers swipe or insert their credit, debit, and EBT cards to complete a purchase on terminals where the devices have been attached. The information obtained from the skimming devices is then used to create counterfeit cards that can be used to fraudulently obtain cash from victims’ bank accounts, or to make purchases. It is alleged that members of the conspiracy used the account information skimmed from unsuspecting victims’ cards to withdraw substantial amounts of cash from bank accounts and to purchase goods at various retailers.
It is alleged that members of the conspiracy withdrew more than $300,000 from unsuspecting victims’ bank accounts locally and made an as yet unknown number of purchases at retail outlets.
“The scale, scope, and brazen nature of these defendants’ scheme to steal the financial account information of unsuspecting consumers and use it to help themselves to funds and property, as we have alleged in federal court, is staggering,” remarked U.S. Attorney Cunha. “I commend the superb work of Homeland Security Investigations, as well as our local law enforcement partners, for their diligent and effective work to disrupt this ring of thieves, and ensure that those responsible face a reckoning in federal court.”
“The complaint alleges these six individuals are members of an organization who defrauded thousands of residents of Rhode Island and beyond of their hard-earned money. The ATM and point of sale skimming equipment they used worked quickly and efficiently to steal credit card information, allowing them to clone and illegally access credit cards, bank accounts, and other financial accounts of unsuspecting victims,” said Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “HSI is a leader in illicit finance investigations and is committed to working with our partners in the public and private sector to protect the integrity of our financial systems.
Armando Ion Codreanu, 23, of Placentia, CA, a citizen of Ireland, is scheduled to make his initial appearance on charges of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Isabela Ignat Codreanu, 23, of Anaheim and Placentia, CA, a citizen of Romania, Robby Vicson Codreanu, 20, Placentia, CA, a citizen of Great Britian, and Mila Ciuciu, 20, of Placentia, CA, a citizen of Romania, are each charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud.
A fifth defendant, Nicolas Longin Codreanu, 21, of Placentia, CA, a citizen of Romania and Ireland, charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and is being transported to Rhode Island. He will appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on a date not yet determined.
An arrest warrant has been issued for a sixth defendant, Ionut Zamfir, 37, of Los Angeles, CA, a citizen of Romania. Zamfir is charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
The alleged conspiracy first came to light when the Bristol Police Department began an investigation into the origin of skimming devices discovered on ATMs at a local bank branch. As an example of the breadth of criminal conduct in this matter as detailed in court documents: to date, skimming devices have been recovered from a single major retailer at 22 separate locations in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. It is alleged that security camera images from those locations depict one or more members of the conspiracy charged in federal court in Rhode Island tampering with the checkout devices.
According to charging documents, in October 2023, the Bristol Police Department received a report from a local bank that a skimming device had been discovered on a drive-through ATM at a local bank. The bank provided law enforcement with surveillance footage and still photographs that are alleged to clearly show two males placing and removing a skimming device from the ATM. Further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations determined that at least one of the individuals was allegedly also visible in security camera images installing skimming devices at retail locations in Warwick, Johnston, and Coventry, RI, and in Seekonk, Raynham, Walpole, and Avon, MA. in September and December 2023.
Additionally, in December 2023, Homeland Security Investigations learned of skimming devices that had been placed on ATMs at two bank branch offices in Westerly, RI. Security images and footage of the individuals who were likely responsible for the placement and removal of the devices, and for withdrawing cash from compromised bank accounts, allegedly match images of individuals responsible for skimming at other locations around the region.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bristol Police Department, with the assistance of the Warwick Police Department, Coventry Police Department, Westerly Police Department, Johnston Police Department, Seekonk Police Department, United States Secret Service, and Homeland Security Investigations agents in Lafayette, LA, New York, NY, and Los Angeles, CA.
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criminal_complaint_affidavit.pdfFormer Southeastern Connecticut Counselor Sentenced for Health Care Fraud and Kickback OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEFFREY SLOCUM, 56, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first 12 months of which he must serve in home confinement under electronic monitoring, for health care fraud and kickback offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2017 to 2022, Slocum, a former resident of East Lyme, Connecticut, was a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with an office located at 300 State Street in New London. In 2020, the Connecticut Medicaid program (“Medicaid”) notified Slocum that Medicaid was going to audit certain claims for psychotherapy services Slocum had billed to Medicaid between March 2018 and February 2020. As part of its audit, Medicaid requested patient records for approximately 100 individual psychotherapy services Slocum had billed to Medicaid.
In March 2021, Medicaid notified Slocum that the audit had determined that he had received over $225,000 in payments from Medicaid for services that he had not documented. Medicaid told Slocum it would begin to collect the overpayment by deducting the overpayment in installments from future payments Medicaid would make to Slocum. Once Slocum learned the results of the audit and that he would have to pay the money back to Medicaid, he began submitting fraudulent claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy services that he never provided. All of the fraudulent claims Slocum submitted to Medicaid represented that he had personally provided the nonexistent services.
Slocum also engaged in a scheme to pay kickbacks to his Medicaid patients in order to induce them to receive psychotherapy services from him. Slocum paid these kickbacks to patients in the form of cash payments, money orders, and Wal-Mart and VISA gift cards.
Judge Underhill ordered Slocum to pay restitution of $695,048 to Medicaid.
On August 16, 2023, Slocum pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of violating the federal anti-kickback statute.
This investigation was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Social Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group. The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the FBI. The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Former Postal Carrier Convicted of Mail Theft and FraudRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – Today, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal jury convicted 44-year-old James Glover, a former postal carrier and resident of Montgomery, Alabama, on one count of postal theft by an employee and three counts of mail fraud. Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and Inspector in Charge Scott Fix of the Houston Division for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service joined United States Attorney Ross in making the announcement.
According to court records and evidence presented during Glover’s trial, he was involved in a fraudulent mail theft and bank fraud scheme involving multiple individuals. The jury heard testimony that, in September and October of 2022, while doing his work as a mail carrier, Glover stole checks and documents containing financial information from the mail. The stolen checks were altered or used to create fraudulent checks and then deposited into bank accounts by Glover and others. Previously, 24-year-old Keldric Ortez Jones, also from Montgomery, Alabama, was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud for his role in the scheme. Jones received a 46-month sentence on March 11, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The U.S. mail system is a vital part of our daily lives,” stated United States Attorney Ross. “Mail carriers are entrusted with access to enormous amounts of sensitive information. Abuse of that trust must have consequences. This prosecution is a result of our commitment, along with the commitment of our law enforcement partners, to protect the millions of letters and packages processed by the United States Postal Service each day.”
“The vast majority of U.S. Postal Service employees are honest, hardworking individuals who would never violate the public trust in this manner,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “But for those who do, our special agents, along with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate these federal crimes to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail. This conviction is a testament to the dedication of the investigative and legal teams and should send a strong message to any employee who thinks of conspiring with others to commit check fraud.”
“It is very disappointing when any of our U.S. Postal Service employees abuse their position of trust to facilitate illegal activity,” said Inspector in Charge Scott Fix of the Houston Division for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “James Glover is not representative of the honesty and integrity of postal employees serving our nation today. Glover’s conviction demonstrates that the USPIS remains resolute in our mission to bring to justice those who fraudulently use the nation’s mail system in the furtherance of their deceptive schemes.”
Following his June 27, 2024, conviction, Glover faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing for Glover is scheduled for September 30, 2024. At that hearing, a federal district court judge will determine Glover’s sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Millbrook Police Department investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorneys J. Patrick Lamb and Tara Ratz are prosecuting.
Former New York Cheese Producer Sentenced for Selling Raw Milk Cheese Products Linked to Listeria OutbreakRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Johannes Vulto, age 64, a former raw milk cheese manufacturer, and Vulto Creamery LLC, the company Vulto founded and owned, were each sentenced today in federal court in Syracuse after each previously pleading guilty to one misdemeanor count of causing the introduction of adulterated food into interstate commerce, relating to the sale and distribution of cheese that was linked to a 2016-2017 outbreak of listeriosis, the disease caused by the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.
Vulto was sentenced to 3 years of probation and ordered to pay a fine of $100,000, and to perform 240 hours of community service. Vulto Creamery LLC, which no longer operates, was sentenced to 1 year of probation. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Fernando McMillan, of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations New York Field Office, announced the sentences.
In previously pleading guilty, Vulto admitted that he oversaw operations at the Vulto Creamery manufacturing facility in Walton, New York, including those relating to sanitation and environmental monitoring. Vulto and Vulto Creamery both admitted that between December 2014 and March 2017, they caused the shipment in interstate commerce of adulterated cheese. According to the plea agreement, environmental swabs taken at the Vulto Creamery facility between approximately July 2014 and February 2017 repeatedly tested positive for Listeria species. The Listeria family includes both harmless species and L. monocytogenes, which can cause listeriosis in humans.
Listeriosis is a severe, invasive illness that can be life-threatening in some cases. Persons who have the greatest risk of experiencing listeriosis due to consumption of foods contaminated with L. monocytogenes are pregnant women and their newborns, the elderly and persons with weakened immune systems.
In March 2017, after the FDA linked Vulto Creamery’s cheese to an outbreak of listeriosis, Vulto shut down the Vulto Creamery facility and issued a partial recall that was expanded to a full recall within weeks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the listeriosis outbreak resulted in eight hospitalizations and two deaths.
The case was investigated by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, and it was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney James T. Nelson of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Northern District of New York Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Further information about the case is posted under “Information for Victims in Large Cases” at the Consumer Protection Branch’s website: www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the enforcement efforts of the Consumer Protection Branch visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
Former Coffeewood Prison Guard Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation, Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A former prison officer at Coffeewood Correctional Center in Mitchells, Virginia pled guilty recently to a series of federal charges related to child exploitation and child pornography.
Davey Jonathan Sisk, 29, of Culpeper, Virginia, was arrested on February 15, 2024, and pled guilty last month to two counts of sexually exploiting and attempting to sexually exploit a child as well as one count of receiving child pornography. Under the plea agreement, he faces up to 40 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, between June 2023 and February 2024, Sisk used the social media application “Telegram” to engage another individual to create and then send him videos and photos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. During this time frame, one of the victims was three years old and another was six years old.
In addition, from 2021 through 2022, a now-15-year-old minor living in Texas engaged in sexual intercourse with another minor child and then sold videos and images of these sexual encounters on the internet through various social media applications, including Snapchat. Sisk admitted to using the Snapchat username “JAKESMOOT2021” and to paying approximately $465 through Cash App to the minor in exchange for multiple sexually explicit images and videos.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations – Harrisonburg, VA and Washington, D.C. investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan is prosecuting the case.
Final 2 members of a Washington family sentenced in monumental Indian Arts and Crafts Act caseRead the Press Release
JUNEAU, Alaska – The final two members of a Washington state family were sentenced yesterday for selling over $1 million of Philippine produced products as authentic Alaska Native produced artwork, violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
According to court documents, Glenda Tiglao Rodrigo, 46, was sentenced to up to six months’ home confinement and 240 hours of community service, and Christian Ryan Tiglao Rodrigo, 24, was sentenced to up to three months’ home confinement and 200 hours of community service. Both defendants are required to serve five years’ probation and write a letter of apology to be published in the Ketchikan Daily Newspaper. All three defendants are required to jointly pay over $54,000 in restitution.
Cristobal Rodrigo, 59, Glenda’s husband and Christian’s father, was a co-conspirator in the case and was sentenced to two years in prison in August 2023 for his role in the scheme. Cristobal Rodrigos’ sentence was reduced to 18 months in June 2024, but remains the longest sentence a defendant has received for any Indian Arts and Crafts Act violation in the U.S., according to the Indian Arts and Crafts Board.
Court documents explain that from April 2016 to December 2021, while residing in Washington state, the Rodrigo family owned and operated Alaska Stone Arts, LLC and Rail Creek, LLC in Ketchikan, Alaska. Alaska Stone Arts, LLC primarily sold stone carvings, and Rail Creek, LLC primarily sold wood totem poles. The carvings and totem poles were sourced from Rodrigo Creative Crafts, a company owned by Glenda Rodrigo and located in the Philippines.
The Philippine business was created for the sole purpose of producing carvings featuring Alaska Native designs and motifs using Philippine labor. The carvings were shipped to the U.S. and then to the family’s stores in Ketchikan, where they were later sold as authentic Alaska Native art.
Christian Rodrigo helped with the day-to-day operations and worked as a salesperson at both stores, while Glenda Rodrigo oversaw the business affairs for both stores. The Rodrigo’s also hired Alaska Natives at both Ketchikan stores to represent and sell Philippine produced artwork as their own authentic Alaska Native artwork. The workers told customers they were all related family working in the store and the art was all produced from locally sourced materials and made by Alaska Natives. Court documents outline over 20 separate instances where salespersons misrepresented themselves and the artwork to sell a Philippine produced product as authentic Alaska Native artwork.
Prior to the conspiracy, Cristobal Rodrigo worked in Alaska at different stores and shops producing stone carvings that were sold in the tourist trade for over 20 years. Cristobal Rodrigo taught the styles of Alaska Native stone art and wood totem poles to the Philippine based company.
In 2019 and for part of 2021, the family and their Alaska-based company employees sold over $1 million worth of Philippine made carvings presented as Alaska Native artwork.
“The actions the Rodrigo’s family took to purposefully deceive customers and forge artwork is a cultural affront to Alaska Native artisans who pride themselves on producing these works of art, and negatively affects those who make a living practicing the craft,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “The sentences in this monumental case are a testament to the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting Indian Arts and Crafts Act violations, and our office will continue to work with law enforcement partners to protect Alaska Native cultural heritage and unwitting customers, and hold perpetrators accountable who carry out these crimes.”
“The Indian Arts and Crafts Board administers and enforces the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, a truth-in-marketing law,” said Indian Arts and Crafts Board Director Meridith Stanton. “The Act is intended to rid the Alaska Native and Indian arts and crafts marketplace of fakes and counterfeits, in order to protect the economic livelihoods and cultural heritage of Alaska Native and Indian artists and craftspeople and their Tribes and villages, as well as the buying public. Authentic Alaska Native art and craftwork is an important tool for passing down cultural traditions, traditional knowledge, and artistic skills from one generation to the next. Fakes and counterfeits, such as those marketed for huge sums of money by the Rodrigos, tear at the very fabric of Alaska Native culture, Native livelihoods, and Native communities. Today’s sentencing should send a strong message to those who prey upon authentic Alaska Native artists and vulnerable consumers that this destructive conduct will not be tolerated, and Act violators will be held accountable.”
“The Rodrigos sold imported products as Alaska Native made in their Ketchikan, Alaska store,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “This deceptive business practice cheated customers and undermined the economic livelihood of Alaska Native artists. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a dedicated team of special agents that work on violations of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Today’s sentence was the result of the strong collaboration between our special agents, the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
The Department of Interior – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Office of Law Enforcement, with assistance from the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, U.S. Customs and Border Protections, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt prosecuted the case.
If you suspect potential Indian Arts and Crafts Act violations are being committed, a complaint may be submitted through the Indian Arts and Crafts Board’s online complaint form, www.doi.gov/iacb/should-i-report-potential-violation, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 888-278-3253.
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Felon Who Shot New Mexico State Police Officer Sentenced to 9 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Los Lunas man who shot a New Mexico State Police officer during a high-speed chase was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to publicly available court records, on February 11, 2022, New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Lt. Jeremy Vaughan was on duty at a gas station in Edgewood when he was alerted to a woman in distress. As Lt. Vaughan approached a vehicle containing the woman and Caleb Elledge, 26, of Los Lunas, Elledge fled, ramming the officer's vehicle.
A pursuit ensued, ending when Lt. Vaughan performed a pursuit intervention technique. Elledge then fired at Lt. Vaughan, striking him in the neck. Despite his injury, Lt. Vaughan returned fire before Elledge and his passenger fled on foot.
The following day, acting on a tip, NMSP agents located and arrested Elledge in McIntosh, New Mexico. During the arrest, Elledge apologized for shooting the officer. Agents recovered the firearm used in the shooting.
As a previously convicted felon, Elledge was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Lt. Vaughan medically retired due to the severity of his injuries from the shooting. Lt. Vaughan, his family, many of his NMSP colleagues, as well as numerous members of other law enforcement agencies, were present in the courtroom when Elledge was sentenced.
“Attacking a law enforcement officer is a guarantee that you will be caught and punished,” said U.S. Attorney Uballez. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with our state and local partners to keep this community safe. Their bravery and tireless dedication to our communal safety deserves our utmost respect. At today’s sentencing, Lt. Vaughn addressed Elledge directly, stating ‘you and I should never have been enemies . . . I have never been angry with you, there is nothing for me to forgive . . . I care about you as a fellow human being.’ Lt. Vaughn and his wife offered grace grounded in faith, challenging Elledge to change: ‘Today is day one.’ Lt. Vaughn’s bravery, faith, and message of hope is a credit to the New Mexico State Police and an inspiration for us all.”
“Today’s sentencing of the defendant is reassuring that violence, especially when directed towards law enforcement, is never acceptable in our society,” said Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI - Albuquerque Division, "The FBI will continue to work with our local, state and tribal partners to use all available resources to make sure that repeat armed offenders are held accountable and bring to justice anyone who assaults law enforcement officers."
"The sentencing of Caleb Elledge is a significant step towards justice for Lt. Jeremy Vaughan and the entire New Mexico State Police family. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers our officers face daily in their commitment to protect and serve” said Troy Weisler, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. “We are grateful for the collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners that led to this outcome. We will continue to honor our duty to keep the citizens of New Mexico safe."
Upon his release from prison, Elledge will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office, Edgewood Police Department, and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office assisted the New Mexico State Police with the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec prosecuted the case.
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Felon Caught Twice with Guns Sentenced to 78 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS –U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry on Tuesday sentenced a man who was caught with guns twice while on supervised release to 78 months in prison.
On May 28, 2022, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers tried to pull over a Nissan Maxima with no front license plate and a rear license plate belonging to a truck when the driver sped away. The vehicle traveled at a high rate of speed in an erratic manner violating traffic signs and causing other vehicles to take evasive action. The driver struck another vehicle before getting on Interstate 70. After exiting at Adelaide Avenue and stopping, Edward A. Crawford got out and ran away. When detectives arrested Crawford, they found a loaded .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol. Crawford said he tried to discard the gun on the interstate but only succeeded in throwing the magazine out.
After he was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, deputy U.S. Marshals arrested him on August 17, 2023, at a home in the 3400 block of Montana Street in St. Louis. They found a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol and four individually wrapped baggies containing cocaine base weighing a total of 25.95 grams. Crawford was on supervised release after pleading guilty in 2018 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Crawford, 43, pleaded guilty in March.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Goeke prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Federal Jury Convicts St. Petersburg Armed Career CriminalRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Devaris Lemain Simmons (33, St. Petersburg) guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The jury further found that Simmons is an Armed Career Criminal after having committed three prior serious drug offenses. Simmons faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on March 23, 2023, officers with the St. Petersburg Police Department approached an idling vehicle registered to Simmons and smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from inside. When Simmons opened the vehicle, officers observed green leaf-like particles inside and conducted a search. During the search officers located a Taurus PT-111 Millennium Pro 9mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition stored in the center console. A DNA swab of the grip and trigger of the firearm matched the DNA of Simmons.
Testimony and evidence presented at trial also established that Simmons had sold cocaine on three separate occasions in 2014 to an undercover officer with the St. Petersburg Police Department. The jury found that the above three offenses were committed on occasions separate from one another.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Durham Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Role in Mortgage and COVID-19 Pandemic Fund Frauds Exceeds $2.9 MillionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Durham man was sentenced to 84 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining over $1,300,000 in mortgages and over $1,600,000 in fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) proceeds. On April 13, 2023, Reynold Eugene Mullen pled guilty to the charges.
“This white-collar fraud on American taxpayers is stunning. We live in a generous nation that lends a hand to those in need,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. "When defendants like Mullen take advantage of that generosity – to buy beach houses and plastic surgery – we will fight for every penny to be returned to the public purse.”
“Mullen not only used washed credit reports and fabricated bank statements to obtain mortgages; he also took advantage of aid programs intended to provide critical relief for hardworking members of our communities impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak by fraudulently obtaining pandemic program loans,” said Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS CI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Thomas, Charlotte Field Office. “IRS CI, along with our law enforcement partners remain vigilant in identifying, investigating, and recommending those individuals for prosecution who willfully seek to defraud the United States Treasury and blatantly disregard the victims of their schemes.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, between 2019 and 2021, Reynold Eugene Mullen, 48, and his girlfriend, Tiffany Dawn Russell, used “washed” credit reports and fabricated bank statements to obtain four mortgages totaling $1,374,000, for the purchase of properties in Miami, Florida, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and Nags Head, North Carolina.
Between March 2020 and July 2021, Mullen and Russell also submitted fraudulent EIDL and PPP applications on behalf on entities that were either owned entirely, or in part, by them. On these applications, Mullen and Russell provided false monthly payroll amounts and misrepresented the entities’ number of employees. Mullen and Russell also submitted fraudulent tax returns as part of these applications. As a result of these frauds, Mullen and Russell obtained more than $1,600,000. Mullen and Russell used the fraud proceeds to purchase six properties and pay for Mullen’s plastic surgery.
On May 25, 2022, Russell (5:20-cr-00505-D-3) was sentenced to 63 months in prison and five years of supervised release for her role in this scheme.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa K. Labresh prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-33-D.