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Friday 28 June 2024
Professor Charged for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Grant Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the District of Maryland returned an indictment yesterday charging a Pennsylvania man for defrauding the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) of approximately $16 million in federal grant funds.
According to court documents, Hoau-Yan Wang, 67, was a tenured medical professor at a public university’s medical school, as well as a paid advisor and consultant to a publicly traded Texas biopharmaceutical company. From approximately May 2015 through approximately April 2023, Wang allegedly engaged in a scheme to fabricate and falsify scientific data in grant applications made to the NIH on behalf of himself and the biopharmaceutical company. As alleged, the fraudulent grant applications to the NIH sought funding for scientific research of a potential treatment and diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s disease and resulted in the award of approximately $16 million in grants from approximately 2017 to 2021, part of which funded Wang’s laboratory work and salary.
The indictment alleges that Wang’s work under these grants was related to the early developmental phases of the proposed drug and diagnostic test, typically referred to by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as Phase 1 and Phase 2. Wang’s alleged scientific data falsification in the NIH grant applications related to how the proposed drug and diagnostic test were intended to work and the improvement of certain indicators associated with Alzheimer’s disease after treatment with the proposed drug.
Wang is charged with one count of major fraud against the United States, two counts of wire fraud, and one count of false statements. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the count of major fraud, 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, and five years in prison for the count of false statements.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Andrew Tyler, Deputy Chief Anna Kaminska, and Assistant Chief Leslie Garthwaite of the Criminal Division’s Fraud 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.
Previously Deported Felon Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 24 months in prison for illegal re-entry into the United States.
According to court documents, Erasmo Zuniga-Angel, 30, of Buena Vista, Hidalgo, Mexico, was among a group of six undocumented noncitizens who had illegally crossed the Rio Grande into the U.S. on May 4, 2023. U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered the group and discovered that Zuniga-Angel had previously been deported Nov. 18, 2022 after being convicted in Missouri of illegal re-entry and sexual misconduct involving a child.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
USBP investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayvee Rhoda prosecuted the case.
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Polk County Man Arrested for Fentanyl Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Kenneth Bernard Graham (67, Lakeland) on an indictment charging him with distributing fentanyl resulting in death. If convicted, Graham faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to the indictment, on September 10, 2022, Graham distributed a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl to an individual who died after ingesting it. Two days later, Graham possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute it.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Lakeland Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo.
Pensacola Sex Offender Sentenced to Federal Prison for New Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Donovan E. Whidden, 21, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to online receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Protecting innocent children from sexual predators remains one of our highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors who work tirelessly to identify these predators and bring them to justice so that they may never exploit a child again. Due to their collective efforts, our community is safer, and this repeat offender is exactly where he belongs – behind bars.”
In September 2023, the Pensacola Police Department received cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that led back to Whidden’s residence. Law enforcement was aware that Whidden was on state court probation for a conviction for Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child in 2022. A search warrant was obtained for his residence, and law enforcement located evidence of Whidden utilizing the media platform Discord to upload and obtain child pornography. Whidden also used a cloud storage platform to maintain his child pornography.
“We must always protect our children. Our relentless pursuit to hunt down sexual predators remains a top priority for our law enforcement partners,” said Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall. “Let this sentence be a reminder to anyone that wants to hurt our children, we will find you and use every available law enforcement resource to get justice.”
Whidden’s prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and he will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions.
“This recidivist predator once again showed no respect for humanity by actively collecting and trading child sexual abuse material online,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Thanks to the investigative efforts of our persistent special agents and the Pensacola Police Department, this repeat offender will now spend well deserved time behind bars.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, and the other investigate agencies that comprise the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Northern Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Sex Offender Sentenced to Federal Prison for New Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Donovan E. Whidden, 21, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to online receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Protecting innocent children from sexual predators remains one of our highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors who work tirelessly to identify these predators and bring them to justice so that they may never exploit a child again. Due to their collective efforts, our community is safer, and this repeat offender is exactly where he belongs – behind bars.”
In September 2023, the Pensacola Police Department received cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that led back to Whidden’s residence. Law enforcement was aware that Whidden was on state court probation for a conviction for Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child in 2022. A search warrant was obtained for his residence, and law enforcement located evidence of Whidden utilizing the media platform Discord to upload and obtain child pornography. Whidden also used a cloud storage platform to maintain his child pornography.
“We must always protect our children. Our relentless pursuit to hunt down sexual predators remains a top priority for our law enforcement partners,” said Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall. “Let this sentence be a reminder to anyone that wants to hurt our children, we will find you and use every available law enforcement resource to get justice.”
Whidden’s prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and he will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions.
“This recidivist predator once again showed no respect for humanity by actively collecting and trading child sexual abuse material online,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Thanks to the investigative efforts of our persistent special agents and the Pensacola Police Department, this repeat offender will now spend well deserved time behind bars.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, and the other investigate agencies that comprise the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Northern Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Sex Offender Sentenced to Federal Prison for New Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Donovan E. Whidden, 21, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to online receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Protecting innocent children from sexual predators remains one of our highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors who work tirelessly to identify these predators and bring them to justice so that they may never exploit a child again. Due to their collective efforts, our community is safer, and this repeat offender is exactly where he belongs – behind bars.”
In September 2023, the Pensacola Police Department received cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that led back to Whidden’s residence. Law enforcement was aware that Whidden was on state court probation for a conviction for Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child in 2022. A search warrant was obtained for his residence, and law enforcement located evidence of Whidden utilizing the media platform Discord to upload and obtain child pornography. Whidden also used a cloud storage platform to maintain his child pornography.
“We must always protect our children. Our relentless pursuit to hunt down sexual predators remains a top priority for our law enforcement partners,” said Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall. “Let this sentence be a reminder to anyone that wants to hurt our children, we will find you and use every available law enforcement resource to get justice.”
Whidden’s prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and he will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions.
“This recidivist predator once again showed no respect for humanity by actively collecting and trading child sexual abuse material online,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Thanks to the investigative efforts of our persistent special agents and the Pensacola Police Department, this repeat offender will now spend well deserved time behind bars.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, and the other investigate agencies that comprise the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Northern Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pennsylvania Man Convicted of Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware announced that a federal jury convicted Philip Epps, age 36 of Reading Pennsylvania, of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute on May 22, 2024. Chief Judge Colm F. Connolly accepted the verdict and, in a bifurcated bench trial held on June 26, 2024, found Epps guilty of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Epps was arrested on February 28, 2023, after he arrived at a local motel in Wilmington, Delaware to supply a subordinate with drugs. At the time of his arrest, within a hidden compartment or “trap” inside Epps’ vehicle, New Castle County police officers recovered two loaded handguns with obliterated serial numbers, over 225 grams of cocaine, additional packaged drugs containing fentanyl and xylazine, as well as over $15,000. Law enforcement obtained additional evidence that Epps had been purchasing cutting agents, specifically xylazine, from China via WhatsApp.
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Illegally possessing a firearm while trafficking in illegal drugs fuels the violence in our communities. Mr. Epps’ continued unwillingness to abide by the rule of law was disrupted thanks to law enforcement. I wish to commend New Castle County Police Department and our federal law enforcement partners for holding this repeat offender accountable.
Epps faces a maximum of life in prison when sentenced on November 22, 2024. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the New Castle County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel S. Frey and Michelle Thurstlic-O’Neill prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 23-30.
Participant in Armed Robbery of North Haven Gas Station Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT SMITH, also known as “Robbie,” 20, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses related to his role in the gunpoint robbery of a North Haven gas station in 2022.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an ATF and New Haven Police Department investigation revealed that Christian Borrero of New Haven committed a series of gunpoint robberies and a carjacking in late June and early July 2022. On July 6, 2022, Smith assisted Borrero’s commission of an armed robbery of a Shell Gas Station located at 195 State Street in North Haven. After the robbery, Smith drove Borrero and a juvenile, who also participated in the robbery, to Meriden where they stole a car from a woman who was parked in her driveway.
Smith has been detained since January 3, 2023. On September 28, 2023, he pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Hobbs Act robbery, and aiding and abetting the carrying, using, and brandishing of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Borrero pleaded guilty to related charges and, on April 1, 2024, was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) with the assistance of the New Haven, East Haven, West Haven, Ansonia, and North Haven Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Sean P. Mahard.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorneys for the Judicial Districts of New Haven and Ansonia/Milford for their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership to Host Third Annual Peacenic at O’Hair Park This SaturdayRead the Press Release
DETROIT - More than 70 community organizations and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies will gather at O’Hair Park THIS Saturday, June 29 (Rain Date: June 30) for the third annual Peacenic. The event will run from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m..
The Peacenics are part of the One Detroit Violence Reduction Partnership, a coalition of community and law enforcement partners working together to develop and execute the best strategies to reduce violent crime. The strategy has three components—enforcement, prevention, and reentry. As part of its Safe Summer Streets initiative, One Detroit will hold its third annual Peacenics in coordination with its enhanced summer enforcement strategy aimed at reducing gun violence in Detroit’s neighborhoods with the highest incidence of violent crime – Detroit’s 8th and 9th Precincts.
The Peacenics are a collective gathering of the community and law enforcement coming together in the name of peace and where residents can have fun, engage with law enforcement, and obtain resources to improve the quality of their lives. The Peacenics will feature vendors offering a variety of resources including job training, literacy programs, mental health and medical screenings, utility assistance, educational and vocational opportunities, tutorial and career development programs, expungement assistance and more. Several law enforcement agencies will be there to engage with the community and recruit to fill vacancies in their organizations.
In addition to the resources, there will be bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting, and a free throw tournament for kids. There will also be community basketball and volleyball games. The Detroit Public Library will have their bookmobile on site for kids to enjoy storytelling time. Adults will be able to join in the fun with Hustle Dance lessons, and a Spades tournament as well as Uno tables. And back by popular demand will be the Peacenic Thrift Clothing Boutique, where residents can shop for free gently used clothing for all ages. Free food, such as pizza, hot dogs, sliders, and ice cream will also be available for residents at the Peacenics.
Media is encouraged to attend.
Northfield Man Sentenced to 27 Months for Embezzling $558,625 from ValleyNetRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 27, 2024, John Van Vught, 73, of Northfield, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 27 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Van Vught was also ordered to pay $558,625 of restitution to ValleyNet. Van Vught previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud on February 22, 2024.
According to court records, from 2010 through July 2022, Van Vught was employed as an accountant for ValleyNet, a non-profit operator of fiber-to-the-home internet networks in east-central Vermont. As part of this work, Van Vught provided accounting services, including managing company bank accounts, which allowed him to execute electronic funds transfers and pay bills from ValleyNet accounts. Between approximately 2013 until July 2022, Van Vught embezzled approximately $558,625 from ValleyNet’s accounts by conducting electronic transfers. After Van Vught’s embezzlement was suspected in the summer of 2022, Van Vught provided intentionally erroneous documentation to ValleyNet leadership in an attempt to further obfuscate his theft. After being confronted with evidence of his crime by ValleyNet leadership, Van Vught fled Vermont, initially traveling west to New Mexico, then back east to Brunswick, Georgia, where he was apprehended by the FBI.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Van Vught was represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.
New Rochelle Man Charged with Pandemic Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aly Kaba, age 29, of New Rochelle, New York, has been indicted on conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft charges for fraudulently obtaining pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits using stolen identities.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, Northeast Region, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG); Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
The indictment alleges that from about September 2020 through October 2020, Kaba fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits in the names of other people. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The conspiracy and mail fraud charges each carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory term of 2 years in prison, to be imposed consecutively to any other term of imprisonment. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Kaba appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel in Albany and was released with conditions.
This case is being investigated by USDOL-OIG, USPIS, and HSI, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office and the New York State Department of Labor’s Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Role in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARK WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 22, of New Orleans, was sentenced on June 25, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to 66 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute tapentadol and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846; possession with intent to distribute those substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).
According to court documents, on May 17, 2023, the FBI executed a search at WILLIAMS’s mother’s residence. WILLIAMS and his brother, Jonathan Gonzalez, a co-defendant in this case, were both present at the residence. They each had loaded firearms and possessed tapentadol pills and marijuana with the intent to distribute those substances.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Heroin and Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DONALD MYLES, a/k/a “D-Ray,” (“MYLES”), age 46, a New Orleans resident, was sentenced on June 26, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. MYLES was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment, 4 years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, the Federal Bureau Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force and the New Orleans Police Department investigated MYLES for his involvement in a drug distribution operation in September 2020. The investigation involved numerous controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine from MYLES. The investigation revealed that MYLES conspired with JOHN CRAWFORD, KEVIN JOHNSON, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, and others to distribute heroin and cocaine.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation - New Orleans Gang Task Force, with the assistance of the New Orleans Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, led the investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEITH BOURGEOIS (“BOURGEOIS”), age 53, of New Orleans, was sentenced on June 27, 2024 to TIME SERVED, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee by United States District Judge Eldon Fallon.
BOURGEOIS previously pled guilty to both possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court records, on April 21, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant of BOURGEOIS’s residence. During the search, agents seized drug paraphernalia, including scales, packaging material, and razor blades. Agents also seized 27.054 grams of cocaine base, .645 grams of fentanyl, four firearms, several boxes of ammunition, and several thousand dollars in cash.
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 agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and Lynn Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ERNEST GREEN (“GREEN”), age 55, a New Orleans resident, was sentenced on June 26, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), and being a felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). GREEN was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $200.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, in September 2020, the Federal Bureau Investigation - New Orleans Gang Task Force and the New Orleans Police Department investigated GREEN for his involvement in a drug distribution operation. The investigation involved numerous controlled purchases of cocaine from GREEN. Additionally, agents executed a search warrant at GREEN’s residence that yielded 28.7 grams of cocaine and two illegal firearms.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation - New Orleans Gang Task Force, with the assistance of the New Orleans Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, led the investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Role in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARK WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 22, of New Orleans, was sentenced on June 25, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to 66 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute tapentadol and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846; possession with intent to distribute those substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).
According to court documents, on May 17, 2023, the FBI executed a search at WILLIAMS’s mother’s residence. WILLIAMS and his brother, Jonathan Gonzalez, a co-defendant in this case, were both present at the residence. They each had loaded firearms and possessed tapentadol pills and marijuana with the intent to distribute those substances.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Weapons OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GEOURVON SEARS (“SEARS”), age 26, of New Orleans, was indicted on June 14, 2024 for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts. The court unsealed the indictment on June 26, 2024.
According to the indictment, SEARS is charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, tapentadol, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D). He is charged in Count 2 with possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
As to the drug trafficking charges in Count 1, SEARS faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. As to the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison, which is to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
According to court documents, on or about June 6, 2024, SEARS allegedly possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl, tapentadol, and marijuana within the Eastern District of Louisiana. SEARS also allegedly illegally possessed a Romarm/Cugir Model Mini Draco semi-automatic pistol and a Norinco Model SKS rifle, in furtherance of his possession with intent to distribute those drugs.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 52 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KELVIN MUNOZ, also known as “Kel,” 29, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 52 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a New Haven area drug trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2022, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was operating in the Fair Haven neighborhood of New Haven. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance, and several controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine from Munoz and others. The investigation also identified individuals who were acquiring and distributing prescription narcotic pills.
On September 20, 2022, investigators made a controlled purchase of a Polymer 80 .40 caliber handgun (“ghost gun”), ammunition, and a quantity of fentanyl from Munoz and a co-defendant. On March 9, 2023, shortly after Munoz completed a meeting with his state probation officer, investigators made a controlled purchase of approximately 48 grams of fentanyl from him.
Munoz has been detained since his arrest on a state charge on August 23, 2023. On April 5, 2024, he pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances.
This investigation, which resulted in federal charges against 12 individuals, has been conducted by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Native of El Salvador Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge sentenced a native of El Salvador for illegal re-entry into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger.
U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco sentenced Juan Carlos Portillo, also known as Jose Alberto Zamora Zamora, Jose Alberto Lopez, Jose Alberto Zamora-Penate, Juan Alberto Zamora-Zamora, and Jose Adalberto Lopez-Lopez, 30, to the statutory maximum sentence of 24 months in prison. In February, Portillo pleaded guilty to one count of illegal re-entry after deportation.
According to the plea agreement, in July 2023, Homeland Security Investigations Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Birmingham received a tip from ERO San Salvador that Portillo was allegedly residing with one of his sisters, in Columbiana, Alabama. In August 2023, HSI ERO received information that Portillo was at a residence in Chelsea, Alabama, working as a subcontractor. HSI agents searched the residence and found Portillo inside. Portillo was taken into custody.
According to HSI, Portillo is currently wanted in El Salvador and has a total of six arrest warrants for aggravated kidnapping, attempted aggravated homicide, illicit association, aggravated extortion, terrorist organization, deprivation of liberty and aggravated homicide. ERO San Salvador reported that Portillo is the alleged leader of one of the most violent cliques of the MS-13 gang in El Salvador. INTERPOL has also issued a Red Notice on Portillo.
HSI ERO investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory R. Dimler prosecuted the case.
National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action Results in 193 Defendants Charged and over $2.75 Billion in False ClaimsRead the Press Release
Three Defendants Charged in the Western District of Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY – U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester has announced criminal charges against three defendants in connection with the Justice Department’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action. Descriptions of each case involved in the enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
“It does not matter if you are a trafficker in a drug cartel or a corporate executive or medical professional employed by a health care company, if you profit from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances, you will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will bring to justice criminals who defraud Americans, steal from taxpayer-funded programs, and put people in danger for the sake of profits.”
“We must protect these federal programs which provide vital funding to our society’s most vulnerable,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Today’s nationwide announcement is further proof of the Department of Justice’s ongoing commitment to protect Americans from those who seek to exploit government programs for personal gain.”
“We will not tolerate fraud that preys on patients who need and deserve high quality health care,” said the Honorable Christi A. Grimm, the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The hard work of the HHS-OIG team and our outstanding law enforcement partners makes today’s action possible. We must protect taxpayer dollars and keep Americans safe from harms to their health, privacy, and financial well-being.”
The charges are part of a strategically coordinated, two-week nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 193 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes that resulted in the submission of over $2.75 billion in alleged false billings. As part of this national initiative, the following individuals have been charged in the Western District of Oklahoma:
- Dr. Dustin York, 39, and Vincent Carter, 39, both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, were charged by indictment with health care fraud and conspiracy to pay kickbacks in connection with the delivery of DME. According to the indictment, York, a licensed chiropractor, and Carter, his business partner, operated Discover DME, a DME supplier. Through Discover DME, York and Carter are alleged to have purchased doctors’ orders, paid kickbacks to obtain referrals through telemarketing companies, and then submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare based on those doctors’ orders and referrals. In total, the defendants caused Discover DME to submit to a federal health care program false and fraudulent claims for DME totaling over $4.8 million. Discover DME was paid over $1.1 million as a result of the false and fraudulent claims. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Snyder and D.H. Dilbeck of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma.
- Priscilla Orange, age 66, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was charged by indictment with obstruction of a federal audit, federal program theft, and making false statements to the Small Business Administration. As alleged in the indictment Orange operated a daycare provider in Oklahoma City that primarily served low-income children. Orange applied on behalf of her business for federal funds from programs administered by the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, as well as the Small Business Administration, and received approximately $494,000, but she subsequently misspent the money on impermissible personal expenses. The indictment further alleges that Orange obstructed a federal audit of her use of certain of the funds. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma.
NOTE: A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Western District of Oklahoma cases are the result of investigations by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.
Nashville Man Convicted by Federal Jury After Being Stopped with A Loaded Gun in His Car After Evading Barricades for Local FestivalRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal jury convicted John Joseph Simmons, II, age 34, from Nashville yesterday on charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm on May 13, 2023, after he was stopped for evading barricades set up for the annual Blooming Festival in Nashville with a loaded gun in his car.
“Nashville’s annual Blooming Festival typically draws families enjoying food, music, and springtime fun. But in the last several years, the festival has sometimes drawn reckless actors with guns,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We are proud to partner with the Nashville Police Department in its stepped-up efforts to keep the community safe. This verdict is a clear warning to keep illegal guns away from Eastern North Carolina festivals this summer. This former felon dodged a police barricade with a loaded gun in the car. He now faces a lengthy federal prison sentence.”
According to court records and evidence presented at trial Simmons illegally possessed a firearm when he drove past a police barricade on West Washington Street in downtown Nashville on the evening of Saturday, May 13, 2023. West Washington Street was closed at the time due to ongoing festivities at the Blooming Festival, Nashville’s annual festival. Simmons, who had previously been convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon and second-degree kidnapping in Edgecombe County was not allowed to possess a firearm. When officers stopped Simmons for driving around the barrier, they spotted a Taurus G3C 9mm handgun laying on the front passenger seat within reach of Simmons. An officer asked Simmons if he was a convicted felon and he responded by looking directly at the firearm and then stating, “that’s not mine, it’s my girlfriend’s gun,” acknowledging that he was aware the gun was in the car. The firearm was loaded with 12 rounds including one in the chamber and the firearm’s safety was not engaged. Simmons still faces charges in Nash County for DUI related to his stop.
Caleb Shockley, the Head of Investigations for the Nashville Police stated “This is a prime example of how the Nashville Police Department is and continues to collaboratively work with Federal Task Force Officers and the United States Attorney’s Office in order to secure justice for violent felons who possess firearms. This is a proactive approach to address the recent uptick in violence that Nashville has experienced, particularly firearm-related incidents at the Blooming Festival.”
Simmons faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison when sentenced on a future date.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the verdict. The Nashville Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations
investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Childress and Phil Aubart are prosecuting 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.5:24-CR-114-M-BM.
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Million-dollar ammunition smuggling ring dismantledRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 34-year-old man residing in Mexico has pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy to launder money related to the purchase of over two million rounds of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Erving Alberto Sauceda aka Alberto Lizarraga Barrera admitted to conspiring with others to smuggle currency and monetary instruments from Mexico into the United States. Sauceda and co-conspirators planned to then place large scale ammunition orders through various internet retailers.
As part of the scheme, Sauceda admitted he and others purchased approximately $1,057,464 worth of ammunition and magazines from approximately August 2021 through the time of his arrest this April.
The ammunition included 1,760,010 rounds of 7.62x39mm, 278,000 rounds of .223, 111,000 rounds of 5.56, 30,000 rounds of .308, 1,000 rounds of 9mm and 504 AK rifle magazines.
The items were subsequently shipped to various locations in the Rio Grande Valley for their intended unlawful export to Mexico.
Sauceda admitted he knew the ammunition and magazines were purchased for the purpose of being unlawfully smuggled from the United States to Mexico in violation of federal law.
“Smuggling millions of rounds of ammunition into Mexico is astounding and historic, even for the Southern District of Texas, a district that is ground zero in the battle against Mexico’s cartels and the illicit supply of firearms and ammunition to cartels,” said Hamdani. “This prosecution holds accountable the individuals and transnational criminal networks financing and smuggling firearms and ammunition into Mexico. Today’s guilty pleas are a result of the close partnership between federal and state law enforcement.”
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing Sept. 12. At that time, Sauceda faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $500,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Texas Department of Public Safety - Criminal Investigations Division are conducting the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, Hidalgo County Constable’s Office and police departments in Mission, La Joya and Palmview. 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 on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Member of International Drug Trafficking Organization Operating in Lane County Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon member of an international drug trafficking organization operating in Lane County, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison.
Rodolfo Arroyo-Segoviano, 38, was sentenced to 145 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, between April and August 2020, Arroyo-Segoviano managed the local distribution network for an international drug trafficking organization responsible for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine from Mexico into the United States. While the organization leaders operated out of Mexico, Arroyo-Segoviano was responsible for the local operations in Oregon. He coordinated the receipt, storage, and distribution of methamphetamine, the collection of drug proceeds, and payment to organization leadership in Mexico. Arroyo-Segoviano also supervised the local associates, including recruitment, pay, and directing activities.
As part of this investigation, law enforcement seized more than 178 pounds of methamphetamine, 12 pounds of heroin, six pounds of fentanyl, 18 rifles, three rifle optics, and ammunition. Investigators also forfeited approximately $1.2 million from the organization, including more than $400,000 in cash. In total, 35 people—including sources of supply in Mexico, couriers, local cell operators in Lane County, and first and second level distributors responsible for sales in and around Eugene—were charged and have been convicted for their roles in the drug trafficking organization.
“The prosecution of this international drug trafficking organization represents the tireless dedication of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners combatting the drug trafficking plaguing our communities,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
On July 31, 2020, Arroyo-Segoviano was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On April 3, 2024, Arroyo-Segoviano pleaded guilty to a one-count superseding criminal information charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by DEA, FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Springfield Police Department, Eugene Police Department, Lane County Sherriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (LINE), and Douglas Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (DINT). It was prosecuted by Joseph Huynh and Judi Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
This case 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.
Maryland Resident Sentenced to 40 Months’ Imprisonment for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that that Evan R. Wechsler, age 46, and a resident of Bethesda, Maryland, was sentenced to 40 months in prison for bank fraud.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Wechsler was the leader of a check kiting scheme from 2016 to 2017. During this period of time, Wechsler wrote, signed, and deposited hundreds of worthless checks between accounts at different banks that he controlled. These accounts included personal accounts and business accounts in the names of affiliated companies that he ran.
Branch Banking & Trust (BB&T, now known as Truist) sustained a loss of nearly $6.3 million due to Wechsler’s fraud. During the check kiting scheme, Wechsler typically sent a large wire transfer each week from his BB&T account and also wrote checks from BB&T to an account at another bank. Then, over the course of a given week, Wechsler wrote numerous checks from that account to other accounts, including the one at BB&T. These worthless checks were then used to fund the outgoing transfers from BB&T at the beginning of the following week. Over time, the value of the fraudulent checks that Wechsler wrote continued to grow, from over $100,000 in early 2016 to nearly $700,000 in mid-2017.
In May 2017, Wechsler’s BB&T business checking account received over $118 million in fraudulent credits and had over $95 million in fraudulent debits. By conducting this scheme, Wechsler was able to inflate his businesses’ outward financial condition and receive what was, in effect, an interest free loan from the banks that he utilized for the check kiting scheme.
Wechsler was not ordered to pay restitution because he had paid BB&T back for the losses that it incurred prior to his sentencing hearing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.
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Maryland Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal Prison for Laundering More Than $1.8 Million in Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow today sentenced Gerrod Davis, age 46, Glen Burnie, Maryland, to six years and three months in federal prison for laundering more than $1.8 million in drug proceeds.
The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division, and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to the guilty plea, as part of the drug trafficking organization, Davis handled bulk cash narcotics proceeds while his associates were responsible for street-level distribution of narcotics. Members of the drug trafficking organization shared the cash proceeds of their street-level distributions with Davis, who laundered the money on behalf of the organization. Davis conducted “money drops” in which he transported large sums of drug proceeds to an individual purporting to act on behalf of a Mexican Cartel. Davis made these transactions with the intention of promoting the drug trafficking organization and its business relationship with the Cartel as well as concealing the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds of the drug trafficking organization. Between July 20, 2020, and May 6, 2021, the amount of money Davis laundered, or attempted to launder in furtherance of the conspiracy was at least $1,811,611.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the DEA for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adeyemi Adenrele and Darryl Tarver, who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Man Who Tried to Sell Marijuana in a Northeast Smoke Shop Sentenced to Seven Years for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kevon Lockerman, 29, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to seven years in prison in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for armed robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Lockman was found guilty on April 5, 2024, of armed robbery with a knife, following a jury trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Erik Christian ordered Lockerman to serve five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on June 15, 2023, the defendant and another man, who was never identified, went into a smoke shop on West Virginia Avenue NE and tried to set up their own business inside, with a scale, a knife, and product they offered for sale. The store’s surveillance footage showed that when the complainant walked in, the defendant and his accomplice try to sell the complainant marijuana without success. The defendant handed a knife to his accomplice as the complainant spoke to the store’s clerk. When the complainant turned to leave the shop, the defendant and his accomplice blocked the complainant’s path. The accomplice gestured toward the knife, which he had tucked in the front of his pants, and the complainant handed the defendant cash. After the two men left together, the complainant turned to the store clerk with tears in his eyes and told him he had been robbed. Police arrested the defendant roughly three weeks later near the same smoke shop.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Abubakar Alawy and Antoinette Sakamsa and Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Renee Prather; Supervisory IT Specialist Leif Hickling; and Investigative Analyst Stephen Jones.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Iris McCranie, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Van Haasteren and Matthew Goldstein, who prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to 95 Months in Prison for Role in Tobacco Store RobberyRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Twin Cities man has been sentenced to 95 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for aiding and abetting a 2023 Hobbs Act robbery of a tobacco store in Apple Valley, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on January 23, 2023, 32-year-old David Devor Harris aided and abetted Deshawn Terrell Johnson in the robbery of a tobacco store. After the robbery, Harris and Johnson fled in a black Dodge Charger, which Apple Valley Police officers were quickly able to locate in the vicinity. Johnson fled from the car and continued on foot, but Harris was immediately apprehended. Initially, Harris lied to law enforcement and positioned himself as the victim of a carjacking, but officers were quickly able to determine the two had been acquainted for years. A subsequent search of the black Dodge Charger revealed further evidence of their planned robbery scheme, including identification cards left behind, plastic gloves, and license plates that had been removed from the vehicle.
Harris was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge Jerry W. Blackwell. On January 9, 2024, Harris pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery.
On September 27, 2023, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery, one count of attempted bank robbery, one count of interference with commerce by robbery, and one count of brandishing a firearm during an in relation to a crime of violence. He will be sentenced at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Apple Valley Police Department, the Lakeville Police Department, and the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan L. Sing and Evan B. Gilead prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced After Fatal Stabbing in ParkRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Jeffrey Wade Anderson, Jr., 35, of Tulsa, to 300 months imprisonment for Second-Degree Murder in Indian Country. Judge Hill further ordered Anderson to five years of
supervised release.According to court documents, in June of 2023, Tulsa Police Department officers were dispatched in reference to a stabbing at a public park. Officers located Joe Burton, lying unresponsive with one stab wound to his upper torso. Bystanders were attempting to render aid. Once emergency medical personnel arrived, they pronounced Joe Burton deceased.
Multiple witnesses provided officers with a description of the suspect. Anderson matched that description and was detained. During his interview with detectives, Anderson admitted to officers that he “murdered that man” because he thought Joe said something disrespectful.
Anderson is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn prosecuted the case.
Luling Man Indicted Federally for Possession of Firearm by FelonRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANTHONY KENNER (“KENNER”), age 40, of Luling, LA, was indicted on June 21, 2024, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, on February 20, 2024, KENNER knowingly possessed a Glock Model 30, .45 caliber handgun, after having previously been convicted of a felony.
If convicted, KENNER, faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.
Louisville Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced this week to 5 years and 3 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony offense.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Interim Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Joshua Young, 28, was sentenced to 5 years and 3 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony offense.
Young was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On September 5, 2018, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Young was convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
On July 7, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Young was convicted of receiving stolen property under $10,000.
On February 13, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Young was convicted of promoting contraband in the first degree.
On January 29, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Young was convicted of retaliating against a participant in the legal process.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF and LMPD.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Lantz and Erin McKenzie 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.
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Long Beach Man Sentenced to More Than 28 Years in Prison for Leading Crew that Committed Several Armed Robberies in the Antelope ValleyRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Long Beach man was sentenced today to 339 months in federal prison for leading a crew that committed several armed robberies in the Antelope Valley that netted hundreds of thousands of dollars in ill-gotten gains.
Kaleb Williams, 38, of Long Beach, was sentenced by United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha, who also ordered him to pay $503,428 in restitution.
“Violent gun crime corrodes our community’s feeling of safety,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Today’s sentence shows criminals that when you break the law and use a gun to do it, the penalties will be severe.”
At the conclusion of a six-day trial in September 2023, a jury found Williams guilty of two counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, three counts of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), and two counts of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Additionally, Williams’ co-conspirator, Terrance Cleyon Pearson, 44, of Long Beach, was also found guilty at the same trial of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 30.
Four of his other accomplices have also been convicted and will be sentenced in the coming months.
- Gilbert Alexander Bailey Jr., 38, of Los Angeles;
- Tevaughn Brown, 33, of Bellflower;
- Da’Mari Mario Crane, 23, of Lancaster; and
- Tonisha Marie Johnson, 44, of Lancaster.
According to court documents, in July 2019 Williams, Bailey, Johnson, and four others traveled to a jewelry store in Lancaster. Johnson approached the store's door and awaited the employees to remotely unlock the door. Once the door was opened, Bailey and three accomplices entered. Two of the individuals then brandished handguns, intimidating both employees and a customer, while Bailey proceeded to seize jewelry from a shattered display case that had been smashed by another accomplice. The defendants escaped with approximately 348 pieces of jewelry valued at approximately $479,000, along with a Glock firearm, and caused approximately $5,000 in damage before fleeing the scene.
Williams and his accomplices committed a series of other robberies including one at Party City in Palmdale in October 2019, stealing approximately $10,000. During that robbery, the robbers grabbed a store employee by the shirt and dragged her through the store. One of the robbers, armed with a .45-caliber firearm, shot at a glass door that had closed and locked behind them during the robbery, shattering the door and allowing them to escape. The crew also robbed a Home Depot store in Lancaster in May 2020, stealing approximately $6,828 a gunpoint from the store vault.
Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments.
The FBI and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Scott M. Lara and Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.
Last of 20 Defendants Pleads Guilty in Vast Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – The final defendant in a 20-member conspiracy that distributed multiple kilograms of methamphetamine throughout Southwest Virginia pled guilty this week in federal court.
Eric Dale Whisman, 32, of Bristol, Virginia, pled guilty earlier this week to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture.
Others who have previously pleaded guilty as part of the conspiracy included individuals from Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia: Christopher David Johnson (aka “CJ”), Noah Bryan Horn, Nicholas Alexander Courtney, Michael Paul Brown, Jeremy Wayne Maxfield, Kenneth Lee Trivette, Olivia Abigail Coleman, Kayla Cheyanne Winebarger, Sheenah Amber Rogers, Joey Dean Webb, Diamond Snow Booher, Amber Leigh Phipps, Morgan Paige Perry, Kedrick Lee Dingus, Christopher Michael Sullivan, Woodrow America Ritchie, Ashley Lynn Young, Patricia Ann Smoot, and Tabitha Nichole Satterfield.
During the conspiracy, Christopher “CJ” Johnson was incarcerated in the state of Georgia and used a contraband cell phone to coordinate his multi-state drug trafficking scheme. Co-conspirators would travel to Georgia to collect large amounts of methamphetamine from Johnson’s designated sources, send payments to him via CashApp and other means, and then bring the drugs back to Southwest Virginia for further distribution.
At one point, Johnson was responsible for a large percentage of the overall methamphetamine market in both the Bristol, Virginia and Bristol, Tennessee areas.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, and Jared Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Virginia State Police, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Bristol (Virginia) Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies in Georgia and Tennessee investigated the case, including Tennessee’s Bristol Police Department, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, and 2nd Judicial Drug Task Force as well as the Georgia State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corey Hall and Whit Pierce are prosecuting the case.
Last Defendant Sentenced to 600 Months for Kidnap and Murder of Osage Nation WomanRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – The last of nine defendants was sentenced today for the kidnapping and murder of Jolene Walker Campbell, an Osage Nation citizen, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Tre Robert Allen Ackerson, 30, Webb City, Missouri for Murder in the Second Degree. Judge Frizzell ordered Ackerson to be sentenced to 600 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
“I hope the family of Ms. Campbell can find some sort of healing knowing the person who murdered their loved one will likely die behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The Justice Department will continue its relentless efforts to seek justice on behalf of missing and murdered Indigenous people.”
According to court documents, Ackerson kidnapped and violently murdered Jolene in July 2020. The victim’s body was found in a remote field in Mayes County. The investigation showed that Jolene was robbed and kidnapped in Missouri and driven into the State of Oklahoma, where she was murdered by Ackerson.
Ackerson and several of the defendants used physical force or threatened the use of physical force against four witnesses in separate incidents. Various assaults on witnesses took place that included witnesses being kidnapped, restrained with zipties, blindfolded or having their eyes duct taped shut, being shot at, and being beaten. The acts were committed to prevent the witnesses from testifying or as retaliation for communicating to law enforcement about Jolene’s murder.
The additional defendants sentenced in this are as follows:
- Sarah Michelle Humbard, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Oct. 2023 for Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Using the Threat of Physical Force. U.S. District Judge Raul M. Arias-Marxuach sentenced Humbard to five years of probation.
- Chloe Louise Stith, of Carthage, Missouri, was sentenced in Nov. 2023 for Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Using the Threat of Physical Force. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Stith to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
- Breanna Lynn Sloan, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Jan. 2024 for Kidnapping Resulting in Death. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Sloan to 240 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
- David William Morris, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Nov. 2023 for Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Using the Threat of Physical Force. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Morris to 65 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
- Morgan Lee Bowman, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Mar. 2024 for Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Using the Threat of Physical Force. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Bowman to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
- Megan Louise Detherage, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Mar. 2024 for Misprison of a Felony. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Detherage to time served, followed by one year of supervised release.
- Jacob Ryan Scribner, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Apr. 2024 for Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Witness, Victim, and Informant. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Scribner to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release.
- Lane Ryan Bronson, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Mar. 2024 for Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Using the Threat of Physical Force. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Bronson to 228 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
The FBI, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department, and the Joplin Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Bish and George Jiang prosecuted the case.
Jury Finds Orlando Man Guilty of Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Patrick Hugh Mitchell (56, Orlando) guilty of possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Mitchell faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2024.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the Drug Enforcement Administration used a confidential source to conduct controlled purchases from Mitchell to identify his drug sources. During one purchase, Mitchell was identified as the source of supply for 892.5 grams of methamphetamine. Mitchell distributed the drugs in the parking lot of a gas station where he was detailing cars and selling food. Mitchell also bragged about the high quality of the methamphetamine that he sold. The methamphetamine was tested by a forensic chemist and was found to be 100% pure methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Testerman and Michael Sartoian.
Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced for Making False Statement to United States Coast GuardRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DERRICK FREMEN (“FREMEN”), age 51, a resident of Jefferson Parish, was sentenced on June 26, 2024 to a term of thirty-six months probation and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100, after previously pleading guilty, before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk, to making a false statement to the United States Coast Guard, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(3).
According to court documents, FREMEN was a licensed merchant mariner and holder of a 100-Ton United States Coast Guard master’s license. In late 2018, FREMEN applied for a job to work on a vessel. The prospective employer required FREMEN to submit to a drug screening, which he failed. In response to the failed drug test, FREMEN submitted an altered prescription to the United States Coast Guard on July 1, 2019, to justify the failed drug test.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, Gulf Region. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
Jacksonville Pharmacist Charged with Drug Distribution and Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces today the return of an indictment charging Alan O. Abidogun with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and three counts of filing false tax returns. If convicted, Abidogun faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the drug offense and up to 3 years’ imprisonment for each of the tax offenses.
According to the indictment, from 2017 through December 2019, Abidogun conspired with others to distribute and dispense oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, without a legitimate medical purpose. The activity involved the filling of prescriptions that were not issued for a valid medical reason or in the usual course of professional practice.
In addition to the drug-related offense, Abidogun is also charged with filing false U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns for the same years (2017 through 2019). The indictment asserts that he failed to report additional income derived from his pharmacy business.
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 is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Group, Tactical Diversion Squad, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.
Jacksonville Methamphetamine Dealer Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges After High-Speed ChaseRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Sedrick Williams, Jr. (24, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Williams faces a minimum mandatory term of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on December 6, 2023, detectives with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) were patrolling the area of Broadway Street and Garfield Street in Jacksonville related to an ongoing investigation. During the investigation, detectives observed two men exit a residence and enter two separate vehicles before departing the residence. Detectives believed one of the men to be the suspect from the investigation but did not recognize the other individual, later identified as Williams. The suspect from the unrelated investigation entered a silver sedan, and Williams entered a gray sedan. Both vehicles then departed the residence.
Detectives followed both vehicles as they traveled along Broadway Avenue, but both vehicles drove away at a high rate of speed. Detectives lost sight of the silver sedan but maintained sight of the vehicle driven by Williams. Detectives continued to pursue Williams and observed his vehicle commit multiple traffic violations, including speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and generally operating in a reckless manner. After Williams ran a red light, detectives initiated emergency equipment to conduct the traffic stop. Williams did not stop and initiated a high-speed chase that continued along multiple streets. During this pursuit Williams drove into oncoming traffic, forcing vehicles and pedestrian traffic off the road. Williams eventually crashed in a ditch. Williams – the sole occupant of the vehicle – then fled on foot for a short distance before a JSO officer apprehended and detained him.
Detectives searched the crashed and abandoned vehicle and located a loaded black Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus handgun and a black latex glove, which contained several loose 9mm rounds. Inside the center console, detectives found various narcotics in separate bags and a loaded extended magazine. One bag contained approximately 4.3 grams of fentanyl, a second bag contained approximately 2.1 grams of cocaine base, and a third bag contained 10.5 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine. Detectives learned the firearm had been reported stolen in Jacksonville in 2022.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh.
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.
Iowa City Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in federal prison for making false statements during purchases of firearms and unlawfully possessing firearms while a drug user.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Kiante Demarr Hough Green, 23, purchased numerous firearms which he provided to individuals he knew to be prohibited from possessing firearms, and which were then used in the commission of violence. At the time of Green’s firearm purchases and during his possession of firearms, he was an unlawful user of controlled substances, and engaged in the distribution of marijuana.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Green will be required to serve 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department.
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.
Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A man from Guatemala has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on September 27, 2021, as part of an ongoing investigation, law enforcement conducted a controlled operation, meeting Ramiro Guerra, 67, at a previously designated Twin Cities location. Guerra arrived in a semi-truck bound from California. The semi-truck was searched, and law enforcement recovered approximately 72 pounds of methamphetamine and 80 kilograms of cocaine from inside the cab of his semi-truck.
Guerra pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine yesterday in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and several other supporting agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter is prosecuting the case.
Guatemalan Man Previously Convicted of Rape of a Child with Force Pleads Guilty to Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to unlawful reentry.
Wilson Hernandez-Bautista, 34, plead guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Oct. 3, 2024. Hernandez-Bautista was indicted by a federal grand jury December 2023.
Hernandez-Bautista was deported from the United States on Oct. 9, 2013. Sometime after his 2013 removal, Hernandez-Bautista unlawfully reentered the United States. In On Nov. 23, 2024, Hernandez-Bautista was convicted of rape of child with force in Essex County Superior Court. While serving a five-to-seven year sentence, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement became aware of Hernandez-Bautista’s unlawful presence in the United States.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Massachusetts Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Grand Jury Indicts Grandville Man on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Thomas Aaron Hungerford to Face Three Felonies
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a grand jury returned an indictment charging Thomas Aaron Hungerford, 54, with three federal felony charges relating to Hungerford’s creation and distribution of child pornography.
“Sexual exploitation targeting our youngest and most vulnerable is an ongoing threat,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Protecting kids is a critical part of our mission. While we would always want to prevent a child from experiencing harm, we stand ready to hold the predators who commit these crimes accountable.”
On May 24, 2024, Hungerford was charged by criminal complaint with distribution of child pornography following a federal search warrant that same day. This charge requires a minimum prison term of 5 years and a maximum term of 20 years. Hungerford has been held in custody since his arrest. The Court scheduled his arraignment for July 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
A federal defendant has a right to be prosecuted by indictment issued by a grand jury if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for more than a year. Today’s indictment charges Hungerford with additional crimes. Count 1 of the indictment charges Hungerford with sexual exploitation of a child and alleges that he video-recorded a minor engaged in sexually explicit activity on August 16, 2023. If convicted of this count, he would face a minimum prison term of 15 years and a maximum term of 30 years. Counts 2 and 3 allege that Hungerford distributed child pornography. Each of these crimes require a minimum prison term of 5 years and a maximum term of 20 years.
“The defendant’s alleged actions are especially troubling, which range from outright right privacy violations to predatory behavior,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and expose individuals who commit these crimes.”
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 www.justice.gov/psc. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Timothy VerHey.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Goose Creek Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Michele Mancino a/k/a “Mike Mancino,” 41, of Goose Creek, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to production of child pornography.*
Evidence presented to the court showed that in late 2022, Mancino was engaging other pedophiles on the Scruff and Telegram apps in sexually explicit discussions about his grooming and sexual abuse of a 4-year-old. A search of Mancino’s accounts and devices revealed images and videos of child sexual abuse materials depicting Mancino and the 4-year-old discussed in the chats. Mancino also possessed and traded images and videos of child sexual abuse materials of other prepubescent minors as young as infants. During the investigation, Mancino confessed to creating child sexual abuse material by documenting his abuse of the 4-year-old and he also confessed to trading child sexual abuse materials with other pedophiles.
“This sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us,” said Adair F. Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue those who exploit the innocence of children.”
“Protecting children from exploitation is one of HSI’s top investigative priorities and this sentence is a testament to our commitment to stopping these horrific offenses,” said Cardell T. Morant, special agent in charge of HSI Charlotte that covers North and South Carolina. “HSI along with its partners will use every resource available to find, arrest and hold accountable predators, like Mancino, that seek to victimize our most vulnerable population.”
United States District Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Mancino to 360 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision. This is the maximum sentence allowed under the statute. There is no parole in the federal system. Mancino was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his crimes and to pay an assessment into the Trafficking Victims’ Fund.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Charleston Police Department, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Orville is prosecuting the case.
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NOTE: While the current federal statutes still contain the term “child pornography,” experts in the field now recognize “child sexual abuse materials” as the more accurate terminology.
Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud After Stealing $90,000+ from Kennebunk Business over Nearly 2 YearsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A former resident of Atlanta, Georgia pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to committing wire fraud.
According to court records, from at least November 2019 through October 2021, Alexis Hodges, 39, fraudulently used the bank account of a Kennebunk business to pay expenses for herself, her family members, and her business. Hodges provided the bank account information to multiple vendors, causing more than $90,000 to be electronically paid out of the account to pay her rent, insurance policies, auto loans, and credit card bills, among others, without the victim’s consent or knowledge. In September 2021, the victim discovered that unauthorized payments were occurring and reported it to the Kennebunk Police Department, who referred the case to the U.S. Secret Service New England Cyber Fraud Task Force for investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office does not identify victims of crime and is limiting identifying information, including the name and type of business, to protect the victim’s privacy.
Hodges faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to the greater of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case with assistance from the Kennebunk Police Department.
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Georgia Chiropractor Admits $14.9 Million Health Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme Related to Durable Medical Equipment and Cancer Genetic TestingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Georgia chiropractor who owned or operated multiple durable medical equipment (DME) companies and a cancer genetic testing (CGx) company admitted her role in a health care fraud and illegal kickback conspiracy, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced today.
Tefylon Cameron, 57, of Powder Springs, Georgia, pleaded guilty on June 20, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz in Newark federal court to an information charging her with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback statute.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
Cameron and her conspirators owned, operated, and had a financial interest in DME companies through which they obtained doctors’ orders for durable medical equipment, namely orthotic braces, for Medicare beneficiaries without regard to medical necessity. Cameron and her conspirators obtained DME orders using marketing call centers and telemedicine companies (including multiple Florida-based companies), caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, and paid illegal kickbacks.
Cameron and her conspirators also owned, operated, and had a financial interest in a CGx company through which she agreed to provide a clinical laboratory with leads of beneficiaries who were qualified to receive federal health care benefits for cancer genetic tests. Cameron submitted invoices to the clinical laboratory seeking payment on a per-lead basis, but entered into a sham agreement to disguise kickback and bribe payments.
In total, Cameron and her conspirators caused a loss to Medicare of more than $14.9 million.
Conspiracy to commit health care fraud is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison. Both counts are also punishable by a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 29, 2024.
Attorney for the United States Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the Special Prosecutions Division.
cameron.information.pdfGainesville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Ethan Anderson, 44, of Gainesville, Florida was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Our law enforcement partners play a vital role in fighting crime and protecting the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Due to their swift action, a habitual felon who discharged a firearm during a heated argument is back where he belongs, behind bars. His incarceration will not only make the community safer but also illustrate the real and severe consequences for federal firearm offenses.”
On February 28, 2023, the Gainesville Police Department responded to reports of an armed disturbance. Officers learned that a subject, later identified as Anderson, possessed, and discharged a firearm during an argument with others. Anderson was subsequently located inside a nearby residence. A search of the residence revealed a firearm containing Anderson’s DNA. Anderson later admitted to possessing and discharging the firearm.
"The FBI is committed to safeguarding our communities from violent crime,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Kristin Rehler. “This sentencing should serve as a message that we will continue to join forces with our law enforcement partners and use all tools available to tackle the issue of gun violence in our neighborhoods and ensure those who commit violent acts are punished to the full extent of the law.”
Anderson’s prison sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Gainesville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Harley W. Ferguson 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.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Fort Dodge Man Convicted for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Matthew Bradley, 37, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty on June 27, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City, to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on April 11, 2024, law enforcement in Fort Dodge, Iowa, observed Bradley on a bicycle, wearing a backpack, and knew he had an outstanding arrest warrant. Officers arrested Bradley and seized small baggies of methamphetamine in each of his front pockets. Law enforcement also seized the backpack, which contained a 9mm pistol, and more baggies/vials of small amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana, plus a digital scale. Bradley was previously convicted of at least five state felony offenses. Bradley admitted to his previous felony convictions and to being a regular user of drugs both of which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Bradley remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Bradley faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-3022. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Former Soldier Pleads Guilty to Posting YouTube Video in Which He Threatened the Lives of Military Personnel at Fort Irwin Army BaseRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – A Northern California man and former soldier pleaded guilty today to a federal criminal charge for posting online videos of himself threatening to kill multiple military personnel at the Fort Irwin army base in San Bernardino County.
Christian Ernest Beyer, 42, of Petaluma, pleaded guilty to one count of sending threats by interstate communication.
“Our military servicemembers deserve our utmost appreciation and respect, not fear and intimidation,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Threats against our servicemembers, as against all public servants, cannot and will not be tolerated.”
“Mr. Beyer sought to take his personal vengeance out on innocent military members honorably serving their country, as well as their families,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will investigate all threats to American military personnel and pursue prosecution for the offenders.”
According to court documents, in October 2023, Beyer published a video on his personal YouTube page. The video is approximately three minutes in length and contains multiple threats directed at four victims and their families. The victims were specific military personnel at Fort Irwin.
Beyer is an army veteran formerly stationed at Fort Irwin who was court martialed in 2021 for assault.
He has been in federal custody since November 2023.
United States District Judge Suzanne S. Sykes scheduled a September 20 sentencing hearing, at which time Beyer will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The FBI investigated this matter as part of its Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Matt Coe-Odess of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
Former Office Manager of Middle Georgia Health Care Business Convicted of Bank Fraud in EIDL Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The former office manager of a Middle Georgia chiropractic office was found guilty by a federal jury this week of committing bank fraud and other federal crimes in an embezzlement scheme involving federal loans that cost the established spinal center more than $200,000 in losses.
Emiliya Radford, 33, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was found guilty of one count each of bank fraud, wire fraud and federal program theft following approximately one hour of deliberations by a federal jury on June 27. Radford was taken into federal custody after the guilty verdict. Radford faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for bank fraud; a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for wire fraud; and a maximum possible sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine for federal program theft, in addition to any restitution imposed by the Court. A sentencing date will be scheduled by the Court. U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is presiding over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Emiliya Radford chose greed and deceit with her embezzlement scheme that victimized a small business that had operated in the Warner Robins community for many decades,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Financial crimes devastate hard-working, law-abiding citizens and will not be tolerated by this office or our law enforcement partners.”
“Radford violated the trust of the company that hired her and elevated her to a position of leadership,” said Robert Gibbs, Senior Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta's Macon office. “Because of her self-interest and greed, she has not only thrown away her career, but will spend time in prison for her crime.”
According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, Radford’s company, Cyber Pinecone, was hired in Sept. 2019 under a one-year contract to perform marketing work for Smith Spinal Care Center (SSCC) in Warner Robins. In May 2020, Radford was hired as Office Manager at the business, and her new salary was to include marketing work. Radford was given signatory authority over the SSCC bank account with Wells Fargo Bank. As part of her duties, she was responsible for issuing and signing all biweekly payroll checks, including her own. Radford collected her salary as office manager and, without authorization of SSCC, continued to write and endorse checks to her business, Cyber Pinecone, for extensive marketing work totaling more than $200,000. In addition, she gave herself an unauthorized pay raise. Some of these funds came from COVID-19 Federal Economic Disaster Loans (EIDL). In addition to issuing these checks to herself and Cyber Pinecone, Radford also used money from the SSCC bank account to purchase a total of $11,015.67 worth of items from the Apple store that were shipped to her residence. When Radford quit on Dec. 19, 2022, none of these items could be located at SSCC, but some were later found inside her home when federal agents executed a search warrant on May 4, 2023.
The case was investigated by FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Former Northeastern University Employee Convicted of Staging a Hoax Explosion and Making False Statements to a Federal AgentRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Northeastern University employee was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston of staging a hoax explosion and making false statements to a federal law enforcement agent about the hoax.
Jason Duhaime, 46, formerly of San Antonio, was convicted of intentionally conveying false and misleading information related to an explosive device and two counts of making materially false statements to a federal law enforcement agent. United States Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Oct. 2, 2024. Duhaime was initially arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Oct. 2, 2022, and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury Duhaime on Oct. 27, 2022.
“Bomb hoaxes like the one the defendant fabricated here have real life consequences. Communities are put in fear, law enforcement personnel are diverted from other important duties and there are significant financial repercussions,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As we experience a wave of bomb hoaxes in schools, houses of worship and other gathering places, we will work closely with our local, state and federal partners to hold accountable anyone who tries to inject fear and distress into our community.”
“Staging a hoax explosion and lying to the FBI about it isn’t a harmless act. It’s a crime,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The FBI and our partners take all threats to life seriously because protecting human life is our absolute priority. Anyone who pulls a stunt like this should expect the FBI to investigate and you should consider whether you really want to end up where Jason Duhaime is now awaiting sentencing for three federal felonies.”
As of September 2022, Duhaime was employed as the New Technology Manager and Director of the Immersive Media Lab (the “Lab”) at Northeastern University (“Northeastern”). At approximately 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2022, Duhaime called the Northeastern Police Department and reported that he was injured by sharp objects expelled from a plastic case he opened inside the Lab that evening. Specifically, Duhaime told an emergency police dispatcher that he and a Northeastern student who was working in the Lab that evening had collected several packages—including two plastic “Pelican cases”—from a mail area and brought them into the Lab. Duhaime said that when he opened one of the cases inside a storage closet, “very sharp” objects flew out of the case and under his shirt sleeves, causing injuries to his arms. Duhaime also reported that the case contained an anonymous “violent note” threatening to “destroy the lab” and stating: “In the case you got today we could have planted explosives but not this time!!! Take notice!!! You have two months to take operations down or else!!!!! WE ARE WATCHING YOU.”Duhaime’s report and concern about a second, unopened Pelican case triggered a significant law enforcement response that included, among other things, the assistance of the Boston Police Department’s bomb squad, the assistance of multiple federal and state law enforcement agencies, and the evacuation of a portion of the Northeastern campus.
In statements to first responders and in subsequent interviews with law enforcement on both Sept. 13 and 14, 2022, Duhaime provided statements about the incident that were consistent with what he told the emergency police dispatcher. He expressly denied fabricating his story about the Pelican case, the anonymous threat letter, and the injuries to his arms.
During a search of Duhaime’s office at Northeastern on Sept. 14, 2022, several laptop computers were found. A subsequent forensic examination of one of the computers revealed a word-for-word electronic copy of the anonymous threat letter that Duhaime claimed was inside the Pelican case. According to evidence presented during the trial, this electronic copy of the threat letter was created and printed between approximately 2:50 p.m. and 3:56 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2022 – just hours before he reported the incident to the Northeastern Police Department.
The charges of intentionally conveying false and misleading information related to an explosive device and making materially false statements to a federal law enforcement agent each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; FBI SAC Cohen; Michael A. Davis, Vice President of Campus Security and Chief of Police at Northeastern University; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in cooperation with the Northeastern University Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Timothy H. Kistner of the National Security Unit are prosecuting the case.
Former Driving Instructor Sentenced for Bribing RMV Road Test Examiner for Driver's LicenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former driving instructor was sentenced yesterday for conspiring to defraud the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) into issuing driver’s licenses to applicants who did not pass the road test.
Ngan Dinh, 48, of Boston, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to two years’ probation with the first six months to be served as home confinement with GPS monitoring, a fine of $4,000, and a $5,450 forfeiture. In March 2024, Dinh pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud.
Dinh, a naturalized U.S. citizen who speaks Vietnamese and some English, circulated business cards to the Vietnamese community. The potential licensees who contacted Dinh were Vietnamese immigrants who did not speak or read English. They relied on Dinh to help them comply with RMV rules and requirements they did not understand. Instead, Dinh bribed a road test examiner at the Brockton RMV to misrepresent to the RMV that Dinh’s customers had passed the road test – when in fact they had not. Some customers did not even show up for the test.
Customers paid Dinh as much as $1,200 – with Dinh insisting that all payments be in cash. Dinh persuaded some customers to pay him such large amounts by lying to them. For example, he told some applicants that the RMV was not offering road tests because of the pandemic, which was false, and that he could get them licenses because he was a “certified rep” for the RMV – a non-existent position. Dinh paid the RMV employee a $100 cash bribe for each of his customers and kept the rest of the money for himself.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.