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5 August 2024
Rapid City Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Voluntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Robert A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on August 1, 2024.
Lucy Medicine Eagle, age 33, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Medicine Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2022. She pleaded guilty on April 26, 2024.
On March 28, 2022, Medicine Eagle was at a residence in St. Francis, in the Rosebud Reservation, drinking alcohol with family members and had a verbal argument with her adult brother. She thought her brother had stolen and pawned her Xbox gaming console, but it was actually simply misplaced and sitting behind a couch on the premises. Not knowing this, Medicine Eagle struck and punched her brother in the face and head numerous times. He told her to stop, but she did not stop and he put his arms up in a defensive position as she continued to strike him. She stopped striking him when other household members intervened. By that time, the brother had suffered severe head injuries and was soon unresponsive. He was transported to Monument Health in Rapid City where he was kept alive on life support machines. He died on April 1, 2022 and his cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma injuries to the head.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.
Medicine Eagle was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal to serve her sentence.
Puerto Rico Man Indicted and Arrested for Bankruptcy Fraud, PPP Loan Fraud, Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 31, 2024, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Richard Ramos-Hernández, from Humacao, Puerto Rico, with bankruptcy fraud and false statement under penalty of perjury in a bankruptcy case, false statement on loan and credit applications, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
According to court documents, from January 4, 2019, through May 20, 2024, defendant Richard Ramos-Hernández devised and executed a scheme to defraud creditors in a bankruptcy proceeding in the District of Puerto Rico by means of materially false and fraudulent representations, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 152 and 157.
On January 4, 2019, Richard Ramos-Hernández filed and caused the filing of a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Puerto Rico, in the proceeding titled In re: RICHARD RAMOS HERNANDEZ, Case No. 19-00021(ESL).
The indictment alleges that during the bankruptcy proceedings, Ramos-Hernández concealed property and income and failed to disclose to the trustee charged with control of the debtor’s property and from the creditors and the United States the creation, operation, ownership, and control of All Market and Bakery LLC and Smart Energy General Contractors LLC.
All Market and Bakery LLC was a limited liability company registered on February 11, 2015, with the Puerto Rico Department of State and operated as an establishment in the Municipality of Humacao that produced and sold baked goods, food, beverages, and convenience related products.
Smart Energy General Contractors LLC was a limited liability company registered on June 12, 2018, with the Puerto Rico Department of State, that performed and provided construction related services to private and government clients. The defendant failed to disclose income received from Smart Energy General Contractors LLC, which had been awarded contracts with the municipalities of Canóvanas and Ceiba exceeding $800,000.
Additionally, Ramos-Hernández is charged with making false statements in relation to a $15,000 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1014. On April 30, 2020, Ramos-Hernández, on behalf of All Market and Bakery LLC, submitted a PPP loan application through a third party, which was approved and disbursed by May 11, 2020. The defendant knowingly used, without lawful authority, the name, address, and signature of a person with initials M.M.T. to submit the application for the PPP loan, therefore engaging in bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1028A and 1344.
If convicted, Ramos-Hernández may be sentenced to a maximum term of imprisonment of five years for each count under 18 U.S.C §§157 and 152 (Bankruptcy Fraud) and a fine of $250,000; a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of $1,000,000 for violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1014 and 1344 (Bank Fraud); up to 30 years for false statement on loan and credit applications; and a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years of imprisonment for each aggravated identity theft count.
“The defendant used bankruptcy proceedings to defraud the United States Trustee Program and creditors to illegally benefit himself,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains vigilant in investigating bankruptcy-related fraud and appreciate the excellent work of the Office of the United States Trustee.”
“Together with U.S. Attorney Muldrow and our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue fraud and abuse in bankruptcy cases,” said U.S. Trustee Mary Ida Townson for Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands (Region 21). “I am thankful for the appointment by the U.S. Attorney of two Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys from our San Juan office that will allow us to prosecute all those who engage in fraudulent conduct.”
The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws.
“Maintaining integrity in bankruptcy proceedings and ensuring eligibility for government benefits are essential to upholding the law and promoting fairness in our society,” stated Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “It is crucial that individuals are truthful in these matters to maintain the integrity of the system and ensure that resources go where they are truly needed. We ask that anyone with information on bankruptcy -or any other fraud scheme- report it by leaving a tip online through tips.fbi.gov or calling 787-987-6500. Here in the FBI we are committed to bringing consequences upon those who insist on mocking our system.”
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney José Capó Iriarte and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney José C. Díaz Vega from the Office of the U.S. Trustee.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Accessory after the Fact. The sentencing took place on August 1, 2024.
Charles Brings Plenty, age 32, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,938.48 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Brings Plenty was indicted for the charges of Second-Degree Murder and False Statement by a federal grand jury in August of 2023. He pleaded guilty to Accessory after the Fact on April 3, 2024.
Brings Plenty and his juvenile codefendant picked up the victim from the East Ridge housing area in Pine Ridge on the evening of April 21, 2023. Brings Plenty and the juvenile defendant went to a fairly isolated area near the Old Sundance Grounds in Pine Ridge. Brings Plenty and the juvenile codefendant were intoxicated. On the way to the Old Sundance Grounds, the death of a relative that Brings Plenty and the juvenile codefendant shared was brought up. Brings Plenty got out of the car and began to question the victim. The juvenile codefendant used the vehicle to assault the victim and then assaulted him with a black baseball bat. Brings Plenty assisted the juvenile codefendant and then left the victim. The victim was reported missing by his family approximately two-weeks later. In July of 2023, the skeletal remains of a human were found north of the Old Sundance Grounds. DNA testing revealed that the remains were that of the victim.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Brings Plenty was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pearl Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-Relief FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Pearl woman pled guilty to carrying out a scheme to defraud the COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
According to court documents, Robbie Reese, 46, fraudulently claimed and received over $1.3 million in federal tax rebates and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds. Reese submitted false Internal Revenue Service tax forms claiming reimbursement for payments to nonexistent employees and false loan documents for PPP loans.
Reese is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi, Supervisory Special Agent Louis Norvell of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and Resident Agent in Charge Kyle Smith of the Secret Service made the announcement.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the Secret Service are investigating the case.
Deputy Criminal Chief Lynn Murray is 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.
Owner of South Gate-Based Tattoo Removal Business Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud Scheme That Recruited ParaplegicsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The owner of a tattoo removal business in South Gate pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for recruiting paraplegics in a health care fraud scheme that netted more than $1.7 million and for cheating on his taxes.
Joseph Tusia, 60, of Leominster, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to a two-count information charging him with health care fraud and tax evasion.
According to his plea agreement, Tusia operated a laser tattoo removal business in South Gate and 10 durable medical equipment supply companies (DMEs) in California, Nevada, and Massachusetts. Tusia controlled the tattoo removal companies and the DMEs but intentionally withheld his name from bank accounts and state registrations to evade tax liability.
On December 30, 2015, Tusia and a co-schemer submitted an application to Anthem Blue Cross (“Anthem”) for a small group health insurance plan. Anthem’s small group plan permitted benefits and health coverage for permanent employees who worked full-time. Despite the eligibility requirements, Tusia caused to be submitted to Anthem the names of nine individuals purported to be full-time employees of Tattoo Removal and a person who was a dependent of the Tusia. None of these purported employees were employed by Tattoo Removal or eligible for health insurance coverage under Tattoo Removal’s plan with Anthem.
According to his plea agreement, Tusia identified the Purported Tattoo Removal Employees from his friends and associates who were paraplegic and required medical supplies, knowing and expecting that the Purported Tattoo Removal Employees would purchase their medical supplies from the DMEs that were controlled by Tusia and his associates.
From March 2016 to June 2020, Tusia and his co-schemers submitted fraudulent claims to Anthem on behalf of the DMEs for medical supplies provided to the purported employees, knowing that none of them were eligible for coverage. As a result of these fraudulent claims, Anthem paid the DMEs controlled by Tusia approximately $1,731,215.
Tusia also admitted in his plea agreement to knowingly and willfully failing to report income he received from the DMEs in tax years 2017 through 2020, totaling more than $1,573,644. Tusia admitted that he failed to pay tax to the IRS and that he took affirmatives steps to evade paying taxes, such as by creating the DMEs and opening bank accounts for the DMEs in the names of his associates and co-schemers.
United States District Judge George Wu scheduled a December 5 sentencing hearing, at which time Tusia will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison on the health care fraud count, and up to five years in federal prison for the tax evasion count.
The United States Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration, the FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Mitchell of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.
Orlando Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Xavier Hernandez-Gerena, (34, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Hernandez-Gerena faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Sentencing is set for October 23, 2024.
According to court records, in July 2022, Hernandez-Gerena was pulled over for a traffic violation as the sole occupant of a vehicle. Sitting near his lap was an unzipped bag that contained a Ruger firearm. Prior to possessing the firearm, Hernandez-Gerena had been convicted in federal court for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. As a convicted felon Hernandez-Gerena was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.
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.
Non-Profit Executive Convicted of Conspiring to Defraud Federal Government and to Obstruct Federal Administrative ProceedingRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that on Friday, August 2, 2024, a jury found ARIE RANGOTT guilty of conspiring to defraud the federal Head Start program, to submit a false document to the federal government, and to obstruct a federal administrative proceeding. RANGOTT was found guilty following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “By secretly exploiting a non-profit entity for personal gain, Arie Rangott defrauded the federal government and undermined the public’s trust in the Head Start program. This Office is committed to pursuing justice against those who place greed above their responsibility to be stewards of federal funds, and I commend our law enforcement partners and the dedicated team of career prosecutors of this Office for their outstanding work.”
According to the Indictment, public court filings, and the evidence presented at trial:
Between 2021 and January 2023, RANGOTT was the shadow executive director of a non-profit entity, Project Social Care Head Start Inc. (“PSCHS”), that operated in the New York City area. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), which administers the federal Head Start program, annually granted to PSCHS millions of dollars that were to be overseen by an independent board of directors, to be used exclusively on the Head Start program, and from which earning a profit is prohibited by law. RANGOTT and others conspired to submit numerous fictitious documents to HHS that fraudulently asserted PSCHS had an independent board of directors and had in place controls to guard against fraud, waste, and abuse. In truth, PSCHS had neither an independent board nor sufficient controls in place. RANGOTT and his co-conspirators used their control over PSCHS to impermissibly direct PSCHS’s Head Start funding to for-profit companies owned by co-conspirators through rampant undisclosed self-dealing.
In December 2021, HHS sent a letter to PSCHS detailing several complaints about self-dealing at PSCHS, among other things. In response, RANGOTT and his co-conspirators prepared and submitted a report to HHS that falsely denied the self-dealing and made other misstatements. Then, in August and September 2022, the HHS Office of the Inspector General opened an investigation into related issues at PSCHS. RANGOTT and his co-conspirators agreed to obstruct that investigation by lying to the investigators, coordinating stories, and submitting false documents.
Several of RANGOTT’s co-conspirators have pled guilty. Among others, Martin Handler and Menachem Lieberman, each of whom secretly controlled PSCHS and directed PSCHS to steer federal funds to their own for-profit companies, pled guilty in March 2024. Isidore Handler, who played a significant role in falsifying documents submitted to HHS, pled guilty in September 2023. All three await sentencing.
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RANGOTT, 54, of Toms River, New Jersey, was convicted of conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to falsify documents and records, and conspiracy to obstruct an agency proceeding. Each of the three offenses carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the HHS Office of the Inspector General. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General and the New York City Department of Investigation for their assistance.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob R. Fiddelman, Catherine Ghosh, Stephanie Simon, and Daniel H. Wolf are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Jayda Foote.
New Jersey Man Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter for 2022 Lehigh Valley Plane Crash That Killed Student PilotRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Philip Everton McPherson II, 36, of Haddon Township, NJ, was charged by indictment with one count of involuntary manslaughter and 40 counts of serving as an airman without a certificate, in connection with a 2022 plane crash in Lehigh County that killed a student pilot.
According to the indictment, on September 28, 2022, McPherson took off as the pilot-in-command of a Piper-28-140 aircraft from Queen City Airport in Allentown, PA, with student pilot K.K. Shortly after takeoff, McPherson crashed the plane, killing K.K.
The indictment alleges that McPherson acted with gross negligence because he knew that he was not competent to safely fly an aircraft as the pilot-in-command. Specifically, McPherson knew that: (1) he was not competent to safely operate the aircraft because he had two prior accidents and almost a third; (2) he failed his September 29, 2021, reexamination for his pilot’s certificate for a lack of demonstrated competence; (3) he voluntarily surrendered his pilot’s certificate on October 7, 2021, acknowledging his lack of competence; and (4) he allowed his Temporary Airman Certificate to expire on November 8, 2021, thus further acknowledging his inability to demonstrate to the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) his competence to fly safely.
The indictment further charges McPherson with 40 counts of illegally serving as the pilot-in-command of an aircraft with passengers while not possessing an FAA pilot’s certificate permitting him to do so. These flights occurred between October 12, 2021, and September 20, 2022.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 128 years’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, a $10.25 million fine, and a $4,100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert W. Schopf and Special Assistant United States Attorney Marie Miller.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Middletown Man Charged with Illegally Possessing MachinegunsRead the Press Release
Wilmington, Del. – A Middletown, Delaware, resident was arrested on August 1, 2024, and charged with illegally possessing machineguns, announced David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware.
According to court documents, Eric Quinn, 36, ordered and received Glock auto sears, also known as “Glock switches,” from China. Glock auto sears are conversion devices designed and created for the sole purpose of converting semi-automatic Glock pistols into fully automatic machineguns. When installed properly, Glock auto sears allow a firearm to expel more than one projectile by a single pull of the trigger, at a rate of approximately 1,200 rounds per minute.
A criminal complaint charges Quinn, who is a convicted felon, with possessing machineguns as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition. If convicted of these charges, Quinn faces a maximum penalty of 15 years of imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security, conducted the investigation in this matter, along with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan C. Williamson is prosecuting 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 are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Manderson Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Anthony Tibbitts, age 40, was sentenced on August 2, 2024, to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Tibbitts was indicted by a federal grand jury in the summer of 2023, and pleaded guilty on April 19, 2024.
Tibbitts’ conviction stemmed from his involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution operation in Rapid City, South Dakota, and on the Pine Ridge Reservation. During this conspiracy, Richard Glover and his significant other, Teresa Goodroad, were the source of supply for Mark Bond and Todd Pape in South Dakota. Bond and Pape would make trips to Colorado to pick up pounds of methamphetamine from Goodroad and Glover. Other times Goodroad and Glover would deliver the drugs to Bond and Pape in South Dakota. Once the drugs were in South Dakota they would be brought to various homes on the Pine Ridge Reservation, including Tibbitts’, where they would be further distributed by multiple individuals, including Tibbitts, Marlena Pond, Chris Janis, Tessie LaForge, Tyler LaForge, and others. All told, between 15 and 45 kilograms of methamphetamine was distributed during the course of this criminal enterprise.
Glover, Goodroad, Bond, Pape, Pond, Janis, and Tessie LaForge were sentenced earlier this summer. Glover received a sentence of 17 years and six months in prison; Goodroad received a sentence of 17 years and six months in prison; Bond received a sentence of 26 years and eight months in prison; Pape received a sentence of 25 years in prison; Pond received a sentence of six years in prison; Janis received a sentence of six years in prison; and Tessie LaForge received a sentence of two years and six months in prison. Tyler LaForge is set for sentencing later this summer.
This case was investigated by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan N. Dilges and Edward Tarbay prosecuted the case.
Tibbitts was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing.
Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Carjacking and Armed Robbery in 2022 Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Deangelo Richardson, 22, of Washington, DC, pleaded guilty on August 2, 2024, to committing an armed carjacking on July 14, 2022 and armed robbery on November 26, 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Richardson pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of armed carjacking and one count of armed robbery. The Honorable Erik Christian scheduled sentencing for November 1, 2024.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 14, 2022, Richardson along with two unidentified co-conspirators committed a series of violent offenses in Washington, D.C., ending with an armed carjacking near the 600 block of Morton Place NE. During the commission of each violent crime, all three assailants covered their faces. Richardson and his unidentified co-conspirators, armed with firearms, attempted to carjack two separate individuals before proceeding to the 600 block of Morton Place NE at approximately 6:49 p.m. Once at the location, they approached the victim who was parking her car at the location. One of the co-conspirators brandished a handgun and stated, “Give me everything!” Richardson and two associates took the victim’s car keys, phone, and credit cards attached to her phone, and other property. Then they took her car. Richardson later used the victim’s credit card at gas stations and a restaurant.
Richardson also pleaded guilty to an armed robbery that took place on November 26, 2022, near the 1300 block of South Carolina Avenue SE. At approximately 7:54 p.m., Richardson parked a car ahead of the victims who were walking their dog after dinner. When the couple walked near his car, the defendant jumped out with a gun and robbed the husband of his phone. Richardson was arrested that evening after a vehicle pursuit.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Carjacking Taskforce Unit. This case was being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Evans and Omeed Assefi.
Man Admits Stealing Guns, Other Items from Farm and Home Store in PotosiRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A Missouri man on Monday admitted stealing firearms and other items from a farm and home store in Potosi, Missouri in 2021.
Gregory Snyder, 45, of Bismarck, in St. Francois County, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and possession of body armor by a violent felon.
He admitted in his guilty plea that he hid in the store on Sept. 19, 2021. He emerged after closing time to steal power tools, camping gear and 13 guns, including eight rifles and five shotguns. Snyder loaded the guns and some of the other stolen goods in his car, and then took them to a river in eastern Washington County. He returned early the next morning for more, but by then, Potosi Police Department officers had spotted evidence of the burglary. They stopped and questioned Snyder, who no longer had the stolen goods in his car. They arrested Snyder later that day. He denied being involved in the burglary but was drinking a Mountain Dew that had been stolen from the store. He was also wearing clothing matching that worn by the burglar and had stolen Kevlar vests in his car.
Two of the shotguns have been recovered. The other guns are among more than $12,000 in stolen goods that remain missing.
Snyder is scheduled to be sentenced November 6.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Potosi Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Nino Przulj is prosecuting the case. Anyone with information about the stolen firearms is asked to contact the ATF at 314-768-3120 or online at https://www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips or the Potosi Police at 573-438-5468.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Man Admits St. Louis CarjackingRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri on Monday admitted carjacking and robbing two people in St. Louis, Missouri in 2023.
Bradley C. McKinney, 35, pleaded guilty to carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and possession of a machine gun. McKinney admitted as part of his plea agreement that shortly after midnight on July 29, 2023, he and an accomplice were both armed with handguns when they approached two people who had just exited a 2015 Chevy Cruze near the intersection of 16th Street and Lucas Avenue. The robbers rummaged through the victims’ pockets and took the keys to the Cruze and other valuables. McKinney’s associates pulled up in a white GMC Terrain and McKinney got into the Cruze with another accomplice. Both vehicles then sped off.
After the victims called police, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) found footage of the vehicles crossing into Illinois. Investigators identified the GMC Terrain and put out a “wanted” for both vehicles. Later that morning, the Cruze was found abandoned in East St. Louis with the key still in the ignition.
About 25 hours after the carjacking, the RTCC received a license plate recognition hit for the GMC Terrain, and officers used a spike strip to deflate several tires. McKinney was the driver and sole occupant. In plain view beneath the driver seat, officers noticed a black Glock 17 handgun with an extended magazine and an auto-sear, or “switch,” installed, making it a machinegun. McKinney admitted owning the fully automatic Glock, knowing that he was a convicted felon and prohibited from doing so.
McKinney is scheduled to be sentenced November 6. Both sides have agreed to recommend a sentence of 19 years in prison.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the East St. Louis Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Zachary Bluestone is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Lynn Man Sentenced for Counterfeit Pill Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was sentenced today in federal court for his role in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Nelson Mora, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 44 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Mora was among 23 individuals charged in October 2022 in connection with a wide-ranging conspiracy to traffic counterfeit prescription pills. The defendants were subsequently indicted along with two additional alleged co-conspirators in December 2022. Two additional defendants were indicted for money laundering in connection with the drug conspiracy in April 2024. The DTO distributed counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, among other things, to various individuals in the Lynn area. Mora is the sixth defendant to be sentenced in the case.Co-defendant, Lawrence Michael Nagle, distributed controlled substances to a small network of individuals who would then redistribute the drugs to other traffickers, including Mora, who also had access to a pill press machine which he used to create counterfeit pills. In 2022, Mora sold 2,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer. In October 2022 several hundred pharmaceutical grade oxycodone pills were recovered during a search of Mora’s residence.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and the Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan D. Panich of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuted the case.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.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lexington Brothers Sentenced for Money Laundering Conspiracy Involving Luxury CarsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Two Lexington men, Hussein Qasim, 34, and Ibrahim Qasim, 29, were sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to 57 months and 45 months, respectively, for their roles in a money laundering conspiracy. Hussein and Ibrahim Qasim were also each ordered to pay $3,274,690 in restitution.
According to their plea agreements, the Qasims’ co-conspirators, who lived outside the United States, targeted luxury car dealerships via email and phone calls in which they impersonated real employees of other dealerships. The co-conspirators would deceive the luxury car dealerships into purchasing expensive vehicles that the co-conspirators did not own and would not deliver. At the co-conspirators’ direction, the luxury car dealership victims sent payments to specific bank accounts opened by the Qasims, who then collected the money and transferred it through a sophisticated web of financial transactions, which eventually ended with investments, payments for personal expenditures, and payments to accounts outside the United States, often in crypto-currency, for the benefit of the co-conspirators.
Between June 2022 and December 2023, the Qasims and other co-conspirators were responsible for laundering over $6 million in victim funds, which had been sent from at least seven different luxury car dealerships across the country.
Under federal law, the Qasims must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon their release from prison, they will both be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Robert Holman, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Labor union president arrested for embezzling over $280,000 in union fundsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 41-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been taken into federal custody for alleged embezzlement from a local labor union, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Authorities have arrested Robert Cirilo. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby at 9:45 a.m. Aug. 6.
According to the indictment returned July 31, Cirilo was the president of the United Steelworkers Local 13-1647 in Corpus Christi. While serving in that role, he allegedly used a union debit card to make approximately 430 unauthorized personal purchases and ATM cash withdrawals.
The indictment charges Cirilo with 13 counts of wire fraud and one count of embezzlement from a labor organization.
If convicted, Cirilo faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine on each of the wire fraud counts. He also faces up to five years and up to a $10,000 fine upon conviction of embezzlement.
The FBI and Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management Standards conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Foster and John Marck are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Kyle Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on August 1, 2024.
Rudolfo Ceron III, 26, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Ceron will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Ceron was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor by a federal grand jury in October of 2023. He pleaded guilty on April 5, 2024.
The conviction stems from Ceron, who was 25 years old at the time of the assault, raping a 13-year-old girl. In sentencing Ceron to 14 years in prison, Chief Judge Lange noted a need to protect the public and provide both punishment and deterrence.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Ceron was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in MichiganRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in several communities in western Michigan for the Aug. 5 primary election. The department will monitor in Allegan County (Clyde Township and the City of Fennville) and Van Buren County (Covert Township).
The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Act and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.
Justice Department Statements on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia's Decision in U.S. v GoogleRead the Press Release
The Justice Department issued the following statements from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, regarding the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia’s decision in United States v. Google:
“This victory against Google is an historic win for the American people,” said Attorney General Garland. “No company — no matter how large or influential — is above the law. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce our antitrust laws.”
“This landmark decision holds Google accountable. It paves the path for innovation for generations to come and protects access to information for all Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Kanter. “This victory is a reflection on the tireless efforts of the dedicated public servants at the Antitrust Division and our state law enforcement partners whose work made today’s decision possible.”
Justice Department Secures Settlement of Lawsuit Alleging Illegal Premerger Coordination by Legends Hospitality in Connection with its Acquisition of ASM GlobalRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today filed a civil lawsuit and announced a proposed settlement with Legends Hospitality Parent Holdings LLC (Legends) for an alleged violation of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (HSR Act).
As alleged in the department’s complaint, Legends engaged in illegal premerger coordination in connection with its proposed acquisition of ASM Global Inc. (ASM) by exercising operational control over aspects of ASM during the HSR waiting period involving venue management services for an arena in California.
“Companies must remain separate and independent before they close their merger. Our complaint alleges that Legends did not live up to that obligation,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Andrew Forman of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The proposed settlement requires Legends to pay a meaningful civil penalty and imposes significant obligations to try to ensure that Legends complies with the law moving forward. I commend our tremendous investigative teams who remain vigilant in trying to ensure that there is no improper coordination between parties before closing.”
The civil antitrust lawsuit against Legends for an HSR Act violation was filed in the Southern District of New York. At the same time, the department filed a proposed final judgment that, if approved by the court, would resolve the department’s lawsuit. The HSR Act prohibits companies from improperly combining operations or other aspects of their businesses before expiration of the required HSR Act waiting period.
Under the terms of the proposed settlement, among other things, Legends must pay a $3.5 million civil penalty, refrain from certain conduct, appoint an Antitrust Compliance Officer, implement an antitrust training and compliance program and submit regular compliance reporting to the department.
Legends is a global venue services company headquartered in New York.
ASM is a venue management and services company headquartered in Los Angeles.
As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed consent decree, along with the competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any person may submit written comments concerning the proposed consent decrees during a 60-day comment period to Chief Owen Kendler of the Antitrust Division’s Financial Services, Fintech, and Banking Section at 450 Fifth Street NW, Suite 4000, Washington, D.C. 20530. At the conclusion of the 60-day comment period, the District Court for the Southern District of New York may enter the final judgment upon finding it is in the public interest.
The claims resolved by the resolution announced today are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Jodi Lathrop Sentenced to 15 Months of Imprisonment for Fraud, Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Jodi Lathrop, 55, of Bristol, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Burlington to 15 months of imprisonment following her guilty plea to charges of wire fraud and federal tax evasion. U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered that Lathrop pay restitution totaling approximately $479,000, pay a fine of $15,000, and serve a two-year period of supervised release following completion of her prison term. The court directed Lathrop to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on September 10, 2024 to begin serving her sentence.
In 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 19-count indictment charging Lathrop with 11 counts of mail and wire fraud; four counts of personal tax evasion; and four counts of aiding the preparation of false corporate tax returns. Lathrop pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion last December. In pleading guilty, Lathrop admitted that between 2014 and 2020, while serving as office manager and bookkeeper for Claire Lathrop Band Mill, Inc., a logging and woodchipping business in Bristol, she engaged in a scheme to embezzle from the business. Lathrop executed the scheme by using company credit cards to make personal purchases of goods and services; by using company funds to pay the personal credit card obligations of Lathrop and other family members; and by using company money to pay for other personal expenses. Lathrop concealed the embezzlement in several ways. Lathrop falsely recorded the unauthorized checks in CLBM’s books as checks for legitimate business expenses, wrote false notes on some checks so they appeared to be for legitimate business expenses, and caused CLBM to file false tax returns which falsely deducted Lathrop’s personal expenses as legitimate business expenses.
This case was investigated by the Vermont office of IRS-Criminal Investigation and by Homeland Security Investigations.
Lathrop was represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq. The prosecutor was Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Waples.
Iowa Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux City, Iowa, woman convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. The sentencing took place on July 29, 2024.
Sara Raquel Torres, age 38, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Torres was indicted by a federal grand jury in April of 2023. She pleaded guilty on May 15, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 11, 2023, when Torres began communicating with someone who Torres thought was interested in buying methamphetamine from her, but turned out to be an undercover law enforcement agent. Torres set up a deal to sell one to two pounds of methamphetamine to the undercover agent. On her way to make the deal, Torres was stopped by the South Dakota Highway Patrol who, after searching her vehicle, found approximately 943 grams of methamphetamine and a handgun. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Torres was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Harrison County man charged with federal firearms violationsRead the Press Release
MARSHALL, Texas – A Marshall man has been arrested and charged in connection with federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Cameron Deshun Payton, 22 was named in a three-count indictment in the Eastern District of Texas in June 2024, charging him with possession of a machine gun, possession of an unregistered firearm, and felon in possession of a firearm. Payton appeared in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Roy Payne in late July 2024, and was ordered to be detained until trial.
“In June, I announced Operation Texas Kill Switch, a statewide initiative targeting illegal machinegun conversion devices, commonly known as switches,” stated U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. “As promised, my office and our law enforcement partners will find these devices and take them off of the streets.”
“Mr. Payton is now about to face the music as it relates to the illegal possession of machine gun conversion devices. Several months ago, ATF and our four Texas United States Attorney partners announced Operation Texas Kill Switch to combat the scary proliferation of these dangerous devices. These are not toys and will not by treated as such by law enforcement. I’d like to thank all of our partners, especially those in this case, for their diligence in the fight against violent firearms crime. Mr. Payton now knows these partnerships are real and are here to stay,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.
“Mr. Payton’s arrest marks a significant step in addressing the rampant violent crimes within our community. His involvement in multiple car chases, deadly conduct with firearms, and the pending charge of sexual assault of a child highlights the urgency and importance of our collaborative efforts. I commend the relentless dedication of the Joint Harrison County Violent Crime & Narcotics Task Force, our officers in Marshall, the ATF, and the FBI. Together, we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment to justice and the safety of our citizens,” stated Marshall Police Department Chief Cliff Carruth.
According to information presented in court, on April 16, 2024, law enforcement arrived at Payton’s Marshall residence to serve outstanding felony warrants for sexual assault of a child and evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement found photographs of Payton with a pistol with an alleged machinegun conversion device, also referred to as a switch, installed. The weapon was located in Payton’s residence at the time of his arrest.
At only about an inch long, switches may be made of metal or plastic and can be manufactured using a 3D printer. They generally slot into the butt of a gun and allow the shooter to fire in “full auto.” Switches have been used in numerous fatal shootings, and law enforcement are finding them at a dramatically increasing rate in recent months.
If convicted, Payton faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive strategies to address them. Among these strategies is ‘Operation Texas Kill Switch.’ Operation Texas Kill Switch is aimed at raising awareness of illegal machine gun conversion devices, which pose a serious threat to East Texas communities and law enforcement.
From now until Aug. 31, local Crime Stoppers programs will offer cash rewards for information leading to the apprehension or prosecution of those who possess switches or 3D printers being used to manufacture them. To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters must provide information to their local Crime Stoppers program. Tipsters may also use **TIPS to be connected to a Crime Stoppers program in their area. Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, and anonymity is guaranteed by law. Information may also be submitted directly to ATF at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips.
This case is being investigated by the Marshall Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Texas Department of Public Safety and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Farahnak.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Gilmer County Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Duncan Currie Canter, age 30, of Glenville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 170 months in federal prison for methamphetamine and firearms convictions.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Canter was working with others to distribute methamphetamine in Gilmer County. A semi-automatic pistol was located in Cantor’s vehicle during a traffic stop. At the time, Canter was on supervised release due to a prior methamphetamine conviction in the Northern District of West Virginia and was prohibited from possessing firearms. After the traffic stop, United States Probation Officers conducted a visit to Cantor’s home and discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Canter has an extensive criminal history, including drug trafficking, which caused him to be classified and sentenced as a career offender. Canter will also serve 21 months in prison for a violation of his supervised release status at the time of the crime. He will be on an additional three years of supervised release following this prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Five Charged with Operating Cockfighting Events in Inland EmpireRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – Four Inland Empire residents have been arrested on a federal criminal complaint alleging they organized and ran cockfighting events in San Bernardino County.
The following defendants, who were arrested Sunday at a cockfighting event, are charged with aiding, abetting, inducing, and willfully causing another person to sponsor and exhibit an animal in an animal fighting venture and are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon in United States District Court in Riverside:
- Isidro Chaparro Sanchez, 59, of Corona;
- Luis Octavio Angulo, 61, of Rialto;
- Sergio Jimenez Maldonado, 51, of San Bernardino; and
- Eva Anilu Pastor Uriostegui, 53, of Moreno Valley.
Law enforcement is looking for Cirilo Esquivel Alcantar, 56, of San Bernardino, who also is charged in this case.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, the defendants organized and facilitated cockfighting events in Muscoy. The defendants held events on Sundays during the cockfighting “season,” which generally runs from January to August. Individuals brought roosters to fight (i.e., cockfighters) and spectators attended the events, which at times drew more than 100 attendees.
Attendees parked – at the cost of $20 – at a different location nearly one mile away from the event location. Attendees were then shuttled to the cockfighting location, where they paid another fee – usually $40 – to enter the arena where the cockfights took place. Attendees could also place bets on the cockfights and participate in a raffle.
Cockfighters paid a fee to enter their roosters into fights – $1,000 for four roosters – and then entered the fighting arena with their roosters when it is their turn to fight. Several cockfights took place on a given day. Before the fights, a sharp blade, known as a “gaff” and usually curved and approximately 1.5 inches in length, was often attached to each rooster’s leg. At times, the fights ended in the death of one or both roosters.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted, the defendants would each face a statutory maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.
The FBI is investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Cory L. Burleson of the Riverside Branch Office and Dennis Mitchell of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section are prosecuting this case.
Essex County Man Sentenced to 440 Months in Prison for His Role in Three Murders in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County man was sentenced to 440 months in prison for his role in three murders in furtherance of a large-scale narcotics enterprise, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Leevander Wade, 44, of East Orange, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz on Feb. 22, 2024, to racketeering conspiracy. Judge Farbiarz imposed the sentence on Aug. 1, 2024, in Newark federal court.
According to court documents and evidence presented in court:
In February 2018, the drug enterprise’s leader, Michael Healy, found out that one of his conspirators in the drug trafficking enterprise was providing information about the DTE to law enforcement. Healy ordered members of the Bloods in East Orange to kill the informant, referenced in the indictment as “A.S.” At the time, Wade was a manager in the enterprise and ran a series of “stash” houses in Essex County used to package heroin and fentanyl for street-level distribution.
Wade – who shared a close relationship with one of the leaders of the East Orange Bloods – assisted Healy in contracting the East Orange Bloods to carry out the murder of the informant. On Feb. 3, 2018, members of the East Orange Bloods, acting on Healy and Wade’s behalf, shot and killed a bystander, believing the bystander was the informant. At the time of his death, the bystander was parked outside of the informant’s residence in Bloomfield, New Jersey, in a vehicle that appeared similar to the one that the informant drove. Realizing they killed the wrong person, Healy ordered the Bloods to finish the job. On March 12, 2018, in Bloomfield, the conspirators killed the informant while he was walking his dog in the area of his residence. On April 6, 2018, believing that another member of the enterprise – identified in the indictment as “J.C.” – might also pose a risk to the enterprise, Healy shot and killed “J.C.” in Newark. Wade drove Healy to and from the murder scene, and then helped to destroy evidence by hiring someone to burn the vehicle.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Farbiarz sentenced Wade to five years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $6,223.
Thomas Zimmerman, Tyquan Daniels, and Ali Hill – all members of the Brick City Brims subset of the Bloods street gang in East Orange – previously pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy for their respective roles in the murders of the bystander and A.S. Zimmerman was sentenced on July 6, 2023, to 37 years in prison; Daniels was sentenced on July 6, 2023, to 35 years in prison; and Hill was sentenced on July 6, 2023, to 25 years in prison.
On April 3, 2024, Healy was convicted after a jury trial of multiple counts of murder in aid of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, and various gun and drug offenses. Healy is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 1, 2024. He faces multiple mandatory life sentences.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of special agent in charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the East Orange Police Department; and the Montclair Police Department.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Robert L. Frazer and Samantha C. Fasanello, Chief of the OCDETF Unit.
Erie Man Convicted at Trial of Brokering the Illegal Transfer of Fully Automatic Machineguns, Including One with an Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After deliberating for four hours, a federal jury on August 2, 2024, found Erie, Pennsylvania, resident Joseph Leonard Stratton-Kiehlmeier guilty of one count of aiding and abetting the transfer of unregistered fully automatic firearms, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Stratton-Kiehlmeier, 36, was tried before Senior United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone in Pittsburgh.
According to evidence presented during the four-day trial, in January 2020, law enforcement learned that Stratton-Kiehlmeier was offering to broker the sale and transfer of illegal, unregistered machineguns. Those firearms – a Yugo rifle with an obliterated serial number and a Tikkakoski submachine gun – were both operable and fully automatic. Pursuant to the National Firearms Act, machineguns must be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. In January 2020, a confidential source, acting under the direction and supervision of federal law enforcement, traveled with Stratton-Kiehlmeier to a barn in Erie County to receive the illegal weapons. During the meeting, which was recorded, the source paid $2,000 for the machineguns, which he turned over to law enforcement after the meeting.
“Joseph Stratton-Kiehlmeier brokered the unlawful sale and transfer of two fully automatic machineguns—weapons that are capable of unleashing devastating violence with a single pull of the trigger,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “The defendant sought to fuel the dangerous black market in illicit firearms, indifferent to who was acquiring these unregistered weapons and what they might do with them. This conduct poses a grave danger to the citizens of Western Pennsylvania, and our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to take these illegal weapons off of our streets.”
“High-powered weapons in the hands of criminals endangers our community and increases the risk for deadly violence,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Public safety is a shared mission, and the FBI and our partners stand committed to protecting the lives of innocent citizens everywhere.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Molly W. Anglin and Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for December 2, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Erie Area Gang Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Safe Streets Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stratton-Kiehlmeier. A specialist from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also testified during the trial.
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 of Justice 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.
El Departamento de Justicia monitoreará el cumplimiento de las leyes federales de derechos electorales en MichiganRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que monitoreará el cumplimiento con las leyes federales electorales en varias comunidades en la región oeste de Michigan en las elecciones primarias del 5 de agosto. El Departamento monitoreará en Allegan County (Clyde Township y la ciudad de Fennville) y en Van Buren County (Covert Township).
El Departamento de Justicia hace cumplir las leyes federales de derechos electorales que protegen el derecho de acceso a las urnas de todos los ciudadanos. El Departamento envía su personal periódicamente a monitorear el cumplimiento con las leyes federales de derechos civiles en las elecciones de comunidades a través de todo el país. Además, la División de Derechos Civiles envía observadores federales de la Oficina de Administración de Personal de EE. UU., según autorizado por una orden judicial federal.
La Sección de Votación de la División de Derechos Civiles, en colaboración con las Oficinas de los Fiscales Federales, vela por el cumplimiento de las leyes federales civiles que protegen el derecho al voto, incluyendo la Ley del Derecho al Voto, la Ley Nacional de Inscripción de Votantes, la Ley Ayudemos a Estados Unidos a Votar, y la Ley de Votación para los Uniformados y los Ciudadanos en el Extranjero.
Información adicional sobre la votación y las elecciones está disponible en el sitio web del Departamento de Justicia en Civil Rights Division | Sección de votación | United States Department of Justice. Denuncias relacionadas a posibles vulneraciones de las leyes federales de derechos electorales pueden presentarse mediate el formulario en línea de la División de Derechos Civiles en Comuníquese con la División de Derechos Civiles | Departamento de Justicia (justice.gov) (disponible en español) o por teléfono al (800) 253-3931.
Court Sentences Brewton Man to 60 Months Imprisonment for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – On August 2, 2024, United States District Court Judge, Kristi K. DuBose sentenced Michael Anthony Woods II to 60 months imprisonment for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Documents filed with the court established that on May 1, 2023, officers with the Brewton Police Department had had an active arrest warrant for Woods for violation of a protection order. During the execution of the arrest warrant, at Woods’s home in Brewton, Woods ran from the officers but was captured and arrested.
While at the scene of the arrest officers looked through the windshield of a Dodge Charger “Scat-Pack” parked in the driveway that they had seen Woods retrieve something from just before the arrest. Officers were able to see drugs in the vehicle. A later full search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a total of approximately 608 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine. The powder cocaine was still in the form of what was left of a kilogram brick.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of Brewton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – The lead defendant in a firearms trafficking case was sentenced to 67 months’ imprisonment, three years supervised release, and the forfeiture of multiple firearms.
Leslie Eugene Gittoes, 53, of Ontario, California, also known as “Big Craze,” was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge David Sam, after he pleaded guilty in February 2024 to conspiracy to travel interstate with intent to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
According to court documents and statements made at the change of plea hearing, from September 2020 to August 2021, Gittoes and his coconspirators, who have been sentenced or awaiting sentencing, intentionally agreed to violate federal firearms laws by conspiring to travel interstate from Utah to California with the intent to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. Gittoes admitted he provided monetary compensation to Israel Luis Gonzalez, 60, of Roy, Utah, Emmette James Kibodeaux, 48, of Clearfield, Utah, and Taiesha Ann Kibodeaux, 40, of Clearfield, Utah, in exchange for firearms. Gittoes further admitted that the conspiracy involved 25 to 99 firearms.
According to court documents, the case was initiated after a 2021 shooting between rival gangs in Ontario, California. The investigation revealed that firearms were transferred from purchasers in Utah to restricted persons, including gang members in the Los Angeles and San Bernadino, California areas. Several firearms were recovered in California and one of the involved firearms was utilized in a gang-related shooting which resulted in death.
Taiesha Ann Kibodeaux and Emmette James Kibodeaux were sentenced in March 2024. The court sentenced Taiesha to 60 months’ probation and Emmette was sentenced to 52 months’ imprisonment. Gonzalez is scheduled to be sentenced September 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in courtroom 8.3 at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
The case was investigated by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Riverside Field Office with assistance from the Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Victoria K. McFarland and Samuel S. Pead of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah 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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 45 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution and Gun Possession CrimesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Kendrick Watson, 44, of Memphis, has been sentenced to 540 months in federal prison after being convicted by a federal jury of multiple drug distribution and firearm offenses. Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, law enforcement officers intercepted a package containing cocaine sent from Houston, Texas and set for delivery to Watson’s residence. After a search of the residence, officers found fentanyl, methamphetamine, drug-distribution materials and proceeds, multiple firearms, ammunition, and gun magazines. In February 2024, a federal jury found Watson guilty of one count of possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, three counts of possession of a gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and three counts of possession of a gun as a convicted felon.
The conviction mandated a 300-month sentence, consecutive to any other sentence, based on Watson’s prior conviction for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Watson was also designated as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines due to his prior convictions for a crime of violence and controlled substance offenses in Memphis. On August 1, 2024, United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Watson to a total of 45 years of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration - Memphis Resident Office and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory Allen and Naya Bedini, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated this case.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Charleston Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Evan Riley Bucci, 23, of Charleston, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of production of child pornography* and one count of possession of child pornography.
Evidence presented to the court showed that in 2022 law enforcement was alerted that Bucci had been seeking out minors on social media apps, such as Omegle and Instagram, and was engaging in sexually explicit conversations centering around bondage and sexual servitude. There were multiple female victims ranging in age from 12 to 16 years old. Bucci cultivated relationships with these minors, gained their trust, and then coerced them into sending him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. Bucci would threaten to harm or kidnap the child’s family members if they did not send the materials.
United States District Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Bucci to 240 months' imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Bucci was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his crimes.
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, with valuable assistance the Steamboat Springs, Colorado Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Orville is prosecuting the case.
HSI’s Know2Protect: Together We Can Stop Online Child Exploitation campaign offers valuable resources to combat the escalating crisis of online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Visit www.dhs.gov/know2protect to learn strategies to stop future victimization.
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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 material” as the more accurate terminology.
Burlington Man Sentenced to 11 Months in Prison in Pharmacy BurglaryRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 5, 2024, Manuel Francis, 48, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 11 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a two-year term of supervised release. Francis previously pleaded guilty to burglary of a pharmacy.
According to court records, late in the night on January 5, 2023, Francis broke into the Lakeside Pharmacy on Pearl Street, in Burlington, Vermont. Francis broke through the window of the pharmacy’s back door and kicked his way through the drywall to access the stock area where he stole: 37 60-mg tablets of buprenorphine; 55 packets of various dosages of Suboxone (buprenorphine); one vial of testosterone; and more than 400 tablets of various doses of clonazepam.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Burlington Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Colin Owyang. Francis was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino.
Aryan Brotherhood Prison Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pat Brady, 53, of Lake Forest, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to life in prison for murder in aid of racketeering, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between 2011 and 2016, Aryan Brotherhood (AB) members and associates engaged in racketeering activity, committing multiple acts involving murder, conspiracies to murder, and drug trafficking crimes. AB members oversaw a significant heroin and methamphetamine trafficking operation from their California prison cells using smuggled cellphones to direct drug trafficking activities, order murders, and oversee other criminal activities inside and outside of the prisons.
According to Brady’s plea agreement, on July 28, 2018, Brady murdered an inmate at High Desert Prison as part of an AB-related killing. Brady admitted that he committed the murder because the victim falsely claimed to be an AB member and had run up a significant drug debt at his previous prison — both violations of the AB’s expected codes of conduct. Brady willfully, deliberately, and with premeditation, murdered the victim in order to maintain his status within the gang.
On Jan. 17, 2024, Brady’s co-defendant in the murder, Jason Corbett, 52, pleaded guilty to the same murder in aid of racketeering. His sentencing is set for Nov. 25, 2024.
In April 2024, following a nine-week trial, a federal jury found three of Brady’s co-defendants guilty of RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to murder, murder in aid of racketeering, and multiple counts of drug trafficking. Ronald Yandell, 61, Danny Troxell, 71, and Billy Sylvester, 55, are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Mueller on Sept. 11, 2024.
Charges are pending against Kevin MacNamara, 44, of La Palma, and Kathleen Nolan, 69, of Calimesa. A status conference is set for Sept. 23, 2024. The charges against them are only allegations; they are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Vallejo Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt, Ross Pearson, and David Spencer are prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Another charged with selling fentanyl resulting in death in LaredoRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 31-year-old former resident of Laredo for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl which caused the death of another, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Authorities have arrested Rene Antonio Melendez in Appleton, Wisconsin. He will make his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, after which authorities will transport him to Laredo for all subsequent proceedings.
The three-count indictment, returned July 9, alleges Melendez conspired with other people to distribute fentanyl, a schedule II controlled substance, to another individual March 11, 2023. That person subsequently died after using the drug, according to the charges.
The indictment also charges Melendez with one count of distributing fentanyl that resulted in death as well as one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
If convicted, Melendez faces up life in federal prison as well as a possible $1 million maximum fine.
Melendez is the third federal indictment in Laredo in the last year charging someone with distributing fentanyl resulting in death. There others were in August 2023 and December 2023.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew and Leslie Cortez are prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. 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.
More information on the dangers of fentanyl can be found on the DEA’s website. #OnePillCanKill
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
3 August 2024
Omaha Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Firearm ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Alejandro Escamilla, 50, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced August 2, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, for his involvement in a methamphetamine and firearm conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Escamilla to 224 months’ imprisonment. Escamilla also agreed to the forfeiture of $9,594 and a 2014 Kawasaki Motorcycle. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On July 27, 2022, law enforcement made arrangements to buy meth from Escamilla. A controlled buy was completed and Escamilla sold law enforcement one pound of meth. During the controlled buy, Escamilla utilized his 2015 Kawasaki motorcycle to facilitate the drug deal. On December 14, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant of Escamilla’s residence in Omaha. Law enforcement seized $9,594 in United States currency from Escamilla’s bedroom. This currency is derived from drug proceeds and was utilized to facilitate Escamilla’s drug trafficking activities. Law enforcement also seized a Ruger handgun and multiple boxes of ammunition from the same bedroom. In a detached garage, law enforcement seized 62 pounds of meth. Escamilla admitted to law enforcement that the 62 pounds of meth was what was left over from the 120 pounds he received in a shipment roughly two weeks prior.
This case was investigated by the DEA.
Mexican National Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Brayan De La Cruz Cuahutzihua, age 24, of Ixtapaluca, Mexico, was sentenced August 2, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Cauhutzihua to 168 months’ imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment Cauhutzihua will be deported to Mexico as he is not a United States citizen.
On October 27, 2022, the FBI utilized a confidential informant who purchased one pound of meth from Cauhutzihua in the back parking lot of the Nebraska Furniture Mart located at 72nd Street, Omaha, NE. Cauhutzihua was accompanied by codefendants Francis C. Murillo and Jesus Manuel Sauceeda Perea when they arrived at the meet location in the same vehicle.
On March 03, 2023, agents obtained a federal search warrant for the defendants’ South Omaha residence that resulted in the discovery of approximately six pounds of meth, 19 pounds of marijuana, $41,784.00 in drug proceeds, and multiple cellular devices. The money has since been administratively forfeited to the government.
Murillo and Sauceeda Perea are awaiting trial at a date yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
2 August 2024
Woman Charged with Attempted Smuggling of Protected TurtlesRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on August 1, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment charging a Chinese woman, alleging she attempted to smuggle eastern box turtles, a protected wildlife species, from the United States to Canada for the illegal global pet trade.
Wan Yee Ng, 41, of Hong Kong, is charged with attempting to export merchandise contrary to law. Her arraignment has not yet been scheduled.
According to an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint in this case, Ng, a Chinese national living in Canada, came to the attention of the United States Border Patrol at the Beecher Falls Station in Canaan, Vermont, after repeatedly renting the same Vermont residence on Lake Wallace, an international body of water that has been used for human and narcotic smuggling. The United States Border Patrol also discerned that Ng’s husband was renting a separate property on the lake in Canada at the same time.
On the morning of June 26, 2024, agents observed Ng begin to prepare an inflatable kayak near the water’s edge and carry a duffle bag from the rented residence to the kayak. During this time the Royal Canadian Mounted Police notified agents that two individuals, one of which was believed to be Ng’s spouse, had launched an inflatable watercraft on the Canadian side of Lake Wallace and began to paddle south toward the United States. Before she could leave the shore, agents intercepted Ng and detained her for suspected smuggling activity. Agents then observed, through a partially opened zipper on the duffle bag, what appeared to be socks that were moving. Further inspection revealed the bag contained 29 turtles that were individually wrapped in socks to protect their shells and so they could not move. The turtles were preliminarily identified by a United States Fish and Wildlife Special Agent as eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina).
U.S. Border PatrolPhoto of box turtles, from the complaint in case U.S. v. Wan Yee Ng. Credit: USBP
The eastern box turtle is a subspecies of the common box turtle and is native to forested regions of the eastern United States with some isolated populations in the Midwest. Turtles with colorful markings are especially prized in the domestic and foreign pet trade market, particularly in China and Hong Kong. These animals are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement to protect fish, wildlife and plants that are or may become threatened with extinction. The United States and Canada are parties to this agreement. Smuggling wild turtles in violation of international protocols can seriously harm wildlife and undermine conservation efforts. Confiscated turtles are often in poor health and may need to be quarantined to reduce the risk of spreading disease.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Ng is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Ng faces up to 10 years if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and their seamless cooperation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti with assistance from Senior Counsel for Wildlife Programs Elinor Colbourn of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section. Ng is represented by Mark Kaplan, Esq.
Washington man who scammed pandemic relief programs sentenced to over five years in prisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Washington man was sentenced today to five years and three months in prison for wire fraud.
According to court documents, from at least June 2020 through at least June 2021, Clayton Rosenberg, aka Kenneth Clayton and Kobe, 31, and his co-conspirators submitted fraudulent applications to defraud multiple COVID-19 relief programs. Rosenberg used these stolen funds to increase his typical lifestyle, including luxury vehicle purchases and $1,800 for beard care products.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided emergency financial assistance expeditiously to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for such expenses as making payroll payments to remain afloat. Federal programs also expanded unemployment insurance (UI) eligibility and increased unemployment benefits during the pandemic to assist those who lost their jobs or were otherwise unable to work through no fault of their own.
Rosenberg and his co-conspirators prepared and submitted at least 16 fraudulent PPP loan applications for businesses or purported businesses. In the applications, Rosenberg and his co-conspirators grossly inflated employee numbers and monthly payroll costs. They also created and submitted false tax returns and fake bank statements in support of the applications.
After the financial institutions approved and funded the loan applications, the business owners would share the loan proceeds with Rosenberg and his co-conspirators. During this time, Rosenberg and a co-conspirator controlled various shell companies to which the business owners often would transfer a percentage of the PPP loan proceeds. The payout of these fraudulent PPP loans and the wire fraud conspiracy caused a total loss of at least $9.3 million, of which Rosenberg received at least $1,666,290.
Rosenberg and his co-conspirators also submitted fraudulent UI applications using other individuals' personal identifying information (PII) that they obtained online. The benefits were issued on prepaid debit cards mailed to addresses the conspirators listed on the applications. Along with individuals' PII, the conspirators included false information in the applications and certifications, including false employment and wage history as well as false contact information. Rosenberg applied for and received over $110,308 in UI and pandemic unemployment assistance benefits.
Rosenberg also possessed device-making equipment in his residence, including equipment to create fraudulent documents, black check paper, card stock for IDs, holograms used for passports and driver licenses, at least six fraudulent Social Security cards, and at least eight fake driver licenses. Rosenberg made at least two fake Burkina Faso passports and at least one unauthorized United States passport.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division; Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Washington Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill of the Social Security Administration (SSA) - Office of Inspector General (OIG) Philadelphia Field Division; Charles “Andy” Penn, Arlington County Chief of Police; Troy W. Springer, Special Agent in Charge, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Jason J. Scalzo, Special Agent in Charge of the Electronic Crimes Unit for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen Robeson and Zachary H. Ray prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-61.
U.S. District Judge Sentences Three Men from Central Arkansas to Federal Prison on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK— Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentencing of Terry Lydell Cook, Derrick Owens, and Howard Jerome Jenkins, to be incarcerated in federal prison on firearm related charges. All three defendants illegally possessed firearms after being convicted of numerous violent offenses and drug offenses, including domestic batteries, attempted rape, and robbery. The sentences for Cook, Owens, and Jenkins of 120 months, 102 months, and 96 months, respectively, were handed down on Wednesday by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
Terry Lydell Cook, 33, Little Rock, Arkansas
Cook, a previously convicted felon, was indicted on March 2, 2022, in a one-count indictment for possession of a firearm by a felon. On June 2, 2023, Cook pled guilty to the charge in the indictment.
On March 27, 2021, the Little Rock Police Department was dispatched to a residence after reports of a shooting. When police arrived, witnesses stated that Cook was involved in physical altercation with a female, causing visible injury, and fired multiple shots in the air from a handgun. A witness stated Cook had a handgun and was threatening to shoot whoever drove up to the house. Cook was gone when police arrived.
After investigation, the Little Rock Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Cook. On April 2, 2021, officers with Arkansas Community Correction located Cook at a residence and during a subsequent search, officers located a firearm.
An investigation revealed that Cook had numerous prior convictions for residential burglary, as well as convictions for simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms. Cook also has convictions for terroristic threatening, possession of a firearm by certain persons, and domestic battery, as well as more than a dozen incidents alleging domestic violence.
Judge Miller sentenced Cook to serve 10 years in federal prison, the maximum permitted under the law, and also sentenced Cook to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Little Rock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Givens prosecuted the case.
Derrick Owens, 44, Little Rock, Arkansas
Owens, a previously convicted felon, was indicted on August 8, 2019, on one count for possession of a firearm by a felon. On July 27, 2020, Owens pled guilty to the superseding indictment.
On April 25, 2017, Little Rock Police Department officers responded to an area on Colonel Glenn Road for a disturbance where shots were fired. Officers made contact with a witness who stated a black male, later identified as Owens, assaulted a female at the apartment complex. The witness stated she yelled for Owens to stop and as the female victim ran towards the witness’ vehicle, Owens followed behind the victim and pulled out a firearm, pointing it at both the witness and the victim. During the assault on the victim, Owens threatened to shoot her before she was able to flee the area.
Officers saw Owens in the parking lot of the complex in a vehicle being driven by a family member and initiated a traffic stop. Owens was aware he had an active warrant for failure to register as a sex offender and during questioning, he gave officers his brother’s name. Owens did provide officers consent to search the vehicle where a firearm was located in a bag in the floorboard on the passenger’s side where Owens had been sitting.
The investigation revealed that prior to this offense, Owens had previously been convicted of robbery, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of PCP, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal attempt to commit rape. He also has convictions for escape, failure to register as a sex offender, possession of firearms by certain persons, and possession of prohibited articles.
Judge Miller sentenced Owens to serve 102 months in federal prison and also sentenced Owens to three years’ supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Little Rock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Walker prosecuted the case.
Howard Jerome Jenkins, 33, North Little Rock, Arkansas
Jenkins, a previously convicted felon, was indicted on October 26, 2021, for illegally possessing a firearm, and pled guilty to the charge on September 16, 2022.
On April 22, 2021, a North Little Rock Police Department officer responded to a one-vehicle accident at the intersection of Donovan Briley and Military Road. An investigation revealed that Jenkins was the driver and determined to be impaired at which time he was arrested. At the time of his arrest, Jenkins was in possession of a firearm.
Jenkins had previously been convicted of delivery of cocaine, first-degree battery, terroristic threatening, possession of methamphetamine, and domestic battery.
Judge Miller sentenced Jenkins to 96 months in federal prison and also sentenced Jenkins to three years’ supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the North Little Rock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jana Harris prosecuted the case.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
X (formerly known as Twitter):
@USAO_EDAR
Two Montana men charged with illegally killing a brown bearRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging two men with illegally killing a brown bear on a national wildlife refuge in Alaska, violating the Lacey Act.
According to court documents, between May 9 to May 12, 2022, Richard McAtee, 46, and Arlon Franz, 51, both of Montana, conspired together to possess and transport a brown bear that they illegally killed in the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge. McAtee was arrested Wednesday night in Montana.
The indictment alleges that one of the men was a nonresident hunting without a contract with a master guide, and that the bear was shot and killed before the legal season to hunt brown bear had opened and the same day the hunter had been airborne, in violation of state and federal laws. It also alleges the defendants salvaged the hide of the illegally taken brown bear in the field and transported it from the Alaska Peninsula to a local hunting lodge, and from there to Port Moller and then to Anchorage.
The National Wildlife Refuge System consists of federal land set aside by Congress as, “a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of the present and future generations of Americans.”
The defendants are charged with one count conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 and two counts of violating the Lacey Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 3372(a)(1) and 3373(d)(1)(B). McAtee made his initial court appearance yesterday before the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. If convicted, they each face up to five years in prison and a $100,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska, Senior Federal Wildlife Officer Joshua Macri of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Region, and Alaska Wildlife Trooper Colonel Bryan Barlow made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service, are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Klugman and William Taylor are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Knoxville Men Convicted of Methamphetamine Conspiracy and DistributionRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On August 2, 2024, following a five-day jury trial in United States District Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville, a jury convicted Cumecus Cates, 48, and Grady Chandler, 43, both of Knoxville, Tennessee, of Conspiracy to Distribute over 50 grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841()(1)(A) and multiple counts of Distribution of over 50 grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) and 18 U.S.C. § 2.
The sentencing date for Cates and Chandler will be set later this year before the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court at Knoxville. Cates and Chandler both face sentences of up to life in prison.
The evidence presented at trial included FBI recorded drug transactions, witness testimony, and seized narcotics, and showed that Cates and Chandler were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in the Knoxville area throughout 2022 and 2023.
United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation which led to indictment and subsequent conviction of Cates and Chandler included the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) HIDTA Task Force. The FBI HIDTA Task Force includes the Roane County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, and Sevier County Sheriff’s Office. The Drug Enforcement Administration also assisted in this investigation by conducting drug analysis on seized narcotics in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cynthia Davidson and Michael Gilmore represented the United States at trial.
This case was part of the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the HIDTA programs. OCDETF is the primary weapon of the United States against the highest-level drug trafficking organizations operating within the United States, importing drugs into the United States, or laundering the proceeds of drug trafficking. The HIDTA program enhances and coordinates drug control efforts among local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies. The program provides agencies with coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources to combat drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of the United States.
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Tri Cities Man Who Attempted to Escape Law Enforcement Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Sharte Dashon Kimble, age 32, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Senior United States District Court Judge Edward F. Shea imposed a sentence of 165 months in federal custody. At the time of the offense, Kimble was on supervised release following a conviction on federal drug and firearms charges. As a penalty for the supervised release violation, Senior Judge Shea imposed a penalty of 25 months which will be served consecutively to the 165-month sentence imposed in this case.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in June of 2023, the Missouri River Drug Task Force in Helena, Montana, developed information that Kimble was a large source of supply of illegal narcotics. Law enforcement arranged a controlled buy of fentanyl pills from Kimble at the Walmart in Kennewick, Washington.
On June 15, 2023, Kimble was identified as the driver of gray Mercedes E350 that was parked in the Walmart parking lot. As the controlled buy was underway, multiple law enforcement vehicles approached the Mercedes, with the occupants wearing marked vests and their emergency lights activated.
Kimble saw the units moving in and took off running towards Highway 395. Kimble tossed a bag of fentanyl pills and a cell phone away as he attempted to escape law enforcement. Investigators located the bag and phone. Inside the bag were two one-gallon-sized plastic bags that contained approximately 20,283 fentanyl pills.
Investigators searched the Mercedes and located a loaded Glock .380 caliber pistol that had been reported stolen, a loaded magazine, cocaine packed in small plastic bags, almost $40,000 in cash, more than 1,000 fentanyl pills, as well as receipt for a storage unit in Yakima, Washington.
Investigators searched the Yakima storage unit and located hundreds of rounds of ammunition, extended magazines, a Glock pistol, a Norinco rifle, a Colt. 22 rifle, a 2-pound brick of cocaine, and several vials of small blue pills.
“Our community is safer and stronger today because of Mr. Kimble’s sentence. Despite a prior conviction on similar charges, Mr. Kimble was undeterred and continued to supply large quantities of deadly fentanyl and other illegal narcotics, all while possessing stolen firearms. Additionally, when investigators moved in to take Mr. Kimble into custody, he attempted to escape putting members of the Tri-Cities community at risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Prosecutors in my office, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to target those driving the fentanyl epidemic and hold them accountable.”
“This sentence is clearly warranted based on Mr. Kimble’s extensive and expansive illegal actions involving firearms and narcotics,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “This was not the first time ATF has investigated Mr. Kimble, in fact he was on federal probation when he was arrested for these crimes, and we hope this sentence makes him reflect on, and change, his behavior.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Kennewick Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca Perez and Stephanie Van Marter.
Tonawanda man pleads guilty to production of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael E. Swain, 36, of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to production of child pornography, carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that between October 20 and November 1, 2021, Swain coerced five minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions. Specifically, Swain communicated with a 15-year-old minor female who resided in Colorado using Discord, a social media platform. The communications included sexually graphic conversations, during which Swain requested that the minor female take sexually explicit videos and images and send them to him. In addition, Swain engaged in numerous sexual communications with the minor female from approximately 2019 to 2022, during which other sexually explicit images and videos were sent to Swain. On February 28, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Swain’s residence and seized a desktop computer tower, a laptop computer, and an external hard drive, all of which were found to contain child pornography.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Buffalo Office Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Stanley Edwards III.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.
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Tampa Man Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Biochemical Company and Diverting Products to China Using Falsified Export DocumentsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung today sentenced Pen Yu (51, Taiwan) to three years and eight months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, followed by three years of supervised release. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $100,000, the proceeds of the wire fraud.
Yu was found guilty on May 2, 2024. Co-conspirator Gregory Muñoz was found guilty on May 9, 2024, and co-conspirator Jonathan Thyng was found guilty on July 23, 2024.
According to court documents, beginning in at least July 2016 and continuing through at least May 2023, Yu ordered biochemical products from MilliporeSigma, a subsidiary of multinational science and technology company Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, with help from Muñoz, a MilliporeSigma salesperson, by falsely representing that Yu was affiliated with a biology research lab at a large Florida university. This fictitious affiliation led MilliporeSigma to provide Yu over $4.9 million worth of discounts and other benefits, such as free overnight shipping, not available to the public. Yu gave Muñoz thousands of dollars in gift cards for facilitating these fraudulent discounted orders. When the products arrived at the university stockroom, a stockroom employee diverted the products to Yu, who repackaged them and shipped them to China. To avoid scrutiny, Yu made false statements about the value and contents of these shipments in export documents.
This scheme continued until MilliporeSigma compliance personnel identified certain orders as suspicious, prompting the company to retain outside counsel who voluntarily disclosed the misconduct to the Department of Justice’s National Security Division only a week later. MilliporeSigma made the disclosure well before its counsel had completed their investigation and understood the full nature and extent of the scheme. MilliporeSigma offered exceptional cooperation to the prosecution team, including by proactively identifying and producing documents to the Department that established probable cause to search residences and electronic devices of culpable individuals. MilliporeSigma’s cooperation allowed investigators to quickly identify the individuals responsible for the scheme, including Yu, Muñoz, and Thyng, and secure their felony guilty pleas.
The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Marcet for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Garrett Coyle of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the cases.
Tampa Man Sentenced on Firearm and Narcotics ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Andre Pierrie (26, Tampa) to 8 years and 10 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The court also ordered Pierrie to forfeit a Smith and Wesson Air Rite. 38 special revolver that was seized as part of this case. Pierrie entered a guilty plea on February 29, 2024.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle Pierrie was driving, but Pierrie accelerated his vehicle and fled the scene. Surveillance by law enforcement indicated that Pierrie had gone to a parking lot in an apartment complex. Officers observed Pierrie in his vehicle throwing a firearm out of the vehicle’s window. The firearm was retrieved by law enforcement and Pierrie eventually pulled over. Officers located methamphetamine and marijuana inside the vehicle.
At the time of the offense, Pierrie had multiple prior felony convictions including delivery of cocaine and escape from law enforcement. As a convicted felon Pierrie is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.
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.
Tahlequah Resident Sentenced to 30 Years for Child Sex Abuse and ExploitationRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Gregory Neil Bias, age 41, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for nine separate counts of child sex abuse crimes, eight separate counts of child sexual exploitation crimes, and one federal firearm crime.
Bias was sentenced to 360 months on nine counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian County, 360 months on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and 360 months on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by a Parent. Bias was also sentenced to 240 months for one count of Possession of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 240 months in prison for one count of Receipt of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 240 months in prison for one count of Distribution of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 240 months in prison for one count of Possession of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and 120 months in prison for illegal possession of a firearm. The sentences are to be served concurrently.
On January 18, 2023, Gregory Neil Bias pleaded guilty to 18 counts of the Indictment.
On March 21, 2024, Bias’s co-defendant, Leiloni Blake Smith, age 30, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of eight counts of aggravated child sexual abuse, two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by a Parent, and one count of Possession of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Smith awaits sentencing in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to investigators, in 2020 the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) alerted law enforcement to a Tahlequah-area internet user exchanging electronic files containing images of child sexual abuse. Agents identified, located, and arrested Bias in January of 2022 for distributing child sexual abuse materials. At the time of arrest, Bias resided with Leiloni Blake Smith. During the investigation, searches of electronic devices belonging to Bias and Smith uncovered multiple depictions of sexual abuse perpetrated by Bias and Smith on two children. Agents also located a firearm in the home which Bias could not legally possess because he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. Bias was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2022 of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a child, distributing, receiving, and possessing sexual abuse materials, and felon in possession of a firearm.
The crimes occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
“Gregory Neil Bias committed heinous crimes against innocent and vulnerable children, and his sentence marks a significant step in bringing a measure of justice for his victims, and making our communities safer,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “This case was the product of the great collaborative work done by federal prosecutors and OSBI, HSI, and FBI agents to ensure that child predators have no place to hide.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Bias will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources”.
We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding child sexual exploitation, trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography, or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement. You can file a report on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)'s website at www.cybertipline.com, call 1-800-843-5678, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or call 877-4-HSI TIP.
Tahlequah Resident Sentenced for Federal Firearm CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Billy Lee Murphy, age 76, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to a five year term of probation for one count of Possession of a Firearm with the Serial Number Removed.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On October 12, 2023, Murphy pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on January 19, 2023, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Murphy’s residence in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and found Murphy in possession of a Taurus revolver with the serial number removed or obliterated.
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 Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.
South Texas felon convicted for possessing firearmsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 27-year-old resident of Alamo has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing two rifles, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The investigation began after law enforcement learned narcotics would be in the home of Hector Tellez-Hernandez. On April 5, they conducted a search. At that time, they found two rifles and body armor in a bedroom as well as 16 grams of cocaine.
Tellez-Hernandez admitted ownership. However, as a previously convicted felon of alien smuggling, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing Oct. 16, at which time Tellez-Hernandez faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Alamo Police Department conducted the joint investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
Six people charged in bank fraud scheme involving an insider sharing account information that caused more than $345,000 in theftRead the Press Release
Seattle – Six people were indicted for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, six counts of bank fraud, and six counts of aggravated identify theft for their scheme to steal more than $345,000 from a western Washington credit union, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. One of the defendants, 31-year-old Aneicia Ford, allegedly used her brief employment with the credit union to steal account information of credit union customers so that conspirators could take over the accounts and steal the funds. The credit union has fully reimbursed customers who lost money to the co-schemers.
According to records filed in the case, between May and October 2022, Aneicia Ford worked out of her Tacoma home as a contact center employee who helped customers with account issues. In that role, she had access to personally identifying information about customers of the credit union. According to the indictment, Ford passed that information on to 21-year-old Dangelo Roberts, who allegedly used it to access and steal from customer accounts. Roberts allegedly advertised on social media that he could make false identification materials and sought to recruit co-schemers to access victims’ accounts.
In addition to Ford and Roberts, the other conspirators charged in the scheme include:
Shanna Carter-Zanders, 42 of Auburn, Washington
Kohrey Lee Bridges, 22, of Tumwater, Washington
Anthony McQueen, 36, of Seattle
Meghan Frazier, 21, of University Place, Washington
Aniecia Ford is charged in every count in the indictment. All of the defendants are charged with the conspiracy and different defendants are charged with individual counts of bank fraud and/or aggravated identity theft.
All of the defendants have appeared on the indictment or are scheduled to appear next week.
Using the stolen account information, the conspirators obtained false IDs and used them to get debit cards and to make withdrawals from the victims’ accounts, often at the credit union’s branches. After obtaining increases to the ATM withdrawal limits, the conspirators obtained as much as $25,000 in cash. The conspirators would also spend victims’ funds by ordering cashier’s checks or purchasing postal money orders that they made payable to other conspirators or their associates. They used their illegal access to transfer money between accounts and check balances on accounts.
In all the scheme stole approximately $345,014 from the credit union accounts.
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud are both punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum two years in prison to follow any other sentence imposed on other charges in the case.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M. Ly.