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Wednesday 12 June 2024
Fulton County Man Sentenced for Transmitting ThreatsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jesse Bedell, age 36, of Mayfield, New York, was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for transmitting threats to injure another person. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
Bedell was convicted following a two-day jury trial in February 2024. The evidence established that Bedell applied to work at Medline Industries’ NAMIC Division in Glens Falls and received an employment offer conditioned upon passing a background investigation. Bedell, however, failed to disclose a prior criminal conviction. As a result, on January 9, 2020, Medline withdrew the employment offer. The following morning, Bedell phoned Medline employees in Neptune, New Jersey, and Northfield, Illinois, and threatened to burn down and blow up the Glens Falls plant. Bedell also threated to kill the employee in Illinois.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release, which will start when Bedell is released from prison.
The case was investigated by the Glens Falls Police Department and HSI, with assistance from the Warren County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer prosecuted the case.
Four men imprisoned for dealing crack cocaine resulting in deathRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Multiple local residents have been sentenced for narcotics trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Gabriel Ortiz, 31, Francisco Ortiz, 53, and Adbento Guerrero, 62, all of McAllen; and Alonzo Rolando Garza, 42, Edinburg, had all previously pleaded guilty.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now imposed a 144-month-term of imprisonment for Gabriel Ortiz, while Francisco Ortiz received 121 months. Guerrero and Garza previously received 30 and 120 months, respectively. All four must also serve five years of supervised release following their sentences.
“Gabriel Ortiz and his co-conspirators, with their irresponsible and criminal behavior, directly caused the death of a human being,” said Hamdani. “This case demonstrates the dangers of local drug dealing and narcotics usage. Thankfully, their lengthy prison sentences will ensure they can no longer traffic these deadly substances in our communities and bring such tragedy to our streets.”
The investigation revealed that in 2019 and 2020, the four men trafficked cocaine in the McAllen and Edinburg areas. The co-conspirators would purchase and sell multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine as well as smaller amounts of cocaine base aka “crack.”
In November 2020, Gabriel Ortiz sold approximately three grams of cocaine base to a 53-year-old man who subsequently died after using the narcotic.
Throughout the investigation, law enforcement seized a total of over 10 kilograms of cocaine and 69 grams of cocaine base. The drugs had a combined estimated street value of approximately $260,000.
Law enforcement seized $294,520 in money and assets as part of the case.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the Edinburg Police Department, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Sturgis prosecuted the case.
Four Individuals Charged in Connection with Business Email Compromise Schemes and Related Romance SchemesRead the Press Release
Today, indictments were unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging four defendants for their participation in a series of fraudulent business email compromise (BEC) schemes and related romance schemes that resulted in more than $50 million in losses by individuals and small businesses located within the Eastern District of New York and throughout the United States. The defendants Animashaun Adebo, Idowu Ademoroti, Nelson Ojeriakhi and Noguan Marvellous Eboigbe, together with their network of co-conspirators, misappropriated victim funds and laundered them through shell company accounts in the United States and abroad, sometimes using unsuspecting middlemen, including escrow attorneys and other victims, to further obscure the audit trail and disassociate the funds from the frauds.
Adebo was arrested yesterday in Chicago, Illinois. Ademoroti was arrested yesterday at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, and will be arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo in federal court in Brooklyn. Ojeriakhi was arrested previously in Paris, France, and remains in custody pending the resolution of extradition proceedings. Adebo will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date. Eboigbe remains at large.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Patrick J. Freaney, Special Agent-in-Charge, United States Secret Service, New York Field Office (USSS), announced the arrests and charges.
“As alleged, from breaking hearts to breaking into email accounts, no scheme was too depraved for the defendants and their network of criminal associates to steal over $50 million from innocent victims in Brooklyn and throughout the country,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Business email compromise schemes like these cause devastating financial losses and other harm to victims. The indictments unsealed today charge perpetrators at every step of the schemes – from executing the frauds to laundering and receiving the proceeds. Prosecuting online criminal actors and recovering the victims’ stolen funds is a priority of this Office.”
“Today’s indictment is a cautionary tale for anyone who thinks they can target innocent victims through sophisticated cyber fraud and get away with it,” said USSS Special-Agent-in-Charge Freaney. “Through deception and lies the alleged ringleaders schemed unwitting victims of more than 50 million dollars, leaving a wake of anguish in their path. I am incredibly proud of the investigators and prosecutors who were relentless in bringing accountability to these crimes.”
A BEC scheme is a form of cyber-enabled financial fraud. In a typical BEC scheme, a malicious actor compromises legitimate business email accounts through computer intrusion techniques or social engineering and uses those accounts to cause the unauthorized transfer of funds. Techniques for perpetrating these schemes include identity theft, spoofing of emails and websites and the use of malware. Confidence fraud is another form of cyber-enabled financial fraud. In a typical confidence fraud, a malicious actor befriends and gains the confidence of another individual through online communications and uses that confidence to cause the transfer of funds for unauthorized purposes. A romance scheme is a type of confidence fraud wherein the perpetrator adopts a fictitious online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The perpetrator then uses the illusion of a romantic relationship to cause the transfer of funds for unauthorized purposes.
Between April 2021 and March 2022, the defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly orchestrated a series of fraudulent BEC schemes and related romance schemes and laundered and received proceeds from the fraudulent schemes. As one part of the BEC schemes, victim-individuals involved in real estate transactions received fraudulent emails purporting to be from legitimate parties to those transactions. The emails instructed them to wire funds they believed to be related to the real estate transactions to specified bank accounts. The fraudulent email accounts that contacted the victims closely resembled, but were slightly different from, the email addresses of the legitimate parties to the transaction (a process known as “spoofing”).
As another part of the BEC schemes, employees of victim-companies received fraudulent emails purporting to be from legitimate vendors or other business partners of those companies directing them to transfer funds to specified bank accounts. The employees were also defrauded through email spoofing and received fraudulent emails from accounts that closely resembled, but were slightly different from, the email addresses of the legitimate vendors and business partners.
In each case, after the victims executed the wires in accordance with the fraudulent instructions, the transferred funds were misappropriated from the victims and sent to and through accounts controlled by the defendants and their co-conspirators. As described below, the defendants played varying roles in the schemes.
Animashaun Adebo, also known as “Kazeem” and “Kazeem Animashaun,” was charged with wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to receive stolen funds and receipt of stolen funds. As alleged, Adebo conspired to perpetrate multiple internet-based fraud schemes on victims and directed others to launder the proceeds of those schemes through shell company accounts, through the purchase of luxury watches, and through an illegal money exchange operation run by his co-defendant Ademoroti. Adebo ultimately received fraudulent proceeds in corporate bank accounts located in Nigeria. If convicted, Adebo faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges, five years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy to receive stolen funds charge, and 10 years’ imprisonment on the receipt of stolen funds charge.
Idowu Ademoroti was charged with money laundering conspiracy, operating an illegal money transmitting business, conspiracy to receive stolen funds and receipt of stolen funds. As alleged, Ademoroti laundered and received fraudulent proceeds of the schemes perpetrated by Adebo and others through the operation of an illegal money exchange business in which he facilitated the trading of fraudulent dollar proceeds to individuals overseas in exchange for Nigerian naira. If convicted, Ademoroti faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on the money laundering conspiracy charge, five years’ imprisonment on the illegal money transmitting business charge, five years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy to receive stolen funds charge, and 10 years’ imprisonment on the receipt of stolen funds charge.
Noguan Marvellous Eboigbe, also known as “Randall Olson,” “Martin Roberto” and “Carlos Eduardo,” was charged with wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, money laundering and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions over $10,000 for facilitating the flow of more than $10 million in fraudulent proceeds from victims to the defendants and their co-conspirators. Using false identities, Eboigbe contacted law firms that provided escrow services and posing as a potential client, told them that he would send them funds for a business transaction, and instructed them to wire those funds to specified accounts. However, the funds received by the attorneys were in fact fraudulent proceeds of the real estate and corporate BEC schemes described above and were sent unwittingly by the victims. If convicted, Eboigbe, who is on the USSS Most Wanted list, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and money laundering charges and 10 years’ imprisonment on the unlawful monetary transactions charge.
Nelson Ojeriakhi, also known as “Ojeey Mami” and “Oba Millie,” was charged with wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy for sending spoof emails to unsuspecting victims in order to misappropriate millions of dollars from them in connection with the schemes described above. The funds were subsequently laundered by the defendants and their co-conspirators. Ojeriakhi was arrested in Paris, France on April 18, 2023. If convicted, Ojeriakhi faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud charges.
A fifth co-conspirator, Franziska Von Greve-Dierfeld, was previously charged with money laundering conspiracy for receiving and disbursing fraudulent proceeds from the schemes described above in shell company accounts she created. Von Greve-Dierfeld was arrested in May 2022 and pleaded guilty to charges in connection with her conduct. Von Greve-Dierfeld served time in custody and, following the completion of her sentence, returned to Germany pursuant to a judicial order of removal from the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York conducts presentations by Assistant U.S. Attorneys about ways to protect yourself and your community against scams, especially those targeting financial exploitation. To request a presentation please email [email protected].
The charges in the indictments are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Reich and Daniel J. Marcus are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Liam McNett and Jacob Menz.
The Defendants:
ANIMASHAUN ADEBO (also known as “Kazeem” and “Kazeem Animashaun”)
Age: 39
Chicago, IllinoisIDOWU ADEMOROTI
Age: 31
Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Atlanta, GeorgiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-239 (PKC)
NOGUAN MARVELLOUS EBOIGBE (also known as “Randall Olson,” “Martin Roberto” and “Carlos Eduardo”)
Age: 44
Lagos, NigeriaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-240 (PKC)
NELSON OJERIAKHI (also known as “Ojeey Mami” and “Oba Millie”)
Age: 31
Lagos, NigeriaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-188 (PKC)
FRANZISKA VON GREVE-DIERFELD
Age: 79
Aachen, GermanyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-033 (BMC)
Former Pearl Police Officer Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Civil Rights OffenseRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A former Pearl, Mississippi police officer was sentenced today to 12 months in federal prison for acting under color of law to deprive a person of his civil rights.
Michael Christian Green, 26, was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew S. Harris.
According to court documents and information presented in court, Green, while on duty as a certified law enforcement officer with the Pearl Police Department, forced an arrestee in custody to lick urine from the floor of a holding cell within the police department.
Green pleaded guilty to the offense on March 14, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Pearl Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Goff prosecuted the case.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of abuse by a law enforcement officer, call the FBI hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI, email tips.fbi.gov or call the FBI Jackson Field Office at 601-948-5000.
Former IRS Employee Indicted for Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former IRS employee has been indicted by a federal grand jury for preparing fraudulent tax returns that illegally claimed more than $200,000 in refunds for her clients.
Sandra D. Mondaine, 64, of Grandview, Mo., was charged in a 39-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, June 11. Mondaine previously worked for the IRS as a contact representative before retiring.
The fedeal indictment charges Mondaine with 39 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false and fraudulent income tax returns. The indictment alleges that Mondaine assisted at least 11 individuals to file at least 39 false and fraudulent income tax returns for the tax years 2018 through 2021. The tax loss associated with those false returns is approximately $237,329.
The federal income tax returns prepared by Mondaine allegedly included Fraudulent Filing Status, Fraudulent Schedules A - Itemized Deductions, Fraudulent Schedules D - Capital Gains and Losses and Fraudulent Forms 5695, Residential Energy Credits. By including these and other fraudulent items on the client’s tax returns, the indictment says, Mondaine was able to manufacture substantial refunds to her clients that they would not have been entitled to if the returns had been accurately prepared.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Former Department of Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty in COVID-19 Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Tana Eguasa Hill, 43, pled guilty pursuant to a criminal information to theft of government funds for fraudulently submitting North Carolina Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (NC HOPE) loan applications for emergency rental assistance. As part of her fraud scheme, the defendant, a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Corrections (NCDOC), submitted fictitious tenant lease agreements for multiple properties in Hertford County as part of her NC HOPE loan applications. She faces up to 10 years in prison.
On March 27, 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of $5 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs as flexible federal funding to states and localities earmarked to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the CDBG program as a source of flexible federal funding for economic and community development, as well as to direct long-term recovery funding to states and localities in response to disasters and emergencies.
The State of North Carolina’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR), a division of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, utilized federal funds made available in the CARES Act to assist North Carolina renters stay in their homes during COVID-19 by preventing evictions and the loss of utility services. The NC HOPE program utilized an initial $51.5 million allocation of CDBG funds from the CARES Act to provide housing and utility assistance. The State of North Carolina also received CRF funds from the CARES Act, of which $66 million was allocated to pay administrative costs associated with the NC HOPE program.
In November 2023, Ms. Hills’ husband, Sean Dillard (2:23-CR-00011), was sentenced for the same crime.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by United States Magistrate Judge Robert B. Jones, Jr. accepted the plea. Sentencing will occur before United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan later this year. The FBI is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for 2:24-CR-00003-FL.
Former D.C. CEO Sentenced to 66 Months for Stealing $2.5 Million from Former ClientsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Graham S. Hauck, 51, formerly of Bethesda, Maryland, was sentenced today to 66 months in prison for stealing millions of dollars from eight clients, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.
In May 2023, Hauck pleaded guilty to wire fraud for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from one former client. Following that guilty plea, additional clients contacted the government to report that Hauck had stolen from them too. Hauck even stole money from one of those clients after his May 2023 guilty plea, which resulted in the court revoking his bond. Hauck has been housed at the Alexandria, Virginia, detention center since September 2023.
In total, Hauck misappropriated about $2.5 million from the clients over five years. One of his victims was a nonprofit charity working to improve the lives of cancer patients. In September 2023, he pleaded guilty to bank fraud to reflect the additional criminal conduct.
In addition to the 66-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras ordered Hauck to serve three years of supervised release and pay full restitution.
Hauck served as president and CEO of Hauck & Associates, Inc., (H&A) a trade association management firm based in Washington, D.C. The victim organizations retained H&A to serve as their management company. Hauck used his access to their financial accounts to embezzle the money. Some of the ways he camouflaged his criminal conduct included falsifying balance sheets and using a foreign exchange and international payment services company to conceal fraudulent transactions.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi Kleinman with assistance from former Financial Analyst Bryan Snitselaar, and Paralegal Specialists Sona Chaturvedi, Michon Tart, Marsha Cannon, and Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Catherine Chae.
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Former Columbus police officer pleads guilty to stealing, selling cocaineRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – John Castillo, 31, of Grove City, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
According to court documents, Castillo was a Columbus police officer assigned to investigate drug crimes. In February 2021, he conspired with another officer to steal and sell approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine. Castillo and the other officer took approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine from a house on North Everett Avenue and did not turn it into evidence. They planted two additional kilograms of cocaine for law enforcement discovery later that day at the house. The 10 kilograms of cocaine were stored in the other officer’s basement before they were given to another individual to sell.
Possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine is punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the plea entered before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr.
Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes special agents and officers from the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office and the Columbus Division of Police.
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Foreign National Accused of Attempting to Traffic over 38 Kilos of Methamphetamine in UtahRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a foreign national living in Utah for drug crimes after he allegedly possessed over 38,000 grams of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute in the District of Utah.
According to court documents, Fermin Castro-Tovar, 25, of West Valley City, Utah, sold illegal narcotics to an undercover agent during a controlled purchase. This controlled purchase from Castro-Tovar was one of several controlled purchases made by agents with the Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force, which received information that a drug trafficking organization was trafficking narcotics in the Salt Lake Valley. During the investigation, agents viewed video surveillance of Castro-Tovar accessing a storage unit in question days before agents seized approximately 24,020 grams of field-tested presumptively positive methamphetamine. Agents also seized approximately 3,401 grams of field-tested methamphetamine at Castro-Tovar’s residence. Additionally, agents seized approximately 11,417 grams of field-tested presumptively positive methamphetamine at an apartment.
Castro-Tovar is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for June 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Seth Nielsen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah 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 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.
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.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Final Defendant Sentenced in Large Scale Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Crowder woman was sentenced on Tuesday to 23 years in prison for selling methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Linda Hunt, 49, of Crowder, Mississippi pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District to Mississippi to distribution of methamphetamine. Hunt was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock on Tuesday afternoon to 276 months in prison for the drug trafficking. She was further sentenced to 5 years supervised release following her release from prison. Hunt agreed to a final order of forfeiture in the amount of $20,000.00 and is currently in custody.
Hunt oversaw the drug trafficking organization of other defendants who were charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs and drug distribution. The investigation of this drug trafficking organization and its participants spanned multiple years.
“Criminal actions have consequences, and the sentences handed down to this trafficking organization demonstrate that the full force of the law will be employed to bring those consequences to drug dealers who introduce poison into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Our federal and state law enforcement partners worked together seamlessly to bring down this organization, and the efforts of AUSA Clyde McGee to lead the prosecution of these defendants were exceptional as well.”
“I am proud to see the success of the partnership between the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Drug Enforcement Agency, and all other assisting agencies who worked together to ensure these criminals were held accountable for their actions,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “Thank you to everyone involved for playing a part in keeping our state and communities safe.”
“The Drug Enforcement Administration, alongside the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and dedicated local partners, applaud the sentencing of the final defendant in a multi-year investigation targeting a major drug trafficking ring,” said DEA New Orleans Division Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. “This individual, who oversaw the illicit activities of others, has been held accountable thanks to a collaborative effort under Project Safe Neighborhoods and OCDETF. This case exemplifies the power of combined forces in dismantling drug trafficking organizations and keeping our communities safe.”
Below are the traffickers’ charges and sentences, made possible by OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhood initiatives:
- Lucas Smith pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Judge Neal B. Biggers, Jr. sentenced Smith to 240 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Smith agreed to a final order of forfeiture in the amount of $100,000.00.
- Preston Cross pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Neal B. Biggers, Jr. sentenced Cross to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
- Terence Lomax pleaded guilty on November 9, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Lomax to 150 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
- Domonique Cross pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022, to conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Judge Neal B. Biggers, Jr. sentenced Cross to 30 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Cross agreed to a final order of forfeiture in the amount of $30,000.00.
- James Taylor pleaded guilty on June 7, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Taylor to 219 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
- Genise Cox pleaded guilty on November 29, 2022, to distribution of methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Cox to 26 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
- Alvin Johnson pleaded guilty on November 29, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Johnson to 130 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
- Brenda Hunt pleaded guilty on November 29, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Hunt to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
- Dexter Ray pleaded guilty on December 2, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Ray to 78 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
- Demandrick Hayes pleaded guilty on March 8, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Hayes to 46 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
- Aaron Prince pleaded guilty on March 29, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Prince to 46 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
- Dana Smith pleaded guilty on June 7, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Smith to 125 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
- Anterion Wiley pleaded guilty on June 15, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Debra Brown sentenced to time served, followed by 5 years supervised release.
- Antonio Wiley pleaded guilty on March 29, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Debra Brown sentenced Wiley to 70 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
- William Garner pleaded guilty on October 4, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Garner to 78 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
- Contreal Bolden pleaded guilty on October 11, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Bolden to 43 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
- Damion Jones pleaded guilty on September 22, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Jones to 36 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
- Tommie Peoples pleaded guilty on August 1, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Neal B. Biggers, Jr. sentenced Peoples to 18 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
- Markell Crossgrove pleaded guilty on January 5, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Debra Brown sentenced Crossgrove to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
- James Woods pleaded guilty on December 16, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Woods to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program in partnership with state and local law enforcement. Agencies assisting with the investigation included the United States Marshal’s Service, the United States Postal Inspector’s Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Panola County Sheriff’s Office, Desoto County Sheriff’s Office, Tallahatchie County Sheriff’s Department, the Batesville Police Department, Charleston Police Department, and the Leflore County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee prosecuted the case.
This investigation and resulting case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is also a 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.
Essex County Tax Preparer Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for $4.4 Million Conspiracy to Defraud IRSRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, tax preparer was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for conspiring to obtain over $4.4 million by defrauding the IRS, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced
Omar Khater, 33, of Fairfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court on Jan. 23, 2024, to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. Khater’s conspirator, Walid Khater, 38, of Arizona, pleaded guilty on May 23, 2024, to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger“Omar Khater has admitted his role in an elaborate scheme that used stolen personal identifying information and fabricated tax returns to bilk the IRS of millions of dollars. He and a relative submitted tax documents falsely claiming that the taxpayers listed on those documents had earned certain income or won thousands – and in some cases millions – of dollars in gambling and lottery winnings. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will root out these illegal and dangerous schemes, and those who perpetrate them can expect the same result as this defendant.”
“Omar Khater used stolen identities to file fraudulent tax returns for illicit personal financial gain,” Jenifer L. Piovesan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS - Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “He was caught and is now a convicted felon with a prison sentence to serve. IRS - Criminal Investigation will continue to vigorously investigate individuals who attempt to steal taxpayer money from the U.S. Treasury.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Omar and Walid Khater were relatives who worked together and with others to steal victims’ identities, which they used to file false tax returns and fraudulently receive tax refunds from the IRS. They electronically submitted tax documents to the IRS falsely claiming that the individual taxpayers listed on those documents had earned certain income or won thousands – and in some cases millions – of dollars in gambling and lottery winnings. The false filings also claimed tax withholdings on the purported income or gambling winnings that entitled the tax filer to refund payments from the IRS. The Khaters and others typically submitted these fraudulent tax filings using the names and personal identifying information of victims without the victims’ knowledge or permission. The fraudulent filings caused the IRS to pay lucrative tax refunds, which the Khaters and others directed to various bank accounts that they controlled. This scheme caused the U.S. Treasury to issue tax refunds $4.49 million, which the Khaters and others diverted to bank accounts they controlled in New Jersey and elsewhere.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Omar Khater to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $4.49 million.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Piovesan in Newark; and special agents of FBI-Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit and Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
Essex County Man Admits Illegally Possessing Firearm used in Shooting and Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and HeroinRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man today admitted illegally possessing cocaine and heroin for distribution and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Naiem Moore, 34, of Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with two counts of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Jan. 14, 2021, law enforcement recovered glassine envelopes containing heroin, jugs containing cocaine, and a Chrome Llama Max I firearm loaded with four rounds of ammunition and two controlled expansion rounds from Moore’s vehicle. On Sept. 28, 2020, Moore had used the same firearm in a shooting and attempted assault.
The narcotics offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. The two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. Each firearm count carries a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18, 2024.
This investigation was conducted as part of the Newark Violent Crimes Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety to combat violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the DEA New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Board of Parole, Union County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, N.J. Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited officers of the Newark Police Division under the direction of Director Fritz Fragé; special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; and the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Samuel A. DeMaio, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney DeNae Thomas of the Health Care Fraud Unit.
moore.indictment.pdfEight Members and Associates of Street Gang Charged for Roles in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Eight people have been charged as members and associates of the “793 Bloods” street gang, a subset of the Bloods national gang, for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Newark, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Muta Bell, 33, Ibn Foster, 19, Xavion Miller, 19, Corey Wade, 32, Bazair White, 20, Yusef Milliron, 28, and Alshakur Robinson, 29, all of Newark, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Robert Franklin, 29, of Newark, is charged in a separate complaint with one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Bell, Foster, White and Robinson were arrested today and appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate José R. Almonte in Newark federal court. Bell, Foster, and Robinson were detained; White was released on $100,000 unsecured bond. Wade and Franklin are currently detained in state custody and will make their appearances at a later date. Miller and Milliron remain at large.
According to the complaints:
The defendants are part of a drug trafficking organization that operates an open-air narcotics market in the area of South Orange and Isabella avenues in Newark. For several months, law enforcement conducted extensive surveillance of the area and conducted numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, all of which demonstrated extensive interactions related to drug trafficking between and among the members or the conspiracy.
During law enforcement’s investigation, Franklin engaged in a suspected narcotics transaction in the vicinity of Isabella Avenue and was soon thereafter found in possession of suspected cocaine base and a privately manufactured firearm, equipped with a high-capacity magazine, loaded with 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
The count of conspiracy charged in the complaint carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a fine of at least $5 million, with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years.
Franklin faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of at least $250,000 on the possession of ammunition by a convicted felon; a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million, on the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, which must run consecutive to any other punishment, and a fine of $250, 0000, for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
As part of this same investigation, Fakhir Johnson, 20, and Samaj Collins, 20, both of Newark, New Jersey, were charged by complaint on Sept. 11, 2023. Johnson was charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Collins was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti, and the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Fritz G. Fragé, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Juan Mattos Jr.
The investigation was conducted as part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The Newark VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Newark. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, the Newark Department of Public Safety, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, Union County Jail, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, New Jersey Department of Corrections, the East Orange Police Department, and the Irvington Police Department.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Graham of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit and Rebecca Sussman of the OCDETF Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
franklin.complaint.pdf belletal.complaint.pdfDual Citizen Federally Charged After Agents Seize Nearly 200k Fentanyl Pills and Other Illicit DrugsRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – A dual citizen living in Utah was indicted by a federal grand jury today in Salt Lake City for federal drug crimes after FBI agents seized a variety of narcotics, including approximately 196,000 fentanyl pills.
According to court documents, Francisco Jesus Bravo, 34, of West Valley City, Utah, became part of a criminal investigation in April 2024, by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force for allegedly intending to distribute large quantities of narcotics into Utah. As part of the investigation, in May 2024, agents seized approximately 19,802 grams (package weight) of field-tested positive fentanyl that is estimated to be approximately 190,000 pills and a digital scale from Bravo’s storage unit in West Valley City.
Agents also seized approximately 2,968.5 grams (package weight) of field-tested positive methamphetamine; approximately 624.72 grams (package weight) of field-tested positive fentanyl that estimated to be approximately 6,000 pills; approximately 295.77 grams (package weight) of field-tested positive heroin; and a digital scale at Bravo’s residence in West Valley City. At a residence in Kearns, Utah, agents seized 860.28 grams (package weight) of field-tested positive heroin. As a result, Bravo was arrested.
Bravo is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for June 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Seth Nielsen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah 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 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.
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.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Customs and Border Protection Officer Convicted by Federal Jury of Receiving Bribes, Allowing Drug-Laden Vehicles to Enter the U.S.Read the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 12, 2024
SAN DIEGO – Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Leonard Darnell George was convicted by a federal jury late Monday, June 10, of accepting bribes to allow vehicles containing methamphetamine and other illicit drugs to pass through the border into the U.S.
George was also convicted of allowing vehicles with unauthorized individuals to pass through his lane and into the U.S. while working for two separate criminal organizations.
During the trial, several witnesses testified that George agreed to allow drug-laden vehicles enter the U.S. through his lane in late 2021. George would notify members of the drug trafficking organization when he was at work, what lane he was on, and that they had one hour to reach his lane. However, in February 2022 after an alert placed by law enforcement agents on a suspected drug smuggling vehicle was flagged entering George’s lane, George was forced to send the vehicle to secondary revealing approximately 222 pounds of methamphetamine. Undeterred, George allowed a second drug-laden vehicle affiliated with the drug trafficking organization and traveling directly behind the flagged vehicle enter the U.S. with over 200 pounds of drugs. Text messages sent by George the following day reveal he received approximately $13,000 for the vehicle he allowed to enter the U.S. On the same day he received his bribe payment, George purchased a 2020 Cadillac CT5 for an associate of the drug trafficking organization as a gift. George delivered the Cadillac CT5 to the associate in Ensenada on Valentine’s Day.
Over the course of six months, George continued to allow vehicles containing drugs and undocumented individuals to enter the U.S. through his lane.George repeatedly omitted passengers and the true names of drivers coming through his lane, instead entering the names of others to conceal his criminal activities. Law enforcement agents and prosecutors identified approximately 19 crossings associated with the criminal organizations during the six-month time period. Text messages confirmed George agreed to allow vehicles through his lane for $17,000 per vehicle, $34,000 for two vehicles, $51,000 for three vehicles, or $65,000 for four vehicles. One text message confirmed that George received $68,000 after he allowed four vehicles from one organization to enter his lane in June 2022.
Testimony from a witness confirmed that George purchased vehicles, motorcycles, and jewelry with the proceeds of his illicit activities. Additionally, on George’s days off, he travelled to Tijuana to visit Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club where he spent approximately $5,000 per trip. He would stand on the second level of the club and throw cash over the balcony to the dancers below, “showering” them with money. He would buy bottles of alcohol, and occasionally gifts, for dancers.
The extent of George’s relationship with traffickers revealed itself when prosecutors admitted a photograph of one of George’s trafficking associates taking a selfie in George’s CBP uniform jacket.
“With this verdict, the jury sent a clear message to anyone considering trading in their badge for cash,” said U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath. “Abandoning the integrity of the uniform for the conspiracy of drug trafficking is a path to a criminal conviction.”
“As persons in positions of public trust, we are relied upon to serve and protect the American people,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge, Stacey Moy. “We also rely on each other to uphold that sacred oath. Should that oath be violated, the FBI and it's law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice, even if it means holding ourselves accountable.”
“CBP does not tolerate misconduct within its ranks,” said Special Agent in Charge Elizabeth Cervantes of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, San Diego Field Office. “The Office of Professional Responsibility’s efforts in this case and this latest court decision are a testament to CBP’s commitment to preserving the honor of its overwhelmingly professional workforce, and to its core values of vigilance, integrity, and service to country.”
“Today’s conviction shows HSI’s and our law enforcement partners dedication to dismantling criminal organizations and holding those criminals that enable their illicit activity accountable,” said Chris Davis, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “There is no place in law enforcement for those who dishonor their badge and oath to protect our communities and our country.”
“The Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General is grateful for the continued collaboration with our law enforcement partners as we fight corruption along our Southern Border,” said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari. “This guilty verdict sends a clear message that federal employees who violate the law will be held accountable for their actions.”
The case was tried and prosecuted by lead Assistant U.S. Attorney Bianca Calderon-Peñaloza and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Kimura.
George’s sentencing is scheduled for September 13, 2024, at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson.
SUMMARY OF CHARGES Case Number 23CR1291
Receiving Bribe by Public Official – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 201
Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison
Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances – Title 21 U.S.C., Sections 952, 960, 963
Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum
Bringing in Certain Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 18 U.S.C., Section 371, Title 8 U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii)
Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison
Bringing in Certain Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 18 U.S.C., Section 371, Title 8 U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii)
Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG)
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Customs and Border Protection – Office of Professional Responsibility (CBP OPR)
Cincinnati area man sentenced to 78 months in prison for laundering proceeds from online romance-fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – De-love Kofi Amuzu, 25, of Fairfield, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 78 months in prison for his role as a money launderer in a romance fraud conspiracy that targeted elderly victims looking for companionship online.
According to court documents, members of the conspiracy created fake online dating profiles using stolen photographs and false information, then communicated with the victims via chats, texts and phone calls while pretending to be the imaginary person pictured in the profile. They commonly claimed to be living abroad to explain why they could not meet in person.
The conspirators instructed the victims to transfer money, often tens of thousands of dollars at a time, to accounts controlled by Amuzu. They also commonly instructed victims to mail Amuzu cash or other items of value, like Rolex watches and iPhones. After receiving the victims’ money, Amuzu laundered it to accounts in Ghana. Investigators tracked more than $1.1 million in fraud proceeds that flowed through Amuzu’s accounts. Amuzu was ordered to pay $835,487.65 in restitution.
“According to court documents, several victims lost so much money to the scheme that they were forced to declare bankruptcy,” said Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. “Anyone who suspects they or a loved one is a victim of such a fraud can report it by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11, or go to the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative website for more information – www.Justice.gov/elderjustice.”
A federal grand jury indicted Amuzu in 2022. He pleaded guilty on Feb. 2, 2024, to conspiring to launder money. His case was announced in October 2022 as part of the Justice Department’s National Elder Justice Sweep, an initiative to increase awareness of the various fraudulent schemes targeting the elderly.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Butler County Prosecutor Michael T. Gmoser and Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black. U.S. Attorney Parker also recognized the contributions of Garrett Baker and Susan Monnin of the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as Butler County Prosecutor’s Office Investigator Steve Isgro. Assistant United States Attorney Julie D. Garcia is representing the United States in this case.
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Chesapeake man who was arrested with drugs and firearm while in a car with children is sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced today to six years in prison after being caught with heroin and fentanyl as well as a firearm.
According to court documents, from November 2022 through June 2023, Travis Morris, aka Black, 39, distributed fentanyl and heroin in Chesapeake. On multiple occasions from Dec. 12, 2022, to June 20, 2023, Morris sold a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to a confidential informant.
On June 23, 2023, Chesapeake Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Morris was a passenger. Officers conducted a K9 sweep of the vehicle, followed by a search of both the vehicle and Morris. Officers recovered 120 white capsules containing a heroin/fentanyl mixture, digital scales, a .22 caliber pistol, two cellular telephones, and $3,993.88 in cash. The other passengers in the vehicle were Morris’ girlfriend and her three minor children.
The total converted weight of the controlled substances recovered by law enforcement during the investigation is 26 kilograms. On Feb. 1, Morris pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possessing a firearm in furtherance of and during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Mark G. Solesky, Chief of Chesapeake Police; and Jason Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Miller, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-131.
Charlotte Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud for Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Frank Lynold Mercado, 26, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud for defrauding over 100 victims of more than $700,000 through a fraudulent investment scheme, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, joins U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to plea documents and today’s court proceedings, from July 2019 to December 2022, Mercado executed an investment fraud scheme in which he caused more than 100 investors to suffer almost $700,000 in losses. Mercado’s victims included friends, former co-workers, and other social acquaintances. Mercado induced the victims to invest their money by holding himself out to be an expert in options trading with years of experience and a successful track record. As part of the scheme, Mercado falsely represented to victim investors that he would use their money for options trading and similar investments through his hedge fund, Tiger-Wolf Capital, LLC (Tiger-Wolf Capital). Instead of investing the funds as promised, Mercado used a substantial portion of the investors’ money to fund his personal lifestyle, including to make large credit card payments and pay for personal expenditures such as Airbnb rentals, restaurants, and bars. As Mercado admitted in court today, he also used the investors’ money to make Ponzi payments to previous investors.
Court documents show that with the money that he did invest, Mercado suffered trading losses and then lied to investors about the performance of their investments. For example, Mercado periodically sent updates to victim investors through emails, text messages, or screenshots of purported account portals that reflected fictitious trading gains. He also made false and fraudulent statements to investors about substantial returns on their investments in order to induce his victims to invest additional money with him and/or to leave their current investments with him.
Mercado was released on bond following his plea hearing. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. A sentencing date has not been set.
On May 30, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced the filing of a complaint against Mercado in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, charging Mercado and Tiger-Wolf Capital with securities violations.
U.S. Attorney King commended the FBI for their investigation of the case and thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for their coordination and assistance.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
Casper man found guilty on federal firearm offensesRead the Press Release
Frank Ray Berris, 53, of Casper, Wyoming, was convicted by a federal jury for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The verdict was reached on Jun. 11, following a two-day trial held before U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin.
According to evidence presented at trial, on Feb. 3, a Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) trooper conducted a traffic stop, near Casper, on a black Ford Explorer being driven by Berris. The defendant, who considers himself a “sovereign citizen,” was driving with fictitious license plates that said, “United States of America Republic Diplomat Foreign National” and “UCC1-308.” Berris was unable to provide proof of a valid driver’s license, insurance, or registration. While talking with Berris, the trooper noticed a pistol in a holster between Berris and the console and an AR-style rifle between the console and the passenger seat. Berris had a warrant for his arrest. Following a three-hour standoff where the defendant refused to exit his car and told officers they would have to kill him, Berris eventually surrendered and was arrested.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on the vehicle and seized a semiautomatic rifle, two semiautomatic pistols, and ammunition of various calibers. Berris was a convicted felon so he was prohibited by federal law from possessing any firearms or ammunition.
Berris was indicted by a grand jury and pleaded not guilty to the charges in March 2024. He represented himself at trial. Sentencing has been set for Sep. 3, 2024. He faces up to 15 years in federal prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
WHP, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office and Mills Police Department responded to the scene and special agents with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and FBI investigated this crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Makenzie Morrison and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Sprecher prosecuted the case.
Case No. 24-00034
Carmel Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Thomas Cade Martin, 27, of Carmel, Indiana, has been sentenced to 275 months in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child sexual abuse material. He also admitted to sexually exploiting a minor victim in Carmel. Martin was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution and must register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school.
According to court documents, in late 2022, Carmel Police Department officers received a report of sexual exploitation of a male minor victim. The report found that Thomas Martin asked Minor Victim 1, a 15-year-old male, to meet in-person after being introduced through Grindr, an online dating application. Martin continued conversations with MV1 through Instagram and Snapchat, initially lying about his identity and age in order to groom MV1.
Over the course of three weeks, Martin met MV1 in-person on multiple occasions at his Carmel apartment and other public locations to engage in sexual intercourse. Martin also engaged in grooming behaviors, such as purchasing clothes and dinners for MVI, and even buying the child a birthday cake when he turned 16 years old.
A search of Martin’s cellphone recovered multiple sexually explicit “live photos” produced by Martin of the victim, as well as other images taken of the two together at local restaurants and public meeting spots in Carmel.
“Martin sexually abused and exploited a 15-year-old boy, having gained his adoration and trust online. Taking advantage of vulnerable teens for sexual gain is a despicable crime that merits significant prison time,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “The sentence imposed today should serve as a warning to would-be groomers and offenders: if you solicit and exploit minors for sex, you will spend many years in federal prison.”
“This defendant earned his lengthy prison sentence by propagating the online victimization of minors and by seeking out and abusing a victim here in Indiana,” said Special Agent in Charge Herb Stapleton of the Indianapolis Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Thanks to the dedication of our crimes against children investigators, in partnership the Carmel Police Department, this individual will be behind bars for a very long time.”
“The Carmel Police Department has teams dedicated to preventing and solving child exploitation. We are proud to work closely with our federal and local partners in bringing justice to those who are victims of these cases. The work done by all involved in Mr. Martin’s case shows our dedication to protecting our most valuable asset, our children. This type of heinous crime simply will not be tolerated,” said Carmel Police Chief, Drake Sterling.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and Carmel Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who is prosecuting this case.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. Visit https://www.in.gov/isp/icactf/ to learn more about their efforts.
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Canadian national accused of attempted coercion and enticement, child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Canadian national who is accused of traveling to Montana to engage in illicit sexual conduct and was arrested in Billings in an undercover investigation appeared for arraignment today on charges, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Andrew Scott Brown, 43, of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with attempted coercion and enticement, three counts of distribution of child pornography and travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. If convicted of the most serious crime, Brown faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Brown was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents, the government alleged that from Jan. 27 through May 6, at Billings and in Canada, Brown used the internet and a cellular telephone to attempt to entice and coerce an individual he believed had not attained the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity. Brown also is accused of sending images that contain Child Sexual Abuse Material to an undercover law enforcement persona. In January, an undercover detective with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office posted a message on a social media site, and a suspect with the username of “Eagle_Tiger” responded. The undercover persona identified herself as a 12-year-old girl, while “Eagle_Tiger” identified himself as a 42-year-old named Andrew, from Alberta, Canada. As further alleged, conversations led to Andrew discussing wanting to have sex with the persona and sending CSAM to the persona. Law enforcement arrested Brown on May 6 when he traveled to Billings to meet with the undercover persona.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Billings Police Department and the FBI conducted the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
PACER case reference. 24-80.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Camden County Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for possessing images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Robert Giles, 73, of Collingswood, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to an indictment charging him with one count of possession of child pornography. Judge Bumb imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On April 15, 2022, agents with FBI served a search warrant at Giles’s residence and discovered electronic devices that belonged to Giles. A forensic examination of those devices revealed over 45,000 unique files containing videos and images of children being sexually abused.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Bumb sentenced Giles to 10 years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $186,500 in fines.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs in Philadelphia, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Collingswood Police Department.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.
Burlington County Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for $4 Million Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for illegally laundering the proceeds of a mail fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Pablo Estrada, 27, of Florence, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to an information charging him with one count of money laundering. Judge Bumb imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From August 2020 through January 2023, Estrada received money from victims of various scams, including a lottery scam – an advance fee fraud which begins with victims receiving an unexpected notification that they have won large sums of money in a lottery, but are required to pay various fees and expenses before their winnings can be released to them. Estrada deposited the money into various bank accounts that he maintained for purposes of receiving criminal proceeds. He transferred the funds to other bank accounts, keeping a percentage for himself. Estrada laundered more than $4 million in this manner.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Bumb sentenced Estrada to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $4.21 million.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited postal inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney; and special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Burlington County Prosecutors Office under the direction of LaChia L. Bradshaw and the Florence Township Police Department under the direction of Brian Boldizar.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
Brooklyn Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Traffic Firearms into BrooklynRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Ariana Charles pleaded guilty to trafficking firearms and conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II. The defendant was charged in January 2024 under the provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first federal statute specifically designed to target gun trafficking, which Congress and the President enacted in June 2022. When sentenced, Charles faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for the controlled substance distribution conspiracy and 15 years’ imprisonment for firearms trafficking.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Frank A Tarentino III, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA) and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty plea.
“This Office has made it a top priority to stop the illicit flow of firearms and drugs into our community and today’s guilty plea is the result of those ongoing efforts,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Gang members, felons and violent individuals who use deadly weapons to inflict irreparable harm on our community do not come into possession of these instruments of death out of thin air; instead, they rely on traffickers like this defendant, who must be held accountable for their role in the violence that results from the use of these weapons.”
According to the indictment, statements made during the plea proceeding and court documents, Charles personally sold 18 firearms to an undercover law enforcement officer (the “UC”) in residential areas of Brooklyn in broad daylight, including in and around the New York City Housing Authority’s Breukelen Houses, outside other apartment buildings and in shopping center parking lots. The UC told Charles and her co-conspirators that he was a drug dealer who needed guns and was going to resell them. Several guns sold by Charles were purchased in Virginia and Georgia and then transported to New York. Among other weapons, Charles sold a firearm with a defaced serial number and several semi-automatic rifles.
Charles also sold drugs to the UC, including crack cocaine and fentanyl. Some of the fentanyl she sold had been disguised as Oxycodone pills.
Four of Charles’s co-conspirators are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to conspiring to traffic firearms into Brooklyn in the first case in New York to publicly charge the gun trafficking provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Amir, Irisa Chen and James R. Simmons are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
ARIANA CHARLES
Age: 28
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-8 (WFK)
Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Interstate Transportation of Stolen GoodsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Brooklyn, New York, man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for transporting stolen jewelry across state lines, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Tony Newton, 62, of Brooklyn, New York, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an indictment charging him with two counts of interstate transportation of stolen goods. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentenced today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On June 1, 2022, and July 16, 2022, Newton transported stolen jewelry across state lines from Middlesex and Union counties, New Jersey, to New York. Newton admitted to two additional burglaries of mall jewelry stores in Bay Shore, New York, and Milford, Connecticut. The four burglaries and thefts resulted in retail losses of $804,227.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Newton to three years of supervised release, ordered restitution of $804,227 and forfeiture of $804,227.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited FBI Newark’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William Daniel and Chief Harvey Barnwell; officers of the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tom Bryan; and officers of the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Director Earl Graves and Chief Giacomo Sacca, with the investigation. He also thanked officers of the Suffolk County, New York, Police Department and the Milford, Connecticut, Police Department.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Farhana C. Melo of the OCDETF/Narcotic Unit in Newark.
Brooklyn Man Charged with Firearms Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, a four-count indictment was unsealed charging Tony Terry with conspiring to illegally traffic firearms from Georgia to Brooklyn, New York. Terry was arrested this morning and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan Miller, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrest and charges.
“As alleged, the defendant brought deadly weapons from Georgia to the streets of East New York, Brooklyn, a community that has suffered terribly from gun violence,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “My Office and our law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to investigate, prosecute and disrupt the flow of illegal guns along the Iron Pipeline, and keep them out of the hands of criminals who have no respect for the law or human life.”
Mr. Peace thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia for their assistance in the case.
“This indictment underscores the unwavering commitment of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to disrupt the flow of illegal guns into our streets,” stated ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Miller. “Those who purchase and traffic guns to sell to those who cannot legally obtain them are a threat to our community. Disrupting firearms trafficking schemes like this is a top priority for us. The ATF NY/ NYPD’s Joint Firearms Task Force Joint is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our communities. We extend our gratitude to our colleagues in ATF Atlanta’s Savannah Field Office & Eastern District of New York for their assistance. For those engaging in gunrunning conspiracies in NY, justice will be served in court.”“This indictment underscores the NYPD’s commitment to eradicating the illicit firearms supply chain that continues to threaten our communities,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “I commend the diligent efforts of our NYPD investigators, especially our brave undercover officer in this case, along with our colleagues at the ATF and the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District for their critical role in removing these guns—and those who peddle them—from New York City’s streets.”
As set forth in the indictment and other filings, on November 22, 2022 and November 28, 2022, Terry traveled to Savannah, Georgia where members of his family served as straw purchasers for multiple firearms from licensed firearm dealers. Terry then returned to Brooklyn where a co-conspirator sold two of the firearms. On December 6, 2022, Terry sold a Taurus 9mm G2e handgun to an undercover NYPD officer in East New York, Brooklyn.
The straw purchasers, Jose Marrero and Jacqueline Christmas, were indicted and prosecuted by the United States Attorneys’ Office for the Southern District of Georgia for an additional 15 firearms they purchased on behalf of the defendant. Marrero pleaded guilty and was sentenced in May 2024 to 18 months in prison. Christmas pleaded guilty in March 2024 and is awaiting sentencing.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Assistant United States Attorney Raffaela S. Belizaire is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
TONY TERRY
Age: 35
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-244 (CBA)
Battle Creek Man Who Possessed and Sold Machineguns Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing over Four Kilograms of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Travon Deshaun-Roderick Mansker, 26, of Battle Creek, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing over four kilograms of methamphetamine. Mansker also possessed several firearms as a felon and two of the weapons had been modified to meet the federal definition of “machineguns”.
“We choose our cases carefully, focusing the longer sentences we often secure on those who pose the greatest threat,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Travon Mansker is one of those people. He was a large-scale pill dealer selling methamphetamine masked as Adderall. And he was trafficking illegal firearms calibrated to cause maximum harm. As we’ve done here, we will continue to focus our limited resources on those who supply the firearms and drugs that cause so much pain in our communities.”
The conviction arises from an April 27, 2023, search of a Battle Creek residence where investigators seized over four kilograms of orange powder methamphetamine, 14 firearms, approximately a thousand rounds of ammunition, various high-capacity magazines, pill presses, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia. As part of his guilty plea, the defendant admitted that he intended to press the methamphetamine into pills and distribute the pills to others. The defendant had previously sold pills during the investigation that were designed to appear like the commercial drug Adderall.
Of the 14 firearms seized on April 27, two of the guns had been modified to meet the federal definition of “machineguns.” Evidence in the investigation also showed that the defendant had sold four machinegun conversion devices designed to turn AR-style firearms into fully automatic machineguns in March and April 2023. Finally, five of the firearms were “privately made firearms” or “ghost guns” designed to be untraceable to law enforcement.
A photograph of the evidence seized from the search is provided below:
“Mr. Mansker’s time as a peddler of poison in west Michigan has come to an end,” said Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge of Detroit Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. “His sentence clearly demonstrates our collective resolve to safeguard our communities from the threats of drugs and firearms.”
“Removing violent offenders from our communities is ATF’s highest priority,” said ATF Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Mansker sold poison in our community while armed with illegally modified firearms. This sentence should serve as a clear message to all armed drug traffickers in the state of Michigan, if you’re packing a firearm illegally while peddling your poison, pack your bags for prison.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Battle Creek Police Department (BCPD), with additional support by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Vito S. Solitro prosecuted the case.
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Athens, Georgia, Woman Indicted on Cyberstalking and Threat OffensesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – An Athens, Georgia, woman is facing federal criminal charges in the Middle District of Tennessee after law enforcement officers executed multiple search warrants, including a search warrant on her home, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis.
The indictment, returned on May 15, 2024, by a federal grand jury, charges Gabryele “Gabby” Watson, 26, with two counts of cyberstalking and one count of interstate transmission of threats to kidnap or injure. Watson is accused of cyberstalking by engaging in an adoption scam targeting a couple living in the Middle District of Tennessee and transmitting an interstate threat during her communication with the couple.
If convicted, Watson faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Resident Agency, Memphis Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison of the Middle District of Tennessee and Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Department of Justice are prosecuting the case.
If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of, or have any information about, the conduct alleged in the indictment, please contact your local FBI field office or visit the FBI's website at www.fbi.gov/WatsonAdoptionFraud or the United States Attorney’s Office’s website at www.justice.gov/usao-mdtn/victim-witness-assistance/gabryele-watson.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing and Selling Machinegun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man pleaded guilty in federal court to engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and possession of a machine gun conversion device.
According to court documents, in December 2022, the ATF identified an Instagram user as possibly being in possession of and selling illegal machine gun conversion devices, which modify firearms to make them fire fully automatic. The ATF identified the user as Joe Jasso, 20, by the distinctive tattoo on his hand.
In January 2023, the account was deleted.
A new Instagram account was identified by the ATF in January 2023, which appeared to belong to Jasso based on the same hand tattoos being visible on posts on the account.
On February 3, 2023, undercover detectives from the Albuquerque Police Department contacted Jasso through Instagram and set up a controlled purchase of machine gun conversion devices from Jasso and his mother, Rachael Jasso. During the transaction, Jasso explained to the undercover detective how to install the conversion device onto a firearm and confirmed that it would allow the firearm to shoot fully automatic. Jasso also offered to obtain an assault rifle auto sear to sell to the undercover officer.
On February 16, 2023, federal law enforcement agents and local law enforcement executed a search warrant at Jasso’s residence in Albuquerque. Inside the home, law enforcement located and seized:
- Approximately ten firearms,
- Five machine gun conversion devices,
- A large amount of ammunition,
- Numerous ammunition magazines (both loaded and unloaded), and
- A 3D printer.
As part of his guilty plea, Jasso admitted he knew the conversion devices met the federal definition of a firearm and that he did not have a license to engage in the business of selling firearms.
The Court ordered that Jasso remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
At sentencing, Jasso faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Jasso will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.
Jasso’s co-defendant, Rachel Jasso, is currently scheduled to stand trial on July 8, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado is prosecuting the case.
Machine gun conversion devices and auto sears are illegal devices designed to modify a semi-automatic firearm so it is capable of fully automatic fire, that is, continuous firing with a single trigger pull. The possession, manufacture, and/or sale of machine gun conversion devices without proper licensing is a federal offense punishable by severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. The use of machinegun conversion devices poses a significant public safety risk, as they transform semi-automatic firearms into dangerous machine guns capable of causing catastrophic harm.
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Tuesday 11 June 2024
די פאראייניגטע שטאטן גייט אריין אין אן אפמאך-מעמאראנדום מיט דער ניו יארק סטעיט אפיס פון געריכט אדמיניסטראציע צו פארזיכערן צוטריט צו ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט פאר באטייליגערס מיט באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגלישRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, דער US אדוואקאט פאר דער דרום דיסטריקט פון ניו יארק, און Kristen Clarke, די אסיסטענט גענעראל פראקוראר פון דער יוסטיץ דעפארטמענט'ס בירגעררעכט דיוויזיע, האבן היינט געמאלדן אז די US האט זיך ארייגעלאזט אין אן אפמאך-מעמאראנדום ("MOU") מיט דער ניו יארק סטעיט פאראייניגטע געריכט סיסטעם, אפיס פון געריכט אדמיניסטראציע ("OCA"), צו לייזן דער איבערקוק פון דער ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכטס אויספאלג פון טיטל VI פון דער בירגערגעריכט אקט פון 1964, וואס פארבאט דיסקרימינאציע אויפן גרונט פון ראסע, פארב, און נאציאנאלע אפשטאם קעגן באקומערס פון פעדעראלע פינאנציעלע הילף. פארבאטענע דיסקרימינאציע קען כולל זיין פארפעלן צו צושטעלן באדײטפולע שפראך צוטריט.
US אדוואקאטDamian Williams האט געזאגט: "מיטגלידער פון דער קאמיוניטי זאלן נישט ווערן אפגעזאגט באדײטפולע צוטריט צום געריכט פראצעס און פראגראמען וואס באטן אָן אלטערנאטיווען צו טרעדיציאנעלע אורטייל צוליב זייער באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש. מיר דאנקען דעם ראקלענד קאונטי דיסטריקט אדוואקאטס אפיס און OCA פאר מיטארבעטן מיט אונדז צו פארזיכערן אז די ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט איז גרייט פאר אלע בארעכטיגטע באטייליגערס, און מיר האפן אז דער אפמאך-מעמאראנדום וועט דינען אלץ א מאדעל פאר אלע געריכטן אין דעם דיסטריקט צו פארזיכערן באדײטפולע צוטריט צו מענטשן מיט באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש, אין צושטימונג מיט טיטל VI."
אסיסטענט גענעראל פראקוראר Kristen Clarke האט געזאגט: "פארזיכערן גלייכע יוסטיץ לויטן געזעץ מיינט דאס צו טאן אויף א יושרדיגן אופן, גענױ, און פארשטענדליך פאר אלעמען, אבער דאס געשעט נישט נאר אז מענטשן וואס געפונען זיך אין דער געריכט פראצעס קענען קאמוניקירן איינער מיטן אנדערן. מענטשן זאלן נישט געשטראפט ווערן צוליב זייער באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש און זאלן באקומען די שפראך הילף סערוויסעס וואס זיי נייטיגן זיך, צו קענען זיך באטייליגן יושרדיג אין געריכט פראצעדורן און געריכט באפוילענע טרענירונג אדער היילונג פראגראמען. דער הסכם שטייט אלץ א מאדעל צו פארזיכערן צוטריט צום געריכט, אריינגערעכנט געריכטליכע פראגראמען און סערוויסעס, פאר אלע מענטשן, נישט קוקנדיג אויף זייער קענטשאפט פון ענגליש, און צייכנט אן די אקציעס וואס נייטיגן זיך כדי אוועקצונעמען די פארשטעלעכצער פאר געריכט נוצערס מיט באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש.
לויט די MOU און פובליק איינגעבנס און דעקלעראציעס:
אין יאנואר 2023, האט דער אפיס איבערגעקוקט א קאמפלעינט וואס טענה'ט אז מענטשן מיט באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש ("LEP") קענען זיך נישט אינגאנצן באטייליגן אין דער ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט ווייל דער געריכט האט נישט צוגעשטעלט קײן איבעזעץ און אויסטייטש סערוויסעס. באלד דערנאך, האט OCA זיך ארייגעמישט אין דעם צוטריט צו די שפראך פראצעדורן פאר דער ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט און סוף כל סוף האט איבערגענומען די פאראנטווארליכקייט פארן געריכט אין מארץ 2024. דער אפיס, בשותפות מיט דער בירגעררעכט דיוויזיע, האט געארבעט מיט דער OCA און די ראקלענד קאונטי דיסטריקט אדוואקאטס אפיס, וואס האט אנגעפירט דעם דראג באהאנדלוג געריכט פאר מארץ 2024, צו אידענטיפיצרן נייטיגע רעפארמען צו פארזיכערן אז אלע LEP מענטשן וואס קוואליפיצירן זיך צו באטייליגן אין דעם דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט זאלן האבן באדײטפולע צוטריט צו שפראכן.
בשעת'ן איבערקוקן דעם ענין, האט דער ראקלענד קאונטי דיסטריקט אדוואקאטס אפיס און OCA אנגענומען עטליכע פירמאטיווע טריט צו צושטעלן באדײטפולע צוטריט פאר געריכט באטייליגערס מיט LEP, ארײנגערעכנט זיך אונטערנעמען צו צושטעלן אויסטייטש סערוויסעס פאר אלע געריכט פראצעדורן, זיך פארבונדן מיט ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט פאראינטערעסירטע צדדים, און אידנטיפיצירן א לאקאלע היילונג פראוויידער צו צושטעלן גערוכט-באפוילענע היילוג סערוויסעס אין שפאניש.
לויטן MOU, וועט די OCA אננעמען נאך שריט צו פארזיכערן באדײטפולע צוטריט פאר LEP באטייליגערס אין דער ראקלענד קאונטי דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט. די שריט זענען כולל איבערזעצן אלע דאקומענטן צו שפאניש, קרעאל, און אידיש, און נאך אנדערע שפראכן אויב פארלאנגט, מפרסם זיין די דראג באהאנדלונג געריכט פראגראם אין די צוגעגעבענע שפראכן, און פארזיכערן היילונג פרוויידערס וואס וועלן אנבאטן געריכט-באפוילענע דראג היילונג פראגראמען אויף אן אופן וואס שטעלט צו באדײטפולע צוטריט צו מענטשן מיט LEP, אומזיסט צו באטייליגערס.
אינפארמאציע וועגן טיטל VI און באגרענעצטע קענטשאפט פון ענגליש איז דא צו באקומען אויף www.lep.gov. מיטגלידער פון דער פובליק קענען באריכטעווען מעגליכע בירגעררעכט פארברעכנס אין דער דרום דיסטריקט פון ניו יארק אויף https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/civil-rights אדער מיט דער דעפארטמענט פון יוסטיץ'ס בירגעררעכט דיוויזיע אויף www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
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Mr. Williams האט באדאנקט די בירגעררעכט דיוויזיע, פעדעראלע קאארדינאציע און אויספיר אפטייל, פאר זייער מיטארבעטן צו לייזן דעם ענין.
דער קעיס ווערט באהאנדלט דורך דער אפיס פון בירגעררעכט טייל אין דער ציווילע דיוויזיע. אסיסטאנט US אדוואקאט Christine S. Poscablo איז דער ממונה אויף דער קעיס.
Yakima Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Jacob Rodney Penny, age 44, of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 192 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on May 13, 2022, the victim of a residential burglary saw a Craigslist Ad for ski equipment that matched items that had been stolen. Law enforcement contacted the seller and asked to purchase the skis. After agreeing to price, the seller said his friend would deliver the skis to the Wolf Den in Wapato, Washington and would be driving a newer white Chevy Tahoe. At the arranged time, Penny arrived at the location, driving a white Tahoe. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and detained Penny, who told investigators he knew he was being detained because of the “stupid skis.” Penny also stated he was making the delivery because the skis did not fit in his friend’s vehicle.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on the Tahoe, locating four large bags that contained hundreds of fentanyl pills, two smaller bags containing between 100 and 200 fentanyl pills each, a small quantity of methamphetamine, a scale with drug residue, two 9mm pistols, and $2,600 in cash.
“I am grateful for the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office for their tremendous investigation in this case. What began as an investigation into a set of stolen skis, led to the discovery of deadly fentanyl, which could have claimed the lives of those, who call the Yakima Valley home,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office, working with our law enforcement partners, are committed to stopping the spread of illicit narcotics in Eastern Washington. By working together, we can make our communities safer and stronger for everyone.”
“Sometimes an unexpected break leads to success,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “In this case, a property crime led to sending a drug trafficker to federal prison. The FBI and our partners will continue working to keep these dangerous drugs off the streets and out of our communities.”
This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Hanlon.
Woman who Sent Fentanyl Mixture into Jail Sentenced to 71 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who sent controlled substances into a jail was sentenced on June 10, 2024, to 71 months in federal prison.
Brookelyn Marie Lindquist, age 42, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 11, 2024 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
Lindquist sent multiple packages to another individual in jail. That individual was in prison pending sentencing for a federal drug trafficking conviction. Inside these packages, Lindquist sent the individual controlled substances that included a mixture of fentanyl and heroin. When the individual used the controlled substances sent by Lindquist, they suffered an overdose. Lindquist was on state parole at the time of her conduct due to another drug trafficking conviction.
Lindquist was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lindquist was sentenced to 71 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Waterloo Police Department, the Black Hawk County Sherriff’s Office, and the Tri-County Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 23-CR- 2079. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Woman who Sent Fentanyl Mixture into Jail Sentenced to 71 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who sent controlled substances into a jail was sentenced on June 10, 2024, to 71 months in federal prison.
Brookelyn Marie Lindquist, age 42, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 11, 2024 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
Lindquist sent multiple packages to another individual in jail. That individual was in prison pending sentencing for a federal drug trafficking conviction. Inside these packages, Lindquist sent the individual controlled substances that included a mixture of fentanyl and heroin. When the individual used the controlled substances sent by Lindquist, they suffered an overdose. Lindquist was on state parole at the time of her conduct due to another drug trafficking conviction.
Lindquist was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lindquist was sentenced to 71 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Waterloo Police Department, the Black Hawk County Sherriff’s Office, and the Tri-County Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR- 2079.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
United States Reaches $1.2 Million Civil Settlement with Festus Pain Management Doctor over Allegations of False Claims to Federal Health Care ProgramsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri announced today that the United States has reached a civil settlement to resolve allegations that Dr. Nehal Modh and Modh’s company knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare and Missouri Medicaid.
Dr. Modh is the president and sole owner of Progressive Pain Management in Festus, Missouri.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Dr. Modh and PPM falsely indicated to both Medicare and Missouri Medicaid that ultrasound guidance was used on certain pain management injections, submitted false claims for payment for facet joint injections that did not meet billing substantiation requirements, and improperly coded claims for payment to receive excess reimbursement.
As part of the settlement, Dr. Modh and PPM will repay the United States $1.2 million, consisting of $600,000 in restitution doubled under the False Claims Act (FCA).
The settlement resolves allegations brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA by Donna Chronister, a former employee of PPM. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Donna Chronister v. Progressive Pain Management, P.C., et al, case no. 4:19-cv-2245 in U.S. District Court in St. Louis. Chronister will receive $177,707 of the proceeds from the settlement.
“We thank the whistleblower for her courage to bring her concerns forward,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming for the Eastern District of Missouri. “This settlement is an example of our important civil enforcement efforts where we work with whistleblowers to protect the public fisc.”
"Health care fraud is a serious problem that costs taxpayers millions in wasted dollars while often depriving vulnerable beneficiaries of the care and support they need," said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "We will continue to aggressively investigate these cases in an effort to eliminate the corruption in our health care system."
This civil settlement was a result of the combined work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, HHS-OIG’s Office of Investigations and Office of Audit, the Missouri Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the FBI.
United States Enters into A Memorandum of Understanding with the New York State Office of Court Administration Ensuring Access to Rockland County Drug Treatment Court for Participants with Limited English ProficiencyRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Kristen Clarke, the Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, announced today that the United States entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the New York State Unified Court System, Office of Court Administration (“OCA”) resolving its review of the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance. Prohibited discrimination may include a failure to provide meaningful language access.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Members of the community should not be denied meaningful access to court proceedings and programs offering alternatives to traditional sentencing because of their limited English proficiency. We thank the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office and OCA for working with us to ensure that the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court is available to all eligible participants, and we hope that this Memorandum of Understanding can serve as a model for all courts in this district to ensure meaningful access to persons with limited English proficiency, in compliance with Title VI.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said: “Ensuring equal justice under law means doing so in a manner that is fair, accurate and understandable for all, but that does not happen unless people involved in the judicial process can communicate with each other. People should not be penalized for their limited English proficiency and should receive the language assistance services they need to fairly participate in court proceedings and court-mandated trainings or treatment programs. This agreement stands as a model for ensuring access to the courts, including its programs and services, for all people, regardless of English proficiency, and outlines the actions needed to eliminate barriers for court users with limited English proficiency.”
According to the MOU and public filings and statements:
In January 2023, this Office reviewed a complaint alleging that people with limited English proficiency (“LEP”) could not participate fully in the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court because the Court did not provide translation and interpretation services. Shortly thereafter, OCA became involved in the language access procedures for the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court and ultimately assumed responsibility for the Court in March 2024. This Office, in collaboration with the Civil Rights Division, worked with OCA and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, which operated the Drug Treatment Court prior to March 2024, to identify reforms necessary to ensure that all LEP individuals qualified to participate in the Drug Treatment Court had meaningful language access.
During the review of this matter, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office and OCA took several affirmative steps to provide meaningful access for Court participants with LEP, including committing to provide interpreter services for all court proceedings, conducting outreach to Rockland County Drug Treatment Court stakeholders, and identifying a local treatment provider to provide court-mandated treatment services in Spanish.
Under the MOU, OCA will take a number of additional steps to ensure meaningful access for LEP participants in the Rockland County Drug Treatment Court. These steps include translating all documents into Spanish, Creole, and Yiddish, and into other languages upon request, publicizing the Drug Treatment Court program in these additional languages, and securing treatment providers that will offer court-mandated drug treatment programs in a manner that provides meaningful access to people with LEP, at no cost to participants.
Information about Title VI and limited English proficiency is available at www.lep.gov. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations in the Southern District of New York at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/civil-rights or with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division at www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
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Mr. Williams thanked the Civil Rights Division, Federal Coordination and Compliance Section, for its collaboration in resolving this matter.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine S. Poscablo is in charge of the case.
U.S. Postal Service Employee Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Nearly $90,000 Worth of Postal Money Orders and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee was sentenced today for embezzling nearly $90,000 and for fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits.
Jamesa Rankins, 27, of Brockton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 18 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Rankins was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $104,698. In November 2023, Rankins was convicted by a federal jury of one count of theft of government money and three counts of wire fraud.
Rankins worked as a Sales & Service Distribution Associate at the Montello Post office in Brockton for approximately four and a half years. Prior to her termination in January 2021, Rankins had the ability to generate postal money orders, including replacement money orders. Customers could obtain replacement money orders without paying any additional fees if the original postal money orders were lost, damaged or erroneous. Beginning around September 2020, Rankins issued approximately 126 fictitious replacement money orders to an associate for money orders that were not lost, damaged or erroneous. In many instances, the fictitious replacement money orders actually invalidated properly issued money orders. In total, Rankins issued nearly $90,000 worth of replacement money orders.
Beginning in May 2020, Rankins also applied for and obtained Pandemic Unemployment Assistance from the Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance despite being employed by USPS and thus being ineligible to receive unemployment assistance. In total, Rankins collected at least $15,000 in unemployment benefits to which she was not entitled.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of the Criminal Division prosecuted 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.
Two Men Admit Involvement in Fatal University City Drug DealRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Two men have admitted being involved in the fatal shooting of a man in University City, Missouri in 2022 because they thought he bought marijuana with counterfeit money.
Nathaniel Brown-Shatto, 21, pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of knowingly discharging a firearm in furtherance of the commission of a drug trafficking crime resulting in death.
Carlos Albert Castellanos Jr., 22, pleaded guilty June 6 to one count of conspiracy to possess one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Brown-Shatto and Castellanos both admitted involvement in a three-person marijuana conspiracy. Brown-Shatto told the others that the victim had previously purchased marijuana from him using counterfeit currency. On Feb. 19, 2022, they were together in a vehicle, selling marijuana. All were armed. When the victim contacted Brown-Shatto to buy more marijuana, the three drove to his home in the 7800 block of Birchmont Drive. Castellanos was driving, Brown-Shatto was in the passenger seat and the third man was in the rear of the vehicle.
When the victim stepped out of his home, Brown-Shatto shot him with a handgun while the third man began shooting him through the vehicle’s sunroof with an AK-style rifle, Brown-Shatto and Castellanos’ plea agreements say. Investigators later recovered a total of 22 spent cartridge casings from both weapons. Both shooters disposed of those weapons, but Castellanos kept his because he didn’t use it, the plea agreements say.
Three days later, University City police stopped Castellanos and Brown-Shatto in a vehicle that matched the description of the one used by the shooters. Castellanos and Brown-Shatto were both armed with handguns and officers found about one pound of marijuana in a backpack in the car.
The third man, Emanuel Benito Vasquez, 21, is facing a marijuana conspiracy charge as well as charges of discharging a firearm in furtherance of the commission of a drug trafficking crime resulting in death and conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He has not yet been arrested. Charges are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Castellanos is scheduled to be sentenced in December and Brown-Shatto in November.
The case was investigated by the University City Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Two Hudson County Men Admit Gas Station Robberies and Attempted CarjackingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two Hudson County, New Jersey, men admitted their involvement in a string of armed robberies of gas stations, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Wendell Bradley Jr., 27, of Bayonne, New Jersey pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted carjacking, and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Joseph Brown, 26, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on May 9, 2024, before Judge Arleo to an information charging him with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery and one count of Hobbs Act robbery.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From Jan. 3, 2022, to Feb. 4, 2022, Bradley, either alone or with Brown, would drive to a gas station, pull up to a gas pump, ask the gas station attendant to put gas in the car’s tank, and, while the tank was being filled, would pull a gun on the attendant and demand money. On Jan. 20, 2022, in Union, Brown pointed a gun at a gas station attendant, demanded money, and threated to kill him. Bradley then grabbed the attendant from behind, but the attendant was able to break free and escape into the gas station before Brown or Bradley could take any money from him.
The spree ended on Feb. 4, 2022, after Bradley and Brown robbed a gas station attendant at gunpoint in Secaucus, New Jersey. After the robbery, Bradley and Brown fled, and officers chased them from Secaucus to Newark, where Bradley crashed his car.
The conspiracy, robbery, and attempted robbery charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offenses, whichever is greatest. The carjacking charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offenses, whichever is greatest. The firearm possession charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of seven years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Sentencing for Bradley is scheduled for Oct. 10, 2024; sentencing for Brown is scheduled for Oct. 3, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti; the Clifton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Rinaldi; the Hillside Police Department, under the direction of Chief Vincent P. Ricciardi Jr,; the Jersey City Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Public Safety Director James Shea; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé; the North Bergan Police Department, under the direction of Chief Peter Fasilis; the Secaucus Police Department, under the direction of Chief Dennis Miller; and the Union Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Chris Donnelly, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Webman of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.
bradleybrown.information.pdfTroy area man sentenced to two months in prison, fined $10,000 for killing grizzly bear, tampering with evidenceRead the Press Release
MISSOULA — A Troy area man who admitted to killing a grizzly bear on his property in 2020, not reporting the shooting as required and throwing the bear’s GPS collar in the Yaak River was sentenced today to two months in prison and fined $10,000, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The defendant, Othel Lee Pearson, 80, pleaded guilty in February to tampering with evidence, a felony, and to failure to report taking of grizzly bear, a misdemeanor.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The court further ordered Pearson to serve four months of home confinement after his incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In addition, the court ordered Pearson to forfeit a .270 Winchester bolt-action rifle with a scope that he used to kill the grizzly bear and was seized from his residence. The court allowed Pearson to self-report to prison.
“Those of us who grew up in Montana know not just the dangers associated with grizzly bears, but also their protected status as a threatened species, too. When, as here, one illegally kills a grizzly bear, and in an attempt to cover it up, cuts off the bear’s GPS collar, tosses it into the Yaak River, and butchers the carcass for disposal, a federal felony will be pursued. The Cabinet-Yaak area is a designated grizzly bear recovery zone and includes Pearson’s property, which makes Pearson’s conduct even more troubling. Pearson was only caught due to the sophistication and tenacity of agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our federal prosecutors, for which I am grateful,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.
"The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to protecting our nation's natural resources for the continued benefit of the American people. Grizzly bears are a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and the state animal of Montana, which shows the importance of grizzly bears to the people and our ecosystems," said Edward Grace, Assistant Director for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. "Our agents will work tirelessly to investigate the illegal take of grizzly bears even when faced with the attempts to destroy and cover up the crime."
As alleged in amended court documents, on Nov. 19, 2020, Pearson shot and killed a sow grizzly bear on his residential property, using a .270 rifle. Pearson cut a GPS collar that had been fitted to the bear and discarded the collar nearby in the Yaak River. Pearson also cut paws, ear tags and an identifying lip tattoo from the bear carcass. Pearson then concealed the bear’s claws and an ear tag in a hollowed-out tree on Forest Service land near his residence. Meat from the bear was discovered in Pearson’s freezer inside his home. Pearson attempted to and did tamper with these identifying items to impair the criminal prosecution for failing to report taking of a grizzly bear. Pearson did not report the killing of the grizzly bear to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within five days of occurrence.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the investigation.
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Texas Men Sentenced for Conspiracy to Sell Sanctioned Iranian Petroleum to ChinaRead the Press Release
Two Texas men, both of whom were convicted at trial, were sentenced today to 45 months in prison for attempting to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), conspiracy to violate IEEPA and conspiracy to commit money laundering based on their attempt to transact in sanctioned petroleum and launder the proceeds.
According to court documents, Zhenyu “Bill” Wang, 43, a Chinese citizen, and Daniel Ray Lane, 42, of McKinney, Texas, schemed with co-conspirators to evade U.S. economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran) from July 2019 to February 2020 by facilitating the purchase of sanctioned oil from Iran, masking its origins and selling the oil under masked origins to buyers in the People’s Republic of China. To accomplish their goal, the conspirators communicated among themselves and with third parties concerning, among other things, concealing the origin of the oil and the overall illegal transaction, financing the transaction, preparing contracts and other documents needed to effect the sale, shipping the sanctioned Iranian oil, obtaining Antiguan passports to facilitate the transaction and to establish offshore bank accounts to receive funds, distributing proceeds from the intended sale of the sanctioned Iranian oil and concealing and disguising the nature, location, source, ownership and control of the proceeds of the intended transaction.
“Today, Mr. Lane and Mr. Wang are held accountable for attempting to broker illicit oil sales between Iran and China, and launder the proceeds, in violation of U.S. sanctions,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The court’s sentence makes clear that those who place personal profit over national security will face serious consequences.”
“It’s one thing to be entrepreneurial and take risks, but when your business plan hinges on evading U.S. sanctions, you’re doing it wrong,” said U.S. Attoreny Jacqueline C. Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “Wang, Lane and their co-conspirators’ scheme to make millions also would have enriched Iran, one of our government’s foreign adversaries, in direct contravention of measures meant to protect American interests and national security. Holding accountable those who violate our sanctions laws and export controls is a priority for my office and our partners at the FBI.”
“The FBI will use all our lawful authorities to stop those who seek to evade sanctions on Iranian oil,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Today’s sentencing of Zhenyu Wang and Daniel Ray Lane reflects our commitment to combatting these illegal actions and serves as a warning to others that violating U.S. sanctions impacts our national security and will not be tolerated.”
Wang played a critical role in this conspiracy, providing the connection to the Chinese buyers who would purchase the Iranian oil. As part of his efforts, Wang communicated with multiple parties in China, secured a written offer from a Chinese buyer and brokered a contract of sale with this buyer. He also arranged for bribe payments to be made to Chinese officials to facilitate the illegal transaction. Lane agreed to help launder the Iranians’ proceeds from the transaction. He offered to use the mineral rights that he sold through his business, Stack Royalties, to conceal the Iranians’ profits, and even purchased a cash machine to count the millions of dollars of laundered proceeds quickly. Wang and Lane worked with three other conspirators who acted as intermediaries seeking buyers for the sanctioned oil.
The conspirators believed that they would profit handsomely from the scheme to evade U.S. sanctions through significant shipments of sanctioned Iranian oil. They planned to start their scheme with a 500,000-barrel shipment of Iranian oil, but intended to increase the shipments to one or two million barrels per month for a year or more. Lane and another co-conspirator understood that the scheme was to be funded by an initial $5 million payment, which would include $4 million provided in cash. And the conspirators believed that they would make significant profits, with Wang stating that he planned to make $1.5 million in profit for each 500,000-barrel shipment.
Wang and Lane acted fully aware that the scheme to sell sanctioned Iranian crude oil was in violation of U.S. sanctions against Iran. In fact, both defendants made statements explicitly acknowledging that their conduct was illegal. Wang, for example, acknowledged the profits he stood to make by engaging in illegal transactions, stating that “I love sanction to be honest with you and the sanctions make everybody money.” Similarly, Lane discussed concealing and disguising the proceeds of the transactions in sanctioned Iranian oil, noting that “sanctions can always be massaged . . . you know, there is always a way around it.”
In January 2024, Wang and Lane’s co-conspirator, Nicholas Hovan, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison, and co-conspirators Nicholas Fuchs and Robert Thwaites were each sentenced to 10 months in prison.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. Murray and Mary E. Crawley for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case, with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Beau Barnes of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Taunton Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Taunton man pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Jermaine Rodrigues, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Oct. 10, 2024. In July 2023, Rodrigues was indicted by a federal grand jury.
In June 2022, Rodrigues possessed two Anderson Manufacturing AM-15, .300 blackout firearms – one of which was equipped with a laser sight and optics affixed to the top rail. In addition, Rodrigues possessed almost 100 rounds of .300 blackout ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Taunton and Fall River Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorneys Luke A Goldworm and Meghan C. Cleary of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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.
Sureno Gang Member Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Murder on Yakama Nation Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Jaime Herrera, age 29, of Granger, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Second-Degree Murder in Indian Country and one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 360-month imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Judge Dimke imposed the 360-month sentence to run consecutively to a 240-month sentence for another murder Herrera committed in Yakima County. Herrera will serve a total of 600 months – or 50 years – in prison.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on July 19, 2017, around 3:15 a.m., Herrera, who is a Sureno gang member and not affiliated with the Yakama Nation, was driving his SUV and pulled up alongside two men walking on the road between Garfield Elementary School and Garfield Park, in Toppenish, Washington, within the external boundaries of the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. Herrera accused the pair of being traitors to the gang, pulled out a rifle and killed one of the men – an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation. The second man – who survived the shooting – is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe.
While the investigation into the murder was ongoing, Herrera committed a second, unrelated homicide in the Yakima Valley – arranging an ambush and ultimately shooting the victim. Herrera was arrested shortly after the second murder, pleaded guilty in Washington State Court, and was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment in that case.
“The victim in this case was a son, a brother, and a new father – his daughter, a toddler at the time of his death, is growing up without a father because of Mr. Herrera’s senseless act of violence. While even the lengthy sentence in this case cannot substitute for the tragic loss of life, today’s sentence demonstrates that those who victimize members of our community – and in particular persons who enter Tribal communities to commit violence– will be held accountable,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “As a result of today’s sentence, the Eastern District of Washington is safer and more secure. I am grateful for the dedication of the FBI and the Yakama Nation who worked closely with prosecutors in my office to hold a double murderer accountable for his actions.”
“Senseless is the only word to describe this crime.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “The violence Mr. Herrera displayed in this case, and subsequently in a separate case, indicates prison is where he belongs. I applaud the work of our investigators and partners who work so hard to make our state’s reservations safe for the people who live on them.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Earl Hicks and Michael Ellis.
Suburban Chicago Tax Preparer Convicted of Covid-Relief FraudRead the Press Release
CHICAGO – A suburban Chicago tax preparer has been convicted on federal charges for fraudulently assisting customers in obtaining loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.
The jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago on Monday convicted HADI ISBAIH, 42, of Palos Heights, Ill., on all four counts of wire fraud against him. Each count is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman has not yet set a sentencing date.
The conviction was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kartik K. Raman and Rick D. Young.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL) were sources of relief established by the CARES Act in 2020. The programs allowed qualifying small businesses to receive low-interest, government-backed loans to cover a temporary loss of revenue during the Covid pandemic.
According to evidence presented at trial, Isbaih owned and operated Flash Tax Service Inc., a tax preparation business in Bridgeview, Ill. From May to August 2020, Isbaih submitted on behalf of several Flash Tax customers PPP and EIDL applications that contained materially false statements and misrepresentations about the customers’ businesses, such as gross revenues and number of employees. Isbaih also prepared and submitted tax returns with the loan applications that falsely represented the number of employees, monthly payroll, gross revenues, and annual income.
Isbaih charged Flash Tax customers an upfront fee of several hundred dollars before he submitted the fraudulent applications. If the customers received the PPP or EIDL funds based on those applications, Isbaih would then charge the customers additional fees.
Anyone with information about attempted Covid-relief fraud can report it to the Department of Justice by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or by completing a NCDF online complaint form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 23+ Years for Shooting at PoliceRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Tuesday sentenced a St. Louis County, Missouri man who shot at police and federal task force officers in 2021 to 23 years and 10 months in prison.
On March 18, 2021, Derek D. Brown fired multiple times at police officers, including those who had been deputized as federal task force officers, who were at his sister’s home. He continued to fire through the home’s screen door and then through the closed front door. Brown eventually surrendered.
Officers were there because early that morning, Brown went to confront his wife at a house in St. Louis County. While there, Brown took his wife’s daughter’s .45-caliber pistol. Responding officers learned about the gun and that Brown had an outstanding warrant for a parole violation. Relatives told police that he would probably go to his sister’s house.
Brown, 50, of Jennings, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in February to one count of assault on a federal officer and two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Boyce prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Robert Hollins Jr., 41 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Hollins was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in November 2023, police recovered more than 350 grams of cocaine, 3 firearms, and more than $56,000 in Hollins’ home in South Bend. At a second location Hollins maintained in South Bend, police recovered more than 154 grams of fentanyl and 3 firearms.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the South Bend Police Department and the Mishawaka Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 110 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – James Allen, 34 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Allen was sentenced to 110 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, at the time of his arrest on outstanding warrants in January 2023, Allen was found to have possessed three firearms; a loaded handgun, a loaded revolver and an AR-style pistol with an extended magazine, along with heroin and methamphetamine. Allen has two prior felony convictions, either of which prohibit him from possessing the firearms in this case.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, the Indiana State Police including the ISP Laboratory, the St. Joseph County Police Department, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle and Joseph P. Falvey.
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.
Six Sentenced in Federal Court for Gun Charges in Robbery SchemeRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, S.C. — Three men from the Pee Dee region and three men from New York were sentenced after pleading guilty to their roles in a robbery and related firearms crimes.
- Elijah N. Fitts, 23, of Rochester, New York, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
- Zion Hezekiah Fitts, 24, of Rochester, New York, was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
- Dorian Javon Godbolt, 24, of Darlington, was sentenced to more than five years in prison after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting robbery.
- Harkeem Dewayne Siequan Kennedy, 26, of Florence, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Fanotti Nacier Neal, 21, of Effingham, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license.
- Nasir Schifano, 21, of Greece, New York, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license.
Evidence presented to the court showed that just after midnight on March 29, 2022, officers with Florence Police Department responded to a shooting at an apartment complex in Florence. Investigators learned that Godbolt had arranged for Kennedy to come to the apartment complex to sell E. Fitts and Z. Fitts a quantity of marijuana, knowing that E. Fitts and Z. Fitts planned to rob Kennedy. Kennedy arrived at the apartment complex in the passenger seat of a car. Z. Fitts came to the passenger window of the car to conduct the drug deal while E. Fitts stood at the rear of the car. Kennedy provided Z. Fitts a quantity of marijuana. Z. Fitts then pulled a firearm from his hoodie, pointed it at Kennedy and told Kennedy to "give him everything." At that point, shots began to be fired. Several witnesses reported shots coming from the rear of the car, where E. Fitts was standing. Kennedy also pulled a gun and fired shots.
After obtaining information indicating that the robbers came from a particular apartment, law enforcement executed a search warrant at that apartment. Inside, law enforcement found several of those charged, a number of firearms, magazines, ammunition, and a receipt for the purchase of a firearm. Further investigation showed that Neal, Schifano, and others were involved in a conspiracy to deal in firearms without a federal firearms license. The conspirators would purchase firearms in South Carolina, display them in social media videos, negotiate the terms of sale for the firearms via text, and transfer the firearms to others.
“This violent incident has resulted in six defendants spending more than two decades in prison,” said Adair F. Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “Outstanding investigative work, led by the Florence Police Department and ATF, has made this community safer.”
“The individuals sentenced throughout this case were responsible for a number of violent crimes and sought to put more firearms in the hands of prohibited individuals,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “ATF and our law enforcement partners are focused on shutting down illegal firearms sales and preventing those with criminal intent from harming our communities.”
“We want to take this opportunity to thank our federal law enforcement partners for the indictment of these violent offenders and their subsequent guilty pleas, said Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler. “Law enforcement partnerships, as evidenced here, are a key element in the fight against violent crime. It serves as another notice to violent offenders that Florence area law enforcement, from the federal level down to the local level, will continue our collaborative efforts to bring them to justice.”
United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III sentenced all six individuals. Elijah N. Fitts was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment. Zion Hezekiah Fitts was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment. Dorian Javon Godbolt was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment. Harkeem Dewayne Siequan Kennedy was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment. Fanotti Nacier Neal was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment; Neal’s term of imprisonment on the firearms conspiracy will be run concurrently with a 40-year term of imprisonment on an unrelated State conviction. Nasir Schifano was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Neal’s term of imprisonment will be followed by an 18-month term of court-ordered supervision. Kennedy, Godbolt and Schifano’s terms of imprisonment will be followed by three-year terms of court-ordered supervision. E. Fitts and Z. Fitts’ terms of imprisonment will be followed by five-year terms of court-ordered supervision.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Florence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.
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Sentenced for Role in $2 Million Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
A Garland man was sentenced Monday to two years in prison for his role in a $2 million unemployment insurance fraud, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Frank Sherman, 60, was indicted in November 2022. He pleaded guilty in October 2023 to theft of government funds and was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge David Godbey, who also ordered him jointly and severally liable for nearly $2.3 million in restitution.
According to plea papers, Mr. Sherman admitted that from July 2020 through September 2021, he helped unknown coconspirators he met on social media pass fraudulently-obtained unemployment funds to individuals in Canada.
Mr. Sherman agreed to ship preloaded debit cards issued by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, & Rehabilitation from his home in Garland to unknown individuals in Canada.
Over the course of 14 months, he received at least 200 Nevada unemployment insurance debit cards loaded with more than $2 million in unemployment insurance funds. He shipped most of the cards to Canada, but on at least one occasion, kept a debit card and used it for his own benefit.
Mr. Sherman also admitted to purloining $3,000 in unemployment funds from the California Employment Development Department, despite never having worked in the state.
The U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marty Basu prosecuted the case.
Second felon headed to prison for firearms offenseRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 39-year-old man has been sentenced for being a felon in possession of a converted machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Christopher Victor pleaded guilty Aug. 14, 2023, to possessing a loaded .40 caliber pistol which was located under his seat.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. has now ordered Victor to serve 57 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the violent nature and circumstances of the offense and found Victor had a history of violent conduct, including prior convictions for aggravated assault and possession of a firearm.
Co-conspirator Melvin Wilkins, 41, Houston, pleaded guilty April 7 to unlawful possession of a firearm and was later sentenced to 59 months. At the time of his plea, Wilkins admitted to possessing an AR-15 style rifle between his legs while in the backseat of a vehicle that Victor drove.
Law enforcement discovered the rifle contained an extra part, which they determined to be a “switch.” A switch is an additional part added to a firearm to convert it into a machinegun or firearm that shoots more than one shot without manual reloading.
The rifle contained one round in the chamber and 74 rounds in the magazine. The safety was set to off and the rifle was in the fire position.
As both a machinegun and short barreled rifle, the firearm requires registration to the possessor in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR). Authorities verified the firearm had no serial numbers or identification number printed, engraved or stamped on the lower receiver of the rifle. Wilkins cannot register the firearm in the NFRTR without serial numbers or identifying information.
As convicted felons, federal law prohibits Victor and Wilkins from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Victor and Wilkins will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation in conjunction with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Southeast Crime Suppression Team and Houston Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day prosecuted the case.
Seattle man who groped teen on flight from Paris to Seattle sentenced to 8 months in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 36-year 0ld Seattle man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 8 months in prison for abusive sexual contact on a flight from Paris to Seattle, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Milan Edward Jurkovic was convicted following a three-day jury trial in December 2023. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik said, “The flight back should have been nothing less than the end of a joyous trip and instead she is the victim of a crime…. It shouldn’t have happened.”
“Trapped in an aircraft cabin, these assaults are particularly traumatic for vulnerable young people who trust the adults around them to behave appropriately,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “In this case the defendant groped a teenager traveling with a school group. She bravely spoke up. As I noted a year ago, we have a zero-tolerance policy for these aircraft sexual assaults. Predators will be prosecuted.”
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, on July 3, 2022, Jurkovic was a passenger on an Air France flight from Paris to Seattle. Also on the flight was a school group from Western Washington. The students were returning from a class trip abroad. The 16-year-0ld victim was seated next to Mr. Jurkovic.
About three hours into the flight, Jurkovic reached under the Air France blanket covering the victim and began groping the victim’s thigh. The victim was shocked and frozen with fear. Jurkovic proceeded to rub her thigh for an extended period of time, touching her inner thigh, before the victim was able to pull away and seek assistance from a classmate and then her chaperone. The chaperone traded places with the victim for the duration of the flight.
The incident was reported to the flight crew, and Port of Seattle Police met the flight as it arrived at SEA Airport. The victim was interviewed by law enforcement. Jurkovic provided contradictory statements to different audiences. Initially, he told the chaperone he had been rubbing his leg due to bad circulation, suggesting that he inadvertently touched the victim. Later, after being told by a Port of Seattle officer that he was under investigation for allegedly assaulting the passenger seated next to him, Jurkovic said he did not hurt anyone. He later volunteered that he had an itch on his leg. He was indicted by a grand jury on January 4, 2023, and arrested January 30, 2023.
In asking for a 16-month prison sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court, “reports of airline sexual assaults are on the rise. While they are not likely a new occurrence, the increase in reports likely reflects an increased societal desire to hold perpetrators of sexual offenses accountable. Airline sexual assaults demand a significant punishment….”.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Port of Seattle Police.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Yemini and Brian Wynne.