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Thursday 23 May 2024
Justice Department Releases Webinar with Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to Improve Accessibility of School BuildingsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights today announced the release of a webinar setting out ways for school districts across the country to increase accessibility for students and teachers with disabilities in their school facilities. The webinar, “Accessible Public Schools,” was developed by the Justice Department in consultation with the Department of Education and responds to a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation and report issued in 2020: School Districts Need Better Information to Help Improve Access for People with Disabilities. That report detailed significant accessibility barriers for students with disabilities across the country in the nation’s K-12 public school buildings, and recommended the federal government provide additional resources for school districts.
“It is critical that students with disabilities, and family members, friends, neighbors, teachers and staff with disabilities, are able to access school buildings for learning as well as extracurricular activities and community events,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to using all available tools, including enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act, to increase accessibility in school buildings. It is equally important that school district personnel have ready access to tools and information, like this webinar, to understand their obligations under the law.”
“Schools need to be accessible to everyone,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon of the Department of Education. “More than 50 years after the enactment of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and thirty years after the enactment of the ADA, students with disabilities should not still encounter barriers in their public schools. The Office for Civil Rights hopes resources like this webinar, in conjunction with vigorous enforcement, will ensure accessibility to school buildings for all students with disabilities and their families.”
In its report, the GAO recommended that the Justice Department, in consultation with the Department of Education, create guidance on K-12 school accessibility issues. The webinar, featuring a Justice Department Architect, lays out the common accessibility problems found in schools (and identified in the GAO report) and ways to address them.
The webinar can be found at https://youtu.be/M5F0IzIjYAk. The Justice Department plays a central role in advancing the ADA’s goals of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. For more information on the ADA, please call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) or visit www.ada.gov. For more information about the work of the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights regarding discrimination on the basis of disability, visit www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/frontpage/pro-students/issues/disability-issue.html.
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with the City of Pawtucket to Resolve Voting Discrimination Claims in Rhode IslandRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced today that the United States has entered into a proposed consent decree with the City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and city election officials, to settle a voting rights lawsuit, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
The proposed consent decree was filed in federal court in Rhode Island in conjunction with a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Civil Rights Division. The lawsuit alleges that Pawtucket failed to provide election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency, in violation of Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act. Section 203 requires that certain jurisdictions, including Pawtucket, provide election materials and assistance in other languages, in addition to English. The lawsuit also alleges that Pawtucket and city election officials refused to allow individuals who were qualified to cast a provisional ballot to do so, and failed to train and instruct poll workers accurately and adequately regarding the requirements for provisional ballots, all in violation of Section 302 of the Help America Vote Act.
Under the proposed consent decree, which is subject to approval by a special three-judge court in the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island, the City of Pawtucket and Board of Canvassers will provide all election-related information in both English and Spanish, including information displayed in polling places and online. The City will also ensure that in-person language assistance is available at all early voting sites and at each election precinct with at least 100 Spanish-surnamed registered voters. In addition, the consent decree provides that the City will provide specific training for poll workers. The City will recruit bilingual poll workers and provide training to all bilingual poll workers on Spanish language election terminology, how to provide effective language assistance, and voting instructions. The City will train all poll workers on the provisional ballot requirements under Section 302. The consent decree also provides that federal observers may monitor election day activities in polling places in Pawtucket.
“The right to vote is the right on which all others depend.” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha, “and this Office will remain vigilant in enforcing our civil rights laws to ensure that illegal barriers to access do not keep Americans from casting their ballots. I am grateful for our continued partnership with the Civil Rights Division on this case, and commend the City of Pawtucket for taking action to ensure that these issues are addressed.”
“Language barriers should never prevent an eligible voter from being able to fully participate in the democratic process,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Providing bilingual materials and language assistance for those who are limited English proficient will ensure that these citizens have a meaningful opportunity to participate in our democracy. We will continue to confront any barriers that stand between voters and the ability to cast their vote.”
More information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws are available on the Justice Department’s website at https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Individuals may file voting rights complaints with the Civil Rights Division either online here or may call (800)253-3931. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island either by emailing [email protected] or by calling (401)709-5010.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy R. Romero from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, and Deputy Chief Timothy Mellett and Trial Attorney Maria Rios of the Voting Section in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
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consent_order.pdf pawtucket_doj_filed_complaint.pdfJustice Department Announces Multiple Drug and Firearms ArrestsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced a multi-agency law enforcement action, targeting armed drug trafficking networks in Washington, D.C., which resulted in 24 arrests in the past nine days. This action follows a surge in additional law enforcement tools and resources announced in January by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland to fight violent crime in Washington, D.C.
“In January, the Justice Department surged law enforcement resources to the District of Columbia to further our efforts to target the individuals and organizations driving violent crime in the nation’s capital,” said Attorney General Garland. “Over the past nine days, as a result of a multi-agency investigation, we have arrested 24 individuals we allege have fueled drug trafficking and community violence in Washington, D.C. The Department will continue to leverage our partnerships, our resources, and our investigative and prosecutorial tools to reduce violent crime and keep communities safe.”
“The FBI will remain relentless in the pursuit of those who attempt to make money by selling fentanyl and other deadly drugs in our communities,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We are firmly committed to working with all of our partners and using all tools available to curb the violence impacting the American people – here in Washington, D.C., and across the country.”
Nine defendants were arrested today in connection with a Trinidad-based drug trafficking investigation. Three of the defendants arrested today are charged in a 13-count indictment alleging a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, crack cocaine, and heroin and several firearms offenses. Two additional defendants arrested today are charged in a separate multiple-count indictment on fentanyl and fentanyl analogue distribution and firearms charges. These arrests follow another law enforcement action last week, in which 15 people were arrested, 10 of whom are named in a 17-count indictment as alleged members of a drug trafficking crew operating near 21st Street and Maryland Avenue, NE, and who are charged with participation in a fentanyl and cocaine distribution conspiracy and additional firearms counts.
Today’s arrests grew out of an investigation into an open-air drug market around the 1100 block of Raum Street, NE, in the Trinidad neighborhood that was commenced in summer 2023 in response to 59 violent crime incidents and 119 bursts of gunfire occurring in the area from January to July 2023. Agents conducted numerous controlled buys of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, cocaine base, and firearms in connection with this investigation.
During the investigation, multiple search warrants were executed at several locations. Law enforcement executed 14 residential search warrants today in connection with the Trinidad investigation in the District and Maryland and seized 15 firearms, large amounts of ammunition, and alleged drug proceeds as part of the operation. At least three of the five defendants arrested today have been indicted on firearms charges, including possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
“As alleged in the indictments, the defendants sold fentanyl and other dangerous drugs on the streets of Washington, D.C. Some of them also carried guns,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “When armed drug dealers sell deadly drugs like fentanyl, they make our communities more dangerous places to live and work. Today’s arrests reflect the Criminal Division’s commitment to working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and our law enforcement partners to protect our neighborhoods from armed drug dealers and other dangerous offenders.”
“The data tells us that a relatively small group of people in our community are the primary drivers of gun violence and that the bulk of the gun violence is clustered in a relatively few blocks of our city,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “For years, we and our law enforcement partners have been focused on developing effective strategies for how we can best build cases against these relatively few people driving violence because we know that proactively removing these people from our streets is the most significant thing we can do as prosecutors to impact violent crime trends.”
“Street-level drug traffickers are directly responsible for extreme violence and devastating drug poisonings in communities across the country,” said Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “The individuals charged today are alleged members of one of the most violent criminal groups in Washington, D.C., perpetrating countless acts of violence and selling deadly fentanyl. The excellent investigative work by the DEA’s Washington Field Division, and our partners, has made this community safer. These arrests are a warning to all criminals peddling poison on American streets that the DEA will use every available resource to save lives.”
“Today's arrests show that the partnerships among federal and local law enforcement agencies are stronger than the illicit ties among members of drug trafficking organizations,” said Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division. "The FBI vows to continue to work with our partners to protect communities from violent crews who peddle drugs and wield illegal firearms.”
“Many Washingtonians have raised concerns about local drug trafficking crews that have been taking over their neighborhoods through violence and the distribution of fentanyl and other illegal drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the DEA Washington Division. “Drug trafficking and violence are undeniably connected, and we are addressing this issue directly by taking a strong stance and implementing strict measures to combat the illegal manufacture and distribution of drugs, as well as removing firearms from the streets. Whether it's through increased law enforcement efforts, educational programs, or providing support for those struggling with substance misuse, we are confronting this problem head-on to restore the communities to the residents.”
“The success of these operations would not have been possible without the collaboration, dedication, and support of the officers, investigators, and detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department, our federal partners at the FBI and DEA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The unwavering commitment to upholding the law and protecting our communities is truly commendable,” said Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. “To those who continue to engage in violent crimes, drug sales and the illegal possession and use of firearms: let this serve as a clear message. Your actions bring tremendous harm to our communities, and they will not be tolerated. Operations like these will continue, our investigations are ongoing, and our resolve is steadfast.”
The Trinidad fentanyl trafficking investigation was a multi-agency effort between the DEA’s Washington Division, Metropolitan Police Department, and FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. Trial Attorney Gerald A. A. Collins of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance was provided by VCRS Trial Attorneys Christina Taylor and Gaelin Bernstein.
The Carver-Langston fentanyl trafficking investigation was a multi-agency effort between the Metropolitan Police Department, FBI Washington Field Office’s Cross-Border Task Force, DEA’s Washington Division, and Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Duvall and Solomon Eppel for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Achievements in Police Reform in Suffolk County, New YorkRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that the Suffolk County, New York, Police Department (SCPD) has achieved sustained compliance with provisions of its settlement agreement with SCPD, including requirements concerning tracking and trending hate crimes and hate incidents, investigating allegations of police misconduct and development of policies and training. As a result, the department has terminated those provisions of the settlement agreement.
“The County and its Police Department have made significant progress towards ensuring that all Suffolk County residents benefit from constitutional policing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Police Department has improved the tracking of hate crimes, is strengthening the handling of internal affairs investigations and has improved the way it handles complaints of discriminatory policing. This progress demonstrates that meaningful policing reform and change can be achieved through our work. The Justice Department is committed to collaboratively working with the community, Suffolk County officials and the police department to ensure constitutional, fair and nondiscriminatory policing for all County residents. Residents across Suffolk County deserve nothing less.”
“We are pleased to see the Suffolk County Police Department’s progress in fulfilling significant requirements of the police reform agreement to help ensure fair and equitable policing and make the County better and safer for its residents and visitors,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “By terminating the areas of the agreement where reform efforts have been successful, we can focus on the areas that require additional attention. We look forward to working together to help the Suffolk County Police Department successfully achieve the reforms required by the remaining areas of the agreement.”
SCPD has made substantial changes in reaching compliance with provisions of the police reform agreement that the Justice Department is terminating, including:
- SCPD provides annual training on responding to, investigating and charging hate crimes.
- SCPD implemented a mapping system to track and analyze hate crimes and hate incidents. These maps are available to the public on SCPD’s website.
- SCPD improved its systems for reporting allegations of discriminatory policing and accepting third-party complaints of discrimination.
- Members of the public can now submit complaints of bias to any part of the police department — the hate crimes unit, internal affairs, any officer and any precinct.
- SCPD improved the quality of internal affairs investigations.
- SCPD now tracks civilian complaints and internal investigations by the nature of the allegation, the status of the investigation and how it resolved the investigation. This tracking allows SCPD to evaluate trends and identify patterns of problematic behavior.
- SCPD has developed and updated a number of policies, which are available on SCPD’s website in English and Spanish.
The Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York entered an agreement with Suffolk County in January 2014 to ensure that SCPD provides fair and equitable policing services to all members of the Suffolk County community, including the Latino community.
In determining that SCPD has achieved and sustained full and effective compliance with significant portions of the agreement, the United States relied on its own independent evaluations of SCPD’s compliance.
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt. Additional information about civil rights enforcement at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, including the Office’s Civil Rights Division work, is available at www.justice.gov/usao-edny/civil-rights.
Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Armed Robbery and Burglary in 2020 Northeast Barbershop RobberyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Elliot Jacobs, 32, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty after trial of multiple charges arising from a mid-day robbery at a Northeast barbershop, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The Superior Court jury found Jacobs guilty of two counts of armed robbery, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, second degree burglary while armed, and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. The jury returned the verdict on May 22, 2024. The Honorable Heidi Pasichow scheduled sentencing for August 16, 2024.
According to the government’s evidence, on August 8, 2020, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Jacobs went to the Benning Road Barbershop and asked for a trim. Because of the pandemic, the barbershop did not take walk-in customers, so Jacobs exchanged phone numbers with one of the barbers, who told him to call back in about fifteen minutes. Jacobs called the barber using a three-way call to disguise his number, and the barber told Jacobs that he was ready for him.
Jacobs returned, sat in the barber chair, and spoke with the barber for several minutes. During their conversation, a second man appeared at the shop, and both Jacobs and that accomplice pulled handguns and pointed them at the two barbers. Jacobs then robbed both barbers before fleeing with his accomplice.
MPD detectives subsequently used Jacobs’ cellphone number to develop him as a suspect. Jacobs was arrested on August 26, 2020, and he has been held in custody since.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sabena Auyeung and William Lawrence.
Jamestown man sentenced on meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joshua Doud, 42, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to time served (56 months) by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between February and May 2019, investigators made four controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Doud. Three of the for purchases were conducted at Doud’s Jamestown residence.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.
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Jamestown man going to prison on drug conspiracy chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jacob Komenda, 27, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, five grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that on April 27, 2019, members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Komenda’s residence in Jamestown. Officers recovered methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia throughout the residence, as well as a 12-gauge shotgun and a stun gun. On September 5, 2019, investigators executed a second search warrant at Komenda’s residence. Komenda had $3,182 in cash in his shorts pocket, which was proceeds of his drug trafficking activities. Investigators also recovered methamphetamine and various drug paraphernalia from the residence.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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Jamestown man going to prison for more than 26 years on meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Luis Martinez, 52, a/k/a Noel a/k/a Noelly, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 318 months in prsion by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan K. Glaberson and Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that in May and June of 2020, Martinez conspired with others to sell methamphetamine. On June 5, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at a Water Street residence, recovering approximately 20 grams of cocaine, a loaded Glock, $3,534 in cash, 14 individually wrapped plastic bags containing a total of approximately 363 grams of methamphetamine, a kilo press, two digital scales, a number of cell phones and tablets, additional smaller bags of cocaine and methamphetamine, and other drug paraphernalia. On June 10, 2020, investigators received information that Martinez had an outstanding parole warrant issued against him, at which time he was located in a vehicle on Price Street and taken into in custody. Law enforcement also recovered another $37,670 in cash behind a residence.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards, III.
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Indianapolis Man Federally Charged for Setting Fire to IndyGo Bus and Bus Station in April Causing Injury and $2.1 Million in DamagesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Demarcus McCloud, 45, of Indianapolis, has been charged with arson of property and vehicle receiving federal funds after making his initial appearance in federal court.
According to court documents, on April 24, 2024, around 5pm, Indianapolis Fire Department and IMPD officers responded to a report of a fire at the IndyGo bus stop at 38th and North Meridian Streets. When first responders arrived, the inside of the bus and front half of the exterior were completely engulfed in flames.
Witnesses claimed that the fire was started by a passenger, identified as Demarcus McCloud. IMPD Officers located McCloud in the parking lot of a nearby restaurant and found him holding two butane lighters in his hand. He was arrested and transported to Eskenazi hospital to be assessed for physical injuries.
Surveillance cameras show McCloud boarding Bus #1993 at the Julia Carson Transit Center on Washington Street carrying a jug full of liquid and two butane lighters. After boarding, McCloud chose a seat in the back of the bus and lit a cigarette while hiding under a blanket. McCloud allegedly threw the butt of the cigarette on the floor, then lit a piece of paper before extinguishing it and moving to another section of the bus. As the bus approached the stop at Meridian and 38th Streets, McCloud began pouring out liquid from the jug onto the floor of the center aisle. He left the open jug laying on its side and began to exit the bus as the liquid continued to flow out. As he approached the bus door, he lit another piece of paper and threw it on the floor. The puddle ignited immediately, and McCloud ran from the station.
During this incident, a passenger on the bus suffered from smoke inhalation after exiting the vehicle and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
IndyGo operates their public transportation buses under the Federal Transportation Administration. It is estimated that Bus #1993 sustained approximately $2.1 million in damages, and the bus stop sustained approximately $25,000 in damages.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating this case. If convicted, McCloud faces up to 40 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash, who is prosecuting this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Hot Springs Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jonathan A. Kobes, sitting in district court in Rapid City, South Dakota, has sentenced a Hot Springs, South Dakota, man for Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on May 14, 2024.
Christian Justus Willard, a/k/a “Bamalife24”, age 24, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Willard was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $3,000 in restitution to his victim.
A federal grand jury indicted Willard in August of 2023 for offenses relating to sexual exploitation of a minor. On March 8, 2024, he pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography.
Willard used the internet-based application Snapchat and his cellular phone to entice a 13-year-old female to engage in sexually explicit activity. Despite knowing the victim’s age, Willard solicited sexually explicit photos and videos from the victim and offered her drugs. Willard saved several of the illegal photos and videos on his cellular phone.
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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Hot Springs Police Department, and the Fall River County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.
Willard was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Habitual Offender Sentenced for Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man was sentenced to 46 months in prison after pleading guilty to domestic assault by a habitual offender and assault by an intimate partner by strangling, suffocating or attempting to strangle or suffocate.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on December 26, 2021, Matthew Vicenti, 34, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, assaulted the mother of his two children over two days at his Dulce home on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation. Vicenti slapped, pushed, punched and strangled the victim, breaking her phone and taking her shoes to prevent her from leaving. When police arrived, Vicenti turned off lights, cut the WiFi and covered the victim's mouth, and choked her, causing bruising to her throat. Vicenti was on probation at the time and was concerned about getting in trouble.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Vicenti will be required to serve three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.
The Jicarilla Apache Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Bell is prosecuting the case.
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Guilty Verdict for District Man on First-Degree Murder Charges for 2021 StabbingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A jury sitting in Superior Court yesterday found Aaron Jackson, 30, of Washington, D.C., guilty of first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon in the June 2021 stabbing death of Damohn Gill. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Sentencing is scheduled for August 9, 2024.
According to the government’s evidence, at 7:50 p.m. in the evening of Thursday, June 24, 2021, the victim, Damohn Gill, 27, of Washington, D.C., pulled into the parking lot of the Orchard Park Apartments with his pregnant girlfriend. Around the same time, the defendant, Aaron Jackson, parked on the street near the parking lot. Both men got out of their cars and hugged on the sidewalk. The men spoke briefly before Jackson pulled out a knife and aggressively approached Mr. Gill. Mr. Gill raised his hands in the air at which point the defendant grabbed the victim by the throat. Mr. Gill pulled away and attempted to run, but Jackson held onto the victim and proceeded to stab him nine times in the back, face, arm, and abdomen leaving him disemboweled. The defendant then fled the scene. A few days after the murder, Jackson posted to Instagram to brag and sing about killing the victim.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and Assistant United States Attorney Peter Roman. It is being prosecuted and tried by Assistant United States Attorneys Wes Faulkner and Marybeth Manfreda.
Gregg County man sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Kilgore man has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking drugs in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Rodney Dewayne Fagans, 39, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on May 22, 2024.
According to information presented in court, Fagans and his co-conspirators admitted to selling large quantities of methamphetamine on numerous occasions in Gregg County. Fagans was identified as the supplier for three separate illegal drug transactions totaling 598.72 grams of methamphetamine. Fifteen others involved in the drug distribution scheme have pleaded guilty and been sentenced to federal prison.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Gregg County Sheriff's Office, and Longview Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
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Goshen Man Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Koby Eldridge, 31 years old, of Goshen, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm after being adjudicated mentally defective, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Eldridge was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in May, 2023, Eldridge was found to be in possession of five loaded firearms that were recovered from his car. On that same date, another loaded firearm and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition that were recovered from his residence. Eldridge had previously been adjudicated to be incompetent to stand trial in Elkhart Superior Court in February 2021, and had been committed to a mental institution, such that he was precluded from possessing these firearms.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Goshen Police Department, the Elkhart Police Department, and the Elkhart Sheriff’s 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.
Georgia Man Sentenced to Two Years for Laundering Fraudulently Obtained MoneyRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A Georgia resident was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for his role in helping fraudsters steal money from both individual and business victims, some of them from Michigan, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division.
Christian Ogunghide, 48, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty, earlier this year, to laundering money derived from wire fraud, by United States District Judge Gershwin A. Drain.
According to Court records, in 2016-2017, through various bank accounts, Ogunghide engaged in numerous financial transactions, each transaction well over $10,000, involving over $1 million in the proceeds of wire fraud, that is, funds obtained by others through business email compromise fraud schemes and romance fraud schemes. When Ogunghide engaged in these monetary transactions, he knew that the transactions involved criminally derived property. He allowed fraudsters to use bank accounts he controlled to receive monies fraudulently taken from both individuals and businesses. He then disseminated the funds, effectively eliminating any chance the victims had to get their money back. He played a vital role in enabling the fraudsters to complete their fraud. And Ogunghide benefited immensely, including by the use of nearly $300,000 in fraudulent funds to buy himself a home that he lived in for years.
The Court ordered Ogunghide to pay $1,207,155.66 in restitution to the victims in this case. The Court also ordered the forfeiture of a Georgia home purchased with funds traceable to the fraud scheme, and entered a forfeiture money judgment of $1,206, 155.66.
United States Attorney Ison stated: “Those who enable the victimization of others need to be held accountable. As a money launderer, Ogunghide repeatedly helped to facilitate fraud. We are committed to prosecuting those who choose to enrich themselves by enabling others to commit crimes.”
"Mr. Ogunghide illicitly laundered over a million dollars obtained through fraud from victims, encompassing individuals and businesses across multiple states," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "Combatting white-collar crime stands as a foremost priority for the FBI, and with the assistance of our law enforcement allies, we will persist in uncovering and dismantling financial schemes."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick E. Corbett and Adriana Dydell. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Georgia Felon Who Assaulted Clearwater Police Officer During Traffic Stop Convicted at Trial for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Cleveland Sanders (41, Covington, Georgia) was found guilty of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon following a bench trial before United States District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle. Sanders faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2024.
According to evidence presented at trial, on January 3, 2023, an officer with the Clearwater Police Department stopped Sanders for multiple traffic infractions near North Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Grant Street in Clearwater, Florida. During the stop, the officer noticed a large handgun in the driver’s side doorjamb. After being ordered to remain in the vehicle, Sanders instead got out and punched the officer several times in the face and dislodged the officer’s body camera. Sanders then fled the scene but was later arrested.
The firearm was recovered from the doorjamb of the vehicle. At the time of the offense, Sanders had a prior felony conviction and had served 15 years in a Florida prison for aggravated battery with great bodily harm. As a convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clearwater Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and David Sullivan.
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.
Gang Member Sentenced to 178 Months in Prison for Racketeering Charge and Related CrimesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang was sentenced today to 178 months in prison for his role in a racketeering conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Tyheim Terry, aka “Ty,” aka “Rollin’ Ty,” 25, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to a superseding indictment that charged him with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, carjacking, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of the carjacking. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2015 through Sept. 22, 2022, Terry was a member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, a criminal enterprise responsible for acts of violence and the distribution of controlled substances in the District of New Jersey and elsewhere. On Feb. 21, 2021, Terry worked with others, including members of the gang, to attempt to carjack a victim. On April 5, 2021, Terry worked with other members of the gang to shoot another victim. On April 11, 2021, Terry brandished a firearm and carjacked a third victim.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Terry to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz; special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti; investigators of the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos; the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Police Division Director Tracy Bowers; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé; the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Samuel A. DeMaio; the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis L. Bindi; the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl J. Graves; the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tom Bryan; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel; the Spotswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Philip Corbisiero; and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, with the investigations leading to the charges in the Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips investigation.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Special Prosecutions Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Nasar of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit.
Gainesville Man Convicted for Making Threats Against Roanoke Federal Credit UnionRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Gainesville, Virginia man, who threatened to “blow-up Roanoke” and to rape and kill two credit union employees, was convicted last week of making threats in interstate commerce following a two-day trial.
Brandon Hayward, 35, was convicted of two counts of knowingly transmitting in interstate commerce threats to injure two employees of the InFirst Federal Credit Union.
According to evidence presented at trial, on August 15, 2022, Hayward called the InFirst Federal Credit Union customer service line with a complaint about his account. Unsatisfied with the assistance he was receiving, he proceeded to threaten two different employees of the credit union.
Hayward specifically threatened to rape and kill Victim 1, adding that he was going to get his shotgun. Hayward further threatened to find Victim 1 by searching for her last name and stated, “You think you’re safe in Roanoke; you’re not.” Hayward later threatened to come to Victim 2’s home and rape her. Both victims had prior experience with Hayward in the course of their employment with InFirst.
At sentencing, Hayward faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to five years in federal prison.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.
The Department of Homeland Security and Federal Protective Service investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristin B. Johnson and Lee Brett are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Fugitive who fled to the Dominican Republic sentenced for laundering millions of health care fraud proceedsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On May 22, a Miami federal district judge sentenced a fugitive to 87 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a multimillion-dollar conspiracy to commit money laundering. The judge also ordered him to pay $3,709,860 in restitution.
From August 2020 to August 2022, Julio Arsenio Rodriguez, 62, Hialeah, Florida, conspired with a network of South Florida clinics to submit millions of dollars in fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid for durable medical equipment (DME) that was medically unnecessary and that was not provided to the patients. Also, Rodriguez served as the legal owner and registered agent of several fictitious companies which he used to launder those health care fraud proceeds.
In March 2023, Rodriguez failed to appear at a calendar call and a federal judge issued a warrant for his arrest. Eight months later, Rodriguez was located in the Dominican Republic, attempting to open businesses in that country. In November 2023, Rodriguez surrendered to the United States authorities and returned to Miami to face charges for the money laundering conspiracy. Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in January.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Miami Region; and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody for the Florida Office of the Attorney General made the announcement.
FBI Miami, HHS-OIG Miami, and the Florida Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigated the case. The U.S. Marshals Service Office of International Operations (OIO) Dominican Republic Foreign Field Office (DRFFO) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Caribbean Division Financial Investigative Team provided valuable assistance in securing the arrest and deportation of Rodriguez back to the United States. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Canzio prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon handled asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 22-cr-20541.
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Fridley Felon Pleads Guilty to Shooting 11-Year-Old on New Year’s DayRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Fridley man has pleaded guilty for possession of ammunition as a felon after firing multiple shots from an AR-style rifle, one of which struck an 11-year-old child in the face, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, just after midnight on January 1, 2024, officers of the Minneapolis Police Department received a report of a shooting at a residence in north Minneapolis. When officers arrived at the scene a woman told them that shots had been fired outside the residence and a round had struck the woman’s 11-year-old child in the face. The minor victim was sitting in a second-story bedroom when they heard gunshots outside the residence at approximately midnight. The minor victim went to the window to observe when a round came through the window and hit them in the face.
According to court documents, officers obtained a Snapchat video of James William Turner, 44, that was filmed just prior to the shooting. The two-minute video showed Turner outside, near the victim’s residence, speaking angrily to the camera before panning it to show an AR-style rifle lying across the driver’s seat of a vehicle. A neighbor provided officers with a doorbell surveillance video that showed Turner fire multiple rounds in the direction of the victim’s bedroom window. Officers found eight live cartridges and 24 discharged cartridge casings throughout the boulevard, sidewalk, and yard.
Because Turner has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Turner pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Ann D. Montgomery to one count of possession of ammunition as a felon.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department, with assistance from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian C.S. Weir is prosecuting the case.
Fresno Man Indicted for Throwing Methamphetamine into Mendota Prison YardRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Garrett Scott Wheelen, 33, of Fresno, charging him with possessing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on May 1, 2024, Wheelen arrived at the Federal Correctional Institution Mendota wearing a facemask, baseball cap, and hoodie to conceal his identity. In broad daylight, Wheelen ran to the prison fence and tossed four packages into the prison’s recreation yard. He was quickly apprehended after attempting to flee. The packages contained over 3 pounds of methamphetamine.
According to the criminal complaint, none of the inmates who were in the recreation yard retrieved the packages that were thrown.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mendota Police Department, and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Romero faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, and a $1 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Four Men Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charge for Allegedly Murdering Man to Increase Position in Chicago Street GangRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Four men have been indicted on a federal racketeering charge for allegedly murdering a man to maintain and increase their positions in a violent Chicago street gang.
JOSHUA BROUGHTON, 34, of Chicago, CHRISTOPHER SINGLETON, 24, of Chicago, JARON DAVIS, 22, of Lansing, Ill., and GRIEG MACON, 27, of Chicago, are charged with racketeering and firearm offenses in an indictment unsealed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment accuses the four defendants of murdering Ogonnia Okeke on June 1, 2021, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions in the Rack City street gang. Okeke, 25, was fatally shot in the Princeton Park neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side.
The indictment alleges that the Rack City gang is a criminal organization whose members and associates engaged in narcotics trafficking and committed acts of violence to preserve and protect the gang’s perceived territory. Members of the gang intimidated rivals, victims, and witnesses through acts and threats of violence, boasted about their gang on social media, and took steps designed to prevent law enforcement from detecting their criminal activities, according to the indictment. Eight other alleged members or associates of the Rack City gang were charged last year with firearm or drug offenses as part of the federal investigation.
Davis was arrested on Wednesday. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Wednesday afternoon in federal court in Chicago. The three other defendants were previously arrested and remain in federal custody. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will seek to keep all four defendants detained pending trial.
The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Illinois State Police Firearm Investigation Unit, IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office, Rosemont, Ill. Police Department, and Cook County Sheriff’s Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jimmy L. Arce, Margaret A. Steindorf, and Elly M. Peirson.
The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers and other criminal offenders that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement against criminal networks.
Murder in aid of racketeering is punishable by a mandatory sentence of life in prison, and the death penalty is also possible. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Broughton et al indictmentFort Wayne Man Sentenced to 240 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Payne T. Randle, 40 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after being found guilty by a jury for possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Randle was sentenced to 240 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on February 4, 2021, the Allen County Drug Task Force was notified by a commercial carrier of a suspicious package addressed to Randle’s residence. A search warrant for the package revealed it contained approximately 368 grams of methamphetamine and 444 grams of marijuana. A subsequent search warrant and stop resulted in the recovery of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana, a loaded firearm, a 50-round drum-style magazine, and numerous boxes of ammunition as well as additional methamphetamine and four more firearms. Randle has previous felony drug convictions and a felony robbery conviction, which prohibited him from possessing the firearms.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allen County Drug Task Force, the Allen County Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory, and the Indiana State Police Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Justin C. Sheridan.
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.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 135 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Dejon Parks, 28 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Parks was sentenced to 135 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in October 2022, Parks mailed two packages containing a large amount of fentanyl pills from Tempe, Arizona, to an address in Fort Wayne, Indiana. A United States Postal Inspector intercepted the packages and obtained a federal search warrant, discovering the packages contained a total of more than three kilograms of fentanyl pills.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Postal Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Indiana State Police, the Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Former title agent sentenced to 36 months in prison for $6.6 million mortgage fraud schemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On May 22, a former title agent was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $6,634,750.00 in forfeiture for carrying out a $6.6 million mortgage fraud scheme. A restitution hearing is scheduled for Aug. 16.
Dora Ameneiro Martinez, 45, Haines City, Florida, was a licensed title agent in the State of Florida. She owned Apex Title Agency Incorporated (Apex Title), a title company in Haines City. Between June 2019 and July 2022, Martinez participated in approximately 30 fraudulent real estate transactions. Martinez made false and fraudulent statements to a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured financial institution and to various non-FDIC insured private mortgage lenders to defraud them into approving mortgages and lending money. The fraudulent real estate transactions totaled $6,634,750 in fraudulent proceeds.
As part of her scheme, Martinez prepared false and fraudulent mortgage applications and other related documents on her behalf, Apex Title, other companies she owned and other homeowners. The mortgage documents submitted to lenders contained false and fraudulent statements and representations relating to existing mortgages on the properties and other information necessary for the lenders to assess the qualifications of the homeowners to borrow money.
The title paperwork and Closing Disclosures falsely stated that there were no existing mortgages on properties, inducing the lenders to fund mortgage loans on properties in the Southern District of Florida and elsewhere. In reality, the properties were encumbered by existing mortgages that were not disclosed to the lenders in the title paperwork and Closing Disclosures, causing the new lenders to be placed in an inferior lien position to the existing lenders. Relying on these misrepresentations, the financial institution and private mortgage lenders lent money to the homeowners, believing that they were in first position and the mortgage was secured by a property that was unencumbered. Then, the financial institution and private mortgage lenders wired the loan proceeds to Martinez or Apex Title.
Martinez also falsely and fraudulently applied for and processed a mortgage refinancing loan that, upon receiving the newly refinanced mortgage loan funds as the settlement agent, failed to satisfy the existing mortgage and diverted the proceeds for her own personal use. The lender would have not lent the money to Martinez if they would have known that Martinez was not going to immediately pay off the existing mortgage in accordance with the Closing Disclosure. The lender relied on Martinez to pay off the existing mortgage to be in first position.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Brian Tucker of the Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (FRB-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Edwin S. Bonano of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG) announced the sentence imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga.
FRB-OIG and FHFA-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Manolo Reboso is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daren Grove is handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-20451.
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Former Venezuelan military official sentenced for money laundering and bribery schemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A former officer in the Venezuelan National Guard was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for participating in a money laundering scheme that involved bribes to foreign officials and defrauding foreign financial institutions.
According to court documents, Nepmar Jesus Escalona Enriquez, 47, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and formerly of Venezuela, participated in an illegal scheme to finance purported food imports to Venezuela that was facilitated by bribery and false pretenses. Escalona and his co-conspirators carried out the scheme, in part, by knowingly submitting fraudulent applications to the Venezuelan currency regulation authority, also known as CADIVI, to deceive Banesco Bank, the Central Bank of Venezuela, and Venezuelan customs authorities into releasing U.S. dollars to Escalona and his co-conspirators outside of Venezuela. The fraudulent applications were submitted to purportedly finance food imports into Venezuela, but in reality were an artifice to enrich the conspirators. This conduct resulted in the transfer of nearly $1.7 million in U.S. dollars from Banesco Bank into an account controlled by the conspirators.
Escalona further admitted that, in at least one instance, the co-conspirators arranged for a series of bribes to be paid to officials in Venezuela to prevent the detection of their fraudulent scheme. Escalona also admitted in another instance to instructing a co-conspirator to wire transfer proceeds of the fraud, as well as funds constituting bribes, to four financial institutions in the United States. The five illicit wire transfers totaled approximately $420,847.
Escalona pleaded guilty on March 4 to one count of money laundering conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Miami Field Division made the announcement.
The DEA’s Miami Field Division is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Goldbarg, Trial Attorney Emily Cohen and Deputy Chief Joseph Palazzo of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
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Former Venezuelan Military Official Sentenced for Money Laundering and Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
A former officer in the Venezuelan National Guard was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for participating in a money laundering scheme that involved bribes to foreign officials and defrauding foreign financial institutions.
According to court documents, Nepmar Jesus Escalona Enriquez, 47, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and formerly of Venezuela, participated in an illegal scheme to finance purported food imports to Venezuela that was facilitated by bribery and false pretenses. Escalona and his co-conspirators carried out the scheme, in part, by knowingly submitting fraudulent applications to the Venezuelan currency regulation authority, also known as CADIVI, to deceive Banesco Bank, the Central Bank of Venezuela, and Venezuelan customs authorities into releasing U.S. dollars to Escalona and his co-conspirators outside of Venezuela. The fraudulent applications were submitted to purportedly finance food imports into Venezuela, but in reality were an artifice to enrich the conspirators. This conduct resulted in the transfer of nearly $1.7 million in U.S. dollars from Banesco Bank into an account controlled by the conspirators.
Escalona further admitted that, in at least one instance, the co-conspirators arranged for a series of bribes to be paid to officials in Venezuela to prevent the detection of their fraudulent scheme. Escalona also admitted in another instance to instructing a co-conspirator to wire transfer proceeds of the fraud, as well as funds constituting bribes, to four financial institutions in the United States. The five illicit wire transfers totaled approximately $420,847.
Escalona pleaded guilty on March 4 to one count of money laundering conspiracy.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; and Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Miami Field Division made the announcement.
The DEA’s Miami Field Division is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Emily Cohen and Deputy Chief Joseph Palazzo of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Goldbarg for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case.
Former Rochester bus driver pleads guilty to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tomas Rosario, 75, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to attempting to receive child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that Rosario was a school bus driver in Monroe County. On March 11, 2022, without any other adults or children present, Rosario transported a 13-year-old (victim) to school. During the ride, Rosario allowed the victim to sit in the front seat and proceeded to engage her in personal and sexually explicit conversation, including asking the victim if she had ever engaged in sexual conduct with her boyfriend. At the end of the day, Rosario picked the victim up from school, and again allowed her to sit in the front seat. Rosario continued to engage in sexually explicit conversation with the victim, and ultimately subjected her to instances of sexual contact. In addition, Rosario gave the victim his phone number, showed the victim his home, and encouraged the victim to call and visit if she ever wanted to skip school. Rosario’s actions were recorded on the bus surveillance system. In one instance, Rosario instructed the victim to take sexually explicit photos of herself and send them to him. On the following day, Rosario encountered the victim in a convenience store and warned her not to tell anyone what he had done the day before. That encounter was captured by the store’s security cameras.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief David Smith, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 12, 2024, before Judge Geraci.
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Former Federal Bureau of Prisons Corrections Officer Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Inmate in His CustodyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A former Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) Corrections Officer, Robert D. Smith, 39, was sentenced today in federal court to 24 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for sexually abusing an inmate while he was a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution, in Aliceville, Alabama (FCI-Aliceville).
Smith previously pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a ward on Jan. 11.
“Robert Smith’s egregious acts have no place in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and he has been held to account for abusing of his position of trust,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Today sentence marks the latest effort in the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to root out sexual misconduct within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Department will continue our efforts to hold accountable employees who fail to uphold their oath to protect those in their care.”
“Beyond the view of the cameras and the eyes of potential witnesses, this defendant sexually abused and assaulted vulnerable women inmates and thought he would get away with his crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This case should send an unequivocal message to officials working in correctional settings that we have zero tolerance for sexual assaults of women held inside jails and prisons. We encourage the survivors of these heinous crimes to report acts of official misconduct and violence to the FBI. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute those who violate the civil and constitutional rights of people detained in correctional facilities.”
“Corrections officers have the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of those incarcerated in our nation’s prisons,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute corrections officers who abuse inmates and violate positions of public trust.”
“Today’s sentencing holds Smith accountable for the serious crimes he committed,” said Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “Smith sexually abused multiple inmates and he did so by taking them to areas of the prison without camera coverage. As the OIG has repeatedly found, the effective use of cameras by the FBOP is critical to preventing and deterring such criminal wrongdoing at its facilities.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Smith worked as a corrections officer at FCI-Aliceville, which is a low-security federal prison. As part of his duties, Smith was to ensure the safety and security of inmates housed at FCI-Aliceville and to uphold the U.S. Constitution.
While acting in his capacity as an officer, in or around February 2019, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory or disciplinary authority. Smith committed this criminal act when he and his victim were in his office in the facilities department, which was away from cameras and other inmates and officers.
Smith also admitted to sexually abusing another inmate on a different occasion. Specifically, also while acting in his capacity as an officer, between on or about July 6, 2018, and Nov. 15, 2018, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory or disciplinary authority. Smith committed this criminal act in the mechanical room, which Smith accessed with a key, and which was also away from cameras and other inmates and officers.
DOJ-OIG investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Royster for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
FBOP is committed to rooting out misconduct within its ranks and working with law enforcement partners to prosecute violations of federal law. The numerous FBOP employees working diligently to ensure justice for the victims of misconduct are critical to the department’s reform efforts.
Former Federal Bureau of Prisons Corrections Officer Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Inmate in His CustodyRead the Press Release
A former Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) Corrections Officer, Robert D. Smith, 39, was sentenced today in federal court to 24 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for sexually abusing an inmate while he was a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution, in Aliceville, Alabama (FCI-Aliceville).
Smith previously pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a ward on Jan. 11.
“Robert Smith has been held to account for abusing his position of trust by sexually assaulting an adult in his custody,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Today’s sentence marks the latest step forward in the Justice Department’s ongoing campaign to root out sexual misconduct from the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Department will continue to hold accountable any BOP employee who violates their oath to protect those in their care through sexual assault.”
“Beyond the view of the cameras and the eyes of potential witnesses, this defendant sexually abused and assaulted vulnerable women inmates and thought he would get away with his crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This case should send an unequivocal message to officials working in correctional settings that we have zero tolerance for sexual assaults of women held inside jails and prisons. We encourage the survivors of these heinous crimes to report acts of official misconduct and violence to the FBI. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute those who violate the civil and constitutional rights of people detained in correctional facilities.”
“Corrections officers have the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of those incarcerated in our nation’s prisons,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute corrections officers who abuse inmates and violate positions of public trust.”
“Today’s sentencing holds Smith accountable for the serious crimes he committed,” said Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “Smith sexually abused multiple inmates and he did so by taking them to areas of the prison without camera coverage. As the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has repeatedly found, the effective use of cameras by the FBOP is critical to preventing and deterring such criminal wrongdoing at its facilities.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Smith worked as a corrections officer at FCI-Aliceville, which is a low-security federal prison. As part of his duties, Smith was to ensure the safety and security of inmates housed at FCI-Aliceville and to uphold the U.S. Constitution.
While acting in his capacity as an officer, in or around February 2019, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory or disciplinary authority. Smith committed this criminal act when he and his victim were in his office in the facilities department, which was away from cameras and other inmates and officers.
Smith also admitted to sexually abusing another inmate on a different occasion. Specifically, also while acting in his capacity as an officer, between on or about July 6, 2018, and Nov. 15, 2018, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory or disciplinary authority. Smith committed this criminal act in the mechanical room, which Smith accessed with a key, and which was also away from cameras and other inmates and officers.
The Justice Department OIG investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Royster for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
FBOP is committed to rooting out misconduct within its ranks and working with law enforcement partners to prosecute violations of federal law. The numerous FBOP employees working diligently to ensure justice for the victims of misconduct are critical to the department’s reform efforts.
Former Boilermakers Union Chief of Staff Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Missouri man pleaded guilty today to racketeering conspiracy in connection with his involvement in serious financial misconduct at an international labor organization.
According to court documents, Tyler Brown, 44, of Kansas City, Missouri, was employed by the Kansas City, Kansas, headquarters of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmith, Forgers, and Helpers (the “Boilermakers Union”) as chief of staff of the Boilermakers Union and special assistant to the International President of the Boilermakers Union. From 2013 through October 2022, Brown reported directly to the International President and carried out his directives. Between those dates, Brown was involved in numerous instances of unlawful misappropriation of union funds, including:
- purchasing merchandise and hundreds of restaurant meals for the International President and his wife in their hometown that were not necessary to conduct union business or benefit the union or its members;
- employing several family members of international officers who received several hundred thousand dollars in salary, reimbursed expenses, unearned vacations, and benefit contributions for minimal or no productive work; and
- paying for dozens of international trips to Europe, Asia, and Australia for large entourages of international officers and employees of the Boilermakers Union, their families, and outside guests whose travel was not necessary to conduct union business or benefit the union or its members.
Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 22 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District Kansas; Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office; and Denver-St. Louis District Director Christiane Abendroth of the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards made the announcement.
The FBI and Department of Labor are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Vincent Falvo of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Faiza Alhambra and Jabari Wamble for the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.
Former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby Sentenced to Twelve Months of Home Confinement, with Electronic Monitoring and Ordered to Forfeit 90% of Property ValueRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Lydia K. Griggsby today sentenced Marilyn J. Mosby, age 44, of Baltimore, Maryland to twelve months of home confinement as part of thirty-six months of supervised release, for making a false mortgage application and two counts of perjury. During the first twelve months of her supervised release Judge Griggsby also ordered Mosby to remain on home confinement, with electronic monitoring. Judge Griggsby further ordered forfeiture of 90% of the property purchased with the fraudulently obtained mortgage, including any appreciation. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
On February 6, 2024, Mosby was convicted on the federal charge of making a false mortgage application when she was Baltimore City State’s Attorney, relating to the purchase of a condominium in Long Boat Key, Florida. Previously, on November 9, 2023, Mosby was convicted on two counts of perjury, relating to the withdrawal of funds from the City of Baltimore’s Deferred Compensation Plan claiming that she suffered adverse financial consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic while she was the Baltimore City State’s Attorney.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and IRS-CI agents for their work in the investigation and thanked the Baltimore City Office of the Inspector General for its assistance and invaluable public service. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Aaron S.J. Zelinsky, who prosecuted the federal cases.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Fmr. executive pleads guilty after losing bank’s $47.1 million in crypto schemeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to using his position as a bank executive to embezzle millions of dollars causing the bank to fail at a complete loss of equity for investors.
According to court documents, Shan Hanes, 52, of Elkhart pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a bank officer.
Hanes previously served as chief executive officer (CEO) of Heartland Tri-State Bank (HTSB) in Elkhart, Kansas. From May 2023 to July 2023 Hanes initiated a series of 10 outgoing wire transfers totaling $47.1 million of Heartland’s funds to a cryptocurrency wallet. The funds were transferred to multiple cryptocurrency accounts controlled by unidentified third parties during the time HTSB was insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
“Shan Hanes is a liar and a master manipulator who caused Heartland Tri-State Bank to collapse. Even as he was squandering away tens of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency, Hanes orchestrated schemes to cover his tracks concerning the losses at the bank,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. “Many victims will never fully recoup losses to their life savings and retirement funds, but at least we at the Department of Justice can see that Hanes is held criminally responsible for his actions.”
“Shan Hanes exploited his position as a bank executive to commit fraud and embezzle funds that ultimately led to Tri-State Bank’s failure,” said Jon Ellwanger, Special Agent in Charge, Western Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to bringing to justice bank executives who engage in illegal activities that undermine the public trust. I commend our agent and law enforcement partners for their diligent work that ultimately led to this outcome.”
Hanes is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2024, and faces a maximum of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Federal Reserve Board - Office of Inspector General (FRB-OIG), and Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General ((FHFA-OIG) are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting the case.
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Florida man sentenced for bank fraud at a Cheyenne financial institutionRead the Press Release
Kennard C. Bouk, III, 56, of Apopka, Florida, was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment for bank fraud and was ordered to pay $27,000 in restitution. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on May 22.
According to court documents, on Jan. 9, 2023, Bouk deposited a counterfeit U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $560,625.04 made out to “Knight Insurance Company LLC,” at a financial institution in Cheyenne. Five days prior, on Jan. 4, 2023, Bouk had created an LLC of the same name with the Wyoming Secretary of State and opened a business account for Knight Insurance Company LLC at the financial institution. He was able to unlawfully obtain $27,000 before the fraud was detected.
It is believed that the original U.S. Treasury check was stolen in the mail, the image was sold, and the check reproduced. It did not have four of the security features of the original U.S. Treasury check. Bouk was arrested on Jun. 9, 2023 by Apopka Police Department in Florida. He pleaded guilty to the charge on Feb. 27, 2024. The United Stated Secret Service investigated this crime.
Case No. 23-CR-00122.
Five-Time Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Reginald Dugger Jr. (42, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Dugger faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on February 29, 2024, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a federal search warrant at Dugger’s residence. During the search, agents discovered a currency counter, drugs, and two loaded firearms in plain view and accessible to Dugger. At the time of the offense, Dugger had previously been convicted of several felony offenses. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.
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.
Five Defendants in Custody in Multi-Agency Investigation Focused on Trinidad Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Law enforcement have five defendants in custody this morning who have been indicted in U.S. District Court in connection with a multi-agency fentanyl trafficking investigation. Three of the defendants, alleged members of a District drug trafficking crew, were charged in a 13-count indictment with participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, and heroin. Two of the five in custody, who were arrested this morning, are charged in connection with a separate 13-count indictment on fentanyl distribution and firearms counts.
The indictments were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Law enforcement also executed search warrants at 14 residences in the District and in Maryland and seized 15 firearms, large amounts of ammunition, $126,000 in alleged drug proceeds as part of the operation, and significant quantities of drugs, including suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and xylazine. At least three of the defendants in custody have been indicted on firearms charges.
The arrests grew out of a joint investigation into a Trinidad Street crew operating an open-air drug market around 1100 block of Raum Street, NE. From January to July 2023, there have been 59 violent crime incidents and 119 bursts of gunfire in the area. Agents conducted numerous buys of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, cocaine base, and firearms.
The defendants, who reside in Washington D.C. and Maryland, include:
NAME
AGE
AKA
CHARGES
Davon Cunningham
34
“Tank”
“Kevin”
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl; 10 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl Analogue; a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base; and a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Heroin; Unlawful Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl x 2; Unlawful Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl and Aiding and Abetting; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
Levancie Carr
41
“Locs”
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl; 10 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl Analogue; a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base; and a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Heroin
Roosevelt Richardson
48
“Rose”
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl; 10 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl Analogue; a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base; and a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Heroin
Antonio Lucas
46
-
Distribution of Fentanyl x 7; Distribution of 10 Grams or More of Fentanyl Analogue x 2; Distribution of N-Propylbutylone; Unlawful Possession of Ammunition by a Felon; Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
Rex Pelote Jr
39
-
Unlawful Possession of Ammunition by a Felon; Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This investigation was a multi-agency effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, the Narcotics Enforcement Unit of the Violent Crime Suppression Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, and the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section and Trial Attorney Gerald Collins of the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. Criminal Division Trial Attorneys Christina Taylor and Gaelin Bernstein also provided valuable assistance.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced on Monday, May 20, to 240 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court documents, multiple law enforcement agencies received information that Ulysses Bush, age 44, was selling large quantities of methamphetamine throughout the Northwest Arkansas area. Between November 2022 and January 2023, law enforcement conducted a series of controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Bush. In the months following these transactions, Bush was found with additional quantities of methamphetamine during traffic stops executed by the Inola, Oklahoma, and Fayetteville Police Departments. In April 2023, the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on a storage unit in Fayetteville that Bush was using, in which officers discovered additional methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, body armor, and a firearm.
The purchased and seized methamphetamine was later submitted to the Homeland Security Investigations Crime Laboratory for testing where it was determined to be methamphetamine. Between the controlled purchases, the traffic stops, and the storage unit, Bush was held accountable for over a kilogram of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Benton County Drug Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force, and the Inola, Oklahoma Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Eaton prosecuted the case.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Farrell Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking of Fentanyl, Heroin, and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on his conviction of trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine base, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Denzel Williams, 30. Williams also was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Williams previously pleaded guilty in this case to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine base between June 2020 and June 2021. As part of his plea agreement, Williams acknowledged responsibility for the distribution of 20 grams of fentanyl, 20 grams of heroin, and 60 grams of crack cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin C. Dobkin and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pennsylvania State Police, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Mercer County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Sharon Police Department, Hermitage Police Department, and Farrell Police Department for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Williams.
This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Essex County Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
UTICA, NEW YORK – Thomas Wright, age 63, of Moriah Center, New York, was sentenced today to serve 120 months (10 years) in federal prison following his earlier plea of guilty to possessing child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.
In his previous guilty plea Wright admitted that while on supervised release for a 2014 federal conviction for distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography, he possessed 29,712 images and 276 videos of child pornography on an unauthorized smart phone. The crime was discovered during an unannounced home visit by his supervising federal probation officers.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children identified 4,835 of the images and 55 of the recovered video files as depicting 197 separate children whose images are in their database of known victims.
In addition to the 10-year sentence, Wright was sentenced to a consecutive 12-month term of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release from his prior offense. Wright was also ordered to pay a total of $81,000 in restitution to victims depicted in the child pornography he possessed. He was ordered to forfeit the smart phone used to commit the offense and will be placed on 25 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. Wright will continue to be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York, prosecuted the case.
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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
El Paso Man Arrested for Allegedly Failing to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was arrested in El Paso on criminal charges related to his alleged failure to account for and pay trust fund taxes.
According to an indictment, Edward Dean La Puma, 57, founder and sole proprietor of a local business called 77 Stone, allegedly failed to truthfully account for and pay the trust fund taxes due to the IRS on behalf of his employees between March 2018 and January 2023.
La Puma is charged with 20 counts of failure to account for and pay over trust fund taxes. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington for the IRS Criminal Investigation Houston Field Office made the announcement.
IRS CI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micaela Glass and Chris Skillern are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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El Departamento de Justicia y el Departamento de Trabajo llegan a acuerdos con una compañía de tecnología para resolver una publicación de empleo discriminatoria dirigida a «blancos solamente»Read the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia de los EE. UU. y el Departamento de Trabajo de los EE. UU. anunciaron hoy acuerdos independientes con Arthur Grand Technologies Inc. (Arthur Grand), una empresa de servicios de tecnología de la información con sede en Virginia. El acuerdo del Departamento de Justicia resuelve la determinación del Departamento que Arthur Grand infringió la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés) mediante la publicación de un anuncio discriminatorio en marzo del 2023, que posteriormente se hizo viral en las redes sociales, que restringió a los candidatos a puestos de trabajo elegibles únicamente a «ciudadanos nacidos en los EE. UU. [blancos] que viven a menos de 60 millas de Dallas, TX [No compartir con los candidatos]». (Los corchetes aparecen en la versión original). Además, el acuerdo del Departamento de Trabajo resuelve su determinación que Arthur Grand infringió la Orden Ejecutiva 11246, que prohíbe a los contratistas federales discriminar en el empleo por motivos de raza, color de piel, religión, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad de género o nacionalidad de origen.
«Es vergonzoso que, en el siglo XXI, seguimos viendo a empleadores que ponen “blancos solamente” y “solamente personas nacidas en los EE. UU.” en sus publicaciones de empleo para bloquear a candidatos de empleo de color que de otra forma serían elegibles. Comparto la indignación del público ante la prohibición aterradora y discriminatoria de Arthur Grand de candidatos a un puesto de trabajo en función de su estatus de ciudadanía, nacionalidad, color de piel o raza», afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia seguirá colaborando con otras agencias gubernamentales y responsabilizando a empleadores cuando vulneren las leyes federales de derechos civiles de nuestra nación».
«A lo largo de los últimos 58 años, la OFCCP ha protegido a trabajadores y postulantes de empleo de la discriminación en el lugar de trabajo. Estamos comprometidos a hacer a los contratistas federales rendir cuentas de prácticas discriminatorias escandalosas como este anuncio», declaró Michele Hodge, la Directora en funciones de la Oficina de Programas de Cumplimiento de Contratos Federales (OFCCP, por sus siglas en inglés). «Las compañías como Arthur Grand, que aceptan contratos federales, no pueden emplear un proceso de contratación para “blancos solamente”».
En mayo del 2023, la Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados (IER, por sus siglas en inglés), que pertenece a la División de Derechos Civiles, inició una investigación y determinó que Arthur Grand discriminó con base en el estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen después de que un reclutador, que trabajaba para la filial de Arthur Grand en la India, publicara el anuncio en el sitio web de empleo Indeed. El anuncio se difundió ampliamente en las redes sociales y generó varios artículos de noticias. Las acciones de Arthur Grand perjudicaron a las personas con permiso para trabajar en los EE. UU., incluidos los ciudadanos nacidos fuera de los Estados Unidos y determinados no ciudadanos de los EE. UU., disuadiéndoles ilegalmente de presentar una solicitud para el anuncio de empleo.Una investigación por la OFCCP determinó que, en abril del 2023, Arthur Grand Technologies publicó un vacante para un puesto de analista empresarial con su equipo de reclamos de seguros y ventas en Dallas en un sitio web público de contratación en línea. El anuncio incluye una nota en letra negrita que ponía «Solamente ciudadanos nacidos en los EE. UU. [blancos] que viven dentro de un radio de 60 millas de Dallas, TX [No compartir con los candidatos]». Según indicaba en anuncio, el puesto serviría a dos clientes, HTC Global, una compañía de tecnología de la información con sede en Troy Michigan, y Berkshire Hathaway, la compañía matriz multinacional con sede en Omaha, Nebraska.
Como parte del acuerdo del Departamento de Justicia, Arthur Grand pagará una sanción civil a los Estados Unidos. El acuerdo también requiere que Arthur Grand capacite a su personal en cuanto a los requisitos de la INA, que revise sus políticas de empleo y que se someta a la supervisión del Departamento.
Según el acuerdo conciliatorio del Departamento de Trabajo, Arthur Grand pagará $31,000 en compensación a las personas que presentaron quejas a su OFCCP. Además, Arthur Grand se ha comprometido a proporcionar formación específica en el lugar de trabajo para todos los empleados de la empresa que participen en el reclutamiento, la selección de candidatos o el seguimiento de expresiones de interés para puestos vacantes.
La IER es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Esta ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión, prácticas documentales injustas y represalias e intimidación.
Puede obtener más información sobre cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminación en la contratación y el reclutamiento en el sitio web de la IER. Aprenda más sobre el trabajo de la IER y cómo conseguir ayuda mediante este vídeo corto. Aquellos aspirantes o empleados que creen haber sido discriminados por motivos de su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido, reclutamiento o verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) o sujetos a represalias pueden presentar una denuncia. El público también puede llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llamar a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); enviar un correo electrónico a [email protected]; inscribirse a un seminario en línea gratuito, visualizar una presentación a la carta o visitar los sitios web de la IER en inglés y español. Inscríbase para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico desde la IER.
La OFCCP del Departamento de Trabajo hace cumplir la Orden Ejecutiva 11246, la Sección 503 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973 y la ley de Asistencia para la Readaptación de Veteranos de Vietnam de 1974. Aprenda más sobre la OFCCP aquí.
El Departamento de Justicia logra un acuerdo para abordar las barreras idiomáticas de las familias del distrito escolar de Cherry Creek, ColoradoRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció en el día de hoy que ha logrado un acuerdo de conciliación con el Distrito Escolar de Cherry Creek (CCSD, por sus siglas en inglés), uno de los distritos más grandes de Colorado, para mejorar en forma significativa los servicios de acceso idiomático para los padres con un dominio limitado del inglés. El acuerdo sale al paso de las acusaciones en torno a que el distrito no se comunicaba con estos padres en un idioma que pudieran entender y, de ese modo, les impedía acceder a información importante sobre la educación de sus hijos.
“No se debe permitir que los padres desconozcan lo que sucede con la educación de sus hijos”, señaló Kristen Clarke, Fiscal General Adjunta de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “La comunicación abierta y eficaz entre escuelas y padres, incluidos los padres con un dominio limitado del inglés, es fundamental para salvaguardar el acceso equitativo de los estudiantes a las oportunidades educativas. El Departamento de Justicia continuará garantizando que los distritos escolares tomen medidas para ayudar a los padres a superar las barreras idiomáticas que les impiden participar plenamente en la educación de sus hijos”.
“Los padres con un dominio limitado del inglés enfrentan obstáculos para entender cómo funcionan las escuelas públicas”, afirmó Cole Finegan, Fiscal de EE. UU. para el Distrito de Colorado. “Este acuerdo tiene por objeto garantizar que el Distrito Escolar de Cherry Creek implemente las políticas y las prácticas que les permitan a todos los padres del distrito participar de manera relevante en la educación de sus hijos. Instamos a todos los distritos escolares de Colorado a revisar sus prácticas para garantizar que cumplan con sus obligaciones de proporcionar servicios de asistencia con el idioma a los padres con un dominio limitado del inglés”.
El CCSD presta servicios a alrededor de 53,000 estudiantes, cuyos padres hablan más de 150 idiomas. La Oficina del Fiscal para el Distrito de Colorado recibió muchas quejas que afirmaban que los padres con un dominio limitado del inglés no podían participar de manera significativa en programas y actividades escolares importantes porque el distrito no les proporcionaba servicios de asistencia con el idioma apropiados y eficaces. Las quejas señalaban, por ejemplo, que el distrito no suministraba servicios de intérpretes y de traducción a los padres con un dominio limitado del inglés cuando inscribían a sus hijos en las escuelas del distrito, ni les ofrecían dichos servicios durante las audiencias de expulsión y otros procedimientos disciplinarios.
La Oficina del Fiscal de EE. UU., en coordinación con la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia, investigó las quejas en virtud de la Ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades Educativas (Equal Educational Opportunities Act) de 1974.
Para abordar la investigación del departamento, el distrito ha acordado mejorar sus comunicaciones en áreas fundamentales, entre las que se incluyen:
- Inscripción: El distrito identificará a aquellos padres que tengan un dominio limitado del inglés y que intenten inscribir a sus hijos en escuelas del distrito, documentará su idioma preferido de comunicación y les ofrecerá servicios de asistencia con el idioma para ayudarlos a entender el proceso de inscripción.
- Procedimientos disciplinarios de los estudiantes: El distrito traducirá las cartas que involucren la suspensión y expulsión al idioma preferido de los padres con un dominio limitado del inglés, y les proporcionará servicios de asistencia con el idioma durante los procedimientos disciplinarios que podrían llevar a la suspensión o expulsión.
- Interacción con los padres con un dominio limitado del inglés: El distrito realizará encuestas y organizará sesiones de conversación en más de una docena de idiomas para entender mejor las necesidades de comunicaciones de los padres con un dominio limitado del inglés.
La aplicación de la Ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades Educativas de 1974 es una de las principales prioridades de la División de Derechos Civiles. Puede acceder a información adicional sobre la División de Derechos Civiles en su sitio web en www.justice.gov/crt, y a información adicional sobre el trabajo de la Sección de Oportunidades Educativas en www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section.
Para denunciar una posible violación de los derechos civiles ante la División de Derechos Civiles, visite www.civilrights.justice.gov/. Podrá encontrar información adicional sobre el programa de aplicación de derechos civiles de la Oficina del Fiscal de EE. UU. en www.justice.gov/usao-co/civil-rights-enforcement.
El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con la ciudad de Pawtucket, Rhode Island, para resolver demanda sobre el derecho al votoRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo con la ciudad de Pawtucket, Rhode Island y los oficiales electorales de la ciudad para resolver alegaciones de que Pawtucket no proporcionó asistencia en español a los votantes en violación a la Ley de Derechos Electorales y no permitió a votantes calificados a emitir votos provisionales en violación a la Ley de Ayudemos a Estados Unidos a Votar (“HAVA,” por sus siglas en inglés).
El decreto por consentimiento propuesto fue radicado junto con la demanda del Departamento de Justicia. La demanda del Departamento alega que Pawtucket no proporcionó asistencia electoral ni materiales en español a los votantes hispanoparlantes con dominio limitado del inglés en violación a la sección 203 de la Ley de Derechos Electorales. La sección 203 exige que ciertas jurisdicciones, incluyendo Pawtucket, proporcionen materiales electorales y asistencia en otros idiomas, además del inglés. La demanda también alega que Pawtucket y los oficiales electorales de la ciudad se negaron a permitir a personas que estaban calificadas para emitir un voto provisional lo hicieran, y no capacitaron ni instruyeron a los trabajadores electorales de manera precisa y adecuada sobre los requisitos del voto provisional, en violación de la sección 302 de la Ley de Ayudemos a los Estados Unidos a Votar. Si las personas no aparecen en la lista oficial de inscripción, HAVA exige que un trabajador electoral notifique a las personas de que podrían emitir un voto provisional si declaran que son votantes registrados en la jurisdicción y elegibles para votar en la elección.
“Las barreras idiomáticas jamás deben privar a un votante elegible de participar plenamente en el proceso democrático”, dijo Kristen Clarke, Fiscal GeneralAuxiliar a cargo de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “Proporcionar materiales bilingües y asistencia para aquellas personas con conocimientos limitados del inglés asegurará que dichos ciudadanos tendrán la oportunidad de participar en nuestra democracia. Nosotros seguiremos enfrentando a las barreras que se interponen entre los votantes y sus oportunidades de emitir sus votos”.
“El derecho a votar es el derecho del que dependen todos los demás”, dijo el Fiscal Federal Zachary A. Cunha, “y esta oficina permanecerá alerta para hacer cumplir nuestras leyes de derechos civiles para garantizar que las barreras ilegales de acceso no impidan que los estadounidenses emitan sus votos. Agradezco nuestra continua asociación con la División de Derechos Civiles en este caso, y felicito a la ciudad de Pawtucket por tomar medidas para asegurar que se solucionen estos problemas”.
El decreto por consentimiento, que aún requiere la aprobación del tribunal, exige el establecimiento de un programa de asistencia idiomática integral en español bajo la sección 203. La ciudad de Pawtucket proporcionará toda la información relacionada con las elecciones en inglés y español, incluyendo en los lugares de votación y en línea. La ciudad de Pawtucket también garantizará la presencia de oficiales electorales bilingües en los lugares de votación anticipada y en los lugares de votación el Día de las elecciones. Además, el decreto por consentimiento provee que todos los votantes inscritos tengan el derecho de emitir un voto provisional si sus nombres no aparecen en el registro de votantes. El decreto por consentimiento también dispone que observadores federales pueden monitorear las actividades el día de elecciones en los lugares de votación de la ciudad de Pawtucket.
Más información sobre el derecho al voto y las elecciones está disponible en www.justice.gov/voting y Vote.gov en Español. Para obtener más información sobre la Ley de Derechos Electorales y otras leyes federales electorales, visite el portal del Departamento de Justicia en www.justice.gov/crt/voting/.
Para reportar una posible vulneración de las leyes federales de derecho al voto a la División de Derechos Civiles puede hacerlo en línea en www.civilrights.justice.gov o llamar al (800) 253-3931. Puede también ponerse en contacto con la Oficina del Fiscal Federal del Distrito de Rhode Island por correo electrónico a [email protected] o llamar al (401) 709-5010.
El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con la ciudad de Pawtucket para resolver reclamos de discriminación electoral en Rhode IslandRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – La Oficina del Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Rhode Island y la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia anunciaron hoy que Estados Unidos ha firmado una propuesta de decreto de consentimiento con la ciudad de Pawtucket, Rhode Island, y funcionarios electorales de la ciudad, para resolver una demanda sobre derechos de voto, anuncio el Fiscal de los Estados Unidos Zachary A. Cunha y Asistente Fiscal General Kristen Clark de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia
El decreto de consentimiento propuesto se presentó ante un tribunal federal de Rhode Island junto con una demanda presentada por la Fiscalía Federal y la División de Derechos Civiles. La demanda alega que Pawtucket no proporcionó asistencia electoral ni materiales en español a votantes que hablan español con dominio limitado del inglés, en violación de la Sección 203 de la Ley de Derecho al Voto. La Sección 203 exige que ciertas jurisdicciones, incluyendo Pawtucket, proporcionen materiales electorales y asistencia en otros idiomas, además del inglés. La demanda también alega que Pawtucket y los funcionarios electorales de la ciudad se negaron a permitir que las personas que estaban calificadas para emitir un voto provisional lo hicieran y no capacitaron ni instruyeron a los trabajadores electorales de manera precisa y adecuada sobre los requisitos para los votos provisionales, todo en violación de la Sección 302 de la Ley Ayudemos a Estados Unidos a Votar.
Según el decreto de consentimiento propuesto, cual está sujeto a la aprobación de un tribunal especial de tres jueces en el Tribunal de Distrito de Rhode Island de los EE. UU., la ciudad de Pawtucket y la Junta de Encuestadores proporcionarán toda la información relacionada con las elecciones en inglés y español, incluyendo información mostrada en los lugares de votación y en línea. La Ciudad también garantizará que haya asistencia lingüística en persona disponible en todos los sitios de votación anticipada y en cada distrito electoral con al menos 100 votantes registrados de apellido hispano. Además, el decreto de consentimiento establece que la Ciudad brindará capacitación específica a los trabajadores electorales. La Ciudad reclutará trabajadores electorales bilingües y brindará capacitación a todos los trabajadores electorales bilingües sobre terminología electoral en español, cómo brindar asistencia lingüística efectiva y instrucciones de votación. La Ciudad capacitará a todos los trabajadores electorales sobre los requisitos de la boleta provisional según la Sección 302. El decreto de consentimiento también establece que los observadores federales pueden monitorear las actividades del día de las elecciones en los lugares de votación en Pawtucket.
"El derecho a votar es el derecho del que dependen todos los demás". dijo el Fiscal Federal Zachary A. Cunha, “y esta Oficina permanecerá alerta para hacer cumplir nuestras leyes de derechos civiles para garantizar que las barreras ilegales de acceso no impidan que los estadounidenses emitan sus votos. Agradezco nuestra continua asociación con la División de Derechos Civiles en este caso y felicito a la ciudad de Pawtucket por tomar medidas para garantizar que se solucionen estos problemas”.
“Las barreras idiomáticas jamás deben privar a un votante elegible de participar plenamente en el proceso democrático,” dijo Kristen Clarke, Secretaria de Justicia Auxiliar a cargo de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “Proveer materiales bilingües y asistencia para aquellas personas con conocimientos limitados del inglés asegurará que dichos ciudadanos tendrán la oportunidad de participar en nuestra democracia. Nosotros seguiremos enfrentando a las barreras que se interponen entre los votantes y sus oportunidades de emitir sus votos.”
Más información sobre la Ley de Derecho al Voto y otras leyes federales sobre el derecho al voto están disponibles en el sitio web del Departamento de Justicia https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Individuos pueden presentar quejas sobre derechos de voto ante la División de Derechos Civiles ya sea en línea aqui o pueden llamar (800) 253-3931. Individuos también pueden comunicarse con la Oficina del Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Rhode Island enviando un correo electrónico a [email protected] o por llamada a (401)709-5010.
El gobierno está representado por la Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Amy R. Romero de la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito de Rhode Island, y el Jefe Adjunto Timothy Mellett y la Abogada Litigante María Ríos de la Sección de Votación de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia..
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consent_order.pdf pawtucket_doj_filed_complaint.pdfDoctor Convicted of Nearly $2M Medicare and Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Nevada doctor yesterday for his role in defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of nearly $2 million.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Eduardo Abellana, M.D., 75, of Las Vegas, referred medically unnecessary prescriptions to City Drugs, a Detroit, Michigan, pharmacy, for patients he had not treated in exchange for cash kickbacks paid by the owners of the pharmacy. Abellana and his co-conspirators caused nearly $2 million of loss to Medicare and Medicaid.
The jury convicted Abellana of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States and receive kickbacks. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 25, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit health care fraud count and five years in prison on the conspiracy to defraud the United States and receive kickbacks count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Chicago Region made the announcement.
The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Claire Sobczak and Kelly M. Warner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
District Man Indicted on Enhanced Second-Degree Theft for Theft from Nordstrom Rack Retail Store in NorthwestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Karim Clayton, 46, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on one count of felony second-degree theft stemming from events occurring on April 26, 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Clayton was indicted on May 22, 2024, and will be arraigned on May 29, 2024, at a hearing before a Superior Court judge.
According to the government’s evidence, on April 26, 2024, Clayton took merchandise without paying from the Nordstrom Rack store located in Northwest, Washington, D.C. Clayton was located and arrested after investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Clayton has two or more prior theft convictions, though not from the same occasion, and therefore is subject to enhanced penalties for his alleged theft, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in jail for each count of theft for which he is indicted.
Since September 1, 2023, including the aforementioned case, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has indicted 45 cases involving a felony second-degree theft charge based on a defendant’s two or more prior theft convictions, not from the same occasion.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Granzotto.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
Detroit Man Convicted of Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Detroit man residing in Richmond, Ky., Jarrett Howard, 56, was convicted Wednesday, by a federal jury sitting in Lexington. Following a three-day trial and 45 minutes of deliberation, the jury found him guilty of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to testimony at trial, in November 2021, law enforcement received information from a confidential informant that Howard was responsible for distributing fentanyl in Madison County. Law enforcement conducted a search of Howard’s residence and found 285 grams of fentanyl, 416 grams of cocaine, and two loaded firearms. Law enforcement also discovered a digital scale and $34,450 at the residence.
Howard was indicted in June 2023.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); and Chief Rodney Richardson, Richmond Police Department, jointly announced the jury’s verdict.
The investigation was conducted by DEA, ATF, KSP and Richmond Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Howard will appear for sentencing on August 28. He faces up to life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence.
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DeBary Man Pleads Guilty to Dealing in Firearms Without A LicenseRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Brandon Eugene Brooke (30, DeBary) has pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license. Brooke faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between April 14 and October 10, 2022, Brooke purchased 69 firearms. Many of the firearms were identical and were purchased together or close in time to one another. On October 13, 2022, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) questioned Brooke regarding his repeated purchases of identical firearms from federal firearms license dealers (FFLs). A search of Brooke’s phone revealed evidence of firearms dealing.
Following the interview, ATF agents served Brooke with a “Warning Notice of Unlicensed Firearms Dealing in Violation of Federal Law.” In the Notice, Brooke was advised that his firearm transfers constituted dealing in firearms without a license. Brooke signed the Notice, acknowledging receipt, and was given a copy to retain. Following his acknowledgment of the Notice, Brooke continued to purchase and sell firearms to third parties, in violation of federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta and Noah P. Dorman.
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.
Convicted Child Predator Sentenced to 40+ Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal district judge sentenced a registered sex offender to spend 485 months in prison after a jury convicted him of sexually exploiting another minor.
In addition to imprisonment, the judge also ordered Dan R. Waeckerle, Jr., 45, of Swansea, to serve a lifetime of supervised release and pay a $1,000 fine. In January, a jury found Waeckerle guilty of soliciting an obscene visual depiction of a minor, transferring obscene matter to a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, and offense by a registered sex offender.
“Child predators like Waeckerle leave their victims with lasting trauma, and this significant prison sentence sends a strong message to abusers,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to protect children from offenders. I commend the O’Fallon Police Department for their investigation which ultimately placed Waeckerle behind bars.”
According to court documents, Waeckerle had sexually explicit conversations with a 15-year-old minor via text message in July 2021. Evidence presented during the trial revealed Waeckerle sent the minor a genital image, requested sexually explicit images and videos from the minor, and discussed meeting the minor for sex.
“We are proud to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to help keep children safe from predators,” said David Bolin, Acting Supervisor for the U.S. Secret Service Springfield Resident Office. “We will continue working with our partners to protect children and deter other predators from harming them in the future.”
Waeckerle was previously convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against a minor in Hamilton County, Illinois, in 2010.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service Central and Southern Illinois Financial and Cyber Crimes Task Force, with members from the O’Fallon Police Department leading the investigation. Additional support was provided by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Swansea Police Department, and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ali Burns and Zoe Gross prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. 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.
Connecticut Man Sentenced for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Windsor, CT, resident who admitted to a federal judge in Rhode Island that he conspired to deliver nearly 90 grams of fentanyl has been sentenced to five years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Daniel Alexander Smith, 20, previously admitted that between late February through May 2023, he sold seven firearms and conspired with another individual to sell a total of 89.67 grams of fentanyl in the course of five separate transactions. The transactions took place while Smith was under surveillance by members of law enforcement who quickly seized the firearms and drugs.
During the investigation law enforcement seized a Century Arms AK-47 rifle; a Glock 26 semi-automatic pistol; a High Standard revolver; a Taurus PT111 9mm handgun; an FN Tactical Model 502 .22 caliber pistol; a Glock 19x 9mm pistol, and a High Standard M200 20 gauge shotgun.
Additionally, at the time of Smith’s arrest, members of law enforcement seized a loaded Glock 22 firearm with a 22-round magazine and a Switch attached from Smith’s vehicle. The Switch converted the firearm to a fully automatic weapon.
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith sentenced Daniel Alexander Smith to a term of 60 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White.
United States Attorney Cunha thanks the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut for its assistance in this prosecution.
The matter was investigated by the FBI Rhode Island Safe Streets Task Force with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the FBI Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force.
The FBI Rhode Island Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
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. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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