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28 June 2024
Last Defendant Sentenced to 600 Months for Kidnap and Murder of Osage Nation WomanRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – The last of nine defendants was sentenced today for the kidnapping and murder of Jolene Walker Campbell, an Osage Nation citizen, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Tre Robert Allen Ackerson, 30, Webb City, Missouri for Murder in the Second Degree. Judge Frizzell ordered Ackerson to be sentenced to 600 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
“I hope the family of Ms. Campbell can find some sort of healing knowing the person who murdered their loved one will likely die behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The Justice Department will continue its relentless efforts to seek justice on behalf of missing and murdered Indigenous people.”
According to court documents, Ackerson kidnapped and violently murdered Jolene in July 2020. The victim’s body was found in a remote field in Mayes County. The investigation showed that Jolene was robbed and kidnapped in Missouri and driven into the State of Oklahoma, where she was murdered by Ackerson.
Ackerson and several of the defendants used physical force or threatened the use of physical force against four witnesses in separate incidents. Various assaults on witnesses took place that included witnesses being kidnapped, restrained with zipties, blindfolded or having their eyes duct taped shut, being shot at, and being beaten. The acts were committed to prevent the witnesses from testifying or as retaliation for communicating to law enforcement about Jolene’s murder.
The additional defendants sentenced in this are as follows:
- Sarah Michelle Humbard, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Oct. 2023 for Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Using the Threat of Physical Force. U.S. District Judge Raul M. Arias-Marxuach sentenced Humbard to five years of probation.
- Chloe Louise Stith, of Carthage, Missouri, was sentenced in Nov. 2023 for Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Using the Threat of Physical Force. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Stith to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
- Breanna Lynn Sloan, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Jan. 2024 for Kidnapping Resulting in Death. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Sloan to 240 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
- David William Morris, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Nov. 2023 for Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Using the Threat of Physical Force. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Morris to 65 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
- Morgan Lee Bowman, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Mar. 2024 for Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Using the Threat of Physical Force. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Bowman to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
- Megan Louise Detherage, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Mar. 2024 for Misprison of a Felony. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Detherage to time served, followed by one year of supervised release.
- Jacob Ryan Scribner, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Apr. 2024 for Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Witness, Victim, and Informant. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Scribner to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release.
- Lane Ryan Bronson, of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced in Mar. 2024 for Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Using the Threat of Physical Force. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Bronson to 228 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
The FBI, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department, and the Joplin Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Bish and George Jiang prosecuted the case.
Jury Finds Orlando Man Guilty of Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Patrick Hugh Mitchell (56, Orlando) guilty of possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Mitchell faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2024.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the Drug Enforcement Administration used a confidential source to conduct controlled purchases from Mitchell to identify his drug sources. During one purchase, Mitchell was identified as the source of supply for 892.5 grams of methamphetamine. Mitchell distributed the drugs in the parking lot of a gas station where he was detailing cars and selling food. Mitchell also bragged about the high quality of the methamphetamine that he sold. The methamphetamine was tested by a forensic chemist and was found to be 100% pure methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Testerman and Michael Sartoian.
Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced for Making False Statement to United States Coast GuardRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DERRICK FREMEN (“FREMEN”), age 51, a resident of Jefferson Parish, was sentenced on June 26, 2024 to a term of thirty-six months probation and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100, after previously pleading guilty, before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk, to making a false statement to the United States Coast Guard, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(3).
According to court documents, FREMEN was a licensed merchant mariner and holder of a 100-Ton United States Coast Guard master’s license. In late 2018, FREMEN applied for a job to work on a vessel. The prospective employer required FREMEN to submit to a drug screening, which he failed. In response to the failed drug test, FREMEN submitted an altered prescription to the United States Coast Guard on July 1, 2019, to justify the failed drug test.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, Gulf Region. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
Jacksonville Pharmacist Charged with Drug Distribution and Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces today the return of an indictment charging Alan O. Abidogun with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and three counts of filing false tax returns. If convicted, Abidogun faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the drug offense and up to 3 years’ imprisonment for each of the tax offenses.
According to the indictment, from 2017 through December 2019, Abidogun conspired with others to distribute and dispense oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, without a legitimate medical purpose. The activity involved the filling of prescriptions that were not issued for a valid medical reason or in the usual course of professional practice.
In addition to the drug-related offense, Abidogun is also charged with filing false U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns for the same years (2017 through 2019). The indictment asserts that he failed to report additional income derived from his pharmacy business.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Group, Tactical Diversion Squad, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.
Jacksonville Methamphetamine Dealer Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges After High-Speed ChaseRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Sedrick Williams, Jr. (24, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Williams faces a minimum mandatory term of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on December 6, 2023, detectives with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) were patrolling the area of Broadway Street and Garfield Street in Jacksonville related to an ongoing investigation. During the investigation, detectives observed two men exit a residence and enter two separate vehicles before departing the residence. Detectives believed one of the men to be the suspect from the investigation but did not recognize the other individual, later identified as Williams. The suspect from the unrelated investigation entered a silver sedan, and Williams entered a gray sedan. Both vehicles then departed the residence.
Detectives followed both vehicles as they traveled along Broadway Avenue, but both vehicles drove away at a high rate of speed. Detectives lost sight of the silver sedan but maintained sight of the vehicle driven by Williams. Detectives continued to pursue Williams and observed his vehicle commit multiple traffic violations, including speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and generally operating in a reckless manner. After Williams ran a red light, detectives initiated emergency equipment to conduct the traffic stop. Williams did not stop and initiated a high-speed chase that continued along multiple streets. During this pursuit Williams drove into oncoming traffic, forcing vehicles and pedestrian traffic off the road. Williams eventually crashed in a ditch. Williams – the sole occupant of the vehicle – then fled on foot for a short distance before a JSO officer apprehended and detained him.
Detectives searched the crashed and abandoned vehicle and located a loaded black Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus handgun and a black latex glove, which contained several loose 9mm rounds. Inside the center console, detectives found various narcotics in separate bags and a loaded extended magazine. One bag contained approximately 4.3 grams of fentanyl, a second bag contained approximately 2.1 grams of cocaine base, and a third bag contained 10.5 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine. Detectives learned the firearm had been reported stolen in Jacksonville in 2022.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Iowa City Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in federal prison for making false statements during purchases of firearms and unlawfully possessing firearms while a drug user.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Kiante Demarr Hough Green, 23, purchased numerous firearms which he provided to individuals he knew to be prohibited from possessing firearms, and which were then used in the commission of violence. At the time of Green’s firearm purchases and during his possession of firearms, he was an unlawful user of controlled substances, and engaged in the distribution of marijuana.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Green will be required to serve 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A man from Guatemala has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on September 27, 2021, as part of an ongoing investigation, law enforcement conducted a controlled operation, meeting Ramiro Guerra, 67, at a previously designated Twin Cities location. Guerra arrived in a semi-truck bound from California. The semi-truck was searched, and law enforcement recovered approximately 72 pounds of methamphetamine and 80 kilograms of cocaine from inside the cab of his semi-truck.
Guerra pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine yesterday in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and several other supporting agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter is prosecuting the case.
Guatemalan Man Previously Convicted of Rape of a Child with Force Pleads Guilty to Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to unlawful reentry.
Wilson Hernandez-Bautista, 34, plead guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Oct. 3, 2024. Hernandez-Bautista was indicted by a federal grand jury December 2023.
Hernandez-Bautista was deported from the United States on Oct. 9, 2013. Sometime after his 2013 removal, Hernandez-Bautista unlawfully reentered the United States. In On Nov. 23, 2024, Hernandez-Bautista was convicted of rape of child with force in Essex County Superior Court. While serving a five-to-seven year sentence, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement became aware of Hernandez-Bautista’s unlawful presence in the United States.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Massachusetts Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Grand Jury Indicts Grandville Man on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Thomas Aaron Hungerford to Face Three Felonies
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a grand jury returned an indictment charging Thomas Aaron Hungerford, 54, with three federal felony charges relating to Hungerford’s creation and distribution of child pornography.
“Sexual exploitation targeting our youngest and most vulnerable is an ongoing threat,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Protecting kids is a critical part of our mission. While we would always want to prevent a child from experiencing harm, we stand ready to hold the predators who commit these crimes accountable.”
On May 24, 2024, Hungerford was charged by criminal complaint with distribution of child pornography following a federal search warrant that same day. This charge requires a minimum prison term of 5 years and a maximum term of 20 years. Hungerford has been held in custody since his arrest. The Court scheduled his arraignment for July 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
A federal defendant has a right to be prosecuted by indictment issued by a grand jury if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for more than a year. Today’s indictment charges Hungerford with additional crimes. Count 1 of the indictment charges Hungerford with sexual exploitation of a child and alleges that he video-recorded a minor engaged in sexually explicit activity on August 16, 2023. If convicted of this count, he would face a minimum prison term of 15 years and a maximum term of 30 years. Counts 2 and 3 allege that Hungerford distributed child pornography. Each of these crimes require a minimum prison term of 5 years and a maximum term of 20 years.
“The defendant’s alleged actions are especially troubling, which range from outright right privacy violations to predatory behavior,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and expose individuals who commit these crimes.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Timothy VerHey.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Goose Creek Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Michele Mancino a/k/a “Mike Mancino,” 41, of Goose Creek, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to production of child pornography.*
Evidence presented to the court showed that in late 2022, Mancino was engaging other pedophiles on the Scruff and Telegram apps in sexually explicit discussions about his grooming and sexual abuse of a 4-year-old. A search of Mancino’s accounts and devices revealed images and videos of child sexual abuse materials depicting Mancino and the 4-year-old discussed in the chats. Mancino also possessed and traded images and videos of child sexual abuse materials of other prepubescent minors as young as infants. During the investigation, Mancino confessed to creating child sexual abuse material by documenting his abuse of the 4-year-old and he also confessed to trading child sexual abuse materials with other pedophiles.
“This sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us,” said Adair F. Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue those who exploit the innocence of children.”
“Protecting children from exploitation is one of HSI’s top investigative priorities and this sentence is a testament to our commitment to stopping these horrific offenses,” said Cardell T. Morant, special agent in charge of HSI Charlotte that covers North and South Carolina. “HSI along with its partners will use every resource available to find, arrest and hold accountable predators, like Mancino, that seek to victimize our most vulnerable population.”
United States District Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Mancino to 360 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision. This is the maximum sentence allowed under the statute. There is no parole in the federal system. Mancino was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his crimes and to pay an assessment into the Trafficking Victims’ Fund.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Charleston Police Department, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Orville is prosecuting the case.
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NOTE: While the current federal statutes still contain the term “child pornography,” experts in the field now recognize “child sexual abuse materials” as the more accurate terminology.
Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud After Stealing $90,000+ from Kennebunk Business over Nearly 2 YearsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A former resident of Atlanta, Georgia pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to committing wire fraud.
According to court records, from at least November 2019 through October 2021, Alexis Hodges, 39, fraudulently used the bank account of a Kennebunk business to pay expenses for herself, her family members, and her business. Hodges provided the bank account information to multiple vendors, causing more than $90,000 to be electronically paid out of the account to pay her rent, insurance policies, auto loans, and credit card bills, among others, without the victim’s consent or knowledge. In September 2021, the victim discovered that unauthorized payments were occurring and reported it to the Kennebunk Police Department, who referred the case to the U.S. Secret Service New England Cyber Fraud Task Force for investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office does not identify victims of crime and is limiting identifying information, including the name and type of business, to protect the victim’s privacy.
Hodges faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to the greater of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case with assistance from the Kennebunk Police Department.
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Georgia Chiropractor Admits $14.9 Million Health Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme Related to Durable Medical Equipment and Cancer Genetic TestingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Georgia chiropractor who owned or operated multiple durable medical equipment (DME) companies and a cancer genetic testing (CGx) company admitted her role in a health care fraud and illegal kickback conspiracy, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced today.
Tefylon Cameron, 57, of Powder Springs, Georgia, pleaded guilty on June 20, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz in Newark federal court to an information charging her with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback statute.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
Cameron and her conspirators owned, operated, and had a financial interest in DME companies through which they obtained doctors’ orders for durable medical equipment, namely orthotic braces, for Medicare beneficiaries without regard to medical necessity. Cameron and her conspirators obtained DME orders using marketing call centers and telemedicine companies (including multiple Florida-based companies), caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, and paid illegal kickbacks.
Cameron and her conspirators also owned, operated, and had a financial interest in a CGx company through which she agreed to provide a clinical laboratory with leads of beneficiaries who were qualified to receive federal health care benefits for cancer genetic tests. Cameron submitted invoices to the clinical laboratory seeking payment on a per-lead basis, but entered into a sham agreement to disguise kickback and bribe payments.
In total, Cameron and her conspirators caused a loss to Medicare of more than $14.9 million.
Conspiracy to commit health care fraud is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison. Both counts are also punishable by a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 29, 2024.
Attorney for the United States Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the Special Prosecutions Division.
cameron.information.pdfGainesville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Ethan Anderson, 44, of Gainesville, Florida was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Our law enforcement partners play a vital role in fighting crime and protecting the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Due to their swift action, a habitual felon who discharged a firearm during a heated argument is back where he belongs, behind bars. His incarceration will not only make the community safer but also illustrate the real and severe consequences for federal firearm offenses.”
On February 28, 2023, the Gainesville Police Department responded to reports of an armed disturbance. Officers learned that a subject, later identified as Anderson, possessed, and discharged a firearm during an argument with others. Anderson was subsequently located inside a nearby residence. A search of the residence revealed a firearm containing Anderson’s DNA. Anderson later admitted to possessing and discharging the firearm.
"The FBI is committed to safeguarding our communities from violent crime,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Kristin Rehler. “This sentencing should serve as a message that we will continue to join forces with our law enforcement partners and use all tools available to tackle the issue of gun violence in our neighborhoods and ensure those who commit violent acts are punished to the full extent of the law.”
Anderson’s prison sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Gainesville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Harley W. Ferguson prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Fort Dodge Man Convicted for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Matthew Bradley, 37, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty on June 27, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City, to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on April 11, 2024, law enforcement in Fort Dodge, Iowa, observed Bradley on a bicycle, wearing a backpack, and knew he had an outstanding arrest warrant. Officers arrested Bradley and seized small baggies of methamphetamine in each of his front pockets. Law enforcement also seized the backpack, which contained a 9mm pistol, and more baggies/vials of small amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana, plus a digital scale. Bradley was previously convicted of at least five state felony offenses. Bradley admitted to his previous felony convictions and to being a regular user of drugs both of which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Bradley remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Bradley faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-3022. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Former Soldier Pleads Guilty to Posting YouTube Video in Which He Threatened the Lives of Military Personnel at Fort Irwin Army BaseRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – A Northern California man and former soldier pleaded guilty today to a federal criminal charge for posting online videos of himself threatening to kill multiple military personnel at the Fort Irwin army base in San Bernardino County.
Christian Ernest Beyer, 42, of Petaluma, pleaded guilty to one count of sending threats by interstate communication.
“Our military servicemembers deserve our utmost appreciation and respect, not fear and intimidation,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Threats against our servicemembers, as against all public servants, cannot and will not be tolerated.”
“Mr. Beyer sought to take his personal vengeance out on innocent military members honorably serving their country, as well as their families,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will investigate all threats to American military personnel and pursue prosecution for the offenders.”
According to court documents, in October 2023, Beyer published a video on his personal YouTube page. The video is approximately three minutes in length and contains multiple threats directed at four victims and their families. The victims were specific military personnel at Fort Irwin.
Beyer is an army veteran formerly stationed at Fort Irwin who was court martialed in 2021 for assault.
He has been in federal custody since November 2023.
United States District Judge Suzanne S. Sykes scheduled a September 20 sentencing hearing, at which time Beyer will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The FBI investigated this matter as part of its Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Matt Coe-Odess of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.
Former Office Manager of Middle Georgia Health Care Business Convicted of Bank Fraud in EIDL Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The former office manager of a Middle Georgia chiropractic office was found guilty by a federal jury this week of committing bank fraud and other federal crimes in an embezzlement scheme involving federal loans that cost the established spinal center more than $200,000 in losses.
Emiliya Radford, 33, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was found guilty of one count each of bank fraud, wire fraud and federal program theft following approximately one hour of deliberations by a federal jury on June 27. Radford was taken into federal custody after the guilty verdict. Radford faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for bank fraud; a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for wire fraud; and a maximum possible sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine for federal program theft, in addition to any restitution imposed by the Court. A sentencing date will be scheduled by the Court. U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is presiding over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Emiliya Radford chose greed and deceit with her embezzlement scheme that victimized a small business that had operated in the Warner Robins community for many decades,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Financial crimes devastate hard-working, law-abiding citizens and will not be tolerated by this office or our law enforcement partners.”
“Radford violated the trust of the company that hired her and elevated her to a position of leadership,” said Robert Gibbs, Senior Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta's Macon office. “Because of her self-interest and greed, she has not only thrown away her career, but will spend time in prison for her crime.”
According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, Radford’s company, Cyber Pinecone, was hired in Sept. 2019 under a one-year contract to perform marketing work for Smith Spinal Care Center (SSCC) in Warner Robins. In May 2020, Radford was hired as Office Manager at the business, and her new salary was to include marketing work. Radford was given signatory authority over the SSCC bank account with Wells Fargo Bank. As part of her duties, she was responsible for issuing and signing all biweekly payroll checks, including her own. Radford collected her salary as office manager and, without authorization of SSCC, continued to write and endorse checks to her business, Cyber Pinecone, for extensive marketing work totaling more than $200,000. In addition, she gave herself an unauthorized pay raise. Some of these funds came from COVID-19 Federal Economic Disaster Loans (EIDL). In addition to issuing these checks to herself and Cyber Pinecone, Radford also used money from the SSCC bank account to purchase a total of $11,015.67 worth of items from the Apple store that were shipped to her residence. When Radford quit on Dec. 19, 2022, none of these items could be located at SSCC, but some were later found inside her home when federal agents executed a search warrant on May 4, 2023.
The case was investigated by FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Former Northeastern University Employee Convicted of Staging a Hoax Explosion and Making False Statements to a Federal AgentRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Northeastern University employee was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston of staging a hoax explosion and making false statements to a federal law enforcement agent about the hoax.
Jason Duhaime, 46, formerly of San Antonio, was convicted of intentionally conveying false and misleading information related to an explosive device and two counts of making materially false statements to a federal law enforcement agent. United States Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Oct. 2, 2024. Duhaime was initially arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Oct. 2, 2022, and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury Duhaime on Oct. 27, 2022.
“Bomb hoaxes like the one the defendant fabricated here have real life consequences. Communities are put in fear, law enforcement personnel are diverted from other important duties and there are significant financial repercussions,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As we experience a wave of bomb hoaxes in schools, houses of worship and other gathering places, we will work closely with our local, state and federal partners to hold accountable anyone who tries to inject fear and distress into our community.”
“Staging a hoax explosion and lying to the FBI about it isn’t a harmless act. It’s a crime,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The FBI and our partners take all threats to life seriously because protecting human life is our absolute priority. Anyone who pulls a stunt like this should expect the FBI to investigate and you should consider whether you really want to end up where Jason Duhaime is now awaiting sentencing for three federal felonies.”
As of September 2022, Duhaime was employed as the New Technology Manager and Director of the Immersive Media Lab (the “Lab”) at Northeastern University (“Northeastern”). At approximately 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2022, Duhaime called the Northeastern Police Department and reported that he was injured by sharp objects expelled from a plastic case he opened inside the Lab that evening. Specifically, Duhaime told an emergency police dispatcher that he and a Northeastern student who was working in the Lab that evening had collected several packages—including two plastic “Pelican cases”—from a mail area and brought them into the Lab. Duhaime said that when he opened one of the cases inside a storage closet, “very sharp” objects flew out of the case and under his shirt sleeves, causing injuries to his arms. Duhaime also reported that the case contained an anonymous “violent note” threatening to “destroy the lab” and stating: “In the case you got today we could have planted explosives but not this time!!! Take notice!!! You have two months to take operations down or else!!!!! WE ARE WATCHING YOU.”Duhaime’s report and concern about a second, unopened Pelican case triggered a significant law enforcement response that included, among other things, the assistance of the Boston Police Department’s bomb squad, the assistance of multiple federal and state law enforcement agencies, and the evacuation of a portion of the Northeastern campus.
In statements to first responders and in subsequent interviews with law enforcement on both Sept. 13 and 14, 2022, Duhaime provided statements about the incident that were consistent with what he told the emergency police dispatcher. He expressly denied fabricating his story about the Pelican case, the anonymous threat letter, and the injuries to his arms.
During a search of Duhaime’s office at Northeastern on Sept. 14, 2022, several laptop computers were found. A subsequent forensic examination of one of the computers revealed a word-for-word electronic copy of the anonymous threat letter that Duhaime claimed was inside the Pelican case. According to evidence presented during the trial, this electronic copy of the threat letter was created and printed between approximately 2:50 p.m. and 3:56 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2022 – just hours before he reported the incident to the Northeastern Police Department.
The charges of intentionally conveying false and misleading information related to an explosive device and making materially false statements to a federal law enforcement agent each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy; FBI SAC Cohen; Michael A. Davis, Vice President of Campus Security and Chief of Police at Northeastern University; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in cooperation with the Northeastern University Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and Timothy H. Kistner of the National Security Unit are prosecuting the case.
Former Driving Instructor Sentenced for Bribing RMV Road Test Examiner for Driver's LicenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former driving instructor was sentenced yesterday for conspiring to defraud the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) into issuing driver’s licenses to applicants who did not pass the road test.
Ngan Dinh, 48, of Boston, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to two years’ probation with the first six months to be served as home confinement with GPS monitoring, a fine of $4,000, and a $5,450 forfeiture. In March 2024, Dinh pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud.
Dinh, a naturalized U.S. citizen who speaks Vietnamese and some English, circulated business cards to the Vietnamese community. The potential licensees who contacted Dinh were Vietnamese immigrants who did not speak or read English. They relied on Dinh to help them comply with RMV rules and requirements they did not understand. Instead, Dinh bribed a road test examiner at the Brockton RMV to misrepresent to the RMV that Dinh’s customers had passed the road test – when in fact they had not. Some customers did not even show up for the test.
Customers paid Dinh as much as $1,200 – with Dinh insisting that all payments be in cash. Dinh persuaded some customers to pay him such large amounts by lying to them. For example, he told some applicants that the RMV was not offering road tests because of the pandemic, which was false, and that he could get them licenses because he was a “certified rep” for the RMV – a non-existent position. Dinh paid the RMV employee a $100 cash bribe for each of his customers and kept the rest of the money for himself.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.
Former D.C. Corrections Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation for Assaulting a Handcuffed InmateRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Marcus Bias, 28, a former District Department of Corrections Officer, was sentenced today in federal court to 42 months in prison for seriously injuring a handcuffed detainee who was not resisting, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Bias pleaded guilty on March 29, 2024, to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered Bias to serve two years of supervised release.
“Like any other law enforcement officer, the defendant had a duty to protect the constitutional rights of anyone who was in his care and custody,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “The defendant ignored that responsibility, when he assaulted and seriously injured an inmate who posed no threat. Such assaults are civil rights violations that will be prosecuted.”
“This defendant is being held accountable for violently rammed an inmate’s head into a metal doorframe while the victim was handcuffed behind his back and posed no threat,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney General Clarke “The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute unlawful assaults on vulnerable populations and will stand up for the civil rights of the victims of these crimes.”
“Today, Marcus Bias was sentenced for violently injuring an inmate and violating their civil rights,” said David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division. “The FBI is charged with investigating those who violate a person’s civil rights, and it’s a responsibility the FBI takes very seriously. I would like to thank our partners who worked side-by-side with the FBI on this investigation in order to hold Marcus Bias accountable for his criminal actions.”
According to court documents, Bias, intentionally and without provocation, pushed a detainee’s head into a metal doorframe while escorting him from DOC’s dining hall to the medical unit June 12, 2019, causing significant injuries. At the time, the detainee, J.W., had his hands handcuffed behind his back and was suffering from the effects of O.C. spray. J.W. also was surrounded by five other officers and was not resisting. J.W.’s injuries required emergency medical attention at a hospital. After slamming J.W.’s forehead into the corner of the metal doorframe, Bias falsely claimed in an official DOC report that J.W. “pull[ed] away” and “fell” into the doorframe. Bias’s statement was contradicted by DOC surveillance video. Disturbed by what they saw on the video and recognizing that that Bias used deadly force when no force was needed or permitted, DOC officials fired Bias and escorted him out of the facility.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Truscott for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd and former Trial Attorney Rebekah Bailey of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
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Former D.C. Corrections Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation for Assaulting a Handcuffed InmateRead the Press Release
A former District of Columbia Department of Corrections Officer, Marcus Bias, 28, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release for one count of deprivation of rights under color of law for assaulting a handcuffed inmate. Bias previously pleaded guilty in March.
“This defendant had a duty to treat people in his custody humanely,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant is being held accountable for violently ramming an inmate’s head into a metal doorframe while the victim was handcuffed, surrounded by six officers and posed no threat. The Justice Department will vigorously investigate and prosecute such excessive force against prisoners and will insist that corrections officers respect the civil and constitutional rights of those entrusted to their care.”
“Like any other law enforcement officer, the defendant had a duty to protect the constitutional rights of anyone who was in his care and custody,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “The defendant ignored that responsibility, when he assaulted and seriously injured an inmate who posed no threat. Such assaults are civil rights violations that will be prosecuted.”
“Today, Marcus Bias was sentenced for violently injuring an inmate and violating their civil rights,” said Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division. “The FBI is charged with investigating those who violate a person’s civil rights, and it’s a responsibility the FBI takes very seriously. I would like to thank our partners who worked side-by-side with the FBI on this investigation in order to hold Marcus Bias accountable for his criminal actions.”
According to court documents, Bias, intentionally and without provocation, pushed a detainee’s head into a metal doorframe while escorting him within the Department of Corrections on June 12, 2019, causing significant injuries. At the time, the detainee, J.W., had his hands handcuffed behind his back, was suffering from the effects of O.C. spray, was surrounded by five other officers and was not resisting. J.W.’s injuries required emergency medical attention at a hospital.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Truscott for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case.
Former Courtesy Patrol Executive Sentenced for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Robert Martin, 67, of Beckley, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay $205,802.49 in restitution for fraudulent receipt of property from a debtor. Martin admitted to paying himself without authorization while serving as the chief executive officer of the entity that operated the West Virginia Courtesy Patrol.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Martin was CEO of Citizens Conservation Corp (CCC) when it filed for bankruptcy on April 3, 2019. Martin formed CCC in 1993 and its primary source of income beginning in 1998 was a multimillion-dollar contract with the State of West Virginia to operate the Courtesy Patrol roadside assistance service. CCC became financially unstable after it lost that state contract in 2018, leading to the bankruptcy filing.
On May 2, 2019, Martin testified at a bankruptcy creditors meeting that CCC was not generating income, that he was not receiving a salary because of the lack of income, and that he expected CCC to be paid on some receivables owed to it. The United States Trustee, who oversees the administration of bankruptcy cases in the Southern District of West Virginia, told Martin that he was not allowed to take a salary as a controlling officer without U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval.
On May 8, 2019, CCC received more than $41,000 from the West Virginia Treasury, and the money was deposited in CCC’s bank account. Two days later, Martin caused $50,000 to be transferred from that bank account to an account at a different bank. Martin paid himself $32,072.76 from those transferred funds with six separate checks. Martin admitted that he did not seek or obtain U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval for those payments, even though he knew that was required. Martin further admitted that he did not get prior approval because he intended to hide these payments from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Martin also admitted that CCC knowingly misspent $108,751.60 it had received from the United States Department of Interior National Park Service (NPS) between September 10 and October 1, 2018. CCC entered into a cooperative agreement with NPS on November 20, 2014 to recruit, hire, train and place young adults for internship positions at national parks throughout the country. Funding made available under the agreement included $111,221.09 to hire and pay two interns to work at the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation for 13 months. Martin admitted that CCC did not hire or place any interns with that funding. Instead, CCC drew down all but $2,469.49 of that funding for unallowable CCC operating expenses following the loss of the Courtesy Patrol contract. Martin admitted that he knew that the funds were misapplied or fraudulently converted in this way.
The $205,802.49 in ordered restitution consists of $37,072.76 for the Bankruptcy Estate of CCC and $168,729.73 for the U.S. Department of Interior National Park Service. Martin paid the $37,072.76 owed to the Bankruptcy Estate on June 13, 2024.
CCC Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Douglas, 48, of Beckley, pleaded guilty on May 6, 2024 to theft from federal programs and awaits sentencing. Douglas admitted that CCC knowingly misspent the $108,752.60 received from NPS under the cooperative agreement.
“Mr. Martin held a position of trust within the bankruptcy proceedings. He abused that trust and then became unresponsive and uncooperative with the Bankruptcy Court,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “His pattern of avoidance, non-responsiveness, and flagrant disregard for the law makes his offense gravely serious.”
Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Interior-Office of Inspector General (DOI-OIG). The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public.
“Integrity, honesty, and transparency are foundational to the bankruptcy process, and the FBI and our partners stand together in upholding fairness and justice for our legal system,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “We will not allow those who choose deceit over truth to continue lining their own pockets at the public’s expense.”
“Chapter 11 requires debtors in possession of bankruptcy estate assets to be forthright with the court and with their creditors,” said Acting U.S. Trustee Gerard Vetter for Region 4, which includes West Virginia. “This case shows that the Justice Department and the U.S. Trustee Program will vigorously pursue those who divert estate assets and take money out of creditors’ pockets.”
“Mr. Martin knowingly misspent funds that should have been used to hire and pay interns working at national parks,” said DOI OIG Special Agent in Charge Katie Balestra. “The AUSA's office, the FBI, and DOI-OIG worked hard to achieve justice in this case.”
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Holly Wilson prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-147.
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Foreign National Charged for Allegedly Possessing with Intent to Sell Narcotics, Including Fentanyl in UtahRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – An indictment was unsealed and a foreign national living in Utah will remain in custody after he was indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City this week. A U.S. Magistrate Judge ordered the defendant remain in custody pending trial after he was allegedly attempting to sell fentanyl and heroin in the District of Utah.
According to court documents, Florentino Ramos-Salazar, 29, of West Valley City, Utah, became part of a DEA investigation in June 2024. During the investigation, agents attempted to stop a silver Jeep Cherokee that left a West Valley residence they were surveilling. The driver of the Jeep, later identified as Ramos-Salazar, allegedly initially attempted to evade agents in a parking lot before stopping. After searching the vehicle, agents seized 1,000 blue M-30 pills inside the Jeep. Following Ramos-Salazar’s arrest, agents executed a search warrant for a West Valley residence and seized approximately 958.5 grams of heroin, which field tested positive. They also seized 4470 grams of fentanyl pills, which field tested positive for properties of fentanyl.
Ramos-Salazar is charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment was June 27, 2024, at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Special Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Holtan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
OCDETF
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about OCDETF, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Woman Sentenced to 48 Months’ Imprisonment for Embezzling $2 Million from Former EmployerRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Catherine Latoski, age 53, formerly of Exeter, Pennsylvania and currently a resident of Davenport, Florida, was sentenced by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion to 48 months of imprisonment for committing wire fraud by embezzling nearly $2 million from her former employer.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Latoski was the Director of Accounting Services for a Scranton-based for-profit educational institution. Beginning in November 2016, through her termination in June 2021, Latoski charged nearly $2 million in personal expenses on corporate credit cards issued by her former employer, spending the funds on vacations, Disney timeshares and cruises, personal utility bills and shopping expenses, her child’s college tuition, and to fund her and her family members’ personal businesses selling health and beauty products for Jordan Essentials. Latoski then used her accounting position to facilitate having her former employer pay off the credit card charges, including by creating false entries in the company’s books and records to conceal the expenses.
In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, Judge Mannion also ordered Latoski to serve three years of supervised release following her term of imprisonment. Judge Mannion also ordered Latoski to pay $1,843,741.22 in restitution, and to forfeit five Disney timeshares that she purchased with the proceeds of her fraud, and placed in the names of her family members.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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Florida Resident Convicted of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A resident of Florida was convicted of four counts of tax evasion, Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Jason Kronick, 50, of Boca Raton, Florida, was convicted by a federal jury on June 26, 2024, of four counts of tax evasion following a trial before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
From 2010 through 2017, Kronick evaded payment of more than $8.6 million in income and employment taxes, including penalties and interest, despite having earned more than $20 million in taxable income. Kronick also collected approximately $200,000 in payroll taxes from employees of his company, but failed to remit those withholdings to the IRS and evaded his obligation to do so. Kronick evaded these taxes by, among other things, using approximately $1.8 million from accounts controlled by him to buy more than 40 luxury watches; spending more than $4.7 million to pay for home renovations and interior decorating; transferring more than $1.8 million, including funds originating from business accounts, to various casinos, where he converted the money to chips, gambled, and then redeemed chips for approximately $1.8 million in cash; and cashed approximately $159,000 in checks at check-cashing businesses to conceal his income and assets from the IRS.
Each of the four counts of tax evasion carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Kronick’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 14, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, with the investigation leading to the conviction.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachelle M. Navarro and Christopher Fell of the Criminal Division in Newark.
Federal jury convicts Rochester man of possessing a machinegunRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury convicted David L. Rivera-Ruiz, 31, of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison, and a maximum of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas E. Gregory and Brandon Gonzalez, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on October 27, 2022, Ruiz possessed a machinegun, a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, equipped with a conversion device. Ruiz also possessed additional firearms. In addition, Ruiz possessed with the intent to sell, quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. In September 2016, Ruiz was convicted of felon gun crimes in Camden County, New Jersey and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, who presided over the trial.
Fact Sheet: Fischer v. United StatesRead the Press Release
The following data points are made available in order to provide context with respect to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Fischer v. United States.
- The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has charged roughly 1,427 individuals with federal crimes arising from alleged criminal conduct committed at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. In more than 82 percent of those cases—involving approximately 1,178 individuals—the defendants were either never charged with or not convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2), the statute at issue in Fischer. Today’s decision has no bearing on those cases.
- Of the approximately 249 remaining cases, there are zero cases where a defendant was charged only with 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2). In other words, in every case potentially impacted by the Fischer decision, the defendant faced other criminal charges—felonies, misdemeanors, or both—for illegal conduct related to the Capitol Breach.
- Today’s decision will most significantly impact a narrow band of cases: those where the only felony for which a defendant was convicted and sentenced was 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2). In total, approximately 52 individuals have been convicted and sentenced on that charge and no other felony; of those individuals, only 27 are currently serving a sentence of incarceration—less than 2 percent of all charged cases arising from the Capitol Breach.
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FBI and U.S. Attorneys in North Carolina Warn of New Jury ScamRead the Press Release
The FBI Charlotte Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina are warning the public about a new, more sophisticated jury scam involving fake federal arrest warrants.
The scammers call victims or send emails claiming the victims failed to report for jury duty and there is a federal warrant for their arrest. To add additional credibility to their claims, the scammers either text or email a fake arrest warrant with the names of actual North Carolina federal law enforcement officers and prosecutors. The victims are told they can avoid jail time by paying a fine via a virtual currency machine or kiosk.
Additionally, they may manipulate caller ID information to make it appear as though the call is originating from a legitimate source, such as the courthouse or a government agency. They may discourage victims from paying the fine in person, claiming the office is closed due to COVID. Legitimate arrest warrants are not emailed or texted, they are served in person by a law enforcement officer or court official and never include a demand for payment.
Individuals need to exercise caution and skepticism when receiving unsolicited phone calls, especially ones asking for personal information or payment. The FBI recommends to never provide personal or financial information to unknown callers.
To avoid falling victim to common scams:
- Be wary of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts.
- Do not give money or personal information to anyone you don’t know.
- Trust your instincts and hang up on any caller who makes you feel pressured or uncomfortable.
- Verify the authenticity of legal claims against you with the appropriate law enforcement agency or court officials.
If you believe you have been a victim of a jury duty scam or other fraudulent scheme, file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
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Emergency Room Doctor Pleads Guilty to HIPAA ViolationRead the Press Release
An emergency room doctor who illegally obtained the personal health information of multiple individuals pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Dr. Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez Roman, age 30, of Puerto Rico, formerly of Iowa City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of Wrongfully Obtaining Individually Identifiable Health Information Relating to an Individual Under False Pretenses.
In a plea agreement, Dr. Hernandez Roman admitted that, in June 2020, the State of Iowa issued him a resident physician license. That same month, Dr. Hernandez Roman began participating in the emergency medicine residency program at a university hospital in the State of Iowa. Between 2020 and 2023, Dr. Hernandez Roman worked in the emergency departments of hospitals within the State of Iowa, including “Hospital-1” in Cedar Rapids and “Hospital-2” in Iowa City.
In January 2022, Dr. Hernandez Roman knowingly and without authorization obtained the individually identifiable health information of “K.F” under false pretenses at Hospital-1. Specifically, Dr. Hernandez Roman used his access, as a resident doctor, to Hospital-1’s electronic medical records system to access K.F.’s medical records and learn private medical information about K.F. without K.F.’s knowledge or consent. At no time did K.F. consent to Dr. Hernandez Roman accessing K.F.’s medical records. Dr. Hernandez Roman accessed K.F.’s medical records while working a shift in Hospital-1’s emergency department. K.F. was never Dr. Hernandez Roman’s patient and was not a patient in Hospital-1’s emergency department at the time defendant accessed K.F.’s medical records.
In his plea agreement, Dr. Hernandez Roman also admitted to accessing K.F.’s medical records at Hospital-2 in March 2021, as well as the medical records of “M.C.” at Hospital-2 in October 2020. Dr. Hernandez Roman also admitted that, in January 2022, he sent a photograph of one of Hospital-1’s patients to another individual via SnapChat. The photograph showed the patient in a hospital setting, wearing a gown, with the patient’s rectum clearly hanging out of the body. Dr. Hernandez Roman had no legitimate medical purpose for taking this photograph or, further, for sending it via SnapChat to the individual.
Finally, Dr. Hernandez Roman admitted that, in June 2023, he mailed a letter to the Iowa Board of Medicine in which he admitted accessing the confidential medical records of K.F. and M.C. and to sharing the photograph of the prolapsed rectum. In his plea agreement, Dr. Hernandez Roman admitted he falsely wrote in the letter that he had sent the photograph of the prolapsed rectum to his mother to remind her of the importance of fiber intake.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Dr. Hernandez Roman remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Dr. Hernandez Roman faces a possible maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-34.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Dominican Republic Citizen Sentenced for Illegal Re-entry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Carlos Manuel Valdez, 40, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced yesterday to serve sixty months imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after having been previously convicted of an aggravated felony.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of United States Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office, and Broome County Sheriff Frederick Akshar II made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Valdez admitted that prior to being deported to his home country in 2019, he had been convicted of a number of Massachusetts state felony offenses, including assaulting a police officer and possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute them.
In February 2023, Valdez was discovered in Broome County, New York, in a vehicle that also contained over a kilogram of fentanyl. Valdez was charged for the narcotics by New York State authorities in Broome County and was sentenced to serve 6 years’ imprisonment in state court.
Valdez was ordered to serve 30 months of his federal sentence consecutively, meaning that 30 months of Valdez’s federal sentence will not begin until after he has fully satisfied his New York State sentence of incarceration.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement- Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, and the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force (which is comprised of personnel from the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, City of Binghamton Police Department, and Johnson City Police Department) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case.
Dominican Man Previously Convicted of Drug-Related Offenses Pleads Guilty to Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to unlawful reentry.
Julio Pimentel-German, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Sept. 24, 2024. Pimentel-German was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024.
Pimentel-German was previously deported from the United States on June 1, 2021. Sometime after his 2021 removal, Pimentel-German unlawfully reentered the United States. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement became aware of Pimentel-German’s unlawful presence in the United States upon his arrest for the drug-related offenses in July 2022. On Sept. 28, 2023, Pimentel-German was convicted for possession to distribute fentanyl, trafficking fentanyl, and possession of a firearm without a permit, among other charges in Essex Superior Court.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Massachusetts Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
District Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Southeast Washington ShootingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ivan Dixon, 19, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today for the September 2023 shooting of two victims outside a local supermarket in Northeast Washington, DC, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Pamela A. Smith, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In March 2024, Mr. Dixon pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of Assault with Intent to Kill and one count of Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, in addition to one count of Carrying a Pistol Without a License in an unrelated case. Mr. Dixon was sentenced today by the Honorable Robert Okun to 84 months’ incarceration, the top of Mr. Dixon’s voluntary sentencing guidelines for assault with intent to kill. Mr. Dixon’s period of imprisonment will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, with which Mr. Dixon agreed, Mr. Dixon was riding in a Ford Transit van when one of the victims, his intended target, parked his car outside of the supermarket. As the intended target walked into the supermarket, the van made a U-turn and drove slowly past the building, ultimately circling the block before parking behind the intended target’s car. After a few minutes, the intended target left the supermarket while the second victim, an innocent bystander, approached the front door. As the intended target held the door open for the innocent bystander, Mr. Dixon jumped out of the van and fired 16 shots in the direction of the intended target. While the intended target was not hit, the innocent bystander was hit five times and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney William Lawrence, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Deschutes County Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison for possessing 20 pounds of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Isaac Kitashima, 48, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, from August 2020 through June 2021, Kitashima and co-conspirators conducted a multi-state drug trafficking operation. Kitashima used associates to assist with the purchase, shipment, and transport of methamphetamine between California, Oregon, and Hawaii.
In August 2020, Kitashima hired a co-conspirator to drive a shipment of methamphetamine from California to Oregon. An Oregon State Police trooper attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle. The driver initially yielded to the stop but then fled at a high rate of speed. The trooper pursued the vehicle, which was later found abandoned. A search of the vehicle located almost 20 pounds of methamphetamine, along with items identifying Kitashima.
Between February and May 2021, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and United States Postal Service (USPS) intercepted multiple packages of methamphetamine intended for Kitashima’s distribution into Oregon and Hawaii.
On August 19, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Kitashima with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute. On September 2, 2021, DEA and Maui Police Department executed a search warrant on Kitashima’s residence in Makawao, Hawaii, where he was arrested. During the search, investigators located methamphetamine and firearms in the residence.
On February 27, 2024, Kitashima pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
This case was investigated by DEA, USPS, Oregon State Police, and Maui Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Delph.
Convicted Felons Plead Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearms in Separate Project Safe Neighborhoods Investigations in AlbanyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Two Albany residents with criminal pasts are facing up to fifteen years in prison each for illegally possessing firearms in separate Project Safe Neighborhoods investigations.
Marcus Ryan Telfair, 30, and Kentravious Montrell Ware, 36, both pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of a firearm before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on June 26. Both defendants face a maximum of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencings will be scheduled by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“These convicted felons not only illegally possessed firearms but also threatened citizens with those guns,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Project Safe Neighborhoods helps keep our community safer due to strong partnerships between local, state and federal law enforcement in Albany and across the Middle District of Georgia united by our shared goal to reduce violent crime.”
“Mr. Telfair and Mr. Ware both terrorized an entire community," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “Their actions threatened the lives of citizens and law enforcement alike. In the Middle District of Georgia, we will continue our relentless pursuit of dangerous felons who possess firearms, especially those who show no regard for human life. We must hold them accountable."
"Here is another example of the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the Albany Police Department working to address the criminal actions of others,” said APD Chief Michael Persley. “These defendants have proven that they are repeat offenders and do not value the life of others. I hope that the victims have received the support they deserve, and this will be another lesson learned that crime doesn’t pay."
According to documents and statements referenced in court in the Telfair case, Albany Police Department (APD) officers responded to a disorderly conduct call on Oct. 23, 2023, on West Society Avenue. A landscaper working nearby called 911 after he observed Telfair dragging a woman by her hair in the street, who was screaming for help. The landscaper attempted to intervene, but Telfair drew a gun, pointed it at the man and threatened to shoot him if he did not step away. When the police arrived, Telfair ran off and was found hiding underneath a porch. A 9mm semiautomatic pistol and a knife were located in Telfair’s backpack; the gun was stolen out of a truck earlier in the year. In addition, another citizen contacted police on Oct. 14, 2023, after a man matching Telfair’s description flashed a gun at him while stealing items from his truck. APD recovered some of the stolen items from inside the backpack Telfair had in his possession during his arrest. Telfair has several prior criminal convictions in the Superior Court of Dougherty County including robbery, entering auto and interfering with government property. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
According to documents and statements referenced in court in the Ware case, APD officers responded to a disorderly conduct call at a business on Ledo Road in Albany on July 22, 2023. The reporting individual stated that Ware and another customer were arguing in the store when Ware pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the man. The interaction was captured on video surveillance. The officers located Ware at the nearby Country Inn and Suites. Ware told officers he was carrying a firearm, and officers located a .380 semiautomatic pistol on his waistband. Ware told officers he got into the argument after the man bumped into him at the store. Ware has prior felony convictions for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in the Superior Court of Cobb County, Georgia, and theft by receiving stolen property in the Superior Court of Dekalb County, Georgia. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
Both cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The Telfair and Ware cases were investigated by the Albany Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting both cases for the Government.
Colorado Man Sentenced to 19 years’ for Possessing Meth and FirearmsRead the Press Release
A man who possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessed multiple firearms in furtherance of that crime was sentenced on June 26, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City. Esequiel Gomez, 35, from Denver, Colorado, had pled guilty on October 13, 2022.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on April 27, 2022, law enforcement responded to an early morning alarm at the Sioux City Ford Lincoln car dealership. Defendant had broken into the dealership and stolen an F-350 pickup while a codefendant waited in a U-Haul van. Law enforcement ultimately located the pair traveling north on Highway 75 when a high-speed pursuit began. During the pursuit, defendant travelled in excess of 100 miles per hour and the pair were observed discarding items. The pursuit ultimately ended when the pair hit a parked car in Le Mars, Iowa, and sustained varying degrees of injury. Both were transported to Iowa hospitals for treatment. In the vehicles, and along the road, law enforcement discovered over 150 pounds of stolen marijuana from a Colorado dispensary, approximately one pound of methamphetamine, three firearms, and a substantial amount of other stolen items. Gomez has a significant number of warrants for pending charges in Colorado for auto thefts.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Gomez was sentenced to 19 years’ imprisonment and must serve five years of supervised release following imprisonment. Gomez remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4045. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cocoa Woman Charged with Offenses Related to Car Theft and High-Speed Chase on Patrick Space Force BaseRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Krishna Jade Janosky (29, Cocoa) with unauthorized entry onto a military installation, grand theft auto, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, and damaging government property. If convicted on all counts, Janosky faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, on February 7, 2024, Janosky entered Patrick Space Force Base, a military installation within the jurisdiction of the United States, without lawful authority or credentials to enter the installation. While on the base, Janosky obtained and used the motor vehicle of another individual, knowing she was not entitled to the use of the vehicle. The indictment also charges Janosky with fleeing from law enforcement officers at a high rate of speed and in a manner demonstrating a wanton disregard for the safety of persons and property. Finally, Janosky is alleged to have willfully damaged the Patrick Space Force Base flightline gate.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigation, the 45th Security Forces Squadron, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.
Chesapeake men sentenced for armed robbery of letter carrier and cashing stolen checks and money ordersRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Two Chesapeake men were sentenced to prison for bank fraud, identity theft, and armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier.
According to court documents, on Dec. 18, 2022, Postal Inspectors along with the Chesapeake Police Department (CPD) conducted surveillance at the Chesapeake Main Post Office. They observed a vehicle arriving at 11:37 p.m. Two people exited the vehicle and used an arrow key to access the blue mail collection boxes while the driver, Isaiah J. Card, 24, remained in the vehicle. An arrow key is a U.S. Postal key with an engraved symbol and a serial number. Arrow keys open various types of mailboxes in a specific area, including blue collection boxes and apartment panel mailboxes.
When the two individuals who stole mail from the collection boxes ran back to the vehicle, law enforcement prevented the vehicle from leaving. While Postal Inspectors detained Card, CPD pursued the other two individuals, who fled on foot. The fleeing suspects abandoned their bag filled with approximately 250 pieces of stolen mail. CPD was able to locate one of the two, Dahnico Jharon McCoy, aka Donny, 22. Officers also found clothing McCoy discarded as he fled, which included the same distinct jacket seen in at least five prior collection box break-ins.
A search of the vehicle revealed numerous stolen checks and Western Union Money Orders that had been stolen from previous mail heists. Some of the money orders had been “washed" and made out in McCoy and Card’s names. These forged money orders contained the names and account numbers of various victims who had their mail stolen.
On April 19, 2023, Card and McCoy traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina, and, while armed with a firearm, robbed a mail carrier for another arrow key. McCoy made a motion indicating to the mail carrier that he possessed a firearm, and the pair fled. On April 20, 2023, mail from a number of postal boxes in the Raleigh area was stolen using that arrow key. On April 27, 2023, a traffic stop was conducted on their vehicle and Card and McCoy were arrested. A search of their vehicle revealed the stolen arrow key, a handgun, and at least 180 stolen checks, some of which had already been washed.
On Feb. 8, 2024, McCoy and Card pled guilty to possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. On June 21, McCoy was sentenced to seven years in prison. Card was sentenced today to seven years in prison.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ajay Lall, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Kosky prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-20.
Chemung County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK –Charles Kennedy, age 26, of Chemung County, pled guilty yesterday in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James, and Broome County Sheriff Frederick J. Akshar II.
Kennedy was arrested on September 5, 2021, after a high-speed chase that began as he fled from New York State Police in Tioga County during a DWI investigation. Upon entering Broome County, Deputies from the Broome County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit. Kennedy’s car crashed on Route 17 when he unsuccessfully attempted to jump out of the moving vehicle after tire deflation devices were deployed. Kennedy was pinned between the open passenger-side door and a concrete abutment but suffered only minor injuries. A search of the vehicle located a loaded M and P 9mm semiautomatic pistol, as well as methamphetamine, cocaine base, cocaine powder, fentanyl, marijuana, and a money counting machine. Subsequent investigation established, and Kennedy admitted during his guilty plea, that he conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine base, cocaine powder, heroin, and fentanyl.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 13, 2024, at which time Kennedy faces a minimum of ten (10) years and a maximum term of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000,000.00. for his convictions for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Kennedy also faces a minimum of five (5) years and a maximum term of life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed, and a fine of up to $250,000.00. for his conviction for carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Court will also impose a term of supervised release of at least 5 years to follow any term of imprisonment. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the New York State Police, and the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen Grabowski, Richard Southwick, and Geoffrey Brown are prosecuting the case.
Businesswoman Sentenced to Prison for Fabricating Millions in Business Income to Obtain Pandemic ReliefRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Massachusetts businesswoman was sentenced on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, for submitting fraudulent loan applications seeking COVID-19 relief.
Vanessa Nixon, 45, of Framingham, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to five months in prison and three years of supervised release. Nixon was also ordered to pay $468,832 in restitution and forfeiture. In March 2024, Nixon pleaded guilty to bank fraud.
Nixon was the owner and operator of multiple businesses in Massachusetts, including Mass Homes Investments LLC, Nixon Homes LTD and Alpha Auto Body, Inc. Between April 2020 and November 2022, Nixon submitted multiple fraudulent loan applications in the names of her various businesses to banks and the U.S. Small Business Administration through the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program that fabricated millions in business income. Nixon also created fake tax documents that she submitted with the loan applications to substantiate the fabricated business income. In total, Nixon received more than $468,832 in loans that were subsequently forgiven by banks and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Markham of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Burlington Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for His Role in a Methamphetamine Conspiracy and for a Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington man was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for unlawful possession of firearms.
According to public court documents, Jimmie Willis, 44, and others, conspired to bring over 400 pounds of ice methamphetamine to Burlington, Iowa. Willis also unlawfully possessed numerous firearms related to his drug trafficking activities.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Willis will be required to serve 5 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce, Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Transportation, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa State Patrol.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEROND ROGERS, JR., 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2022, law enforcement received information that Rogers, who was known to be associated with a violent Bridgeport gang, was in possession of a firearm. On October 25, 2022, Rogers ran from investigators who had a court-authorized search warrant for his vehicle, removed a black handgun from his waistband, and ran into oncoming traffic on Maplewood Avenue, where he was hit by a car. Investigators retrieved the gun, a loaded Glock 26 semi-automatic pistol, and Rogers was transported to this hospital.
Rogers’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for sale of narcotics, criminal possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Rogers has been detained since his federal arrest on March 20, 2023. On January 23, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Karen L. Peck
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Boston Man Sentenced to More Than One Year in Prison for Drug Trafficking in and Around Public Housing DevelopmentRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A man identified as a member/associate of the Heath Street Gang was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in a public housing development.
Michael Van Rader, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 22 months in prison to be followed by six years of supervised release. In April 2024, Van Rader pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of a public housing facility.
On or about Sept. 3, 2023, Van Rader was arrested on the grounds of the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments, a public housing complex in Jamaica Plain, in possession of a distribution quantity of cocaine. At the time of his arrest, Van Rader was barred by the Boston Housing Authority from trespassing at the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments and was on probation in connection with a state firearm-related conviction.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. The investigation was supported by the Boston Housing Authority Police Department and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Hoefle of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. 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.
Blair Taylor Found Guilty of Murdering Two PeopleRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On June 20, 2024, BLAIR TAYLOR, a New Orleans resident, was found guilty by a jury of two-counts of causing a death through the use of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(j)(1), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the evidence at trial, TAYLOR killed two individuals on August 10, 2014, in the so-called “Burgundy Massacre.” One of the homicide victims was a sixteen-year-old girl. Five other people were shot and seriously injured, including a 2-year-old child and a 4-year-old child. TAYLOR and two others went to Burgundy Street to retaliate against a narcotics dealer who had stolen drugs from the mother of one of TAYLOR’s co-conspirators. When they arrived, TAYLOR, opened fire on the crowd with a rifle, despite the presence of several young children. One of TAYLOR’s co-conspirators approached the intended target, then shot and killed him.
On February 2, 2017, TAYLOR and an accomplice were found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and five counts of attempted second-degree murder after the jury deliberated and returned an 11-1 verdict of guilty as charged on all counts. However, in 2021, they were granted new trials after the United States Supreme Court found that non-unanimous jury votes were unconstitutional. In October of 2022, the State of Louisiana re-tried TAYLOR and he was found not guilty. He was subsequently released from jail in March 2023.
Following the not guilty verdict in the state, a federal grand jury investigated the homicides, and indicted TAYLOR, for those murders.
As to each count, TAYLOR faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for October 3, 2024.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich, Unit Chief Attorney Elizabeth Privitera, and Special Assistant United States Attorney James Ollinger, all of the Violent Crime Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on the Supreme Court’s Decision in Fischer v. United StatesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the Supreme Court’s decision in Fischer v. United States:
“January 6 was an unprecedented attack on the cornerstone of our system of government — the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next. I am disappointed by today’s decision, which limits an important federal statute that the Department has sought to use to ensure that those most responsible for that attack face appropriate consequences.
The vast majority of the more than 1,400 defendants charged for their illegal actions on January 6 will not be affected by this decision. There are no cases in which the Department charged a January 6 defendant only with the offense at issue in Fischer. For the cases affected by today’s decision, the Department will take appropriate steps to comply with the Court’s ruling.
We will continue to use all available tools to hold accountable those criminally responsible for the January 6 attack on our democracy.”
Armed career criminal sentenced for straw purchasing 19 firearmsRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Portsmouth man was sentenced today to 17 years in prison for making false statements to illegally straw-purchase firearms.
According to court documents, Dartanguia Antonious Lee, aka Donte, Dante, Dionte, Snoop, Snookie and Bully, 42, is an armed career criminal with several previous felony convictions, including serious drug crimes and five convictions for robbery with a dangerous weapon. Beginning in December 2019 and continuing until March 2020, Lee used his girlfriend as a straw-purchaser to obtain at least 19 firearms from four federally licensed firearms dealers. As a previously convicted felon, Lee cannot purchase or possess firearms or ammunition. Lee often transferred the firearms to other convicted felons who could not purchase their own. Some of those firearms have already been recovered by law enforcement.
Lee was apprehended in Greensboro, North Carolina, in September 2022, months after his federal indictment in Virginia. He was apprehended as part of a drug trafficking investigation that involved multiple firearms. Lee still faces pending charges in North Carolina.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:22-cr-44.
Adult Film Actor Justin Heath Smith, a/k/a “Austin Wolf,” Charged with Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the arrest of JUSTIN HEATH SMITH, an adult film actor who uses the stage name “Austin Wolf.” SMITH is charged with sending and receiving hundreds of videos of child pornography via the Telegram application. Those videos depicted children as young as infants, including a video showing a 10-year-old child bound and raped. In addition to sharing child pornography via Telegram, SMITH is also charged with possessing hundreds of additional videos containing child pornography in his Manhattan apartment. SMITH will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky in Manhattan federal court.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Justin Heath Smith received and distributed hundreds of recordings containing child pornography, including a ghastly video showing a young child bound, beaten, and raped. Our investigation into Smith is ongoing, and we urge anyone with information about Smith’s conduct to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue those predators who victimize children and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “I want to make it clear: those who distribute child sexual abuse images prey upon the most vulnerable in our society. Each image is a crime scene, leaving lasting scars on innocent victims. The FBI is relentless in our pursuit of these perpetrators. We will track them down, arrest them, and ensure they face justice for the harm they cause.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[1]
Between March 24 and March 28, 2024, SMITH, using an anonymous Telegram account, exchanged hundreds of videos containing child pornography with another individual whose phone was later seized and searched by the FBI pursuant to a search warrant.
An undercover FBI agent subsequently began a conversation with SMITH’s anonymous Telegram account. In the course of those conversations, SMITH revealed details that confirmed his identity.
On April 21, 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at SMITH’s Manhattan apartment, which revealed an SD card with hundreds of videos containing child pornography.
* * *
SMITH, 43, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. Mr. Williams urged anyone who has additional information about SMITH’s conduct to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or to submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Getzel Berger is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
27 June 2024
Winona Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Charges After Targeting More Than 60 Young Girls in Online Sextortion SchemeRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Winona man has pleaded guilty for his online sextortion scheme that victimized more than 60 minor girls across the country and abroad, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, between April 2022 and June 2023, Valentin Silva Quintana, 30, used social media apps, including Snapchat and Instagram, to threaten, sexually manipulate, and exploit more than 60 young girls primarily between 9 and 12 years old in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, New Zealand and elsewhere. Quintana, who knew that most of the girls were between 9 and 12 years of age, used fake identities and lied about his age in communications with the girls, posing as a minor girl himself. He used images and videos of youthful appearing girls to make his communications with other victims more believable.
According to court documents, Quintana used a wide range of tactics to coerce his victims, sometimes by convincing young girls that he was their friend or romantic partner, or by offering them money. But most frequently, he convinced young girls to send him a sexual photo or video or covertly recorded them engaging in sexually explicit conduct and then threatened to send the first image to their friends and family unless the girls produced ever more graphic sexual images and videos for him. He continued this type of sextortion even as his victims wept and begged him to stop.
Quintana pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell to one count of production of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Winona County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McBride is prosecuting the case.
Windsor Man Pleads Guilty in Case Involving Thousands of Fake Calls to the Veteran’s Affairs Crisis LineRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Windsor man pleaded guilty today to making false statements to the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Crisis Line after making more than 12,000 calls to the hotline as a non-veteran, often providing fake names and addresses, and, in some cases, causing emergency services to be dispatched.
“This defendant made more than 12,000 fake cries for help to a hotline intended to provide assistance to the brave men and women who served in our military,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This tied up hotline operators who could have been helping true veterans – not to mention the resources wasted when emergency services was dispatched.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Ricky Ray Ryan, Jr., 31, a non-veteran, contacted the VA Crisis Line over 12,000 times between 2016 and 2023. The VA Crisis Line is operated by the VA for veterans experiencing difficult life events or challenges after leaving the military.VA Crisis Line employees are trained to remain online with callers until their services are no longer needed or emergency services are dispatched. During each of his calls to the VA Crisis Line, Ryan, who used a software program to mask his identity, reported to be experiencing suicidal ideations, and then provided fake names, false addresses, and dates of birth. On many occasions, emergency services were dispatched in response to Ryan’s claims, but the addresses Ryan provided were either fake or not his actual address.
Ryan pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement and faces a penalty of up to five years in prison when sentenced.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III accepted the plea. The United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Investigation, is investigating the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa K. Labresh is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-1-D-RN.
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West Hartford Man Admits Role in Catalytic Converter Theft RingRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that YANQUEE RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Yankster Rodriguez,” 28, of West Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to offenses related to his participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement has been investigating the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut. A catalytic converter contains precious metals, can easily be removed from its vehicle, and is difficult to trace, making it a desirable target for thieves. The average scrap price for catalytic converters currently varies between $300 and $1,500, depending on the model and type of precious metal component.
The investigation revealed that Downpipe Depot & Recycling LLC (“Downpipe Depot”), which had a warehouse on Park Avenue in East Hartford, purchased stolen catalytic converters from a network of thieves, including Rodriguez, and then transported and sold the catalytic converters to recycling businesses in New York and New Jersey. Business records seized during the investigation revealed that Rodriguez was one of Downpipe Depot’s largest suppliers of stolen catalytic converters. Between January 2021 and June 2022, Downpipe Depot paid Rodriguez $411,845 for catalytic converters.
Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for November 18.
Rodriguez was arrested on November 15, 2023. He is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and the East Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham.
Waterbury Gang Member Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
JAIVAUN McKNIGHT, also known as “Sav,” 25, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for offenses related to his participation in a violent Waterbury street gang.
Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang. On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging McKnight and 15 other 960 gang members with racketeering, narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, murder, attempted murder and assault, and obstruction of justice offenses.
On March 11, 2024, McKnight pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. McKnight admitted that he and other 960 members were engaged in violent activity, including shootings, assaults and attempted murders, and that he trafficked fentanyl and other drugs in furtherance of the 960 enterprise. On September 21, 2018, in retaliation for the murder of an associate, McKnight and other 960 members attempted to murder a rival gang leader and others by shooting at an occupied residence on Scott Road in Waterbury.
McKnight has been detained since his arrest on September 16, 2021. On that date, investigators seized approximately 600 bags of fentanyl from his vehicle.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southington Police Department, Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the DEA Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo of the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, who have been cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Washington man sentenced to seven years in prison for meth trafficking in large-scale drug conspiracy based on Crow Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS — A Washington man who came to the Crow Indian Reservation to distribute methamphetamine in a large-scale conspiracy was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for his conviction of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Daniel Jiminez-Chavez, aka Raton, 40, of Okanogan, Washington, and a Mexican citizen, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that federal law enforcement, in a collaborative effort with local and tribal law enforcement, conducted a large-scale, narcotics trafficking investigation centered on multiple properties on the Crow Indian Reservation. The properties, including one referred to as Spear Siding, were a source of supply of meth for both the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations from about January 2022 through March 2023. Jiminez-Chavez is one of approximately two dozen individuals associated with the investigation.
The government alleged Jiminez-Chavez was among the top tier of the conspiracy and came to Lodge Grass, on the Crow Indian Reservation, from Washington in about February 2023 to distribute meth and act as a caretaker. He had no ties to Montana other than a directive to look after one of the houses involved in conspiracy and sell drugs for a co-conspirator. Jiminez-Chavez began staying at a house known as the Bloodman residence, which was near Spear Siding. While at the residence, Jiminez-Chavez distributed meth to approximately six others in the case with assistance from another co-conspirator, who translated for him. Jiminez-Chavez was in Montana about two months before his arrest. Jiminez-Chavez was responsible for distributing at least 4.5 kilograms, which is almost 10 pounds, of meth in a two-month period. Ten pounds of meth is the equivalent of approximately 36,240 doses.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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