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20 June 2024
Mexico-Based Drug Cartel Leaders Indicted and SanctionedRead the Press Release
ATLANTA –Rodolfo Maldonado-Bustos, a.k.a. “Don Jose,” and Euclides Camacho-Goicochea, a.k.a. “El Quilles,” who occupy leadership roles in the La Nueva Familia Michoacana drug cartel, were charged by a federal grand jury with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin and conspiracy to import heroin into the United States.
Earlier today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) announced financial sanctions against Camacho-Goicochea and Maldonado-Bustos, who are fugitives believed to be residing in Mexico.
“These actions demonstrate that in addition to holding cartel leaders accountable for their crimes, we are working together with our partners at the Treasury Department to hit the cartels’ criminal operations where it hurts the most – their profits,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to mobilize a whole-of-government effort to disrupt the cartels profiting from the drug trafficking and human smuggling that devastate communities and endanger our national security.”
“These cartel members allegedly imported massive amounts of heroin from Mexico to the Atlanta area and elsewhere in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “The federal indictments in conjunction with the recent imposition of OFAC sanctions send a strong message that our office, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly investigate, prosecute, and defund individuals around the globe who import deadly drugs into our communities.”
“Denying drug cartels the profits earned from distributing poison in our communities is an essential tool in DEA’s efforts to combat these drug cartels,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “DEA Atlanta will continue to attack the La Nueva Familia cartel on all fronts by arresting its members, as well as seizing their drugs and assets.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are highly skilled financial investigators who can unravel complex schemes cartels use to hide their money,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS-CI and other members of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces will continue working together to bring these international criminals to justice.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the indictments, and other information presented in court: In September 2016, agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) initiated an investigation into Mexico-based La Nueva Familia Michoacana cartel members allegedly importing heroin, cocaine, and marijuana into the United States, including to the Northern District of Georgia. As part of the investigation, agents identified Maldonado-Bustos as a high-level cartel member who allegedly coordinated the manufacturing of large quantities of heroin in Mexico.
In particular, the investigation revealed that Maldonado-Bustos allegedly directed the harvesting of gum from opium fields, procured chemicals to process the gum into heroin, and supplied Camacho-Goicochea and other conspirators in Mexico with the heroin to import into cities in the United States, including Atlanta, Georgia and Houston, Texas. The investigation further revealed that Camacho-Goicochea allegedly coordinated the collection and return of drug proceeds from the United States back to Mexico. In early 2017, agents seized over $580,000 in drug proceeds from vehicles and homes in the Atlanta area, which were ultimately destined for the cartel in Mexico.
Rodolfo Maldonado-Bustos, a.k.a. “Don Jose,” 59, and Euclides Camacho-Goicochea, a.k.a. “El Quilles,” 51, both of Guerrero, Mexico, were charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin and conspiracy to import heroin into the United States. Camacho-Goicochea was also charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. The indictments were returned in August 2017 and were recently unsealed.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictments only contain charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebeca Ojeda is prosecuting the case against Camacho-Goicochea and Maldonado-Bustos. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel Milam, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Hartigan, who is presently with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, provided valuable contributions to the investigation.
This prosecution 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.
The specific mission of the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force (the Strike Force) is to degrade and dismantle major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Northern District of Georgia. To accomplish this mission, the Strike Force will target these organizations’ leaders, focusing on targets designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets (CPOTs), Regional Priority Organization Targets (RPOTs), and their associates. The Atlanta Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, USMS, USPIS, and IRS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.
The Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia recommends that parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following websites: www.justthinktwice.gov; www.operationprevention.com/; and www.dea.gov/onepill.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Men Who Robbed Postal Employee Indicted on ChargesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury has returned a three-count indictment charging Amihr Curtis, 23, Zenesto Martin, Jr., 25, and Christian Proby, 25, all of Lima, Ohio, with interference of commerce by robbery, robbery of mail, money, or other property of the United States, and stealing keys used by the Postal Service for the deposit of mail. The violations allegedly took place in November 2023, in Lima, Ohio, while a United States Postal Service letter carrier was on a delivery route. Curtis and Martin, Jr., were also indicted for one count of mail theft.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ role in the offenses, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
Sentencing for all three defendants is scheduled for June 20, 2025.
The investigation preceding the indictment was a collaborative effort conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Lima Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank H. Spryszak.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Postal Inspection Service is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating crimes against postal carriers and crimes involving the U.S. Mail. Anyone having information about blue collection box thefts or thefts or attempted thefts of mail carriers or mail should contact USPIS at 1-877-876-2455. All information will be kept confidential.
Update Feb. 21, 2025:
Addition of sentencing date
L’anse Man Charged with Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney’s Office Requests Public’s Help in Ongoing Investigation
MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a federal grand jury indicted Michael Philip Dowd, 56, of the L’Anse Indian Reservation, charging him with one count of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of sexual abuse. Each count carries a maximum sentence of life.
“My office is prepared to make its case in court and strongly encourages anyone with information about Mr. Dowd who can assist with this active investigation to contact our Marquette Office,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Our work protecting victims of sexual abuse and holding offenders accountable is some of the most important work we do.”
The indictment, which was returned Tuesday, alleges that between April 8 and April 9, 2024, Dowd “knowingly engaged in a sexual act” with the victim by using his body to hold the victim down and performing a sexual act on the victim. The indictment further alleges that Dowd “knowingly engaged in a sexual act” with the victim without the victim’s consent and while the victim was “incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct and physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating unwillingness to engage in” the sexual act.
“I commend the victim for their bravery and for coming forward to law enforcement, especially considering the horrific and severe sexual abuse alleged in this case,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in the Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI, our partners at the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to addressing the public safety and violence facing Native American communities.”
This case was investigated by the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI are continuing to investigate Dowd for sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. Anyone who has not previously provided information about conduct involving Dowd should contact the FBI or U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, Marquette Branch Office, at 906-226-2500.
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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Long Island Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl That Contributed to Two Poisoning DeathsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Charles Carter, also known as “Chase,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Gary R. Brown to 20 years in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl that contributed to two poisoning deaths. In November 2023, Carter pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. As part of his plea, Carter admitted that fentanyl that he sold contributed to the deaths of two victims in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Carter also admitted that in 2021, he sold more than 43 grams of fentanyl to an undercover Glen Cove Police Department (GCPD) officer (UC-1). As part of the sentence, the defendant was ordered by the Court to pay restitution in the amount of $29,416.50 to cover the victims’ funeral expenses.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Frank A. Tarentino, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner of the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), and William Whitton, Chief of Police, GCPD, announced the guilty plea.
“Carter, who openly acknowledged his drug dealing was all ‘about the money,’ is held responsible today for callously selling fentanyl that contributed to the deaths of two victims on Long Island. Fentanyl is a lethal drug that is killing so many people across this nation every day,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office is working nonstop with our federal and local partners to address the fentanyl crisis and prosecute those who push the deadly poison for profit.”
“While this guilty plea can't undo the tragic loss of life, it sends a message that we will do everything we can to make sure those responsible for drug related deaths face the consequences for their actions and the families of those lost receive justice. The men and women of DEA New York Division, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to target those responsible for poisoning and destroying our communities” stated DEA New York Division Special Agent-in-Charge Tarentino.
“The sentencing of defendant Charles Carter to 20 years in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl is a clear example that this behavior will never be tolerated. Two victims lost their lives and their families are suffering due to this poison being accessible. We need to set an example and continue to investigate and arrest these offenders to keep our communities and residents safe. I would like to thank all of the investigators and their agencies for a job well done,” stated NCPD Commissioner Ryder.
“The Glen Cove Police Department will continue to work with federal, state and local law enforcement to prevent the distribution of illegal substances into our community. Those who decide to profit by selling their poison, will be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” stated GCPD Chief of Police Whitton.
Between August 2020 and February 2021, Carter sold more than 40 grams of fentanyl to two overdose poisoning victims and an undercover GCPD detective. The investigation revealed that on August 6, 2020, a 23-year-old individual (Victim-1) died of a drug-related overdose at her residence in Glen Cove, Long Island. Cellular telephone analysis and additional investigation showed that the fentanyl that Victim-1 used was purchased from Carter about two days before Victim-1’s death. On February 5, 2021, a 40-year-old individual (Victim-2) died of a drug-related poisoning at his residence in Farmingdale, Long Island. A search of Victim-2’s phone revealed text messages between Carter and Victim-2 which related to Victim-2’s purchase of fentanyl shortly before, and in the months preceding, Victim-2’s death. For example, on January 21, 2021, Carter wrote text messages to Victim-2, stating “im.(sic) around and I got the good stuff[.] Do u (sic) need to see me..??”
Additionally, Carter repeatedly sold fentanyl to the UC-1 in doses that could have been lethal if consumed, including approximately 43 grams of fentanyl in January 2021. For example, on October 23, 2020, Carter sent text messages to UC-1, stating “Next time imma (sic) give you some super fire cuz (sic) I’m getting some new sh-- in a couple days so let your people know . . . . I ain’t going to lie I’m going to have some way stronger sh-- in the next couple days then I might have to cut it might be that strong seriously.” On January 13, 2021, in response to a text message from UC-1 describing how much money UC-1 could make from reselling Carter’s drugs, Carter wrote “I’m about the money.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Justice, in 2023, nearly 108,000 people died from drug overdoses, making it a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. The increase in overdose deaths has been driven in large part by fentanyl, a drug that has been described as 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. In 2023, over 74,000 people died from a drug overdose involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, a figure that was around 2,000 less than the more than 76,000 synthetic opioid overdose deaths that occurred in 2022. Between 2022 and 2023, overall drug overdose deaths decline approximately 3% from around nearly 111,000 such deaths in 2022.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley T. King and Madeline O’Connor are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder and Legal Assistants Janelle Robinson and Danielle Casey.
The Defendant:
CHARLES CARTER (also known as “Chase”)
Age: 34
Amityville, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-88 (S-1) (GRB)
Lexington County Woman Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Keisha Carroll Banks, 52, of Lexington, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Banks was an employee of Ridgeway Manor Health Care in Ridgeway. In her role, she was able to access money in an account of Ridgeway Manor that included funds held for the residents of the facility. The defendant diverted some of those funds and used some of the money for her own benefit. Some of the residents of Ridgeway Manor are considered vulnerable adults.
United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Banks to 14 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The court also ordered the defendant to pay $58,544.61 in restitution.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Attorney General's Office Vulnerable Adult Medicaid Provider Fraud Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Potterfield is prosecuting the case.
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Leaders of One of the Largest No-Fault Insurance Frauds in New York History Sentenced to 15, 12, and Seven Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that PETER KHAIMOV, ALEXANDER GULKAROV, and ROMAN ISRAILOV were sentenced to 15 years, 12 years, and seven years in prison, respectively, by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe for crimes related to their orchestration of a $40 million fraud targeting No-Fault automobile insurance companies. KHAIMOV previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced on June 11, 2024. GULKAROV previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft and was sentenced on June 20, 2024. ISRAILOV previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft and was sentenced on May 23, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Peter Khaimov, Alexander Gulkarov, and Roman Israilov organized one of the largest No-Fault insurance frauds in New York history, stealing $40 million through their operation of sham medical clinics and pharmacies. By posing as legitimate medical providers, they exploited the system, prescribed unnecessary treatments, and jeopardized patient care. This case exemplifies our relentless pursuit of justice against those who think they can outsmart the system, and I commend the FBI and our dedicated team of prosecutors for their outstanding work in dismantling this massive fraud operation.”
According to the Indictment, the Informations to which KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV pled guilty, their plea agreements, and statements made in court:
New York and New Jersey No-Fault insurance laws require a driver’s automobile insurance company to pay automobile insurance claims automatically for certain types of motor vehicle accidents, provided that the claim is legitimate and below a particular monetary threshold. Pursuant to these requirements, insurance companies will often pay medical service providers directly for the treatment they provide to automobile accident victims without the need to bill the victims themselves. This process resolves automobile claims without apportioning blame or fault for the accident, thereby avoiding protracted disputes and the costs associated with an extended investigation of the accident.
From 2014 through 2021, KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV (collectively, the “Clinic Controllers”) conspired to unlawfully own, run, and profit from medical clinics and pharmacies in the New York area. KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV knew that clinics and pharmacies are unable to bill insurance companies for No-Fault benefits if the medical facilities are controlled by non-physicians. They nonetheless agreed to submit bills to insurance companies falsely representing that the clinics were owned and operated by licensed medical practitioners, and for medical practitioners to lie under oath during Examinations under Oath (“EUOs”) about the ownership, control, and finances of the clinics. KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV unlawfully obtained from insurance companies at least $40,000,000 as part of the scheme.
In connection with the scheme described above, KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV also arranged for medical practitioners, including physicians, to prescribe unnecessary medical treatments (including MRIs, EMG/NCV testing, spinal injections, and computerized radiologic mensuration analysis), unnecessary durable medical equipment (including cervical home traction devices and lumbar back support), and medically unnecessary medications (including prescription strength painkillers, topical creams, and topical gels). KHAIMOV and GULKAROV received kickbacks from MRI facilities, pain management doctors, and other specialized care providers, who performed these unnecessary medical treatments. KHAIMOV and GULKAROV further personally arranged for the unnecessary medications to be filled at pharmacies under the control of the conspirators.
GULKAROV also overbilled insurance companies for treatments provided by medical practitioners. In connection with the scheme, GULKAROV owned and operated a billing company, which submitted bills to insurance companies overstating the amount of time that practitioners spent treating patients. The billing company also used improper, unlisted billing codes to bill insurance companies in excess of what is permitted under No-Fault regulations.
The Bribery Scheme
KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV further agreed to pay bribes in connection with the above-described scheme. From at least 2014 through November 2019, they agreed with others to pay bribes to hospital employees, 911 dispatchers, and other individuals for the confidential names and numbers of motor vehicle accident victims. As part of the scheme, KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and others provided approximately $150,000 for the creation of a call center that called victims and lied to them to induce victims to receive medical treatment at, among other places, clinics controlled by KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV. KHAIMOV and GULKAROV further personally paid the operation of the call center hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribe payments in cash.
As part of the bribery scheme, KHAIMOV also personally attempted to recruit others to disclose confidential names and numbers of motor vehicle accident victims. These people included, among others, a hospital employee. KHAIMOV was ultimately unsuccessful because these other individuals refused to provide confidential information.
As part of the scheme, GULKAROV arranged for an New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) officer to provide confidential information from NYPD servers. In particular, this officer sent GULKAROV over 400 photos of confidential NYPD motor vehicle accident reports using the encrypted messaging application, WhatsApp. GULKAROV then re-transmitted the reports to others so that they could call patients, lie to them, and direct them to clinics controlled by KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV.
Money Laundering and Obstruction Conduct
KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV laundered the proceeds of the bribery and healthcare fraud from the bank accounts of the medical clinics and pharmacies to personal accounts using a variety of methods. Among other things, KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV agreed to have medical practitioners sign blank checks from the clinics’ bank accounts, which KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV used to pay personal expenses such as luxury vacations around the world, expensive meals, jewelry, and parties. GULKAROV also used the blank checks to pay for hundreds of thousands of dollars of construction-related expenses for a three-story, multimillion dollar home in Queens, New York.
KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV arranged for checks from the clinics’ bank accounts to be cashed at shell companies under their control or the control of co-conspirators. Over two dozen of these shell companies were opened by foreign nationals, who entered the country on tourism visas, opened bank accounts for the shell companies, provided the debit cards to the co-conspirators, and then left the country.
KHAIMOV and GULKAROV additionally agreed to use the Wisnicki & Associates and Wisnicki Neuhauser (collectively, the “Wisnicki Firm”) to launder proceeds from the No-Fault scheme. KHAIMOV and GULKAROV wrote over $150,000 in checks to the Wisnicki Firm from the No-Fault clinics’ bank accounts. The Wisnicki Firm did not provide any legal services to the No-Fault clinics. Instead, the Wisnicki Firm used this money to purchase real estate for KHAIMOV and another individual. The conspirators deducted the payments to the Wisnicki Firm on the clinics’ tax returns as legal expenses.
In addition, GULKAROV engaged in a multi-month obstruction scheme beginning in February 2021. In February and March 2021, the Government served grand jury subpoenas on the medical practitioners involved in the No-Fault scheme. GULKAROV immediately contacted at least half-a-dozen of his co-conspirators and ordered them not to speak with law enforcement. In return, GULKAROV gave his co-conspirators money to pay for attorneys. GULKAROV also obtained the phones of multiple practitioners and deleted his communications with them from their devices.
Thereafter, on or about April 1, 2021, the Government served a grand jury subpoena on the Wisnicki Firm for documentation surrounding the $150,000 in payments made from the clinics to the Wisnicki Firm. GULKAROV agreed with others that the Wisnicki Firm would fabricate retainer agreements for transmission to the grand jury. The fabricated retainer agreements, which were backdated to 2016 and 2017, falsely represented that the No-Fault clinics had retained the Wisnicki Firm for legal services.
During the following months, in or about April and May 2021, GULKAROV approached multiple medical practitioners and ordered them to sign the backdated, fabricated retainer agreements. The medical practitioners complied. GULKAROV also provided these medical practitioners with checks, written from the Wisnicki Firm, returning the purported “retainer fees” paid to the Wisnicki Firm. GULKAROV ordered the medical practitioners to deposit the checks, withdraw the money in small cash increments, and return the cash to GULKAROV. At least one medical practitioner complied.
Lastly, in or about early 2022, KHAIMOV approached a cooperating witness (the “CW”), who was the registered owner of one of KHAIMOV’s pharmacies. KHAIMOV drove to the CW’s house and began honking his car horn outside. The CW came out, at which point KHAIMOV told the CW that he heard the CW was speaking with law enforcement. KHAIMOV instructed the CW to stop doing so.
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KHAIMOV, 44, GULKAROV, 37, and ISRAILOV, 42, all of Queens, New York, were each sentenced to three years of supervised release, respectively, and they were each ordered to forfeit money judgments of $40,000,000. The Court deferred determination of restitution.
Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit and the White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mathew Andrews, Ryan Allison, and Timothy V. Capozzi are in charge of the prosecution.
Lawrence Man Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Brayan Zepeda, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Julia E. Kobick to eight months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. Zepeda will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. On March 28, 2024, Zepeda pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
Zepeda, a citizen of Guatemala, was deported from the United States on Jan. 12, 2023 after serving several state sentences for domestic assault and violation of a restraining order. At some point thereafter, Zepeda returned to the United States and was arrested by the Littleton Police Department in October 2023.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
King County, Washington, murder suspect now indicted in armed carjacking in SeattleRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 19-year-old SeaTac, Washington, man was indicted today for armed carjacking in connection with a crime spree that ended in a homicide, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Salman Subeyr Haji is believed to have fled abroad just days after he allegedly shot and killed a woman in the parking lot of the Tukwila Costco. Haji has been charged with murder in King County Superior Court. The federal indictment for armed carjacking will prompt an international “red notice” for Haji, alerting international law enforcement to take him into custody.
“Our carjacking task force identified this case as meriting federal prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Separate and distinct from the fatal shooting in Tukwila, this defendant is alleged to have used a firearm to steal a car from a woman driving in Seattle. She made a narrow escape. This defendant needs to be held accountable.”
According to the indictment and police reports, on January 26, 2024, Haji stole a Porsche Cayenne at gunpoint from a woman driving on Queen Anne Hill. Haji and another man were following the victim and rear-ended her to cause her to pull over. While attempting to retrieve insurance information from the glove box, Haji held a gun to the victim and demanded the keys to the vehicle and money. Haji then drove off in the vehicle.
The indictment lists several names Salman Subeyr Haji has used: Salmon Subeyr Haji, Salman Hagi, and Markell Somo Jefferson.
Carjacking is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. A second count of using a firearm in a crime of vi0lence is punishable by up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum seven years in prison to run consecutive to any other prison sentence imposed in the case.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department, Tukwila Police Department, the King County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Wynne. AUSA Wynne is working closely with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on the case.
Justice Department Sues Five Individuals for Violation of Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) ActRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department filed a civil federal lawsuit today in the Middle District of Florida against five people for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits anyone from using force, threats of force or physical obstruction against any person because they are seeking or providing reproductive health services.
The lawsuit alleges that Calvin Zastrow, Kenneth Scott, Chester Gallagher, Eva Zastrow and Katelyn Sims, also known as Katelyn Velasco, committed violations of the FACE Act in Ft. Myers, Florida, on Jan. 27, 2022. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the defendants trespassed onto a reproductive health center’s property, blocked the entrances and temporarily stopped operations at the center. The complaint seeks injunctive relief and monetary penalties as provided by the FACE Act.
“These five defendants deliberately obstructed access to reproductive health services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Physically blocking those seeking or providing reproductive health services in order to impose their views is unlawful. The Justice Department will continue enforcing the FACE Act to protect against such obstruction.”
“The Justice Department ensures that individuals cannot pick which laws they wish to follow,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We look forward to continuing to protect the rights of patients and providers to access reproductive health care.”
The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida are handling the case.
For additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. Those interested in finding out more about the FACE act may visit www.justice.gov/crt/freedom-access-clinic-entrances-places-religious-worship. Past FACE Act cases by the Special Litigation Section can be found at www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section-cases-and-matters#face.
Justice Department Sues Five Individuals for Violation of Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) ActRead the Press Release
The Justice Department filed a civil federal lawsuit today in the Middle District of Florida against five people for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits anyone from using force, threats of force or physical obstruction against any person because they are seeking or providing reproductive health services.
The lawsuit alleges that Calvin Zastrow, Kenneth Scott, Chester Gallagher, Eva Zastrow and Katelyn Sims, also known as Katelyn Velasco, committed violations of the FACE Act in Ft. Myers, Florida, on Jan. 27, 2022. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the defendants trespassed onto a reproductive health center’s property, blocked the entrances and temporarily stopped operations at the center. The complaint seeks injunctive relief and monetary penalties as provided by the FACE Act.
“These five defendants deliberately obstructed access to reproductive health services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Physically blocking those seeking or providing reproductive health services in order to impose their views is unlawful. The Justice Department will continue enforcing the FACE Act to protect against such obstruction.”
“The Justice Department ensures that individuals cannot pick which laws they wish to follow,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We look forward to continuing to protect the rights of patients and providers to access reproductive health care.”
The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida are handling the case.
For additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. Those interested in finding out more about the FACE act can visit www.justice.gov/crt/freedom-access-clinic-entrances-places-religious-worship. Past FACE Act cases by the Special Litigation Section can be found at www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section-cases-and-matters#face.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Worldwide Staffing Agency to Resolve Claims of Hiring Discrimination in the United StatesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with eTeam Inc. (eTeam), an online staffing agency that provides services to companies throughout the United States and around the world. The agreement resolves the department’s determination that eTeam discriminated against non-U.S. citizens with permission to work in the United States by excluding them from job opportunities based on their citizenship or immigration status, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
“Staffing companies cannot engage in hiring and recruiting practices that unlawfully exclude or deter people with permission to work in the United States because of their citizenship or immigration status,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold companies accountable for engaging in practices that create barriers to employment, in violation of our nation’s federal civil rights laws.”
The Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER)’s investigation found that during various months in 2021, eTeam regularly distributed job advertisements that contained unlawful hiring restrictions based on citizenship status or otherwise screened out candidates based on their citizenship status. These actions harmed lawful permanent residents and individuals granted asylum or refugee status by deterring them from applying to the job advertisements and failing to meaningfully consider those who did apply.
Under the terms of the settlement, eTeam will pay $232,500 in civil penalties to the United States and set aside $325,000 to compensate affected workers. The agreement also requires eTeam to train its personnel on the INA’s requirements, revise its employment policies and be subject to departmental monitoring and reporting requirements.
IER is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute generally prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; retaliation and intimidation.
Find more information on how employers can avoid discrimination in recruiting and hiring on IER’s website. Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video. Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify) or subjected to retaliation, may file a charge. The public can also call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a live webinar or watch an on-demand presentation; email [email protected]; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Sign up for email updates from IER.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Florida State Attorney’s Office to Resolve Allegations of Discrimination Against Hispanic DefendantsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has secured an agreement with the Florida State Attorney’s Office for the Second Judicial Circuit (SAO) resolving allegations of violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI).
Specifically, the agreement resolves allegations of discrimination against Hispanic defendants charged with driving without a valid driver’s license by providing less favorable plea offers to them than it did to non-Hispanic defendants charged with the same crime. Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance.
“To ensure fair, equitable treatment as well as public safety, state and local prosecutors must provide equal treatment in all aspects of the administration of justice, including plea deals,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Through this agreement, the State Attorney for Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit is taking action that will help ensure that the community is served without bias or discrimination.”
The department’s inquiry was prompted by allegations that the SAO posted plea offer guidelines that discriminated based on national origin by providing for harsher plea offers for Hispanic individuals driving without a valid license as compared to similarly situated individuals.
The SAO fully cooperated with the department’s inquiry and, under the terms of the agreement, agreed to take a number of steps to ensure nondiscrimination in prosecution, including implementing a new nondiscrimination policy and training its staff about nondiscrimination obligations.
Additionally, the SAO committed to convene a working group of community stakeholders to assist with the SAO’s continuing efforts to develop best practices for working with the community it serves. The SAO also will send a letter to defendants who may have been impacted by the alleged discriminatory policy, offering them an opportunity to seek an alternative disposition of their charge. The letter will be translated for defendants with limited English proficiency. The SAO has stated that it remains committed to ensuring that no defendant was discriminated against with respect to any plea offer made for the charge of driving without a valid driver’s license.
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
Justice Department Secures Agreement from Ohio Landlords to Resolve Claims of Sexual Harassment Against Female TenantsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced that Joseph Pedaline, 72, of Youngstown, Ohio, and YLP LLC, who owned and managed residential rental properties in Youngstown, have agreed to pay $199,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that they violated the Fair Housing Act. The department’s lawsuit alleged that Joseph Pedaline sexually harassed female tenants from at least 2009 to at least 2020, and that YLP LLC was liable for Pedaline’s conduct during the period in which it owned and managed the properties.
“No one should ever have to fear sexual harassment when they sign a lease, pay their rent or simply spend time in their home,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Landlords who sexually harass tenants violate the Fair Housing Act, and the Justice Department will continue to hold landlords accountable for this egregious conduct.”
“This consent decree bars Pedaline from ever again having the ability to rent property to others, and thus prevents him from ever again subjecting Ohio tenants to sexual harassment and discrimination in return for a place to live,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “This resolution should serve as a strong reminder to all landlords that they must comply with all aspects of the Fair Housing Act and may not engage in discriminatory behavior that violates the security, safety and wellbeing of their tenants.”
Under the consent decree entered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Pedaline and YLP LLC must pay $189,000 to former tenants harmed by Pedaline’s discriminatory conduct and must pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the federal government. Pedaline and YLP LLC must also take steps to vacate any adverse judgments and repair the credit of tenants who were evicted after refusing Pedaline’s advances. The consent decree also bars future discrimination, permanently bars Pedaline from managing residential rental properties, mandates Fair Housing Act training and requires reporting regarding compliance with the consent decree’s terms.
The department’s lawsuit alleged that Joseph Pedaline subjected multiple female tenants to sexual harassment. According to the complaint, Pedaline subjected tenants to unwelcome sexual comments, entered the homes of female tenants without their consent, touched female tenants without their consent, offered to excuse late or unpaid rent in exchange for sexual acts and took adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances. The department’s complaint also alleged that YLP LLC was liable for Pedaline’s discriminatory conduct while it owned and managed the rental properties.
Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Heyer and Kathryn Andrachik investigated the matter on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
Individuals who may have been victims of sexual harassment at rental dwellings owned or managed by Joseph Pedaline or YLP LLC can email [email protected] or call 1-833-591-0291 (press 1 for English, press 2 for sexual harassment and then press 01 for United States v. Joseph Pedaline to leave a message).
If you are a victim of sexual harassment by another landlord or have suffered other forms of housing discrimination, call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at [email protected] or submit a report online. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Reports may also may be made by contacting the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative in October 2017, the department has filed 42 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered nearly $17 million for victims of such harassment.
Justice Department Secures Agreement from Ohio Landlords to Resolve Claims of Sexual Harassment Against Female TenantsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Joseph Pedaline and YLP LLC, who owned and managed residential rental properties in Youngstown, Ohio, have agreed to pay $199,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that they violated the Fair Housing Act. The department’s lawsuit alleged that Joseph Pedaline sexually harassed female tenants from at least 2009 to at least 2020, and that YLP LLC was liable for Pedaline’s conduct during the period in which it owned and managed the properties.
“No one should ever have to fear sexual harassment when they sign a lease, pay their rent or simply spend time in their home,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Landlords who sexually harass tenants violate the Fair Housing Act, and the Justice Department will continue to hold landlords accountable for this egregious conduct.”
“This consent decree bars Pedaline from ever again having the ability to rent property to others, and thus prevents him from ever again subjecting Ohio tenants to sexual harassment and discrimination in return for a place to live,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “This resolution should serve as a strong reminder to all landlords that they must comply with all aspects of the Fair Housing Act and may not engage in discriminatory behavior that violates the security, safety and wellbeing of their tenants.”
Under the consent decree entered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Pedaline and YLP LLC must pay $189,000 to former tenants harmed by Pedaline’s discriminatory conduct and must pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the federal government. Pedaline and YLP LLC must also take steps to vacate any adverse judgments and repair the credit of tenants who were evicted after refusing Pedaline’s advances. The consent decree also bars future discrimination, permanently bars Pedaline from managing residential rental properties, mandates Fair Housing Act training and requires reporting regarding compliance with the consent decree’s terms.
The department’s lawsuit alleged that Joseph Pedaline subjected multiple female tenants to sexual harassment. According to the complaint, Pedaline subjected tenants to unwelcome sexual comments, entered the homes of female tenants without their consent, touched female tenants without their consent, offered to excuse late or unpaid rent in exchange for sexual acts and took adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances. The department’s complaint also alleged that YLP LLC was liable for Pedaline’s discriminatory conduct while it owned and managed the rental properties.
Individuals who may have been victims of sexual harassment at rental dwellings owned or managed by Joseph Pedaline or YLP LLC can email [email protected] or call 1-833-591-0291 (press 1 for English, press 2 for sexual harassment and then press 01 for United States v. Joseph Pedaline to leave a message).
If you are a victim of sexual harassment by another landlord or have suffered other forms of housing discrimination, call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at [email protected] or submit a report online. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Reports may also may be made by contacting the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.
The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative in October 2017, the department has filed 42 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered nearly $17 million for victims of such harassment.
Jury Finds Tampa Man Guilty of Trafficking in Unauthorized Access Devices and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Damond Alford (31, Tampa) guilty of trafficking in unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft. Alford faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the trafficking offense followed by an additional two-year mandatory consecutive sentence for the aggravated identity theft offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, officers from the Tampa Police Department stopped Alford twice in August 2020. During those traffic stops, law enforcement searched Alford’s vehicle and discovered debit cards in other individuals’ names and a ledger containing personal identifying information of others. An investigation by the Department of Labor reveled that the personal identifying information on the ledger had been used to apply for unemployment insurance benefits throughout the country on at least 57 occasions. Debit cards containing unemployment insurance benefits were then mailed to Alford and, on several occasions, he used those debit cards to withdraw thousands of dollars. In total, more than $300,000 in fraudulent unemployment insurance payments were attributed to Alford.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.
June Federal Grand Jury 2023-B Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the June Federal Grand Jury 2023-B Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Keith Alan Beets. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Beets, 47, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam D. McConney is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-199
Juan Cervando Cervantes. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Cervantes, 37, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in May 2011 at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl L. Baber is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-202
Cesar Vera Eugenio. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Eugenio, 42, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in June 2023 at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-201
Juan Jose Huerta; Miguel Angel Huerta; Carlos Pena-Villalba; Jose Fernando Flores Carillo; Roberto Carlos Valle. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Counts 2 & 8); Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Count 3); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Counts 4, 6, 9, 11 & 14); Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Counts 5, 10 & 13); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Counts 7 & 15); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 12); Possession of a Firearm by an Alien Illegally in the United States (Counts 16 – 19) (second superseding). Juan Huerta, 57, a Mexican National; Miguel Huerta, 27, of Broken Arrow; Pena-Villalba, 53, a Mexican National; Carillo, 24, a Mexican National; Valle, 45, a Mexican National are charged with conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, over 5 kilograms of cocaine, and maintaining a residence to distribute drugs. Juan Huerta is charged with allegedly possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine with intent to distribute. He is additionally charged with possessing a firearm while drug trafficking. Miguel Huerta is charged with knowingly possessing cocaine with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm while drug trafficking. Pena-Villalba is charged with possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm while drug trafficking. Carillo allegedly possessed cocaine with intent to distribute and possessed a firearm while drug trafficking. Valle is further charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine and cocaine with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm while drug trafficking. Additionally, Huerta, Pena-Villalba, Carillo, and Valle are charged with possessing firearms and ammunition, knowing they were an illegal alien and unlawfully in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-118
Dontae Domance Revels, Sr.; Latoyia Deswann Shelton. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 1); Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Count 2); Attempted Manufacture of Cocaine Base (Count 3); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Counts 4 & 5). Revels, 41, of Tulsa, and a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma; Shelton, 40, of Tulsa, are charged with possessing methamphetamine and cocaine with the intent to distribute. They both knowingly used and maintained a residence for the purpose of distribution of drugs. Additionally, Shelton knowingly attempted to manufacture cocaine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy M. Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-192
Mitchell Dean Twidwell. Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country. Wade, 30, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly receiving, possessing, and distributing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Additionally, he is charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child under 12 years old. Homeland Security Investigations – Houston, Tulsa Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-200
Jacksonville Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Andre Lee Long (48, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for the distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The court also ordered Long to forfeit a rifle and $113,074, which were traceable to proceeds of the offense. Long entered a guilty plea on March 14, 2024.
According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) began an investigation of Long for fentanyl distribution. During the course of three transactions on June 14, June 21, and July 18, 2023, Long distributed over 220 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant. Prior to each transaction, surveillance footage captured Long leaving his residence and meeting the informant in a parking lot.
On August 1, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Long’s residence and located more than 360 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 44 grams of fentanyl, and small quantities of crack cocaine. Authorities also seized a rifle, ammunition, drug scales, baggies, drug paraphernalia, and over $113,000 in cash.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Downloading Videos and Photos of Children Being Sexually Abused over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Octavio Adalberto Robledo (54, Jacksonville) to 8 years and 4 months in federal prison for using the internet to download videos and photos of young children being sexually abused. Robledo was also ordered to serve a 20-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Robledo entered a guilty plea on March 6, 2024. He was arrested on July 2, 2023, at the Miami International Airport immediately after returning to the United States from Argentina, and he has been detained in federal custody since then.
According to court documents, a detective with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, who was also an FBI task force officer, was investigating individuals located in Florida who were actively receiving child sexual abuse material over the internet using a particular online file sharing network. The detective downloaded a video and several photos depicting children being sexually abused from a particular internet
protocol (IP) address that was traced to an apartment in Jacksonville where Robledo was living.
On April 18, 2017, two FBI agents went to Robledo’s apartment to interview him. Robledo provided consent for the FBI to take custody of his desktop computer and search it. Robledo admitted that he used online file-sharing programs to seek out child sexual abuse material and had done so just two days before. He further stated that he kept these materials locked in a secure program to avoid detection. A short time after this interview, Robledo traveled to Argentina where he remained for more than six years.
The examination of Robledo’s computer revealed that it contained 655 photos and two videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. This material was found in folders and subfolders that were organized alphabetically by either the name of the content or the apparent name of the individual depicted. Robledo downloaded this child sexual abuse material during the period from February 2016 through April 2017 in Jacksonville.
This case was investigated by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Miami, with assistance from the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Insurance Agent Admits to Fabricating Applications and Payment Forms for Unauthorized End-of-Life Policies in Order to Collect Commission PaymentsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A North Attleboro, MA, insurance broker admitted to a federal judge in Rhode Island today that he submitted fabricated applications for end-of-life insurance policies in clients’ names and used their banking and personal information, all without their knowledge or authorization, in order to obtain insurance in their names and collect over $135,000 dollars in commissions, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
Bruno Francis Ragusa, 53, pleaded guilty to a charge of wire fraud.
Ragusa admitted that, without his clients’ knowledge, permission, or consent, he fabricated and submitted applications to purchase final expense policies in his clients’ names, using their personal identification information. Ragusa also admitted that he forged clients’ electronic signatures on the applications and directed that all policy correspondence be sent directly to him and not to the clients; that he used clients’ bank account and routing numbers to cause payment for the policies to be directly wired from their bank accounts without their knowledge; that he failed to advise his clients of the fact that policies had been issued in their names or that that payment was being drawn from their bank accounts; and that as a result of his criminal conduct, he collected $136,956.56 in sales commissions.
Ragusa is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9, 2024. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
On November 28, 2023, the Department of Business Regulation for the State of Rhode Island revoked Ragusa’s license to sell insurance in Rhode Island. Ragusa’s licenses to sell insurance in Massachusetts and Connecticut remain active.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Milind M. Shah.
The matter was investigated by the FBI. United States Attorney Cunha thanks the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and the North Attleboro Police Department for their assistance.
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Illinois Bank President Admits Falsifying RecordsRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – The president of a bank in southern Illinois on Thursday admitted a scheme to falsify bank records to facilitate real estate loans.
Steven Cook pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Benton to three felony counts of aiding and abetting the making of a false bank entry. Cook was the president of SouthernTrust Bank at the time, which has branches in Marion, Vienna and Goreville, Illinois. Cook was also on the bank’s board and was a member of its loan committee.
Cook admitted fraudulently facilitating three different sales of real estate to Lawler and Maze Properties LLC in 2022.
In one transaction, Cook approved a loan that funded the sale of seven commercial rental properties in Williamson and Franklin counties from Results Home Buyers 2 to Lawler and Maze, the plea agreement says. The transaction was a new purchase of real estate, not a refinance, and the buyers were not using any cash to fund the purchase.
During an April 6, 2022, meeting with the seller and buyer, Cook and the others agreed to fraudulently make it appear as if the loan was a refinancing, however, and the bank would supply the cash to make the purchase. They agreed to backdate documents to falsely indicate the buyer purchased the properties on Feb. 1, 2022, for a falsely inflated price of $545,152. The documents also falsely indicated that the bank was refinancing 80% of that loan, with the buyers bringing 20% in cash to the sale. The real sales price for the properties was $436,122, and the buyers were not bringing any cash to the transaction. The bank’s loan to the buyers was approved by the bank’s loan committee based upon the false information.
Results Home Buyers 2 is partially owned by former Williamson County State’s Attorney Brandon Zanotti, who was sentenced in May to two years of probation, a $5,000 fine and 20 hours of community service for his role in the scheme.
In August of 2022, Cook facilitated a second real estate transaction with Lawler and Maze involving four properties. Cook, Lawler and Maze and the seller agreed that the real estate contract would falsely list the sales price of $413,000 instead of the actual price of $330,400, and falsely stated that the buyer would supply $82,600 in cash.
Finally, during November of 2022, Cook facilitated an additional loan to Lawler and Maze for the purchase of a property in Marion. Bank documents falsely stated that the borrowers would supply $21,500 cash, and Cook was aware that the false loan details were presented to the bank board for approval.
“The lack of professional responsibility demonstrated by Steven Cook diminishes the faith consumers place in the banking process,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Shannon Fontenot. “Financial fraud is a serious crime with serious consequences and the FBI will investigate anyone who takes advantage of their trusted position of employment for their own personal gain.”
“The Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA OIG) is committed to investigating and prosecuting allegations of mortgage-related fraud, including fraud committed by officers of financial institutions who have a duty to conduct honest business,” said Korey Brinkman, Acting Special-Agent-in-Charge of FHFA OIG’s Midwest Regional Office. “We are proud to have partnered with our FBI colleagues on this case.”
Cook’s sentencing hearing has been set for September 19. His ultimate sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Lawler and Maze is owned by Justin Maze and David Lawler, who entered into a pretrial diversion program in which they acknowledged their involvement in the criminal conduct by aiding and abetting Zanotti and Cook. As a condition of pretrial diversion, Maze was required to resign from his position as Williamson County Circuit Clerk and agreed not to seek re-election to any public office. Lawler’s conduct was reported to the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.
The FBI Springfield Office and the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General investigated the case. The prosecution was handled by Special Attorney Hal Goldsmith from the Eastern District of Missouri. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois was recused from the case.
Hutchinson Woman Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling More Than $2 Million from EmployerRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Hutchinson woman has been sentenced to 41 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in full for embezzling over $2 million from her employer, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, Jennifer Lee Rath, 53, worked as the financial controller at a heavy civil construction company located in Hutchinson, Minnesota. As the financial controller, Rath was responsible for managing the company’s payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, company credit cards, and corporate bank accounts. Over a six-year period, Rath used her position to embezzle funds and convert them to her own use and benefit. Rath routinely cut checks that appeared to cover the company’s liabilities, but then manipulated the checks to instead pay her own credit card debts, tax liabilities, and other personal expenses. Rath also processed electronic fund transfers from the company’s bank accounts to pay personal expenses and improperly charged personal expenses to company credit cards. Rath manipulated the company’s accounting software to conceal the money she stole, avoid detection, and prolong her fraud scheme.
In total, between August 2013 and December 2019, Rath knowingly and willfully embezzled $2,061,328.67 from her employer. Because of Rath’s embezzlement, the company’s business and reputation suffered, as employees lost their jobs, it could not pay vendors on time, and its credit suffered.
On September 7, 2023, Rath pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. She was sentenced on June 18, 2024, in U.S. District Court by Judge Jerry W. Blackwell. In pronouncing the sentence, Judge Blackwell commented that he was particularly troubled that Rath exploited a longtime family friend who had put her in a position of trust over a small business.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Hutchinson Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Secord and Paralegal Specialist Jessica Scott handled the asset investigation and restitution enforcement.
Houstonian sent to prison for nearly $1M international money laundering schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 31-year-old local man has been sentenced following his conviction of conspiracy to commit money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Baudelaire Tchouala pleaded guilty Dec. 7, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Tchouala to serve 18 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. He must also pay $168,068 in restitution.
“Business email compromise (BEC) scams and the money launders that support them prey on all levels of society from corporations to people trying to buy their first homes,” said Hamdani. “Today our office along with the FBI removed a conduit for that system. Our office will continue to seek out these BEC networks and dismantle them piece by piece.”
“In just a few short months, Tchouala deliberately opened numerous accounts at multiple banks with the express purpose of laundering almost $1 million dollars in fraudulent funds,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “Working with other remorseless criminals, Mr. Tchouala ruined victims’ lives by stealing hard-earned down payments for homes and shattering their trust in our financial system. FBI Houston’s investigators will continue to relentlessly pursue brazen swindlers while also seeking to make fraud victims whole once more.”
From July 2018 to November 2018, Tchouala laundered money into several bank accounts and withdrew the money to send to others. He used a business account to conceal the fraudulent activity.
In BECs similar to this one, conspirators pose as business partners of corporate victims or individuals that owe money for professional services or loans and send fraudulent emails saying that the business’ bank account has changed. They then ask that payments be sent to a new bank account (an account the conspirators control). The victims think they are paying for legitimate expenses, services or invoices, with the real company unaware of the sent emails. The conspirators attempt to withdraw or wire the money to another account before it can be discovered and frozen.
The victims in this case believed they paid for goods and services from legitimate individuals and companies but were tricked into sending the money to Tchouala’s accounts. On July 23, 2018, a victim wired $64,000 from their bank account to Tchouala’s account based on instructions they received via email. This account was opened May 24, 2018. The victim sent the money, believing it was for the purchase of a house.
On Oct. 29, 2018, another victim directed $198,955 into Tchouala’s account for a down payment on a condominium. The receiving account was just opened Oct. 12, 2018.
In addition, several companies also fell victim to the scheme. One had communicated via email with someone pretending to be from another company. On Oct. 4, 2018, that person sent an email requesting that payment be sent to an updated bank account. Based on that email, the victim company sent approximately $645,711 to Tchouala’s bank account, which was only opened Aug. 21, 2018.
The victims reside in various countries including the United States, South Korea and Japan.
Tchouala withdrew most of the money via cash, card purchases, checks and transfers. Tchouala’s fraudulent financial activity totaled approximately $935,000.
Tchouala was permitted to remain on bond pending surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rodolfo Ramirez and Shirin Hakimzadeh prosecuted the case.
Hospice Care Company Owner Sentenced on Health Care Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Kristal Glover-Wing, 51, formerly a resident of Broussard, Louisiana, and now living in California, has been sentenced for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and three counts of health care fraud. United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Glover-Wing to 72 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $3,675,948.42 in restitution.
"As federal prosecutors, we must protect the taxpayer dollar by taking cases of Medicare fraud seriously due to the overwhelming number of Americans that rely on such programs to literally survive,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “The defendant in this case took advantage of elderly patients for the benefit of her company as opposed to her clients. We believe this is a fair sentence and we will continue to prosecute cases of fraud and corruption by those who seek to unjustly enrich themselves to the detriment of the elderly and federal government.”
“The sentence imposed today is an affirmation of our commitment to protect the integrity of our nation’s health insurance programs from those who illegally profit through their fraudulent activities,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work closely with our federal law enforcement partners and bring to justice bad actors who defraud the Medicare program.”
Glover-Wing was convicted by a federal jury of the charges in April 2023 following a nearly four-week trial. Glover-Wing was the owner of Angel Care Hospice (“Angel Care”), a Louisiana corporation that purported to provide hospice services in Lafayette Parish and other parishes in the Western District of Louisiana. Through evidence presented at trial, jurors learned that from approximately 2009 through 2017, over 24 patients were placed on hospice by Angel Care without meeting the criteria required by Medicare.
During the time period that the patients were on hospice and under the care and supervision of Angel Care, none of them had been diagnosed with a terminal condition. In fact, many of the patients themselves, who are still alive and thriving many years later, as well as family members of other patients, testified that they never knew that they had been placed on hospice. One of the patients testified at trial that Medicare refused to cover a procedure he needed to have because unbeknownst to him, he was listed as a hospice patient. Many of these patients thought they were receiving some type of home health or free services, rather than being placed on hospice.
Testimony at trial revealed that while on hospice care, many of the patients were living normal lives and although most of them did have medical conditions, none had been diagnosed as having a terminal condition. Evidence was introduced proving that there were patients who had been on hospice for more than five years and at the time of trial, were still alive.
The case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly P. Uebinger, Danny Siefker, and Lauren L. Gardner.
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Hopkinsville Man Sentenced to over 14 Years for Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine and Fentanyl While on Federal SupervisionRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY - A Hopkinsville, Kentucky man was sentenced this week to a total of 14 years and 5 months in federal prison for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl while on federal supervision from a previous federal conviction.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek G. Davodowich of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Christian County Sheriff Tyler DeArmond, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Daniel Major, 43, of Hopkinsville, was sentenced to 11 years and 8 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for one count conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Major received an additional sentence of 2 years and 9 months for violating his federal supervision on a previous conviction.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty, with assistance from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and the Hopkinsville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Haverhill Man Indicted for Allegedly Filing Fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Claim for Brazilian ResidentRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Haverhill man was indicted today for allegedly filing a Massachusetts Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claim in 2020 for a man who was living in Brazil at the time, and therefore ineligible to receive PUA benefits.
Julio Roncaly Morais, 41, was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Morais filed a Massachusetts PUA claim on June 3, 2020, on behalf of a co-conspirator who was living in Brazil before and after the PUA claim was filed. In the PUA application, Morais allegedly certified under penalty of perjury that the co-conspirator was a resident of Massachusetts and was able and available to work in Massachusetts but was unable to due to the pandemic. As a result of this claim, the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance paid a total of $5,202 in benefits before suspending payments due to an inability to reach the co-conspirator.
The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in charge for the Homeland Security Investigations New England Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistance in the investigation was provided by the Woburn and Norwood Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Begg Lawrence, James D. Herbert, and Samuel R. Feldman of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Four Paterson Gang Members Charged with Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and One Charged for Attempted Robbery of Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Four Passaic County, New Jersey, men have been charged in connection with their respective roles in a Paterson neighborhood street gang known as “100k” that distributed fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Jazmeir Reyes, aka “Baby Joe,” aka “Joe,” 19, Kyzeik Robinson, aka “Doo Doo,” aka “King Sparks,” aka “Sparks,” 18, Michael Davis, aka “Baby Three,” 27, and Jacim Pitts, 24, all of Paterson, New Jersey, are charged by complaint with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Reyes is charged in a separate complaint with attempted Hobbs Act robbery, assaulting or impeding certain United States officers or employees, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in connection with his holding a U.S. Postal Service employee at gun point.
Davis and Pitts appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court and were detained. Reyes is scheduled to make his initial appearance on June 21, 2024. Robinson remains at large.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From January 2022, law enforcement has been investigating the members and associates of a neighborhood street gang known as “100k” or “Down the Hill,” which operates primarily in the area of North Main and Jefferson streets in the First Ward of Paterson. Reyes, Robinson, and Davis are all known members of 100k and Pitts is a member of “So Icey,” a neighborhood street gang closely aligned with the 100k gang.
From August 2023 to April 2024, law enforcement used undercover officers to conduct controlled purchases of narcotics from Reyes and the other members and associates of 100k and seized in excess of 100 grams of fentanyl as well as quantities of heroin and cocaine.
On July 28, 2023, in Paterson, Reyes held a mail carrier at gun point in an attempt to steal the mail carrier’s arrow key, which is a key used to gain access to mailboxes within a certain geographic area or postal route.
The count of conspiracy charged in the complaint carries a mandatory minimum term of five years, a maximum of 40 years in prison, and a fine of at least $5 million.
On each of the counts of attempted Hobbs Act robbery and assaulting or impeding certain United States officers or employees, Reyes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. On the count of brandishing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, Reyes faces a mandatory minimum term of seven years and a maximum term of life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other prison sentence imposed, and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen; the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Acting Sheriff Gary Giardina; the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety James Shea; and the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Officer In Charge Isa Abbassi with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
This case is part of the Paterson Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in 2020 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Paterson’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Paterson. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals, the Paterson Department of Public Safety, the Paterson Police Department, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Bergen County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, and N.J. Department of Corrections.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake A. Nasar of the Organized Crime/Gang Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
reyesetal.complaint.pdf reyes.complaint.pdfFour Members of Notorious Cybercrime Group ‘FIN9’ Charged for Roles in Attacking U.S. CompaniesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An indictment was unsealed today charging four Vietnamese nationals for their involvement in a series of computer intrusions that caused victim companies to collectively suffer more than $71 million in losses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
According to the indictment, Ta Van Tai, aka “Quynh Hoa,” aka “Bich Thuy;” Nguyen Viet Quoc, aka “Tien Nguyen;” Nguyen Trang Xuyen; and Nguyen Van Truong, aka “Chung Nguyen,” were members of a sophisticated international cybercrime group known as “FIN9.” From at least May 2018 through October 2021, the defendants hacked the computer networks of victim companies throughout the United States and used their access to steal or attempt to steal non-public information, employee benefits, and funds. The defendants caused their victims to suffer more than $71 million in losses.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger“The FIN9 defendants were prolific international hackers who, for years, allegedly used phishing campaigns, supply chain attacks and other hacking methods to steal millions from their victims. They did all of this while hiding behind keyboards, VPNs, and fake identities, and even then, the Department of Justice found them. My office remains committed to its pursuit of justice for victims, and cybercriminals everywhere should take notice.”
“Cyber actors cloak themselves in the virtual world, hiding in a space most people can't see and don't understand,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “However smart these hackers believe they are at disguising themselves, these members of the FIN9 group couldn’t conceal their exfiltration of data from their victims’ companies. FBI Newark’s Cyber Task Force and our law enforcement partners use precision and innovative techniques to expose these people for what they are – simple thieves. We ask any business or company facing a similar attack to reach out to us immediately to protect your systems and to stop these criminals from moving on to the next victim.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Members of FIN9, including the defendants, obtained unauthorized access to the computer networks of victim companies through phishing campaigns or other methods, such as supply chain attacks – a type of cyberattack that seeks to damage an organization by targeting the computer networks of trusted third-party vendors who offer services or software vital to the supply chain. After gaining access to their victims’ networks, FIN9 members, including the defendants, used that access to exfiltrate or attempt to exfiltrate non-public information, employee benefits, and/or funds. For example, the defendants accessed employee benefit rewards programs maintained by their victims and re-directed digital employee benefits, such as gift cards, to accounts controlled by defendants. The defendants also stole gift card information stored on the computer networks of certain victims.
The defendants additionally stole personally identifiable information and credit card information associated with employees and customers of their victim companies. In an effort to hide their own identities, the defendants would, at times, use that information in furtherance of the conspiracy by, for example, registering online accounts at cryptocurrency exchanges or server hosting companies in the names of individuals whose identities were stolen. Tai, Xuyen, and Truong sold stolen gift cards to third parties, including through an account registered with a fake name on a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency marketplace, in order to conceal and disguise the source of the stolen money.
Tai, Quoc, Xuyen, and Truong are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit fraud, extortion, and related activity in connection with computers; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; and two counts of intentional damage to a protected computer. If convicted, they face up to five years in prison for the conspiracy to commit fraud, extortion, and related activity in connection with computers; up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit wire fraud; and up to 10 years in prison on each count of intentional damage to a protected computer. Tai, Xuyen, and Truong were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a mandatory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Tai and Quoc were also charged with one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of two years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit identity fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the FBI Newark’s Cyber squad, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark. He also thanked the FBI Little Rock Cyber squad, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony P. Torntore and Vinay S. Limbachia of the U.S. Attorney’s Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
fin9.indictment.pdfFour Indicted for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in the Death of A University of South Florida StudentRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Miguel Cintron (36, Tampa), Marquise Trant (35, Tampa), David Chudhabuddhi (37, Tampa), and Darrius Gustafson (20, Tampa) with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, resulting in death. All four are also charged with additional distributions of fentanyl over 40 grams. Cintron is further charged with possession with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted on all counts, each faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit all assets which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. All four defendants were arrested, made their initial appearances in federal court, and have been ordered detained pending trial.
According to the indictment and court documents, on February 16, 2024, Cintron, Trant, Chudhabuddhi, and Gustafson distributed a lethal amount of fentanyl that resulted in the death of Victim-1. Subsequent to Victim-1’s death, all four individuals continued to distribute fentanyl to undercover deputies and detectives with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
On April 10, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Cintron’s residence where law enforcement recovered firearms, several rounds of ammunition, more than 7 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of black tar heroin, 1 kilogram of heroin, 1,200 pressed pills containing fentanyl, and over $200,000 in cash.
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 University of South Florida Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.
Fort Smith Arms Dealer Neil Ravi Mehta and his company Federal Armament LLC Sentenced for Various Criminal ViolationsRead the Press Release
FORT SMITH – A Fort Smith man, Neil Ravi Mehta, age 32, was sentenced today to 57 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $659,825.52 in restitution, on one count of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm that was a Destructive Device, one count of Fraud and False Statements related to Tax Returns, and one count of False Declaration Before a Court.
In a separate case, Federal Armament LLC, which was owned by Neil Ravi Mehta, was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay a fine of $500,000.00 on one count of Unlawfully Importation and Receipt of Firearms and one count of Filing False or Misleading Electronic Export Information. Federal Armament LLC was also ordered to forfeit the illegally imported firearms.
The Honorable Judge P.K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearings, which were held in the U.S. District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court documents in the Neil Ravi Mehta case, on January 31, 2023, federal law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Mehta’s residence in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Mehta was present at the residence when officers announced their intent to enter the residence but fled from the residence prior to officers making entry into the residence. Mehta was later arrested after a six-day manhunt, in which the public’s assistance was solicited in locating the defendant, who was assumed to be armed and dangerous.
During the execution of the search warrant, officers discovered and seized a destructive device located in the top left corner of the kitchen island of the residence. The destructive device was not registered as required by law and therefore unlawfully possessed by Mehta.
As to the tax charge, Mehta substantially underreported his income by failing to report millions of dollars of business activities for Federal Armament LLC, a business headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas which engaged in the manufacturing and selling ammunition, firearms, and other related items. None of the gross receipts of Federal Armament LLC were reported on any of Mehta’s IRS Forms 1040 for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
As to the charge of False Declaration Before a Court, on December 14, 2021, a deposition under oath was taken from Mehta in connection with a civil suit brought against Mehta and Federal Armament LLC by the United States Department of Labor alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. During the deposition Mehta made false statements under oath regarding matters that were material to the civil suit.
According to court documents in the Federal Armament LLC case, on January 31, 2023, federal law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Federal Armament LLC in Fort Smith, Arkansas. During the search warrant officer located and seized 3,185 firearms that Federal Armament LLC unlawfully imported due to excess magazine capacity or because the firearms lacked required engraving marks.
As to the export charge, on June 27, 2022, Federal Armament LLC submitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce a license application for approval to export certain firearms to Poland. The export license application contained false and misleading information by naming an individual as contact person who was neither employed by nor acting as the contact person for Federal Armament LLC.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
This was a joint investigation involving the following federal law enforcement agencies: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement (OEE); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General (DOL-OIG).
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elser and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Mohlhenrich prosecuted the case.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Former U.S. Postal Service Employee Sentenced to Prison for Stealing MailRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAWN R. FULLER, 37, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing mail while he was a U.S. Postal Service employee.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Fuller, while employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier in Meriden, was under investigation for stealing mail packages. On April 17, 2023, an investigator observed Fuller at the Meriden post office opening two mail packages, removing two items from the packages, and placing them in the trunk of his car. He then notified his supervisors that he had to leave work for the day. Hamden Police subsequently stopped Fuller’s car. After a police K9 alerted officers to the possible presence of narcotics, a search of the trunk of the car revealed approximately four kilograms of a substance containing cocaine. Fuller was arrested at that time.
On February 16, 2024, Fuller pleaded guilty to theft of mail by a postal employee.
Fuller, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 20.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Hamden and West Haven Police Departments. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Dearington and Brendan J. Keefe.
Former Tucson Resident Sentenced to Prison for Scheme to Defraud RefugeesRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Nidal Awawdah, aka Kifah Dalia, 34, of Bakersfield, California (and formerly of Tucson), was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 14 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Awawdah pleaded guilty to one count of Bank Fraud on January 25, 2024.
From approximately December 2016 through August 2017, Awawdah established herself as a trusted resource to several Syrian refugees. Awawdah befriended the refugees, acted as a translator, and assisted them in establishing their new lives in the Tucson community. Awawdah then used her position of trust to defraud the victims. Awawdah gained access to the victims’ personal information and stole their identities. Awawdah opened credit card accounts in the victims’ names and made thousands of dollars in unauthorized purchases using the fraudulently obtained credit cards. Awawdah also used at least one stolen identity to unlawfully obtain student loans.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-22-01033-TUC-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-077_Awawdah# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Former Oglala Sioux Tribe President Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Linda R. Reade has sentenced a Batesland, South Dakota, man convicted of six counts of Wire Fraud, one count of Larceny, and one count of Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. The sentencing took place on June, 20, 2024.
Julian Bear Runner, 39, was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison on each count to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $800 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $82,483.71 in restitution to the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
Bear Runner was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He was found guilty of wire fraud, larceny, and embezzlement following a three-day jury trial in April of 2024.
Between January of 2019 and January of 2020, at Pine Ridge, Bear Runner, while acting in his capacity as President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, fraudulently submitted travel vouchers for official business travel and received payment for travel that he was not entitled to as he was not actually traveling. Bear Runner submitted multiple travel authorizations to different locations outside South Dakota, including New Mexico, Montana, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, and Arizona, claiming the need to travel for official business. As a result of the fraudulently submitted travel authorizations, Bear Runner received more than $80,000 in advance travel payments but did not go on the travel. Instead, Bear Runner cashed the checks at a casino, gambled, and stayed in local hotels.
This case was brought pursuant to the Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: the FBI; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; IRS Criminal Investigation; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about the Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
This case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Patterson and Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Bear Runner was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Former Kentucky Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced for Abusing ArresteesRead the Press Release
A former Kentucky sheriff’s deputy was sentenced today to 110 months in prison for violating the constitutional rights of multiple people he arrested during his tenure as a law enforcement officer.
Former Boyle County Sheriff’s Deputy Tanner M. Abbott, 31, was convicted by a federal jury in March of five felonies and one misdemeanor related to using excessive force against four arrestees, performing an illegal search and writing and conspiring to write false police reports to cover up his abuse.
“This defendant habitually and routinely abused his authority and used his badge to shield himself from accountability for years,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This sentence should send a loud message that such abuses by law enforcement will not be tolerated. The Justice Department is steadfast in its commitment to hold law enforcement accountable when they violate the civil and constitutional rights of people in their country.”
“Instead of protecting and serving the community, the defendant was physically abusing people — even bragging about the injuries he caused,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “That is not law enforcement; that is brazen criminal conduct. The community deserved better. Fortunately, he now has a criminal sentence that he deserves.”
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that the crimes for which Abbott was convicted were part of a larger pattern of abuse of authority spanning his career. An investigator testified that, during its two-year investigation of numerous allegations against Abbott, the FBI discovered evidence that Abbott frequently used excessive force against suspects. This evidence included text messages recovered from Abbott’s work-issued cell phone in which Abbott bragged, sometimes in graphic and vulgar terms, about causing injuries to people he had arrested. The government also presented cell phone evidence showing that Abbott sometimes took photographs of injuries he had caused and sent the photographs to friends and acquaintances, but never included or submitted them in official police documents. Two additional witnesses testified that they had been physically abused by Abbott while being arrested.
The court also found that Abbott obstructed justice during his trial by testifying falsely in his own defense.
The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Former Federal Investigator Convicted and Sentenced for Fabricating Dozens of Background Check Interviews he Never ConductedRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Christopher B. Laughlin, 37, of Whiteland, Indiana, has been sentenced to one year of federal probation and must pay restitution in the amount of $69,846.44 after pleading guilty to making false statements in the course of his government employment.
Federal employees, contractors, and military members must undergo a background investigation to determine their suitability for serving in a position of trust and obtaining any required security clearance. The extent of the investigation will depend on the type of job and the degree of harm the person in that job could cause. Background investigators conduct interviews, review documents, and record the information they find in reports of investigation. Federal agencies rely on these reports to determine suitability of subjects for sensitive positions and security clearance.
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is responsible for conducting background investigations of certain individuals who are either employed by or seeking employment with federal agencies or government contractors. DCSA utilizes a variety of internal controls to verify the work of investigators and help ensure the integrity of its investigations.
According to court documents, Christopher Laughlin began working at the United States Office of Personnel Management as a federal background investigator in May of 2018. His position was transferred to DCSA on September 30, 2019.
On August 2, 2021, as part of DCSA’s internal control process, an individual reported that Laughlin never interviewed them, contrary to Laughlin’s statements in an investigation report. DCSA investigated and identified three other sources Laughlin claimed to have interviewed in the same investigation who all stated they’d never been interviewed. DCSA’s Office of the Inspector General then initiated a formal investigation into Laughlin’s conduct.
Investigators determined that between February 18 and September 1, 2021, Laughlin submitted at least 22 false reports containing fabricated statements from at least 43 interviews that never actually happened. The reports included statements that the sources purportedly made to Laughlin by people he never spoke with. DCSA spent $69.846.214 in payroll and travel to conduct the investigations that Laughlin fabricated.
“The safety and security of our country depends on the trustworthiness and integrity of federal employees and contractors,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This defendant’s decision to falsify reports and fabricate statements compromised the integrity of these important investigations, and increased the risk that unsuitable individuals are put in positions that could compromise our government and our national security. I commend DCSA OIG, DCIS, and our federal prosecutor for their commitment to protect the public and hold officials accountable for criminal violations of their oaths to serve and protect the public.”
“Compromising the integrity of the security clearance process puts our country’s most sensitive information at unnecessary risk,” said Darrin K. Jones, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “DCIS, along with our investigative partners, will continue to aggressively pursue bad actors whose actions threaten to undermine the public’s trust.”
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, Office of Inspector General and Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James Warden, who prosecuted this case.
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Former Boston Police Sergeant Sentenced for Overtime Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Boston Police Sergeant was sentenced on June 18, 2024 for his involvement in a long running overtime fraud scheme at the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) evidence warehouse.
William Baxter, 63, of Hyde Park, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to three years of supervised release, with seven months to be served in home detention. Baxter was also ordered to pay a fine of $20,000 and restitution of $9,223. In June 2021, Baxter pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds.
From March 2015 through June 2016, Baxter submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime hours that he did not work for two overtime shifts at the evidence warehouse. The first, called “purge” overtime, was a 4 – 8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. The second shift, called “kiosk” overtime, involved driving to each police district in Boston one Saturday a month to collect old prescription drugs to be burned.
For the “purge” shift, Baxter claimed to have worked from 4 – 8 p.m., but he routinely left at 6 p.m., and sometimes earlier. Additionally, Baxter knowingly endorsed the fraudulent overtime slips of his subordinates who, allegedly, also left early from this shift. For the “kiosk” shift, Baxter and, allegedly, others routinely submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours, when in fact he and, allegedly, other members of the unit, only worked three-to-four hours of those shifts.
Between March 2015 and June 2016, Baxter personally collected approximately $9,223 for overtime hours he did not work.
Baxter was one of 15 police officers charged in connection with committing overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse, 10 of whom were convicted either by guilty plea or jury verdict. Of the remaining officers charged, four were acquitted in April 2023 and one officer passed away while charges were pending.
From 2015 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Russell W. Cunningham, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Washington Field Office; and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Grady and Kunal Pasricha of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Former Boston Police Officer Sentenced for Overtime Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Boston Police officer was sentenced today for his involvement in a long running overtime fraud scheme at the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) evidence warehouse.
Joseph Nee, 50, of Taunton, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to two years’ probation. Nee was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and restitution of $12,636. In June 2021, Nee pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds.
From at least January 2015 through August 2017, Nee submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime hours that he did not work for two overtime shifts at the evidence warehouse. The first, called “purge” overtime, was a 4 – 8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. The second shift, called “kiosk” overtime, involved driving to each police district in Boston one Saturday a month to collect old prescription drugs to be burned.
For the “purge” shift, Nee claimed to have worked from 4 – 8 p.m., but he routinely left at 6 p.m., or earlier. For the “kiosk” shift, Nee submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours, when in fact he and, other members of the unit only worked three-to-four hours of those shifts. As a result, between January 2015 and August 2017, Nee personally collected approximately $12,636 for overtime hours he did not work.
Nee was one of 15 police officers charged in connection with committing overtime fraud at the Boston Police Department’s evidence warehouse, 10 of whom were convicted either by guilty plea or jury verdict. Of the remaining officers charged, four were acquitted in April 2023 and one officer passed away while charges were pending.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Russell W. Cunningham, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Washington Field Office; and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Grady and Kunal Pasricha of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Former Bank Senior Vice President Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JOHN PADILLA, 44, of Lawton, has pleaded guilty to bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On May 7, 2024, Padilla was charged by Information with bank fraud. According to the Information, between February 2013 and December 2019, Padilla served as senior vice president and commercial loan officer for a federally insured bank located in Lawton. During that time, Padilla executed a scheme in which he recruited borrowers to apply for loans, many of which were not creditworthy and were in fact Padilla’s friends and associates. Padilla told the borrowers he would use the loan proceeds to invest in his real estate ventures, and that he would pay the borrowers a percentage of the profit.
The Information further alleges that Padilla would use most of the loan proceeds to support his gambling habit, while also using proceeds to make payments toward prior loans issued as part of the scheme. In all, Padilla’s actions cost the bank more than $1,000,000.
On June 17, 2024, Padilla pleaded guilty, and admitted to recruiting an associate to apply for a loan, knowing the proceeds were for his own personal use. At sentencing, Padilla faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Brown is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Florida Man Charged with Embezzling $5.7 Million from EmployerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man was indicted today for allegedly embezzling at least approximately $5.7 million from his employer, a Florida-based portfolio company owned by a Massachusetts investment firm.
Paul Schnitzer, 51, of Clermont, Fla., was indicted on one count of wire fraud. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. Schnitzer was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on May 21, 2024.
According to the charging documents, Schnitzer worked as the finance director for the portfolio company. It is alleged that between January 2022 and May 2024, Schnitzer made over 100 transfers, most disguised as “equity distributions,” from the company’s operating account into his personal account. To hide these transfers, Schnitzer allegedly provided falsified financial reports with inflated cash balances for the company to the investment firm. It is also alleged that Schnitzer secretly used a line of credit to replenish the company’s operating account after he had stolen from it.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the loss to the victim. 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 Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Fleeing Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Dominick Yvon Louissaint (19, Lake Mary) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Louissaint faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Louissaint has previously been convicted of felonies on three occasions, including robbery and firearms offenses. On January 24, 2024, officers with the Sanford Police Department responded to a call about a suspected burglary. The officers encountered Louissaint at the scene and ordered him to show his hands. Instead, Louissaint attempted to flee from the officers and was later apprehended. The officers located a loaded Taurus pistol concealed in Louissaint’s pant leg and a box of ammunition in his pocket. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
As a result of his plea, Louissaint will forfeit the firearm and ammunition involved in the offense.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Sanford Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Five Men Convicted for Operating Major Illegal Streaming ServiceRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Las Vegas convicted five men this week for their roles in running one of the largest unauthorized streaming services in the United States, which generated millions of dollars in subscription revenue while causing substantial harm to television program copyright owners.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, beginning as early as 2007, Kristopher Dallmann, Douglas Courson, Felipe Garcia, Jared Jaurequi, and Peter Huber operated an online, subscription-based streaming service known as Jetflicks. The Jetflicks group used sophisticated computer scripts and software to scour pirate websites for illegal copies of television episodes, which they then downloaded and hosted on Jetflicks servers. The group reproduced hundreds of thousands of copyrighted television episodes without authorization, amassing a catalog larger than the combined catalogues of Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, and Amazon Prime. Dallmann and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars streaming and distributing this catalogue of stolen content to tens of thousands of paid subscribers.
“The defendants operated Jetflicks, an illicit streaming service they used to distribute hundreds of thousands of stolen television episodes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their scheme generated millions of dollars in criminal profits, while causing copyright owners to lose out. These convictions underscore the Criminal Division’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights by prosecuting digital piracy schemes and bringing offenders to justice.”
“The defendants conspired to operate an online streaming service that unlawfully reproduced and distributed thousands of copyrighted television programs for their own personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “This case is another example of our steadfast commitment to combat intellectual property theft and to hold accountable those who violate intellectual property rights laws.”
“The defendants ran a platform that automated the theft of TV shows and distributed the stolen content to subscribers,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “When complaints from copyright holders and problems with payment service providers threatened to topple the illicit multimillion-dollar enterprise, the defendants tried to disguise Jetflicks as an aviation entertainment company. Digital piracy is not a victimless crime. As these convictions demonstrate, the FBI will indeed investigate those who illegally profit from the creative works of others.”
The jury convicted Dallman, Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, and Huber of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. The jury also convicted Dallmann of two counts of money laundering by concealment and three counts of misdemeanor criminal copyright infringement. Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, and Huber each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and Dallmann faces a maximum penalty of 48 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office.
Trial Attorneys Michael Christin, Christopher Merriam, and Matthew Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Oliva and Edward Veronda for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the CCIPS Paralegal Edie Britman.
Five Men Convicted for Operating Major Illegal Streaming ServiceRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS - A federal jury in Las Vegas convicted five men this week for their roles in running one of the largest unauthorized streaming services in the United States, which generated millions of dollars in subscription revenue while causing substantial harm to television program copyright owners.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, beginning as early as 2007, Kristopher Dallmann, Douglas Courson, Felipe Garcia, Jared Jaurequi, and Peter Huber operated an online, subscription-based streaming service known as Jetflicks. The Jetflicks group used sophisticated computer scripts and software to scour pirate websites for illegal copies of television episodes, which they then downloaded and hosted on Jetflicks servers. The group reproduced hundreds of thousands of copyrighted television episodes without authorization, amassing a catalog larger than the combined catalogues of Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, and Amazon Prime. Dallmann and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars streaming and distributing this catalogue of stolen content to tens of thousands of paid subscribers.
“The defendants operated Jetflicks, an illicit streaming service they used to distribute hundreds of thousands of stolen television episodes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their scheme generated millions of dollars in criminal profits, while causing copyright owners to lose out. These convictions underscore the Criminal Division’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights by prosecuting digital piracy schemes and bringing offenders to justice.”
“The defendants conspired to operate an online streaming service that unlawfully reproduced and distributed thousands of copyrighted television programs for their own personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “This case is another example of our steadfast commitment to combat intellectual property theft and to hold accountable those who violate intellectual property rights laws.”
“The defendants ran a platform that automated the theft of TV shows and distributed the stolen content to subscribers,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “When complaints from copyright holders and problems with payment service providers threatened to topple the illicit multimillion-dollar enterprise, the defendants tried to disguise Jetflicks as an aviation entertainment company. Digital piracy is not a victimless crime. As these convictions demonstrate, the FBI will indeed investigate those who illegally profit from the creative works of others.”
The jury convicted Dallman, Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, and Huber of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. The jury also convicted Dallmann of two counts of money laundering by concealment and three counts of misdemeanor criminal copyright infringement. Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, and Huber each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and Dallmann faces a maximum penalty of 48 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office.
Trial Attorneys Michael Christin, Christopher Merriam, and Matthew Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Oliva and Edward Veronda for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the CCIPS Paralegal Edie Britman.
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Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer Sentenced to Three Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Angel Ruben Hernandez, Jr. (75, Altamonte Springs) to three years in federal prison for failing to record required information about firearms purchases. Hernandez entered a guilty plea on January 22, 2024.
According to court documents, Hernandez was an owner and responsible party for Arms Hill LLC, a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL or Federal Firearms Licensee) from 2019 through 2023. In 2022, the FBI obtained information that Hernandez was supplying firearms to an individual who was unlawfully selling them to drug dealers and convicted felons and that Hernandez was falsifying paperwork in connection with supplying those firearms. FFL dealers who operate within the law require purchasers to complete specific forms (ATF Form 4473) and answer numerous questions about the buyer’s background and eligibility to purchase firearms.
Beginning in April 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), through a cooperating source, conducted a series of undercover purchases from Hernandez. On April 20 and 24, 2023, and May 1, 2023, Hernandez sold nine firearms to the ATF’s source. Hernandez charged above-market prices for the firearms while also creating false ATF Form 4473 forms documenting fake sales to Hernandez’s relatives. On May 19, 2023, during the execution of a search warrant, ATF agents found pre-filled ATF 4473 forms with information from Hernandez’s relatives that had been pre-populated and prepared for future fake sales. Hernandez’s FFL records indicate that nearly a quarter of his sales as an FFL from 2019-2023, including more than 260 firearms, were recorded as though they were sold to his relatives.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Apopka Police Department, and the Altamonte Springs Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dana E. Hill and Noah P. Dorman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Fake ID Producers IndictedRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jonathan De La Riva-Lorenzo, 46, and Fernando Minkes-Rodriguez, 48, both undocumented noncitizens residing in Phoenix, were indicted last week by a federal grand jury in Phoenix. Each was charged with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Fraud in Connection with Production of Identification Documents and two counts of Aggravated Identity Theft, Aiding and Abetting.
The indictment alleges that De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez conspired, produced, and possessed false identification documents that were made to appear to have been issued by the United States.
De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez worked together to make fraudulent identity documents, including lawful permanent resident cards (“green cards”), social security cards and state identification cards for undocumented noncitizens. De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez required their customers to provide their biographical information, along with a headshot, which was used in producing the documents.
On May 14, 2024, special agents with Homeland Security Investigations executed federal search warrants at several locations in Arizona associated with De La Riva-Lorenzo and Minkes-Rodriguez. Agents seized a multitude of fraudulently made documents, as well as supplies to make fraudulent documents, such as industrial printers, laminate, and ink cartridges. Additionally, multiple erroneous fraudulent identity documents were discovered in Minkes-Rodriguez’ garbage.
A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Fraud in Connection with Production of Identification Documents carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. A conviction for Aggravated Identity Theft, Aiding and Abetting carries a mandatory consecutive term of two years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sydney Yew and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Shaw, District of Arizona, Phoenix, are handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-24-1000-PHX-MTL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-078_De La Riva# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Executives for Fresno-Based Business American Labor Alliance Convicted of Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Following Five-Week TrialRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Following a 19-day trial, on Tuesday, a jury convicted Fresno residents Marcus Asay, 68; Antonio Gastelum, 53; and their company, Agricultural Contracting Services Association dba American Labor Alliance (ALA), of committing a multi-year pension fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The jury also convicted Asay and ALA of committing separate workers’ compensation and hardship exemption fraud schemes. The hardship exemption fraud scheme involved a supposed exemption from the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that people obtain health insurance or pay a significant shared responsibility payment when they file their taxes. Finally, the jury convicted Asay of laundering money that he received from the pension fraud scheme.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Asay was the founder and chairman of ALA, and Gastelum was the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Compliance Officer. Gastelum is also the former city manager for the City of Parlier. From 2011 through 2019, the defendants offered three sham products: retirement plan, workers’ compensation coverage, and hardship exemption.
Pension Fraud Scheme
For the pension fraud scheme, Asay, Gastelum, and ALA falsely represented to over 3,000 people that they would protect and invest their retirement money through a 401(k) Plan when, in fact, they used the money for improper business and personal expenses. The improper expenses included restaurants, travel, credit cards, rare coins, transfers to Asay’s personal retirement account, online companion websites, and rent for Asay’s lakefront house in Fresno. The defendants then covered up the fact that the retirement money was gone by taking money the company received from the workers’ compensation fraud scheme and holding those funds out as pension funds. The loss caused by the pension fraud scheme was over $750,000.
Workers’ Compensation Fraud Scheme
For the workers’ compensation fraud scheme, Asay and ALA falsely represented that national insurers backed the workers’ compensation coverage that the company offered in several states, including California. The defendants did so by listing the national insurers on the certificates of insurance and policy declarations that the company issued to customers. The accuracy of the certificates of insurance and policy declarations was important to the customers because they needed to present these items to their own customers and regulators as proof of having workers’ compensation coverage in order to continue doing business. When government authorities began investigating the workers’ compensation fraud scheme, the defendants sent letters to customers telling them not to cooperate. The loss caused by the workers’ compensation fraud scheme was over $2,250,000.
Hardship Exemption Fraud Scheme
For the hardship exemption fraud scheme, Asay and ALA falsely represented that for a few hundred dollars they could provide people with an exemption that would protect them from The Affordable Care Act’s shared responsibility payment for not having health insurance when, in fact, only government agencies could issue such exemptions. Moreover, the exemptions were free to those who qualified.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration and Office of Labor-Management Standards, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Tierney, Joseph Barton, and Stephanie Stokman are prosecuting the case.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 21, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. Asay and Gastelum face up to 20 years in prison for each count of conviction as well as maximum fines ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 per count. ALA faces up to an $8.5 million fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con una agencia internacional de dotación de personal para resolver acusaciones de discriminación en la contratación en los Estados UnidosRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo conciliatorio con eTeam, Inc. (eTeam), una agencia de dotación de personal en línea que presta servicios a empresas por todo Estados Unidos y el mundo. El acuerdo resuelve la determinación del Departamento que eTeam discriminó a no ciudadanos de los EE. UU. con permiso para trabajar en los Estados Unidos cuando los excluyó de oportunidades laborales con base en su ciudadanía o estatus migratorio, en contra de la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés).
«Las empresas de dotación de personal no pueden participar en prácticas de contratación y reclutamiento que excluyan o disuadan ilegalmente a personas con permiso para trabajar en los Estados Unidos debido a su ciudadanía o estatus migratorio», comentó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El Departamento de Justicia seguirá responsabilizando a las empresas por participar en prácticas que creen barreras al empleo, en contra de las leyes federales de derechos civiles de nuestra nación».
La investigación de la Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados (IER, por sus siglas en inglés) de la División de Derechos Civiles determinó que, durante varios meses en el año 2021, eTeam distribuía regularmente anuncios de empleo que contenían restricciones de contratación ilegales basadas en el estatus de ciudadanía o que de otro modo seleccionaba a los candidatos en función de su estatus de ciudadanía. Estas acciones perjudicaron a residentes permanentes legales e individuos a los que se les ha otorgado el asilo o el estatus de refugiado al disuadirles de presentar una solicitud para los anuncios de trabajo y no considerar, de forma significativa, a aquellos que sí solicitaron un trabajo.
En virtud de los términos del acuerdo, eTeam pagará $232,500 en sanciones civiles a los Estados Unidos y destinará otros $325,000 para compensar a los trabajadores afectados. El acuerdo también requiere que eTeam capacite a su personal en cuanto a los requisitos de la INA, que revise sus políticas de empleo y que se someta a los requisitos de supervisión y declaración departamentales.
La IER es responsable de hacer cumplir la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Entre otras cosas, por lo general, la ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía y nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión, prácticas documentales injustas y represalias e intimidación.
Puede obtener más información sobre cómo los empleadores pueden evitar la discriminación en la contratación y el reclutamiento en el sitio web de la IER. Aprenda más sobre el trabajo de la IER y cómo conseguir ayuda mediante este vídeo corto. Aquellos aspirantes o empleados que creen haber sido discriminados por motivos de su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido, reclutamiento o verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) o sujetos a represalias pueden presentar una denuncia. El público también puede llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llamar a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); inscribirse a un seminario en línea gratuito o visualizar una presentación a la carta; enviar un correo electrónico a [email protected]; o visitar los sitios web de la IER en inglés y español. Inscríbase para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico desde la IER.
El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con la Fiscalía Estatal de Florida para resolver alegaciones de discriminación contra imputados hispanosRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia ha anunciado hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo con la Fiscalía Estatal de Florida para el Segundo Circuito Judicial (SAO, por sus siglas en inglés) que resuelve las alegaciones de infracciones del Título VI de la ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 (Título VI).
En concreto, el acuerdo resuelve las alegaciones de discriminación contra imputados hispanos acusados de conducir sin una licencia de conducir válida al proporcionarles ofertas de declaración de culpabilidad menos favorables que a imputados no hispanos acusados del mismo delito. El Título VI prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de raza, color de piel y origen nacional por parte de entidades que reciben apoyo financiero federal.
«Para garantizar la equidad, el tratamiento equitativo y la seguridad pública, los fiscales estatales y federales deben proporcionar un trato igualitario en todos los aspectos de la administración de la justicia, incluidos los acuerdos de declaración de culpabilidad», declaró Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «A través de este acuerdo, el Fiscal Estatal de Florida para el Segundo Circuito Judicial está tomando medidas que ayudarán a garantizar que se sirva a la comunidad sin sesgos ni discriminación».
La investigación del Departamento fue impulsada por alegaciones de que la SAO publicó pautas para ofertas de declaración de culpabilidad discriminatorias, basadas en la nacionalidad de origen, al proporcionar ofertas de declaración de culpabilidad más severas para individuos hispanos que conducen sin una licencia válida en comparación con otros individuos en una situación parecida.
La SAO cooperó plenamente con la consulta del Departamento y, en virtud de los términos del acuerdo, acordó tomar una serie de medidas para garantizar que no habría discriminación en el enjuiciamiento, incluida la implementación de una nueva política antidiscriminatoria y la capacitación de su personal en cuanto a las obligaciones antidiscriminatorias.
Además, la SAO se comprometió a convocar a un grupo de trabajo de partes interesadas de la comunidad para ayudar con los esfuerzos continuos de la SAO por desarrollar mejores prácticas para trabajar con la comunidad a la que sirve. La SAO también enviará una carta a los demandados que puedan haberse visto afectados por la supuesta política discriminatoria, ofreciéndoles la oportunidad de buscar una disposición alternativa de su cargo. La carta se traducirá para los imputados con un dominio limitado del inglés. La SAO ha declarado que sigue comprometida a garantizar que ningún imputado se discrimine con respecto a ofertas de declaración de culpabilidad hechas por el cargo de conducir sin una licencia de conducir válida.
Hay más información sobre la División de Derechos Civiles en su sitio web en a www.justice.gov/crt. Los miembros del público pueden denunciar posibles infracciones de los derechos civiles en civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
Davenport Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
Davenport, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, on April 25, 2019, Illinois State Police initiated a traffic stop of a van. Henry Earl Dinkins, 51, was a passenger in the van. The van was searched after a canine alerted to the presence of narcotics. Troopers found three bags containing a total of approximately 5,600 ecstasy pills, found to contain methamphetamine, which Dinkins intended to redistribute in the Davenport area. In September 2019, a confidential source bought pills containing methamphetamine from Dinkins.
Dinkins’ sentence is to be served consecutively to his convictions for first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping in the Iowa District Court in Scott County, in which he received life sentences without the possibility of parole. After completing his federal term of imprisonment, Dinkins will be required to serve supervised release for a term of life. 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 Illinois State Police and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.
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.
Columbus man sentenced to prison for fraud crimes related to stealing identities for lines of creditRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man was sentenced in federal court here today to 30 months in prison for committing fraud crimes related to stealing identities to get more than $100,000 in fraudulent lines of credit.
Siyuan Ye, 24, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in February 2024 to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, between January 2022 and August 2023, Ye stole the identities of at least 15 victims. Ye repeatedly obtained Ohio and Florida driver licenses of other individuals without their authorization and then used the licenses to fraudulently obtain credit from retailers in the victims’ names.
He used the fraudulent credit to purchase a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, three motorcycles and a variety of electronics.
For example, in April 2023, Ye used a stolen identity and fraudulent line of credit to purchase $8,400 worth of goods from a Micro Center in Columbus. Ye bought graphics cards, laptops and an Apple watch.
That same month, Ye used the same Ohio victim’s identity to buy a Suzuki motorcycle at Iron Pony Motorsports in Westerville.
Ye also used another victim’s identity to rent an apartment and obtain renter’s insurance.
Ye has no legal status in the United States; he entered the country in 2017 on a student visa to attend The Ohio State University. He did not complete his degree and unlawfully remained in the United States.
As part of his sentence, the defendant was ordered to pay more than $78,000 in restitution.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jared Murphy, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate is representing the United States in this case.
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Co-Worker Who Sold His Friend Fentanyl Pills Causing His Death Sentenced to 84 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE – Tanner Lee Goforth, 38, of Nampa, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for selling a co-worker fentanyl that led to his overdose death, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, on May 17, 2022, Goforth met his friend and co-worker, the victim, at a local gas station where Goforth sold the victim ten fentanyl pills. The victim went home, ingested the fentanyl intravenously, and died almost immediately. Nearly a half hour later, his girlfriend found him in their bathroom, called 911, and began performing CPR. Nampa Police Department officers and Nampa Fire Protection District arrived on scene and attempted life-saving measures including the administration of Narcan. Unfortunately, the victim was unable to be resuscitated.
“This case tragically illustrates the toll that fentanyl is taking in Idaho,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “All of our communities need to know how deadly fentanyl is and individuals need to know that we will hold them accountable if they distribute fentanyl to others.”
“This case should serve as a warning of just how lethal fentanyl can be, even if obtained from a trusted friend,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The overdose epidemic has taken too many lives. The FBI and our partners will relentlessly pursue those who profit from addictions and contribute to the harm in our communities.”
“The harm being done by fentanyl in our communities is devastating,” said Nampa Chief of Police Joe Huff. “Families and friends are suffering as they lose their loved ones to this deadly drug. Those responsible must be held accountable.”
U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Goforth to pay a $1,000 fine and to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Goforth pleaded guilty to the charge on March 7, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the investigations by the Nampa Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Canyon County Coroner’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted the case.
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Chattanooga Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years’ Imprisonment for Possessing “Glock Switch” and Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – June 20, 2024, Christian J. Williams, 22, was sentenced to 75 months in prison by the Honorable Charles E. Atchley, Jr., United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Following his incarceration, Williams will be on supervised release for three years.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Williams agreed to plead guilty to one count of possession a machinegun in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(o) and one count of possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
According to filed court documents, in December 2021, Chattanooga Police Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle. The vehicle fled and ultimately crashed. Williams exited the passenger-side door and fled on foot. Officers gave chase, caught Williams, and found him in possession of fentanyl pills and a Glock, Model 27, .40 caliber pistol with an installed machinegun conversion device, colloquially known as a “switch.”
The “switch” enabled the pistol to fire “fully automatic,” that is, fire multiple rounds by a single pull of the trigger. Possession of a “switch” is illegal under Federal law, as the National Firearms Act classifies the “switch” itself as a machine gun.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by the ATF Chattanooga Field Office, the ATF Firearms Technology Branch, and the Chattanooga Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Kevin T. Brown represented the United States.
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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