Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
18 June 2024
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Nearly $50,000 in COVID-Relief FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to fraud and false statements charges in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain pandemic-related relief funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Antawn Davis, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of making false statements. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Sept. 16, 2024. Davis was charged and arrested in February 2024 along with over 40 alleged Heath Street Gang members/associates, who were charged with racketeering conspiracy; drug trafficking; firearms charges; and financial frauds, including COVID-related fraud.
In April and May 2021, Davis submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of his purported business. The applications contained multiple false statements, including the purported business’ total gross income in 2020 and the purpose of the loan. Davis also submitted false tax records in support of his loan applications. Based on the fraudulent applications, Davis received approximately $49,999 in PPP loans, which he then spent on non-business-related expenses, including transactions at a casino and at Saks Fifth Avenue.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000. 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; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Harry T. Chavis Jr, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Hoefle and Lucy Sun of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Bloods gang member going to prison on drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Rasheem “Coop” Sullivan, 31, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who handled the case, stated that Sullivan is a member of the nationally recognized Bloods Gang, and the self-proclaimed leader of a local subset known as the Immortal Stone Gorilla Gang. In December 2022, following a lengthy investigation into narcotics trafficking, weapons possession, and associated violence, Sullivan and several of his fellow Blood Gang members were arrested. On December 14, 2022, several locations associated with Sullivan’s enterprise were searched, during which investigators recovered narcotics, cash, and numerous firearms. Inside Sullivan’s residence, a Glock 10 mm pistol loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition was recovered.
The investigation began in the aftermath of the murder of Rochester Police Department Investigator Anthony Mazurkewicz and the assault of Investigator Sino Seng in July 2022. It was alleged that individuals associated with Sullivan were engaged in a violent feud with another group led by Brandon “B-Mack” Washington. In September 2022, Washington and several associates were charged with federal drug and weapons offenses.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division.
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Amsterdam Man Sentenced to 121 Months for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Thomas Love, age 35, of Amsterdam, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 121 months in prison for receiving child pornography.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
As part of his prior guilty plea, Love admitted that from January 2017 through October 2020, he used the internet to access the “dark web” and download depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The defendant also admitted to distributing child pornography on Twitter (now known as X). A subsequent search of Love’s electronic devices revealed that he received and possessed over 300 files depicting child pornography, including videos of toddlers being sexually abused.
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 20-year term of supervised release, which will start after Love is released from prison, and ordered him to pay restitution to victims in the amount of $9,000. Love will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Child Pornography
Sabin Francis Donohoe, 26, of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment for possession of child pornography. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Jun. 13. According to court documents, the defendant was a seasonal employee for a concessionaire in Yellowstone National Park in 2019. In August of 2019, he and his girlfriend visited the Fort Collins, Colorado area for a weekend where Donohoe lost his phone. Someone found the phone and saw child pornography on it while trying to identity the owner. They handed it over to the Loveland Police Department. The Loveland Police Department secured a search warrant and saw evidence of child pornography and a text message to call a number if the phone was found. The number belonged to Donohoe’s girlfriend. She identified him as the phone’s owner and gave the officer, who concealed his identity at the time, their address in Yellowstone. Officers from Loveland Police Department then contacted the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch, and a joint investigation was initiated. Detectives conducted a non-custodial interview of Donohoe. The next day he fled to Canada. He was eventually arrested in Canada on Jul. 25, 2022, and extradited back to the U.S. on Nov. 27, 2023 to face charges. This crime was investigated by the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch, the Loveland Police Department, and Yellowstone law enforcement officers. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne M. Martens.
David Robert Land, 34, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment for access with intent to view child pornography. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Jun. 12. According to court documents, a Cybertip was sent to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) regarding an IP address and an email address that was downloading pre/early pubescent pornographic images. The investigation led officers to Land, who is a registered sex offender. Investigators found numerous images of child sexual abuse material on Land’s phone. He pleaded guilty to the sole count of the indictment on Jan. 16. This crime was investigated by DCI and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne M. Martens.
Violent Crime
Coal Donavan Weed, 34, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced to 31 months’ imprisonment for involuntary manslaughter with three years of supervised release. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Jun. 12. According to court documents, on Aug. 20, 2022, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents were called to the scene of a fatal vehicle crash in Fort Washakie, located on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The victim, a passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene and Weed, the driver, was taken to the hospital. Weed consented to a blood draw that resulted in a blood alcohol concentration of .216%. Weed pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge on Mar. 4. This crime was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist.
Leo Ernest Barnaby, Jr, 46, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced to time served, which at the time of sentencing was 13 months and 11 days in custody, and two years of supervised release for threatening a federal law enforcement officer. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Jun. 11. According to court documents, on Apr. 29, 2023, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation went to Barnaby’s house seeking additional information regarding a shooting that occurred the previous night. Barnaby wanted to take them to the location, but the agents did not want him to return to the scene. He became agitated and threated to kill the agents several times saying he had guns in the house and would use them. Unable to diffuse the situation, the agents left and obtained an arrest warrant. The FBI’s Colorado SWAT team was deployed to make the arrest, along with local law enforcement. Barnaby was taken into custody without incident. He pleaded guilty on Mar. 27. This crime was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist.
Drug Trafficking
Lane Scott Huntington, 43, of Bar Nunn, Wyoming, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison on two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, in Aug. 2023, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation was conducting a controlled purchase from a group of suspected drug dealers in Casper. After purchasing drugs from Huntington on Aug. 11., 2023, agents alerted the Wyoming Highway Patrol who conducted a traffic stop. At the same time, they requested a search warrant for his residence. They seized 30 fentanyl pills during the traffic stop and nearly 2,000 fentanyl pills in his residence. On Sept. 13, they conducted another search on his residence and seized another 680 fentanyl pills. Huntington was interviewed and admitted to being a drug dealer. He pleaded guilty on Mar. 24. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Jun 14. The crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ava Covert.
Illegal Re-entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Luis Juarez-Gavito, 28, of Cordoba, Veracruz, Mexico was sentenced to time served plus 10 days to allow for deportation proceedings, for illegal entry into the United States. According to court documents, on Feb. 5, Juarez-Gavito was arrested by the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) for driving while under the influence. He was booked into Platte County Jail. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deportation Officer processed the defendant and obtained his fingerprints. They matched pre-existing fingerprints in their database indicating he had previously been deported. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Jun 13.
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking
10 Minneapolis Gang Members Charged with Illegal Possession of Firearms and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Ten members of a south Minneapolis street gang have been charged in federal court for various crimes including illegal possession of firearms, possession of a machinegun, and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
“Violent criminals who carry guns pose a deadly threat to communities and, as recent tragedies show, to the law enforcement officers and first responders who are sworn to protect us all,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “Our federal resources are focused on holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities. My message to the community: We are working for you, for your families and your children, to make sure violent crime continues to drop and we can all enjoy our beautiful cities this summer.”
The Minneapolis street gang known as the 10z are involved in narcotics and firearms trafficking in south Minneapolis, as well as violent crime throughout the Minneapolis metropolitan area. The focal point of the 10z criminal activity is the area around Peavey Park at the intersection of Franklin and Chicago Avenues. The 10z are affiliated with another gang, the 20z, which operate in the same south Minneapolis territory.
The following ten members of the 10z/20z gang are charged with firearms violations and fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking:
- Don Buddie Austin, 32, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon.
- Albert William Bratton, 28, is charged with possession a firearm as a felon.
- Paul Antonio Early, 32, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
- Toraus Marquis Eason, 44, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and MDMA, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Billy Ismael Hawkins, 34, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon.
- Jaquan Lavelle Jackson, 29, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Bernard Augusta Mack, 29, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Joshua Benjamin Scott, 37, is charged with possession of a firearm.
- Austin Joevon Toy, 22, is charged with possession of a machine gun.
- Armond Quinton Wright, 33, is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
These cases are the result of investigations conducted by the Minneapolis Police Department and the FBI.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian C.S. Weir.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
austin_indictment.pdf bratton_indictment.pdf early_indictment.pdf eason_indictment.pdf hawkins_indictment.pdf jackson_indictment.pdf mack_indictment.pdf scott_indictment.pdf toy_indictment.pdf wright_indictment.pdf
17 June 2024
ਨਿਆਂ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਨੇ ਨਿਊਯਾਰਕ ਸਿਟੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਦੀ ਹੱਤਿਆ ਦੀ ਨਾਕਾਮ ਸਾਜਿਸ਼ ਦੇ ਸਬੰਧ ਵਿੱਚ ਦੋਸ਼ੀ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਦੀ ਹਵਾਲਗੀ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈRead the Press Release
ਇੱਕ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਨੂੰ ਕਿਰਾਏ ਦੇ ਬਦਲੇ ਕਤਲ ਦੇ ਦੋਸ਼ਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਾਹਮਣਾ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਚੈੱਕ ਗਣਰਾਜ ਤੋਂ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਰਾਜ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਹਵਾਲੇ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ।
ਨਿਖਿਲ ਗੁਪਤਾ, ਜਿਸਨੂੰ ਨਿਕ, 53, ਇੱਕ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਵਜੋਂ ਵੀ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਨੂੰ 30 ਜੂਨ, 2023 ਨੂੰ ਚੈੱਕ ਗਣਰਾਜ ਵਿੱਚ ਗ੍ਰਿਫਤਾਰ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਨਜ਼ਰਬੰਦ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ, ਅਤੇ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਰਾਜ ਅਤੇ ਚੈੱਕ ਗਣਰਾਜ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਦੁਵੱਲੀ ਹਵਾਲਗੀ ਸੰਧੀ ਦੇ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਹਵਾਲਗੀ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਗਈ ਸੀ। ਗੁਪਤਾ 14 ਜੂਨ ਨੂੰ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ ਸਨ ਅਤੇ ਅੱਜ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਦੋਸ਼ਾਂ ਤਹਿਤ ਪੇਸ਼ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ।
ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਜਨਰਲ ਮੈਰਿਕ ਬੀ. ਗਾਰਲੈਂਡ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, “ਇਹ ਹਵਾਲਗੀ ਸਪੱਸ਼ਟ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਨਿਆਂ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਚੁੱਪ ਕਰਵਾਉਣ ਜਾਂ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਉਣ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਰਦਾਸ਼ਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰੇਗਾ”। ਨਿਖਿਲ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਹੁਣ ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਿੱਖ ਵੱਖਵਾਦੀ ਅੰਦੋਲਨ ਦੇ ਸਮਰਥਨ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਨੂੰ ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨਾ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਅਤੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਹੱਤਿਆ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ, ਭਾਰਤ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਨਿਰਦੇਸ਼ਤ ਇੱਕ ਕਥਿਤ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੋਣ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਅਦਾਲਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਨਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਸਾਹਮਣਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਪਵੇਗਾ। ਮੈਂ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦੇ ਏਜੰਟਾਂ ਦਾ ਧੰਨਵਾਦੀ ਹਾਂ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਇਸ ਹੱਤਿਆ ਦੀ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ ਨੂੰ ਨਾਕਾਮ ਕੀਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਗ੍ਰਿਫਤਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਹਵਾਲਗੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਲਈ ਸਾਡੇ ਚੈੱਕ ਭਾਈਵਾਲਾਂ ਦਾ।
ਡਿਪਟੀ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, "ਭਾਰਤੀ ਕਤਲ ਦੀ ਇਹ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ - ਕਥਿਤ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਨਿਊਯਾਰਕ ਸਿਟੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਨੂੰ ਮਾਰਨ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਰਚੀ ਗਈ ਸੀ - ਇੱਕ ਉੱਚਤਮ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਅਧਿਕਾਰ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਰਾਜਨੀਤਿਕ ਕਾਰਕੁਨ ਨੂੰ ਚੁੱਪ ਕਰਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਬੇਸ਼ਰਮੀ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਸੀ: ਉਸਦੀ ਬੋਲਣ ਦੀ ਆਜ਼ਾਦੀ," ਡਿਪਟੀ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ। ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਜਨਰਲ ਲੀਜ਼ਾ ਮੋਨਾਕੋ। “ਮੁਦਾਇਕ ਦੀ ਹਵਾਲਗੀ ਨਿਆਂ ਵੱਲ ਇੱਕ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਕਦਮ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਮੈਂ ਇਸ ਮਾਮਲੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਲਈ ਸਾਡੇ ਚੈੱਕ ਭਾਈਵਾਲਾਂ ਦਾ ਧੰਨਵਾਦੀ ਹਾਂ। ਅਸੀਂ ਇੱਥੇ ਜਾਂ ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਪਛਾਣ ਕਰਨ, ਵਿਘਨ ਪਾਉਣ ਅਤੇ ਜਵਾਬਦੇਹ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਨਾ ਜਾਰੀ ਰੱਖਾਂਗੇ।”
FBI ਦੇ ਡਾਇਰੈਕਟਰ ਕ੍ਰਿਸਟੋਫਰ ਵੇਅ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, "ਇਸ ਮੁਦਾਲਾ ਨੂੰ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਧਰਤੀ 'ਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਦੀ ਹੱਤਿਆ ਦੀ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਸਦੀ ਕਥਿਤ ਭੂਮਿਕਾ ਲਈ ਹਵਾਲਗੀ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ”। "FBI ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕਾਂ, ਜਾਂ ਇਸ ਮਾਮਲੇ ਲਈ ਕਿਸੇ ਹੋਰ ਦੁਆਰਾ, ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਰਾਜ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੰਵਿਧਾਨਕ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਆਜ਼ਾਦੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਦਬਾਉਣ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਰਦਾਸ਼ਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰੇਗੀ। ਅਸੀਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਨਾਗਰਿਕਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਲਈ ਦੇਸ਼ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਪਣੇ ਭਾਈਵਾਲਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਨਾ ਜਾਰੀ ਰੱਖਾਂਗੇ।”
ਨਿਊਯਾਰਕ ਦੇ ਦੱਖਣੀ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਲਈ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਡੈਮਿਅਨ ਵਿਲੀਅਮਜ਼ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, "ਜਿਵੇਂ ਕਿ ਕਥਿਤ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ, ਬਚਾਓ ਪੱਖ ਨੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਤੋਂ ਇੱਕ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਇੱਥੇ ਨਿਊਯਾਰਕ ਸਿਟੀ ਵਿੱਚ, ਭਾਰਤੀ ਮੂਲ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਦੇ ਖਿਲਾਫ ਇੱਕ ਅਸਫਲ ਹੱਤਿਆ ਦੀ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ ਰਚੀ ਸੀ।" “ਅੱਜ ਦੀ ਹਵਾਲਗੀ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਜਾਂਚ, ਅਸਫਲ ਅਤੇ ਮੁਕੱਦਮਾ ਚਲਾਉਣ ਦੇ ਸਾਡੇ ਅਟੱਲ ਸੰਕਲਪ ਨੂੰ ਸਪੱਸ਼ਟ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਇੱਥੇ ਅਤੇ ਹੋਰ ਕਿਤੇ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਉਣ ਅਤੇ ਚੁੱਪ ਕਰਵਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ। ਅਸੀਂ ਇਸ ਹਵਾਲਗੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਾਡੇ ਚੈੱਕ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੇ ਹਮਰੁਤਬਾ ਦੇ ਨਜ਼ਦੀਕੀ ਸਹਿਯੋਗ ਲਈ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ”।
“ਪਿਛਲੇ ਸਾਲ, ਡੀਈਏ ਨੇ ਇੱਕ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਨਸ਼ੀਲੇ ਪਦਾਰਥਾਂ ਦੇ ਤਸਕਰ ਨਿਖਿਲ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਰਚੀ ਗਈ ਇੱਕ ਹੱਤਿਆ ਦੀ ਸਾਜਿਸ਼ ਦਾ ਪਰਦਾਫਾਸ਼ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ। ਗੁਪਤਾ 'ਤੇ ਦੋਸ਼ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਉਸ ਨੇ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਦੀ ਧਰਤੀ 'ਤੇ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਦੀ ਹੱਤਿਆ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਖ਼ਤਰਨਾਕ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ ਰਚੀ ਸੀ। DEA ਦੀ ਪਹਿਲੀ ਤਰਜੀਹ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਸਿਹਤ ਅਤੇ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ,” DEA ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਾਸਕ ਐਨੀ ਮਿਲਗ੍ਰਾਮ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ। “ਇਹ ਹਵਾਲਗੀ DEA ਨਿਊਯਾਰਕ ਡਿਵੀਜ਼ਨ ਦੀ ਡਰੱਗ ਇਨਫੋਰਸਮੈਂਟ ਟਾਸਕ ਫੋਰਸ ਦੀ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਮਿਹਨਤ ਅਤੇ ਵਚਨਬੱਧਤਾ ਦਾ ਨਤੀਜਾ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ DEA, ਨਿਊਯਾਰਕ ਸਟੇਟ ਪੁਲਿਸ, ਅਤੇ ਨਿਊਯਾਰਕ ਸਿਟੀ ਪੁਲਿਸ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹਨ। ਇਹ ਕੇਸ DEA ਦੁਆਰਾ ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਭਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਾਡੇ ਕਾਨੂੰਨ ਲਾਗੂ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਭਾਈਵਾਲਾਂ, ਜਿਵੇਂ ਕਿ ਚੈੱਕ ਗਣਰਾਜ ਦੇ ਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ ਡਰੱਗ ਹੈੱਡਕੁਆਰਟਰ, ਅਤੇ ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਇੱਥੇ ਘਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਾਡੇ ਸੰਘੀ ਕਾਨੂੰਨ ਲਾਗੂ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਭਾਈਵਾਲਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਬਣਾਈਆਂ ਗਈਆਂ ਭਾਈਵਾਲੀ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣ ਵੀ ਹੈ।"
ਅਦਾਲਤੀ ਦਸਤਾਵੇਜ਼ਾਂ ਦੇ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ, ਪਿਛਲੇ ਸਾਲ, ਇੱਕ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀ (CC-1) ਨੇ ਇੱਕ ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਅਤੇ ਰਾਜਨੀਤਿਕ ਕਾਰਕੁਨ, ਜੋ ਕਿ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਮੂਲ ਦਾ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਹੈ, ਦੇ ਖਿਲਾਫ ਇੱਕ ਕਤਲ ਦੀ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ ਰਚਣ ਲਈ ਭਾਰਤ ਅਤੇ ਹੋਰ ਥਾਵਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਹੋਰਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਮਿਲ ਕੇ ਕੰਮ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ।
ਗੁਪਤਾ ਇੱਕ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ, CC-1 ਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਸਹਿਯੋਗੀ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਉਸਨੇ CC-1 ਅਤੇ ਹੋਰਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਆਪਣੇ ਸੰਚਾਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਨਸ਼ੀਲੇ ਪਦਾਰਥਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਹਥਿਆਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਤਸਕਰੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਪਣੀ ਸ਼ਮੂਲੀਅਤ ਦਾ ਵਰਣਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ। CC-1 ਇੱਕ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਏਜੰਸੀ ਦਾ ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀ ਹੈ ਜਿਸਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਆਪ ਨੂੰ "ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਨ" ਅਤੇ "ਖੁਫੀਆ" ਵਿੱਚ ਜ਼ਿੰਮੇਵਾਰੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ "ਸੀਨੀਅਰ ਫੀਲਡ ਅਫਸਰ" ਵਜੋਂ ਦਰਸਾਇਆ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਦੇ ਕੇਂਦਰੀ ਰਿਜ਼ਰਵ ਪੁਲਿਸ ਬਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਨ ਅਤੇ "ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀ [] ਸਿਖਲਾਈ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਹਵਾਲਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ”। "ਲੜਾਈ ਕਰਾਫਟ" ਅਤੇ "ਹਥਿਆਰਾਂ" ਵਿੱਚ। CC-1 ਨੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਤੋਂ ਹੱਤਿਆ ਦੀ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ ਰਚੀ ਸੀ।
ਮਈ 2023 ਵਿੱਚ ਜਾਂ ਇਸ ਦੇ ਲਗਭਗ, CC-1 ਨੇ ਯੂ.ਐੱਸ. ਵਿੱਚ ਪੀੜਤ ਦੀ ਹੱਤਿਆ ਨੂੰ ਅੰਜਾਮ ਦੇਣ ਲਈ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਭਰਤੀ ਕੀਤਾ, ਪੀੜਤ ਭਾਰਤ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੀ ਇੱਕ ਜ਼ਬਰਦਸਤ ਆਲੋਚਕ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਯੂਐਸ-ਅਧਾਰਤ ਸੰਗਠਨ ਦੀ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਉੱਤਰੀ ਰਾਜ, ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਵੱਖ ਹੋਣ ਦੀ ਵਕਾਲਤ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਭਾਰਤ ਜੋ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦੀ ਇੱਕ ਵੱਡੀ ਆਬਾਦੀ ਦਾ ਘਰ ਹੈ, ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਨਸਲੀ ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਘੱਟ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਸਮੂਹ। ਪੀੜਤ ਨੇ ਜਨਤਕ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਕੁਝ ਜਾਂ ਪੂਰੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ ਭਾਰਤ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਖ ਕਰਨ ਅਤੇ ਖਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ ਨਾਮਕ ਸਿੱਖ ਪ੍ਰਭੂਸੱਤਾ ਸੰਪੰਨ ਰਾਜ ਸਥਾਪਤ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਕਿਹਾ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਪੀੜਤ ਅਤੇ ਉਸਦੀ ਵੱਖਵਾਦੀ ਸੰਗਠਨ ਨੂੰ ਭਾਰਤ ਤੋਂ ਪਾਬੰਦੀ ਲਗਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੈ।
CC-1 ਦੇ ਨਿਰਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ 'ਤੇ, ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੇ ਇੱਕ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ ਨਾਲ ਸੰਪਰਕ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਿਸਨੂੰ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਇੱਕ ਅਪਰਾਧਿਕ ਸਹਿਯੋਗੀ ਮੰਨਦਾ ਸੀ ਪਰ ਅਸਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਹ ਇੱਕ ਗੁਪਤ ਸਰੋਤ ਸੀ ਜੋ DEA (CS) ਨਾਲ ਨਿਊਯਾਰਕ ਸਿਟੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੀੜਤ ਨੂੰ ਕਤਲ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਹਿੱਟਮੈਨ ਨੂੰ ਕਰਾਰ ਦੇਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਲਈ ਕੰਮ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਸੀ। CS ਨੇ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਦੀ ਜਾਣ-ਪਛਾਣ ਇੱਕ ਕਥਿਤ ਹਿੱਟਮੈਨ ਨਾਲ ਕਰਵਾਈ, ਜੋ ਅਸਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਡੀਈਏ ਅੰਡਰਕਵਰ ਅਫਸਰ (UC) ਸੀ। CC-1 ਬਾਅਦ ਵਿੱਚ, ਗੁਪਤਾ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਦਲਾਲਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ, ਪੀੜਤ ਦੀ ਹੱਤਿਆ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ UC ਨੂੰ $100,000 ਦਾ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਸਹਿਮਤ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ। 9 ਜੂਨ, 2023 ਨੂੰ ਜਾਂ ਲਗਭਗ, CC-1 ਅਤੇ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੇ ਇੱਕ ਸਹਿਯੋਗੀ ਨੂੰ ਕਤਲ ਲਈ ਪੇਸ਼ਗੀ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਵਜੋਂ UC ਨੂੰ $15,000 ਨਕਦ ਦੇਣ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧ ਕੀਤਾ। CC-1 ਦੇ ਸਹਿਯੋਗੀ ਨੇ ਫਿਰ ਮੈਨਹਟਨ ਵਿੱਚ UC ਨੂੰ $15,000 ਡਿਲੀਵਰ ਕੀਤਾ।
ਜੂਨ 2023 ਵਿੱਚ ਜਾਂ ਇਸ ਦੇ ਆਸ-ਪਾਸ, ਕਤਲ ਦੀ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ ਨੂੰ ਅੱਗੇ ਵਧਾਉਣ ਲਈ, ਸੀਸੀ-1 ਨੇ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਪੀੜਤ ਬਾਰੇ ਨਿੱਜੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕੀਤੀ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੀੜਤ ਦੇ ਘਰ ਦਾ ਪਤਾ, ਪੀੜਤ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜੇ ਫ਼ੋਨ ਨੰਬਰ ਅਤੇ ਪੀੜਤ ਦੇ ਰੋਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਦੇ ਵਿਹਾਰ ਬਾਰੇ ਵੇਰਵੇ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਸਨ। ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੇ ਫਿਰ UC. CC-1 ਨੇ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਹੱਤਿਆ ਦੀ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਗਤੀ ਬਾਰੇ ਨਿਯਮਤ ਅੱਪਡੇਟ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਨਿਰਦੇਸ਼ ਦਿੱਤਾ, ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੇ ਪੀੜਤ ਦੀਆਂ ਨਿਗਰਾਨੀ ਵਾਲੀਆਂ ਤਸਵੀਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ-ਨਾਲ CC-1 ਨੂੰ ਅੱਗੇ ਭੇਜ ਕੇ ਪੂਰਾ ਕੀਤਾ। ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੇ UC ਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਕਤਲ ਨੂੰ ਜਲਦੀ ਤੋਂ ਜਲਦੀ ਅੰਜਾਮ ਦੇਣ ਦੇ ਨਿਰਦੇਸ਼ ਦਿੱਤੇ, ਪਰ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੇ UC ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਵੀ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਨਿਰਦੇਸ਼ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਉੱਚ ਪੱਧਰੀ ਅਮਰੀਕੀ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਹਫ਼ਤਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਅਨੁਮਾਨਿਤ ਰੁਝੇਵਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਦੇ ਆਲੇ-ਦੁਆਲੇ ਕਤਲ ਨਾ ਕਰਨ।
18 ਜੂਨ, 2023 ਨੂੰ ਜਾਂ ਲਗਭਗ, ਨਕਾਬਪੋਸ਼ ਬੰਦੂਕਧਾਰੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਬ੍ਰਿਟਿਸ਼ ਕੋਲੰਬੀਆ, ਕੈਨੇਡਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਸਿੱਖ ਮੰਦਰ ਦੇ ਬਾਹਰ ਹਰਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ ਨਿੱਝਰ ਦਾ ਕਤਲ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਨਿੱਝਰ ਪੀੜਤ ਦਾ ਸਾਥੀ ਸੀ, ਅਤੇ ਪੀੜਤ ਦੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ, ਸਿੱਖ ਵੱਖਵਾਦੀ ਲਹਿਰ ਦਾ ਆਗੂ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਸਪੱਸ਼ਟ ਆਲੋਚਕ ਸੀ। 19 ਜੂਨ, 2023 ਨੂੰ ਜਾਂ ਲਗਭਗ, ਨਿੱਝਰ ਦੇ ਕਤਲ ਤੋਂ ਅਗਲੇ ਦਿਨ, ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੇ ਯੂਸੀ ਨੂੰ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿ ਨਿੱਝਰ “ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨਾ ਵੀ ਸੀ” ਅਤੇ “ਸਾਡੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨੇ ਹਨ।” ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੇ ਅੱਗੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ, ਨਿੱਝਰ ਦੇ ਕਤਲ ਦੇ ਮੱਦੇਨਜ਼ਰ, ਪੀੜਤ ਨੂੰ ਮਾਰਨ ਲਈ "ਹੁਣ ਇੰਤਜ਼ਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਈ ਲੋੜ ਨਹੀਂ" ਸੀ। 20 ਜੂਨ, 2023 ਨੂੰ ਜਾਂ ਲਗਭਗ, CC-1 ਨੇ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਪੀੜਤ ਬਾਰੇ ਇੱਕ ਖ਼ਬਰ ਭੇਜੀ ਅਤੇ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਸੁਨੇਹਾ ਭੇਜਿਆ, “[i]t’s [a] ਹੁਣ ਪਹਿਲ ਹੈ।”
ਗੁਪਤਾ 'ਤੇ ਕਿਰਾਏ 'ਤੇ ਕਤਲ ਕਰਨ ਅਤੇ ਕਿਰਾਏ 'ਤੇ ਕਤਲ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ ਰਚਣ ਦਾ ਦੋਸ਼ ਹੈ। ਦੋਸ਼ੀ ਸਾਬਤ ਹੋਣ 'ਤੇ, ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਹਰੇਕ ਦੋਸ਼ ਲਈ ਵੱਧ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ 10 ਸਾਲ ਦੀ ਕੈਦ ਦੀ ਸਜ਼ਾ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ। ਇੱਕ ਸੰਘੀ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹਾ ਅਦਾਲਤ ਦਾ ਜੱਜ ਯੂ.ਐੱਸ. ਸਜ਼ਾ ਸੁਣਾਉਣ ਦੇ ਦਿਸ਼ਾ-ਨਿਰਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਹੋਰ ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਕਾਰਕਾਂ 'ਤੇ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਕੋਈ ਵੀ ਸਜ਼ਾ ਨਿਰਧਾਰਤ ਕਰੇਗਾ।
FBI ਅਤੇ DEA ਮਾਮਲੇ ਦੀ ਜਾਂਚ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ।
ਨਿਆਂ ਵਿਭਾਗ ਦੇ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਦਫਤਰ ਨੇ ਗੁਪਤਾ ਦੀ ਗ੍ਰਿਫਤਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਹਵਾਲਗੀ ਨੂੰ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਚੈੱਕ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਕੰਮ ਕੀਤਾ।
ਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ ਸਕਿਓਰਿਟੀ ਡਿਵੀਜ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਕਾਊਂਟਰ ਇੰਟੈਲੀਜੈਂਸ ਅਤੇ ਐਕਸਪੋਰਟ ਕੰਟਰੋਲ ਸੈਕਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਟ੍ਰਾਇਲ ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਸਟੋਫਰ ਕੁੱਕ ਅਤੇ ਰੌਬਰਟ ਮੈਕੁਲਰਜ਼, ਟ੍ਰਾਇਲ ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਏ.ਜੇ. ਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ ਸਕਿਓਰਿਟੀ ਡਿਵੀਜ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਅੱਤਵਾਦ ਰੋਕੂ ਸੈਕਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਡਿਕਸਨ ਅਤੇ ਨਿਊਯਾਰਕ ਦੇ ਦੱਖਣੀ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਲਈ ਸਹਾਇਕ ਯੂਐਸ ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਕੈਮਿਲ ਐਲ ਫਲੇਚਰ, ਐਸ਼ਲੇ ਸੀ. ਨਿਕੋਲਸ ਅਤੇ ਅਲੈਗਜ਼ੈਂਡਰ ਲੀ ਇਸ ਕੇਸ ਦੀ ਪੈਰਵੀ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ।
ਇਲਜ਼ਾਮ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਇਲਜ਼ਾਮ ਹੈ। ਸਾਰੇ ਬਚਾਓ ਪੱਖ ਉਦੋਂ ਤੱਕ ਨਿਰਦੋਸ਼ ਮੰਨੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ ਜਦੋਂ ਤੱਕ ਕਨੂੰਨ ਦੀ ਅਦਾਲਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਾਜਬ ਸ਼ੱਕ ਤੋਂ ਪਰੇ ਦੋਸ਼ੀ ਸਾਬਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ।
न्याय विभाग ने न्यूयॉर्क शहर में अमेरिकी नागरिक की हत्या की नाकाम साजिश के सिलसिले में आरोपी भारतीय नागरिक के प्रत्यर्पण की घोषणा कीRead the Press Release
एक भारतीय नागरिक को चेक गणराज्य से संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका प्रत्यर्पित किया गया, ताकि उस पर हत्या के लिए पैसे देने का आरोप लगाया जा सके।
निखिल गुप्ता उर्फ निक, 53 वर्षीय भारतीय नागरिक को 30 जून, 2023 को चेक गणराज्य में गिरफ्तार कर हिरासत में लिया गया और संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका और चेक गणराज्य के बीच द्विपक्षीय प्रत्यर्पण संधि के अनुसार प्रत्यर्पित किया गया। गुप्ता 14 जून को अमेरिका पहुंचे और आज उन पर आरोप लगाएगए।
अटॉर्नी जनरल मेरिक बी. गारलैंड ने कहा, "इस प्रत्यर्पण से यह स्पष्ट हो जाता है कि न्याय विभाग अमेरिकी नागरिकों को चुप कराने या उन्हें नुकसान पहुंचाने के प्रयासों को बर्दाश्त नहीं करेगा।" “निखिल गुप्ता को अब एक अमेरिकी अदालत में न्याय का सामना करना पड़ेगा, क्योंकि वह एक कथित साजिश में शामिल था, जिसका निर्देशन भारत सरकार के एक कर्मचारी द्वारा किया गया था, जिसमें भारत में सिख अलगाववादी आंदोलन का समर्थन करने वाले एक अमेरिकी नागरिक को निशाना बनाकर उसकी हत्या करने की साजिश रची गई थी। मैं विभाग के एजेंटों का आभारी हूं जिन्होंने इस हत्या की साजिश को नाकाम कर दिया और हमारे चेक साझेदारों का भी इस गिरफ्तारी और प्रत्यर्पण में उनकी सहायता के लिए आभारी हूं।”
डिप्टी अटॉर्नी जनरल लिसा मोनाको ने कहा, "यह हत्या की साजिश - जिसे कथित तौर पर न्यूयॉर्क शहर में एक अमेरिकी नागरिक की हत्या के लिए भारतीय एक सरकारी कर्मचारी द्वारा रचा गया था - एक राजनीतिक कार्यकर्ता को एक सर्वोत्कृष्ट अमेरिकी अधिकार: अभिव्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता का प्रयोग करने पर चुप कराने का एक बेशर्म प्रयास था।" "प्रतिवादी का प्रत्यर्पण न्याय की दिशा में एक महत्वपूर्ण कदम है, और मैं इस मामले में सहायता के लिए हमारे चेक भागीदारों का आभारी हूं। हम यहां या विदेश में अमेरिकी नागरिकों को नुकसान पहुंचाने की कोशिश करने वालों की पहचान करने, उन्हें रोकने और उन्हें जवाबदेह ठहराने के लिए लगातार काम करते रहेंगे।”
FBI के निदेशक क्रिस्टोफर रे ने कहा, "इस प्रतिवादी को अमेरिकी धरती पर एक अमेरिकी नागरिक की हत्या की साजिश में उसकी कथित भूमिका के लिए प्रत्यर्पित किया गया है।" “FBI संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका में संवैधानिक रूप से संरक्षित स्वतंत्रता को दबाने के लिए विदेशी नागरिकों या किसी अन्य व्यक्ति के प्रयासों को बर्दाश्त नहीं करेगी। हम अपने नागरिकों और इन पवित्र अधिकारों की रक्षा के लिए देश और विदेश में अपने साझेदारों के साथ मिलकर काम करना जारी रखेंगे।”
न्यूयॉर्क के दक्षिणी जिले के अमेरिकी अटॉर्नी डेमियन विलियम्स ने कहा, "जैसा कि आरोप लगाया गया है, प्रतिवादी ने भारत से एक भारतीय सरकारी कर्मचारी के साथ मिलकर न्यूयॉर्क शहर में भारतीय मूल के एक अमेरिकी नागरिक की हत्या की असफल साजिश रची।" "आज का प्रत्यर्पण उन लोगों की जांच करने, उन्हें विफल करने और उन पर मुकदमा चलाने के हमारे अडिग संकल्प को स्पष्ट करता है जो यहां और अन्य जगहों पर अमेरिकी नागरिकों को नुकसान पहुंचाने और चुप कराने की कोशिश करते हैं। हम इस प्रत्यर्पण में अपने चेक सरकार के समकक्षों के घनिष्ठ सहयोग के लिए उन्हें धन्यवाद देते हैं।”
“पिछले वर्ष, DEA ने एक भारतीय सरकारी कर्मचारी और अंतरराष्ट्रीय मादक पदार्थ तस्कर निखिल गुप्ता द्वारा रची गई हत्या की साजिश का पर्दाफाश किया था। गुप्ता पर आरोप है कि उन्होंने अमेरिकी धरती पर एक अमेरिकी नागरिक की हत्या की खतरनाक साजिश रची थी। DEA की पहली प्राथमिकता हमेशा अमेरिकी लोगों का स्वास्थ्य और सुरक्षा है,” DEA प्रशासक ऐनी मिलग्राम ने कहा। "यह प्रत्यर्पण DEA न्यूयॉर्क डिवीजन के ड्रग एन्फोर्समेंट टास्क फोर्स की कड़ी मेहनत और प्रतिबद्धता का परिणाम है, जिसमें DEA, न्यूयॉर्क राज्य पुलिस और न्यूयॉर्क सिटी पुलिस विभाग शामिल हैं। यह मामला DEA द्वारा दुनिया भर में हमारे कानून प्रवर्तन साझेदारों, जैसे चेक गणराज्य के राष्ट्रीय ड्रग मुख्यालय, और साथ ही यहां हमारे संघीय कानून प्रवर्तन साझेदारों के साथ बनाई गई साझेदारियों का भी प्रमाण है।”
अदालती दस्तावेजों के अनुसार, पिछले वर्ष एक भारतीय सरकारी कर्मचारी (CC-1) ने गुप्ता तथा भारत और अन्य स्थानों पर अन्य लोगों के साथ मिलकर, अमेरिकी धरती पर एक वकील और राजनीतिक कार्यकर्ता, जो भारतीय मूल का अमेरिकी नागरिक है, की हत्या की साजिश रची थी।
गुप्ता एक भारतीय नागरिक है जो भारत में रहता है, CC-1 का सहयोगी है, तथा उसने CC-1 और अन्य के साथ अपने संचार में अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मादक पदार्थों और हथियारों की तस्करी में अपनी संलिप्तता का उल्लेख किया है। CC-1 एक भारतीय सरकारी एजेंसी का कर्मचारी है, जिसने खुद को "सुरक्षा प्रबंधन" और "खुफिया" जिम्मेदारियों वाले एक "वरिष्ठ क्षेत्र अधिकारी" के रूप में वर्णित किया है और पहले भारत के केंद्रीय रिजर्व पुलिस बल में सेवा करने और "युद्ध शिल्प" और "हथियारों" में "अधिकारी प्रशिक्षण" प्राप्त करने का संदर्भ दिया है। CC-1 ने भारत से हत्या की साजिश का निर्देशन किया था।
मई 2023 में या उसके आसपास, CC-1 ने गुप्ता को अमेरिका में पीड़ित की हत्या की योजना बनाने के लिए भर्ती किया। पीड़ित भारत सरकार का मुखर आलोचक है और एक अमेरिकी-आधारित संगठन का नेतृत्व करता है जो पंजाब के अलगाव की वकालत करता है, जो उत्तर भारत का एक राज्य है जो भारत में एक जातीय-धार्मिक अल्पसंख्यक समूह सिखों की एक बड़ी आबादी का घर है। पीड़ित ने सार्वजनिक रूप से पंजाब के कुछ या पूरे हिस्से को भारत से अलग करने और खालिस्तान नामक एक सिख संप्रभु राज्य की स्थापना करने का आह्वान किया है, और भारत सरकार ने पीड़ित और उसके अलगाववादी संगठन पर भारत में प्रतिबंध लगा दिया है।
CC-1 के निर्देश पर, गुप्ता ने एक व्यक्ति से संपर्क किया, जिसके बारे में गुप्ता का मानना था कि वह एक आपराधिक सहयोगी है, लेकिन वास्तव में वह एक गोपनीय स्रोत था, जो न्यूयॉर्क शहर में पीड़ित की हत्या करने के लिए एक हत्यारे को अनुबंधित करने में सहायता के लिए DEA (CS) के साथ काम कर रहा था। CS ने गुप्ता को एक कथित हिटमैन से मिलवाया, जो वास्तव में डीईए का एक अंडरकवर अधिकारी (UC) था। इसके बाद CC-1 ने गुप्ता द्वारा मध्यस्थता करते हुए, पीड़ित की हत्या के लिए UC को 100,000 डॉलर का भुगतान करने पर सहमत हुआ। 9 जून, 2023 को या उसके आसपास, CC-1 और गुप्ता ने एक सहयोगी के माध्यम से हत्या के लिए अग्रिम भुगतान के रूप में UC को 15,000 डॉलर नकद पहुंचाने की व्यवस्था की। इसके बाद CC-1 के सहयोगी ने मैनहट्टन स्थित UC को 15,000 डॉलर की राशि पहुंचा दी।
जून 2023 में या उसके आसपास, हत्या की साजिश को आगे बढ़ाने के लिए, CC-1 ने गुप्ता को पीड़ित के बारे में व्यक्तिगत जानकारी प्रदान की, जिसमें पीड़ित का घर का पता, पीड़ित से जुड़े फोन नंबर और पीड़ित के दिन-प्रतिदिन के आचरण के बारे में विवरण शामिल थे, जिसे गुप्ता ने फिर UC को दे दिया। CC-1 ने गुप्ता को हत्या की साजिश की प्रगति पर नियमित अपडेट देने का निर्देश दिया, जिसे गुप्ता ने अन्य चीजों के अलावा, पीड़ित की निगरानी तस्वीरें CC-1 को भेजकर पूरा किया। गुप्ता ने UC को यथाशीघ्र हत्या को अंजाम देने का निर्देश दिया, लेकिन गुप्ता ने UC को यह भी स्पष्ट निर्देश दिया कि वह उच्च-स्तरीय अमेरिकी और भारतीय सरकारी अधिकारियों के बीच आगामी सप्ताहों में होने वाली संभावित बैठकों के समय के आसपास हत्या न की जाए।
18 जून 2023 को या उसके आसपास, नकाबपोश बंदूकधारियों ने कनाडा के ब्रिटिश कोलंबिया में एक सिख मंदिर के बाहर हरदीप सिंह निज्जर की हत्या कर दी। निज्जर पीड़िता का सहयोगी था और पीड़िता की तरह ही सिख अलगाववादी आंदोलन का नेता तथा भारत सरकार का मुखर आलोचक था। निज्जर की हत्या के अगले दिन यानी 19 जून 2023 को गुप्ता ने UC को बताया कि निज्जर भी “लक्ष्य था” और “हमारे पास बहुत सारे लक्ष्य हैं।” गुप्ता ने कहा कि निज्जर की हत्या के मद्देनजर, अब पीड़ित को मारने में “इंतजार करने की कोई जरूरत नहीं है।” 20 जून 2023 को या उसके आसपास, CC-1 ने गुप्ता को पीड़िता के बारे में एक समाचार लेख भेजा और गुप्ता को संदेश दिया, “यह अब [एक] प्राथमिकता है।”
गुप्ता पर भाड़ेपरहत्या करने और भाड़ेपरहत्या की साजिश रचने का आरोप है। यदि वह दोषी पाया जाता है तो उसे प्रत्येक आरोप के लिए अधिकतम 10 वर्ष की जेल की सजा हो सकती है। संघीय जिला न्यायालय का न्यायाधीश अमेरिकी सजा संबंधी दिशानिर्देशों और अन्य वैधानिक कारकों पर विचार करने के बाद ही कोई सजा निर्धारित करेगा।
FBI और DEA मामले की जांच कर रहे हैं।
न्याय विभाग के अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मामलों के कार्यालय ने गुप्ता की गिरफ्तारी और प्रत्यर्पण सुनिश्चित करने के लिए चेक अधिकारियों के साथ काम किया।
राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा प्रभाग के प्रति-खुफिया और निर्यात नियंत्रण अनुभाग के ट्रायल अटॉर्नी क्रिस्टोफर कुक और रॉबर्ट मैककुलर्स, राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा प्रभाग के आतंकवाद निरोधक अनुभाग के ट्रायल अटॉर्नी ए.जे. डिक्सन और न्यूयॉर्क के दक्षिणी जिले के सहायक अमेरिकी अटॉर्नी केमिली एल. फ्लेचर, एशले सी. निकोलस और अलेक्जेंडर ली इस मामले की पैरवी कर रहे हैं।
अभियोग केवल एक आरोप है। सभी प्रतिवादियों को तब तक निर्दोष माना जाता है जब तक कि उन्हें न्यायालय में उचित संदेह से परे दोषी साबित नहीं कर दिया जाता है।
Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Vaccine Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A New York woman pleaded guilty today to fraudulently destroying over 2,600 COVID-19 vaccines and issuing a corresponding number of fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination record cards.
According to court documents, Kathleen Breault, 66, of Cambridge, a midwife at Sage-Femme Midwifery PLLC (Safe-Femme), an authorized COVID-19 vaccine administration site in Albany, New York, conspired to obstruct the government’s distribution of COVID-19 vaccines by providing COVID-19 vaccination record cards to individuals who were not vaccinated, including to minors who were at the time ineligible to be vaccinated and to Canadian citizens who were not present in the United States when they were purportedly vaccinated. In addition to destroying COVID-19 vaccines and issuing fraudulent vaccination record cards, Breault and her co-conspirators made over 2,600 false entries into a New York State database that tracked COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Breault agreed to pay more than $37,000 in restitution for the destroyed vaccines.
Breault pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and its departments and agencies. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 18 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York; Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Assistant Director in Charge James H. Smith III of the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Department of Health.
Trial Attorneys Patrick J. Campbell and Hyungjoo Han of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Washington Man Sentenced for Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced an Olympia, Washington, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on June 10, 2024.
Lawrence Swan, age 63, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Swan was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in January of 2022. He pleaded guilty on March 10, 2024.
This conviction stems from a conspiracy to purchase marijuana in Washington and transport it across the country to be sold in several other states, including South Dakota, that occurred between January 1, 2020, and December 13, 2021. During this time frame Swan made five different trips across the country distributing marijuana. On December 13, 2021, Swan was stopped outside of McLaughlin, South Dakota, and found to have over 80 pounds of marijuana, methamphetamine, and a large amount of cash in his possession. Swan admitted to distributing over 280 pounds of marijuana during the course of the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Corson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Swan was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
United States Files Complaint Against Adobe and Two Adobe Executives for Alleged Violations of Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence ActRead the Press Release
The Justice Department, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), today announced a civil enforcement action against Adobe Inc. and two Adobe executives, Maninder Sawhney and David Wadhwani, for alleged violations of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA). The lawsuit alleges that the defendants imposed a hidden “Early Termination Fee” on millions of online subscribers and that Adobe forced subscribers to navigate a complex and challenging cancellation process designed to deter them from cancelling subscriptions they no longer wanted.
Adobe Inc. is a software company that offers online subscriptions to design and productivity software applications via its website, Adobe.com. David Wadhwani is Adobe’s President of Digital Media Business, and Maninder Sawhney is Adobe’s Vice President of Digital Go to Market & Sales.
According to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the defendants have systematically violated ROSCA by using fine print and inconspicuous hyperlinks to hide important information about Adobe’s subscription plans, including about a hefty Early Termination Fee that customers may be charged when they cancel their subscriptions. The complaint alleges that for years, Adobe has profited from this hidden fee, misleading consumers about the true costs of a subscription and ambushing them with the fee when they try to cancel, wielding the fee as a powerful retention tool.
The complaint alleges that Adobe has further violated ROSCA by failing to provide consumers with a simple mechanism to cancel their recurring, online subscriptions. Instead, Adobe allegedly protects its subscription revenues by thwarting subscribers’ attempts to cancel, subjecting them to a convoluted and inefficient cancellation process filled with unnecessary steps, delays, unsolicited offers and warnings.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified amounts of consumer redress and monetary civil penalties from the defendants, as well as a permanent injunction to prohibit them from engaging in future violations.
“The Justice Department is committed to stopping companies and their executives from preying on consumers who sign up for online subscriptions by hiding key terms and making cancellation an obstacle course,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to enforce ROSCA against those who engage in such misconduct. No company, whether it is a small business or a member of the Fortune 500 like Adobe, is above the law.”
“Companies that sell goods and services on the internet have a responsibility to clearly and prominently disclose material information to consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “It is essential that companies meet that responsibility to ensure a healthy and fair marketplace for all participants. Those that fail to do so, and instead take advantage of consumers’ confusion and vulnerability for their own profit, will be held accountable.”
“Adobe trapped customers into year-long subscriptions through hidden early termination fees and numerous cancellation hurdles,” said Director Samuel Levine of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Americans are tired of companies hiding the ball during subscription signup and then putting up roadblocks when they try to cancel. The FTC will continue working to protect Americans from these illegal business practices.”
Trial Attorneys Francisco L. Unger, Amber M. Charles, Zachary L. Cowan and Wesline N. Manuelpillai of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant Director Zachary A. Dietert are handling the case, with assistance by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. DeVito for the Northern District of California, in coordination with staff at the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the FTC, visit www.FTC.gov.
A complaint is merely a set of allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government would need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence.
ComplaintUnited States Files Complaint Against Adobe and Two Adobe Executives for Alleged Violations of Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence ActRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – The Justice Department, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), today announced a civil enforcement action against Adobe Inc. and two Adobe executives, Maninder Sawhney and David Wadhwani, for alleged violations of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA). The lawsuit alleges that the defendants imposed a hidden “Early Termination Fee” on millions of online subscribers and that Adobe forced subscribers to navigate a complex and challenging cancellation process designed to deter them from cancelling subscriptions they no longer wanted.
Adobe Inc. is a software company that offers online subscriptions to design and productivity software applications via its website, Adobe.com. David Wadhwani is Adobe’s President of Digital Media Business, and Maninder Sawhney is Adobe’s Vice President of Digital Go to Market & Sales.
According to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the defendants have systematically violated ROSCA by using fine print and inconspicuous hyperlinks to hide important information about Adobe’s subscription plans, including about a hefty Early Termination Fee that customers may be charged when they cancel their subscriptions. The complaint alleges that for years, Adobe has profited from this hidden fee, misleading consumers about the true costs of a subscription and ambushing them with the fee when they try to cancel, wielding the fee as a powerful retention tool.
The complaint alleges that Adobe has further violated ROSCA by failing to provide consumers with a simple mechanism to cancel their recurring, online subscriptions. Instead, Adobe allegedly protects its subscription revenues by thwarting subscribers’ attempts to cancel, subjecting them to a convoluted and inefficient cancellation process filled with unnecessary steps, delays, unsolicited offers and warnings.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified amounts of consumer redress and monetary civil penalties from the defendants, as well as a permanent injunction to prohibit them from engaging in future violations.
“Companies that sell goods and services on the internet have a responsibility to clearly and prominently disclose material information to consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “It is essential that companies meet that responsibility to ensure a healthy and fair marketplace for all participants. Those that fail to do so, and instead take advantage of consumers’ confusion and vulnerability for their own profit, will be held accountable.”
“The Justice Department is committed to stopping companies and their executives from preying on consumers who sign up for online subscriptions by hiding key terms and making cancellation an obstacle course,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to enforce ROSCA against those who engage in such misconduct. No company, whether it is a small business or a member of the Fortune 500 like Adobe, is above the law.”
“Adobe trapped customers into year-long subscriptions through hidden early termination fees and numerous cancellation hurdles,” said Director Samuel Levine of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Americans are tired of companies hiding the ball during subscription signup and then putting up roadblocks when they try to cancel. The FTC will continue working to protect Americans from these illegal business practices.”
Trial Attorneys Francisco L. Unger, Amber M. Charles, Zachary L. Cowan and Wesline N. Manuelpillai of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant Director Zachary A. Dietert are handling the case, with assistance by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. DeVito for the Northern District of California, in coordination with staff at the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the FTC, visit www.FTC.gov.
A complaint is merely a set of allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government would need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence.
The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded.U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, KY – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky, joined national, state, local, and Tribal leaders on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increases understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk.
Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be physical, sexual, psychological, or financial. One in ten people over the age of 60 has experienced some form of elder abuse, with cases still widely underreported. An estimated $28.3 billion is lost to elder fraud scams each year. Nationally, the Department of Justice brought nearly 300 criminal and civil actions against more than 650 defendants in the last year, who collectively stole more than $1.5 billion from over 2.4 million victims. In Kentucky, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 908 complaints in 2023 involving individuals over 60, reporting a loss of $12,769,949. This age group lost more to financial scams than all other age groups combined.
Information and vigilance remain key elements to preventing elder abuse and fraud against seniors. Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett emphasized the importance of public awareness. “Our office is committed to prosecuting these cases across our District, but we need your help to prevent abuse and financial exploitation before it occurs. Listen to older adults and their caregivers to understand their challenges and provide support. Check-in on vulnerable adults who may have few friends and family members. Look for unexplained injuries and increased isolation. Share tips with seniors to help them recognize fraud, avoid phishing scams, and stay safe online. Watch for unusual financial transactions, such as unexplained withdrawals, purchases of gold bars or cryptocurrency, or uncharacteristic efforts to wire large amounts of money. Most importantly, report concerns or suspected abuse to local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, or law enforcement. By shining a light on elder abuse, we can work together towards a community where all members, regardless of age, are valued and protected.”
The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat financial exploitation. The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams.
Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud.
To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, in Social Security Administration Impostor schemes, scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely reporting suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation. In Tech Support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In Lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes.
To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Kentucky, call the Kentucky Child/Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-877-597-2331, or report online using the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Kentucky Child/Adult Protective Services Reporting System (for non-emergency reports).
To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311, and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Extradition of Indian National Charged in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate U.S. Citizen in New York CityRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Merrick B. Garland, the Attorney General of the United States; Lisa Monaco, the Deputy Attorney General of the United States; Anne Milgram, the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”); and Christopher A. Wray, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the extradition of NIKHIL GUPTA, a/k/a “Nick,” from the Czech Republic on the murder-for-hire charges contained in a Superseding Indictment. GUPTA was arrested and detained in the Czech Republic on June 30, 2023, and extradited pursuant to the bilateral extradition treaty between the U.S. and the Czech Republic. GUPTA arrived in the Southern District of New York on June 14, 2024, and was arraigned on the charges in the Superseding Indictment before U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott today. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendant conspired from India with an Indian government employee in an unsuccessful assassination plot to assassinate, right here in New York City, a U.S. citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs, an ethnoreligious minority group in India. Today’s extradition makes clear our unwavering resolve to investigate, thwart, and prosecute those who seek to harm and silence U.S. citizens here and elsewhere. We thank our Czech government counterparts for their close cooperation in this extradition.”
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland: “This extradition makes clear that the Justice Department will not tolerate attempts to silence or harm American citizens. Nikhil Gupta will now face justice in an American courtroom for his involvement in an alleged plot, directed by an employee of the Indian government, to target and assassinate a U.S. citizen for his support of the Sikh separatist movement in India. I am grateful to the Department’s agents who foiled this assassination plot and to our Czech partners for their assistance in this arrest and extradition.”
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said: “This murder-for-hire plot — allegedly orchestrated by an Indian government employee to kill a U.S. citizen in New York City — was a brazen attempt to silence a political activist for exercising a quintessential American right: his freedom of speech. The extradition of the defendant is a vital step toward justice, and I am grateful to our Czech partners for their assistance in this matter. We will continue working relentlessly to identify, disrupt, and hold accountable those who seek to harm American citizens here or abroad.”
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said: “Last year, the DEA uncovered an alleged assassination plot orchestrated by an Indian government employee and Nikhil Gupta, an international narcotics trafficker. Gupta is alleged to have orchestrated a dangerous plot to murder a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil. DEA’s number one priority is always the health and safety of the American people. This extradition is the result of the hard work and commitment of the DEA New York Division’s Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of DEA, the New York State Police, and the New York City Police Department. This case is also a testament to the partnerships DEA has built with our law enforcement partners around the globe, like the Czech Republic’s National Drug Headquarters, as well as our federal law enforcement partners here at home.”
FBI Director Christopher A. Wray said: “This defendant has been extradited for his alleged role in a plot to assassinate a U.S. citizen on American soil. The FBI will not tolerate attempts by foreign nationals, or anyone else for that matter, to repress constitutionally-protected freedoms in the U.S. We will continue to work with our partners at home and abroad to protect our citizens and these sacred rights.”
As alleged in the Superseding Indictment and other public court documents:[1]
Last year, an Indian government employee (“CC-1”), working together with others in India and elsewhere, including GUPTA, directed a plot to assassinate, on U.S. soil, an attorney and political activist, who is a U.S. citizen of Indian origin (the “Victim”).
GUPTA is an Indian national who resides in India, is an associate of CC-1, and has described his involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking in his communications with CC-1 and others. CC-1 is an Indian government agency employee who has variously described himself as a “Senior Field Officer” with responsibilities in “Security Management” and “Intelligence” and has referenced previously serving in India’s Central Reserve Police Force and receiving “officer [] training” in “battle craft” and “weapons.” CC-1 directed the assassination plot from India.
In or about May 2023, CC-1 recruited GUPTA to orchestrate the assassination of the Victim in the U.S. The Victim is a vocal critic of the Indian government and leads a U.S.-based organization that advocates for the secession of Punjab, a state in northern India that is home to a large population of Sikhs, an ethnoreligious minority group in India. The Victim has publicly called for some or all of Punjab to secede from India and establish a Sikh sovereign state called Khalistan, and the Indian government has banned the Victim and his separatist organization from India.
At CC-1’s direction, GUPTA contacted an individual whom GUPTA believed to be a criminal associate but was in fact a confidential source working with the DEA (the “CS”) for assistance in contracting a hitman to murder the Victim in New York City. The CS introduced GUPTA to a purported hitman, who was in fact a DEA undercover officer (the “UC”). CC-1 subsequently agreed, in dealings brokered by GUPTA, to pay the UC $100,000 to murder the Victim. On or about June 9, 2023, CC-1 and GUPTA arranged for an associate to deliver $15,000 in cash to the UC as an advance payment for the murder. CC-1’s associate then delivered the $15,000 to the UC in Manhattan.
In or about June 2023, in furtherance of the assassination plot, CC-1 provided GUPTA with personal information about the Victim, including the Victim’s home address, phone numbers associated with the Victim, and details about the Victim’s day-to-day conduct, which GUPTA then passed to the UC. CC-1 directed GUPTA to provide regular updates on the progress of the assassination plot, which GUPTA accomplished by forwarding to CC-1, among other things, surveillance photographs of the Victim. GUPTA directed the UC to carry out the murder as soon as possible, but GUPTA also specifically instructed the UC not to commit the murder around the time of anticipated engagements scheduled to occur in the ensuing weeks between high-level U.S. and Indian government officials.
On or about June 18, 2023, masked gunmen murdered Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia, Canada. Nijjar was an associate of the Victim, and like the Victim, was a leader of the Sikh separatist movement and an outspoken critic of the Indian government. On or about June 19, 2023, the day after the Nijjar murder, GUPTA told the UC that Nijjar “was also the target” and “we have so many targets.” GUPTA added that, in light of Nijjar’s murder, there was “now no need to wait” on killing the Victim. On or about June 20, 2023, CC-1 sent GUPTA a news article about the Victim and messaged GUPTA, “[i]t’s [a] priority now.”
* * *
GUPTA, 52, an Indian national, has been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Counterintelligence Division of the FBI’s New York Field Office. Mr. Williams also thanked the DEA’s Special Operations Division, the DEA’s Vienna Country Office, the FBI’s Prague Country Office, the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, and the Czech Republic’s National Drug Headquarters for their assistance. The DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force comprises agents and task force officers of the DEA, New York City Police Department, and the New York State Police.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Czech authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Gupta.
This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit, Violent and Organized Crime Unit, and Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camille L. Fletcher, Ashley C. Nicolas, and Alexander Li are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Christopher Cook and Robert McCullers of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, as well as Trial Attorney A.J. Dixon of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment and the description of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Two Washington County Residents Indicted after Allegedly Operating an Unlicensed Money Transmitting BusinessRead the Press Release
St. George, Utah – A defendant in a financial crimes case appeared in federal court today following the return of an indictment by a federal grand jury in St. George after he and another defendant allegedly ran an unlicensed money transmitting business where bulk cash was converted into crypto currency.
Last week, Brian Garry Sewell, 52 of Washington County, Utah and Puerto Rico, was arrested in Salt Lake City. Keen Lee Ellsworth, 57, of Toquerville, Utah, is scheduled to appear in court for his initial appearance on the indictment June 24, 2024.
According to court documents, Sewell and Ellsworth participated in a scheme from March 2020 to September 2020 where they managed an unlicensed money transmitting business without registering it as required by law. Ellsworth used his entity, Ellsworth & Associates, to send more than $2.5 million to Sewell in dozens of transactions. Sewell then used his entity, Rockwell Capital Management, to convert the funds into cryptocurrency. Neither Ellsworth & Associates nor Rockwell Capital Management obtained a license to operate a money transmitting business.
In addition, from June 2020 to May 2021, Sewell used Rockwell Capital Management to transfer over $2.6 million on behalf of a separate entity. Sewell received the funds via wire transfer and then converted the funds into cryptocurrency.
In a separate case, Sewell also appeared in court today after he was indicted last week by a federal grand jury charging him with multiple federal crimes, including wire fraud, false statement in connection with loans, and money laundering (case # 4:24-cr-00055).
According to court documents, from December 2017 to April 2024, Sewell engaged in a scheme to obtain money from investors by lying about his experience, education, and ability to generate large returns. As a result, Sewell’s fraudulent behavior led to him obtaining at least $2.5 million. For example, Sewell falsely claimed to investors that he ran previous cryptocurrency funds that generated significant returns; that he received a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree from Stanford University; that he generated high returns with little risk of loss; and concealed from investors that he used Rockwell Capital Management as an unlicensed money transmitting business.
As alleged in the indictment, in July 2020, Sewell fraudulently submitted a mortgage application to a mortgage lending company in connection with a federally insured home mortgage. He did so, for example, by submitting a fabricated W-2 that stated his 2019 wages were $180,000; submitting a fabricated earnings statement from Rockwell Capital Management that stated his 2020 wages were $15,000 per month; and stated he had 22 years of schooling, when in fact he had obtained a GED and did not complete college.
Sewell is also accused of making false statement to Chartway Federal Credit Union to influence their approval on a loan application. For example, Sewell submitted a fabricated W-2 stating his 2019 and 2020 wages were $350,000 each year, and he stated in this application that his 2021 wages from Rockwell Capital Management were $175,000 through June 2021.
Sewell and Ellsworth are both charged with conspiracy to conduct an unlicensed money transmitting business. Sewell is also charged with unlicensed money transmitting business, and theft of government property. Additionally, in case 4:24-cr-00055, Sewell is charged with wire fraud, false statements designed to influence the Federal Housing Administration or a mortgage lending business, false statements designed to influence a federally insured credit union, and money laundering – spending.
United States Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement.
Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen P. Dent and Jennifer Muyskens of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
The case is being investigated jointly the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about OCDETF, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Computer Intrusion and Aggravated Identity Theft for Hacking into Federal Law Enforcement Web PortalRead the Press Release
Today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Sagar Steven Singh pled guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Marcia M. Henry to conspiring to commit computer intrusion and aggravated identify theft. On May 30, 2024, Nicholas Ceraolo pled guilty before Judge Henry to the same offenses. Singh and Ceraolo were charged in March 2023.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York, announced the charges.
“The defendants called themselves ‘ViLe,’ and their actions were exactly that,” stated U.S. Attorney Peace. “They hacked into a law enforcement database and had access to sensitive personal information, then threatened to harm a victim’s family and publicly release that information unless the defendants were ultimately paid money. Our Office is relentless in protecting victims from having their sensitive information stolen and used to extort them by cybercriminals.”
Mr. Peace thanked HSI's El Dorado Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York Police Department for their assistance on the case.
“The defendants, along with their co-conspirators, exploited vulnerabilities within government databases for their own personal gain. These guilty pleas send a strong message to those that would seek illicit access to protected computer systems," said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo. "HSI New York's El Dorado Task Force will continue to work with law enforcement partners to uncover evidence until every member of the ViLe group and similar criminal organizations are brought to justice.”
ViLE Overview
Singh and Ceraolo belonged to a group called “ViLE,” the logo of which includes the body of a hanging girl, as depicted below in the group’s official roster:
Members of ViLE sought to collect victims’ personal information, including social security numbers. ViLE then posted that information (or threatened to post it) on a public website administered by a ViLE member – an action known as “doxxing.” Victims could pay to have their information removed from or kept off the website.
Conduct
Singh and Ceraolo unlawfully used a law enforcement officer’s stolen password to access a nonpublic, password-protected online portal (the “Portal”) maintained by a U.S. federal law enforcement agency. The purpose of the Portal was to share intelligence from government databases with state and local law enforcement agencies, and the Portal provided access to detailed, nonpublic records of narcotics and currency seizures, as well as law enforcement intelligence reports.
Singh wrote to a victim (Victim-1) that he would “harm” Victim-1’s family unless Victim-1 gave Singh the credentials for Victim-1’s Instagram accounts. In order to drive home the threat, Singh appended Victim-1’s social security number, driver’s license number, home address and other personal details. Singh told Victim-1 that he had “access to [] databases, which are federal, through [the] portal, i can request information on anyone in the US doesn’t matter who, nobody is safe.” He added: “you’re gonna comply to me if you don’t want anything negative to happen to your parents.” Singh ultimately directed Victim-1 to sell Victim-1’s accounts and give the proceeds to Singh.
After Singh and Ceraolo accessed the Portal, they both acknowledged knowing that their conduct was criminal. Ceraolo wrote to Singh: “were [sic] all gonna get raided one of these days i swear.” Later that day, Singh wrote to a contact that the “portal [] i accessed i was not supposed to be there not one bit.” Singh said he had “jacked into a police officer’s account” and “that portal had some f***ing potent tools.” Singh continued: “it gave me access to gov databases,” followed by the names of five search tools accessible through the Portal.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Mindlin, Ellen H. Sise and Adam Amir are in charge of the prosecution.
When sentenced, the defendants each face a minimum sentence of two years in prison, and a maximum of seven years.
The Defendants:
Nicholas Ceraolo (also known as “Convict,” “Anon” and “Ominous”)
Age: 26
Queens, New YorkSagar Steven Singh (also known as “Weep”)
Age: 20
Pawtucket, Rhode IslandE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-cr-236
Three Hells Angels Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy and Related CrimesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Jonathan Nelson, a/k/a Jon Jon; Brian Wayne Wendt; and Russell Taylor Ott, a/k/a Rusty, were all sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in prison. The sentences were handed down by the Honorable Edward M. Chen, United States District Judge after a jury concluded in June of 2022 that the defendants were guilty of murder in aid of racketeering as part of their participation in a criminal enterprise involving their membership in and association with the Sonoma County charter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HASC).
“The record in this case describes a brutal brotherhood whose deeds should shock the conscience of us all,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey. “While the life sentences cannot reverse the harm done to the defendants’ victims, it should bring some comfort to our communities to know these three defendants will never again have the ability to continue their destructive activities on our streets.”
“These three Hells Angels members were the most violent of the dozens convicted in this investigation. They used violence and fear to intimidate our community, but their brutality and disregard for human life have now earned them life in prison,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp. “Today’s announcement is the direct result of years of persistence, dedication, and collaboration with our partners at the California Highway Patrol and Santa Rosa Police Department. Today, these individuals have faced the consequences of their actions, and today, we are a step closer in fulfilling our mission of eradicating organized criminal activity and keeping our neighborhoods safe.”
Nelson, 46, of Santa Rosa; Wendt, 45, of Tulare; and Ott, 70, of Santa Rosa were all members or associates of HASC. As set out in the indictment, the Hells Angels is a transnational violent outlaw motorcycle gang and the HASC is a subset of the gang whose members primarily operate in Sonoma County, Calif. On October 10, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted eleven members and associates of the HASC, charging the defendants with being part of a conspiracy whose members furthered the aims of the enterprise by engaging in a broad swath of criminal activity. The indictment described murder, narcotics distribution, assaults, robberies, extortion, illegal firearms possession, and obstruction of justice as being some of the activities in which the enterprise engaged to further its aims. The indictment also described how HASC members worked cooperatively with other Hells Angels chapters to engage in criminal activity. On September 11, 2018, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment adding a charge of murder related to the killing of HASC member Joel Silva.
The charges against Nelson, Wendt, and Ott were the subject of a nine-week trial that culminated in guilty verdicts against all three defendants. In finding all three defendants guilty, the jury concluded that each conspired to further the aims of the criminal conspiracy and that each played a role in carrying out the July 15, 2014 murder of HASC member Joel Silva. At trial, the government submitted evidence describing the role of each defendant in the murder. All three defendants concluded for various reasons that Silva should be killed. Nelson, who was then the president of HASC, arranged for Ott to take Silva to Fresno, and Silva agreed to travel there with Ott. After the two arrived at the Hell’s Angels Fresno clubhouse, Wendt, then president of the Fresno Hells Angels charter, shot Silva in the back of the head. On the morning of July 16, 2014, Silva’s body was delivered to a local crematory and was incinerated. In addition to the Silva murder, the evidence at trial included proof that HASC engaged in assaults, witness intimidation, extortion, drug trafficking, and robbery. For example, witnesses testified that HASC created a reputation for threatening anyone who goes to the police about HASC activity. In addition, testimony demonstrated that Nelson, Wendt, and other HASC members and associates threatened the lives of witnesses and their families to make clear that harm will come to anyone who cooperates with law enforcement.
In sum, the jury convicted all three defendants of participating in a racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d); murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1); and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5). In addition, Nelson also was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3), and use or possession of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A).
Five other defendants pleaded guilty to charges of RICO conspiracy and have been sentenced to terms in prison of up to 84 months. Two defendants were convicted after trial of participating in a racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d); conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5), assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3), and witness intimidation 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b).
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ajay K. Krishnamurthy and Kevin Barry are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kevin Costello. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the Santa Rosa Police Department, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol.
Texas Man Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Federal Prison for Threatening Violence Against Los Angeles-Area CongresswomanRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Texas man was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison for making a series of threatening telephone calls to the district office of U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, an elected official representing California’s 43rd Congressional District, which comprises of parts of Los Angeles, including South Los Angeles, as well as parts of the South Bay.
Brian Michael Gaherty, 61, of Houston, was sentenced by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner, who also fined Gaherty $10,000. Judge Klausner found that Gaherty targeted Waters because of her race and applied a hate-crime enhancement to Gaherty’s sentence.
Gaherty pleaded guilty on January 29 to one count of threatening a United States official.
“Threats to harm or kill elected officials are anathema to our nation’s values and must not – and will not – be tolerated,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “My office and the entire Department of Justice will continue to combat threats against public officials and other attempts to chill democracy.”
Gaherty admitted in his plea agreement to threatening to assault and murder Waters on four separate occasions in August and November of 2022. Gaherty made these threats with the intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with Waters while she was engaged in the performance of her official duties.
Specifically, Gaherty left four voicemails at Waters’ district office in Los Angeles County, each of which contained a violent threat, profanity, and racist and misogynistic language. In August 2022, Gaherty threatened to “put a cap” between the congresswoman’s eyes,” “cut [her] throat,” “stomp” her. He further warned that she “better move” because he and his “boys in the area” had a “contract” on her life.
Authorities contacted Gaherty and warned him to disengage in October 2022, but a few weeks later, he persisted with his violent threats. In November 2022, Gaherty left Waters two additional voicemails, informing Waters that she “done [expletive] up” by reporting his threats to law enforcement, and stated, “This ain’t no threat. It’s a …promise.” He also threatened to meet Waters “on the street” and “get in [her] face,” and again told her that he and his “crowd” had a contract to “take [her]… out.” Finally, he warned, “You better watch your back.”
The United States Capitol Police investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Laura A. Alexander of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section prosecuted this case.
Texas Man Sentenced to 18 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Late Friday, Joshua Gregg, 48 years old, of Roanoke, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Gregg was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $175,643.92 in restitution to the victim of the offense.
According to documents in the case, from 2011 through 2020, Gregg committed a years-long fraud scheme against his former employer by claiming and receiving reimbursement for hundreds of thousands of dollars to which he was not entitled. Gregg traveled extensively as part of his job, and fraudulently submitted reimbursement requests exceeding the amount of the travel-related expenses for funds to which he was not entitled.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever.
Texas Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nolan Eugene McCray, age 39, of Bay City, Texas, was sentenced today to 87 months for aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, McCray was selling methamphetamine in Wetzel County. A search of the place in which McCray was staying yielded methamphetamine and nearly $15,000 cash.
McCray will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wetzel County Sheriff’s office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Texarkana Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA – A Texarkana, Arkansas, man was sentenced today to 121 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the United States District Court in Texarkana.
According to court records, on November 9, 2021, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Texarkana Arkansas Police Department, Bi-State Narcotics Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations served a federal search warrant at the residence of A’jene Rashodd Cornelius, age 29. Cornelius and two family members, including a small child, were present when the search warrant was executed. Inside the residence, investigators found and seized over 1.3 pounds of pure methamphetamine, multiple loaded firearms, and over $13,000 in drug trafficking proceeds. Cornelius pleaded guilty in August 2023.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the United States.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Anthony Beverly, age 34, most recently of Syracuse, pled guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Joseph L. Cecile, Chief of the Syracuse Police Department (SPD), made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Beverly admitted that on October 26, 2023, he knowingly possessed in his Onondaga County apartment three pistols, extended ammunition magazines, and approximately 615 rounds of ammunition of various calibers. Beverly further admitted that when he possessed the firearms and ammunition, he knew that he had previously been convicted of a felony. Specifically, in 2015 he was sentenced in Onondaga County Court to 2 to 6 years’ imprisonment as a result of his conviction of possession of a forged instrument in the first degree. Beverly further admitted that in his apartment, he possessed various controlled substances which he intended to distribute to others, including cocaine base, powder cocaine, N,N-Dimethylpentylone (sold as “molly”), fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
At sentencing, Beverly faces a total of up to 35 years in federal prison, a total maximum fine of $1,250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
FBI and the Syracuse Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case.
This case was charged as 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.
St. Pete Resident Sentenced for Heroin and Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington today sentenced Tequan Ramsey (29, St. Petersburg) to 5 years and 3 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The court also ordered Ramsey to forfeit $4,705, an amount traceable to proceeds of the offense. Ramsey entered a guilty plea on January 25, 2024.
According to court documents, law enforcement received information that individuals were distributing narcotics in Clearwater, Florida. During an investigation conducted by federal and local law enforcement officers, Ramsey and his co-defendant, Ciera Anderson, distributed heroin on December 8, 2022. On January 13, 2023, Ramsey and Anderson distributed heroin and methamphetamine. On March 3, 2023, Ramsey and Anderson were found in a vehicle with heroin and methamphetamine and arrested.
Anderson previously pleaded guilty for her role in this case. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 2, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Clearwater Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman. Assistant United States Attorney James Muench handled the forfeiture proceedings.
St. Michael, ND, Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Discharges of Firearms in a Crime of Violence, and Brandishing of a Firearm in a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
FARGO – United States Attorney Mac Schneider, District of North Dakota, announced that on June 17, 2024, Nathaniel Patrick Azure, age 21 of St. Michael, ND, appeared before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte, U.S. District Court, Fargo, ND, and was sentenced to a total of 32 years in federal prison for his role in a non-fatal shooting in Fort Totten, ND, on January 6, 2021; an assault while brandishing a firearm in St. Michael, ND, on May 21, 2022; and a second non-fatal shooting in St. Michael, ND, on May 22, 2022.
Azure was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for three counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, running concurrently; 10 years for each of the two counts of Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, running consecutively to each other and the other counts; and 7 years for one count of Brandishing of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, running consecutively to the other accounts. Azure will be on five years of supervised release following his term of federal imprisonment and must pay $600.00 in special assessments, as well as $104.795.28 in restitution.
Azure is the last of four federal defendants to be sentenced in relation to these crimes. Michael Al-Jerome Denne, the 25-year-old brother of Azure, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the January 6, 2021, shooting and has been sentenced. Dantae Jerome Whitetail, age 21 of Minnewaukan, ND, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the May 21, 2022, assault while brandishing a firearm, and has been sentenced. Skyla Kay Cavanaugh, age 23 of St. Michael, ND, previously pleaded guilty to her role in the May 22, 2022, shooting and has been sentenced.
“This is a firm and fair sentence that will benefit public safety on Spirit Lake,” Schneider said. “Defendants who use firearms to commit violence in tribal communities can count on becoming federal defendants in the District of North Dakota. Our office is committed to working with our tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prosecute and deter violent crime in Indian country.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Benson County Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob T. Rodenbiker and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl, District of North Dakota.
Previous press releases for this case can be seen HERE and HERE:
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Southern District of Iowa United States Attorney’s Office Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – Richard D. Westphal, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, joined national, state, and local leaders today in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increases understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk.
Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, United States Attorney Westphal emphasized the importance of awareness and education. “Today, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, our office reminds seniors and caregivers to be vigilant to detect and report fraud schemes that target the elderly and other vulnerable adults to law enforcement immediately. Elder financial fraud causes devastating losses to its victims. With the cooperation of our federal, state, and local partners, we will continue to hold perpetrators of elder financial exploitation accountable.”
Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse.
The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams.
Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability or their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes, and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud.
To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, in Social Security Administration Impostor schemes, scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely report suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation. In Tech Support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In Lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before the can claim their prizes.
To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page.
The Southern District of Iowa United States Attorney’s Office continues to work with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes.
On June 10, 2024, William Jack Berg pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering and agreed to the forfeiture of diamond jewelry purchased with proceeds of his scheme to defraud. Berg sold life insurance, annuities, and similar products to individuals in Central Iowa and the St. Louis area. From at least January 2019, and continuing to May 2023, Berg encouraged victims, many of whom were elderly, to take money out of the victims’ pre-existing investments or financial accounts and provide the monies to Berg for investment. Victims provided Berg with over $1.5 million that Berg did not invest for the benefit of the victims, rather he used the funds for unauthorized purposes. Berg is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2024. He faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and up to 10 years in prison for money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
On June 12, 2024, Zachary James Flaherty was sentenced to 19 years in prison for wire fraud and was ordered to pay more than $2.4 million in restitution. Flaherty used his position as an insurance agent and annuity salesperson to defraud elderly individuals out of their retirement savings and other monies in excess of $3 million. His victims ranged in age from their early sixties to their nineties. According to case documents, Flaherty befriended elderly individuals throughout the Midwest, gained their trust, and either fraudulently obtained access to victims’ funds and transferred money to his own bank accounts, or he invested the victims’ money in annuities which were inappropriate for his victims’ financial situations – fraudulently obtaining large commissions in the process. Flaherty used the proceeds of his fraudulent scheme to acquire various assets, including a boat and automobiles.
To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
Southern California Man Pleads Guilty to Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Southern California man pleaded guilty yesterday to preparing and filing false tax returns for his clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, starting in 2013, Salvador Gonzalez, of Corona, operated Grace’s Lighthouse Resource Center Inc., a return-preparation business. Since then, Gonzalez has prepared or assisted in the preparation of more than 11,000 tax returns that requested refunds from the IRS totaling more than $38 million.
Consistently, Gonzalez directed his clients to create a phony corporation and to title their homes, cars and other assets in the name of the corporation. Gonzalez then referred those clients to an associate to prepare these sham corporation’s tax returns. The associate would provide the clients with a blank spreadsheet and request that they input their business expenses into that spreadsheet. At Gonzalez’s direction, the clients would include personal expenses, such as their mortgage payments, car payments and utility bills, and then provide the spreadsheet to the associate. The associate would, in turn, use the spreadsheet to prepare the business tax returns, which inevitably would show a loss.
Gonzalez then prepared the clients’ individual income tax returns, which incorporated the fraudulent business losses and offset their income. To further reduce the clients’ taxes owed to the IRS, Gonzalez also fabricated deductions on the personal returns such as unreimbursed employee expenses, cash contributions to charity and medical and dental expenses. As a result of Gonzalez’s fraudulent return-preparation practices, his clients paid less taxes than they owed.
Gonzalez profited from his return-preparation business. Before 2019, he typically charged clients a flat fee of $500 per tax return. In 2019, he started charging clients 1% of their gross income as a fee for his services.
Gonzalez is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 7 and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each of the three counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns to which he has pleaded guilty. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and any other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Lauren K. Pope of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli A. Alcaraz for the Central District of California are prosecuting the case.
Silver Spring Felon Sentenced to 37 Months for Illegal Possession of Ammunition and Postal Service KeysRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – On June 12, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Andrew Steven Martin, age 30, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to 37 months of federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of ammunition and unlawfully possessing U.S. Postal Service keys used to access U.S. Postal Service mail receptacles.
The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; Acting Postal Inspector in Charge Ajay Lall of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”) Washington Division; Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Chief Mark P. Sroka of the Gaithersburg City Police Department.
According to his guilty plea, on May 17, 2022, a Gaithersburg Police officer performed a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Martin. After approaching the vehicle, the officer detected an odor of marijuana emanating from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Law enforcement recovered a bag containing marijuana in the center console, a half-smoked joint of marijuana, and two USPS “arrow” keys—one of which opened two collection boxes located outside the Reisterstown Post Office.
During the search of the vehicle law enforcement also recovered from the back seat area a stack of credit cards which were not in Martin’s name; two identification cards, one of which bore a picture of Martin and a different name; and approximately 42 checks bearing the names of payors and payees who were not Martin. Law enforcement also located in the center framework near the floorboard additional checks in names other than Martin’s, at least five debit cards; a privately made 9mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with 10 9mm caliber ammunition cartridges; and an orange pill bottle containing 27 tablets found to contain heroin and fentanyl. In total, law enforcement located 47 personal checks and two cashier’s checks in the vehicle. The sum of the funds to be paid by the checks amounted to approximately $80,164.89. Martin was arrested on an open warrant.
Martin knew that he had a previous felony conviction which prohibited him from possessing ammunition.
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.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Gaithersburg City Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gustavo Ruiz and Assistant United States Attorney Timothy F. Hagan, Jr., who are prosecuting the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Sarasota Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Alfred Clayton Rosier, Jr. (30, Sarasota) to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Rosier entered a guilty plea on January 18, 2024.
According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Sarasota Police Department (SPD), and Sarasota County Sherriff’s Office (SCSO) began investigating Rosier in mid-2021. On September 22, 2022, a FedEx representative contacted law enforcement about a parcel suspected of containing narcotics in their Manatee County facility. A FedEx employee had opened the box and observed black vacuum-sealed bags commonly used to ship and package narcotics. A deputy from the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office (MCSO) arrived at the FedEx facility, retrieved the suspect parcel, transported it to MCSO, and conducted a canine sniff test. The dog alerted to the package. The package was addressed to a person at an address on McCloud Circle in Sarasota. After procuring a search warrant for the package from a Sarasota County judge, the deputy opened the package and discovered two wrapped packages that contained eight pounds each of a crystal substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine. DEA agents then conducted a controlled delivery of the suspected methamphetamine.
Later that day, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a detective with SCSO, acting in an undercover capacity, delivered the package to the address on McCloud Circle. Air surveillance observed Rosier outside the home next to a white van, where he retrieved a large box from inside the van. As the SCSO SWAT team approached Rosier, he threw the box back inside the van and jumped into the driver’s seat of a blue sedan parked next to the van.
Rosier was found sitting on a portion of the label from the delivered
package. A small backpack was located in the sedan as well. The backpack contained a loaded Draco pistol with a 30-round magazine, prescription medication with Rosier’s name, cellphone receipts, and another FedEx shipping label for a package sent to California.
Upon searching the van and the box that Rosier had thrown inside, agents
located approximately 22 pounds of marijuana and 647 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.
San Antonio Woman Who Acted as Legal Advocate to Smuggle Migrants Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A San Antonio woman was sentenced in federal court to 168 months in prison for one count of wire fraud.
According to court documents, Kimberly Cruz, 35, orchestrated a scheme in which she misrepresented herself as a legal advocate in order to smuggle migrants into the United States. Between April and October 2019, Cruz convinced multiple migrants and their families that she was an attorney, proceeding to collect identity documents such as birth certificates, voter identifications, passport card, and more from the migrants. In return for the services Cruz promised, migrants deposited a total of $275,911 into her personal accounts.
Using the packets of documents that the migrants had provided her, Cruz misrepresented herself to officers at the Eagle Pass Point of Entry, indicating that the migrants required humanitarian paroles and were permitted to enter the U.S. for 24 to 48 hours for the purpose of attending United States Customs and Immigration Services appointments. Cruz would then transport the migrants to San Antonio, where she would deliver them to family members or drop them off at the airport or a bus station.
Cruz was arrested Oct. 29, 2019 and pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud Oct. 25, 2021. In addition to the imprisonment, Chief Judge Alia Moses ordered Cruz to pay $9,900 in restitution and a forfeiture of more than $271,000.
“This defendant falsely represented herself in order to take advantage of our country’s immigration procedures while putting at risk the lives of more than 95 migrants,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “I am grateful for the diligent efforts of Homeland Security Investigations in uncovering Cruz’s extensive criminal conduct, and I assure you that my office stands ready to work with all our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who attempt to circumvent the law.”
“The message is clear — have no doubt. Individuals who impersonate a legal advocate to exploit others for their own personal gain, will be held accountable for their crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for HSI San Antonio. “HSI is committed to bringing to justice human smugglers that prey on the vulnerable with no regard for the well-being of the people they smuggle.”
HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Banister prosecuted the case.
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Road Rage Shooter Sentenced to More Than 32 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kenneth Miles Davis, Jr., 45, of Maryland, was sentenced today to 32 years and six months for multiple charges arising from the May 19, 2021 road rage shooting directed at a woman and her two children, ages 11 and 5, as well as a bystander, in Northeast Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The defendant was found guilty of one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, following a three-week jury trial in January in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 5:00 pm on May 19, 2021, the defendant was driving his Maserati GranTurismo in heavy rush-hour traffic at the intersection of Kenilworth Avenue NE and Eastern Avenue NE when he suddenly got out of his car with a handgun. Davis fired seven times into the car in front of him, which was occupied by a woman and her two children, then turned and fired six more shots at bystanders. The woman suffered a gunshot wound to her upper arm and the 5-year-old child was cut by broken automobile glass. Fortunately, the 11-year-old child and the bystanders were not injured. Metropolitan Police Department investigators uncovered video evidence that was disseminated to local news outlets, the broadcast of which generated a tip that led to the identification of Davis as the owner of the Maserati, and ultimately, as the shooter.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Antoinette Sakamsa and Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Renee Prather; and Litigation Technology Specialist Charlie Bruce.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Bartz and Gregory Evans, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Rio Grande City resident sent to prison after attempt to transport over $370,000 of marijuanaRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 41-year-old man has been sentenced following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jeremiah Hawthorne pleaded guilty May 5, 2021.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Hawthorne to serve 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release.
On Sept. 9, 2020, law enforcement observed a suspicious GMC Yukon approaching the Rio Grande River at an area known for drug trafficking. Shortly thereafter, they noticed the vehicle returning from the river, then heading north. At that time, the vehicle appeared to be riding low as if it was carrying a heavy load.
Authorities attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, the vehicle rolled over after trying to reverse in uneven terrain. The vehicle’s operator - Hawthorne - then attempted to flee on foot. Authorities successfully apprehended him after he had physically resisted. Inside of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered multiple bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 214 kilograms.
Hawthorne will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Phelps prosecuted the case.
Real Estate Investor Pleads Guilty to $54.7M Mortgage Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today to engaging in an extensive, multi-year conspiracy to fraudulently obtain over $54.7 million in loans and to fraudulently acquire multifamily and commercial properties.
According to court documents, between 2016 and 2022, Aron Puretz, 53, conspired with others to deceive lenders into issuing multifamily and commercial mortgage loans. Puretz and his conspirators provided the lenders with fictitious documents, including purchase contracts with inflated purchase prices, fake financial statements, and other fraudulent documents. Puretz was an employee of Apex Equity Group, a real estate investment and advisory firm, and one of the owners of Maple Lawn in Eureka, Illinois, and Big Country Chateau in Little Rock, Arkansas, both multifamily properties, and Troy Technology Park in Troy, Michigan, a commercial property.
In February 2017, Maple Lawn was acquired for $4.1 million. However, Puretz and his conspirators from Apex Equity Group utilized the identity of a conspirator to present a lender and Freddie Mac with a purchase and sale contract for $5.8 million and other fraudulent documents. On Feb. 17, 2017, a title and settlement company based in Lakewood, New Jersey, performed two closings, one for the true $4.1 million sales price and another for the fraudulent $5.8 million sales price presented to the lender. Part of the conspiracy was to create a nonprofit entity, JPC Charities, for the purpose of receiving tax-exempt status for the properties owned by Puretz and co-conspirators. Puretz and his conspirators provided false statements to the city of Eureka, Illinois, to receive a property tax exception.
In July 2019, Puretz and his conspirators acquired Big Country Chateau. However, Puretz knew the lender and Freddie Mac would not approve him as an owner, and used the identity of an associate instead of his own. Puretz hid his ownership and involvement with the property management company from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and other federal and state agencies.
In September 2020, Troy Technology Park was acquired for $42.7 million. However, Puretz and his co-conspirators presented the lender with a fraudulent purchase and sale contract for $70 million. To support the inflated purchase price, Puretz and his conspirators submitted to the lender and appraiser a fraudulent letter of intent to purchase the property from another party for $68 million and other fraudulent documents. To conceal the fraudulent nature of the transaction, Puretz and his conspirators arranged for a short-term $30 million loan, which was used to make it appear that they had the funds needed to close on the loan. On Sept. 25, 2020, a title and settlement company based in Lakewood, New Jersey, performed two closings, one for the true $42.7 million sales price and another for the fraudulent $70 million sales price presented to the lender.
Puretz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 30, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Inspector General Brian M. Tomney of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG); and Postal Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group made the announcement.
FHFA-OIG and USPIS are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha Nye for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney Siji Moore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
Real Estate Investor Pleads Guilty to $54.7M Mortgage Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today to engaging in an extensive, multi-year conspiracy to fraudulently obtain over $54.7 million in loans and to fraudulently acquire multifamily and commercial properties.
According to court documents, between 2016 and 2022, Aron Puretz, 53, conspired with others to deceive lenders into issuing multifamily and commercial mortgage loans. Puretz and his co-conspirators provided the lenders with fictitious documents, including purchase contracts with inflated purchase prices, fake financial statements, and other fraudulent documents. Puretz was an employee of Apex Equity Group, a real estate investment and advisory firm, and one of the owners of Maple Lawn in Eureka, Illinois, and Big Country Chateau in Little Rock, Arkansas, both multifamily properties, and Troy Technology Park in Troy, Michigan, a commercial property.
In February 2017, Maple Lawn was acquired for $4.1 million. However, Puretz and his co-conspirators from Apex Equity Group utilized the identity of a co-conspirator to present a lender and Freddie Mac with a purchase and sale contract for $5.8 million and other fraudulent documents. On Feb. 17, 2017, a title and settlement company based in Lakewood, New Jersey, performed two closings, one for the true $4.1 million sales price and another for the fraudulent $5.8 million sales price presented to the lender. Furthermore, part of the conspiracy was to create a nonprofit entity, JPC Charities, for the purpose of receiving tax-exempt status for the properties owned by Puretz and co-conspirators. Puretz and co-conspirators provided false statements to the city of Eureka, Illinois, to receive a property tax exception.
In July 2019, Puretz and his co-conspirators acquired Big Country Chateau. However, Puretz knew the lender and Freddie Mac would not approve him as an owner, and used the identity of an associate instead of his own. Furthermore, Puretz hid his ownership and involvement with the property management company from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and other federal and state agencies.
In September 2020, Troy Technology Park was acquired for $42.7 million. However, Puretz and his co-conspirators presented the lender with a fraudulent purchase and sale contract for $70 million. Additionally, to support the inflated purchase price, Puretz and his co-conspirators submitted to the lender and appraiser a fraudulent letter of intent to purchase the property from another party for $68 million and other fraudulent documents. To conceal the fraudulent nature of the transaction, Puretz and his co-conspirators arranged for a short-term $30 million loan, which was used to make it appear that they had the funds needed to close on the loan. On Sept. 25, 2020, a title and settlement company based in Lakewood, New Jersey, performed two closings, one for the true $42.7 million sales price and another for the fraudulent $70 million sales price presented to the lender.
Puretz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 30 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey; Inspector General Brian M. Tomney of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG); and Postal Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group made the announcement.
FHFA-OIG and USPIS are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Siji Moore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha Nye for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.
Readout of Director Rachel Rossi’s Trip to Los AngelesRead the Press Release
Director Rachel Rossi of the Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) traveled to Los Angeles last week to engage access to justice stakeholders and deliver the commencement address at Le Lycée Franҫais de Los Angeles.
To further inform the office’s broad-ranging efforts to support reentry and reduce recidivism, Director Rossi and ATJ staff conducted visits with leading criminal justice reentry organizations. Director Rossi first met with Executive Director Sam Lewis of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and Deputy Director Dana Jackson, where they discussed strategies to eliminate barriers faced by formerly incarcerated people when reentering society, and how these efforts must begin during incarceration. She then visited Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and reentry program in the world. At Homeboy Industries, she toured the main facility and met with staff and the founder, Father Gregory Boyle, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in May.
Next, Director Rossi and ATJ staff met with representatives of the Inter-Agency Los Angeles Federal Pro Bono Committee. Agencies represented included leadership from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California and officials from the Department of Labor, Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department’s Executive Office of Immigration Review. The meeting highlighted the importance of regional pro bono committees to encourage and promote federal employee engagement in pro bono opportunities, as one strategy the office deploys through the Federal Government Pro Bono Program. She then met with Black faith leaders representing various churches from across Los Angeles County, convened by Elder Joe Paul at the Peoples’ Independent Church of Christ. The meeting focused on the front-line justice needs impacting local communities, including housing, access to public benefits, safety, civil rights, public school collaboration to address the barriers faced by children in underserved communities and the urgent need to address issues within the child welfare system for Black families.
The next day, Director Rossi and ATJ staff convened local stakeholders to discuss the significant challenges they face in providing for basic legal aid and language access needs in Los Angeles. They met with stakeholders from 23 legal services and community-based language justice organizations, as well as representatives from the City and County of Los Angeles. Director Rossi discussed ATJ initiatives to expand support for legal services providers and language access. She heard from stakeholders on a wide range of topics including, eviction, homelessness, federal funding for legal aid, translation and interpretation resource needs and advocacy surrounding language justice policies. The convening included leaders and staff from the Los Angeles Civil Rights Department, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Office of Immigration Inclusion and Language Access in the City of LA, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, Public Counsel, Asian-Americans Advancing Justice, Inner City Law Center, Mental Health Advocacy Services and Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers, among others.
Following the convening, Director Rossi met the Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California, Cuauhtemoc Ortega, to discuss support for access to counsel, public defense and access to justice. She also met with Ricardo Garcia, Los Angeles County Public Defender, who oversees the nation’s first and largest public defender office. In this meeting they discussed public defense workload standards, federal resources like ATJ’s Public Defense Resource Hub for state and local public defenders and recruitment and retention trends in public defense that are impacting access to justice for vulnerable, marginalized and underserved communities.
Director Rossi and ATJ staff then met with the Presiding Judge Samantha Jessner of the Los Angeles Superior Court (LASC) and the Executive Officer and Clerk of Court for LASC, David Slayton. Director Rossi discussed the launch of Access DOJ, the first localized human-centered design hub at the Justice Department, led by ATJ, working to make Justice Department programs and services more accessible, effective and efficient. The meeting focused on shared experiences, given a new human-centered design partnership between LASC, the largest trial court in the nation, and the Deborah L. Rhode Center for the Legal Profession at Stanford Law School. That effort will research, design and implement innovative, evidence-based approaches to reduce barriers to participation in the judicial process and to improve access to justice for all court users in Los Angeles.
To conclude the trip, Director Rossi gave the commencement address at Le Lycée Franҫais de Los Angeles, an international school with students representing over 62 nationalities, and specializing in bilingual French/American education. In her remarks, Director Rossi described ATJ’s mission, highlighted several ATJ initiatives, including language access, related experiences from her legal career and encouraged the students to pursue justice in through all career paths.
Director Rossi met with representatives and toured the headquarters of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. Director Rossi met with Father Greg Boyle, founder and director of Homeboy Industries, and toured the campus.
Director Rossi and representatives from the Inter-Agency LA Federal Government Pro Bono Committee. Director Rossi met with Black faith leaders representing various churches from across Los Angeles County.
Director Rossi met with stakeholders from legal services and community-based language justice organizations, as well as representatives from the City and County of Los Angeles. Director Rossi and ATJ staff with the Presiding Judges of the Los Angeles Superior Court and the Executive Officer.Raleigh County Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Kevin Lemar Legrand, 23, of Beaver, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 16, 2023, Legrand sold approximately 7.2 grams of fentanyl for $600 to a confidential informant. The transaction took place at Legrand’s Beaver residence. Legrand admitted to that transaction and further admitted to selling a total of approximately 6.2 grams of fentanyl for a total of $1,200 to a confidential informant at his residence on two other occasions in February 2023.
Legrand is scheduled to be sentenced on October 4, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-13.
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Portland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl and Stealing Covid Relief Program FundsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A local man was sentenced to federal prison today for distributing counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl in and around Portland and stealing federal funds intended to help small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Yuriy Viktorovich Vasilchuk, 33, a Portland resident, was sentenced to 49 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $32,855 in restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
According to court documents, in early 2021, special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) identified Vasilchuk as a Portland area source of supply for counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. In December 2021, Vasilchuk was located in a stolen vehicle. He was arrested with 88 counterfeit Oxycodone pills and later released.
On May 3, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Vasilchuk with one count of possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl. Following his indictment, HSI special agents and probation officers from the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice (DCJ) attempted to arrest Vasilchuk who was again located in a stolen vehicle. As the probation officers approached Vasilchuk’s stolen vehicle, Vasilchuk sped off, nearly striking a nearby probation officer. After fleeing for several miles and causing multiple accidents, Vasilchuk’s vehicle became inoperable and he fled on foot. Soon after, investigators located Vasilchuk hiding in an abandoned RV and placed him under arrest.
Following his arrest, investigators obtained evidence that, between March and November of 2021, while he was actively distributing fentanyl, Vasilchuk applied to receive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the SBA. In his applications, Vasilchuk falsely stated that he had not, within the past five years, been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony involving fraud, bribery, embezzlement, or making a false statement on a loan application. Based on the false information provided, the SBA disbursed more than $32,000 to Vasilchuk, which he in turn spent on various personal expenses.
On August 22, 2023, Vasilchuk was charged by criminal information with wire fraud. On March 11, 2024, he pleaded to one count each of wire fraud and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, resolving both of his criminal cases.
These cases were investigated by HSI, the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team (WIN), and the SBA Office of Inspector General with assistance from the Portland Police Bureau and DCJ. They were prosecuted by Cassady A. Adams and Rachel K. Sowray, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
WIN is a Washington County, Oregon-based multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program that includes members from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Beaverton and Hillsboro Police Departments, Oregon National Guard Counter Drug Program, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.
Owner of ‘Agriculture’ Business Charged with Defrauding SBA of $150,000 in COVID-Relief FundsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Lori Isabell Morgan, 35, of Greenbelt, Maryland, was arrested on June 12 on an indictment charging her with defrauding the U.S. Government of nearly $150,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds, which were meant to provide relief to businesses suffering economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The indictment, which charges six counts of wire fraud, was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite of the U.S. Small Business Administration - Office of the Inspector General.
Morgan made her initial court appearance on June 12 before the Honorable Zia M. Faruqui in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia.
According to court documents, Morgan allegedly submitted an EIDL application to the Small Business Administration (SBA), in which she claimed to own 100% of an “agriculture” business that was based out of her Washington D.C. apartment. Morgan claimed to employ 10 people and to have generated $7.5 million in gross revenues in 2019. There allegedly was no such business.
On July 8, 2020, the SBA deposited $149,900 in Morgan’s bank account. Morgan allegedly used the money to pay off her debts, and pay for auto repair, restaurant tabs, shopping purchases, and trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas. By December 31, 2020, Morgan’s account balance was down to $829.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted in or around March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief that had been provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of billions in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
An Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) is a Small Business Administration administered loan designed to assist small businesses that suffered substantial economic injury as a result of a declared disaster. An EIDL helped businesses meet necessary financial obligations that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. It provided relief from economic injury that the disaster caused and permitted businesses to maintain a reasonable working capital position during the period that the disaster affected.
The investigation into this matter was conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Macey.
A criminal indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Over 12,900 pounds of Methamphetamine Seized and 22 Traffickers ChargedRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Twenty-two participants in a drug-trafficking ring have been charged with conspiring to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl imported from Mexico into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert and Special Agent in Charge Siddhartha Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office.
According to court documents, Operation Toxic Waste, an investigation into a sophisticated drug trafficking ring, has resulted in the seizure of more than 12,900 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 50 pounds of fentanyl mixture, 39 pounds of cocaine, and 22 pounds of heroin. As evidenced by tens of thousands of recorded communications, the organization smuggled methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl (powder and pills) in portable projectors and batteries, under the guise of a legitimate transportation business. The organization also secreted thousands of pounds of methamphetamine inside semi-trucks and hundreds of pounds of liquid methamphetamine in the gas tanks of cars and brought it across the border. The Mexican-based organization monitored the narcotics with the use of GPS tracking devices hidden with the smuggled drugs.
“Criminal organizations that bring drugs here like methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin in large quantities for profit pose a direct threat to the residents of the Eastern District of California,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to joining with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.”
“Protecting our communities is a team effort; the FBI works in collaboration with its local, state, federal, and international partners to stop the flow of illegal drugs into our country ensuring a safer future for all Americans,” said Special Agent Sid Patel, who leads the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “This operation exemplifies the FBI’s commitment to collaborative investigations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking organizations who import dangerous drugs including fentanyl into our communities. Together, with the support of the public, we can make a difference.”
According to court documents, the following were indicted by a federal grand jury in Fresno and were subsequently arrested based on the allegations below:
- Adolfo Montiel, 45, of Lancaster, was charged in the drug-trafficking conspiracy as well as with distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Between January and March 2023, Montiel used his residence as a “stash house” to store, package, and distribute the organization’s drugs to dealers throughout California and other states. He also illegally possessed and sold firearms.
- Jose Nunez, 42, of Lancaster, was charged in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Between April 2023 and May 2024, Nunez used residences in Los Angeles County to store, package, and distribute large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. He also operated a methamphetamine laboratory in Los Angeles County.
- Jesus Perez Garcia Jr., 24, of Los Angeles, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He was responsible for coordinating the receipt of drugs that the organization smuggled across the border and stored, packaged, and distributed the drugs to resellers.
- Andres Silva-Corona Perez, 42, of San Bernardino, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He operated a “stash house” with more than 500 pounds of methamphetamine for the drug-trafficking ring.
- Ruben Saenz, 36, of Los Angeles, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He transported over 4,700 pounds of methamphetamine that had been smuggled across the border in a semi-truck.
- Elvis David Vasquez, 32, of Northridge, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He operated a methamphetamine stash house for the organization where he stored and repackaged over 170 pounds of methamphetamine.
- Sergio Pena, 30, of Hacienda Heights, was charged with conspiring to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl and distribution of methamphetamine. Pena stored and distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms.
- Mirella Castillo, 41, of Lancaster, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Kiara Sinaii Valdivia, 29, of Pittsburg, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Calvin Guntetong, 26, of North Hollywood, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Jacklyn Saenz, 33, of Los Angeles, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Luz Maria Cobrera Salazar, 41, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Jose Galan Lopez, 22, of Chula Vista, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Allen Khamtrashyan, 26, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Emily Vela, 23, of North Hills, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Marshals Service, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office Inland Regional Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Los Angeles Strike Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendants face a range of sentences, including maximum penalties of 20 years, 40 years, and life in prison. Several defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of 5 and 10 years. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about OCDETF, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.
Osceola County Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Edward Charlesalton Chappell (41, Kissimmee) has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Chappell faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2024.
According to the plea agreement, on July 13, 2022, a state search warrant was executed on a hotel room occupied by Chappell after he sold fentanyl to an undercover agent. Inside the hotel room, agents located cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs as well as drug processing materials. Agents also located a Glock pistol, a Ruger pistol, and 9mm caliber ammunition.
At the time Chappell possessed the firearms and ammunition, he had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including four convictions for delivery of cocaine and one conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver. As a multi-time convicted felon, Chappell is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. As part of the plea agreement, Chappell agreed to forfeit the firearms and ammunition he unlawfully possessed.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
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.
Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Major Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Antonio Lamar Jeffries, 35, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Jeffries admitted to a key role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between November 2022 and March 22, 2023, Jeffries conspired with others to distribute quantities of methamphetamine. Jeffries admitted that he arranged for a co-conspirator to drive to Bluefield, West Virginia, on February 4, 2023, to obtain methamphetamine from his supplier. Jeffries used a cell phone to arrange the meeting, provided the co-conspirator with money to deliver as payment for the methamphetamine, and instructed her to meet his supplier at the Mercer Mall in Bluefield.
The co-conspirator exchanged the money for the methamphetamine as instructed. Law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of her vehicle as she drove back to Charleston and seized approximately 3.1 kilograms of methamphetamine from her vehicle. Jeffries admitted that he intended to distribute some of the seized methamphetamine to others and allow the co-conspirator to keep the rest.
Jeffries is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison, at least 10 years of supervised release, and a $20 million fine.
Jeffries is among 32 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash.
Jeffries is also among 28 defendants who have pleaded guilty. Indictments against the other defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-33.
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On Jan. 24, 2025, this case was dismissed with prejudiceRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Houston doctor has been indicted for obtaining protected individual health information for patients that were not under his care and without authorization, announced Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The case against Ethan Haim, 34, Dallas, has now been unsealed, and he is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Yvonne Y. Ho in Houston at 2 p.m.
The four-count indictment alleges Haim obtained personal information including patient names, treatment codes and the attending physician from Texas Children’s Hospital’s (TCH) electronic system without authorization. He allegedly obtained this information under false pretenses and with intent to cause malicious harm to TCH.
According to the indictment, Haim was a resident at Baylor College of Medicine and had previous rotations at TCH as part of his residency.
In April 2023, Haim allegedly requested to re-activate his login access at TCH to access pediatric patients not under his care. The indictment alleges he obtained unauthorized access to personal information of pediatric patients under false pretenses and later disclosed it to a media contact.
If convicted, Haim faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine.
FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S Attorney Tina Ansari is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Oklahoma City Father and Son Convicted of Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted NICOIS MEGALE SMITH, 40, of Oklahoma City, with illegally possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On August 16, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a three-count Indictment, charging Nicois with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and his father, ALBERT SMITH, JR., 62, with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On June 12, 2024, a federal jury found Nicois guilty on one of his two counts following a two-day trial. Evidenced at trial established that on May 21, 2023, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department were investigating an unrelated crime, which happened near Nicois’s home. In the course of their investigation, officers searched Nicois’s home pursuant to a court approved search warrant and found a loaded pistol in a bedroom. Evidence presented at trial connected Nicois to that pistol.
On June 10, 2024, Albert pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in early May 2023, and he admitted to possessing a pistol that he had reason to believe had been stolen.
At sentencing, Nicois and Albert each face up to 15 years in federal prison and up to three years of supervised release.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Gridley, Elizabeth M. Bagwell, and Travis Leverett are prosecuting the case.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Oceanside Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 YearsRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 17, 2024
SAN DIEGO – Sean Keenan O’Connor of Oceanside was sentenced in federal court to 10 years in prison for money laundering, and firearms and drug trafficking offenses, including distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and alprazolam.
According to O’Connor’s plea agreement, deputies with the San Diego Sherriff’s Department executed court-authorized search warrants on the defendant’s residence and car on February 28, 2023. Deputies seized a semi-automatic pistol; 2,617 fentanyl tablets; 209 methamphetamine tablets; 24.19 grams of cocaine; 4,384 alprazolam tablets; and 1,549 grams of marijuana. Deputies also seized about $150,000 in U.S. currency and 0.27 in Bitcoin – which he has admitted were proceeds from drug trafficking.
According to the United States’ sentencing memorandum, the defendant demonstrated callousness and extreme disregard for human life. In one text exchange, he called people who overdose on fentanyl “dummies” and bragged on social media about the product he was selling and the amount of money he was making through drug dealing. He also posted photographs of himself on Instagram with cash and drugs.
“This significant sentence of a prolific North County drug dealer is a meaningful victory for public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “By removing dangerous criminals, weapons, and drugs from our streets, we are ensuring a safer community for all.”
“This convicted criminal will spend a decade in prison allowing him the opportunity to think of his reckless actions uncovered by special agents with HSI and our partner agencies,” said Christopher Davis, acting special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “HSI prioritizes protecting communities against illicit drugs and activity that cause irreparable damage to those involved. HSI is determined to apply all the tools in our investigative arsenal to counter the fight against drugs.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Akhtar.
This prosecution was a result of the efforts of the Fentanyl Abatement Suppression Team (FAST). Formed in September 2022, the group known as FAST is a multi-agency task force led by Homeland Security Investigations working in conjunction with state and local agencies to target significant fentanyl distributors in San Diego County. FAST is an initiative under the San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA, whose mission is to identify and disrupt fentanyl smuggling and distribution networks in San Diego County.
DEFENDANT Case Number: 23-cr-1034-TWR
Sean Kennan O’Connor 22 Oceanside, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)
Mandatory Minimum: Five years in prison and Maximum penalty: Life in prison
Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Alprazolam, Marijuana (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)); Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)); Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
San Diego Sherriff’s Department
San Diego District Attorney’s Office
New York Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Vaccine Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Kathleen Breault pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States by fraudulently destroying over 2,600 COVID-19 vaccines and issuing a corresponding number of fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination record cards. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Rachel P. Kovner.
United States Attorney Breon Peace of the Eastern District of New York, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.
According to court documents, Kathleen Breault, a midwife at Sage-Femme Midwifery PLLC (Sage-Femme), an authorized COVID-19 vaccine administration site in Albany, New York, conspired to obstruct the government’s distribution of COVID-19 vaccines by providing COVID-19 vaccination record cards to individuals who were not vaccinated, including to minors who were at the time ineligible to be vaccinated and Canadian citizens who were not present in the United States when they were purportedly vaccinated. In addition to destroying COVID-19 vaccines and issuing fraudulent vaccination record cards, Breault and her co-conspirators made over 2,600 false entries into a New York State database that tracked COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Breault agreed to repay more than $37,000 in restitution for the destroyed vaccines.
Breault pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and its departments and agencies. When sentenced, Breault faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The FBI is investigating the case. The New York State Department of Health assisted with the investigation. Trial Attorneys Patrick J. Campbell and Hyungjoo Han of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
The Defendant:
KATHLEEN BREAULT
Age: 66
Cambridge, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 23-CR-158 (RPK)
New York Woman Admits to Counterfeit Purchases in Wetzel CountyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tanisha Bynoe, 36, of Brooklyn, New York, has admitted to uttering counterfeit obligations.
According to court documents, Bynoe was passing counterfeit bills at businesses in Wetzel County.
Bynoe faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
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New York Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Conspiracy Extending from Maine to New YorkRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Syracuse, New York man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to being a felon in possession of a firearm and conspiring to violate federal firearms laws.
According to court records, beginning in May 2022, Tyquinn Montell Cannon (aka “Q”), 30, knowingly conspired with others in Maine and New York to illegally obtain firearms at federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) in central and southern Maine using straw purchasers. Two of the coconspirators located in Maine would arrange for the straw purchase of firearms, and Cannon would deliver, or arrange the delivery of, the illegally obtained firearms to coconspirators located in New York.
Cannon is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a March 2018 conviction in Illinois for the illegal possession of cocaine.
Cannon faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release on the possession of a firearms charge. He faces up to five years imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release on the conspiracy charge. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
STRAW PURCHASING: A straw purchase is an illegal firearm purchase where the actual buyer of the gun, being unable to pass the required federal background check or desiring to not have his or her name associated with the transaction, uses a proxy buyer who can pass the required background check to purchase the firearm for him/her.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced to 90 Months in Prison for Drug and Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – COREY BESSIE (“BESSIE”), age 31, a resident of Orleans Parish, was sentenced on June 11, 2024 to 90 months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $200 special assessment fee. BESSIE had previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and (D).
According to court documents, on December 24,2021, BESSIE, and two passengers, were driving in a Silver Honda Accord on the Westbank Expressway when another car pulled along-side them and opened fire. One of the passengers and BESSIE were hit several times. All three individuals wound up at the hospital and the two were treated for their injuries. Law enforcement from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office located and impounded the bullet-riddled Honda Accord from the hospital parking lot. They obtained a search warrant for the Honda Accord and located and seized 5.81 grams of marijuana from the center console, a Arex Delta 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun from the glove box (loaded with 14 rounds), one spare Arex magazine loaded with 14 rounds from the front passenger door, one Glock Model l9X 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun (loaded with 31 rounds ), one Glock 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun (loaded with 23 rounds ), one plastic baggy containing 21.92 grams of Fentanyl, one baggy with 13 aluminum foils of Fentanyl, one digital scale that was located in the trunk, and documents showing that one of the passengers was the owner of the Honda and that BESSIE was a frequent user of that vehicle. Deputies also recovered approximately $1,300 in cash. At the time of this incident, BESSIE was a convicted felon, and thus, prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.
New Hanover County Social Worker Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Defraud MedicaidRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Felicia Moore Jones, 52, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to defraud North Carolina Medicaid of more than $400,000. Jones was also ordered to pay $400,000 in restitution.
“This defendant used her government position to steal from a government program intended to help the needy,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Now, she will be forced to repay what she took and spend the next 14 months behind bars.”
Jones was a social worker in New Hanover County who conspired with a licensed mental health counselor, Lakia Washington, to defraud North Carolina Medicaid (“Medicaid”). Jones used her government employment to obtain personally identifying information (PII) of New Hanover County residents enrolled in Medicaid, including their Medicaid ID numbers. In exchange for an agreed-upon fee per beneficiary, Jones then provided the PII to Washington, knowing it would be used to generate fraudulent claims for services never rendered. Investigators have attributed over $400,000 of Washington’s fraudulent Medicaid billing to the beneficiary PII Jones provided to Washington. Washington pled guilty late last year and is awaiting sentencing.
“When people defraud the Medicaid program, they are defrauding North Carolina’s taxpayers,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “I will continue to do everything I can to protect North Carolinians’ investment and hold perpetrators accountable.”
“HHS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, is committed to holding individuals responsible for failing to safeguard confidential patient information,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Ms. Jones was a social worker who violated the trust of her duties by accessing the personal and health data of Medicaid recipients and using the confidential information for personal gain.”
The Center for Medicaid Services, within the federal Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for overseeing the Medicaid program in North Carolina, which has been administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services since 1978. Medicaid providers are assigned a National Provider Identifier, which they use to submit claims for reimbursement for services rendered to Medicaid beneficiaries.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle announced the sentence. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, led the investigation with the assistance North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Beraka prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-00377-BO.
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Melbourne Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Lucious Denard Scott, Jr. (32, Melbourne) to 12 years in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. Scott entered a guilty plea on November 9, 2023.
According to court documents, a confidential source conducted four controlled purchases of drugs from Scott. In total, Scott distributed over 13 grams of fentanyl and approximately 1,428 grams of pure methamphetamine to the confidential source. A search warrant was then executed at Scott’s home where agents located fentanyl, a large quantity of methamphetamine, two loaded firearms, and additional ammunition in a shed behind the residence.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
Man Indicted on Fentanyl and Firearm Charges Committed While on Release for Attempting to Smuggle Firearm Magazines into MexicoRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Edwin Alexey Gamboa, 20, of Phoenix, was indicted last week by a federal grand jury in Phoenix for: Illegal Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment; Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
As alleged in the complaint and indictment, on the morning of June 2, 2024, officers from the Phoenix Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle partially blocking a city street. The officers observed a sleeping Gamboa and two firearms in the center console, and subsequently found approximately 409 counterfeit oxycodone tablets, which the Phoenix Crime Lab positively identified as fentanyl. Officers also found almost $2,000 in cash in Gamboa’s pocket. One of the firearms found in the vehicle, a Glock, 19X, 9mm pistol, had a machine gun conversion device affixed to it which, when test-fired, operated as a machinegun.
The indictment further alleges that Gamboa was on pretrial release for an earlier indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Tucson, in which Gamboa was charged with Smuggling Goods from the United States. As alleged in the complaint and indictment in that case, on February 4, 2024, Gamboa attempted to smuggle one empty Glock handgun magazine and 10 empty AK-47 style rifle magazines out of the United States and into Mexico via the Lukeville Port of Entry.
Convictions for the offenses alleged in the indictments carry the following penalties and fines:
Illegal Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl carries a punishment of between five to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both.
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense carries a punishment of between five years to life in prison, to be served consecutively to any other sentence, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Smuggling Goods from the United States carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
An indictment and complaint are simply methods 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.
In the Phoenix matter, the Phoenix Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Addison Owen is handling the prosecution. In the Tucson matter, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Houston is handling the prosecution.
gamboa-_indictment.pdf
CASE NUMBERS: CR-24-0999-PHX-DWL
CR-24-0922-TUC-RCCRELEASE NUMBER: 2024-076_Gamboa
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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.Madera Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Hundreds of Thousands of Opiate PillsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Fresno residents Ifeanyi Vincent Ntukogu, 49, and Kelo White, 43, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute and distributing oxycodone and hydrocodone, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court records, from December 2014 through November 2018, in Madera and Fresno, Ntukogu, a pharmacist, dispensed over 200,000 oxycodone and hydrocodone pills based on prescriptions delivered to him by White and co-defendant Donald Ray Pierre, 55, of Fresno, that they knew were forged and fraudulent. Ntukogu reviewed each prescription and rejected the ones that he believed regulators may deem suspicious. For example, Ntukogu rejected prescriptions that were written by certain doctors or that were written for individuals who were having prescriptions filled at other pharmacies. He also alerted White and Pierre when the required language on the prescription pads changed.
Ntukogu dispensed the pills through his New Life Pharmacy in Madera. Upon doing so, he required cash payments from White and Pierre and increased the price that he charged over time.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the California Department of Health Care Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Antonio Pataca and Joseph Barton are prosecuting the case.
Ntukogu and White are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 23, 2024. They face statutory maximum penalties of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the conspiracy to distribute and distribution convictions. 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.
Pierre, the other defendant in the case, was previously convicted and sentenced to nine years and four months in prison.