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Friday 3 May 2024
Florida man sentenced for stealing people’s identities and selling their homesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Florida man was sentenced today to three years in prison for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
According to court documents, beginning around February 2020, at the start of the pandemic lockdown, Jose Manuel Santiago, 43, of Sarasota, identified unoccupied homes in Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, and other states and stole the identities of the homeowners, then sold their homes out from under them to unsuspecting buyers.
Santiago and Rosson Dwayne Hamilton, 40, opened and controlled bank accounts in the names of the property owners. Santiago recruited other people, including Vernon Lavoie, 59, whom Santiago instructed to appear before mobile notaries with high-quality false identification, fraudulently represent themselves as the property owners, and forge the owners’ signatures on closing documents. After money from the sales of the homes was deposited in the accounts, the recruits withdrew the money and provided it to Santiago and Hamilton. Santiago paid recruits with small amounts of cash or illegal drugs. Santiago and Hamilton also wired money from those bank accounts to various retailers.
Though some purchases were reversed, in at least one case the third-party purchaser refused to return the home to the rightful owner despite acknowledging the fraudulent nature of the sale. In another case, the rightful owner lost his irreplaceable military memorabilia and other personal belongings as a result of the fraudulent sale of his home.
During the conspiracy, Santiago and his co-conspirators attempted to fraudulently sell at least 10 properties and stole the identities of at least 10 people. They successfully obtained $581,808 and attempted to obtain an additional $768,175. Santiago pled guilty on Feb. 20.
Hamilton pled guilty on Feb. 6 and was sentenced to one day in prison. Lavoie, who charged separately, pled guilty on July 28, 2021, and was sentenced to two years seven months in prison.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and David J. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell L. Carlberg and Christopher Hood prosecuted the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Carina Cuellar prosecuted Lavoie and significantly contributed to the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-193.
This release was revised on May 7, 2024, to correct the sentence of Vernon Lavoie. The original version showed a sentence of seven months in prison.
Federal Jury Convicts Former Durant Middle School Employee of Sex CrimesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Ryan John Capps, age 25, of Calera, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of Coercion and Enticement, one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child/Use of a Child to Produce a Visual Depiction, and one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country.
The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, April 29, 2024, and concluded on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, with the guilty verdicts on all charges.
During the trial, the United States presented evidence that in the autumn of 2022, while employed as a teacher and coach at Durant Middle School, Capps enticed a minor to produce child sexual abuse material and engage in illegal sexual activity. The crimes occurred in Bryan County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation of Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The guilty verdicts were the result of investigations by the Durant Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Capps was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal until sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jessie K. Pippin and Jessica Bove represented the United States.
District Man Sentenced to Seven-Year Prison Term for Armed Robbery and Shooting in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Lawrance Arnold, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for shooting a civilian in the Logan Circle Area of Northwest Washington DC, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Mr. Arnold pleaded guilty to Armed Robbery in January 2024, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia before the Honorable Michael Ryan.
According to the government’s evidence, on the morning of November 25, 2023, Arnold broke into the victim’s apartment in the 14th & U Street area of Northwest Washington DC. The victim woke at approximately 7:20 am and found Arnold in his apartment, taking his clothing. The victim confronted Arnold and tried to take back his property. During that altercation, which spilled into the hallway outside the apartment, Arnold pulled a gun, shot the victim in the neck, and ran.
Bleeding from the neck, the victim walked to the corner of 14th an V Street Northwest, and flagged down a police officer. Arnold was able to provide a detailed description of his assailant, which police used to apprehend Arnold several blocks away. The victim subsequently identified Arnold as his assailant. Investigators also linked the firearm used in this case to another case, in which Arnold was captured by surveillance footage after discharging a firearm.
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 acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Crystal Waddy.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmanuel Hampton, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Isaiah Green, 19, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty yesterday in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to two counts of robbery while armed, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
On May 2, 2024, Isaiah Green pleaded guilty before the Honorable Lynn Leibovitz. Judge Leibovitz scheduled sentencing for July 5, 2024.
According to the evidence, with which the defendant agreed, he robbed two victims, D.H. on August 19, 2023, and E.C. on December 3, 2023 at gunpoint.
In the days leading up to the August 19, 2023, robbery, D.H. had seen a Stihl brand saw advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace. D.H. contacted the purported seller and arranged to meet him in the 5100 block of B Street SE to buy the saw. When D.H. arrived, Green and an accomplice immediately grabbed D.H. and robbed him at gunpoint, taking his cell phone, wallet, credit and debit cards, and checks totaling $1500. A citizen came to D.H.’s aide after the robbery and called 911.
In the days leading up to the December 3, 2023, robbery, E.C. had also seen an item advertised on Facebook Marketplace, a Hilti Laser, and contacted the purported seller to arrange to buy it. E.C. agreed to meet the seller in the 3600 block of Highwood Drive SE. E.C. drove with his wife to that location, where a man then got out of his car with a box E.C. believed contained the laser. As E.C. got of his car to inspect the laser, two assailants approached him, held him at gunpoint, and robbed him of his wallet, containing cash and bank cards, and an iPhone 13. The gunmen then pointed their guns at E.C.’s wife and rifled through the center console of the car, taking additional cash and a card. All three men then drove off together.
Working in tandem with Prince George’s County Police, MPD Detectives obtained evidence from Facebook about the accounts used to set up these and other crimes, and used that information to identify Green. Police obtained a search warrant for his residence, which they executed on December 21, 2023. During that search, police found a phone on Green’s bed that was linked to the Facebook account used in the robbery of D.H, E.C.’s wallet, credit cards and identification card on a dresser in the same room, and the Hilti laser and box used to lure E.C. from his car.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and has been prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Iris McCranie and Elizabeth Van Haasteren.
District Man Indicted on Enhanced Second-Degree Theft for Theft from CVS in SouthwestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, Calvin Miler, 25, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on one count of felony second-degree theft stemming from events occurring on February 2, 2024, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
Miler will be arraigned on May 20, 2024 before a Superior Court judge.
According to the government’s evidence, on February 2, 2024, Miler went inside the CVS store located in Southwest Washington D.C. and took store merchandise for sale from the shelves. He then walked out of the CVS store without paying for the items. Miler was arrested after investigation by members of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Miler has two or more prior theft convictions, though not from the same occasion, and therefore is subject to enhanced penalties for his alleged theft, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in jail for each count of theft for which he is indicted.
Since September 1, 2023, including the aforementioned case, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has indicted 42 cases involving a felony second-degree theft charge based on a defendant’s two or more prior theft convictions, not from the same occasion.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Yee Yee Myint.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
miler_indictment_redacted.pdfDistrict Man Indicted on Enhanced Second-Degree Theft for Theft from CVS in SouthwestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, Ernest McEachin, 39, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on onecount of felony second-degree theft stemming from events occurring on February 23, 2024, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
McEachin will be arraigned on May 20, 2024 before a Superior Court judge.
According to the government’s evidence, on February 23, 2024, McEachin went inside the CVS store located in Southwest Washington D.C. and took store merchandise for sale from the shelves. McEachin then walked out of the CVS store without paying for the items. McEachin was arrested after investigation by members of the Metropolitan Police Department.
McEachin has two or more prior theft convictions, though not from the same occasion, and therefore is subject to enhanced penalties for his alleged theft, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in jail for each count of theft for which he is indicted.
Since September 1, 2023, including the aforementioned case, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has indicted 42 cases involving a felony second-degree theft charge based on a defendant’s two or more prior theft convictions, not from the same occasion.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erika Norman.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
mceachin_indictment_redacted.pdfDelta Junction man sentenced for “Bud and Breakfast” fraud schemeRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A Delta Junction man was sentenced today to two years in prison and is required to pay over $580,000 in restitution for running a years’ long scheme to defraud nearly two-dozen investors out of over $600,000.
According to court documents, from January 2017 to January 2020, Brian Corty, 53, was the organizer and manager of a conspiracy to use false and fraudulent claims to gain investments for a potential business and use the investments for personal gain. As part of the scheme, Corty sold investors units in Ice Fog Holdings LLC to raise capital for a “Bud and Breakfast” which was described as a marijuana theme park, where they would grow, cultivate and sell marijuana, and allow customers to use marijuana on site.
Corty purchased a building on the Richardson Highway near Salcha, Alaska, as the proposed location of the business. Corty falsely told investors that they were already growing marijuana and generating income and that the business would make millions of dollars in annual sales. Based on these misrepresentations, at least 22 people invested over $600,000 into the fraudulent scheme and the defendant used the money for personal gain, including to refinance his home and pay off debt.
Corty pleaded guilty in January to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Corty is also required to serve three years’ supervised release as part of his sentence.
“Mr. Corty manipulated unknowing investors by promising millions in proceeds and used their money for his personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Ensuring that white collar criminals, like Mr. Corty, are held accountable is a priority for my office. No one is above the law. We will continue work with our law enforcement partners to pursue prosecutions against individuals who choose to exploit unknowing victims through fraudulent means.”
“Mr. Corty lured investors with promises of prosperity and guaranteed returns, when in truth, he diverted the investor money to fund his own lifestyle,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Those who engage in fraudulent schemes at the expense of others will be investigated and held accountable.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Fairbanks Resident Agency, with assistance from the Alaska Department of Law, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bradley and Ryan Tansey prosecuted the case.
Convicted felon pleads guilty to new child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joshua Zak, 46, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2018, Zak was convicted of receipt of child pornography and sentenced to serve 72 months in prison and 20 years supervised release, which began in May 2022. In March 2023, a United States Probation Officer interviewed Zak during a home visit, during which he admitted to using a smart phone that he found at his mother's residence to view pornography. Zak also admitted that he found an old SD card that was not located by law enforcement when he was previously arrested. A few days later, U.S. Probation met Zak at his mother's residence, where he led officers to a trash bag that contained several electronic devices, as well as an SD card. A review of the SD card recovered more than 600 images and videos of child pornography, some of which included depictions of violence against children.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Probation Office, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Timothy Englert, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing scheduled for September 9, 2024, before Judge Vilardo.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition while on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, specifically a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number. At the time of the offense, the defendant was on supervised release after serving a federal prison sentence for firearm and drug convictions.
Tevin Abercrombie, 29, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 78 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In January 2024, Abercrombie was convicted by a federal jury of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In April 2020, while responding to shorts fired, officers stopped a vehicle that was of interest. During that stop, Abercrombie was found to be in possession of a black Taurus 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number loaded with one round in the chamber and an additional seven rounds of 9mm ammunition in the magazine. In 2016, Abercrombie was convicted in federal court of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, cocaine and heroin and sentenced to 60 months in prison. Abercrombie was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Dawley and Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Chicago Health Care Company and Its Owner to Pay $1 Million to Settle False Claims Act LawsuitRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago health care company and its owner will pay $1 million to the United States to resolve a civil lawsuit arising from the submission of false claims to Medicare.
BRIAN J. WEINSTEIN and APOLLO HEALTH INC. violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicare for care plan oversight services that were not actually performed, according to a consent judgment and settlement agreement filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Care plan oversight services (“CPO”) involve a physician’s supervision of a patient receiving complex or multidisciplinary medical care. At Weinstein’s direction, Apollo’s billers submitted 12,592 claims for CPO services on behalf of 25 providers purportedly employed by Apollo. Weinstein knew that the providers had not actually provided CPO services to Medicare patients and that CPO services had not been documented in the patients’ medical records.
As part of the consent judgment and settlement agreement entered this week by U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman, Weinstein and Apollo agreed to pay $1 million to the United States. The consent judgment and settlement agreement resolve a civil lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The Act permits private citizens to bring lawsuits on behalf of the United States for false claims, and to share in any recovery. The United States intervened in the lawsuit prior to the settlement.
The consent judgment and settlement were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Virginia Hancock.
In a separate criminal prosecution, Weinstein pleaded guilty last year to a federal health care fraud charge and was sentenced to three years of probation.
Consent Judgment and Settlement AgreementCartersville Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ROME, Ga. – Ian Alicea Prewett has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. In connection with his guilty plea, Prewett admitted he engaged in sex acts with minors under the age of 18 and enticed a child under the age of eight to produce sexually explicit images.
"Prewett preyed upon innocent children by enticing them to send him sexually explicit images and then victimized two minors, including during an out-of-state trip, by sexually assaulting those children,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “This office remains steadfast in our commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to uncover and prosecute child sexual predators attempting to lurk behind the anonymity of the internet.”
“Due to the dedication of our special agents and law enforcement partners, Prewett is no longer able to victimize children within our communities,” said Anthony J. Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta that covers Georgia and Alabama. “HSI will continue to seek justice for victims and hold child predators accountable.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: On various dates between 2020 and 2022, Ian Alicea Prewett uploaded sexually explicit digital images of minors to Instagram. While he tried to conceal his online identity, in May 2023, federal agents identified him as the individual who uploaded the images and obtained a warrant to search his home. During the search, agents discovered a cell phone associated with the Instagram accounts that Prewett used to distribute child pornography.
Additionally, at the time agents executed the search warrant, Prewett was awaiting trial in Cobb County, Georgia, for statutory rape, child molestation, and child enticement. Those charges resulted from Prewett chatting with a 14-year-old girl on Instagram, asking her to send him sexually explicit photographs of herself, meeting her at her school bus stop, engaging in sexual intercourse with her, and then dropping her off at her school.
Prior to his arrest in May 2023, Prewett used social media to entice numerous minors to create sexually explicit material and engage in sexual acts. One of his victims was a minor under eight years old living in the United Kingdom. Prewett directed her to send him pictures and videos of herself performing sexual acts. Prewett also instructed a minor from Mobile, Alabama to do the same. Prewett later traveled to Alabama to meet, photograph, and engage in sex acts with the minor.
Sentencing for Ian Alicea Prewett, 30, of Cartersville, Georgia, is scheduled for September 3, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II in Rome, Georgia.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Cobb County Police Department, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Wiltshire Police (United Kingdom).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore S. Hertzberg and Calvin A. Leipold, III are prosecuting the case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Bloods Gang member going to prison for 12 yearsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mario Cain-Henry, 31, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, was sentenced to serve 144 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 Cain-Henry is an associate of the nationally recognized Bloods Gang, and a member of a local subset known as the Immortal Stone Gorilla Gang. In December 2022, Cain-Henry and others were arrested after a lengthy investigation into narcotics trafficking, weapons possession, and associated violence by several members of the group. On December 14, 2022, several search warrants were executed at locations associated with Cain-Henry, including his residence. During the searches, investigators recovered quantities of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, cash, loaded firearms, and ammunition.
The investigation began in the aftermath of the murder of Rochester Police Investigator Anthony Mazurkewicz and the assault of Investigator Sino Seng in July 2022. It’s alleged that individuals associated with Cain-Henry were engaged in a violent feud with another group led by Brandon “B-Mack” Washington. Washington and several associates have also been charged with federal drug and weapons offenses.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Rochester Police Department Special Investigation Section, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, III, New York Field Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division.
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Baton Rouge Woman Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding COVID-19 Pandemic Relief ProgramsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Linda Gurvin, age 56, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 36 months in federal prison following her convictions for wire fraud and unlawful monetary transactions. Following her release from federal prison, she will be required to serve three years supervised release. The Court further sentenced Gurvin to pay $496,673.78 in restitution to the United States Small Business Administration and ordered her to forfeit an additional $447,600 in proceeds from her offenses. Previously in this investigation, the United States seized a 2020 Range Rover that Gurvin purchased with fraudulent proceeds, and at today’s sentencing, the Court ordered her interest in the vehicle forfeited.
According to admissions made as part of her guilty pleas, Gurvn submitted six fraudulent applications seeking more than $1 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), funds that were designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gurvin filed several applications in the names of businesses that she had formed prior to the pandemic but which had had closed years earlier. She then filed two fraudulent applications in the names of new entities she formed after the start of the pandemic, solely for the purposes of her scheme—a purported non-profit entity that she called Gurvin’s Marine & Air Force Guardian Angels Foundation, and an entity she called Heaven’s Paradise Church of All Nations. Throughout the applications, Gurvin made false representations regarding the businesses and their operations, and she submitted fraudulent documents intended to bolster the applications, such as fraudulent documents that purported to be the businesses’ federal tax filings. Based on the false representations, Gurvin attempted to obtain more than $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds and actually received more than $440,000.
Meanwhile, as Gurvin received proceeds from the applications, she made frequent transactions to move the funds among numerous bank accounts that she controlled at the time, before spending the funds on personal expenses and purchases, such as by making large down payments on a 2020 Land Rover Range Rover and a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas.
This case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alan A. Stevens, who also serves as Senior Litigation Counsel, and J. Brad Casey.
BTC-e Operator Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Russian national pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit money laundering related to his role in operating the cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e from 2011 to 2017.
According to court documents, Alexander Vinnik, 44, was one of the operators of BTC-e, which was one of the world’s largest virtual currency exchanges. From its inception in or around 2011 until it was shut down by law enforcement in or around July 2017 contemporaneous with Vinnik’s arrest, BTC-e processed over $9 billion-worth of transactions and served over one million users worldwide, including numerous customers in the United States.
“Today’s result shows how the Justice Department, working with international partners, reaches across the globe to combat cryptocrime,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “This guilty plea reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to use all tools to fight money laundering, police crypto markets, and recover restitution for victims.”
BTC-e was one of the primary ways by which cyber criminals around the world transferred, laundered, and stored the criminal proceeds of their illegal activities. BTC-e received criminal proceeds of numerous computer intrusions and hacking incidents, ransomware attacks, identity theft schemes, corrupt public officials, and narcotics distribution rings. Vinnik operated BTC-e with the intent to promote these unlawful activities and was responsible for a loss amount of at least $121 million.
Despite doing substantial business in the United States, BTC-e was not registered as a money services business with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), as federal law requires. BTC-e had no anti-money laundering (AML) and/or “know-your-customer” (KYC) processes and policies in place, as federal law also requires. BTC-e collected virtually no customer data at all, which made the exchange attractive to those who desired to conceal criminal proceeds from law enforcement.
BTC-e relied on shell companies and affiliate entities that were similarly unregistered with FinCEN and lacked basic anti-money laundering and KYC policies to electronically transfer fiat currency in and out of BTC-e. Vinnik set up numerous such shell companies and financial accounts across the globe to allow BTC-e to conduct its business.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
In 2017, FinCEN announced that it assessed an approximately $110 million civil money penalty against BTC-e for willfully violating U.S. AML laws, and a $12 million civil penalty against Vinnik for his role in the violations.
The FBI; IRS Criminal Investigation’s Cyber Crime Unit and Oakland Field Office; U.S. Secret Service Criminal Investigative Division; and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are investigating the case. The lengthy investigation was supported by numerous former prosecutors and investigators from multiple agencies.
Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Claudia Quiroz and Katie Lloyd-Lovett for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case. Pelker and Quiroz are members of the Department’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET).
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in securing the extradition of Vinnik. The Justice Department thanks the Government of Greece for its cooperation in securing Vinnik’s transfer to the United States.
BTC-e Operator Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A Russian national pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit money laundering related to his role in operating the cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e from 2011 to 2017.
According to court documents, Alexander Vinnik, 44, was one of the operators of BTC-e, which was one of the world’s largest virtual currency exchanges. From its inception in or around 2011 until it was shut down by law enforcement in or around July 2017 contemporaneous with Vinnik’s arrest, BTC-e processed over $9 billion-worth of transactions and served over one million users worldwide, including numerous customers in the United States and the Northern District of California.
“Today’s result shows how the Justice Department, working with international partners, reaches across the globe to combat cryptocrime,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “This guilty plea reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to use all tools to fight money laundering, police crypto markets, and recover restitution for victims.”
BTC-e was one of the primary ways by which cyber criminals around the world transferred, laundered, and stored the criminal proceeds of their illegal activities. BTC-e received criminal proceeds of numerous computer intrusions and hacking incidents, ransomware attacks, identity theft schemes, corrupt public officials, and narcotics distribution rings. Vinnik operated BTC-e with the intent to promote these unlawful activities and was responsible for a loss amount of at least $121 million.
Despite doing substantial business in the United States, BTC-e was not registered as a money services business with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), as federal law requires. BTC-e had no anti-money laundering (AML) and/or “know-your-customer” (KYC) processes and policies in place, as federal law also requires. BTC-e collected virtually no customer data at all, which made the exchange attractive to those who desired to conceal criminal proceeds from law enforcement.
BTC-e relied on shell companies and affiliate entities that were similarly unregistered with FinCEN and lacked basic AML and KYC policies to electronically transfer fiat currency in and out of BTC-e. Vinnik set up numerous such shell companies and financial accounts across the globe to allow BTC-e to conduct its business.
Vinnik faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
In 2017, FinCEN announced that it assessed an approximately $110 million civil money penalty against BTC-e for willfully violating U.S. AML laws, and a $12 million civil penalty against Vinnik for his role in the violations.
U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Special Agent in Charge William Mancino of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent in Charge Tatum King of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco made the announcement.
The FBI; IRS-CI Cyber Crime Unit and Oakland Field Office; USSS Criminal Investigative Division; and HSI are investigating the case. The lengthy investigation was supported by numerous former prosecutors and investigators from multiple agencies, including IRS-CI Special Agent James Hade (1980-2019) and former IRS-CI Special Agent Tigran Gambaryan.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Claudia Quiroz and Katie Lloyd-Lovett for the Northern District of California and Trial Attorney C. Alden Pelker of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case. Pelker and Quiroz are members of the Justice Department’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET).
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in securing the extradition of Vinnik. The Justice Department thanks the Greek government for its cooperation in securing Vinnik’s transfer to the United States.
18-Year Prison Sentence Handed Down for District Man for Second-Degree Murder of Ex-Girlfriend in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Carson Posey, 24, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for second degree murder while armed related to the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Shantal Hill, on April 15, 2020, in front of the Tyler House Apartments on the south side of 1200 North Capitol Street, Northwest. The sentencing was announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Posey pleaded guilty, on September 29, 2023, to one count of second-degree murder while armed. Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe also ordered Posey to serve five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on April 15, 2020, Posey and Hill walked out of the front of the apartment building following what appeared to be a heated argument involving a third person. Posey shot Hill, his ex-girlfriend, nine times in the legs, buttocks, and chest and fled the area. Hill identified her assailant to responding police officers while aid was being provided on the scene. Hill also stated, “I [am] a single mother and I can’t die.” She died shortly after midnight on April 16, 2020.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Criminal Investigations Division, Homicide Branch, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney John Interrante, who prosecuted the case.
Thursday 2 May 2024
Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Wire Fraud Charges for Swindling More Than $300,000 from Her GrandmotherRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Florida woman admitted to federal charges Wednesday for scamming her grandmother living in Cahokia Heights out of more than $300,000.
Tanya M. Aboseada, 38, of Pompano Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of wire fraud.
“The Department’s Elder Justice Initiative dedicates federal resources to combat abuse and financial crimes targeted at senior citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I’m thankful for our partnership with the FBI to hold offenders accountable, and in this case, a criminal who stole from and victimized her elderly family member.”
According to court documents, Aboseada convinced her grandmother to wire money into her bank account under false pretenses on at least 12 occasions between November 2021 and August 2022. Aboseada lied to her grandmother about needing money to transfer a truck title into her name, owing money to the IRS, paying attorney fees and fines for a vehicular accident she was in, and paying the family of an alleged child she killed in a vehicular accident to avoid going to jail.
“Older Americans are too often the target of scammers who hide behind computer screens while stealing money. But criminals who steal the hard-earned life savings of their own family members demonstrate an even greater disregard for this vulnerable population,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “The FBI is committed to investigating and holding to account those intent on harming seniors.”
In total, Aboseada admitted to stealing $317,049 from her grandmother.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment per count. Aboseada’s sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 13.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative.
The FBI Springfield Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Verseman and Kathleen Howard are prosecuting the case.
Woman Accused of Bilking St. Louis-Area Company Extradited from ScotlandRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A woman has been extradited from Scotland to face an indictment that accuses her of embezzling $165,000 from a St. Louis-area company.
Sarah Lynn Tweedie, now 49, was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on June 21, 2018, with three counts of mail fraud, five counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. The indictment says Tweedie worked as a controller of a St. Louis area publishing company and was responsible for payroll processing, expense reimbursements and paying all company bills, including company credit cards.
The indictment says that from July through January of 2018, Tweedie stole from her employer in multiple ways. She used her company credit card and a card belonging to a former employee to make $138,137 in purchases, a Scottish kilt and a $1,239 premium seat upgrade on her flight from Chicago to Glasgow. She used the corporate account to purchase $6,400 in Amazon gift cards, the indictment says.
The indictment says Tweedie also fraudulently increased her annual salary from $80,000 to $110,000 and triggered $16,086 in expense reimbursements to which she was not entitled.
Tweedie began a long-distance relationship with a Scottish man in 2015, according to extradition documents, and they became engaged in March of 2017, the month before she began working for the publishing company.
A motion seeking to have Tweedie held in jail until trial says she told her employer in December of 2017 that her fiancée had been injured in a car accident and that she needed to leave to be with him. In reality, Tweedie had applied for and received a visa to live in Scotland and did not plan to return. She was arrested on July 9, 2019, but fought extradition. In March her final appeal was denied and United States Marshals escorted her to St. Louis.
Tweedie, formerly known as Sarah Jauregui, appeared in court Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Florissant Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Scottish authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Tweedie. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is prosecuting the case.
Williston Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that on May 2, 2024, Eric Obregon, Jr., age 32, from Williston, North Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Daniel M. Traynor and was sentenced to serve 15 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.
On December 9, 2022, a Williston Police Officer approached the driver of a vehicle that was parked at the intersection of 2nd Avenue West and 42nd Street West in Williston, ND, because the vehicle was partially blocking the intersection. A second officer arrived on scene and recognized the driver of the vehicle to be Eric Obregon and knew Obregon to have warrants for his arrest.
When Obregon was asked to step out of the vehicle, he pushed one of the officers and fled on foot. As the officers pursued Obregon, they repeatedly advised him to get his hands out of his pants. Obregon presented a firearm and discharged the firearm toward the officers while running. The officers returned fire and Obregon again fired at the officers and continued to flee around the east side of a building. One of the officers fired and struck Obregon in the leg. After additional officers arrived on scene and Obregon was secured, a Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm handgun was located on the ground next to Obregon, and one firearm magazine containing two rounds of ammunition was recovered from his pocket.
The defendant was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to a previous conviction for Prohibited Possession of a Firearm, on or about September 24, 2020, in Williams County (ND) District Court. The defendant was on state probation for this conviction when he committed the instant offense.
“This is a just sentence for someone who violently put law enforcement lives at risk,” Schneider said. “Thanks to the courage and skill of the Williston Police Department, this individual was neutralized and brought to federal court to face justice. I want to thank our law enforcement partners in Williston as well as the Williams County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in obtaining this result. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively use the felon in possession statute to take violent offenders out of our communities and fairly put them in federal prison.”
“I would like to express sincere appreciation for the relationship between the Williston Police Department, the Williams County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Federal Prosecutors,” said Chief of Police David A. Peterson of the Williston Police Department. “The Williston Police Department believes in the partnerships we have created with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The work completed by the men and women of the WPD, BCI, FBI and other agencies. Their work brought resolution to the Obregon case, holding the Defendant responsible for his actions. Ultimately, I am extremely thankful our Officers were able to go home to their families on the night in question and have the ability to continue to serve the Williston Community.”
"Obregon's choice to fire upon law enforcement officers was an egregious assault on their lives," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. "With unwavering commitment, we support our partners, holding individuals like Obregon accountable for their actions, and upholding the rule of law."
This case was investigated by the Williston Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, with Assistant United States Attorney David Hagler assigned to the case.
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Utah Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Celso Carillo, 44, of Beryl, Utah, was sentenced on May 2, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Senior United States Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Carillo to 121 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Carillo’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On January 10, 2023, a Nebraska State Patrol trooper stopped a car driven by Alfonso Carillo, in which Celso Carillo was a passenger, for license plate violations near North Platte, Nebraska. Celso Carillo admitted he had two THC vape cartridges in the car. Alfonso Carillo had a pipe with methamphetamine residue on his person. As a result, the vehicle was searched. Three packages of fentanyl weighing a total of 6.6 pounds were found. Later, additional information was developed which led investigators to do an additional search of the vehicle. During that search, an additional package of fentanyl weighing 2.5 pounds was found, for a total of 9.1 pounds.
While incarcerated in Lincoln County, Celso Carillo wrote two letters taking responsibility for the drugs. Alfonso Carillo, believed to be Celso Carillo’s nephew, pleaded guilty to a state felony charge of possession of meth in Lincoln County and was sentenced to 364 days in jail in June of 2023. He was given credit for time served and was released. He was federally indicted with Celso Carillo in August of 2023, but his whereabouts are currently unknown.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
United States Obtains Judgment for Fraudulent Veterans Assistance Claims Against Moss Point Barber School and Owner in the Amount of $916,392Read the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. - Todd Gee, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, announced today that the United States obtained a civil judgment in the amount of $916,392 in connection with fraudulent veterans assistance claims made by barber school and salon owner April Tucker Beard; Beard’s salon and barber school, April’s Mane Attraction, Inc. (AMA); and April’s Mane Attraction, Inc., Academy (AMA/Academy).
On October 5, 2023, the United States filed a civil complaint against these defendants pursuant to the False Claims Act (FCA) seeking treble damages and penalties and alleging that Beard and her school knowingly defrauded the United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ Post-9/11 GI Bill education assistance program. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides educational assistance benefits for eligible veterans and members of the armed services who enroll in qualified education or training programs. The VA pays benefits for tuition and fees directly to qualifying schools and provides qualifying veteran students a monthly housing allowance and stipend for books and supplies. These benefits are part of the United States’ promise to support veterans after honorably serving our country.
In its complaint, the United States alleged that Beard and AMA/Academy falsely certified that they provided 1500 hours of formal class instruction to its students when they did not do so; and further, that they charged comparable tuition for VA and non-VA students. Instead, Beard and her school charged grossly inflated and disproportionate tuition and fees for VA students in the amount of $22,400 as compared to $2,400 ($50/week) for non-VA students. According to the United States, Beard did not regularly conduct classes or otherwise provide instruction and most of the veteran students for whom AMA/Academy received Post-9/11 GI benefits did not receive certificates of completion and did not test with the Mississippi State Board of Barber Examiners to fulfill licensing requirements in Mississippi. The United States alleged that Beard did not maintain accurate attendance records and payment ledgers as a means to conceal her failure to adhere to program requirements.
As a result of Beard’s false certifications, the United States claimed Beard fraudulently received $235,734 in tuition payments for barber instructor and/or training services she did not provide to veterans. Under the FCA, the United States is entitled to an award of three times the government’s loss plus penalties for each claim filed. On April 19, 2024, United States District Judge Halil Suleyman Ozerden entered judgment against Beard, AMA, and AMA/Academy for $916,392.
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an important part of our promise to aid our military veterans and their families for honorably serving our country,” said Todd Gee, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. “This type of fraud drains funds from vital veterans’ programs and this office remains committed to holding offenders who abuse and exploit these programs accountable.”
“Safeguarding Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit funds reserved for deserving veterans remains a priority, and this judgment is a testament to our commitment to holding accountable those who would defraud VA’s benefit programs,” said Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper of the South Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this case.”
This investigation was the result of a dedicated and coordinated effort from the VA OIG, the Veterans Benefits Administration, Education Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, SDMS. Assistant United States Attorney Deidre Colson investigated and litigated this matter.
United States Attorney’s Office Warns of Reported Financial Litigation ScamRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is alerting the public about a reported scammer making phone calls claiming to be with our office and requesting restitution payments.
This week, the office received multiple phone calls from concerned citizens regarding an individual who identifies himself as a member of the Financial Litigation Unit (FLU) of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, requesting restitution payments. The caller further claims the individual failed to appear in court regarding COVID-19 relief funds. All callers are then given a phone number to make a payment.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will never call requesting a payment of restitution over the phone. Past due restitution payment letters are sent from our office, but criminal restitution payments are made to the federal court. Civil debts are paid through the Nationwide Central Intake Facility or through Pay.gov. If you receive a phone call from this individual or anyone claiming to be with the U.S. Attorney’s Office asking for restitution payments, this is a scam. If you think you are a victim of a scam or know someone who is, report it to the FBI at IC3.gov or the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland Secures Agreement with Hotel Owner in White Marsh, Maryland, to Ensure Access for People with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The Department of Justice announced today it has reached a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the Hilton Garden Inn at White Marsh, located in White Marsh, Maryland, to resolve alleged violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Department reached the agreement with AHIP MD Baltimore 5015 Enterprises LLC, who owns and, together with its agents, operates the hotel. Under the agreement, the hotel will provide training to its staff about the ADA’s requirements to ensure that customers enjoy equal access to its services. Without admitting it violated the ADA, the hotel owner also agreed to a monetary payment to fully resolve the matter.
The settlement resolves an ADA complaint alleging that, after reserving an accessible room, when an individual with a disability and his mother attempted to check-in, the Hilton Garden Inn provided a room that was not accessible as it lacked a bathroom with a roll-in shower. According to the complaint, the individual with a disability and his mother were forced to accept a different room that did not have a roll-in shower as they had reserved. As a result, the individual with a disability used a shower chair that was not affixed to the wall and slid backwards when he attempted to transfer, causing serious bodily injury.
The complaint prompted an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. The ADA requires that hotels provide access to individuals with disabilities, including honoring reservations, providing fully accessible rooms, and making accommodations.
“People with disabilities deserve equal access to life’s most basic necessities, such as safe access to bathrooms and showers,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland. “The law protects people with disabilities who are traveling and requires that hotels provide equal access to their rooms and facilities. We appreciate the hotel’s remedial action and I encourage all hotels in the District of Maryland to review their policies and facilities to ensure they are accessible to all.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly S. Phillips represented the government during the investigation and settlement process. For more information about the ADA, please visit www.ada.gov, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at https://www.justice.gov/crt/how-file-complaint.
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U.S. Attorney Warns of Increasing Threat from Machinegun Conversion Devices as Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a MachinegunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Todd Gee announced today that his office has seen an increase in cases involving illegal machinegun conversion devices (MCDs), commonly known as “switches” or “auto sears,” which convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons (i.e., machineguns) in a matter of seconds. MCDs present a significant danger in our community to both the public and law enforcement. An individual found in possession of an MCD will face up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reported a 570% increase in the number of MCDs collected by police departments between 2017 and 2021, the most recent data available.
Today in the Southern District of Mississippi, defendant Kylin Demond Russell of Jackson, 22, pled guilty to illegal possession of a machinegun by possessing a Glock pistol with an attached MCD. According to court documents, on Friday, February 9, 2024, Russell led Capitol Police officers on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph, after failing to yield for a traffic stop. When his vehicle ultimately came to a stop, he attempted to flee on foot, was detained, and two Glock pistols with attached MCDs were found in the vehicle. Capitol Police contacted the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The vehicle driven by Russell appears to match the description of a vehicle seen in a video, taken by a citizen in Jackson and widely distributed on-line, showing a person firing a weapon from the vehicle.
Russell was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 21, 2024. He will be sentenced on August 2, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen is prosecuting the case.
The case is being investigated by the ATF and Capitol Police and is a result of Operation Unified and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), both of which are coordinated efforts between state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies. Agencies participating in Operation Unified include the Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Narcotics, Capitol Police and Office of Homeland Security; the Jackson Police Department; the Hinds County District Attorney and Hinds County Sheriff’s Office; the Mississippi Department of Corrections; and the FBI, DEA, and ATF, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The PSN Program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Arrested and Charged with Arms Export Control Act Violations, Smuggling Firearms Parts, Firearms Trafficking, Possession of Machineguns, Unlawful Transportation of a Firearm and Dealing in Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Frank Ross Talbert, 40, a Lieutenant Colonel with U.S. Army Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) assigned to Fort Campbell, is facing federal criminal charges after law enforcement officers conducted an investigation and executed multiple search warrants uncovering evidence that Talbert unlawfully imported firearms parts from Russia and other countries, unlawfully dealt in firearms without a federal firearms license, and committed multiple firearms violations related to the possession of machineguns, announced Henry C. Leventis, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Talbert was arrested today on a twenty-one count federal indictment charging him with eight counts of importing defense articles without a license, eight counts of smuggling firearms parts into the United States, one count of firearms trafficking, two counts of possession of unregistered machineguns, one count of transporting a machinegun without a license and one count of dealing in firearms without a license.
If convicted, Talbert faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment and a fine up to $1,000,000.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bowling Green Field Office; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Homeland Security Investigations; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Field Office, Nashville Resident Agency; and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke Farzad is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Seminole County Felons Indicted for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Rovonte Lamar Daniels (29, Sanford) and Frederick Lee Brown (31, Sanford) each with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Daniels and Brown each face a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Brown and Daniels that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms and ammunition involved in the offense.
According to the indictment, Daniels has previously been convicted of four felony offenses and Brown has previously been convicted of five felony offenses. Despite knowing they were felons, Brown and Daniels each possessed a Canik firearm on December 13, 2023. As convicted felons, Brown and Daniels are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Two Men Sentenced to Prison as Part of Federal Investigation That Dismantled Mexico-to-Chicago Drug PipelineRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Two suburban Chicago men have been sentenced to prison as part of a federal investigation that dismantled a Mexico-to-Chicago drug pipeline.
SHELDON MORALES and EDUARDO SANTANA conspired with a supplier in Mexico and two inmates in a prison in Texas to traffic methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine from Mexico to Evanston, Ill., and Morton Grove, Ill., in 2019. The drugs were sent in packages from California and Arizona and later sold on the streets in the Chicago area.
Law enforcement uncovered the drug trafficking activities through the use of wiretapped cellular phones, package seizures, and extensive surveillance. The case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers and other criminal offenders that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
A jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago in 2022 convicted Morales, 42, of Morton Grove, Ill., and Santana, 47, of Skokie, Ill., on a drug conspiracy charge. Morales was also convicted of an individual drug charge related to his attempted possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland on Tuesday sentenced Santana to 16 years and eight months in prison. Judge Rowland sentenced Morales on April 16, 2024, to 19 years and seven months in prison.
Two other defendants were also convicted and sentenced to prison as part of this investigation. DARIUS MORALES, 34, of Evanston, Ill., was sentenced in 2022 to nearly eight years in federal prison for illegally possessing a semi-automatic handgun in Evanston. DEMETRIUS SHAVERS, 42, of Chicago, was sentenced in 2021 to more than six and a half years in federal prison for trafficking heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl in the Chicago area.
The sentences were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. Substantial assistance was provided by the Evanston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles W. Mulaney and Kirsten Moran represented the government.
Two Individuals Arrested for Defrauding Canadian Company that Sought to Purchase Protective Surgical Masks at Outset of Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, a criminal complaint was unsealed charging Jonathan Cannon and Julie Dotton with wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud a company seeking to purchase personal protective equipment (“PPE”) at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cannon was arrested this morning at his home on Long Island and arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione who released the defendant on a $500,000 bond. Dotton was arrested this morning in Buffalo and will make her initial appearance this afternoon in federal court in the Western District of New York.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrests and charges.
“As alleged in the complaint, the defendants sought to take advantage of a provider’s need for life-saving personal protective equipment through a fraudulent scheme that was designed in reality to line their own pockets,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office will continue to work diligently to ensure that fraudsters who sought to capitalize on the worldwide pandemic will be brought to justice. There is no free pass for Covid-19 fraud.”
“Jonathan Cannon and Julie Dotton allegedly defrauded a healthcare company of approximately $8.2 million under the false pretense of selling personal protective equipment. The defendants’ alleged failure to provide these critical garments, especially during the onset of a global pandemic, selfishly deprived potential consumers and patients in need. Today’s arrests highlights the FBI’s steadfast pursuit of those who jeopardize the health of others for personal financial gain,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith.
According to court filings, as part of their fraudulent scheme, Cannon and Dotton allegedly misrepresented their ability to obtain PPE to a Canadian company that was an official provider of PPE to two Canadian provinces during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a nominal entity she controlled, Dotton entered into a contract with the company to sell approximately 12 million face masks to it for $8.2 million. Cannon and Dotton then caused the company to wire the $8.2 million payment to a purported third-party escrow agent’s bank account. Rather than use the funds to procure the PPE as promised, Cannon and Dotton caused the purported escrow agent to transfer the funds to a bank account controlled by Cannon, who, in turn, disbursed the funds to various third parties for the defendants’ benefit. After Cannon and Dotton failed to procure the agreed upon PPE for the company, and the company demanded delivery of the PPE or a refund, Cannon and Dotton strung them along with excuses for a number of months.
The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Drew G. Rolle, John O. Enright and Adam Toporovsky are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Peyton Jefferson.
The Defendants:
JONATHAN CANNON
Age: 58
Miller Place, New YorkJulie Dotton
Age: 51
Orchard Park, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-MJ-342
Two District Men Sentenced to Decades in Prison for January 2021 Murder in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Delonta Stevenson, 29, and Vorreze Thomas Jr., 26, both of Washington, D.C., were sentenced today for the murder of Terrance Allen, 32, in Southeast Washington, D.C. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Delonta Stevenson was sentenced to 85 years in prison by D.C. Superior Court Judge Marisa J. Demeo after being found guilty on February 1, 2024 of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and related firearms offenses.
Vorreze Thomas Jr. was sentenced to 53 years in prison by D.C. Superior Court Judge Marisa J. Demeo after being found guilty on February 1, 2024 of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and related firearms offenses. Thomas was found guilty under an aiding and abetting theory.
According to the government’s evidence presented at trial, on the morning of January 18, 2021, Stevenson and Thomas’ vehicle intercepted a vehicle driven by Mr. Allen as it was leaving the Stanton Glen Apartments. Stevenson fired thirty-four shots with a rifle, while sitting in the front passenger’s seat, into the back of Mr. Allen’s vehicle. As a result, the victim was killed and two other passengers in Mr. Allen’s car were wounded. Mr. Allen was not the intended target; rather, Stevenson and Thomas were attempting to kill one of the other men in the car with Mr. Allen with whom they had a dispute.
Following the shooting, Stevenson and Thomas attempted to flee the scene in Thomas’ vehicle. A nearby MPD officer heard the shooting, observed the men fleeing the scene and was given authorization to pursue. Stevenson and Thomas eventually crashed their vehicle at the intersection of 29th and Erie Street SE and successfully fled on foot. Both men were arrested on February 17, 2021.
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 Homicide Branch. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service 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 Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Tasha Harris, Lead Paralegal Specialist Meridith McGarrity, Paralegal Specialists Mabry Johnson, Lashone Samuels, and Stephanie Gilbert, Investigative Analyst Zach McMenamin, Supervisory IT Specialist Leif Hickling, IT Specialist Charlie Bruce, Supervisory Victim-Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington, Victim/Witness Services Coordinators Shanika McCullough and Maenylie Watson, Victim Assistance Specialist Christina Bloodworth, Supervisory Security Specialist Lesley Slade, and Security Specialist Robert Cephas.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Korba who investigated and indicted the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Miles Janssen and Zach Horton who prosecuted the case.
Three Men Plead Guilty to Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
UTICA, NEW YORK – Joseph Lastrina, age 38, of Norwalk, Connecticut, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
As part of the same investigation, Thaddeus Price, age 47, of Albany, and Robert Sanger, age 59, of Rensselaer, New York, previously pled guilty to distributing methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, respectively.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
The charges to which the three men pled guilty carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison; a fine of up to $1 million; and a term of 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.
Lastrina admitted to directing both Sanger and Price to complete drug deals that he arranged in November 2022 in the Capital Region. Those transactions collectively involved 177 grams of pure methamphetamine. A search warrant executed at Sanger’s home led to the recovery of an additional 217 grams of pure methamphetamine in May 2023.
The DEA is investigating the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Reiner and Ashlyn Miranda are prosecuting.
State of Franklin Healthcare Associates Agrees to Resolve Potential Controlled Substances Act ClaimsRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On May 2, 2024, United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III announced that State of Franklin Healthcare Associates, PLLC (SOFHA), which operates a multi-specialty physician-led medical group consisting of more than 30 clinics in Tennessee and Virginia, has agreed to pay civil monetary penalties to resolve allegations that the company violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by failing to make, keep, and furnish essential documents and records pertaining to the acquisition, transfer, and disposition of Schedule III and Schedule IV controlled substances.
Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, SOFHA agreed to pay $200,000 to resolve allegations that from October 2020 to January 2023, SOFHA violated 21 U.S.C. ' 842(a)(5) by failing to create or retain and could not furnish required documentation and information. The United States contends that during this time SOFHA did not make and could not produce records pertaining to: the transfers of Schedule III and Schedule IV controlled substances from SOFHA physicians to an unregistered SOFHA supply warehouse; the transfers of Schedule III and Schedule IV controlled substances from SOFHA physicians to other SOFHA physicians; the transfers of Schedule III and Schedule IV controlled substances from the SOFHA supply warehouse to unregistered SOFHA clinics for dispensing by registered SOFHA physicians; and the loss or theft of a Schedule III controlled substance.
The CSA requires that DEA registrants make and retain documents and records detailing the acquisition, dispensing, and disposition of controlled substances. The investigation revealed that SOFHA failed to implement procedures for making and preserving crucial records itemizing controlled substances acquired by SOFHA physicians and transferred to and from unregistered SOFHA clinics and a warehouse and could not provide required information to DEA when requested.
“When medical providers fail to follow the record-keeping requirements of the CSA, it significantly contributes to the risk of diversion of controlled substances from legitimate purposes to improper usage, causing harm to our citizens and communities,” said United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “This settlement agreement demonstrates that the United States Attorney’s Office, the DEA, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, are using all tools available to enforce the requirements of the CSA and degrade the diversion of controlled substances.”
“DEA registrants have an obligation to adhere to the strict recordkeeping rules in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act in order to reduce the potential for the diversion of licit drugs with a high potential for abuse,” said Erek Davodowich, acting special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division. “State of Franklin Health Care failed to meet their obligation, resulting in a substantial financial penalty in this case.”
The DEA conducted the investigation of this matter. SOFHA cooperated with the DEA inquiry.
Assistant United States Attorney Alan G. McGonigal and Ben D. Cunningham represented the United States.
The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Springfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Possessing Fentanyl with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield woman pleaded guilty on Tuesday to possessing fentanyl intended for distribution.
Karyela Santiago, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 8, 2024. In September 2023, Santiago was indicted by a federal grand jury.
On March 30, 2022, Santiago possessed fentanyl intended for distribution. Specifically, Santiago possessed a total of 8,090 bags of fentanyl intended for distribution – containing a total of 129 grams of fentanyl.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, four year of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. 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; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; and Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
South Texas man arrested after attempting to purchase firearm with stolen bank heist fundsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas - A 42-year-old resident of Laredo is in custody for allegedly committing bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Arturo Limon III has made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga. Originally arrested on related state charges, authorities have now transferred him to federal custody.
The criminal complaint, filed April 29, alleges Limon entered Falcon International Bank located at 10511 McPherson Road April 27. He allegedly approached the bank tellers, handed them an empty camouflage backpack and demanded they put money in it. The charges allege that during the robbery he said, “yes this is happening.”
Limon allegedly stole a large amount of cash from the teller’s drawer, exited through the main lobby entrance and drove away in blue Ford Mustang.
Authorities responded, reviewed bank surveillance footage and issued a “be on the lookout” for an individual matching Limon’s description, according to the complaint.
He allegedly entered the Arena Gun Club shortly after the robbery with a green camouflage backpack and attempted to purchase a firearm by handing the employee a large amount of cash. The charges allege he left the club while employees conducted the mandatory background checks. They alerted law enforcement due to his suspicious behavior, according to the complaint.
Authorities allegedly arrested Limon at his residence as he arrived driving a blue Mustang. At that time, they found marked currency in his vehicle and a green camouflage backpack, according to the charges.
If convicted, Limon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Makens is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
South Portland Man Sentenced to Five Years on Gun and Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A South Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute.
U.S. District Judge Jon D. Levy sentenced Joshua Hopkins, 33, to 60 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release. Hopkins pleaded guilty on February 21, 2024.
According to court records, in April 2023, investigators located Hopkins, who had an active state arrest warrant, at a South Portland hotel. A search of a backpack Hopkins had been wearing revealed multiple scales, a single round of 7.62 mm x 39 mm ammunition, a blender that contained suspected fentanyl powder, smaller containers of additional suspected fentanyl powder, bags of suspected cocaine, and what appeared to be a substance used to “cut” drugs. Officers found a black Norinco SKS-style rifle in the vehicle. The round of ammunition in the backpack matched the caliber of the rifle. Hopkins is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; South Portland Police Department; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
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South Carolina Man Sentenced for Obstructing Justice in the Murder of a Black Transgender WomanRead the Press Release
A South Carolina man was sentenced today for obstructing an investigation into the December 2019 murder of a transgender woman.
Xavier Pinckney, 24, was sentenced to 45 months in prison for providing false and misleading information to state authorities investigating the murder of Dime Doe. He previously pleaded guilty on Oct 26, 2023.
“The defendant’s sentence is part of our effort to fully seek justice and accountability following the tragic murder of a Black transgender woman,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The message should be clear: The Justice Department will fully investigate and prosecute those who target the Black transgender community and that includes those who unlawfully obstruct investigations into these heinous crimes. We want the Black trans community to know that we stand with the LGBTQI+ community, we reject transphobic-fueled violence, and that we will seek justice for victims and their families.”
“Pinckney’s obstruction delayed our investigation and delayed justice for Dime Doe,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “Fortunately, Pinckney confessed his lies and his role in the coverup of her murder. This sentence underscores that no one who stands in the way of justice will go unpunished.”
“Pinckney’s obstructive actions delayed justice for Dime Doe and accountability for his co-defendant,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “No matter the obstacle, the FBI and our law enforcement partners are poised to defend the rights and protections of all citizens, and those who engage in criminal activity will be met with the full weight of our investigative and prosecutorial power.”
According to court documents, Pinckney admitted that he concealed from the state authorities the use of his phone to call and text Doe the day of her murder, and he lied to state investigators about seeing his co-defendant, Daqua Ritter, on the morning of Doe’s murder. Ritter was convicted of a hate crime, firearms charge and obstruction of justice in a jury trial arising out of the Ritter’s murder of Doe. Ritter was the first defendant to be found guilty by trial verdict for a hate crime motivated by gender identity under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
The FBI Columbia Field Office investigated the case, with the assistance of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Allendale County Sheriff’s Office and Allendale Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brook Andrews, Ben Garner and Elle Klein for the District of South Carolina and Trial Attorney Andrew Manns of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Son of Leader of Rodriguez Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 10 Years for His Role in Large Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK –Ivan Rodriguez, Jr., age 29, of Utica, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 120 months in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and to distribute fentanyl announced United States Attorney Carla Freedman, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division and Thomas Fattorusso, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Office. Rodriguez was also ordered to serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, pay a $200 special assessment and a $75,000 money judgment representing profits he earned as part of the drug conspiracy.
Ivan Rodriguez, Jr. is the son of Ivan Rodriguez, Sr., the head of the Rodriguez drug trafficking organization, an organization that distributed heroin, fentanyl and cocaine throughout the Utica, New York area. As part of his guilty plea Rodriguez, Jr. admitted that from at least June 2021 through October 2021, he conspired with Ivan Rodriguez, Eric Ares, Jose Aponte, Jose Morales, Bernabe Lopez, Angel Calderon Ortiz, Harry Rodriguez, Jr. and others to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl and a mixture of fentanyl/heroin in and around Oneida County and elsewhere. Rodriguez, Jr. admitted that he, together with his father and Eric Ares arranged for the purchase, pickup and delivery of 3 kilograms of fentanyl and a mixture of fentanyl/heroin from a source of supply, which he and others acting on his behalf, re-distributed in the Utica, New York area. Rodriguez, Jr. also admitted to distributing a quantity of fentanyl to a co-conspirator.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the New York State Police, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, the City of Utica Police Department, the City of Syracuse Police Department, the City of Rome Police Department, United States Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE), the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, the New York Army National Guard Counter Drug Program, the Village of Yorkville Police Department, and the Village of Whitesboro Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson.
Slidell Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHRISTOPHER YARBROUGH (“YARBROUGH”), age 43, of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced on May 1, 2024, for receipt of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1).
According to court documents, the case against YARBROUGH stemmed from an online Child Sexual Abuse Material (“CSAM”) investigation by the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office. The investigation was referred to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”). On June 26, 2023, HSI special agents, along with members of the Slidell Police Department and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, executed a federal search warrant at YARBROUGH’s Slidell home. HSI agents arrested YARBROUGH during the search and charged him with receipt of CSAM. HSI’s investigation revealed YARBROUGH received images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.
United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced YARBROUGH to one hundred eight (108) months imprisonment, followed by a five (5) year term of supervised release, $6,000.00 in restitution, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Slidell Police Department; and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of Financial Crimes Unit.
Sixty-Two Members of Violent Gang Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violations in Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
Note: The release has been edited to reflect words that were omitted from the Attorney General’s quote.
On April 24, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 62 violent gang members from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations.
“Thanks to the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and our state and local partners, more than 60 alleged gang members have been charged and over $72 million in drugs have been seized in this operation,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The residents of public housing projects deserve better than to be terrorized by violent drug trafficking gangs, and the Justice Department will be relentless in our efforts to dismantle the gangs that fuel violent crime and profit from poisoning our communities.”
“The allegations in today’s indictments tell a scary story about gang violence in these public housing communities,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “For all the innocent residents who are trying to raise healthy families in safe communities, law enforcement wants you to know that we are here for you. Living in public housing cannot, and should not, mean being subjected to an atmosphere of gun violence and drug dealing around you and your family. ATF’s number one priority is getting the worst criminals — the trigger pullers and drug dealers — off the streets. When rival gangs declare war on each other in the streets in any city, it is the innocent bystanders that suffer the greatest consequences. I want to commend all the ATF agents and our federal and local partners who worked tirelessly to make Arecibo and all of Puerto Rico a safer place.”
“The arrests in this case underscore the resolve of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners to uphold the rule of law and bring to justice violent criminals who threaten our communities,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “The Justice Department remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantle criminal organizations, hold gang members accountable, and pursue justice for victims.”
“Through the relentless collaboration, between the DEA and ATF, state and federal partners have dealt significant blows to the violent drug trafficking organizations operating within the El Cotto public housing project,” said Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster of the DEA Detroit Field Office. “With over $72 million in street value narcotics seized and over 40 arrests made, our joint efforts underscore our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises and safeguarding our communities.”
The indictment alleges that, from 2014 through the present, the defendants worked as part of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed illegal drugs for significant financial gain and profit — including cocaine base (commonly known as crack), heroin, cocaine, marijuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), Clonazepam (commonly known as Klonopin), and Tramadol — all within 1,000 feet of the Ramón Marín Solá Public Housing Project (PHP), Trina Padilla de Sanz PHP, Manuel Zeno Gandía PHP, Bella Vista PHP, and La Meseta PHP, all five facilities owned by a public housing authority and collectively referred to as El Cotto. The charging documents further allege that the leaders of the DTO that operates within the five PHPs comprising El Cotto met regularly to discuss drug trafficking activities and prevent issues between the members of the organization. The goal of the DTO was to maintain control of the drug trafficking activities within their territory by the use of force, threats, violence, and intimidation.
The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, including acting as leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, and facilitators. The defendants charged in the indictment are:
- Melquisedec Navarro-Lorenzo, also known as Melqui and La M
- Joel Caraballo-López, also known as Flaqui
- Luis Amezquita-Lorenzo, also known as Berto and Bethoven
- Reinaldo Ortiz-González, also known as Chiqui, Compi Rey, Rajao, and Viejo
- Alex Montalvo-Novoa, also known as Alex Chiquito
- Jonathan Joel Franco-Mercado, also known as Gancho
- Ivan Acosta-Rodríguez, also known as Luis Ivan Acosta Rodríguez, Luis Ivan Santiago Pérez, Ivan El Negro, Billy The Kid, and Wakala
- Albert De Jesús-Schelmety, also known as Macu and Macuco
- Renso Marcial-Rodríguez
- Josué Cedeño-Feliciano, also known as Camboya
- César Cardona-Mena, also known as Chivas
- Lydia M. Pagán-Arocho, also known as Tata
- Luis Méndez-Medina, also known as Tommy El Gago and Tommy El Loco
- Jonathan Robles-Maldonado, also known as Paramédico and Jonathan Paramédico
- Joseph Sanabria-Alequin, also known as Pitbull
- Yefrain Molina-Viruet, also known as Harry Potter
- Erick Juarbe-Rodríguez, also known as Erico
- Ramón Colón-Crespo, also known as Papito
- Jonathan Feliciano-Torres, also known as Duende
- Abdiel Yadiel Carrión-Rosado, also known as Gemelo
- Yadiel Abdiel Carrión-Rosado, also known as Gemelo
- Emmanuel Pérez-Rodríguez, also known as Manny, Manes, and El Duraco Del Castillo
- Obrian D. Mercado-Rivera
- Ashley J. Rodríguez-Pérez, also known as Chal and Char
- Jimar I. Álvarez-Maldonado, also known as Gordo
- Jimel J. Ortiz-Delgado, also known as Miky and La Jota
- Bryan Medina-Herrera, also known as Bryan Dialysis
- Rafael Valle-Delgado, also known as Rafa Valle
- Mitzuel Torres-Rivera
- Jan C. Cuevas-Correa
- Alexander Serrano-Colón, also known as Calle 13
- Joselito Rodríguez-Álvarez, also known as Bombili
- Ángel M. Felix-García, also known as Bully
- Ángel Cortés-Soto, also known as Ángel el Bizco
- Evans Y. Herrera-Quiñones, also known as El Enano
- Luis O. Valentin-Rivera, also known as Luis Paramédico, Paramédico Valentin, and Omar
- Jesús D. Rodríguez-Martínez, also known as Spock and Danny
- Héctor Y. Rodríguez-Miranda, also known as Negri/Negrito
- Michael Jordan-Lugo, also known as Jordan and Goldo
- Kenneth Medina-Velázquez, also known as Kenny
- Edgardo J. Ríos-Santana, also known as Coco
- Kelvin Hernández-Bonilla, also known as Yampi and Yapi
- Carlos Rodríguez-Herrera, also known as Carlitos and Hermano de Brian Dialysis
- Natanael Franco-Mercado, also known as Nata, Hermano de Gancho, and Cirilo
- Amisael Flores-Martínez, also known as Misa
- Giovanni Molina-Viruet, also known as Giovannie and Giovanny
- Alvin Y. Torres-Santiago, also known as Wisin and Yamil
- Emmanuel Serrano-Feliciano, also known as Nana
- Brandom L. Díaz-Navarro, also known as Brandon
- Joshua Vargas-Feliciano, also known as Buda
- Geovanell Mercado-Marrero, also known as Kiko
- Jorge Cintrón-Cordero, also known as Ogui
- Adonis J. Rosado-Serrano
- Jonathan Ayala-Torres, also known as Menor, Siete Pestes, and Jon
- José Santiago-Quiles, also known as Ewan
- Liuzkany Rivera-Arroyo, also known as Kany and Luzkany
- Adrián M. Lezca
- Kevin X. Pérez-Molina, also known as Chino
- Jair X. Galarza, also known as Marciano
- Shaquilomar Molina-Soto, also known as Shaquille
- Israel Rivera-Rivera, also known as Gemelo
- Dexie Marie Narpiel Nieves, also known as La Flaca, Depsi, and Petunia
If convicted on the drug trafficking charges, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Thirty-six of the above-listed defendants also face one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the firearms charge, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison, to be served consecutively to any penalty imposed on the drug trafficking charges. Upon conviction, all defendants are subject to a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $72,868,600. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
ATF, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), Arecibo Strike Force, and DEA investigated the case, with the collaboration of the FBI, USMS, Bayamón Municipal Police, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Puerto Rico Public Housing Authority, and Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief of the Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Zapata-Valladares, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pedro R. Casablanca and R. Vance Eaton for the District of Puerto Rico are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sixth Nigerian National Pleads Guilty to International Fraud Scheme that Defrauded Elderly U.S. VictimsRead the Press Release
A sixth Nigerian national pleaded guilty to operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded elderly and vulnerable consumers across the United States.
According to court documents, Amos Prince Okey Ezemma, 50, was a member of a group of fraudsters that sent personalized letters to elderly victims in the United States over the course of several years. The letters falsely claimed that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who had died overseas years before. Ezemma and his co-conspirators told a series of lies to victims, including that, before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees, taxes and other payments to avoid questioning from government authorities. Ezemma and his co-conspirators collected money victims sent in response to the fraudulent letters through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to receive money and forward to the defendants or persons associated with them. Victims who sent money never received any purported inheritance funds. In pleading guilty, Ezemma admitted to defrauding over $6 million from more than 400 victims, many of whom were elderly or otherwise vulnerable.
“The Justice Department's Consumer Protection Branch will pursue, prosecute and secure the convictions of transnational criminals responsible for defrauding U.S. consumers, wherever they are located. I thank our law enforcement partners at the Postal Inspection Service, at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and abroad for their tireless efforts to find and arrest those responsible for these crimes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners across the globe to bring to justice criminals who attempt to defraud U.S. victims.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has a long tradition of protecting American citizens from these types of schemes and bringing those responsible to justice,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Miami Division. “This guilty plea is a testament to the dedicated partnership between the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, HSI, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, to protect our citizens from these scams.”
“Fraudsters like this individual proved to be unethical by ruthlessly targeting the elderly in the name of greed,” said Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of HSI Arizona. “This case like many others, demonstrates the power of agencies working together to protect senior citizens from thieves like this defendant.
On May 2, Ezemma pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Ezemma is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams on July 22. Ezemma faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. With Ezemma’s guilty plea today, all six defendants charged in the indictment have now been convicted for participating in this scheme.
Five other defendants have already been convicted and sentenced by Judge Williams in connection with this scheme. On Nov. 1, 2023, the court sentenced Ezennia Peter Neboh, who was extradited from Spain, to 128 months in prison. On Oct. 20, 2023, Kennedy Ikponmwosa was sentenced to 97 months in prison. Three other defendants who were extradited from the United Kingdom also received prison sentences. Emmanuel Samuel, Jerry Chucks Ozor and Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham were sentenced to 82 months, 87 months and 90 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in the scheme.
USPIS, HSI and the Consumer Protection Branch are investigating the case. Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorneys Josh Rothman and Brianna Gardner of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and authorities from the UK, Spain and Portugal all provided critical assistance.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Six Alleged Members of Norwalk-Area Drug Trafficking Ring ArrestedRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Norwalk Police Chief James Walsh today announced that the following six individuals have been charged with federal offenses stemming from their alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking in and around Norwalk:
JOSE ORJUELA, aka “Hov,” 35, of Norwalk
KIMBERLY DELACRUZ, aka “K,” 29, of Norwalk
JELSON PEREZ, aka “Spank,” 41, of Norwalk
CHRISTOPHER POMPONI, 58, of Darien
DARRELL SANDERS, aka “Deezo,” 54, of Norwalk
ALEJANDRO MARTIN DE LOS SANTOS, aka “Marcelino Lopez,” 45, of NorwalkAs alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Norwalk Police Department identified Orjuela as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in the Norwalk area. The investigation, which has included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Orjuela and others transported kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Texas and Ohio, and kilogram-quantities of fentanyl and heroin from New York City, and distributed the narcotics in and around Norwalk through a network of individuals, including Perez, Pomponi, and Sanders. At times, De Los Santos supplied the Orjuela organization with narcotics. Orjuela and his girlfriend, Delacruz, stored narcotics and drug proceeds at their Marlin Drive residence in Norwalk, and also used Pomponi’s Pine Brook Lane residence in Darien to store narcotics and drug proceeds, convert cocaine into crack cocaine, and package narcotics for street sale.
On April 29, 2024, Orjuela, Delacruz, Perez, Pomponi, Sanders and De Los Santos were arrested on federal criminal complaints charging each with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and use of a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking felony. Pomponi is also charged with using or maintaining a drug-involved premises. Several additional individuals were arrested on related state charges.
In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple federal search warrants and seized approximately 15,000 dose bags of suspected fentanyl, approximately 350 grams of raw heroin, quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, a 9mm handgun and ammunition, and a 2021 Ford F-150.
Orjuela, Perez, Pomponi, Sanders, and De Los Santos are detained, and Delacruz is released on bond.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Norwalk Police Department, the Darien Police Department, the Stamford Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Kenneth L. Gresham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Sex Offender Previously Convicted of Raping Two Children Sentenced to Decade in Prison for Possessing Thousands of Child Pornography FilesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A lifetime Level 2 sex offender previously convicted of child rape was sentenced today for possessing more than 5,000 files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Eric Robert Johnson, 51, of Billerica, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Johnson was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture in the amount of $38,000. On Jan. 29, 2024, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest in February 2022.
“Mr. Johnson is an extremely dangerous individual who has repeatedly demonstrated his predatory interest in children. He belongs in prison for a long time,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The victims of child pornography are not abstractions or objects – they are real kids who experienced sexual exploitation in order for these pictures or images to be distributed and possessed. Although today’s sentence cannot erase the ongoing pain endured by the victims from their traumatic abuse, the message about the severe consequences of possessing child pornography should be crystal clear.”
“This lifetime sex offender admitted to amassing thousands of images of babies, toddlers, and children suffering horrific sexual abuse, and today’s sentence reflects the severity and depravity of his crime,” said Jodi Cohen Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Those photos and videos represent unimaginable pain forced upon utterly vulnerable victims, some too young to walk or talk. It’s cases like this that drive the FBI and our partners, as we work to protect the children in our communities from predators like Eric Johnson.”
In early 2022, Johnson was identified as a user of an internet-based peer-to-peer network downloading CSAM. Searches of Johnson’s person and residence in February and March of 2022 resulted in the recovery of 25 electronic devices including a laptop, hard drives and other electronic devices. Multiple hard drives were found hidden next to Johnson’s bed as well as hidden inside Johnson’s basement ceiling, shelves, cabinets and in an ammunition can located in a crawl space at the residence. At the time of the search, the laptop was running a program to wipe, delete or remove files from an attached hard drive and was approximately 56% complete before being disabled by an on-scene forensic examiner.
Also found at Johnson’s residence were two children’s backpacks from under his bed that contained various children’s clothing including bathing suits and a nightgown; a bag of children’s costumes; children’s diapers throughout; and at least three child-sized dolls each with the vaginal region sliced to make a hole. What appeared to be bodily fluids were found in at least two of the dolls.
A subsequent forensic examination revealed over 5,000 files depicting CSAM on seven of the seized devices, including images and video files depicting the sexual abuse and rape of minor victims as young as infants and toddlers. Many other disturbing items were also located on the devices, including images and videos of bestiality, photos of women’s deceased bodies, as well as videos of Johnson engaging in sexual acts with dolls. Further forensic examination determined that 15 of the seized devices were encrypted or had hardware and could not be searched.
Johnson was previously convicted in 1992 on state charges in New Hampshire of two counts of Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault of a Child Under 13 Years of Age for his sexual abuse and rape of two minor victims who, at the time, were seven and eight-years-old.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus, Luke A. Goldworm and J. Mackenzie Duane of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
San Diego Pharmacy Pays $350,000 for Mishandling Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – May 2, 2024
SAN DIEGO – Palm Care Pharmacy, a San Diego County pharmacy chain with a storefront in El Cajon, has paid $350,000 to resolve allegations that it diverted controlled substances, failed to keep necessary accounting records for controlled substances, and improperly sold pseudoephedrine chemical products.
The settlement arises from a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into suspected illegal activity at Talimi International, Inc. d/b/a Palm Care Pharmacy. Based on an inventory audit conducted by the DEA and other investigative activities, the government concluded that Palm Care Pharmacy’s El Cajon location committed multiple violations of the Controlled Substances Act and the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act from 2018 through 2022.
The government alleged that Palm Care Pharmacy failed to control its inventory of controlled substances, failed to maintain a complete record of controlled substances and the transactions, and sold listed chemical products (e.g., pseudoephedrine) without the necessary training and certification. Palm Care Pharmacy’s failure to control inventory resulted in unaccounted-for pills, including: opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, and tramadol), benzodiazepines (Xanax), and muscle relaxants (Soma). In addition to paying $350,000 to resolve the government’s claims, Palm Care Pharmacy entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA requiring Palm Care Pharmacy to undertake additional measures to handle controlled substances properly and safely.
“Failure to manage inventory of controlled substances is not just a compliance issue, it’s a public safety issue,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Every untracked pill is a problem waiting to happen.”
“Accurate record keeping prevents controlled substances from ending up in the wrong hands,” said DEA Diversion Program Manager Rostant Farfan. “DEA will continue to hold registrants accountable to ensure they are operating within the closed system of distribution.”
This settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
To report a tip directly to a DEA representative regarding medical personnel writing suspicious opioid prescriptions and pharmacies dispensing large amounts of opioids, call (571) 324-6499 or visit the DEA’s website (https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/) and click on “Report Illicit Pharmaceutical Activities.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dylan M. Aste.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
San Antonio Man Threatened Turning Point USA Conference, Sentenced to 5 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced in federal court to 60 months in prison for making a credible public threat targeting a mass populated event in Florida.
According to court documents, Alejandro Richard Velasquez Gomez, 20, posted a message on his public social media profile threatening a “day of retribution” at the Turning Point USA-hosted conference Student Action Summit. Velasquez had a ticket to the event, as well as a flight booked from Austin to Tampa, Florida, where the SAS conference was being held from July 22 to July 24, 2022. The U.S. Secret Service and Tampa Police Department were notified of the threat, which led to Tampa PD obtaining a warrant for Velasquez Gomez’s arrest. He pleaded guilty May 16, 2023, to the federal charge of interstate threatening communication.
In addition to targeting the SAS conference, Velasquez stalked and harassed a young woman for many months prior, continuing to do so even in pre-trial detention. Velasquez also attempted to obstruct the FBI’s investigation, using a group of minor girls to help him by deleting information from his online accounts and contacting witnesses to hide evidence and influence testimony.
“This man used social media to broadcast the message that he intended to travel across the country and carry out a violent act at an event catering to young political activists,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Fortunately, his post was reported to officials who intervened, and this case can serve as a reminder to everyone that, at all levels of law enforcement, we take threats of violence very seriously. Those who violate these laws risk prosecution and imprisonment.”
“American citizens deserve to be able to gather without worrying about threats of violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “We’re grateful for the people who reported his threats to authorities and encourage others to contact the authorities if they see similar threats.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Stephenson prosecuted the case.
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Roy Erno Sentenced to 30 Months for Violation of Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 2, 2024, Roy-Anthony Erno, 36, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 30 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Erno previously pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm because of a prior felony conviction.
According to court records, On May 3, 2022, members of the South Burlington Police Department responded to a hotel following a report that an individual refused to leave a room. Law enforcement then encountered Erno who agreed to leave the room and admitted to investigators that he possessed a firearm in his backpack. Erno consented to a search of the bag and officers located a 9mm Smith & Wesson firearm in the backpack. Erno was placed under arrest and subsequently charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the South Burlington Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Ophardt and Zachary Stendig. Erno was represented by Natasha Sen, Esq.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Repeat bank robber sentenced to federal prison for Waycross heistRead the Press Release
WAYCROSS, GA: A former Brooklyn, N.Y., man with prior bank robbery convictions has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for robbing a Waycross bank.
Matthew McCloskey, 34, of Waycross, was sentenced to 168 months in prison after pleading guilty to Bank Robbery, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker ordered that McCloskey’s sentence run concurrently with his state sentence on a kidnapping conviction related to the bank robbery, ordered him to pay $877 in restitution, and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Robbing a bank doesn’t just take money from a faceless institution; it terrorizes employees forced to comply with a robber’s frightening demands,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Matthew McCloskey is being held accountable for his criminal behavior.”
As described in court documents and testimony, McCloskey entered the Ameris Bank in Waycross on Sept. 9, 2022, and handed a note to the teller demanding money. After receiving cash, he ran to a waiting vehicle and fled the scene.
Waycross Police Department investigators located the getaway vehicle, and its owner admitted giving McCloskey a ride to the bank. Investigators learned that McCloskey and his girlfriend took a taxi to a local motel and used cash from the robbery to pay for the taxi. Officers took McCloskey into custody at the motel after a struggle that resulted in the kidnapping conviction on state charges when McCloskey refused to allow his girlfriend to leave their room.
McCloskey has two prior felony convictions for bank robbery in New York in 2013 and 2016.
“I sincerely appreciate the commendable efforts of Waycross Police Department officers, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office,” said Waycross Police Chief Tommy A. Cox Jr. “Our teamwork was paramount in bringing peace and closure to the victims of the crime.”
“By now, Matthew McCloskey should realize robbing a bank is not a winning proposition,” said Savannah Senior Supervisory Resident Agent Will Clarke of FBI Atlanta. “Those who choose to become involved in such a lifestyle should know that law enforcement at every level will work together tirelessly to bring them to justice.”
The case was investigated by the Waycross Police Department and FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Alexander Hamner.
Registered Sex Offender from Sandisfield Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography and Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Sandisfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for possession of child pornography and possession of an unregistered firearm.
Brian Hohman, 60, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 10 years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. In January 2024, Hohman pleaded guilty to one charge of possession of child pornography and one charge of receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm.
During a search of Hohman’s residence in September 2023, a sawed-off shotgun not registered to Hohman and a laptop containing over 300 visually unique images, including at least two videos depicting child pornography were found. Hohman was subsequently arrested and detained on an unrelated matter. The investigation revealed that Hohman also possessed two cell phones and a SIM card containing child pornography.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Litchfield Judicial District State’s Attorney’s Office in Connecticut. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine G. Curley of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Red Water Woman Sentenced to over 5 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Red Water woman was sentenced to 70 months in prison for conspiring to possess over 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to court documents, in May of 2021, Kelsy Ann Billie, 24, conspired to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine near the Pearl River Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
In September of 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Billie for her role in the distribution of methamphetamine. On January 8, 2024, Billie entered a plea of guilty to the charge.
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi, Regional Agent in Charge Whitney Woodruff of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who investigated the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Burns.
RGV tax preparers convicted for $3M tax fraud schemeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Three local sisters have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid and assist in the preparation of filing fraudulent tax returns to the IRS, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Maria Lourdes Campos was the owner and operator of Campos Tax Service (CTS) located in the Rio Grande Valley for over 10 years. Employed at Campos Tax Service were Campos’s two sisters, Elizabeth Romo and Gloria Romo.
With the sisters’ assistance, most CTS clients fraudulently applied for and claimed either residential energy credits, business expenses or childcare credits. CTS employees did this to earn larger tax refunds for its clients. Once CTS employees completed the tax returns, they did not review the completed documents with their clients and only provided them with refund amounts or incomplete documents.
From 2018 to 2020, Campos Tax Service filed approximately 6,501 federal income tax returns which included over $5 million of residential energy credits.
The false and fraudulent filings between Campos, Elizabeth Romo and Gloria Romo resulted in a total sustained tax harm of $3,672,472.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton accepted the plea and set sentencing for Aug. 27. At that time, Campos and Elizabeth Romo face up to five years in federal prison while Gloria Romo faces up to three years in federal prison. Each also face a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
All were permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric D. Flores and Cahal P. McColgan are prosecuting the case.
Purported Member of the Cartier Family and Five Colombian Nationals Charged for Their Roles in International Money Laundering and Narcotics ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”); and Kareem A. Carter, the Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Washington, D.C. Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging MAXIMILIEN DE HOOP CARTIER, LEONARDO DE JESUS ZULUAGA DUQUE, a/k/a “Rey,” ERICA MILENA LOPEZ ORTIZ, and FELIPE ESTRADA ECHEVERRY, a/k/a “Pepe,” with conspiring to commit money laundering based on their alleged participation in a network that laundered millions in Tether (a stablecoin connected to the U.S. dollar), which constituted the proceeds of drug trafficking, through the U.S. to Colombia. CARTIER is also charged with money laundering, bank fraud, engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from bank fraud, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business based on CARTIER’s system of U.S.-based shell companies and bank accounts that he used to operate an unlicensed over-the-counter cryptocurrency exchange. In addition, the Superseding Indictment charges ZULUAGA DUQUE, LOPEZ ORTIZ, ALEXANDER EGIDIO AREIZA CEBALLOS, and ADRIAN FERNANDO AREIZA CEBALLOS with conspiring to import more than 100 kilograms of cocaine into the U.S.
CARTIER, who purports to be a direct descendant of the Cartier family known for luxury jewelry, was arrested on February 22, 2024, in Miami, Florida, and presented before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Florida. ZULUAGA DUQUE, LOPEZ ORTIZ, ESTRADA ECHEVERRY, ALEXANDER AREIZA CEBALLOS, and ADRIAN AREIZA CEBALLOS, all Colombian nationals, were taken into custody by Colombian authorities on April 30, 2024. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The charges brought today demonstrate this Office’s commitment to prosecuting international drug traffickers and piercing complicated money laundering networks seeking to exploit the U.S financial system. As alleged, Maximilien de Hoop Cartier, Leonardo de Jesus Zuluage Duque, Erica Milena Lopez Ortiz, and Felipe Estrada Echeverry were members of a network that laundered millions of dollars’ worth of drug trafficking proceeds using cryptocurrency and the U.S. financial system. Cartier is additionally alleged to have committed a series of financial offenses while working with this money laundering network that resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of unlawful transactions. I commend the efforts of our law enforcements partners and the career prosecutors from this Office who work tirelessly to investigate and disrupt these money laundering and drug trafficking networks. We will continue to relentlessly protect the U.S. financial system from exploitation.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Maximilien de Hoop Cartier and five Colombian nationals allegedly attempted to import more than 100 kilograms of cocaine and laundered hundreds of millions of dollars – including revenue from drug trafficking operations – through an unlicensed cryptocurrency exchange to transfer illicit funds from the United States to Colombia. This alleged scheme illustrates advancements in criminals’ use of complex financial methods to conceal their profits and other nefarious activity from law enforcement. The FBI is committed to dismantling international criminal enterprises by disrupting the flow of illegal money and narcotics across our borders.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “Today’s announcement serves as a reminder that criminals do not fit a certain mold. While Maximilien de Hoop Cartier represents himself as a member of a family associated with wealth and luxury, he stands accused of executing a bank fraud scheme where hundreds of millions in criminal funds were laundered. Both here and in Colombia, he and his co-conspirators allegedly laundered drug-trafficking proceeds to the tune of over $14 million. I commend HSI New York’s El Dorado Task Force and our law enforcement partners for relentlessly pursuing suspected criminals regardless of their names or whereabouts.”
IRS-CI Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter said: “IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to have provided its financial expertise in this investigation. CI and our law enforcement partners are committed to aggressively investigating individuals who engage in money laundering, tax fraud, and other financial crimes.”
According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings:[1]
CARTIER, ZULUAGA DUQUE, LOPEZ ORTIZ, and ESTRADA ECHEVERRY are members of a money laundering network that operates in the U.S. and Colombia, among other countries (the “Network”). The Network utilizes a system of money laundering brokers and shell companies in the U.S., Colombia, and elsewhere to, among other things, launder crime proceeds through the U.S. to Colombia. Between in or about May 2023 and November 2023, CARTIER, ZULUAGA DUQUE, LOPEZ ORTIZ, ESTRADA ECHEVERRY, and others used the Network to launder a total of approximately $14.5 million Tether derived directly from the proceeds of drug trafficking. In particular, ZULUAGA DUQUE, with the assistance of LOPEZ ORTIZ, coordinated and communicated with other members of the Network to convert drug proceeds into Tether to be sent to the U.S. where it was converted into fiat currency by CARTIER and delivered by wire transfers from the U.S. to shell companies in Colombia that were operated or maintained by ESTRADA ECHEVERRY and others.
CARTIER has been a member of the Network since at least about January 2020. As part of his role in the Network, CARTIER operated an unlicensed over-the-counter cryptocurrency exchange. Specifically, CARTIER operated and/or controlled several U.S.-based shell companies, including Bullpix Solutions LLC, Vintech Capital LLC, VC Innovated Technologies LLC, AZ Technologies LLC, Softmill LLC, and Sun Technologies LLC (the “Cartier Shell Companies”), and maintained multiple accounts for the Cartier Shell Companies at several U.S. financial institutions. In opening these bank accounts, CARTIER misrepresented the true nature of the business of the Cartier Shell Companies — i.e., CARTIER claimed to the banks that the Cartier Shell Companies were in the business of software or technology when, in fact, CARTIER was using the companies to operate as an unlicensed money remitting business related to the operation of a cryptocurrency exchange. From January 2020 to the present, CARTIER’s unlicensed money transmitting business executed hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of unlawful transactions and laundered hundreds of millions in criminal proceeds, including drug trafficking proceeds with ZULUAGA DUQUE, LOPEZ ORTIZ, and ESTRADA ECHEVERRY between about May and November 2023.
Finally, ZULUAGA DUQUE and LOPEZ ORTIZ conspired with ALEXANDER AREIZA CEBALLOS and ADRIAN AREIZA CEBALLOS to import more than 100 kilograms of cocaine into the U.S. Specifically, in about November 2023, confidential sources, at the direction of law enforcement, coordinated with LOPEZ ORTIZ and ALEXANDER AREIZA CEBALLOS for the purchase of approximately nine kilograms of cocaine paste, which was to be manufactured into cocaine before being delivered to New York. For that purchase, ADRIAN AREIZA CEBALLOS delivered the narcotics to an undercover officer and ZULUAGA DUQUE received a commission for helping to set up the deal. Additionally, in about February 2024, a confidential source, at the direction of law enforcement, arranged for the purchase of approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine paste from ALEXANDER AREIZA CEBALLOS and ADRIAN AREIZA CEBALLOS. In anticipation of this deal, the Colombian National Police executed two search warrants and recovered approximately 111 kilograms of cocaine paste from ALEXANDER AREIZA CEBALLOS and ADRIAN AREIZA CEBALLOS.
* * *
CARTIER, 57, an Argentinian citizen who has resided France, is charged with one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of money laundering, which a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of bank fraud, which a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and one count of operating of an unlicensed money remitting business, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
ZULUAGA DUQUE, 61, a Colombian citizen, is charged with one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiring to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the U.S., which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
LOPEZ ORTIZ, 42, a Colombian citizen, is charged with one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiring to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the U.S., which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
ESTRADA ECHEVERRY, 38, a Colombian citizen, is charged with one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
ALEXANDER AREIZA CEBALLOS, 45, a Colombian citizen, is charged with one count of conspiring to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the U.S., which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
ADRIAN AREIZA CEBALLOS, 44, a Colombian citizen, is charged with one count of conspiring to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the U.S., which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The statutory minimum and maximum penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Field Office, HSI’s New York El Dorado Task Force, and IRS-CI, Global Illicit Financial Team. Mr. Williams also thanked the FBI’s Legal Attaché office in Colombia; the Colombian National Police; the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs; the U.S. Embassy Colombia; and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer N. Ong is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Project Safe Neighborhoods News for April 2024Read the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. At the core of PSN is setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announces the following actions in federal PSN cases.
Indictments
Billy Fobbs, 24, of Sacramento, was indicted on April 4, 2024, and charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, on Sept. 28, 2023, Fobbs possessed 39 rounds of 300 caliber BLK ammunition. Fobbs is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has prior felony convictions, including convictions for evading a police officer, assault, illegal possession of firearms, and attempted domestic violence. This case is the product of an investigation by ATF, with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau is prosecuting the case.
Jeremy Goodwin Jr., 22, of Fresno, was indicted on April 18, 2024, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, on March 2, 2024, Goodwin was found in possession of a 9 mm gun and 9 mm ammunition. Goodwin is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he has a prior felony conviction for carrying a loaded firearm in public. This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case.
Tionte Beard, 25, of Fresno, was indicted on April 18, 2024, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, on Nov. 7, 2023, Beard possessed a handgun, an assault-style rifle, and several rounds of ammunition in his Fresno residence. Beard posted photographs of some of the firearms to his Instagram account. Beard is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition because he has prior felony convictions for illegal possession of a firearm and domestic violence. This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case.
Monte Shepherd, 53, of Rio Linda, was indicted on April 11, 2024, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Jan. 27, 2024, Shepherd was found to be in possession of a stolen Ruger KP89 9 mm handgun. Shepherd has five prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms. This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Cárdenas is prosecuting the case.
The penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition is up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Guilty Plea
Sophondara Hun, 28, of Stockton, pleaded guilty on April 25, 2024, to being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to court documents, law enforcement officers responded to a report of a prowler at an apartment complex. The caller advised there was a man inside her apartment and that he possibly entered through a window. When officers arrived they saw an open window and observed Hun sleeping on a bed in the apartment. Officers arrested Hun and upon searching Hun, noticed a .22 caliber bullet on the ground in front of Hun’s leg. Two .22 caliber bullets were found in Hun’s pocket and an additional .22 caliber bullet on the ground in front of Hun. Hun is prohibited from possessing ammunition because he has multiple state felony convictions, including assault on a person with a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon with force–possible great bodily injury, vandalism, and evading law enforcement in a vehicle. This case is the product of an investigation by the Stockton Police Department and ATF, with assistance from the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Haddy Abouzeid is prosecuting the case. Hun is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 1, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta.
Sentencings
Michael David Punzal Jr., 41, of Fairfield, was sentenced on April 9, 2024, to three years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and 21 months in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release in a prior felon-in-possession case, for a total consecutive sentence of five years and three months in prison. According to court documents, in August 2022, Punzal was serving a term of supervised release for a prior federal felon in possession conviction. On August 30, 2022, a lawful search was executed at Punzal’s apartment in Fairfield. In it, law enforcement officers found a Model 22 Glock, .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number between the box spring and mattress in Punzal’s room. Punzal is prohibited from possessing firearms due to seven prior felony convictions. This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI, ATF, and the San Francisco Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau prosecuted the case.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.