Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
10 June 2024
Construction Company Project Manager Convicted of Tax ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Massachusetts man on Friday for conspiring to defraud the United States.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jason Pecoy, of Wilbraham, conspired with his father Kent Pecoy and Kevin Kennedy to conceal income from the IRS. Jason Pecoy was a project manager at Kent Pecoy and Sons Construction Inc., which was owned by Kent Pecoy. Kevin Kennedy operated two municipal golf courses and purchased two custom-build homes from Kent Pecoy’s company.
Specifically, the group conspired to conceal income from the IRS by dealing in cash. Jason Pecoy received at least $600,000 in cash payments from Kennedy for the purchase and construction of a custom-built home on Cape Cod. Instead of depositing most of the cash he received from Kennedy into the businesses’ bank accounts, Pecoy distributed the cash directly to vendors and subcontractors. For example, Pecoy used approximately $149,300 of that cash to pay subcontractors under the table for work performed at the Cape Cod home. Pecoy also created and maintained separate ledgers documenting Kennedy’s cash payments, false contracts and cost estimates and at his direction, false entries in the company’s accounting system to conceal the cash payments.
Jason Pecoy is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 12. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
As to his co-conspirators, Kent Pecoy pleaded guilty to related tax crimes on May 17 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 20. Kennedy was convicted and sentenced to 13 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Chief Eric B. Powers of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Desroches for the District of Massachusetts are prosecuting the case.
Clear Lake Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon and illegal drug user was sentenced on June 7, 2024, to more than 4 years in federal prison.
Riley Joe Morris Brekke, age 24, from Clear Lake, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and an unlawful drug user.
In a plea agreement, Brekke admitted that on May 11, 2023, while outside a liquor store in Mason City, he was approached by Mason City Police officers regarding outstanding warrants for a probation violation and escape from custody. Brekke ran from the officers, was caught, and arrested. While running, Brekke threw the backpack he was carrying. During a search of Brekke, officers located a needle and a bag of methamphetamine on his person. They also located a gun, ammunition, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in the backpack he threw. Brekke had previously been convicted of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony, in Cerro Gordo County in 2022.
Brekke was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Brekke was sentenced to 54 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Brekke is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Fletcher and investigated by Mason City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-03020.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cedar Rapids Woman Involved in Methamphetamine Conspiracy Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than 12 years in federal prison.
Brandy Herman, age 48, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 7, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and three counts of distribution of a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Herman was involved in a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for mailing methamphetamine from California to Iowa through the United States Postal Service. Herman received multiple packages to her address in Cedar Rapids containing methamphetamine from California on behalf of one of her co‑conspirators. In addition, Herman and one of her co-conspirators utilized Herman’s daughter’s address to receive packages from California that contained methamphetamine.
Herman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Herman was sentenced to 145 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Herman is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the United States Postal Inspection Service,
the Internal Revenue Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force. The DEA Task Force consists of the DEA, the Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-91.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Career Offender Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for firearms and drug offenses.
Ricardo Colon, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 66 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Colon pleaded guilty in March 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On March 21, 2022, Colon was found in possession of cocaine and fentanyl intended for distribution as well as firearms and ammunition, including a .22 caliber revolver, two 9 mm pistols, multiple gun magazines and 18 rounds of ammunition. Colon is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to multiple previous felony convictions.
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 Greg Hudon Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Tobin of the Major Crimes 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 gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
California Man Involved in Methamphetamine Trafficking Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison.
Alan Sanchez, age 32, from San Jacinto, California, received the prison term after an October 23, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Sanchez was involved in a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for mailing methamphetamine from California to Iowa through the United States Postal Service. Sanchez mailed packages that contained many pounds of methamphetamine on behalf of the drug trafficking organization.
Sanchez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Sanchez was sentenced to 76 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Sanchez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force. The DEA Task Force consists of the DEA, the Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-91.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Brevard County Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Sabin Heart Inman (26, Rockledge) to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Inman entered a guilty plea on February 8, 2024.
According to court documents, throughout 2023, Inman repeatedly distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential source and an undercover agent. The transactions with the undercover agent often involved more than 100 grams of pure methamphetamine, and one such deal involved over 50 grams of a fentanyl mixture.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rockledge Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
Boston Man Convicted of Attempting to Purchase Sex with MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was convicted by a federal jury in Boston today of attempting to pay for sex with a 14-year-old girl.
Dimitri Shawn McKenzie, 29, was convicted following a three-day jury trial of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 24, 2024. McKinzie was arrested and charged in November 2022.
“Every single person who considers paying to have sex with a minor better take notice – if you are caught you are facing at least a mandatory 10-year sentence in a federal prison. The reason people sell sex with little children is because there is demand for opportunities to engage in such morally reprehensible conduct. The only way to make progress in truly protecting kids from such predatory behavior is to both prosecute the men who traffic young girls and the men whose demand fuels this pernicious market,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
“Dimitri McKenzie was fully prepared to pay to sexually abuse someone he believed was a child. Instead of a child, he found himself face to face with an undercover HSI special agent and after today’s verdict, he’s facing serious federal prison time,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New England. “It’s a horrible truth that there are predators ready and willing to pay to harm children. HSI is working every day with our partners to find these individuals and bring them to justice.”
In November 2022, McKenzie responded to an online post purportedly advertising two minor girls – ages 12 and 14 years old – available to perform sex acts in exchange for money in the Boston area. The post was a fictious advertisement by undercover law enforcement. In subsequent text communications with undercover law enforcement, McKenzie agreed to pay $100 to have sex with the fictious 14-year-old minor at a local hotel. Upon arriving at the hotel, McKenzie met with undercover law enforcement posing as the purported seller in the hotel parking lot, provided cash in exchange for 20 minutes with the fictitious minor and accepted a hotel key. McKenzie was immediately taken into custody.
The charge of attempted sex trafficking of a minor provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact [email protected].
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lexington, Waltham, Barnstable, Quincy and Cambridge Police Departments as well as the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
Bluefield Woman Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Denise R. Allen, 29, of Bluefield, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 16, 2023, Allen and another individual were apprehended at a gun store in Princeton, West Virginia. Following their arrest, Allen and the other individual consented to a search by law enforcement officers of a truck they had rented using a stolen identity. Officers found 431 grams of methamphetamine, 21 grams of fentanyl and two Glock 9mm semiautomatic handguns during the search of the rental truck. Allen admitted that she and the other individual possessed the methamphetamine and fentanyl and intended to distribute it.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The task force consists of members of the West Virginia State Police, the Bluefield Police Department, the Princeton Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:23-cr-196.
###
Bloomfield Man Sentenced for Federal Firearm and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty in federal court to federal firearm and drug trafficking offenses.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on April 7, 2023, officers with the Bloomfield Police Department observed Jerome Phillips, 34, on a public street in Bloomfield. Knowing Phillips had an outstanding arrest warrant, they approached him. Phillips fled, and officers pursued. During the pursuit, Phillips reached for his waistband and dropped a firearm.
Phillips eventually surrendered and the police discovered approximately 7.87 grams of pure methamphetamine on him.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Phillips will be required to serve three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bloomfield Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Spindle prosecuted this case as part of a referral process between the U.S. Attorney's Office and 11th Judicial District Attorney's Office to bring both state and federal charges against individuals or organizations involved in criminal activities which violate both state and federal laws, such as drug trafficking, organized crime, or large-scale fraud schemes.
# # #
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on FBI’s Quarterly Uniform Crime ReportRead the Press Release
The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the release of the FBI’s Quarterly Uniform Crime Report, which shows a decrease in violent crime and property crime in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same time period last year:
“This data makes clear that last year’s historic decline in violent crime is continuing.
In the first three months of this year, violent crime has decreased by over 15 percent compared to same period last year, and murder has decreased by over 26 percent.
This continued historic decline in homicides does not represent abstract statistics. It represents people whose lives were saved — people who are still here to see their children grow up, to work toward fulfilling their dreams, and to contribute to their communities.
When I became Attorney General over three years ago, we knew that grappling with the violent crime that surged early in the pandemic would be one of the greatest challenges we would face at the Justice Department. That is why we have poured every available resource into working with our law enforcement and community partners to drive down violent crime. But we know there is so much more work to do, and that the progress we have seen can still easily slip away. So, we will continue to deploy our technological and prosecutorial resources to identify and prosecute the principal drivers of gun violence. We will continue to invest in the essential programs that allow police departments to hire more officers. We will continue to build the public trust essential for public safety. And we will continue to support the evidence-based community violence intervention initiatives that save lives.
Our work will not be done until all Americans feel safe in their communities.”
Albuquerque Man Sentenced for Federal Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque man sentenced to 66 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal charges arising from the armed robbery of a Federal Firearms Licensee in Albuquerque in 2022.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on April 29, 2022, special agents from the ATF were notified of an armed robbery that occurred the previous day at the Big 5 Sporting Goods Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) located at 2720 San Mateo Blvd. NE in Albuquerque.
According to employees, Dawayne Yates, 53, entered the store and requested to inspect a rifle. After confirming his identity, an employee handed Yates a Ruger Mini-14 rifle. Yates then pulled out a handgun, pointed it at the employee, and demanded another rifle. Fearing for her life, the employee gave Yates an Dickinson, model XX3D-M-2, 12-gauge shotgun.
Yates stole both firearms, placing them in a gun case he took from the store, and fled in a vehicle with no license plate.
Fingerprint evidence from the crime scene matched Yates. A victim identified him from a photo lineup. On May 2nd, Yates was arrested at a local motel, where police recovered:
- A 9mm Taurus pistol matching the description of the gun used in the robbery
- A .22 caliber Remington rifle
- Ammunition
- Body armor
- Suspected fentanyl pills
The stolen firearms from Big 5 were not recovered. Yates has prior felony convictions prohibiting him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Yates will be required to serve five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Patrick E. Cordova prosecuted the case.
# # #
Ada Resident Pleads Guilty to Assault with A Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Curtis Ray McClendon, III, age 41, of Ada, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.
On January 9, 2024, McClendon was indicted on the charge. The Government Indictment alleged that on November 6, 2023, McClendon assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm.
The crime occurred in Pontotoc County, which is within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department, and the Ardmore Police Department.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. McClendon will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
7 June 2024
‘Chesapeake Bandits’ Member Sentenced to Nearly 14 Years in Prison for Robbing Armored Truck and Stealing More Than $160,000 in CashRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A member of a group law enforcement officials dubbed the “Chesapeake Bandits” was sentenced today to 166 months in federal prison for acting as a lookout in an armed robbery of an armored truck that netted the group more than $160,000 in cash and during which a handgun was fired.
James Russell Davis, 35, of the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles, was sentenced by United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha, who also ordered Davis to pay $166,640 in restitution.
Davis pleaded guilty on February 16 to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He has been in federal custody since March 2023.
“When people commit crimes with guns, tragedies happen,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “This is why it is so important that we bring the weight of federal prosecution against the perpetrators of violent gun crime. My office is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to make our cities safer.”
“Imagine the terror of being pulled to the ground with a gun pointed at your head. Davis and his accomplices violently ambushed an individual just doing his job so they could make off with other people’s money,” said Krysti Hawkins, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This significant sentence cannot undo the emotional and psychological damage inflicted on the victim, but we hope it sends a clear message that we will continue to pursue the most violent and persistent offenders and hold them accountable for their blatant disregard for human life and the safety of our communities.”
“I am proud of the work and dedication of our investigators and the unwavering support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office as we work together to stop criminals who take away the feeling of safety in our communities,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic H. Choi.
In February 2022, Davis and a co-conspirator scoped out a credit union in Hawthorne, and planned to ambush the truck driver after he finished servicing an ATM.
Several weeks later, Davis and his accomplices returned to the site, executing their planned armed robbery of the same armored truck driver refilling ATMs. Davis maintained a lookout position, conducting counter-surveillance nearby, while his partners, armed with an AR-style rifle and a semi-automatic handgun, emerged from their vehicle.
During the robbery, one of the conspirators forced the victim to the ground by pressing a firearm to his head while a co-conspirator took the victim’s service pistol from his waistband, and kept a gun pointed at the victim to restrain him during the robbery.
Davis’ co-conspirators then took cash and customer checks from the ATMs and bags nearby. During the robbery, Davis’ co-conspirator discharged one of the handguns he was carrying.
Davis’ co-conspirators stole bags filled with a total of approximately $166,640 in cash belonging to the armored car company.
Deneyvous Jayan Hobson, 38, also of the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles, this case’s lead defendant, has pleaded not guilty to charges in this case. His trial is scheduled for September 3. Hobson is charged with one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy, one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Operation Safe Cities establishes strategic enforcement priorities with an emphasis on prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime. Across this region, the most damaging and horrific crimes are committed by a relatively small number of particularly violent individuals. This strategic enforcement approach is expected to increase the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of recidivists engaged in the most dangerous conduct. It is designed to improve public safety across the region by targeting crimes involving illicit guns, prohibited persons possessing firearms, or robbery crews that cause havoc and extensive losses to retail establishments.
The FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Hawthorne Police Department investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Jena A. MacCabe of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Jason C. Pang of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.
West Virginia Men Admit to Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two West Virginia men have pled guilty to charges involving methamphetamine distribution and illegal possession of a firearm.
John Marshall Jones, III, 37, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, pled guilty today to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. David Allen Starkey, 36, of Flemington, West Virginia, pled guilty today to the unlawful possession of a firearm. Starkey had prior felony convictions in Barbour County, preventing him from having firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, officers were executing an arrest warrant for Jones for a parole violation at a home in Barbour County. Jones and Starkey were hiding inside the home, where officers also found an assault rifle, a handgun, and methamphetamine.
Jones faces at least 5 and up to 40 years in prison. Starkey faces up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the United States Marshals Service; and the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Wellesley Psychiatrist Sentenced to over Eight Years in Prison for $19 Million Insurance Fraud Scheme; Billed Insurance Companies for Thousands of Services He Never ProvidedRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Wellesley psychiatrist was sentenced yesterday for billing Medicare and private insurance companies for over $19 million in treatments he did not provide and obstructing justice in an attempt to conceal his crimes.
Gustavo Kinrys, 53, of Wellesley, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 99 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Kinrys was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture in an amount to be determined at a later hearing. In October 2023, following a jury trial, Kinrys was convicted of seven counts of wire fraud, six counts of false statements relating to health care matters, and one count of obstructing a criminal health care investigation.
“Dr. Kinrys undermined the trust that our healthcare system relies upon. For years, he diverted millions of dollars in critical resources from those in genuine need of medical attention, relying on fraud to finance his luxury lifestyle. This defendant’s driving motivation was greed. His attempts to obstruct justice in order to conceal his scheme further exemplify his blatant disregard for the law,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This sentence underscores our unwavering commitment to prosecuting those who exploit the healthcare system for personal gain. When someone commits health care fraud, we all suffer – it drives up costs for everyone, diverts precious resources and erodes the public’s confidence in our healthcare providers. Our office will continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of those who engage in such egregious misconduct.”
“This 99-month sentence reflects the seriousness of Dr. Kinrys’ crimes – his violation of the public’s trust in his position as a physician and his theft from the American taxpayers,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “As we’ve proven here, those who exploit our federal health care system for personal gain will be brought to justice.”
“Gustavo Kinrys lied to Medicare and private insurers, billing them for over $19 million worth of mental health treatments he never provided and then obstructed our investigation in an attempt to cover up his crimes. In doing so, Dr. Kinrys betrayed the trust of his vulnerable and mentally ill patients, and taxpayers, to fund a lavish lifestyle including a $2.1 million vacation home in Nantucket, and over $600,000 in expensive jewelry,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to identify, investigate, and bring to justice anyone who tries to steal from this country’s vital health care system.”
“This sentence represents that health care fraud is not tolerated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts places a high priority on fighting this type of insurance fraud which affects the citizens of this state. We appreciate the collaboration of our investigative partners in combatting fraud in our healthcare system,” said Anthony M. DiPaolo, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Insurance Fraud Bureau.
Kinrys was a licensed psychiatrist who owned and operated Advanced TMS Associates, located in Natick, Mass. Among other services, Kinrys offered transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy and psychotherapy to patients suffering from depression. TMS therapy is a noninvasive method of brain stimulation that uses rapidly alternating or pulsed magnetic fields to induce electrical currents directed at a patient’s cerebral cortex.
Between January 2015 and December 2018, Kinrys engaged in a variety of fraudulent billing schemes in which he sought and received reimbursement for $19 million in services he did not render. For example, Kinrys billed Medicare and private insurers $10.6 million for thousands of TMS sessions he never provided, including over 8,000 sessions he claimed were provided to 74 patients who, in fact, never received a single session of the therapy. Kinrys also billed Medicare and private insurers for millions of dollars’ worth of psychotherapy sessions he never provided, including over 900 face-to-face sessions he falsely claimed he provided while he was on vacation in locations like the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and the Czech Republic. On 382 days, Kinrys billed Medicare and private insurers for having provided more than 24 hours’ worth of psychotherapy services in a single day, including one day in July 2017 when he claimed he had provided hour-long psychotherapy sessions to 70 different patients – all while outside the United States on vacation. With the proceeds of his fraud, Kinrys paid off a $1.8 million home in Wellesley, purchased over $600,000 in jewelry from Cartier, Van Cleef, and Tiffany’s and purchased a $2.1 million vacation home in Nantucket.
To further his fraudulent billing scheme, Kinrys made numerous false statements to his patients, the billing company he worked with, and the insurers to whom he submitted claims seeking reimbursement. When Medicare and private insurers sought records from Kinrys to justify his exorbitant claims, he took steps to conceal his fraud by creating, and forcing his employee to create, fake patient records to send to Medicare and private insurers. Kinrys continued his obstructive behavior when, in response to a July 2018 subpoena from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, he created and produced additional fake patient records purporting to show patients had received dozens of treatments that never happened and which falsely represented that the condition of those patients was improving.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, HHS-OIG SAC Coviello, FBI Boston SAC Cohen and MA IFB Director DiPaolo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick M. Callahan and Christopher R. Looney of the Health Care Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Gun Offense, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXANDER CALDERON, 28, last residing in Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment for illegally possessing a firearm, and for violating his conditions of supervised release that followed a prior federal conviction for trafficking narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2019, Calderon was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 46 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for a gang-related drug trafficking offense. He was released from prison in December 2021, and began serving his term of supervised release.
Shortly after midnight on March 21, 2022, four victims were wounded in a shooting incident outside of a bar on Scovill street in Waterbury. A Waterbury Police detective who was in the vicinity at the time of the shooting saw Calderon discard a silver handgun under a vehicle. Calderon was apprehended and officers recovered the discarded firearm, a Walther PPK .380 handgun. Officers subsequently recovered several spent shell casings from the scene, including a .380 casing that was connected to the handgun Calderon discarded.
Calderon has been detained since his arrest on March 21, 2022. On January 5, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Judge Meyer sentenced Calderon to 64 months of imprisonment for the firearm offense, and a consecutive eight months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This matter was investigated by the Waterbury Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case was being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Virginia Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of A ChildRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney’s Office Requests Public’s Help in Ongoing Investigation
MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that a grand jury has charged Erich Zeeb, 49, of Roanoke, Virginia, with three counts of sexual exploitation of a child. Each count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years.
“We’re prepared to make our case as part of our ongoing mission to protect children and teenagers from sexual exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “As part of our work to ensure justice and protect victims, I strongly encourage anyone with information about this matter or related criminal acts committed by Erich Zeeb to contact our office.”
The indictment, which was unsealed today, alleges that on multiple occasions, Zeeb “employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced” a 15-year-old to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct. The indictment further alleges that the conduct occurred in Marquette County in July 2012.
“Protecting children from crimes of exploitation is a top priority for HSI in Michigan, around the country, and across the world,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “I encourage anyone with information to reach out to law enforcement.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations are continuing to investigate Zeeb. Anyone with information about conduct involving Zeeb should contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, Marquette Branch Office, at 906-226-2500.
Zeeb previously lived in Houston, Texas, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. Zeeb may have communicated using the following email addresses:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
Zeeb may also have communicated via social media, including Instagram and Facebook, and dating apps, including WhosHere, Plenty of Fish, and Tinder.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
###
Update on Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco’s Justice AI ConveningsRead the Press Release
This week, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco hosted the fourth convening of the “Justice AI Initiative,” which she launched earlier this year to inform the Justice Department’s AI policy, including how AI will impact the Department’s mission to uphold the rule of law, keep the nation safe, and protect civil rights. “Justice AI” brings together stakeholders across civil society, industry, academia, and law enforcement to share expertise and a wide range of perspectives on both the promise of AI and the perils of its misuse.
On Thursday, the Deputy AG welcomed organizations and advocates focused on civil rights, democracy, and technology to the Justice Department to discuss ways to strengthen the Department’s efforts to address the civil rights and civil liberties challenges posed by AI. They discussed concerns about the use of AI, algorithms, and automated systems to make critical decisions that impact individuals’ rights and opportunities — including fair and equal access to employment and housing — as well as the security of personal health information. They also highlighted the potential of AI to be used to suppress the right to vote — including by imitating trusted sources of information and proliferating deepfakes.
The Deputy AG previously met with representatives from industry in San Francisco, where she led a discussion on identifying the many ways malicious actors misuse AI and how information sharing between private industry and the government is critical to understanding and combatting the use of AI to commit crimes and threaten national security.
The Department has also convened federal, state, and local law enforcement association leaders from across the country to discuss how malicious actors are using AI to supercharge their criminal schemes, and how law enforcement officials can combat these criminal actors. They also discussed how law enforcement agencies can leverage AI to fight crime and protect the public in a manner consistent with civil rights and liberties.
The Department’s Criminal Division recently convened compliance executives to hear how companies are using AI and how compliance departments are addressing its risks. This discussion will inform updates to the Criminal Division’s Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs.
Additional convenings will be held over the coming months to inform the Department of Justice’s work as part of Executive Order 14110 on “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.”
U.S. Attorney’s Office Provides Outreach in Advance of World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2024 and because of the prevalence of financial fraud perpetrated against older adults, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont has joined with its partners at the U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Diplomatic Security Service to share information and training with the Vermont elder community. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its partners presented information and training at the Charlotte Senior Center on May 15, 2024, the Residences at the Essex on June 6, 2024, and will be presenting at the Shelburne Town Hall on June 24, 2024.
First recognized on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) seeks to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect suffered by millions of older adults – crimes that are often overlooked or unreported. WEAAD brings attention to the cultural, social, economic, and demographic factors that contribute to elder abuse.
“Elder abuse comes in many forms, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. These threats to older adults demand our attention,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest. “In addition to prosecuting those who take advantage of older adults, participating in outreach and providing useful information to our elder community members is a priority of this office. By doing this work, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for our older Vermonters and ensure that they receive the respect and protection they deserve.”
In addition to the outreach efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its partners, in April 2024, a scam alert issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) warned of fraudsters impersonating SSA OIG agents. In this latest iteration of government imposter scams, fraudsters request victims to meet them in person to hand off cash. Variations of the scam include fraudsters posing as IRS agents demanding money for unpaid taxes, as sheriff’s office deputies threatening arrest for purported outstanding fines, and as prosecutors or court personnel threatening prosecution or jail time for failing to comply with jury duty service.
Additional financial schemes targeting older adults are:
- Tech Support Scams – Convince victims to pay for non-existent computer problems.
- Non-Delivery Scams – Induce victims to pay for goods or services online, but never receive them or convince victims that additional payment or personal information is required to complete a package delivery.
- Romance Scams – Lull victims into believing they are in an online romantic relationship and money needs to be sent to pay for a visit to the U.S. or for some other purpose.
- Grandparent Scams – Dupe victims into thinking that their grandchildren or other relatives are in trouble and need money right away for bail or another emergency.
- Charity Scams – Solicit donations for fake charities, or by altering or “spoofing” caller IDs to show the name of a real charity on the phone.
- Lottery Scams – Use phone calls, letters, or emails to convince victims that a large fee or taxes must be paid before they can receive lottery winnings.
- Debt Collection Scams – Threaten arrest and jail time if payment for a fake debt is not made immediately.
- Money Mule/Money Laundering Scams – Convince victims to use their bank accounts to quickly move funds in and out of those accounts thereby laundering ill-gotten funds.
- Timeshare Scams – Target timeshare owners with false promises of resale and exit from their timeshares for a fee.
- Sham Business Opportunities – Convince victims to invest in lucrative business opportunities or fake investments.
Here are some tips on how to avoid falling victim to a financial scam:
- Don’t share personal or financial information with anyone you don’t know.
- If the person asking the information claims to be a relative, a friend, someone you know, or a representative of a financial institution or government agency, do not respond right away. Instead, contact the person/entity independently or ask a trusted family member or friend for help.
- Don’t pay a fee for a prize or lottery winning.
- Don’t click on pop-up ads, messages, or virus warnings.
- Delete phishing emails and ignore harassing phone calls.
- Don’t send gift cards, checks, money orders, wire money, or give your bank account information to a stranger or someone who claims to be a relative without verification.
- Don’t fall for a high-pressure sales pitch or lucrative business deals.
- If you suspect fraud, take the time to talk to a trusted friend or family member.
- It’s not rude to say, “NO.”
- Keep in mind that if you send money once, you’ll be a target for life.
- A good rule of thumb is, if it’s too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.
- And remember, there is no shame in falling prey to an online scammer. These are professional criminals that use tried-and-true tactics to perpetrate fraud.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office urges the public to report suspected elder fraud by calling the Justice Department’s Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311) or visiting the Elder Justice Initiative at Justice.gov/elderjustice for additional information and resources.
If other communities or organizations in Vermont are interested in having the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its partners provide information and training specific to elder fraud, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 802-651-8298.
U.S. Attorney's Office Shares Tips for Increasing Children's Online Safety During the Summer MonthsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – During the summer months, the internet can be an essential tool for children and families, as digital
technology can provide educational material and entertainment for kids while helping them stay connected with friends and classmates. At the same time, increased online presence, if unmonitored, may expose children to potentially adverse effects, including predatory individuals and cyberbullying.
“Ensuring the safety of the most vulnerable in our society is my Office’s highest priority,” said Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “Protecting children and helping them develop and maintain healthy online behaviors requires a concerted effort by everyone entrusted with the well-being of young people. Our tips and tools can aid parents, guardians, caregivers, and children understand the risks that lurk online and how to stay safe in the digital realm.”
Engaging in discussions about online safety with children at an early age and maintaining those conversations over time can help them better navigate the online sphere. The following topics can facilitate conversations about enhancing children’s cyber safety:
Elementary School-Age Children:
- Discuss Internet Safety and Develop an Online Safety Plan for engaging in online activity. Establish clear guidelines, teach children to spot red flags, and reinforce open communication.
- Review Games, Apps, and Social Media Sites before they are downloaded, paying special attention to apps and sites that feature end-to-end encryption, direct messaging, video chats, file uploads, and user anonymity, which are frequently exploited by online child predators. Make the profile private and teach children NOT to accept requests from people you don’t know in real life.
- Adjust Privacy Settings and Use Parental Controls for online games, apps, social medial sites, and electronic devices. Extra caution should be used in gaming platforms that can commonly expose children to cyberbullying, scams, predators, and inappropriate content.
- Supervise Young Children’s Use of the Internet and Gaming Platforms, including periodically checking their profiles and posts. Keep electronic devices in open and common areas and consider setting time limits for their use.
- Encourage Children to Tell a Parent, Guardian, or Other Trusted Adult if anyone asks them to engage in inappropriate behavior.
Middle School and High School-Age Children:
- Establish the Importance of Online Privacy, by emphasizing the dangers of sharing personal information, photos, and videos online especially in public forums or with people they don’t know in real life. Explain that sharing with friends can also lead to concerns because of re-sharing, and help children understand that once images are posted online, they will remain permanently accessible on the internet.
- Teach Children About Body Safety and Boundaries, including the importance of saying ‘no’ to inappropriate requests in the physical and the virtual world. Remain vigilant against sextortion schemes that routinely target children using common social media sites, gaming sites, or video chat applications.
- Develop Healthy Skepticism by encouraging children to challenge the authenticity of what they see and read in online posts, messages, forums, and social media platforms. In particular, urge minors to be wary of online predators using fake accounts to pose as their peers and using fake photos or videos to lure children into sharing pictures and videos of themselves, which can easily lead to a sextortion scheme.
- Be Alert to Potential Signs of Abuse, including changes in children’s use of electronic devices, attempts to conceal online activity, withdrawn behavior, angry outbursts, anxiety, and depression.
- Proactively Engage in Discussions About the Pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence which can be misused by child predators and others to cyberbully children and produce fake content that looks real.
Adolescents and Young Adults:
- Reinforce Strong Online Habits such as robust passwords, two-factor authentication, using a password manager, and applying routine system updates on devices and operation systems.
- Build Upon Privacy Lessons with an emphasis on how over-sharing personal information on social media platforms can lead to potential adverse impacts, to include online reputations and cyberbullying.
- Avoid Dangerous Distractions through the responsible use of devices while driving and remain extra vigilant against device and password theft.
- Be Vigilant Against Scams prevalent on ads that appear on shopping platforms and other social media sites that can lead to the fraudulent sale of defective or counterfeit items or to non-delivery of purchased items.
- Protect Against Phishing schemes in texts, emails, and social media posts where fraudsters can impersonate a trusted individual or organization and trick users into providing login credentials, sending money through Cash App, Zelle, or Venmo, or unwittingly installing malware on devices.
Immediately Report Suspected Online Enticement or Exploitation of a Child by alerting law enforcement or filing a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678 or report.cybertip.org.
For More Information, Helpful Tools and Additional Resources please visit https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-ceos/keeping-children-safe-online.
To Learn More About the U.S. Attorney’s Office Project Safe Childhood initiative go to https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/project-safe-childhood.
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Updates in Four Child Exploitation CasesRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – This week, MICHAEL RIOS, 42, and JIMMY RAY PIERCE, 68, pleaded guilty to child pornography related charges; RONNIE GENE HAZELWOOD, 44, pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender after a felony conviction on possession of child pornography; and KRISTIAN FERNANDEZ, 20, was charged with receipt and possession of material containing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
This announcement reflects the latest in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma’s ongoing commitment to aggressively pursue cases involving the sexual exploitation of minors and defendants who fail to comply with sex offender registration requirements.
The updates in the cases are as follows:
- Michael Rios, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to possession and distribution of child pornography on June 3, 2024. According to affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, Rios utilized an online encrypted messaging service to share child pornography. After executing a court authorized federal search warrant, FBI agents discovered a large library of child pornography on Rios’s phone. At sentencing, Rios faces no less than five years and up to 40 years in federal prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.
- Jimmy Ray Pierce, of Elgin, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to possession of material containing child pornography on June 6, 2024. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, in January 2024, Pierce uploaded child pornography to Facebook. While executing a court authorized search warrant, law enforcement located on his cell phone multiple videos and images depicting child pornography. At sentencing, Pierce faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz is prosecuting the case.
- Ronnie Gene Hazelwood, of Tulsa and Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender on June 3, 2024. According to public record, Hazelwood was previously convicted of possession of child pornography and failing to register as a sex offender in the Northern District of Oklahoma, case number 15-CR-049. These convictions required Hazelwood to register as a sex offender, but he failed to do so while residing in the Western District of Oklahoma. Hazelwood faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz is prosecuting the case.
- ** Kristian Fernandez, of Fort Sill, Oklahoma, was charged with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of material containing child pornography by a federal grand jury on June 4, 2024. If found guilty on the receipt count, Fernandez faces not less than five years and up to 20 years in federal prison. If found guilty on the possession count, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. On each count, he faces a term of supervised release of no less than five years and up to life. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly is prosecuting the case.
** The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases are the result of investigations by the FBI Oklahoma Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Department of the Army—Criminal Investigation Division, the Tornado Alley Child Exploitation Task Force, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Oklahoma City Police Department.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Two Sentenced in Scheme to Steal More than $850,000 in COVID-19 Housing Assistance FundsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Two members of a New Bern family were sentenced for their role in a scheme to defraud a program designed to help struggling North Carolina residents stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Takeeia Hawkins, age 43, and her daughter, Shanasia Hawkins, age 22, both pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud earlier this year. Takeeia Hawkins was sentenced to 36 months in prison for her role in the scheme, while Shanasia Hawkins was sentenced to 15 months in prison.
Both women claimed to be landlords of properties in Eastern North Carolina, with tenants who were unable to pay rent due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They submitted fraudulent applications to the NC HOPE Program (North Carolina Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions Program), which was established during Covid to provide emergency rental assistance to tenants who struggled to pay rent and therefore faced eviction due to financial difficulties caused by the pandemic. The two women received nearly $150,000 in federal funds, which was largely spent on gifts and gambling.
“This case represents yet another example of the greedy taking from the needy,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “COVID-19 monies were set aside to help struggling families pay their rent, and these defendants stole it. This office will continue its vigorous pursuit of those who used the pandemic to turn a fraudulent profit.”
“The fraud committed by the defendants diverted critical taxpayer money that was intended to help families during an unprecedented pandemic,” said Acting Special Agent-in-Charge George Richardson with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. “HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our prosecutorial and law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.”
“As many families continue to struggle with the aftermath of COVID-19, today's sentencing offers a renewed hope in our criminal justice system. There are consequences for those who seek to exploit and harm others during vulnerable times. This is a testament to justice prevailing and individuals being held accountable. We are grateful for our partners and the investigators, agents, and prosecutors who saw this case through,” said SBI Director Robert Schurmeier.
Rich Delmar, the Treasury Acting Inspector General, stated, “Treasury OIG’s oversight is a key factor in assuring the integrity and effectiveness of this and many other pandemic recovery programs on which millions of Americans rely.”
Several other family members and acquaintances of the Hawkins are also implicated in the scheme to defraud the NC HOPE Program. Takeeia Hawkins’ son, Jmari Hawkins, age 24, and two other conspirators, Jonell Ojeda, age 23, and Tevin Evans, age 26, have also pled guilty in the scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $850,000 in emergency rental assistance from the NC HOPE Program. All three are set to be sentenced later this summer.
The NC HOPE Program administered federal COVID-19 relief funds and provided emergency rental assistance to North Carolina renters who faced eviction and homelessness during the pandemic. The Program allowed renters to submit an online application to apply for rental assistance. If approved, the Program paid the tenant’s rent, in checks sent directly to the landlord, for up to 15 months of overdue or future rent payments.
Takeeia, Shanasia, and Jmari Hawkins, along with Jonell Ojeda and Tevin Evans all admitted to falsely claiming to be landlords of multiple properties in North Carolina. In total, the group attempted to defraud the NC HOPE Program out of more than $870,000 and were ultimately successful in obtaining more than $250,000 in stolen COVID-19 relief funds.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; the United States Department of Treasury, Office of Inspector General; and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for United States v. Takeeia Hawkins, Case No. 5:23-00380; United States v. Shanasia Hawkins, Case No. 5:23-CR-00379; Unites States v. Jmari Hawkins et al, Case No. 5:23-cr-00300; United States v. Tevin Evans, Case No 5:24-CR-00054.
###
Two New Orleans Men Sentenced in Theft of Cars from RailyardRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MISTER MACKEY, JR., age 22, and JONATHAN FRANK, age 40, residents of New Orleans, were sentenced on May 28, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey after previously pleading guilty to charges arising out of a 20-count indictment. MACKEY and FRANK are the final of the 10 defendants to be sentenced in the case.
MACKEY was sentenced to 58 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $400 mandatory special assessment fee for possessing two cars stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 659; being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8); and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D).
FRANK was sentenced to 87 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee after also being convicted of possessing two cars stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 659 and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, between March 29 and April 3, 2023, MACKEY was observed on surveillance video occupying both a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Crew Cab 4x4 and a 2023 Lincoln Aviator that had been stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard. MACKEY exited the Aviator on April 3rd with a loaded Zastava Model PAP M92 PV, 7.62x39 millimeter caliber AK-47-style pistol. On August 19, 2023, MACKEY was the sole passenger in a vehicle pulled over for a traffic violation. Inside the vehicle, MACKEY had a backpack containing marijuana and digital scales, and also possessed a Glock Model 17 handgun with a loaded 30-round magazine partially inserted in the gun, and an additional loaded drum magazine in the passenger glove box.
Between March 30 and April 3, 2023, FRANK was captured on surveillance video driving two Ford Explorer STs stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard. FRANK possessed a Smith & Wesson Model SD40VE, .40 caliber handgun while driving the stolen cars.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
Two Mexican Citizens Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison in a South Dakota Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced the second of two Mexican men convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on June 3, 2024.
Mario Castro Covarrubias, 37, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. On March 11, 2024, Melecio Rodriguez Medina, 39, was sentenced to 27 years and three months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Mario Castro Covarrubias and Melecio Rodriguez Medina were indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February of 2022. Rodriguez Medina pleaded guilty on November 6, 2023, and Castro Covarrubias pleaded guilty on January 3, 2024.
Rodriguez Medina and Castro Covarrubias were based in Mexico and were part of an international organization that arranged for the transportation of large amounts of narcotics to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, from Mexico. While in Mexico, Rodriguez Medina and Castro Covarrubias coordinated with two couriers to get approximately 25 kilograms of cocaine delivered to Sioux Falls in October of 2021. On October 18, 2021, law enforcement seized the cocaine that they had shipped to South Dakota. In December of 2021, the two again coordinated to ship approximately 42 kilograms of cocaine to Sioux Falls, which was also seized. In addition to cocaine, Rodriguez Medina was responsible for organizing a shipment of 1 kilogram of fentanyl pills to Sioux Falls. Investigators also determined that Rodriguez Medina made arrangements for a co-conspirator in South Dakota to pick up multi-pound shipments of methamphetamine in California and then take them back to South Dakota for distribution.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Both men were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after their respective sentencings.
Two Men Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charges for Allegedly Murdering Teenager to Increase Position in Chicago Street GangRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Two men have been indicted on federal racketeering charges for allegedly murdering a teenager to maintain and increase their positions in a violent Chicago street gang.
GARY ROBERSON, 40, and JOSEPH MATOS, 41, both of Chicago, are charged with racketeering and firearm offenses in an indictment unsealed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment accuses the pair of murdering Chrys Carvajal on July 3, 2021, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions in the Milwaukee Kings street gang. Carvajal, 19, was fatally shot in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood on Chicago’s Northwest Side.
The indictment alleges that the Milwaukee Kings is a criminal organization whose members and associates engaged in narcotics trafficking and committed acts of violence, including murder and assault, to acquire and preserve the gang’s perceived territory on the North Side of Chicago. Members of the gang intimidated rival gang members, victims, and witnesses through acts and threats of violence, boasted about their gang on social media, and took steps designed to prevent law enforcement from detecting their criminal activities, according to the indictment.
Roberson was arrested last month and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was ordered to remain detained in federal custody pending trial. Matos is not in custody and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Prashant Kolluri, Caitlin Walgamuth, and Kirsten Moran.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Murder in aid of racketeering is punishable by a mandatory sentence of life in prison, and the death penalty is also possible. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Roberson et al indictmentTwo Charged for Involvement with Online Groups Dedicated to Monkey Torture and MutilationRead the Press Release
Two individuals were charged this week for their involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
Nicholas T. Dryden, of Ohio, and Giancarlo Morelli, of New Jersey, were charged with conspiracy to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos,” and with distributing animal crush videos. Dryden is also charged with the creation of animal crush videos, as well as with production, distribution and receipt of a visual depiction of the sexual abuse of children because a minor was paid to abuse the monkeys.
According to court documents, in March and April 2023, the two co-defendants allegedly conspired to create and distribute videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against baby, adolescent and adult monkeys. The conspirators allegedly funneled money through Dryden, who then paid the minor in Indonesia to commit the requested acts on camera.
The videos alleged to have been created as part of the conspiracy included depictions of monkeys having their genitals burned, having their genitals cut with scissors, being sodomized with a wooden skewer and being sodomized with a spoon.
The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, the charges related to the creation and distribution of animal crush videos each carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and the charges of producing and distributing depictions of the sexual abuse of children each carry 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.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Oakley for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Charged for Involvement with Online Groups Dedicated to Monkey Torture and MutilationRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI - Two individuals were charged this week for their involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
Nicholas T. Dryden, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Giancarlo Morelli, of New Jersey, were charged with conspiracy to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos,” and with distributing animal crush videos. Dryden is also charged with the creation of animal crush videos, as well as with production, distribution and receipt of a visual depiction of the sexual abuse of children because a minor was paid to abuse the monkeys.
According to court documents, in March and April 2023, the two co-defendants allegedly conspired to create and distribute videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against baby, adolescent and adult monkeys. The conspirators allegedly funneled money through Dryden, who then paid the minor in Indonesia to commit the requested acts on camera.
The videos alleged to have been created as part of the conspiracy included depictions of monkeys having their genitals burned, having their genitals cut with scissors, being sodomized with a wooden skewer and being sodomized with a spoon.
The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, the charges related to the creation and distribution of animal crush videos each carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and the charges of producing and distributing depictions of the sexual abuse of children each carry 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.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Oakley for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
-###-
Tucson Woman Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Trafficking Approximately 453,000 Fentanyl-Laced Pills and One Kilogram of Fentanyl PowderRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Alegria Pompeya Mendoza-Castro, 30, of Tucson, was sentenced on Tuesday by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 60 months in prison. Mendoza-Castro pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl on November 16, 2023.
On April 20, 2023, Mendoza-Castro traveled from Mexico through the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales. During the inspection of her vehicle, approximately 453,000 fentanyl-laced pills and one kilogram of fentanyl powder were discovered in the spare tire.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force operation. The OCDETF Strike Force Initiative identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney David Petermann, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR 23-00692-TUC-JCH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-073_Mendoza-Castro# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Three Peoria Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of a Confidential InformantRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – Three Peoria men were sentenced this week for robbing a confidential informant of $1,200 at gunpoint during a federal firearms investigation in May 2023.
Hunter Coombs, 24, of the 1600 block of North Delaware Street in Peoria, Illinois pleaded guilty to robbery of currency of the United States in October 2023 and was sentenced on June 3, 2024, to 46 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Germaine R. Hill, Jr., 26, of the 2700 block of West Rohmann Avenue, West Peoria, Illinois pleaded guilty in November 2023 to robbery of currency of the United States and was sentenced on June 5, 2024, to 46 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Rashon J. Miller, 25, of the 500 block of Vine Street, Peoria, Illinois pleaded guilty in December 2023 to robbery of currency of the United States and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Miller was sentenced on June 5, 2024, to a total of 84 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release.
At the sentencing hearings before U.S. District Judge Joe B. McDade, the government established that Hill, Miller, and Coombs acted together to rob a government informant at gunpoint. Hill told the victim that he had a handgun for sale that was equipped with an auto-sear, enabling it to fire as a fully automatic machinegun. Coombs drove Hill and Miller to meet with the buyer. Instead of selling a machinegun, Miller pointed a loaded gun at the victim and took the $1,200 purchase money. After the robbery, members of the Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force apprehended all three men, recovered the stolen money, and recovered two loaded semi-automatic firearms from the passenger compartment of the getaway car. All three men admitted that they discussed and planned the robbery prior to meeting with the informant.
A complaint was filed in federal court in early June 2023 against all three defendants, followed by an indictment a few weeks later in June 2023. All defendants have been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since May 2023.
The statutory penalties for robbery of money of the United States is not more than 25 years’ imprisonment, with a possible $250,000 fine. Use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence carries a sentence of seven years to life imprisonment, to be served consecutively to the sentence for the violent crime. Each count carries up to five years of supervised release following imprisonment.
The Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force, comprised of agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Peoria Police Department; the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department; Illinois Department of Corrections; and the Illinois State Police, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
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.
Tampa Man Indicted for Possessing A Firearm and Ammunition as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Jermonte Jerome Thornton (42, Tampa) with possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Thornton faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
The indictment also notifies Thornton that the United States intends to forfeit a Diamondback firearm and ammunition used in the commission of the offense.
According to the indictment, on or about January 3, 2024, Thornton was in possession of a Diamondback firearm and two rounds of ammunition. Prior to possessing the firearm and ammunition, Thornton had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, burglary of an occupied dwelling with assault or battery, and false imprisonment.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
This case is part of the 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Tahlequah Resident Sentenced for Federal Firearm ConvictionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Billy Eugene Shepard, Jr., age 42, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 49 months in prison for one count of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The charges arose from investigations by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On November 1, 2023, Shepard pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. As part of the plea, Shepard admitted to knowingly possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Shepard will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney Edith Singer represented the United States.
Susquehanna Township Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Role in Multi-Million Dollar Marijuana RingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Laboy, age 40, of Susquehanna Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 9 years in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for his role in a multi-million dollar marijuana ring.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Laboy previously entered a guilty plea to being a part of a group that received marijuana shipped from sources in California and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The drug trafficking group operated out of Fastlane Auto Sales located on Paxton Street in Harrisburg. Over that time, hundreds of parcels full of marijuana were shipped from California to Harrisburg. The group mailed cash back to California. They used a sophisticated system of GPS tracking devices, which they placed in their parcels, to keep track of their drugs and money.
The Fastlane Group learned that a postal employee was stealing their marijuana as it was being secretly shipped through the U.S. Mail. To stop the suspected thief, they shot at a car in Harrisburg, at a home Susquehanna Township, and at home in Steelton. They also robbed and assaulted the postal employee at gunpoint.
Judge Wilson found that Laboy was responsible for trafficking between 100 and 400 kilograms of marijuana from 2017 to May 2020. Judge Wilson noted that Laboy was not responsible for the violence associated with the Harrisburg drug trafficking group.
Co-defendant Christopher Texidor, age 36 of Harrisburg, had a jury trial and was convicted in May 2024 of drug trafficking and weapons offenses. He is awaiting sentencing.
Co-defendant William Kuduk, age 37 of Harrisburg, pled guilty to marijuana trafficking and cocaine trafficking associated with the Fastlane Group. Co-defendant Justin Laboy, age 36, of Harrisburg, pled guilty to marijuana trafficking conspiracy and conspiracy to use a gun in furtherance of drug trafficking. Co-defendant Julio Arellano, age 33, of Harrisburg, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to traffic marijuana and conspiracy to use a gun in furtherance of drug trafficking. They are all awaiting sentencing.
Co-defendant Jonathan Cobaugh, age 25, of Harrisburg, pled guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and wire fraud related to a pandemic related fraud scheme. He was sentenced to 63 months in prison on May 29, 2024. Co-defendant Jamie Valenzuela, age 32 of Santa Ana, California, pled guilty to being a source of marijuana from California for the conspiracy. He was sentenced to 57 months in prison on February 8, 2024.
These cases were investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Susquehanna Township Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the cases.
# # #
Suburban Chicago Man Charged in Federal Court with Stealing More Than $9.5 Million in Interstate ShipmentsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been charged in federal court with stealing more than $9.5 million in goods, including liquor and commercial-grade copper, from interstate shipments.
According to an indictment unsealed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago, AIVARAS ZIGMANTAS used various aliases to falsely pose as a representative of real and fictitious carriers and brokers involved in transporting shipments across state lines. After fraudulently inducing individuals and entities to release shipments of goods to him, Zigmantas and others diverted the shipments from their intended destinations and stole the goods, the indictment states. As part of the fraud scheme, Zigmantas used aliases to open bank accounts and UPS Store mailboxes, and he created email addresses and websites in the names of fake individuals and entities, the indictment states.
The indictment alleges that Zigmantas and others intended to steal at least $13.5 million in goods, and successfully stole more than $9.5 million.
Zigmantas, 39, of Elk Grove Village, Ill., is charged with six counts of wire fraud, five counts of bank fraud, and two counts of theft of interstate shipments. He was arrested on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Wednesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keri L. Holleb Hotaling. A detention hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2024.
The indictment was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations, and LaFonda Sutton-Burke, Director of the Chicago Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations participated in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Misty N. Wright.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of bank fraud is punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison. Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years, while each theft count is punishable by up to ten years.
Zigmantas indictmentSt. Charles Parish Man Sentenced for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AMARYD DOWNING (“DOWNING”), age 38, of Hahnville, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 5, 2024 by United States District Judge Susie E. Morgan to one hundred twenty months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and $300.00 in mandatory special assessment fees after pleading guilty to distribution of a quantitymixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on May 8, May 11, and May 22, 2023, St. Charles Parish detectives conducted an investigation during which they made controlled purchases of gram quantities of drugs from DOWNING in the Hahnville area. The drugs from each purchase tested positive for both fentanyl and heroin. After making the last of the controlled purchases, detectives arrested DOWNING.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
Seminole Resident Sentenced for Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that John Arthur Dennis, age 24, of Seminole, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment for illegal possession of two firearms.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department; and the Ardmore Police Department.
On November 2, 2023, Dennis pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm. According to investigators, on November 14, 2021, Dennis knowingly possessed two firearms after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the sentencing hearing. Dennis will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
Saratoga County Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Bruce Bochette, age 67, of Charlton, New York, pled guilty today to evading taxes on about $825,000 in business income.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Thomas Fattorusso, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Division, made the announcement.
Bochette operates a commercial painting business. In pleading guilty, he admitted that for tax years 2017 through 2021, he evaded income taxes by depositing checks, and portions of checks, into his personal account that were payments from his company’s commercial painting clients. Bochette did not report this income to the IRS, on either his company’s tax returns or his personal tax returns, and did not pay taxes on this income. Bochette admitted to not reporting $825,719.56 in business income, and to evading the assessment and payment of $219,706 in taxes.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 4, 2024, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Bochette faces up to 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a maximum $100,000 fine. 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.
IRS-CI investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett is prosecuting this case.
Sanostee Man Sentenced for Assaulting Jail GuardRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Sanostee man was sentenced to 19 months in prison for assaulting a jail guard and violating the terms of his supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on October 11, 2017, Zachariah Nez, 25, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for voluntary manslaughter. Upon his release from prison, Nez was placed on three years of supervised release.
On September 3, 2023, Nez was arrested for violating the conditions of his supervised release and was detained. While in custody, Nez punched a jail guard at Core Civic in Cibola County. The guard was uninjured.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Nez will be required to serve three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.
The United States Marshal Service investigated this case with assistance from Core Civic. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Spindle is prosecuting the case.
# # #
Sac County Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Meth and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A man who possessed methamphetamine and illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced June 7, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.
Edwin Diaz, 34, from Odebolt, Iowa, was convicted of two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm on February 9, 2024. Diaz was previously convicted of felony theft, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance, which prohibit a person from possessing firearms.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that in the early morning hours on December 31, 2022, an Ida County Sheriff’s Deputy, stopped to check on an oddly parked vehicle, finding defendant and another in the vehicle. The deputy seized a baggie with 45 grams of methamphetamine and another bag with 35 grams of marijuana. Evidence further showed that days later, in the early morning hours of January 4, 2023, Diaz and his girlfriend coaxed the person with Diaz on December 31 into a vehicle. Then Diaz forced this person to sign a note, written by Diaz, saying the methamphetamine seized from Diaz’s vehicle on December 31, was this person’s and not Diaz’s. During the execution of a search warrant at Diaz’s residence, agents seized evidence of Diaz’s conduct in obtaining the false letter, including handcuffs and the false note. Diaz’s conduct constituted obstruction of justice. Agents also seized approximately ½ ounce of methamphetamine, a small quantity of marijuana, various pills, drug distribution paraphernalia, a Ruger .22 rifle with a loaded magazine and 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Diaz was sentenced to 185 months’, 27 days’ imprisonment and must serve a term of four years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Diaz is being held in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Ida County Sheriff’s Office, Sac County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation Laboratory, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4012.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Repeat Offender Pleads Guilty to Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty yesterday to distributing methamphetamine hydrochloride (“crystal meth”).
Vincent Lambert, 41, pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In June 2023, Lambert was indicted by a federal grand jury. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Sept. 3, 2024.
In August 2022, Lambert was identified as a supplier of crystal meth in the Boston area by a cooperating source. Lambert distributed 24 grams of crystal meth to the cooperating source in Boston on Feb. 15, 2023. On March 2, 2023, Lambert distributed another 110 grams of crystal meth in Cambridge to the cooperator. On April 4, 2023, Lambert distributed another 83 grams of crystal meth in Dorchester to the cooperator.
On June 7, 2023, 1,102 grams of crystal meth, 4,437 grams of butanediol, 100 grams of fentanyl, 43 grams of ketamine, 39 grams of cocaine, and 25 grams of MDMA were seized during a search of Lambert’s residence.
In 2017, Lambert was sentenced to 18 months in prison for drug charges out of the West Roxbury District Court. In 2019, Lambert was sentenced to one year in prison for drug charges out of the Cambridge District Court. Later in 2019, Lambert was also sentenced to 3.5-5 years in prison for additional drug charges out of the Suffolk Superior Court.
The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 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 and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Readout of the Reproductive Rights Task Force MeetingRead the Press Release
On Thursday, June 6, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer convened the Justice Department’s Reproductive Rights Task Force (RRTF) to discuss the Department’s ongoing work to protect reproductive freedoms under federal law. The RRTF, which is chaired by Acting Associate Attorney General Mizer, was created in July 2022, following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
“Protecting access to lawful reproductive care is central to the Justice Department’s responsibility to defend the civil rights of everyone in our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am grateful to the members of the Justice Department’s Reproductive Rights Task Force for their tireless efforts to ensure those protections. We will continue to vigorously defend the reproductive rights guaranteed to all Americans under federal law.”
“Dobbs dealt a devastating blow to reproductive freedom, and every day we continue to see that decision’s terrible consequences unfold,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Mizer. “We established the Reproductive Rights Task Force to bring a whole-of-department approach to protecting access to reproductive health care following Dobbs. I am deeply proud of the work of the task force, which works tirelessly every day to protect and advance reproductive rights for women in this country.”
During the meeting, the Attorney General and the Acting Associate Attorney General discussed the RRTF’s recent work to protect access to reproductive health care. RRTF members briefed the Attorney General and the Acting Associate Attorney General on litigation by the Civil Division and the Office of the Solicitor General to protect lawful access to reproductive services, including cases defending the Food and Drug Administration’s expert decisions regarding the safety and efficacy of the abortion drug mifepristone, ensuring that women receive the emergency care to which they are entitled under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, and protecting the constitutional right to travel. The RRTF also discussed the work of the Office of Legislative Affairs to assist Congress in drafting legislation to codify reproductive rights, and the Civil Rights Division’s ongoing enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances, or FACE, Act. Of particular note, since January 2021, the Department has brought 25 cases involving a total of 57 defendants accused of criminal FACE Act-related violations.
The Attorney General and the Acting Associate Attorney General thanked RRTF Executive Director Jodie Morse for her day-to-day leadership of the task force, thanked all RRTF members for their continued hard work, and reaffirmed the Department’s ongoing commitment to defending reproductive freedoms.
Readout of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division's Meeting with Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian and Hindu Community StakeholdersRead the Press Release
The Justice Department convened a quarterly interagency meeting yesterday with Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian and Hindu community stakeholders. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division outlined relevant enforcement efforts across the Department and highlighted actions to prevent and combat discrimination and hate crimes.
This convening occurred at a time when hate and threats of violence against these communities remain concerningly high, particularly since Oct. 7, 2023. Representatives from the Civil Rights Division, FBI, Criminal Division, Community Relations Service, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties and Office of Community Oriented Policing Service heard from attending organizations about campus safety and civil rights protections for student protestors as well as concerns about employment discrimination. Representatives from other federal government agencies also participated, including Department of Homeland Security Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Departments of Education, Labor, Transportation and State.
Combating hate crimes and addressing discrimination claims are among the department’s top priorities. Yesterday’s meeting represents the department’s latest efforts to engage with organizations and stakeholders on issues affecting Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, Sikh, Hindu, and South Asian communities. In March, the department hosted a community safety briefing for Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian community stakeholders, during which the department released resource documents designed to help the public better understand federal civil rights laws, including laws that prohibit violence and discrimination on the basis of religion and national origin, discrimination in public accommodations, and protections afforded by the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).
The department has also continued to aggressively investigate and prosecute hate crimes, including recent cases involving a Texas man who threatened employees of a Sikh nonprofit organization; a Texas man who carried out a mass shooting targeting Muslims at a car repair shop in Dallas in which one person was killed, and four others were seriously injured; a New Jersey man who broke into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University during the Eid holiday and destroyed property, including prayer stones, items with inscriptions of the Quran, and a Palestinian flag; a Florida man who assaulted a Muslim woman postal worker by pulling her out of her truck and grabbing her neck while attempting to pull off her hijab and threatening her; and a Florida man who threatened a Michigan-based Muslim civil rights nonprofit.
If you believe that you or someone else experienced religious or national origin discrimination, report a civil rights violation online at civilrights.justice.gov. If you believe you are a victim or a witness of a hate crime, report it to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting a tip at tips.fbi.gov. Learn more about the department’s work on hate crimes here.
Possession of Machinegun Conversion Device Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for Two YearsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ANTHONY DEWAYNE TAYLOR, 20, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 5, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Taylor with unlawful possession of a machinegun. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, on April 6, 2023, Bethany Police Department officers pulled Taylor over for a traffic violation. When asked to provide a license and vehicle registration, Taylor handed the officer a learner’s permit that had been cut in half. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, law enforcement located under the driver’s seat a handgun that had been modified with a conversion device. This conversion device is commonly known as a “switch,” which converts a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun. Taylor also attempted to flee on foot during the traffic stop but, after a brief pursuit, was apprehended and arrested.
On December 12, 2023, Taylor pleaded guilty, admitting that he possessed the “switch” and knew that it turned the firearm into a fully automatic machinegun.
At the sentencing hearing on June 6, 2024, U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Taylor to serve 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge DeGiusti noted the seriousness of Taylor’s actions and the danger posed by conversion devices.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bethany Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly 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. This case is also part of “Project Switch Off,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s local implementation of PSN. “Project Switch Off” targets illegal machinegun conversion devices to address the significant danger these illegal devices present and to remove them from our streets. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Portland High School Teacher Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice and Coerce a Minor OnlineRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A high school teacher from Portland was sentenced to federal prison today after he traveled to Bend, Oregon, in hopes of meeting a 15-year-old child he met online.
Edward Hernandez-Corchado, 27, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and 10 years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, in November 2022, as part of an ongoing investigation into online child exploitation, a police officer from Bend, Oregon set up and began using a Snapchat account to pose as a 15-year-old child. As the investigation continued, the officer, posing as the child, met an individual online who was later determined to be Hernandez-Corchado. Over the next several days, Hernandez-Corchado engaged in sexually explicit communication with the officer, who he still believed was a child, and developed a plan to meet the child in Bend.
On November 11, 2022, Hernandez-Corchado traveled to Bend to meet the child and was intercepted and arrested by law enforcement. Following his arrest, Hernandez-Corchado admitted to regularly engaging in sexually explicit communications with underage girls online, possessing child pornography, and previously meeting and engaging in sexual conduct with two minors in the Salem, Oregon area.
On November 19, 2022, Hernandez-Corchado was charged by criminal complaint with enticing a minor. Later, on January 12, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Hernandez-Corchado with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and, on January 8, 2024, he pleaded guilty to the single charge.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bend Police Department. It was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, they re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Plankinton Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Plankinton, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on June 5, 2024.
Kody William Konechne, age 23, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Konechne must register as a sex offender upon release from federal prison.
Konechne was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. He pleaded guilty on February 27, 2024.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 5, 2023, when Konechne used his cell phone to attempt to coerce a 14-year-old female he met on Facebook to engage in sexual activity. The girl, however, was an undercover agent. Konechne was arrested when he arrived at the location where he thought he would be meeting the girl.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations – Sioux Falls, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Konechne was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Hill Man Sentenced for Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Pine Hill man was sentenced to 48 months in prison for sexually abusing a 7-year-old girl.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on May 28, 2022, Tony Jake Jr., 75, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, approached seven-year-old Jane Doe as she played outside a church she attended with her grandmother. Jake separated Doe from other children playing nearby and put his hand down the front of her pants.
Around this time, Doe's grandmother noticed she was not with the other children and began looking for her, eventually finding her with Jake. Shortly after, Doe's mother picked her up from her grandmother. Doe told her mother what Jake had done to her, and Doe's mother rushed her to the hospital.
Doe underwent an examination and later a forensic interview where she described in detail Jake's abusive actions.
Jake admitted his conduct to an FBI agent when questioned and later pleaded guilty to one count of abusive sexual contact.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Jake will be required to serve 5 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Bell is prosecuting the case.
# # #
Peoria Felon Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois man, Christopher J. Melahn, 35, of the 1400 block of North Rhodora Avenue, has been sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm as a felon. Co-defendant Jamarcus J. Hollingsworth, 30, was sentenced in January 2024 to 57 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release on the same charge.
At the sentencing hearing before Senior U.S. District Judge Joe B. McDade, the government
established that in May 2023, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives received information that Hollingsworth, a felon, was in possession of firearms and was offering to sell a pistol in Peoria. The Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force conducted an investigation that led to the arrest of Hollingsworth at a hotel on West War Memorial Drive. During the arrest, agents found both Hollingsworth and Melahn, also a felon, in possession of a firearm.
A federal criminal complaint was filed against Melahn and Hollingsworth in May 2023 and an indictment followed in June 2023. Hollingsworth pleaded guilty in September 2023, and Melahn plead guilty in October 2023. Melahn and Hollingsworth have been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since their arrests in May 2023.
The statutory penalties for possessing a firearm as a felon are up to 15 years’ imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release.
The Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force, comprised of agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Peoria Police Department; the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department; Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois State Police, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Melahn 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.
Penn Hills Resident Sentenced to over Three Years in Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 6, 2024, to 37 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, following his federal drug trafficking conviction, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Jose Santiago Hernandez, 32. In February, Hernandez pleaded guilty to attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
According to information presented to the Court, on June 28, 2021, Hernandez attempted to take possession of two parcels that contained a collective weight of over 5,000 grams of cocaine. Hernandez was attempting to pick up these parcels from an apartment complex in Monroeville when he was apprehended by law enforcement.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Conti emphasized the serious nature of Hernandez’s conduct, noting the harm to the community that could have resulted but for law enforcement’s intervention. She also expressed concern regarding the quantity of cocaine Hernandez attempted to possess.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hernandez.
Owner of Boston Pizzeria Chain Convicted of Forced LaborRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of Stash’s Pizza, a pizzeria chain in Massachusetts, was convicted today following a nine-day jury trial of forced labor charges. The defendant forced or attempted to force six victims to work for him and comply with excessive workplace demands through violent physical abuse; threats of violence and serious harm; and repeated threats to report the victims to immigration authorities for deportation.
Stavros Papantoniadis, a/k/a “Steve Papantoniadis,” 48, of Westwood, Mass., was convicted of three counts of forced labor and three counts of attempted forced labor. Chief U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Sept. 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Papantoniadis has remained in custody since his arrest on March 16, 2023.
“Today’s guilty verdict sends a powerful message to abusive employers that exploiting employees through fear and intimidation will never be tolerated. I hope that this verdict also alerts others who may be victims of exploitation and harm by employers, that the federal government will not sit idly by. We will vigorously investigate and prosecute any employer who thinks they are above the law and physically and mentally abuses employees, withholds wages due, or threatens and intimidates workers,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Mr. Papantoniadis preyed on the desperation of those without immigration status, subjecting them to violence and threats of deportation. Forced labor is a serious violation of human rights, and no one in the United States should live in fear of abuse and coercion in their workplace. I commend the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners who worked collaboratively to bring this defendant to justice.”
Papantoniadis forced or attempted to force five men and one woman to work for him through violent physical abuse, threats of abuse, and repeated threats to report victims to immigration authorities to have them deported. According to evidence introduced at trial, Papantoniadis thinly staffed his pizza shops, and purposely employed workers without immigration status to work behind the scenes, for 14 or more hours per day and as many as seven days per week. To maintain control of those undocumented workers, he made them believe that he would physically harm them or have them deported. He monitored the workers with surveillance cameras, which he accessed from his cell phone, and constantly demeaned, insulted and harassed them. When Papantoniadis learned that one victim planned to quit, he violently choked him, causing that victim to flee the pizza shop and run to safety in the parking lot. When other victims separately expressed their intentions to quit, Papantoniadis told one victim that he would kill him and call immigration authorities; and he threatened another worker by telling him he knew where the victim lived. When another worker tried to leave and drive away from one of Papantoniadis’ pizza shops, Papantoniadis chased the victim down Route 1 in Norwood, Mass., and falsely reported the victim to the local police in an effort to pressure the victim to return to work at the pizza shop.
“Stavros Papantoniadis instilled fear in his employees. He underpaid and threatened them, some with fear of arrest and many with physical abuse. Today, the jury saw the indignities his employees were subjected to and have found Papantoniadis guilty of forced labor violations,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect – especially those who place their trust in their employer. HSI is committed to ensuring those who violate forced labor laws are held accountable and brought to justice.”“The jury’s verdict affirms the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General’s commitment to prioritize and investigate allegations of labor trafficking by individuals who enrich themselves through coercion or force. Stavros Papantoniadis used threats of arrest, deportation, reprisals, and physical violence to ensure his employees continued to work for wages lower than required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate those who engage in labor trafficking,” said Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Papantoniadis is the owner and operator of Stash’s Pizza, a chain of pizzerias which has locations in Dorchester and Roslindale, and previously had pizzerias in Norwood, Norwell, Randolph (d/b/a Boston Pizza Company), Weymouth (d/b/a Pacini’s Italian Eatery), and Wareham, Mass.
The charges of forced labor and attempted forced labor each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution. 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.
Members of the public who believe they are a victim of labor trafficking or have information about labor trafficking, please call 888-221-6023, Option 5 or send an email with contact information to [email protected].
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, HSI SAC Krol and DOL-OIG SAC Mellone made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, the Boston Police Department, and the Norwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy E. Moran, Chief of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit, and Brian A. Fogerty of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit are prosecuting the case.
Orlando Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza has sentenced Charles Bernard Long (44, Orlando) to six years and six months in federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Long to forfeit a laptop computer which was used during the commission of the offense. Long entered a guilty plea on January 26, 2024.
According to court documents, on May 20 and June 1, 2023, investigators used a file-sharing program to download multiple files of child sexual abuse material from a particular device traced to Long. During a subsequent interview with FBI agents, Long admitted that he had been using the online file-sharing program for the past year to collect child sexual abuse material. Long advised the agents that he had viewed the images and videos because he was curious.
Multiple digital devices were removed from Long’s home and were analyzed. Specifically, Long’s laptop computer contained approximately 22 images and 238 videos depicting child sexual abuse material. Much of the material had been deleted but was recovered using a forensic tool.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Orlando Man Sentenced to More Than 24 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza has sentenced Sean Calvin Ellixson (30, Orlando) to 24 years and 5 months in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Ellixson to forfeit digital media devices used during the commission of the offense. Ellixson entered a guilty plea on February 6, 2024.
According to court documents, on September 10, 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Orlando received information regarding online communications between an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl in an online chatroom and Ellixson. Ellixson contacted the individual he believed to be a 13-year-old and engaged in sexually explicit conversation with that person over the course of several days. During the conversations, Ellixson sent three videos of child sexual abuse material.
On September 11, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at Ellixson’s residence. During the search, Ellixson agreed to speak with investigators and stated he had two cellphones and confirmed that the phone number used to communicate with the undercover agent belonged to him. Ellixson admitted to having child sexual abuse material on the phone and showed law enforcement where it was located. Ellixson further stated that he had been talking to various people he believed were minor children to receive child sex abuse material. He also stated that he had attempted to purchase child sexual abuse material by purchasing a gift card and sending it to an unidentified individual. Ellison stated that this person was supposed to send him a link which contained child sexual abuse material.
“The sentencing of Sean Ellixson serves as a stark reminder that HSI will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect our children from exploitation and abuse,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “This outcome, achieved through the dedicated efforts of HSI Orlando and our law enforcement partners with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, underscores our unwavering resolve to hold perpetrators of child exploitation accountable for their actions and to ensure justice for their victims.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.